Mid-atlantic Travel Tips, By Kitty Cayo

New York Stateexhibits.
It took a mere nine months to build theMadame Tussauds, the famous wax attraction, in
impressive New York Wine and Culinary Center inthe heart of Times Square in NYC, announces
Canandaigua. The $7.6 million, 19,000-square-footnew additions to its strange and fascinating
center on South Main Street, flanked by gardensexhibits. Over the years the museum has found
and overlooking Canandaigua Lake, offers culinarynovel ways for visitors to interact with the life-like
classes, wine tasting and educational tours. Therefigures carved from wax. The latest? Visitors can
is a concierge desk; a Taste of NY Lounge fornow check out Lindsay Lohans latest bling,
light meals and wine-and-food pairings; and anpractice movie lines with Will Smith, decide
exhibit hall showcasing New York agriculture.whether or not to vote for Hillary Clinton for
There is a fee to register and attend any of thePresident, and audition for American Idol Judge
several demonstrations presented by guest chefsSimon Cowell.
and for the hands-on cooking classes; however,Heading to the Big Apple? Companies like NYC
admission is free.Group Tours and NYC Vacation Packages offer
Speaking of wine, the trail is growing evergroups amenity-loaded packages to see this years
stronger and longer in Western New Yorks grapeMacys Thanksgiving parade Groups can watch the
growing region along Lake Erie. Word is three newannual event in style at a parade party and enjoy
wineries are joining the Chautauqua-Lake Erieall the city has to offer!
Wine Trail. Specializing in sparkling and ice wines,Pennsylvania
the Sparkling Pond Winery in Ripley is now openStarting in November, Christmas blooms at
for tasting and tours. Sparkling Pond joins 13 otherLongwood Gardens near Kennett Square.
wineries in time for the trails annual HolidayThousands of red poinsettias, snapdragons and
Weekends event, taking place during twopaperwhite narcissus signal the holiday season.
consecutive weekends in November.After dark, the night blooms bright with 400,000
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor opens inlights strung on nearly 40 miles of wire throughout
November in New Yorks Hudson Valley, about 10the gardens. Groups are welcome to make
miles from West Point. It occupies the site wherereservations for the Yuletide Buffet, a bountiful
George Washingtons army camped toward thespread amid the festive gardens.
end of the Revolutionary War, where in 1782The Quality Inn Gettysburg Motor Lodge now
Washington created the award, decreeing it beoffers groups of 20 or more Gettysburg and
designed as the figure of a heart in purple cloth.Washington, D.C. Overnight in Gettysburg amid
The Hall of Honor pays tribute to those killed orthe attractions and day trip to the nations capitol,
injured defending the nation. Visitors can searchjust 90 minutes away. Soak in Gettysburg history
out facts and stories about Purple Heart recipients.with a visit to the American Civil War Museum
Officials estimate 1.7 million soldiers are eligible forand the Gettysburg Diorama. Visit the Eisenhower
inclusion in the memorial.National Historic Site and dine with President
The Farmers Museum near CooperstownLincoln at the historic Dobbin House. Spend time
celebrated its new acquisition earlier thisshopping and dining at Boyds Bear Country. The
season-the Empire State Carousel. The whimsicalday trip into Washington, D.C., includes stops at
contemporary folk art was created by more thanthe World War II, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam
1,000 volunteer artisans from across the state,Veterans memorials, and more.
featuring original carvings, paintings and quilts, eachOver in Lancaster, the curtain is lifting for the 07
specially designed for the ride. The carouselTheatre season, with the Dutch Apple Theatre
depicts a colorful cultural history of the state. Itpresenting the regional premieres of two
includes 25 hand-carved riding animals indigenousjust-released contemporary shows, The Full
to New York and 23 portrait panels of famousMonty, February through April, and Swing, July
New Yorkers, including Susan B. Anthony, Jackiethrough September. While the theatre will continue
Robinson, Grandma Moses and Theodoreto offer their most popular performances like
Roosevelt.Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
The Farmers Museum offers visitors a first-handand Cabaret, show organizers also say future
look at rural and village life in New York circa 1845schedules will show, This is not your grandparents
through authentic demonstrations and interpretivedinner theatre experience!