Friday, December 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Still enjoy the beautiful country side of PA by traveling south to the Northern Central Railroad where we will “Steam into history” Some say that Abraham Lincoln edited the Gettysburg Address on the train, doffing his black silk top hat and using it as an improvised desk on which to write. There is some sentiment that he simply shared anecdotes and relaxed with his companions, who included Secretary of State William H. Seward. At any rate, he was on his way to Gettysburg. Today, the rolling countryside along the old Northern Central route is relatively undeveloped – consistent with how the area would have appeared in the 1860s.
For lunch today, visit the Markets at Shrewsbury. You can purchase a coupon for $5.00 and go to several vendors to get a nice lunch. Spend some time visiting the 20 Amish crafters who offer things from bulk foods to handmade clothing.
Have you ever visited a shoe house? There is one right on our way so we may as well stop. It does have stairs, but if you cannot do them, you can see the house phenomenon from the outside. Those who can do the stairs get a great view of the area. Next stop Turkey Hill Ice Cream. What an opportunity! You get to design your own flavor of ice cream. Everyone’s dream. There is still time in the day to visit Harrisburg, PA, the Capitol. Pick up a local guide, David Morrison, and he will show us many of Harrisburg’s more than 40 outdoor murals commissioned by Sprocket Mural Works. Pass through National Register historic neighborhoods, including the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence and the 250-year-old John Harris Mansion, home of Harrisburg’s founder. Next, visit the grounds of Fort Hunter Mansion and Plantation. See numerous Early American structures and a rare covered bridge that we may walk across and inspect. Near Fort Hunter, standing in the broad Susquehanna River is Harrisburg’s renowned replica of the Statue of Liberty, one of many sited of interest along scenic rivers. We conclude with a panorama with Harrisburg’s famous Front Street Mansions, built in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries by captains of industry. By now, we are all exhausted, so I have arranged for a meal to eat at the hotel. No waiting, just eating, and it is included.
(B, D)
