Welcome to my Travel section.
One of the things that I love to do is to explore new and different places. It's so gratifying to have the experience to leave home and visit other places and meet interesting people. And this is where I'll share highlights of some of the trips I've taken.
I took a marvelous 14 day cruise through the Caribbean in January 2014. We stopped at Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Turks and Caicos and Eleuthera. It was a wonderful winter getaway especially knowing that it was so bitter cold and snowy in the North East.
Last summer I made a return trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. I had such a good time the year before that I couldn't wait to go back and visit some of the places I'd been to before as well as checking out some new, cool places. Pictures and details of this trip will be posted shortly so be sure to check back here soon!
April of 2013 I was in Orlando FL. My Itinerary, videos of the Disney Parade and It's A Small World as well as some photos have been added.
You'll also see my itinerary and pictures from a trip I took in 2012 to Lancaster PA and pictures from my travels to the Caribbean, Oregon and Canada.
Check back soon so you can hear all about and see pictures from my latest travel adventure.
One of the things that I love to do is to explore new and different places. It's so gratifying to have the experience to leave home and visit other places and meet interesting people. And this is where I'll share highlights of some of the trips I've taken.
I took a marvelous 14 day cruise through the Caribbean in January 2014. We stopped at Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Turks and Caicos and Eleuthera. It was a wonderful winter getaway especially knowing that it was so bitter cold and snowy in the North East.
Last summer I made a return trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. I had such a good time the year before that I couldn't wait to go back and visit some of the places I'd been to before as well as checking out some new, cool places. Pictures and details of this trip will be posted shortly so be sure to check back here soon!
April of 2013 I was in Orlando FL. My Itinerary, videos of the Disney Parade and It's A Small World as well as some photos have been added.
You'll also see my itinerary and pictures from a trip I took in 2012 to Lancaster PA and pictures from my travels to the Caribbean, Oregon and Canada.
Check back soon so you can hear all about and see pictures from my latest travel adventure.
Caribbean Cruise 2014
Enjoying the the cool sea breeze as we come into port in St. Maarten.
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Taking A Tour of St. Maarten.
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Here I am with Aidan in St. Maarten.
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Touring St. Maarten.
Posing with Aidan by the pool in St. Maarten.
On our tour this was one of the monuments that we were taken to in St. Maarten.
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Touring St. Maarten.
Aidan and I enjoying a sunny warm day by the ocean in St. Maarten.
The flowers and plants are just beautiful in St. Maarten.
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Touring St. Maarten. See the palm trees swaying in the light breeze?
Another view of the ocean in St. Maarten.
Nothing better than escaping the cold winter weather in New York and lounging on the beach in St. Maarten.
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In Aruba with Aiden.
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A local church in Aruba. Lovely architecture.
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The flora and fauna in Aruba is stunning.
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One of the monuments in the church yard.
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Enjoying the warm temps in the garden. Notice the tree behind me is bending almost as though it were a tunne.
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Over to where to the cactus.
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I'm dwarfed compared to the cactus!
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Another view of the cactus.
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Underneath the faux tree tunnel.
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Leaving the park.
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Port side entertainment in front of the ship.
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They even got me to sing and dance!
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Lancaster, PA August 2013
Once again I couldn't wait to revisit the Lancaster area. I returned to Sight and Sound Theater for a wonderful presentation of Noah and the Ark. This theater is known for it's biblical plays. The play was so realistic--you heard the sound of the rain, the thunder and they actually had an ark on stage with live animals. The staff before the play was warning the audience not to touch the animals when they were they led off stage.
I went back again to the farmer's market in Bird-In-Hand and bought some more of their delicious condiments. Picked up a couple of my favorites, their mango sauce, along with several types of fresh corn.
I also visited the home of President James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States. My pictures didn't come out very well so instead below I created a collage of post cards that I will describe in more detail below.
I went back again to the farmer's market in Bird-In-Hand and bought some more of their delicious condiments. Picked up a couple of my favorites, their mango sauce, along with several types of fresh corn.
