We depart Knoxville this morning traveling northeast through the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee before entering Virginia. At Wytheville we turn north and soon enter the Mountain State of West Virginia stopping in Beckley for lunch at Tamarack. Tamarack’s striking, peaked red roof and attractively landscaped grounds draw half a million visitors annually into a welcome respite of visual beauty, Appalachian sounds, and distinctive aromas. It’sa one-stop-shop for West Virginia culture, heritage, handcrafts, fine art,regional cuisine and music. Tamarack’s world-renowned partner, The Green- brier, provides signature dining which attracts guests for second helpings of delectable cuisine. After lunch we continue through West Virginia for a two night stay. Dinner is included this evening.

We have a short drive to Romney where we board the scenic Potomac Eagle and travel along the peaceful South Branch of the Potomac River, one of the most picturesque railroads in the United States. Fall comes to Western Maryland and West Virginia wrapped in a glorious coat of color that is mostly unseen from the highway. This narrated passenger train excursion takes you through narrow valleys containing the pristine waters of the South Branch and gently curves along the valley wall through lush mountain greenery and offers a view of the river and its wildlife few other travelers can see. This is the Eastern home of the American Bald Eagle where the high valley walls and clear river water provide the seclusion andexcellent fishing the eagle requires. Keep your camera ready and don’t be surprised to see these magnificent flyers soaring overhead.

After breakfast at the resort we continue north to Cumberland, Maryland where we board the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a trip to Frostburg, Maryland with views of the Allegheny Mountains along the route. After lunch in Frostburg, we will visit the Thrasher Caarriage Museum— one of the top collections of horse-drawn vehicles representing all walks of life fromthemilkmantothewealthy. Pleasurevehicles,funeralwagons,sleighs, carts, and more are on display in the renovated 19th century warehouse. You will enjoy browsing in the General Store gift shop for candles, candy, toys, and more. Time to browse the shops and restaurants in Canal Place before checking into our hotel for the night at Frostburg.

We depart Frostburg this morning and travel to Shanksville, PA to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial Site. After our visit to the Flight 93 Me- morial, we continue through Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands to Pittsburgh, PA for lunch and shopping at Station Square. The foliage throughout Pennsylvania should be spectacular today. After lunch a local guide will take us on a guided tour of Pittsburgh beginning with a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline offering the most spectacular views of Pittsburgh from the new Observation Deck. Pittsburgh, banked on all sides by tall, green hills and cut by three mighty rivers is known as the birthplace of American History where British troops gained controlof North America. Once the Gateway to the West, it was the final stopin America’s push into the unknown. Today, Pittsburgh is proud and new: America’s Renaissance City. A city of modern glass cathedrals and Old World, neighborly charms. We enjoy a dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper.

Today, we travel to Parkersburg, West Virginia to visit the Blennerhas- sett Museum showcasing priceless historical relics and objects of art from the Ohio Valley’s past. After lunch, we journey to Blennerhassett Island via a sternwheeler riverboat from Point Park. This is an area of quiet natural beauty and is the scene of the alleged Burr-Blennerhassett plot. We’ll discover the outcome of this shocking deed as we tour the restored mansion. A horse-drawn trolley will add an interesting view of this tiny island. We spend our last night in the Parkersburg area.

We depart Parkersburg and continue south making a photo stop at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. You have seen the best of West Virginia, Western Maryland and Pennsylvania’s fall colors with Knoxville Tours.