The following Day Trips and Multi-Day Tours are presented in cooperation with Group Tours & Travel. We have been working with Group Tours for more than 20 years. If you would like a detailed itinerary for any of the multi-day tours listed below, please call our office at (201) 670-2777 or go to www.educatedwanderer.com. Registration is open August 30, 2023!!
DAY TRIPS
The Art of Nature: Manitoga & Cold Spring, New York
You may be familiar with Industrial Designer, Russell Wright who introduced modernism to millions during the mid-20th century through his elegant and affordable designs for the home. Well today we are privileged to step inside his amazing former home, studio and 75-acre woodland garden, Manitoga: Dragon Rock House & Studio. Once a ravaged industrial site, Wright transformed the land using a masterful interplay of design and nature into a place of extraordinary beauty that is now Manitoga. The house and studio, complete with green roofs are integrated into the ledge of an abandoned quarry in a style where his creation does not dominate the land but blends with it, allowing the enchantment of the land, woods, stones, sky, river, and animals to flow through the space. There will be a short, wooded walk along the Quarry path past a lovely waterfall before reaching the home with its expanses of glass with a seamless connection to the outside. After our tour and time to browse the gallery, we’ll make our way to the delightful village of Cold Spring to find a tasty lunch on your own. A walk down Main Street will take you past many antique shops, boutiques, art galleries and cafés, leading to Dockside Park where you can enjoy the Hudson River atmosphere. Join us for a nature stroll in the West Point Foundry Preserve as we follow the trails that weave around old foundry buildings and notable historic points. If you’re up for more wandering or prefer pure nature, follow our lead on the quick, easy walk along the river’s edge to Little Stony Point, a small, wooded peninsula perched along the Hudson for some serene, picturesque views. $170
#001 ~ Friday, September 22 - *Van Adventure Small Group Tour, max 10 people*
Departs Ridgewood at 9:00 am and returns at approximately 5:00 pm
Cruisin’ Into Fall - Storm King & Hudson River Cruise
It’s a lovely fall day to step into art and nature at the Storm King Art Center, sprawling across 500 acres of rolling hills and mountains. Take your time to wander through this unique museum under open sky and experience the large-scale sculptures that create a harmonious, yet dramatic interaction with the surrounding landscape. There are four areas to discover, each serving as a virtual gallery for different pieces, from wooded forest trails to the large South Field bordered by a winding stone fence onto meadows and museum hills. Lunch is included at the café at your leisure. This afternoon, sit back and relax as we take in more of the beautiful fall colors as they light up the Hudson Valley on our cruise along the scenic Hudson River. Along our narrated ride, we’ll pass by many iconic sights as you bask in the open air on the spacious sundeck or enjoy the comfort of the indoor main salon featuring huge wrap around windows. Scenic views include Bannerman Island, Storm King Mountain, West Point, and Breakneck Mountain. Take a deep breath of fresh fall air as we rest our weary legs and minds and enjoy the splendid scenery as it passes us by. $195
#002 ~ Thursday, October 12
Departs Ridgewood at 9:00 am and returns approximately 5:30 pm
Trick or Treat Teatime - Village Teashop & Abington Sculpture Park, PA
Dress in your Halloween or teatime best for a fun day out filled with tricks and treats! In a wood, behind a wall, a magical world awaits at the Abington Art Center Sculpture Park. Here, we’ll immerse in Ravenswood, an ephemeral painted tree installation that draws inspiration from European fairy tales. Let’s get caught in the spell of over 40 trees transformed by bold, enchanting designs on a visual journey through the dark and scary woods that transition into soft colors of great energy and light. Suddenly, the dark woods no longer pose a threat as we confront the darkness in the artwork and in ourselves. Take your time to wander the park on an inspirational and artistic journey to 24 unique sculptures. After, it’s time for the perfect treat The Village Teashop in the quiet hamlet of West Point, PA. Step into Victorian charm for an eerily delicious full tea lunch filled with “disembodied” finger sandwiches, “spooky” salad, “spider” scones, “ghoulish” quiche, devilish desserts, and best of all hot “witch’s brew” to sip and savor. Special treats will be given for the best costumes! $185
#003 ~ Tuesday, October 31
Departs Ridgewood at 8:00 am and returns approximately 6:30 pm
Hudson for the Holidays - Glenview at the Hudson River Museum
