Springtime in the New England States

Welcome Aboard! Join Rustad Tours on a Summertime Getaway to the Atlantic Northeast to explore the six New England States. Along the way, we’ll view the powerful and majestic Niagara Falls, measuring 35 miles in length, along with picturesque views of islands, rapids, and whirlpools. Lunch will be included in Black River Falls and this evening our accommodations are in a western suburb of Chicago. (L)

This morning our motorcoach skirts around the southern tip of Lake Michigan to Elkhart, Indiana, known as the “MH/RV Capital of the USA.” We tour the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum which outlines the history of “RV/MH World” and has been around for 100 years. The massive, 100,000-square foot building features an amazing collection, from the 1913 Earl Travel Trailer to new ones, made from some very unusual materials. You’ll enjoy the state-of the-art exhibits, interactive displays, and historical artifacts that make it a truly incredible, one-of-a-kind museum! After an included noon meal, we continue our travels into Ohio to downtown Cleveland and our accommodations at the Drury Inn & Suites. (B) (L)

Get ready for an amazing day with some of the most stunning sites you’ll ever see at Niagara Falls in New York. By early afternoon, our motorcoach will arrive at the Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in America. After a short walk, we board the Maid of the Mist boat where you’ll “Explore the Roar!” Your journey begins at the observation tower where you’ll be given a souvenir poncho to wear aboard the double-decker boat. The Maid of the Mist ferries past the American Falls to the basin of the Horseshoe Falls where you’ll experience the dramatic power of Niagara Falls like never before! We arrive at the Hyatt Place Hotel for a one-night stay. Rustad Tours has included an evening meal at our hotel. (B) (D)

This morning, you’ll get one last look at Niagara Falls from Terrapin Point before traveling to Alexandria Bay, New York, a small town on the Saint Lawrence Seaway. We’ll board Uncle Sam’s Sightseeing Boat for a narrated tour of Thousand Islands, a sightseer’s paradise with rich history and a unique culture. Before returning to the mainland, we get off at Heart Island and tour Boldt Castle to learn about a tragic love story and experience the magnificence of a bygone era. Construction of the castle began in 1900 at the bidding of hotel magnate George Boldt as a tribute to his loving wife Louise. Unfortunately, Louise passed away just months before the completion of the castle. After her death, the property became vacant for over seventy years. This gorgeous, European-style castle is nestled in the heart of the scenic Thousand Islands. We return to the mainland by late afternoon and travel to our hotel in Watertown, NY. (B)

This morning, we’ll travel through the picturesque landscapes of upstate New York. You’ll relish the lush, green panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains and pass by pristine lakes and quaint towns. In Lake Placid, NY, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, you’ll have some free time for an included lunch, some shopping, and perhaps a visit to the Olympic Hockey Arena if you wish. From here, we take a ferry across beautiful Lake Champlain and into the gorgeous state of Vermont, the first of six New England States that we visit. NEW! On this Summer in the New England States Tour, Rustad Tours has arranged a unique experience and accommodations for you at the renowned Trapp Family Lodge. Situated on 2,600 scenic acres with spectacular mountain vistas, the resort has received worldwide recognition as the perfect destination that is “A Little of Austria…and A Lot of Vermont.” The Trapp Family Lodge embodies European architecture with Luxurious Villas and Guest House Chalets, making you feel as though you’ve been transported to the Austrian Alps! This evening, you’ll take part in a history talk about both the facts and the imagined storyline of the Sound of Music, and also how the Von Trapps escaped Austria and arrived here in Stowe, VT. Following the history talk, you’ll enjoy authentic, old-world ambiance as you dine at the Von Trapp Lodge. This evening’s menu choices include European-inspired dishes. (B) (L) (D)

Get ready for more breathtaking views along our travels through Vermont and New Hampshire as we enter the majestic White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire. We’ll take a break along the way to visit Maple Grove Farms. Founded in 1915, this family-run farm operation specializes in maple confections. They produce premium, pure maple syrup, and authentic maple candies, which make up their original product line. By late morning, we reach the Mount Washington Cog Railway, also known as “The Cog.” This new attraction is the first mountain-climbing Cog Railway in the world! You’ll learn about the railway’s fascinating history and technology while enjoying beautiful landscapes during this exhilarating, three-hour round trip. Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern states at 6,288 ft. In less than an hour, you’ll go through three climate zones to arrive at the summit. Be sure to bring a jacket with you for the cooler weather conditions! There are still more spectacular sites in store for you during our drive to Portland, Maine, to our accommodations where an evening meal is included tonight. (B) (L) (D)

