Conquering The Arch

February 10, 2017Posted in Destinations, History, Trips Down Memory LaneWritten by admin5 Comments

As the Tour Director for the 26-day Cross Country By Bus tour, I have had the opportunity to experience the wonders of our great country along with our Starr guests and my partner, our Starr Driver. At times, it was simply looking out the window of the coach and relishing in the sights of the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming, visiting the grandeur of the Hearst Castle in California, or standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon. However, none of these wonders, gave me the immeasurable thrill and anxiety like facing my fear of traveling 630 feet in a tiny tram car inside of a steel leg of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri!

Arch-CDurling — I had planned to never go up there!

Construction on the Arch began on February 12, 1963 and it was dedicated in 1968 to “The pioneer spirit of the men and women who won the West and those of a latter day to strive on the frontier.” It is the tallest stainless steel monument in the Western Hemisphere and, at 630 feet, is taller than the Seattle Space needle (605′), the Washington Monument (555′), and the Great Pyramid of Giza (455′). Visitors to the Arch can conquer that dizzying height by traveling up one steel leg and down the other in a tiny (5 feet in diameter) tram car or “pod” that is specially designed to rotate 155 degrees as it travels along the curve of the Arch.

So, here I was, the leader of our group, encouraging and coaxing our wonderful passengers to see the 30-mile views across the Mississippi River, the state of Illinois, and the city of St. Louis. Yet, after showing them the History Channel’s video, “St. Louis Arch,” which documents the design and construction of the Arch by Finnish architect, Eero Saarinen, I was no closer to joining my group in their journey up to the observation area at the top, which is just 65 feet long and 7 feet wide at the apex.

My plan was simple – escort the group across the park, distribute the tickets, bid them bon voyage and wait for them in the gift shop, an area located safely on the ground beneath the arch.

My anxiety stayed in check until a National Park Service Ranger told me that one of our passengers couldn’t make the long walk to the Arch and decided to sit on a bench outside. With the help of a guard who brought along a wheelchair, we located the passenger and started to wheel her back to the bus when she announced, “Hey, you are going the wrong way, I want to go up the Arch!” So, off we went to Tram Car #1 where we waited for the door to open. The fiesty passenger stepped in to the empty, egg-shaped, capsule and just as I started to wish her well she said, “Well, aren’t you coming?” Yikes, here I was facing the exact dilemma I was trying to avoid! Sympathy for her riding the 4 minutes to the top by herself took a grip on me and tossed me into the car. The door was shut and off we went swinging in the car with the “click click click” just like a ferris wheel, as described in the movie. The view from inside the car was not a view at all but the inside of the stainless steel leg which we could see from window cutouts in the door, exposing brick and stairs. Our small talk helped speed us to the top where the door automatically opened and we were instructed to walk up a few steps to the observation deck.

Arch-view-CDurling — The incredible view!

Then, there was the view—16 tiny windows worth! – for as far as we could see, just like the movie and brochures explained. I was grateful to not feel the allowance for the 18” sway in case of winds up to 150 mph! What I did feel was the embrace of my capsule seat mate who gave me a hug and thanked me for bringing her back to the Arch and riding to the top with her. I returned the gesture and the gratitude.

On the 3 minute ride down, I couldn’t help but think we were both pioneers— maybe not like the Westward Expansion pioneers, but pioneers just the same who conquered their fears and were rewarded with an experience of a lifetime.

Christine Durling, Starr Tour Director

Main Photo Credit Josh Hallett

New Year’s Travel Resolutions for the Young at Heart – JFK’s 100th Birthday Celebration

January 27, 2017Posted in Destinations, HistoryWritten by Shana Dattilio2 Comments

MA_JFKPresidentialLibraryandMuseum-familyphoto_CreditCityPass_TTO-- For the final edition in our New Year’s Travel Resolutions series we offer you a once-in-a-lifetime tour like no other. We’re whisking you away to New England for a special 100th birthday celebration for John F. Kennedy. On this special trip you’ll get to learn all about the Kennedy family while enjoying many of their favorite places and activities!

