to early November. “Nearly 80% of West Virginia is
tree-covered, with 36 state parks and seven state forests providing a brilliant show of fall colour.” The state – the only one to be
directly born out of the Civil War – will also be celebrating its 150th birthday this year. Elsewhere, events to mark the 150th anniversary of the war continue throughout 2013. Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland are rich in famous battle sites. One of this year’s biggest events is set to be the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in July. Philadelphia, birthplace of American independence and home to famous attractions such as the Liberty Bell, hosts the US Open golf tournament at The Merion Golf Club from June 10-16. Meanwhile, New Jersey continues
to recover from the effects of Superstorm Sandy. “Atlantic City is up and running and open for business,” stresses Karen Martin, Media Relations Manager of the seaside resort’s CVA.
What’s New Hotels The former Setai Fifth Avenue hotel in New York is set to be rebranded as Langham Place this month (January).
www.langhamhospitalitygroup.com
Kites and bikes are among the guest amenities at Kimpton’s second boutique hotel to open in Philadelphia. The four-star Hotel Monaco offers 268 guest rooms, a rooftop lounge and free wi-fi .
www.kimptonhotels.com
Attractions New York is due to get its own version of ‘Boris bikes’ this spring. Ten thousand bicycles will be available for hire at 600 docking stations throughout the city.
www.nycgo.com
The largest stone fort in the US has become the country’s latest national park. Fort Monroe National Monument at Hampton in Virginia was an army post for 150+ years.
www.nps.gov/fomr
Cayuga County in New York State’s Finger Lakes region has devised a Sweet Treat Trail for visitors. The self-guided tour includes visits to maple syrup manufacturers, creameries, farm shops and bakeries.
www.tourcayuga.com
The sixth-largest shopping mall in the US has opened in Syracuse in New York State. Destiny USA has 260+ stores and restaurants.
www.destinyusa.com
Operators Kirker Holidays has added Philadelphia to its 2013 Cultural Tours and Music Holidays brochure. A six-night Art and Music in Philadelphia itinerary from Heathrow on April 23 leads in at £2,689pp. It includes two operas, a concert, visits to museums and art galleries, and excursions to Baltimore and Delaware.
www.kirkerholidays.com
Vacations To America has expanded its programme to the mid- Atlantic states with two new escorted tours. Both the Patriots of America Family Adventure itinerary from £2,395pp and the Williamsburg and Washington
DC tour from £2,645 are one-week holidays
and include Philadelphia, Amish country, Gettysburg, Williamsburg and
Washington DC.
www.vacationstoamerica.com
Tourism Talk GREG EVANS
UK Director, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau “Philadelphia attracted 92,000 UK visitors in 2011. Business was fairly fl at in 2012 but most operators are optimistic that this year will see a reversal of that trend. The city will also benefi t from new global rebranding rolled out at WTM in November. We backed that up by taking part in a Visit USA road show. We will also be supporting operators and ensuring everyone knows that Philadelphia is a modern renaissance city that is a ‘must-see’ destination. It offers something for everyone.”
Sample package 0113 246 1466
www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk A Taste of the Capital Region is a 14-night fl y-drive tour that starts and fi nishes in Washington DC and includes Baltimore, Annapolis, St Michaels, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and the Skyline Drive. Prices start at £1,830pp including fl ights.
Where To Book It TITAN TRAVEL – 0800 988 5166
Above, golf in West Virginia and
Washington DC’s Capitol building at dusk. Left, springtime in Virginia
A 14-day Visions of Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains escorted tour includes three nights in
Meet the Operator
Where would you recommend for the fi rst-time visitor to the region? “If it’s for a short city break, they are spoilt for choice. New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC have a vast array of sightseeing as well as great shopping, restaurants, cultural activities and entertainment, and fabulous hotels. For clients looking for a longer stay, there are so many options. A popular itinerary combines Washington DC with Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay and the Civil War region of Virginia.”
Which clients are best suited to the mid-Atlantic states? “It’s a great region for fl y-drive itineraries and escorted tours so it tends to be a popular choice for the return visitor to the US. Cities such as Washington DC also have many things for families to enjoy.”
What are the must-see attractions? “The monuments and museums of Washington DC are informative and interactive. The other must- see is Shenandoah National Park – particularly the breathtaking Skyline Drive, a 100-mile route that rides along the crest of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.”
Are you offering any new product for 2013? “One of our favourite properties in our latest brochure is the Inn at Perry Cabin, a gorgeous colonial mansion alongside the Miles River at St Michaels in Maryland.”
Where is your favourite place? “My fi rst trip to the US was to Philadelphia, Hershey and the Amish region of Pennsylvania so they will always be a special part of the country to me.”
selling tip
Make the most of Lincoln… The Steven Spielberg movie was filmed in Virginia at sites in Richmond and Petersburg
Ruby Briggs, Managing Director, North America Travel Service
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