Idyllic Small-Town New England

There’s something special about life in idyllic small-town New England. This 6-day tour in western Massachusetts and Vermont has you staying in two historic, beautiful inns in the center of their quaint villages. Norman Rockwell, the Shakers, covered bridges, a Chocolatorium, and the scenery!

New England Highlights

Day 1

Stockbridge, MA. Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, this quaint village is where Norman Rockwell created many of his Saturday evening Post covers, using the locals!

The Norman Rockwell Museum and studio, with the largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art as well as every cover of the Saturday Evening Post.  He documented American life for several decades, and used the local people in Stockbridge as his subjects. 

The Red Lion Inn is the famous quintessential Inn located in Stockbridge. Rocking chairs on the front porch, a large fireplace, quaint rooms – this Inn has continuously operated as an inn since the 18^th century and always voted among the top in New England!

Dinner will be a delicious affair in the hotel dining room. The chef’s here take pride in their farm-to-table menu.

Day 2

Today’s touring will take you around the Berkshires. Throughout the day, the stunning and colorful mountains will surround you.

The Mount is a great American home designed by a great American writer – Edith Wharton. You will enjoy a tour of the grand country estate and beautiful gardens designed by Edith.  There are no velvet ropes and stanchions as they invite you to interact with the home!

Chesterwood is the country home, studio and gardens of the famous sculptor Daniel Chester French. It is also where the Lincoln memorial was born, along with the Minute Man Memorial and many other famous projects.  You will visit the studio and see the original model of the Lincoln Memorial and other fine works.  You will also have a chance to stroll the beautiful gardens and home.

You will have some time back at your hotel before a unique experience

Hancock Shaker Village brings the Shaker movement to life. A lively and knowledgeable guide will escort you on a walking tour of the historic Village, highlighting the most significant buildings — the Brick Dwelling, the Round Stone Barn, and the Laundry & Machine Shop. You will come away with a deep appreciation of the Shakers.

“We make you kindly welcome” in true Shaker fashion with this unique dining experience. Enjoy a cider & cheese reception, followed by a bountiful four-course Shaker-inspired supper buffet. Dinner begins with the singing of a Shaker grace and closes with music that illuminates Shaker beliefs and spirituality.

Day 3

Bennington Tour – The quintessential New England town is surrounded by spectacular, unspoiled natural beauty. It offers a blend of old and new, including museums, attractions, art and antique galleries, covered bridges. Today you will explore the Bennington Monument, Old First Church, Robert Frost’s grave site, and a covered bridge. 

Bennington Museum – Telling the stories of this region through Art, History, and the New England Landscape, here you will find a diverse and fascinating collection, including the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings, Bennington Stoneware, and one of the oldest “Stars and Stripes” in existence.

Lunch will be on your own in the village

Chocolatorium – This fun-filled exhibit will expand your knowledge of chocolate and features regularly scheduled demonstrations and tastings. A special presentation will be created for your group.

Day 4

The Vermont Teddy Bear company is an international sensation. Each one of the meticulously-designed, artisan, handcrafted Bears is guaranteed for a lifetime. Tour the factory, with a Bear Ambassadors who will guide you through a fun, informative tour where you’ll watch the small group of craftspeople creating Bears by hand, one-by-one. You’ll even see the Bear Hospital, where you’ll get to meet the Bear Doctor, Dr. Nancy.  With Christmas around the corner, you’ll certainly enjoy the Bear Shop.

Continuing touring through stunning scenery on your way to Burlington – on the shores of Lake Champlain.

The Spirit of Ethan Allen cruises along Lake Champlain for truly wonderful views of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains in NY.  And lunch on board is an elegant affair.

Lake Champlain Chocolates has been crafting specialty chocolates in Burlington, Vermont, for over 30 years. Delicious truffles and homemade crafted specialties!  You will enjoy a tour to watch how these delights are made and then enjoy a tasting!!

Church Street Marketplace is downtown Burlington’s award-winning open-air mall. It is a hub of activity where you’ll find historic architecture, music and over 100 places to shop and dine. Enjoy some time stretching your legs.

Day 5

Mad River Byway – The Mad River Byway is a foray through the heart of Vermont, passing around or through lovely and lively downtowns, farms and historic sites. 

Covered bridges are a part of Vermont’s history and have been well-preserved. Today you see at least three of them! The Pulp Mill Bridge is a 195 foot long two span Double barrel Burr Arch. It carries Pulp Mill Bridge Road over Otter Creek, and was built in 1820.  The Pine Brook Covered Bridge is a 48-foot-long kingpost truss. It carries North Road over Pine Brook just outside Waitsfield. This bridge was built in 1872. The Village Covered Bridge is a 105-foot-long Multi-Kingpost and Burr Arch. It carries Bridge Street over the Mad River in the Village of Waitsfield. This bridge was built in 1833. A side walk was added in about 1940.

A lunch stop will be included!

The UVM Morgan Horse Farm is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Morgan Horse. UVM Morgans are prized as superb pleasure horses for recreational use and as foundation broodstock. It is an interesting tour with such beautiful animals.

Back in Middlebury you will have time at your hotel, and time to explore the wonderful village!

Dinner tonight is special.  The Waybury Inn began in 1810 and has kept the tradition of elegant hospitality in the quaint village. You may recognize it –  For 10 years it was the Stratford Inn, the home of the Bob Newhart Show. Hollywood determined this to be the ideal Inn for the show.

Day 6

As you travel down through Vermont, one final incredible stop – Mount Snow.  Take a scenic ride on the Bluebird Express to the summit of Mount Snow!  Enjoy the beautiful surrounding views with highlights including Somerset Reservoir, Mount Monadnock, and sometimes even Mount Washington! 

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