2014 Summer Mystery Trip Revealed

Manchester, VT

The Picturesque Lincoln Family Home at Hildene in Manchester, VT
The Picturesque Lincoln Family Home at Hildene in Manchester, VT
The approach to Hildene is through a fern-lined woodland drive
The approach to Hildene is through a fern-lined woodland drive

The skies in Warren were leaden and threatened rain; and the humidity was near 90%.  But, 75 of us piled into two motor coaches and headed north on route 91 to Manchester, VT.  By the time we reached our destinations, there was still mist shrouding the surrounding mountains, but the sun was shining and spirits were high.  We were met by Paula, group coordinator at Hildene and groups of us were sent in different directions.

A formal garden at the back of the house with a view of the mountains
A formal garden at the back of the house with a view of the mountains

 

So, what’s Hildene? It’s a house built in 1905 on 500 acres for Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln.  His father was born in a log cabin and became the 16th president.  In the next generation, Robert Todd Lincoln, president of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation in America, built his ancestral home in this scenic village of Manchester in the “Shires of Vermont.”  Hildene sits on a promontory with breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains: the quintessential Vermont landscape.

 

Our group outside the Pullman car
Our group outside the Pullman car

 

Some of visited the spacious and comfortable mansion; some headed for the farm; and others went in the direction of Sunbeam, a i903 Pullman Palace car built during Robert’s tenure as president of the company.  The beautifully restored Pullman car tells the stories of many voices – those of the company, society, and of the Pullman porters.  Sunbeam is the finest example of a restored Gilded Age Pullman car.

 

A garden tram transports visitors around Hildene
A garden tram transports visitors around Hildene

Each of the areas at Hildene are connected by a series of trams that move visitors seamlessly from the Visitor Center to the Pullman car, and from the farm to the mansion.  Each stop is completely different and is punctuated by stunning first-growth New England forests.  A series of woodland hiking trails provide links to points of interest on other parts of the estate.

 

 

Gourmet Sandwich Buffet

 

The Augustan Wrap: Smoked Turkey, Gouda,

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo 

The Tuscan: Spinach, Red Peppers,

Mozzarella, and Olive Oil on Foccacia

 The Italian: Cappicola, Salami, Provolone,

Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Oil & Vinegar

 New England Panini: Ham, Sliced Apples,

Vermont Cheddar, Maple Dijon on Foccacia

 The Jackie O: Roast Beef with

Boursin Cheese on Baguette

 The Mae West: Herbed Chicken Salad on Wheat

 

Entrees are served with chips 

Cookie or Brownie

 

Lemonade or Iced Tea 

 

 

The farm is all about Nubian Goats and cheesemaking
The farm is all about Nubian Goats and cheesemaking

Our group enjoyed lunch at the Pavilion at Hildene where we hired a caterer for an innovative sandwich buffet.  The sandwiches were tasty and Erik, our host, kept making more so that everybody got their fill.  We all loved our lunch. 

 

When we were finished eating, we boarded our coaches and headed for Manchester Center which is populated with what seem like hundreds of upscale outlet stores.  Most of us did just a little shopping with many heading for the almost famous bookstore in the center of town.  It’s one of the largest I’ve ever visited. 

Vermont Country Store is everybody's favorite
Vermont Country Store is everybody's favorite

After about two hours, we got back on our coach and went to visit one of my favorite Vermont stops, the Vermont Country Store.  Did you know that this purveyor of old-fashioned and hard-to-find items is family run since 1946?  We loved checking out the penny candy, the 100% cotton flannel nighties, the local cheeses, the venison sausage, and the traditional foot wear.

 

We got back to Warren in record time with no traffic issues and one and all vowed to join us again and again for our mystery tours.

 

Gene and Mary enjoy an old-fashioned soda on the swing at Vermont Country Store
Gene and Mary enjoy an old-fashioned soda on the swing at Vermont Country Store

Adventure Tours

P.O. Box 1509

Warren, MA 01083-1509 

adventuretours@att.net 

Tel: 413 436 5357

Email Newsletter

Send us your name, mailing address, and email and we'll send you our monthly email newsletter.  Contact us today!

Gift Certificates are available for your gift-giving needs.  Get more gift certificate information

Collette!

Book now for best 2025 air schedules.  Collette is our travel partner of choice for international and extended-length air tours.  Get a complete tour listing.

Join us for Theater!

Don't miss our 2024-25 season at Providence Performing Arts Center.  Check out our complete theater listing

Pick-up LocationLizak Bus Service, Warren, MA

Norwegian is our partner for cruise offerings; Check out our newest cruises for 2025-2026.  Get a complete cruise listing

Norwegian Cruise Line NCL U Graduate - Freestyle Certified Seal
Norwegian Ph.D. Degree badge

Travel Insurance is recommended for  weekend, cruises, and extended length tours