Wipe Your Feet

April 7, 2017Posted in Destinations, HistoryWritten by adminLeave a comment

As a Tour Director for Starr, there are many days and nights throughout our busy travel season that I, like my fellow Tour Directors and like our passengers, are away from our own homes. I have to admit, passengers aren’t homesick for too long, especially when the tour includes visiting some pretty unique, historic, and even haunted houses. All guests have to do is “wipe their feet” and they are welcomed into the private homes of rock stars, corporate executives, historical figures and sometimes homes of those who have left this world… or have they? Below is a short list highlighting some of these intriguing homes that open their doors to Starr customers.

GRACELAND, Memphis, Tennessee—Available on the Memphis/Nashville Tour.

Home to Rock n’ Roll Legend, Elvis Presley, this colonial mansion has been frozen in time complete with original furnishings and shag carpeting. You’ll be treated to a glimpse of the famous “jungle room,” and billiards room where a large tear can be seen on the pool table. Culprit unknown. You can pay respects to Elvis and his family members in the Meditation Garden which is adjacent to the house.

HEARST CASTLE, San Simeon, California—Available on the Cross Country by Bus Tour.

Sitting high on California’s Central Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is William Randolph Hearst’s Casa del Mar. The media genius built his dream house in 1947. It boasts 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens. Actors, politicians, business executives, and newspaper moguls were often guests to his “Enchanted Hill.” It was here that they would meet for cocktails, conversation and just plain fun surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque tapestries as well as masterpieces of paintings and sculptures. The Neptune and Roman Pools are only two reasons to see for yourself what money and power looked like back then.

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION, Charleston, South Carolina—Available on the Savannah/Charleston Tour.

It’s easy to fall into the Southern expressions of “yes ma’m” and “bless your heart” after visiting these 70 acres dating back to the 1670s. The primary crop was rice which eventually took a backseat to the beautiful gardens which were constantly being expanded deserving the title of “America’s Oldest Romantic Gardens.” The site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2001. The plantation bore witness to both the American Revolution and Civil Wars. So its no wonder that stepping onto their grand porch gives you the feeling of being greeted like long lost relatives—much like in “Gone With the Wind.”

LIZZIE BORDEN HOUSE, Falls River, MA—Available on Ghosts of Providence, Rhode Island Tour.

Now a Bed and Breakfast Inn as well as a museum, this house is especially popular during the Halloween season. Registered with the Fall River Historical Society as a tourist attraction, this three-story Victorian house is where the 1892 infamous axe murder of Abby and Andrew Jackson Borden occurred. Their daughter, Lizzie Borden, was tried and acquitted. Visitors can see most rooms in the house and then make their way over to the gift shop for some unique purchases. In case you have a family gathering, wedding or need to schedule a seance, the entire house or individual floors are available to rent!

MONTICELLO, Charlottesville, VA—Available on Presidential Homes of Virginia Tour.

Visiting the home of our third US President, Thomas Jefferson, gives you the opportunity to share in the interests of this Renaissance man. The estate shows off his 43-room house that he designed in 1769 and finished in 1809. His plantation was a source of food as well as a laboratory for plants from all over the world. Jefferson’s parlor is one of the rooms where he would entertain his political peers. On your visit, be sure to check out one of three house privies or as Jefferson called them his “air closets.”

STEGMAIER MANSION, Wilkes Barre, PA—Available on Pocono Fall Foliage Tour.

If you are fond of the Victorian Era, then you will absolutely love the home of Frederick and Mary Steigmaier, founder of the Stegmaier Beer Company. Said to be the aristocrats of Wilkes Barre, the Stegmaiers weren’t only highly regarded because of their world-renown “Gold Medal” beer, but for their philanthropy as well. Restored by its present owner as a Bed & Breakfast and venue for special events, you are in for a real treat as each room is over the top Victorian—wallpaper, furniture, household furnishings. Doesn’t matter if you have lunch in the Ladies or Gentlemen’s Parlors, you are transported back in Victorian time!

BEAUVOIR, Biloxi, MS—Available on Mississippi Gulf Coast Tour.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis had a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico from his large estate. Willed to him by, Sarah Ellis Dorsey, Davis lived out his final years at Beauvoir. With his passing, his second wife, Varina Howell Davis sold it to the Sons of Confederate Veterans with the stipulation that it be used as a Confederate veterans home. It is on the National Historic Landmark Registry. Besides touring Davis’ home, visitors are treated to museum and library Civil War artifacts. Be sure to ask about the Camel Corp—it is fascinating!