I also visited the home of President James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States. My pictures didn't come out very well so instead below I created a collage of post cards that I will describe in more detail below.
Farmer's Market
Here I am with Aidan at the Farmer's Market. Wonderful selection of fresh produce and interesting condiments.
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Corn Field
Enjoying a ride on a beautiful summer day passing by one of the many corn fields in the area.
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Covered Wagon
Here's an old fashioned covered wagon. Favorite of visitor's to this area.
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President James Buchanan's resident Wheatland in Lancaster, PA. Clockwise from the upper left hand side of the collage is President Buchanan's Bed Chamber, the Dining Room, the Library, Harriet Lane's Bedroom (James Buchanan's niece who was taken in by the President after her parents died) and the Parlor.
One of the pictures that did not come out was in the Parlor. Over the mantelpiece was a picture of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria that they gave as a gift to the President when he visited them in England. I posed below the that picture and guess since it didn't come out I'll have to go and visit Wheatland again and have another picture taken.
The guides were very accommodating and allowed me to touch the piano and feel some of the furniture. So I really to experience what the home was like to live in.
One of the pictures that did not come out was in the Parlor. Over the mantelpiece was a picture of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria that they gave as a gift to the President when he visited them in England. I posed below the that picture and guess since it didn't come out I'll have to go and visit Wheatland again and have another picture taken.
The guides were very accommodating and allowed me to touch the piano and feel some of the furniture. So I really to experience what the home was like to live in.
Itinerary For My Trip To Orlando, FL April 25 - April 29, 2013
Thursday April 25
Prior to leaving call NYC Paratransit Access-A-Ride 1 877 337 2017 (646 252 5252 if you are out of the NYC area) to transfer eligibility to Access Links Transporation in Orlando FL. Then call Links Transportation at 407 841 2279 ext. 44 for eligibilty. Following that call 407 423 8747 to set up your ride.
Left Penn Station NYC on Amtrak train #91 at 11:02AM due to arrive in Orlando FL at 10:17AM on Friday April 26. The train arrived 34 minutes late. On the return trip to NYC the train was delayed again this time for 2 hours and 52 minutes. I contacted Amtrak at 1800 USA Rail customer service to seek restitution. They were very accomodating and gave me a $50 credit good for 1 year on any Amtrak train.
I contacted Beuna Vista Palace & Spa Hotel just prior to arriving in Orlando. They informed me that they don't have a free shuttle from the hotel to Amtrak however, they contracted with a company called Miers Transportation and they arranged to pick me up at the Orlando Amtrak station. I was informed that it was more cost effective to book a round trip on the van which cost $34 rather than paying $21 each way. The phone number for Miers Transportation is 407 423 5566.
I arrived at Buena Vista Palace & Spa Hotel, 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista FL. The hotel had many ammenities e.g., a pool, spa, sports lounge, Polynesian restaurant and a snack bar. The hotel also proivded free transportation to The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom.
After a long train ride I spent the rest of Friday the 26th relaxing in my room and sitting on the balcony enjoying the warm temps.
Saturday April 27
I went to Epcot Center and The Magic Kingdom. At Epcot Center I toured many of the pavillions that are set up to replicate the different countries of the world. I especially liked Mexico, Norway, Germany and Morocco. Part of what the offering in each pavillion are shops as well as restaurants. I enjoyed sampling some of the dishes native to each of those countries. I also liked looking at the shops. In Norway I enjoyed looking at the men's colognes. From Epcot I took the mono rail to The Magic Kingdom. There I visited the It's A Small World. And also was there in time to see the parade. Due to the time contraints that I was under I wasn't able to fit in anything else at The Magic Kingdom but enjoyed the time that I spent in the park.
Sunday April 28
Shopping! I went downtown to spend time in the shopping area of downtown Disney.
Monday April 29
Time to leave Orlando. Again used the Miers Transportation van to take me from the hotel to the Amtrak station in Orlando.
