October 7-10 (Thursday-Sunday)

Day 1: Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach to “The Green Mountain State,” Vermont. After checking into the North Star Lodge for the next three nights, we are treated to a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant. Our accommodations are set amidst scenic mountain views.

Day 2: After a full breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a day of sightseeing. We begin at the New England Maple Museum where we will view a slide show that chronicles the maple sugaring process on a Vermont family farm, followed by a tasting of different grades of maple syrup. After our tour enjoy some free time browsing and shopping in the gift shop, and sample some of the many goodies found in the tasting room. Next enjoy a delicious luncheon served at the Waybury Inn, the memorable Inn setting of the “Bob Newhart Show.” The next stop of the day will be a visit to the Otter Creek Brewery or Danforth Pewter. At the Otter Creek Brewery you can enjoy the taste of their local brew after learning about the brewing process from beginning to end on our guided tour. At Danforth Pewter you can view a gallery filled with one-of-a-kind pewter pieces, see a history wall displaying antique Danforth pieces, and from workshop viewing windows watch local craftsmen at work. Next we make a photo-stop at the Pulp Mill Double Covered Bridge, the only remaining operational 2-lane covered bridge in Vermont. Before returning to the lodge, we conclude our day with a delicious dinner at a restaurant that serves up great local flavors.

Day 3: After a full breakfast we meet our step-on guide, and depart for another day of sightseeing. We begin at Neighborly Farms where we will learn how these delicious organic cheeses are produced, followed by a sampling of their assorted cheeses. Next enjoy a delicious luncheon served at the luxurious Trapp Family Lodge. Following lunch leisure time is provided to explore the lodge and the grounds. The next stop of the day will be a visit to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Here we will view a “moo-vie” about the company’s history. The tour continues at a glassed-enclosed mezzanine overlooking the production room floor. From our bird’s eye view we will see the production of Ben & Jerry’s famous ice cream while listening to an explanation of the ice cream manufacturing process. Then it’s off to the “Flavoroom” to indulge in a sample tasting of the flavor of the day! Our final stop will be at Green Mountain Coffee where we will learn about the process of growing and roasting coffee from tree to cup, and later enjoy the taste of freshly brewed coffee. Dinner is on your own. A stop will be made en route to the lodge.

Day 4: After a full breakfast we depart for home, our taste buds filled with the delectable and the distinct flavors of Vermont, and taking with us memories of brilliant Vermont fall colors.

Gunther 6:00 AM 6:45 PM