EDSEL AND ELEANOR FORD HOUSE, Grosse Pt. Shores, MI—Available on Agawa Canyon, Ontario Canada Tour.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t seen it all! Although Edsel, the son of Henry Ford, had multiple houses, this one on Lake St. Clair was where he and his wife Eleanor raised their four children. Built on 87 acres and designed by the premier landscape designer, Jens Jensen, this house tour is as much about the outside as the inside. Jens managed to combine woodlands, meadows and wetlands in such a natural way that guests are mesmerized. Each building on the estate is fashioned after English cottages including their daughter’s playhouse complete with plumbing and electricity! The wood paneling, doors, fireplaces, and chimney piece come from various areas of England. The kitchen counters made of sterling silver and a secret photography darkroom are more reasons not to miss this tour.

So, when you feel like “running away” from your own home for a at least a little while, consider taking a Starr bus tour and visiting one of these wonderful homes! You won’t be disappointed!

Happy travels,
Christine Durling, Starr Tour Director

Why New York Means the (World) To Me

March 24, 2017Posted in Destinations, HistoryWritten by Bette Barr2 Comments

When people hear that I am a Tour Director for Starr, one of the most common questions I get asked is what are my favorite trips. To paraphrase an old song: “If I’m not on the trip that I love, I love the trip I’m on!”

There are so many trips that I like for different reasons and here are some examples and why: Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown* or Civil War Trails* for the historical aspects, the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia* or southern charm of Savannah* for the scenery, and some are just plain fun, like Brooklyn Christmas Lights, Villa Roma Resort in the Catskills*, or the Atlantic City Overnight Getaway!

But the trip I get the most satisfaction from is the day trip to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Why is this one a top favorite for me?? Aside from being able to pay my respects to friends, and others, who perished that day, it’s also because it gives me a renewed sense of hope that the city has been rebuilt and can move on.

I’m a New Yorker, born and raised in the outer boroughs. Going back to the city provides a connection to my home, my early years, and my family, but it also gives me a connection to our country’s beginnings.

Downtown isn’t just a commercial area that evolved over time, to become a center of world trade and commerce. It was founded in the early 17th century, as a place from which commerce would emanate. In 1609, when Henry Hudson sailed into the harbor that Giovanni da Verrazzano first discovered in 1524, it was for the Dutch East India Company, looking for that elusive passage to the east. Unlike Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, which were founded on religious freedom, New York, or New Amsterdam as it was called then, was founded for commerce – freedom of trade.

I love to tell my passengers stories such as the one about the early Dutch settlers who were merchants, not soldiers, so when the British came in to take over the colony for the King and England, they went along with it, much to “Peg-leg” Peter Stuyvesant’s chagrin. Now, 400 years later, we still have the effects of the original Dutch settlers in NY, in town and street names as well as many Dutch words.

Did you ever wonder why we eat cookies here but in England they eat biscuits? On this trip, I’ll tell you why.

St. Paul’s Chapel/Trinity Church, Photo by Stacy Cashman at RamblingTraveler.com

Another place I always visit when I’m downtown is St Paul’s Chapel, which miraculously suffered no damage in the 9/11 attacks and served as an area of refuge for the rescue workers during the trying and difficult weeks that followed. It’s also where George Washington prayed before he was sworn in as our first president. He took his oath of office on the second floor balcony of Federal Hall, at Wall and Broad Streets, just a short walk from there.

The early history of our country is pretty well wrapped up in that small, downtown area of Manhattan, now larger than when the Dutch and English settled there. Years of landfill from the tunnels and subway have changed the area around the battery and Castle Clinton, which, when it was the Southwest battery, was actually out in the river. One other tidbit, Manhattan is from the Lenape word, Mannahatta, meaning hilly island. Those are some of the of the many reasons I am so drawn to it and love to share that information with my passengers.

Come join me on the 9/11 Memorial and Museum tour on July 15th, August 8, September 23, October 14, or October 22!

Bette Barr
Starr Tour Director and licensed New York City tour guide
*I am not directing these tours this year.