A magnificent 1877 Gilded Age stone home lies along the banks of the Hudson River within the grounds of what is now the Hudson River Museum. Glenview, built in an eclectic Late Victorian architectural style built by John Bond Trevor as a suburban getaway from the city. Our tour will take us through six fully restored period rooms, all decked out with glittering garlands, ornaments, and trees among the fine woodwork, furnishings, artwork, and fantastic architectural features. Also on display is Nybelwyck Hall, an amazing 24 room dollhouse decorated with miniature floral bouquets. After, we’ll enjoy an included lunch right here at the museum. Now it’s time to take a trip into space at the Hudson River Museum Planetarium where we can explore the secrets and discoveries of the Cosmos. Sit back and gaze into the dark sky as we learn the mysteries of the moon and stories that shape our stars. $185
#004 ~ Thursday, December 14
Ridgewood 9:30 am and returns approximately 5:00 pm
Castles & Holiday Cheer - Fonthill Castle & Peddlers Village, PA
Have you ever dreamed of a castle winter wonderland? Well today your dream comes true! Join us as we stroll through Henry Mercer’s castle, Fonthill, all dressed in its holiday best with exquisitely decorated trees, Victorian decorations and the greens of nature indoors. What a spectacular sight to see! Our enchanting tour will share the history of Mercer and the construction of this unbelievable property as we wander through the historic interior filled with Mercer’s renowned, hand-crafted ceramic tiles throughout the forty-four rooms with two hundred windows and eighteen fireplaces. Now we sit back and relax for a warm, satisfying included lunch at a nearby local spot. A fantastically decorated Peddlers Village awaits us next where there will be time for browsing and shopping for that perfect gift among the 60 plus specialty shops. And when you’re all shopped out, explore the Annual Gingerbread Competition and Display, a tradition since 1984 with over 125 creations to marvel at. Everyone will feel the holiday spirit as we wander the winding brick pathways among the festive decorations of this charming, storybook village. $190
#005 ~ Monday, December 18
Departs Ridgewood 8:00 am and returns approximately 6:15 pm
MULTI-DAY TOURS
Backyard Exploration: Pine Barrens, NJ
One Beachy Night at the Oceanfront Drifting Sands, LBI • Whitesbog Historic Farm & Village Cranberry Harvest Tour • Estell Manor Park Boardwalk Trails • Warren E. Fox Nature Center • Batsto Village • Scenic Pakim Pond • One Breakfast • Two Lunches
You don’t always have to travel far and wide to find interesting, historic, and beautiful places; often enough some pretty fantastic hidden gems are right here in your own backyard just waiting to be explored! The New Jersey Pine Barrens are one of these gems that you’ve perhaps driven through several times but never stopped to appreciate. This unique, beautiful, and fascinating ecosystem is actually the largest forested area on the Eastern Seaboard between Maine and the Florida Everglades. Today, and throughout history, humans have depended on the health and vitality of the Pine Barrens’ ecosystems to provide water, clean air and a refuge for rare species of wildlife and plants. We’ll spend our time here exploring the surprising diversity of scenery, habitats, and species within this forested region as we seek out ghost towns with historic sites and legends that tell the story of how past inhabitants have used and depended on this landscape for survival. We’ll wander into the other worldly beauty of the quiet, pine filled forests where we can take a deep breath of relaxation and appreciate the lovely beauty surrounding us. In the evening we’ll have the sounds of the ocean nearby and a beach to walk along or a comfy spot in which to gaze into the night sky. So why not pack up a few things and let’s get exploring!
#006 - Two Day Tour ~ September 27-28
$695 Twin & $845 Single ~ $150 deposit per person
Departs Ridgewood at 7:30 am and returns approximately 7:30 pm
History, Haunts & Magic: A New England Halloween, MA
Three Magical Nights at the Ocean House at Bass Rocks, Gloucester • Hammond Castle Evening Spiritualism Tour • Appleton Farm Hike for Boos • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge • Halloween on the Hill at Long Hill • Rebecca Nurse Homestead • Wethersfield Connecticut Witch Trial • Charming Downtown Gloucester • Relaxing Long, Leisurely Morning Among the Atlantic at Ocean House • All Breakfasts • One Lunch • Two Dinners
There’s a special feel in the air as Halloween approaches in New England, a place whose history involved the beliefs and practices that conspired to form our version of what’s now considered an annual holiday. Let’s take a road trip north straight into the heart of witchcraft country to experience an authentic feel of the Halloween season as we visit places that have seen firsthand accounts of the infamous Witch Trials. We’ll delve into American Spiritualism and the culture created around it including spirit photography, seances, and ESP at the extravagant Hammond Castle and take a merry walk through the beautiful property of Long Hill that has been transformed into a celebration of the season. At the Ocean House at Bass Rocks we will be among nature and the peaceful sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, and we’ll walk in the beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge set along the Atlantic coast. Much fun will be had along the way and definitely on our “Hike For Boos”, so why not join us on our fun Halloween Adventure!