My train departed at 1:35PM due to arrive at 11:17AM in NYC on Tuesday April 30th. As often happens with Amtrak we experienced delays on the return trip too. We arrived in NYC on Tuesday April 30th 2 hours and 52 minutes late.
Prior to leaving call NYC Paratransit Access-A-Ride 1 877 337 2017 (646 252 5252 if you are out of the NYC area) to transfer eligibility to Access Links Transporation in Orlando FL. Then call Links Transportation at 407 841 2279 ext. 44 for eligibilty. Following that call 407 423 8747 to set up your ride.
Left Penn Station NYC on Amtrak train #91 at 11:02AM due to arrive in Orlando FL at 10:17AM on Friday April 26. The train arrived 34 minutes late. On the return trip to NYC the train was delayed again this time for 2 hours and 52 minutes. I contacted Amtrak at 1800 USA Rail customer service to seek restitution. They were very accomodating and gave me a $50 credit good for 1 year on any Amtrak train.
I contacted Beuna Vista Palace & Spa Hotel just prior to arriving in Orlando. They informed me that they don't have a free shuttle from the hotel to Amtrak however, they contracted with a company called Miers Transportation and they arranged to pick me up at the Orlando Amtrak station. I was informed that it was more cost effective to book a round trip on the van which cost $34 rather than paying $21 each way. The phone number for Miers Transportation is 407 423 5566.
I arrived at Buena Vista Palace & Spa Hotel, 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista FL. The hotel had many ammenities e.g., a pool, spa, sports lounge, Polynesian restaurant and a snack bar. The hotel also proivded free transportation to The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom.
After a long train ride I spent the rest of Friday the 26th relaxing in my room and sitting on the balcony enjoying the warm temps.
Saturday April 27
I went to Epcot Center and The Magic Kingdom. At Epcot Center I toured many of the pavillions that are set up to replicate the different countries of the world. I especially liked Mexico, Norway, Germany and Morocco. Part of what the offering in each pavillion are shops as well as restaurants. I enjoyed sampling some of the dishes native to each of those countries. I also liked looking at the shops. In Norway I enjoyed looking at the men's colognes. From Epcot I took the mono rail to The Magic Kingdom. There I visited the It's A Small World. And also was there in time to see the parade. Due to the time contraints that I was under I wasn't able to fit in anything else at The Magic Kingdom but enjoyed the time that I spent in the park.
Sunday April 28
Shopping! I went downtown to spend time in the shopping area of downtown Disney.
Monday April 29
Time to leave Orlando. Again used the Miers Transportation van to take me from the hotel to the Amtrak station in Orlando.
My train departed at 1:35PM due to arrive at 11:17AM in NYC on Tuesday April 30th. As often happens with Amtrak we experienced delays on the return trip too. We arrived in NYC on Tuesday April 30th 2 hours and 52 minutes late.
Back To The Theme Park
It was a very hot and sunny day. We had just entered the park and surprisingly we were in time for the parade. I was enchanted like a little kid. Hope that all my friends who visit Disneyworld have the chance to see the parade. But in the meantime I hope you enjoy watching my video.
Disneyworld
Dana and Aiden
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Disneyworld
Topiary of Snow White and a couple of the dwarves
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Disneyworld
Pagoda
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Disneyworld
The Magic Kingdom
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Disneyworld
With Aiden enjoying the park
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Disneyworld
Disney character whose name eludes me at the moment
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Disneyworld
Looking out at the water
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Disneyworld
Fulton's Crab House
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Disneyworld
Another view of the water
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Disneyworld
Taking a break at the park
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Postcard from Florida
Life Is A Beach. Wish You Were Here!
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Postcard from Florida
One Of Florida's Beautiful Beaches.
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Highlights of Lancaster PA
I just returned from Amish Country. And what a beautiful and luxurious place to vacation with friendly people, fabulous food and fine weather.
The Old Village Store in Bird In Hand PA
Barn Raising in Amish Country PA
You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy chicken soup.
This was yummy!