Here’s a list of the other tours I am Tour Directing this year:
May 27 – Central Park & Carmine’s, NYC
June 8-11 – Vermont Favorites Spring Special
June 23-25 – Boston, Massachusetts Getaway
July 9 – Assateague Island Boat Cruise
August 4-6 – Washington, DC: Our Nation’s Capital
August 12 – Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
August 19 – Assateague Island Boat Cruise
September 8-10 – Boston, Massachusetts Getaway
September 17-19 – Long Island, NY Featuring the Hamptons and Sag Harbor
October 1-3 – Long Island, NY Featuring the Hamptons and Sag Harbor
October 29-30 – Atlantic City Overnight
December 3 – Brooklyn Christmas Lights
December 16 – Manhattan Holiday Splendor

The Featured Image for this post was taken by Julienne Schaer © NYC and Company

From Sea to Shining Sea and Memories in Between

March 13, 2017Posted in Destinations, Trips Down Memory LaneWritten by admin4 Comments

Escorting passengers three times on Starr’s Cross Country tour has touched me with so many terrific memories. Of course, there were the famous landmarks beginning with the Gateway Arch in Missouri, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Old Faithful in Wyoming, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Not to forget the Grand Teton Mountains, the Great Plains, the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts, Lake Tahoe and streams and waterfalls, and the Pacific Ocean. Even with all of this beauty and wonder, I will never forget the in-between memories that were reflective of the passengers on the tour as well as the people I had met along the way.

One day after being on the road for a week, one of our passengers asked me if he could talk on the microphone for a few minutes. Not knowing what he was up to but thankful for a talking break, I quickly agreed. Little did any of us know, he was observing our daily activities and would spend his evenings writing lyrics about some missteps— like someone leaving house keys in a hotel room, meeting up with a snowfall in Nevada in July, or being awakened in the middle of the night by a hotel fire alarm because someone got stuck in the elevator. Not only did he sing the song but he accompanied himself with a portable cassette player—remember them? We laughed so hard and so long that he never had to ask for the microphone again. He had a standing gig on the bus each week thereafter. We could hardly wait to hear what and who he was going to sing about next.

Food was always on our minds when traveling cross country. Starting with satisfying hotel breakfasts to surprise snacks shared by our passengers. It was not unusual for a bag of grapes to suddenly appear being passed up and down the aisle followed by a big bag of chocolate candies. Then there was the box lunch in the middle of the Painted Desert in Arizona – not another vehicle in sight as we savored the solitude and the indescribable landscape. Dinners ranged from fine dining menus to pizza delivered to hotel rooms. One of my favorite food memories was our stay in Los Angeles. Our hotel was across the street from Ralph’s Supermarket. One of the passengers asked me what my dinner plans were for the evening. I mentioned I was going over to Ralph’s for a roasted chicken and something from the salad bar. She thought that was a swell idea and joined me by the pool. There we were surrounded by California palm trees and digging in to our dinner with plastic knives and forks. Fine dining— at least in our minds!

Probably the number one question I get about the cross country tour is “What about laundry?”

Starr has that figured to a “tee”! —pun intended. Many of the hotels en route have laundry facilities on-site. The passengers were great about taking turns doing their laundry to everyone’s satisfaction. After 14 days on the road, I decided to do my laundry in San Francisco. Unfortunately, for me, there were no on-site facilities. Desperate times called for desperate measures. So after a few directions from the front desk, I packed up my dirty laundry in a small suitcase and rolled my way up a couple of hills in San Francisco to the neighborhood laundromat humming, “I washed my socks in San Francisco. . .” Being in the heart of this famous town, game me a bird’s eye view of its diversity when I met a young man from New Jersey who moved there a year ago for a job. He was cleaning his apartment and doing his wash before his mom’s visit that weekend. Then there was the girl with multiple tattoos who ran in and out checking on her stash in the dryer. While waiting for my wash to be completed, an elderly Chinese gentleman wearing a large straw hat, asked me if I was from Australia? Somewhat amused, and somewhat flattered, I asked him why he would think that. He said, “because everyone that comes in here is from Australia.” I had to chuckle because when I first arrived at the laundromat— a mother and daughter who helped me maneuver the money changer told me that they were on a three-week tour of the States – from Australia!

On our 26th and final day on the road and after traveling over 7,000 miles—yes, on a bus—yes, with the same people—a couple of our male passengers asked if they could say something to the group. It came as no surprise that their comments brought tears to everyone’s eyes. They, too, spoke about their memories that no guidebook could explain nor postcard could picture—those in-between memories!

I hope you one day have a chance to collect your own treasure trove of in-between memories on our wonderful Cross Country tour!
Christine Durling, Starr Tour Director

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

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