President John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917. His family spent summers in Hyannis Port, in Cape Cod and built the famous Kennedy Compound on the shore. Beyond a summer residence in childhood, Hyannis Port would also become the primary headquarters of JFK’s presidential campaign. Stroll the streets of Hyannis that were lined with his supporters and explore the shops and boutiques before embarking on a special Hyannis Harbor Cruise where you’ll get a view of the historic compound as well as the Kennedy Memorial, Egg Island, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, and Point Gammon Light.

Your time in Hyannis will be highlighted with a New England Clambake and 1960s Beach Party at a spectacular Hyannis venue where we’ll dine and dance overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This meal is complete with “steamahs, chowdah and lobstah,” plus, an escape entrée for landlubbers. After dinner, gather round for live entertainment. Hear tunes from the ’60s and ’70s as “Kokomo,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Surf City” “Summer Wind,” and “California Girls.”

MA_JFKPresidentialLibraryandMuseum_JFKL--max600x600 — John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

The Kennedy family’s roots are firmly planted in Boston and the city is home to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum as well as many of JFK’s favorite places including his and his father’s alma mater, Harvard University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in government. You’ll enjoy a tour of Boston that includes the sights and landmarks that played an important role in John F. Kennedy’s rise to the White House. Join a local guide and walk past sites such as the JFK Statue on the State House Lawn where JFK delivered his famous “city upon a hill” speech, The Bellevue Hotel where he resided during his run for the congressional seat, The Omni Parker House notably the site of his announcement for his bid for Congress and his proposal to Jackie Bouvier, Old City Hall, the Irish Famine Memorial, JFK”s Senate Headquarters, Faneuil Hall, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. You’ll also enjoy dinner at the Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States and a favorite of JFK – see Booth 18 where JFK would sit and enjoy his favorite clam chowder.

Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, “dedicated to the memory of our nation’s 35th President and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world. Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy.” Tour the Museum “which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service, and illustrates the nature of the office of the President.”¹ There will be special exhibits and events at the Library to commemorate this milestone birthday.

Travel to Newport, Rhode Island, known for its gilded-age mansions and its connections with the Kennedy Family. Visit St. Mary’s Catholic Church where in 1953, Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier were married. See Hammersmith Farm, Jacqueline Bouvier’s home where her wedding reception was hosted. Also, visit The Breakers, the Vanderbilt Home which is the most lavish summer “cottage” in town. We’ll also visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden where, for several years, Alice Brayton hosted a “Harvest Party” to entertain the Kennedy children, Caroline and John, Jr.

Our trip’s highlight is “A Night in Camelot.” Join us as we celebrate JFK’s 100th Birthday. As we remember the “High Hopes” of that youthful administration, and dance to the music of the era (1960-63) during a show that is a tribute to both the celebrities and songs he liked best. The entertainment is a live orchestra, with a crooner and an MC, performing as they once did for the President of the United States. It’s a night of music that the President would have enjoyed and a night filled with songs that you will remember.

So, come with Starr on an exclusive, one-of-a-kind, tour and travel event to discover these highlights and more in celebration of our 35th president.

References:
¹ John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

New Year’s Travel Resolutions For the Young At Heart – Mississippi’s Gulf Coast

January 20, 2017Posted in Destinations, HistoryWritten by Shana DattilioLeave a comment

This week we travel south to Mississippi where one of many highlights on your New Year’s Resolution vacation is your stay at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, but the great things about this trip don’t stop there. Take everything you would expect at a beachfront destination, add historic attractions, beautiful towns, delicious cuisine, and mix in a heaping spoonful of Southern hospitality. Now that’s a recipe for fun!

MS_BeauRivage-FullExterior_CreditAndyAnderson--max600x600 — Beau Rivage Resort and Casino

You’ll stay at the luxurious waterfront Beau Rivage Resort & Casino located on the Gulf of Mexico in Biloxi, MS. A AAA Four Diamond Award recipient, this hotel overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and offers fabulous gaming, a large and diverse selection of shopping opportunities, and 12 options for dining with everything from a great buffet to fine dining and a 24 hour cafe.