Here's Your Dessert
Not a fan of this local favorite--tasted like mush with molasses.
And here are some pictures of me enjoying my summer vacation in Lancaster PA.
In An Amish School Classroom
Brings back memories of being in school again.
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Kettle Kitchen Village
Ready to do some shopping.
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Horse and Buggy Ride
Getting ready for a horse and buggy ride.
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Farms
One of many farms.
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Country Residence
Driving by some of the local homes.
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Country Residence
Driving by some of the local homes.
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Farms
Driving through the countryside by the farms.
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Farms
Driving through the countryside past more farms.
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Animals
Pasture with donkeys.
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Farm
Barn at one of the many working farms.
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Corn
Corn is almost ready to harvest.
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Farm
Another view of the barn at one of the many working farms.
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Corn
Another view of the rows and rows of corn growing by the roadside.
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Farm
Another of the many farms we drove past.
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Countryside
Pretty view of the countryside.
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Country Home
One of the pretty country homes on a farm.
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Town
More shopping!
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Horse and Buggy
Picking up more passengers!
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Lancaster, PA
Arriving into town.
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Franklin Seminary
Wonderful accommodations.
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Franklin Seminary
Wonderful accomodations.
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Philadelphia and Reading Line
Standing in front of the Philadelphia and Reading Train. On my way to dine with an Amish family.
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In Town
One of the many wonderful shopping locations.
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In The Country
Getting ready for a bike ride.
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In The Country
Finishing up my ride.
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Farm
Another beautiful view of the farm.
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Farm
The machine is outside the barn ready to get to work.
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With the Horses
Hard to see but Aiden and the horses were greeting each other.
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With the Horses
Again hard to see but Aiden and the horse were getting to know one another.
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With the Horses
Saying hello to the horses.
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Itinerary for My Trip To Lancaster, PA August 2012
Tuesday, August 14
Take the 7:25 AM train from Penn Station New York
Arrival in Lancaster PA by Amtrak @ 10:50 AM
Call Paratransit for pickup by 10:45 AM to be dropped off @ Kitchen Kettle Village
Allow 3 1/2 hours for Kitchen Kettle Village:
Horse and Buggy Ride: $14 35 minutes 9 AM - 6 PM
Pickup between 3:30 and 4:00 PM from Kitchen Kettle Village to Franklin Seminary
Arrive @ Franklin Seminary by 5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 15
Morning: Visit Lancaster Downtown area stores (scroll down for stores and locations)
300 block of North Queen Street
Pickup & Drop Off @ The Shaker Shoppe 342B North Queen Street
Sight & Sound Theater @ 4:15 PM
800 377 1277 or 717 686 3020
300 Hartman Bride Road
Strasberg, PA
2 1/2 hour show with 15 minute intermission
Price: $49
Thursday, August 16
Amish Experience
Tours Daily @ 10 AM, 12, 2 & 4 PM located on Plain and Fancy Property
2395 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
Friday, August 17
Strasberg Railroad
Rte 741 East
Strasberg, PA
Flavors of Lancaster County $40 or The Great Train Cookout $45
Saturday, August 18
Intercourse, PA
Fire Department Auction starting @ 10AM
717 768 3402
10 North Hollander Road
Intercourse, PA
Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-In-Hand, PA
717 393 9674
GENERAL INFORMATION
LANCASTER PA
Susquehanna Association for the Blind:
717 291 5951
Key Contact: Kay Macy
Lancaster Visitor's Bureau
717 293 1539 or 800 723 8824
501 Greenfield Road
Mennonite Information Center
800 858 8320
Transportation
Amtrak: 800 872 7245 Ask about 15% Senior Discount
Greyhound: 800 752 4841
Red Rose Paratransit Access-A-Ride
717 291 1243
Attention: Sherry to fax (717 397 4761) eligibility information over to Red Rose
Friendly Taxi--Lancaster PA
800 795 3278
or,
Yellow Cab--Lancaster PA
717 397 8100
Local Bus Service/Transit
717 397 4246
Amish Stores on Route 30
Call Friendly Taxi to inquire about cost of taxi time to visit stores along Route 30
(Touring companies no longer can provide individual shopping vehicles as it requires a public utilities license.)
