TOURS
Plan on signing up for guest trips during the Conference. The Guest Committee selected the following tours for your consideration and enjoyment while attending the Conference. Tours are ADA accessible except as noted. To make reservations for the tours listed below, fill out the Activities Registration form, which lists the costs for each tour. Website addresses for the tour locations are listed below for your information and perusal. At your leisure, we encourage you to visit other local attractions.
| Thursday, June 12th | |||
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Doneckers, a 50-year old family business, is a hidden gem in the heart of Lancaster County. A department store where you’ll find fabulous designer fashions for women, men, children and the home all presented in the best small-town traditions of hospitality and attention to customer service. ASHE has reserved block of tables at The Restaurant at Doneckers, to allow tour participants to become acquainted with each other, however, each participant will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal. The Restaurant at Doneckers is known for innovative American cuisine and international fine wines. Additional dining options are located in downtown Ephrata, a short walk from the Donecker complex. |
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You’ll travel to nearby Harrisburg, the Capital of Pennsylvania. There, you’ll take a tour of the State Capitol facility. The Capitol, having been recently renovated, celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary in 2006. After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to have lunch on your own, dining at one of Harrisburg’s fine restaurants on “Restaurant Row” or the Food Court at Strawberry Square. After lunch you will visit the Pennsylvania State Museum for an hour long self guided tour. |
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| Friday, June 13th | |||
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Nissley Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The winery produces distinctive wines bearing the “Estate Bottled” designation. Follow the wine trail from the luscious fragrance of grape blossoms to the bottling line. Wine sampling will follow the tour, with home-made grape juice for visitors under age 21. Some walking required. Following the winery tour, we will board the buses and travel to Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania for a luncheon at Bube’s Brewery. Bube's is an intact historic 19th century brewery and museum, the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Weather permitting, lunch will be served in the outdoor Biergarten. |
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| You’ll travel by bus to Strasburg, located in Lancaster County. There you will have the opportunity to take the 45 minute trip through the country by train. Boxed lunches will be provided to travelers at Groff’s Grove along the train’s route. After the trip, you will have an opportunity to visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located across the street from the Strasburg Railroad. The Museum houses over 100 locomotives and cars. The museum also offers artifacts and interactive displays, telling the history of the railroad in Pennsylvania. www.strasburgrailroad.com www.rrmuseumpa.org |
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You’ll take a tour of the Harley Davidson factory located in York, PA. The tour last approximately 75 minutes. Visitors must be at least 12 years of age to enter the plant. Closed toe, low-heeled shoes are required. Cameras and any packages are prohibited inside the plant. A boxed lunch will be provided to all patrons after the tour. |
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| Saturday, June 14th | |||
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If thoughts of a simpler time and place appeal to you, join us at the Amish Experience. Located in one of the oldest Amish settlements in the world, the Amish Experience is committed to accurately and sensitively portray the Amish as they live and work in today's world. This program includes an experiential theater production entitled Jacob’s Choice; a tour of an Amish homestead; and an Amish farmlands tour, which may include stops at a bakery and quilt shop. And, since we’re sure you’ll be hungry at some point, we have included a traditional Amish meal at the Plain and Fancy dining room – be sure to save room for their signature wet-bottom shoe-fly pie. |
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You’ll be transported to nearby Blue Mountain Outfitters in Marysville, PA to be outfitted for your trip down the Susquehanna River. Kayakers will be transported upstream to float back to Blue Mountain Outfitters. You can take the trip in a one or two-person kayak. The tour lasts four hours with lunch and plenty of drinks and snacks provided. Moderate physical fitness required. |
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You’ll travel to Gettysburg in nearby Adams County. Once arriving at Gettysburg, you’ll take a guided tour of the Battlefield conducted by National Park Service personnel. People should be physically fit to be able to walk several miles in summer weather. You’ll also tour the new Visitors Center which is opening in Spring of 2008. The Visitors Center provides plenty of opportunities for dining on you own. |
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