Get the real southern coastal experience with a Shrimping Trip and Marine Adventure Cruise. “The pride and heritage of Biloxi comes alive aboard this unique and interesting cruise. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about catching, cooking, and eating this delicious southern delicacy, Mississippi Gulf Coast Style. The crew will entertain and educate while dropping a 16 foot trawl and dragging the bottom of the Mississippi Sound for all of the delicacies she has to offer. Upon leaving the harbor, the shrimping net is set out with full details of how and what makes the net spread and operate correctly.”¹ The net will catch shrimp and other sea creatures in its path. You’ll have an opportunity to see one or all of the following: Blue Crabs, Flounder, Stingray, Oysterfish, Squid, Pufferfish, and numerous other species of local marine life.

Experience the city of Biloxi, one of the oldest communities in the country, settled in 1699. The city is a cultural melting pot set against a backdrop of sugar-white sand beaches, museums and historic sites, tantalizing seafood restaurants, and more. Our unique tour of Biloxi will take you back in time on an historical journey though Old Town Biloxi and the Hurricane Katrina devastated areas. You’ll get to see Biloxi’s Visitor Center & Museum, Hurricane Memorials, Biloxi Town Green, and Biloxi Lighthouse.

Speaking of history, another highlight of this trip includes a visit to Beauvoir, the last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The beautifully restored Beauvoir house dominates the sprawling complex that includes antebellum outbuildings, a Civil War museum, a historic cemetery, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and nature trails. You’ll also pay a visit to The Little White House Historic Site – the cottage where Franklin Delano Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945. Preserved as it was on the day he died, you’ll see original furniture, memorabilia & the portrait on which Elizabeth Shoumatoff was working on when the President suffered a stroke.

LA_NOLA-FrenchQuarter--W — French Quarter, New Orleans

You’ll love New Orleans, yet another highlight on this vacation. Your New Orleans City Tour is a thorough and fascinating introduction to the endless variety of sights found in America’s most European city. Then, experience a wonderful Jazz Brunch Buffet at the Court of Two Sisters before having free time to explore the French Quarter on your own. See the famous architecture, gaze at the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square then head across the street for a famous beignet from Cafe du Monde. The French Marketplace isn’t far from here, and the French Quarter itself is teeming with art and antiques and unique shops. And then there’s the music… it is hard to go anywhere in the French Quarter without hearing some of that fabulous New Orleans jazz. This is a city that will keep you coming back for more!

The Gulf Coast is home to many special southern treasures and this is just a small sample of all that you’ll see and do on this vacation. Come with us and see what Mississippi’s Gulf Coast has to offer!

Reference:
¹Biloxi Shrimping Trip

New Year’s Travel Resolutions for the Young at Heart – Nova Scotia

January 13, 2017Posted in Destinations, HistoryWritten by Shana DattilioLeave a comment

This week, we offer you a chance to experience an idyllic island like no other. Step out of the hustle and bustle of your life and into the spellbinding tranquility that is Nova Scotia. “Nova Scotia is a place where you can feel your pace fall in sync with the rhythm of the sea, as the clean salt air breathes life into an afternoon. Immerse yourself in culture that ranges from traditional to avant-garde, from bagpipes to world-class golf.”¹ On this tour you will enjoy a vacation filled with rich heritage, scenic wonders, and historic landmarks set in a landscape of breathtaking beauty.

Your journey through the Appalachian region of Canada begins in St. John, New Brunswick. “Step into a vibrant past with an intriguing modern edge. Here, hundreds of years of history are alive. Feel it in the architecture, parks, and galleries that have survived to delight today’s visitor. As the oldest incorporated city in Canada, no other place in the country offers the experiences of Saint John,”² like Reversing Falls rapids where the extreme tides of this region create a unique tidal phenomenon.

Enjoy the wind in your face as you look for whales and other sea life aboard the ferry from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia (indoor seating also available) followed by time exploring and experiencing a few of the best areas of Nova Scotia. Take part in a ceremony that began in 1605 and be officially inducted into “The Order of Good Cheer,” visit Grand Pré – a powerful monument that unites the Acadian people – located in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, step back in time in the quaint village of Peggy’s Cove, and witness the marvel of the the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy.