Accommodations & Guides
Lancaster Theological Seminary (Franklin Seminary)
717 393 0654
555 West James Street
Attention Rose for reservation booking. Her direct line is: 717 290 8725
Deaf Mennonite Church (Possible Volunteers)
717 392 6698
Mellinger Mennonite Church
717 397 9360
The Lions Club
Tom Weber, President
717 871 8784
Things to Do
Farm & House Tours: 717 394 6185
Restaurants
The Amish Experience: 717 788 7600
The Amish Experience/Plain & Fancy
2395 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
Kitchen Kettle Village
717 768 8261
800 732 3538
3529 Philadelphia Pike
Intercourse, PA
Shops to Visit in Kitchen Kettle Village
AAA Buggy Rides
The Bake Shop
By Candle Light
Country Life
The Gift House
Grande Place
Jam & Relish Kitchen
Kettle Cafe
Kling House Restaurant
Lapp Valley Farm Ice Cream
Paw Prints
The Pretzel Haus
The Sassy Spoon
Tin N Treasures
Village Quilts
Sight & Sound Theater
800 377 1277
300 Hartman Bridge Road
Strasberg, PA
Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market Open Wednesdays through Saturdays
717 393 9674
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-In-Hand, PA
Attractions/Shops in Downtown Lancaster, PA
1. 300 Block of North Queen Street
Art & Glassworks of Lancaster, Inc.
319 N. Queen Street
717 394 4133
Art-chi-Textural Curiosities
336 N. Queen Street
717 399 3489
BUILDING Character
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
Mommalicious Inc.
310 N. Queen Street
717 299 0827
Once Upon A Time
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
Rev Chi's Antiques Collectibles
324 N. Queen Street
717 509 8497
Skyler Blu
114 W. Orange Street
717 299 5720
Then & Again Antiques
318 N. Queen Street
717 390 2780
Uptown Antiques
352 N. Queen Street
717 471 4443
Vintage Young
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
Salvage Chic By Building Character
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
The Shaker Shoppe
342 B North Queen Street
717 394 7201
North Market Street
Lancaster Central Market
23 N. Market Street
717 735 6890
Take the 7:25 AM train from Penn Station New York
Arrival in Lancaster PA by Amtrak @ 10:50 AM
Call Paratransit for pickup by 10:45 AM to be dropped off @ Kitchen Kettle Village
Allow 3 1/2 hours for Kitchen Kettle Village:
Horse and Buggy Ride: $14 35 minutes 9 AM - 6 PM
Pickup between 3:30 and 4:00 PM from Kitchen Kettle Village to Franklin Seminary
Arrive @ Franklin Seminary by 5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 15
Morning: Visit Lancaster Downtown area stores (scroll down for stores and locations)
300 block of North Queen Street
Pickup & Drop Off @ The Shaker Shoppe 342B North Queen Street
Sight & Sound Theater @ 4:15 PM
800 377 1277 or 717 686 3020
300 Hartman Bride Road
Strasberg, PA
2 1/2 hour show with 15 minute intermission
Price: $49
Thursday, August 16
Amish Experience
Tours Daily @ 10 AM, 12, 2 & 4 PM located on Plain and Fancy Property
2395 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
Friday, August 17
Strasberg Railroad
Rte 741 East
Strasberg, PA
Flavors of Lancaster County $40 or The Great Train Cookout $45
Saturday, August 18
Intercourse, PA
Fire Department Auction starting @ 10AM
717 768 3402
10 North Hollander Road
Intercourse, PA
Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-In-Hand, PA
717 393 9674
GENERAL INFORMATION
LANCASTER PA
Susquehanna Association for the Blind:
717 291 5951
Key Contact: Kay Macy
Lancaster Visitor's Bureau
717 293 1539 or 800 723 8824
501 Greenfield Road
Mennonite Information Center
800 858 8320
Transportation
Amtrak: 800 872 7245 Ask about 15% Senior Discount
Greyhound: 800 752 4841
Red Rose Paratransit Access-A-Ride
717 291 1243
Attention: Sherry to fax (717 397 4761) eligibility information over to Red Rose
Friendly Taxi--Lancaster PA
800 795 3278
or,
Yellow Cab--Lancaster PA
717 397 8100
Local Bus Service/Transit
717 397 4246
Amish Stores on Route 30
Call Friendly Taxi to inquire about cost of taxi time to visit stores along Route 30
(Touring companies no longer can provide individual shopping vehicles as it requires a public utilities license.)
Accommodations & Guides
Lancaster Theological Seminary (Franklin Seminary)
717 393 0654
555 West James Street
Attention Rose for reservation booking. Her direct line is: 717 290 8725
Deaf Mennonite Church (Possible Volunteers)
717 392 6698
Mellinger Mennonite Church
717 397 9360
The Lions Club
Tom Weber, President
717 871 8784
Things to Do
Farm & House Tours: 717 394 6185
Restaurants
The Amish Experience: 717 788 7600
The Amish Experience/Plain & Fancy
2395 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
Kitchen Kettle Village
717 768 8261
800 732 3538
3529 Philadelphia Pike
Intercourse, PA
Shops to Visit in Kitchen Kettle Village
AAA Buggy Rides
The Bake Shop
By Candle Light
Country Life
The Gift House
Grande Place
Jam & Relish Kitchen
Kettle Cafe
Kling House Restaurant
Lapp Valley Farm Ice Cream
Paw Prints
The Pretzel Haus
The Sassy Spoon
Tin N Treasures
Village Quilts
Sight & Sound Theater
800 377 1277
300 Hartman Bridge Road
Strasberg, PA
Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market Open Wednesdays through Saturdays
717 393 9674
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-In-Hand, PA
Attractions/Shops in Downtown Lancaster, PA
1. 300 Block of North Queen Street
Art & Glassworks of Lancaster, Inc.
319 N. Queen Street
717 394 4133
Art-chi-Textural Curiosities
336 N. Queen Street
717 399 3489
BUILDING Character
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
Mommalicious Inc.
310 N. Queen Street
717 299 0827
Once Upon A Time
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
Rev Chi's Antiques Collectibles
324 N. Queen Street
717 509 8497
Skyler Blu
114 W. Orange Street
717 299 5720
Then & Again Antiques
318 N. Queen Street
717 390 2780
Uptown Antiques
352 N. Queen Street
717 471 4443
Vintage Young
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
Salvage Chic By Building Character
342 B N. Queen Street
717 394 7201
The Shaker Shoppe
342 B North Queen Street
717 394 7201
North Market Street
Lancaster Central Market
23 N. Market Street
717 735 6890
I have some tips about Paratransit transportation service.
Everybody may not be aware of Paratransit. Most states, counties and municipalities offer Paratransit service. If there is an existing bus route that locale is required to provide the parallel service. Paratransit is a national program that is federally funded. Because of this you are allowed to transfer your eligibilty from your home location to another Parantransit service location when you travel. You will be given a 30 day visitor's pass.
I used Paratransit when I visited the Amish country in PA and also in other cities such as Seattle, WA and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It is a vital service especially if you are going out of town and you don't know the locale and sometimes cabs may be cost prohibitive.
Sometimes it's difficult to track the Paratransit phone numbers but I guess that government agencies such as city hall may be a good place to start. For a blind person one can contact a blind association in the area that they want to visit. And they most likely will have the phone number or be able to tell you where to get it.
One must keep in mind that each locale is allowed to make their own hours of operation. In NYC we're fortunate because Paratransit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each location is also allowed to set their own rates so you need make sure that you inquire about the fares. Also, make sure you are aware of any cancellation and no show policies as these differ by location too.
Also, ask about their policy on bringing guests and/or personal attendant i.e., can you bring someone and what if any is the cost to have guest(s).