Portland is Maine’s largest city. Though its population consists of only 66,700 people, it is still considered to be a vibrant metropolis. Its charm and distinction boast secluded beaches situated on island shorelines and centuries-old lighthouses, including the lovely Portland Head Lighthouse, perfectly positioned on the rocky coastal bluffs. But above all, the city is a port hub at heart, once serving as the largest in 17th century New England. You’ll love this charming city! Our local guide will tell tales of the secrets of the city that rattled a few bones in the closets of Portland’s past. From Portland, we take a short ride to Kennebunkport for an included noon meal before you enjoy a narrated tour of this unique coastline village. See the Wedding Cake House (the summer home that George and Barbara Bush had for years), sea captain homes, and the rocky coastline. By late afternoon, our travels will take us south to Randolph, MA, where we can unpack for a relaxing three-night stay. (B) (L)

It’s no secret that Boston is rich in history, from the American Revolution to the site of the first public school. This city has lots of stories to tell! Our local guide will join us for a tour revealing years of history dating back to the early days of our nation’s founding, including Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride. We’ll view the USS Constitution, travel down the streets of Harvard University, and see where “the shot heard ‘round the world” that sparked the American Revolution. An included lunch is provided followed by free time at the historic Quincy Market, constructed in Greek Revival Style. This amazing marketplace opened in 1826 to the public serving both the locals and visitors of Boston throughout the years. Its role has changed from selling fresh produce to wholesale products and now is known as a festive marketplace! After a full day of exploring Boston, we will return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. (B) (L)

Our travels take us south to Plymouth, MA, where we’ll visit the Plimoth Plantation (a 17th-century spelling with an ‘i’ instead of ‘y’ to distinguish the plantation from the town), a living history museum that offers a powerful personal encounter with life in the 17th century. The authentic performances will take you back in time, touch your heart, and enrich your mind. Later, our group will board a boat and cruise the Atlantic Ocean on a 4-hour whale watch. (P.S. If the weather is stormy and the swells are high, we will shift to “plan B”. I guess if the captain doesn’t want to go out, we shouldn’t either!) The knowledgeable naturalists will guide us on an unforgettable cruise to a marine sanctuary and one of the primary feeding grounds for a variety of whale species resulting in the experience of a lifetime! Noon lunch will be included on the cruise. After our cruise, we travel a short distance to Plymouth Rock, the traditional site of dis-embarkment of the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. After a very historic and memorable day, we return to our hotel for a free evening. (B) (L)

This morning we will arrive in Newport, RI, where a guide will greet us to discover “America’s First Resort”, also known for its rich sailing history. After our city tour, we’ll enjoy an included meal. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a tour of The Breakers, a grand Vanderbilt mansion, now a National Historic Landmark. Cornelius Vanderbilt established his family fortune in steamships, and later in the New York Railroad, which was a pivotal period of industrial growth for our nation in the late 19th century. Its name comes from the waves that continually crash into the cliffs below. By late afternoon, we will leave Rhode Island and travel to our hotel in Mystic, CT. (B) (L)

So far, we’ve visited major attractions in five of the six New England States. A visit to the 17-acre Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut will complete our New England Tour. It’s the largest maritime museum in the U.S., and is notable for its collection of sailing ships and the recreation of a 19th-century seafaring village. Over 100 ships and boats, along with many other relics, trace the history of shipbuilding and maritime activities. After touring Seaport Village, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Mystic River aboard the Sabino. This little steamboat is perhaps the most beloved of all the vessels! After an included lunch at Seaport Village, we say farewell to the six New England States and travel to our accommodations in Lake Ariel, PA. (B) (L)

Our travels take us around the southern edge of New York, providing us with breathtaking scenery. Arriving at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, you can view the past, present, and future of glass. We will also have a chance to watch skilled craftsmen blow hot glass to fashion vases, pitchers, and bowls before we end our museum tour in the gift shop! An included lunch is at the museum. Our destination tonight will be in a suburb of Cleveland at a Drury Inn. (B) (L)

Ohio is like a coin. On one side, you have the big industrial cities. On the flip side, you have the small towns and farms of Middle America. This morning, we join the Ohio Turnpike and travel west through Ohio to Archbold to enjoy an included lunch at the Sauder Village Buffet & Gift Shop. This village transports you back to the 1800s, when the simple things in life were the most memorable! Explore the gift shop or quilt shop and be sure to savor a home-style meal at the Barn Restaurant in Sauder Village. Although time here doesn’t allow us to explore the entire village, you’ll enjoy the small town vibe and hospitality. By late afternoon, we skirt around Chicago to our accommodations in Schaumburg. (B) (L)

Today, we travel back home through the beautiful state of Wisconsin featuring immense bluffs, dark green forests, marshlands, and pristine lakes. A stop will be made to pick up some Wisconsin cheese before arriving for an included noon lunch at the Perkins Restaurant in Black River Falls, WI. We arrive in Kerkhoven by early evening filled with great memories of our “Summertime Getaway to the Atlantic Northeast!” (B) (L)