Adults (18+) are invited to join Briar Bush on fascinating trips to a variety of natural and historical locations throughout PA and beyond! We offer something for everyone as we travel to popular hot-spots, local favorites and places well off the beaten path. Take a Great Escape for a day or get away for up to a week on an Eco Trip! Prices include transportation in Briar Bush’s van, a BBNC educator and all admission fees unless otherwise noted. Abington township residents receive a 10% discount and Friends of Briar Bush members receive a 20% discount off all advertised prices.
Bring your camera, binoculars and walking shoes! Lumberville, PA and Bull Island Sate Park are connected by a beautiful steel bridge which we will cross on foot as we enter the park. The 24-acre island has a towpath running along the canal and the woods are home to several rare plant species. We will explore and enjoy the late summer weather before heading back across the bridge for lunch at the Black Bass Inn overlooking the river. Bring snacks if desired.
Date
Wednesday, September 8
Program #72
Time
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost
$35
Sailing on the AJ Meerwald
Philadelphia, PA
A repeat of a popular program! Enjoy a leisurely 2.5-hour sail on this beautiful and fascinating vessel. Today is also Coast Day at Penn’s Landing, a fun and educational festival sponsored by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary; trip includes a visit to the Independence Seaport Museum. Pack or buy lunch; snacks provided.
Date
Saturday, September 11
Program #73
Time
9:30 am – 5 p.m
Cost
$60
Wharton Esherick Home
Malvern, PA
Back by popular demand! Take a look inside the creative mind of Wharton Esherick, dean of American craftsmen, during a tour of his estate and workshop. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Valley Forge, his “autobiography executed in wood” features unique curved walls and stunning woodwork. Buy lunch at the delicious Winberie Restaurant.
Date
Thursday, September 23
Program #78
Time
10 am – 2:30 pm
Cost
$40
Garden Luncheon at Welkinweir
Pottstown, PA
Set out to enjoy “relaxed country living and entertaining at the place where sky meets water.” Begin with a guided stroll through Welkinweir’s beautiful home and luxurious gardens. Afterwards, settle down on the home’s terrace, overlooking the lake, to enjoy a home-made catered lunch (included) filled with delicious local and seasonal items. A real treat! Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Date
Thursday, September 30
Program #85
Time
9:00am – 2:00pm
Cost
$60
Renaissance Faire
Manheim, PA
The year is 1589 and there is so much to celebrate in a faire filled jesters and jugglers, pirates and parades, lords and ladies, and adventure all around. On top of the hundreds of merchants, performances, demonstrations, games and events, it’s Wine Harvest weekend, featuring a grape-stomping competition! Canst thou stomp, crush, and pulverize every last grape? Kids welcome on this trip.
Date
Saturday, October 9
Program #95
Time
8 am – 4:30 pm
Cost
$80/adult; $12.50/child
Eco-Trip: The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
Ohiopyle, PA
**This trip is full**
Possibly one of the most well-known and inspirational architects of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright’s concept of organic architecture promoted harmony between man and nature through design. We will immerse ourselves in his creative genius on unique in-depth tours of 5 of his critically acclaimed properties, Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, and the 3 homes at Polymath Park. With a little luck, the fall foliage will be at its peak and we can spend a relaxing afternoon at Ohio Pyle State Park, featuring easy hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls. Price is all inclusive - hotel, entrance fees/tours, delicious meals at local restaurants and a wine and cheese ‘social’ at the hotel. Please call to reserve your space by October 1, 2010.
Date
Wed., October 13 – Fri., October 15
Program #84
Cost
Single occupancy: $550
Double occupancy: $500/person
Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, PA
Get ready for Halloween by touring the first modern U.S. prison, once home to Al Capone. The day is yours to enjoy the fascinating audio tour through the various rooms, art galleries and Jewish Memorial Exhibit. You may also choose to catch any or all of the three behind-the-scenes guided tours. Price includes a 3-course lunch at Illuminare Italian Ristorante!
Date
Wednesday, October 20
Program #102
Time
9:45 a.m – 5:30 pm
Cost
$70
WheatonVillage
Millville, PA
Start the day with a lovely brunch at the Paper Waiter Restaurant before entering the 60-acre glass making community of Wheaton Village. The day is yours to watch live demonstrations, including glass blowing and bead-making, tour the Handcrafted Holiday Gift Exhibition in the gallery, shop for your own unique trinkets in the many stores or just enjoy the crisp October weather.
Date
Thursday, October 28
Program #86
Time
10 a.m.- 4:15 p.m.
Cost
$48
Make Your Own Pottery
Philadelphia, PA
Get inspired…get creative…get (a little) messy! Creating your own useful or decorative pottery pieces is easy and fun, especially with an expert guiding you through the process. Begin the day with a tour through The Clay Studio, a gallery/studio/school dedicated to the ceramic arts. After lunch in the city, it’s back to Briar Bush to make our own clay creations with the help of Dyan Schwartz, a local ceramic artist. All pieces will be fired and returned to BBNC within 2 weeks. Buy lunch.
Date
Wednesday, November 3
Program #94
Time
9:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost
$55
Bird Watching at John Heinz Refuge
Philadelphia, PA
Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair from us) for a bird watching walk. The chilly weather brings huge numbers of ducks, geese, hawks and eagles to the tidal marshes at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. All levels of bird enthusiasts welcome. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes (1.5 mile walk on gravel path). Buy lunch. Sign up with a friend and save!
Date
Wednesday, November 17
Program #103
Time
8 am - 2 pm
Cost
$30/single; $22.50 each/double
Cleopatra at the Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA
The world of Cleopatra, lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years, resurfaces in this stunning world-premier exhibition. We will explore the multitude of galleries together and have plenty of free time to see the other exhibits, view a planetarium show and have lunch. Pack or buy lunch there. Sign up with a friend and save!
Date
Wednesday, December 1
Program #109
Time
9 am – 3:45 pm
Cost
$75/single; $56.25 each/double
Cape May Christmas
Cape May, NJ
Enjoy an early dinner in historic Cape May before embarking on the Christmas Candlelight House Tour, featuring over a dozen festively decorated homes, churches, inns and bed-and-breakfasts, the Emlen Physick Estate and the Carriage House Gallery. Warm up as you travel between houses on the heated trolley, or stop at a hospitality center for hot beverages and home-baked goodies. Buy dinner. Sign up with a friend and save!