One last point, inquire about on time performance and how much time you need to reach your destination. Remember Paratransit is shared ride and may not always be direct ride.
Everybody may not be aware of Paratransit. Most states, counties and municipalities offer Paratransit service. If there is an existing bus route that locale is required to provide the parallel service. Paratransit is a national program that is federally funded. Because of this you are allowed to transfer your eligibilty from your home location to another Parantransit service location when you travel. You will be given a 30 day visitor's pass.
I used Paratransit when I visited the Amish country in PA and also in other cities such as Seattle, WA and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It is a vital service especially if you are going out of town and you don't know the locale and sometimes cabs may be cost prohibitive.
Sometimes it's difficult to track the Paratransit phone numbers but I guess that government agencies such as city hall may be a good place to start. For a blind person one can contact a blind association in the area that they want to visit. And they most likely will have the phone number or be able to tell you where to get it.
One must keep in mind that each locale is allowed to make their own hours of operation. In NYC we're fortunate because Paratransit operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each location is also allowed to set their own rates so you need make sure that you inquire about the fares. Also, make sure you are aware of any cancellation and no show policies as these differ by location too.
Also, ask about their policy on bringing guests and/or personal attendant i.e., can you bring someone and what if any is the cost to have guest(s).
One last point, inquire about on time performance and how much time you need to reach your destination. Remember Paratransit is shared ride and may not always be direct ride.
Rev Chi's Antiques
Thank you Ranni and your staff for helping me navigate the stores on North Queen Street. I'd never been able to do this without your assistance.
Go shop there they have one of a kind, inexpensive treasures like the one I'm holding below!
Go shop there they have one of a kind, inexpensive treasures like the one I'm holding below!
Look What I Found!
Do you agree?
Ski for Light
Ski for Light at Land of the Vikings Homedale PA. This was my second ski vaction and in this picture the instructor was teaching me about survivor skills such as kindling a flame for a campfire.
Visiting Sandy OR Oral Hull Camp Facility For The Blind
Trailer
This is the trailer I stayed in at the camp.
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Boat Trip
Taking a boat ride up the Columbia River. Lots of Salmon! |
Boat Trip
Another view of the Columbia River. |
Boat Trip
Enjoying the scenery on the boat trip. |
Boat Trip
The end of a three hour boat trip that took us from Oregon to parts of Washington State. |
Seaside
l
In Seaside a resort town in OR doing a little shopping. The hat was a gift from my tour guide. |
Seaside OR
Enjoying a walk on the beach. Too cool and breezy for my comfort!
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Seaside OR
A vew of the water.
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Setting Sail on The High Seas!
I had the good fortune to be reading through a magazine for the blind, called "Matilda Ziegler", and came across something very interesting. A blind travel agent who works both with seeing clientele as well as the blind and visually impaired. She plans corporate travel as well as leisure travel which was perfect for me. I wanted to take a cruise through Alaska which she planned for me. Rather than fly to the ship's port I instead chose to travel there by train and then having a few days in Seattle WA before I set sail for Alaska.
The train trip was enjoyable as well as informative. One of the stops we made was in Yellowstone National Park. Park Rangers dressed as bears boarded the train and I was able to have my picture taken with the 3 bears! The Park Rangers also provide on train guides at certain points during the trip. They would exit and enter at different points allowing for continuous narration throughout the trip. They encourage passengers to sit in the observation cars with broad windows to view the flora and fauna native to this part of the country and listen to the guides speak about the different regions that we were passing through.
Once I got to Seattle WA I had a few days to relax and tour the city before boarding the cruise ship. I made sure to book a hotel that had a restaurant on the premises so that I wouldn't have to worry about looking for places to get a bite to eat. This also freed up my time to go site seeing through Seattle. I also went to Victoria on The Victoria Clipper and had a traditional high tea with all the trimmings at the Emporer's Hotel. The tea cakes, scones and finger sandwiches were so good that I ordered a second helping which I will admit I totally devoured. Well except for a few goodies that I shard with Holly my guide dog.
