2024026 Almost Heaven West Virginia

Day 1

This unique Appalachian Adventure begins this morning with travel to Lewisburg, WV
Tour Fort McHenry National Monument
This morning on your journey into the back roads of West Virginia you will make a stop in Baltimore for a tour of Fort McHenry National
Monument. Fort McHenry is a historical American coastal pentagonal bastion fort located in the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore,
Maryland. It is best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy
from the Chesapeake Bay on September 13–14, 1814.

Day 2

Guided tour of North House Museum
This morning before going to the Greenbrier for your Bunker Tour you can step back in time as you absorb the local history and culture of
the Greenbrier Valley with a docent guided tour of the North House Museum
Lunch at the Greenbrier
Today after arriving at the Greenbrier the group will have lunch in one of their dining areas. Enjoy the elegance around you as you savor
your meal and be on the lookout for any "special guests" that may be around.
Bunker Tour
After lunch you step behind the scenes and explore what used to be a highly classified government secret. The declassified Bunker at The
Greenbrier is a must-see experience that takes you behind secret doors and walks you through a fascinating period in the resort's history.
Carved deep into the mountainside beneath our West Virginia Wing is an emergency Cold War fallout shelter

Day 3

Cass Scenic Railroad with Lunch
This morning your motorcoach turns north into the rugged West Virginia Mountains, your destination is the The town of Cass, which remains
relatively unchanged since its founding in 1901. It was built as a company town for the loggers who worked in the nearby mountains. You'll
have time to visit the Company Store, which houses a gift shop and The Last Run Restaurant and Soda Fountain, as well as an artisans coop and the Cass Historical Theater and Museum.
Then the highlight is your four hour ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad to Bald Knob the third highest point in West Virginia. Panoramas of
the lofty Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher and higher. At one point you will suddenly realize that you have
entered a completely different eco-system because of the change in trees, flowers and atmosphere.
Three Nights Lodging - Holiday Inn Express Elkins
Check into your hotel in Elkins, West Virginia. This new 69-room property is located near the heart of historic downtown Elkins. The hotel is
also located near Davis and Elkins College. Nestled in the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, Elkins is surrounded by the natural
beauty of the Appalachian Plateau.
Dinner at Graceland
Poised on the hillside of the beautiful campus of Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, WV. Graceland Inn is a beautifully restored Victorian
mansion. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the Inn.

Day 4

Greenbrier Wilderness Train with Lunch
This morning ride West Virginia's newest train which leaves from Cass, WV on a four hour excursion into the wilderness of the Greenbrier
River Valley. Framed by forested hills on both sides of the river this remote, rugged, unpopulated region is home to Bald Eagles, Osprey,
Black Bear and Coyotes. You may spot these species and others as you ride round trip between Cass and Durbin with a lunch onboard the
train.
Tour of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Leaving Cass you cross into the next valley and find it filled with giant satellite dishes. This is the Green Bank Radio Astronomy Observatory
intentionally located in one of America’s most quiet spots. Here our scientists are listening for sounds from outer space.
Dinner at Smoke on the Water BBQ
Smoke on the Water was established in 2011 by native Jon Magee, a longtime resident of the river and avid trout angler, to provide unique
and delicious food prepared in the laid back style that embodies river living.

Day 5

New Tygart Flyer with box lunch
Today's wilderness excursion is the New Tygart Flyer, departing from the town of Elkins. This route features an “S” curve tunnel, a high
bridge and miles of unspoiled mountain views. The vintage diesel-powered locomotive climbs along the cascading Shavers Fork of the
Cheat River to the High Falls which are accessible only by train. The closest road is literally five miles away. Enjoy the view relaxing
aboard our comfortable climate controlled passenger coaches.
Explore the WV Railroad Museum
On return to Elkins the West Virginia Railroad Museum is located in the historic Rail Yard by the old railway depot. Explore the history of one
of the most beloved Railways, the C & O, or Chesapeake and Ohio. This historic tale begins with President George Washington and ends
with the kitten that captured America’s heart, Chessie!
Gandy Dancer Dinner Theater
Your evening entertainment begins with a meal at The Gandy Dancer Dinner Theater. In a beautiful dining room you enjoy a very nice
meal. Followed by the Mountain Memories Show Band and a musical variety show that is filled with high energy family-friendly comedy and
music. It’s an unforgettable evening at West Virginia’s largest dinner theater

Day 6

Depart for home
Depart for home with fond memories of a wonderful tour

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner