Virginia's Military Museums

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
Pet Smart, Crossgates Commons - 7:30am
Catskill, Exit 21 Commuter Lot (no overnight parking) - 8:15am
Kingston Plaza, Kingston - 8:35am

Tuesday, November 5:

We will board the coach this morning and begin our journey to Northern Virginia and our accommodations at the Country Inn & Suites Potomac Mills (703- 496-4596). This hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, and each room features a coffee maker, iron & ironing board, microwave and refrigerator. The rest of the evening will be on your own at the hotel. There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the hotel including Red Lobster, Smokey Bones, and On the Border

Wed., November 6:

Enjoy a hot breakfast (included) at the hotel this morning. First, we will travel to Rippon Lodge to learn about the former home of Admiral Richard Blackburn Black and his family’s history. Built in 1747, Rippon Lodge is the oldest known home in Prince William County. The Blackburn’s have a unique story to tell as it relates to our nation’s independence, which you will learn about during your visit. Our next stop is an experience at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Uncover the history of the Corps, test your skills as a Marine, and get insight into the lives of those who fight for our freedom. During your visit, see the incredible Gene Hackman-narrated film “We, The Marines” to get an unparalleled view into the experiences of Marines from boot camp through modern warfare training. Enjoy lunch on your own at Devil Dog Diner, a cafeteria-style eatery, or Tun Tavern, a replica of the Philadelphia tavern where the Marine Corps was established. Finally, we will pay our respects at Quantico National Cemetery with a private flag placing experience at the graves of veterans whose remains were previously forgotten. Hosted by the Missing in America Project, their mission is to find, identify and provide full military burial for these now remembered heroes. We will return to the hotel to rest and refresh before dinner (included) at The Harbour Grille located right on the Occoquan River. Enjoy a buffet including salad, roasted potatoes, veggies, Blackened Chicken Alfredo, Glazed Salmon and Lasagna w/Meat sauce with chocolate cake for dessert.

Thursday, November 7

After our included hot breakfast we will depart the hotel for the National Museum of the United States Army. This new museum shines a unique light on the symbiotic relationship between Army and society, highlighting the Army’s direct influence on our nation socially, technologically, scientifically, financially, and culturally. The Museum immerses visitors in 245 years of American Soldiers’ experiences. Next we will head north, to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, one of the lesser known Smithsonian Museums. The Udvar-Hazy Center displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde, in two large hangars. Enjoy a docent-led tour followed by lunch on your own at Shake Shack located right on site. We will depart at 2pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 9pm. One stop each way