Next up it was time to go on board the ship to set sail for Alaska!
My travel agent advised me that ship personnel were required to meet me at the ship when I arrived. They were also required to take me through the ship to familiarize me with the layout, inform me of the safety rules and regulations as well as show me to my room. I also spent time with the dining room wait staff who were required to either read the menu to me or provide me a menu in braille.
They were wonderful! Not only was the food delicious but they understood the fact that I needed help with things such as cutting my food. It's something that sited people take for granted but if you think about it here I am in an unfamiliar setting that's moving no less! Very easy for me to try to do something like that on my own and end up with the food all over the table instead of on my plate and in my mouth!
The train trip was enjoyable as well as informative. One of the stops we made was in Yellowstone National Park. Park Rangers dressed as bears boarded the train and I was able to have my picture taken with the 3 bears! The Park Rangers also provide on train guides at certain points during the trip. They would exit and enter at different points allowing for continuous narration throughout the trip. They encourage passengers to sit in the observation cars with broad windows to view the flora and fauna native to this part of the country and listen to the guides speak about the different regions that we were passing through.
Once I got to Seattle WA I had a few days to relax and tour the city before boarding the cruise ship. I made sure to book a hotel that had a restaurant on the premises so that I wouldn't have to worry about looking for places to get a bite to eat. This also freed up my time to go site seeing through Seattle. I also went to Victoria on The Victoria Clipper and had a traditional high tea with all the trimmings at the Emporer's Hotel. The tea cakes, scones and finger sandwiches were so good that I ordered a second helping which I will admit I totally devoured. Well except for a few goodies that I shard with Holly my guide dog.
Next up it was time to go on board the ship to set sail for Alaska!
My travel agent advised me that ship personnel were required to meet me at the ship when I arrived. They were also required to take me through the ship to familiarize me with the layout, inform me of the safety rules and regulations as well as show me to my room. I also spent time with the dining room wait staff who were required to either read the menu to me or provide me a menu in braille.
They were wonderful! Not only was the food delicious but they understood the fact that I needed help with things such as cutting my food. It's something that sited people take for granted but if you think about it here I am in an unfamiliar setting that's moving no less! Very easy for me to try to do something like that on my own and end up with the food all over the table instead of on my plate and in my mouth!
Cruise to Barbados and Dominica
Bridgetown
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Looking over the water and shipping containers. |
Bridgetown
Beautiful overlooking the shipping containers. |
On The Ship
Sighted crew member describing the view of the harbor from the ship.
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On the Boat
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Pretty sky overlooking the harbor. |
On The Boat
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Alf and I enjoying our trip. |
Barbados
Sightseeing!
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Barbados
Meeting the excursion tour. |
Barbados
Enjoying the local architecture.
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Barbados
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Enjoying the local architecture. |
Barbados
Interesting outdoor sculpture.l |
Barbados
Posing with a new friend!l |
Barbados
At the rum distillery. Took the tour enjoyed the samples so much I even bought a big bottle to take home!
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Barbados
Doing a little shopping.
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Barbados
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Barbados
Looking at the sugar cane fields.
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Barbados
More views of the sugar cane fields. |
Barbados
Passing through town.
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Dominica
Standing with Alf and my guide in front of the cruise ship.
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Dominica
My cruise ship.
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Dominica
Beautiful scenic view!
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Dominica
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Dominica
Another view of the water.
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Dominca
On the tour!
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Dominica
Enjoying the local sites.
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Dominica
Coconut Tree!
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Dominica
Coconuts!
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Dominica
Beautiful flowers!
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Dominica
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Dominica
A little local shopping.
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Dominica
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More local scenery. |
Dominica
View of the volcano!
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Dominica
Another view of the volcano!
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Dominica
The ship in the port. |
Dominica
Touring the island.
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Dominica
Touring the island.
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Dominica
Touring the island. |
Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica. |
Dominica
Touring Dominica.
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Dominica
Touring Dominica. |