#007 Four Day Tour ~ October 24-27
$1,625 Twin & $1,995 Single ~ $150 deposit per person
Departs Ridgewood at 8:30 am and returns approximately 6:00 pm
A Toast to Fall: Bear Creek Mountain Harvest Wine Festival, PA
One Cozy Night at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort • Harvest Wine Festival with Complimentary Wine and Food Samples and Tasting Glass • Live Music • Afternoon Tea at The Sayre Mansion • Time to Enjoy Resort Amenities • One Breakfast • One Afternoon Tea Lunch • One Dinner
Let’s escape to the scenic, nearby mountains in Berks County, Pennsylvania for a night of wine and relaxation. Raise a glass and toast the lovely fall season at the cheerful Bear Creek Mountain Resort tucked away among 330 acres of wooded mountains. Breathe in the fresh air and stay cozy in the warm comfortable spaces as you enjoy the Harvest Wine Festival where you will enjoy complimentary wine and food samples from local producers as you’re soothed with the sounds of live music. After, enjoy all the wonderful amenities or activities the resort has to offer and have a leisurely dinner in one of the three restaurants of your choice. Wake up the next morning with free time to delight in any activities you may have missed or sleep in and have a relaxing leisurely morning. This afternoon we’ll step into the extraordinary Sayre Mansion for an afternoon tea in the grand tradition of the great estates of the 19th century. We’ll be seated among the gracious surroundings of the formal parlor and dining room where we’ll enjoy a selection of freshly brewed tea, elegant finger sandwiches, decadent desserts and even champagne. It’s the perfect quick getaway to relax and refresh before the holiday season.
#008 Two Day Tour ~ November 19-20
$725 Twin & $845 Single ~ $150 deposit per person
Departs Ridgewood at 8:15 am and returns approximately 5:30 pm
A Coastal Newport Christmas, RI
Overnight at the Newport Harbor Hotel • Three Newport Mansions Elegantly Decorated for the Holidays: The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House • Free Time to Browse in Newport • Scenic Ocean Drive • Holiday Shopping • All Admissions • One Breakfast • One Lunch • One Dinner
Think cobblestone streets with the glow of white lights, the glitter and gold of Gilded Age mansions dazzled with dozens of Christmas trees along with thousands of poinsettias, and warm, quaint shops with candlelit windows and you will get a sense of the enchantment of the holiday season in coastal Newport. This historic New England seaport abounds with history, elegance and beauty, and possesses more historic houses dating from before the American Revolution, than any other city in America. You will experience Newport’s old-world charm throughout its numerous shops and restaurants. Wandering through this charming town and within the sparkling opulence of each festively decorated mansion will be the perfect way to capture that holiday magic!
#009 Two Day Tour ~ November 30-December 1
$695 Twin & $795 Single ~ $150 deposit per person
Departs Ridgewood at 8:30 am and returns approximately 6:00 pm
Sparkling Gems of Old Florida - Crystal River Manatees & Charming Small Towns
Nonstop, Roundtrip Airfare Newark to Tampa • Five Peaceful Nights at the Plantation on Crystal River • Three Sisters Springs • Crystal River Archeological State Park • Sunset Cruise on Kings Bay • Eclectic Mount Dora • Doral Canal Cat Boat Tour • “Old Florida’s” Cedar Key • Cedar Key Historical Society • Cedar Key Cemetery Point Boardwalk • Charming Micanopy • Water Taxi to Atsena Otie Key • Antiques & Collector’s Extravaganza • Paynes Prairie Preserve • Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens • All Breakfasts • Two Lunches • Two Dinners
It’s time to leave this dreary winter behind and head to a place that sparkles! In Crystal River, the gem of the Nature Coast, we’ll gaze upon crystal clear spring fed waters that are home to manatees, migratory bird species and tons of native wildlife. From here there is so much to explore. A pre-Columbian National Historic Landmark containing a six-mound complex that served as a ceremonial center for Native Americans for 1600 years awaits our visit. We’ll wander the day away in lovely Mount Dora where we’ll view local art, take a one-of-a-kind canal boat ride and enjoy the scenery. Off the beaten path is charming, historic Micanopy and Cedar Key, a town similar to Key West from 50 years ago. We’ll find ourselves in a cypress jungle, cruise along the sunset, go antiquing in a delightful town, all while enjoying the amazingly warm weather that only Florida can provide in February!
Price Coming Soon~ $350 deposit per person
#010 Six Day Tour ~ February 12-17