Experience a true taste of Nova Scotia at the world’s largest annual indoor show, The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Festival, featuring the unique and varied talent of hundreds of Canadian and international military and civilian performers. You will see bagpipes, highland dancers, military traditions, innovative acrobatic acts, comedy, modern music, contemporary dancing, trampoline routines, cutting-edge videos, and more! The Festival takes place in Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia and an urban city center bordered by seacoast and brimming with history.

Travel home through Prince Edward Island where “the beauty of the land, the living Celtic, Acadian and Mi’kmaq heritage, and the smiling faces and warm hospitality of Islanders create a special and unforgettable place to visit.”³

Nova Scotia is a land of lush beauty and simple life. Her people are warm and friendly, her land is like that of Ireland in its richness, and her atmosphere is that of a simpler time. Gorgeous natural landscapes are dotted with picturesque sleepy villages. You can lose yourself here in a peaceful paradise away from big box chains and rural life, without giving up great amenities. Experience it for yourself this summer!

References:

¹ Nova Scotia
² Discover Saint John
³ Prince Edward Island

How To Make The Most Of Your Florida Winter Getaway: Free Time in Daytona, FL!

December 9, 2016Posted in HistoryWritten by Victoria1 Comment

The temps are dropping, snow is coming, and it’s making sunny days by the beach seem more and more appealing. Daytona, Florida has been a popular destination getaway for decades, and tourists continue to flock to its warmth in the winter months. The 23-mile stretch of white sandy shoreline is welcoming year round, but there is plenty more that Daytona has to offer.

Here are six things to do and to see on your Florida winter getaway in Daytona:

Meander along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.
Even in the winter months, it’s never too cold to walk the boardwalk! The boardwalk is lined with plenty to see and do. From shopping to dining, to free concerts and entertainment, time here is always well spent. This makes for a truly unique stroll, seeing as how the boardwalk itself is concrete versus other standard wooden boardwalks.
Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
The museum is one of the largest in central Florida, with more than 30,000 objects on display. Cuban art, Chinese art, Early American furniture and art, an abundance of displays on Florida history…it’s the perfect escape indoors, rain or shine!
Visit the Southeast Museum of Photography.
The museum is Florida’s only museum dedicated exclusively to photography and one of the largest in the nation. It’s stunning modern galleries highlight an impressive collection of contemporary and vintage fine art, photojournalism, fashion and new media.
Tour and taste the chocolate at Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory.
This is a must-see! The company continues to use the original recipes that Riddell Angell and Cora Phelps came up with at the beginning of World War II. A visit here can take you on a free 20-minute tour of the factory to observe the whole chocolate making process. The tour has a sweet ending, too. Free samples!
Take a stroll through Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens.
This 12-acre property holds a fascinating history and features old mill ruins, stone dinosaurs, a human sun dial, and various garden and plant collections – perfect for a leisurely afternoon!
Visit The Casements, the winter home of the late J.D. Rockefeller.
Known as “The Jewel of Ormond Beach,” The Casements are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are designated as a Florida Heritage Site. Named after the large casement windows adorning the building, The Casements were once the winter home of J.D. Rockefeller and now serve as the Cultural Center for the City of Ormond Beach.Your hotel is on the ocean with daily activities and access to the beach. If you would like to see one of these sites, your tour director will be able to guide you to the public transportation nearby. There is a public transit bus that runs on the main street- southbound, it goes to Ponce Inlet, and northbound it takes you to the boardwalk and then over to Old Town Daytona Beach. There is a transportation center in Old Town Daytona where you can hook up with other local buses to get to the mall etc. There is also a taxi service that is not too expensive and is fairly punctual.

It’s never hard to make the most of your winter getaway when it involves a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida. This winter, escape the brutal cold from the north and experience all that Daytona has to offer!

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Here are six things to do and to see on your Florida winter getaway in Daytona:

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