THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602230048
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STEPHEN HARRIMAN
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
YOU CAN'T get there from here. Not exactly. But if you can get to Philadelphia, you can head off for Great Britain on a locally sponsored tour. And if you can get to Washington, you can join another local group headed for Prague. Here are the details:
Antique lovers weary of the same obvious destinations will enjoy a tour of England and Scotland April 8-22 conducted by Mary K. Brenner of Norfolk. The fully escorted tour, limited to 14 people, will comb country auctions, flea markets, shops and warehouses as well as Edinburgh's renowned Scottish Antique Fair. The cost of $2,495 includes round-trip air from Philadelphia, private motor coach, traditional hotels, full breakfast and dinner daily, two evenings at the theater, a river cruise and admission to several stately homes. Info: (804) 622-0847.
Tidewater Community College is sponsoring a Spring in Prague tour May 8-21 to the capital of the Czech Republic. The cost of $1,534 includes round-trip air from Washington Dulles, bed and breakfast, ground transportation, guided tours, cultural events and time for independent exploring. Deadline March 15. Info: TCC Office of International Programs, (804) 484-2121. OUR OWN BACKYARD
If you missed the original battle off Old Point Comfort between the ironclads Monitor and Merrimack, you may be interested in seeing a re-enactment, with one-fifth scale fully working models, in the Elizabeth River off Fort Norfolk March 9 and 10.
Fort Norfolk is at 803 Front Street at the southern end of Colley Avenue. It is the home of the Norfolk Historical Society, which is sponsoring the weekend event as well as a living history program that includes Civil War sutlers, military parades, music and plenty of food. A donation of $5 per family is suggested. Info: (804) 625-1720. TIME TRAVELERS
Civil War buffs can visit battlefields and other historic sites in the crucial eastern sector of the War Between the States, on a Globus Travel package developed in partnership with the Civil War Trust of Washington. The eight-day tour begins in Washington, D.C., then travels to Manassas (Bull Run), Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Next, it's off to Harper's Ferry, Antietam and Gettysburg. From Pennsylvania, you travel back to Richmond, visiting Winchester, Lexington and Appomattox along the way.
Eleven departures are scheduled between April 28 and Oct. 6. Prices begin at $889 per person, double occupancy, and include accommodations in first-class hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, motorcoach transportation, specified sightseeing, baggage handling, hotel tips and local taxes. Contact your travel agent. YOUR MONEY'S WORTH
Maine Windjammers offer discounts to passengers who sign up by March 1 for three- to six-day sailings. Original price: $335-$725. Choose one of 10 historic sailing ships that hail from midcoast ports of Camden, Rockport and Rockland. Season runs from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Info: (800) 807-WIND. WHAT IS BRANSON?
What is this Branson, Mo., place that's such a hot destination, a reader wants to know. Sorry about that. We had a story, but now that I think about it, it's been several years. Time flies when you're having fun.
Branson, a once-quiet town in southwest Missouri, has been called the Nashville of the Ozarks, but that's not really what it is. It's more like the Las Vegas of family entertainment, with more musical acts - or all sorts - per square mile that any place in the country.
Also, there are amusement parks and museums . . . and mountains and lakes and outdoor recreation . . . and some of the most delightful fall foliage anywhere.
Ask a travel agent for more details or contact the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 214-3661. MEMO: Travel-wise is compiled from wire-service reports, news releases, trade
journals, books, magazines and the deepest recesses of the writer's
mind. Send comments and questions to Travel-wise, The Virginian-Pilot,
Norfolk, Va. 23501-0449; phone (804) 446-2904. by CNB