Trip Planner 2016-17 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 36

Experience Historical Attractions Compiled by Gabe Webb ESTATES OF DISTINCTION The lives of the George Vanderbilt family are highlighted on tours of the Biltmore mansion and gardens. Wine tasting at Antler Hill Village & Winery is a popular option, as is a collection Newport Mansions–The Preservation of outdoor activities that includes guided Society horseback rides, river float excursions, Segway 1-6/NTA/2016.qxp_Courier 7/04 1/22/16 2:38 PMNewport, P Rhode Island tours and bicycle rentals. newportmansions.org Bok Tower Gardens Lake Wales, Florida boktowergardens.org Visitors can see one of the greatest examples of acclaimed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.’s work as they explore the gardens. They also can hear the unique Singing Tower carillon; tour the 1930s-era, Mediterranean-style mansion; and take a walk on one of the nature trails. The society’s mission is to protect, preserve and present Newport’s exceptional collection of house museums. Its 11 properties exemplify three centuries of achievements in American architecture, decorative arts and landscape design from the Colonial era to the Gilded Age. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens 626-405-2240 Pasadena-adjacent [email protected] 34 trip planner EXPLORECHARLESTON.COM CC WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/JIM G: bit.ly/1TpFEfU Nature, Art, Culture BOK TOWER GARDENS/PEZZIMENTI PHOTOGRAPHY Biltmore Estate Asheville, North Carolina biltmore.com JOHN CORBETT/THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY THE BITMORE COMPANY The NTA membership includes historical homes and gardens that are connected to prominent American families from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The following five attractions offer an array of tours, group programs and special events to help tell the stories of these influential statesmen, industrialists and landowners. Hearst Castle San Simeon, California hearstcastle.org Middleton Place Charleston, South Carolina middletonplace.org Travelers can see the museum, house and grounds as part of specialized group tours. As they explore, they will get a glimpse of WIlliam Randolph Hearst’s hilltop estate much like the Hollywood stars, presidents, prime ministers and business leaders have since the mid 20th century. Built in 1755, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark that was the residence of the Middleton family, whose members played prominent roles in Co