Leamings Run Gardens

Cape May, NJ

A visit to Leaming's Run Gardens is a delightful relaxing walk along winding paths where every turn reveals more of nature's beauty. Hidden among the serenity of the pines, the Colonial Farm brings to life the daily problems faced by the whalers who first settled Cape May County. During August, the gardens become a mecca for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds who come to feed before their long migration. Enjoy all this during a guided tour then buy lunch.

Fairmount Park Buildings Tour

Philadelphia, PA

One of the United States' largest and oldest municipally-operated park systems, Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park encompasses 9,200 acres and includes 7 eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century historic houses. Knowledgeable tour guides will lead us through 3 distinct homes – the Sweetbriar, Woodford, and the Strawberry Mansion. Buy lunch. Receive a discount when you sign up for the companion trip to Wissahickon Creek Park.

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

New Hope, PA

If you are wild about wildflowers, join BBNC as we journey to Bowman’s Hill to learn about all the colorful species that are in bloom this time of year. A knowledgeable naturalist will tailor a wildflower walk to the group’s interest and lead us through an aster-filled meadow, enchanting woods, streams and a constructed pond. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under a covered pavilion and spend some free time taking photographs, reading, or just enjoying the early fall weather. 

Autumn Colors of the Hagley Mansion

Wilmington, DE

As the weather turns brisk, the seemingly endless array of nature's colors, meandering river, and honking of resident Canada geese will add a special magic to our tour of the site where the du Pont story begins. We will take a guided bus tour that includes Eleutherian Mills, the 1803 Georgian-style home of five generations of the du Pont family and the restored nineteenth-century French-style garden of E. I. du Pont. Buy lunch.

Wissahickon Creek Park

Philadelphia, PA

Join Briar Bush Senior Naturalist, Mark Fallon, for a day of strolling though the Wissahickon Creek Park, one of the largest yet least appreciated natural areas in our region. The 1800 acre forested gorge is rich with landmarks of its history – both human and natural – if you know where to look. Come discover this local treasure! Buy lunch. Receive a discount when you sign up for the companion Fairmount Park Buildings tour.

Native American Art Festival

Rancocas, NJ

One day will not be enough time to see all there is at the Native American Arts Festival at the Rankokus Indian Reservation. Artists from throughout the Americas, including silversmiths, potters, sand painters, beaders, sculptors, carvers, drum makers, weavers, basket makers, and more will exhibit and sell their outstanding traditional and contemporary arts. Delectable Indians foods will appeal to any palate, and live wolves and buffalo will be present for up-close viewing. Lunch is on us! 

Birding at Bombay Hook

Smyrna, Delaware

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is known among birders as an international hotspot and is recognized as one of America's 100 'Important Bird Areas' by the American Bird Conservancy. We will search for some of the 278 species of birds that have been seen on the refuge, including migrating Greater Snow which can appear in flocks numbering in the thousands. Dress for the weather, wear walking shoes, and bring your binoculars and cameras. Hot drinks and snacks included; buy lunch.

Kristkindlmarkt

Bethlehem, PA

Experience the magic of the holidays with the heart-warming sounds of strolling carolers, authentic German and Austrian food, and live craft making demonstrations, all while surrounded by fantastic holiday light displays. Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world, Kristkindlmarkt Bethlehem features aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation's finest artisans. We will spend the day shopping and enjoying the festivities at our leisure. Lunch is on us!

Cape May Christmas

Historic Cape May, NJ glows with holiday warmth (no matter the weather) during the holiday season. For the Cape May Candlelight House Tours, more than 20 bed and breakfast inns, guesthouses, hotels and churches open their doors to share their festive Victorian interiors. Heated trolleys will shuttle us around town and stations along the way will serve free fresh-baked cookies, wassail, tea and coffee. Share this evening with someone special and create a memory to last all year long. 

Yuletide at Winterthur
Winterthur, DE

Each day of Yuletide at Winterthur offers an abundance of wintertime cheer, from concerts and how-to demos to family activities and shopping. We will begin our tour of the estate with a guided garden tram tour, then view the elegant interiors of the H.F. du Pont mansion bedecked in holiday finery. There will be time to walk through two levels of art, furniture, textile, and holiday displays before buying a late lunch.  

Eco Trip - Saw-whet Owl Banding Overnight

Postville, PA

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art has been banding and tracking Saw-whet Owls since 1997. World-renowned naturalist and author Scott Weidensaul will teach us about these tiny PA raptors while we observe netting, banding, releasing and tracking procedures. Bring your binoculars as we will spend the next day searching for other feathered friends at Hawk Mountain. Price includes hotel, all meals and admissions. Must be a Friends of Briar Bush member.

Dates: Sunday, October 19 – Monday, October 20

Cost: $240 (single occupancy); $195/person (double occupancy)

Individual Friends of Briar Bush Membership: $25

Eco Trip - Georgia on My Mind

St. Simons Island, GA

Spend an unforgettable week in enchanting Georgia with BBNC Executive Director Dede Long, who will take you on an interpretive tour and historical review of this natural coastal wonderland. Fly nonstop to Jacksonville, FL where your 8-day, 7-night journey begins. Travel by van to St. Simons Island where you will be lodged in condos at the Sea Palm Golf and Tennis Resort. Enjoy day trips to Savannah, Jekyll Island, Sapelo Island, the Okefenokee Swamp and much more. Cost includes most meals, lodging, all events and ground transportation; airfare is extra. Full details and itinerary available by calling BBNC. Seize this fantastic opportunity to enjoy fun (and sun)-filled days in the South. Must be a Friends of Briar Bush member.

Cost: $1300 (single occupancy); $1025/person (double occupancy)

Individual Friends of Briar Bush Membership: $25