Compare Choose Your Pace: Hiking the Southern Adirondacks by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Arrival, Orientation, Lecture
North River, NY D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: Shuttle from Albany Airport will be leaving at 2:00PM. If you plan on taking the shuttle, please complete and return the shuttle information form that can be found in the information packet.

Afternoon: If you are taking the transfer from the Albany Airport, the shuttle will be leaving at 2:00 PM. It will be approximately a 1.5 hour drive, depending on traffic. Please complete and return the shuttle information form that can be found at the end of your information packet. Check in to the hotel between 4-5PM. Meet at 5:30 for welcome reception and dinner (at hotel).

Dinner: At 6 p.m. we will enjoy a special welcome dinner at Garnet Hill's Log House Restaurant. Guests will be able to choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from the restaurant's full menu as well as a free glass of wine or beer as they enjoy our spectacular views of 13th Lake and the Adirondack mountains.

Evening: After dinner, guests will be introduced to our guides and program for the week. Following orientation, there will be a class on the wide variety of Mushrooms and Wildflowers of the Adirondacks. As they walk along the trails on day two, guests will be well prepared to observe and appreciate the flowers and mushrooms discussed during this lecture. Be advised that specific hikes & trails throughout the program may change last minute due to weather, group interest, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Day 2
Mushrooms & Wildflowers of the Adirondacks
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: There will be 3 options to choose from on trails that lead to rivers or lakes. Easy Hike - Walk at your own pace on the hiking trail alongside 13th lake. Turn around when you are ready. Moderate Hike and Paddle - 1.2 mile hike to Elizabeth Point on 13th lake and paddle back to the Garnet Hill boat launch. Slightly challenging descent to the lake after turning off the Old Farm Trail. Challenging Hike - 5 mile round trip hike to Blue Ledges overlooking the Hudson River. 230 ft vertical rise.

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Hikers will set out on the trails near 13th Lake or the Hudson River, organized into three groups based on preference and ability. Choose from a gentle walk at your own pace around the lake, a 1.2 mile hike to 13th lake, paddle back in canoes or kayaks, and an optional walk back to the Log House, or a 5 mile round trip hike to Blue Ledges overlooking the Hudson. The Blue Ledges trip requires a 30 minute bus ride to and from the trailhead.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink.

Afternoon: Hikers will continue their chosen hikes and have some time to relax once they get back to the lodge. The lounge, games room, pub and fire-side seating in the Log House will all be open and available to guests at their leisure, as well as our network of trails and the Garnet Hill Beach.

Dinner: A buffet-style dinner will be offered at our Log House Restaurant including vegetarian and gluten free options.

Evening: For those at the Lodge, there will be a local band and beer garden this evening.

Day 3
Garnet Mines, 1-way overnight trip departs
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: Easy Hike - A 1-mile hike with 200 ft of vertical rise to Hooper mine. Explore an abandoned open pit garnet mine and the ruins of miners cabins along the way. Moderate Hike - touring oldest family owned and operated mine in the U.S. Hike 4 miles back to Garnet Hill Ski Shop through the forest preserve, passing two scenic ponds on the way. Challenging hike - embark on 13 mile total, 1-way over night hike (about 5.5 miles today).

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Hikers will set off on their chosen trips to either Hooper Mine, Barton Mines or the overnight trip through Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. Our Advanced Hikers may choose to depart on our 13 mile, 1-way hike with a shuttle drop-off. This group will be camping out in tents over night. We will see them again tomorrow as they triumphantly walk back into the lodge after having walked through the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. If you are interested in taking part in this over night hike, you must complete the form at the end of this information packet indicating that you would like to take part in this unique experience. For those who would prefer to stay at at Garnet Hill Lodge overnight, we are offering two hikes to Garnet Mines.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink. The Easy group will picnic at Garnet Hill Beach, the Moderate group will picnic at Barton Mines, and the Challenging group will picnic along the trails.

Afternoon: Easy - Hikers will be taken via shuttle to visit the Adirondack Depot Museum in North Creek, where they will learn about the fascinating important role of the railroad in developing the Adirondack region. North Creek is a small town with a surprising amount of history. Moderate - Hikers will continue their hike back from Barton Mines.

Dinner: Easy and Moderate groups will enjoy a buffet dinner at Garnet Hill Lodge including vegetarian and gluten free options. The challenging group will enjoy dinner cooked on the campfire on their overnight trip.

Evening: We'll gather after dinner for a lecture by a local expert on garnet mining in the area in preparation for our garnet mine visits on Day 3, then weather permitting, relax beside a campfire out on the lawn.

Day 4
Great Camps
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: Easy and Medium Groups will visit Camp Santanoni, one of the Adirondack's historic "Great Camps." The Challenging group will return from their overnight hike (about 7.5 miles today).

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries. Challenging - Hikers will enjoy breakfast by the campfire on their overnight trip.

Morning: Easy and Moderate groups will take the shuttle to Camp Santanoni, about an hour drive from Garnet Hill Lodge. Easy - We will meet our tour guide and our tour will take place at the Gate Complex. We will then hike to 1.75 miles alongside Lake Harris to the Lake Harris Campground for lunch before hiking back. Moderate - We will hike 4.9 miles to the main complex of Camp Santanoni, past their old farm complex. Once we arrive, we can picnic, swim and complete our tour before getting a horse and carriage ride back to the gate complex.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink.

Afternoon: Hikers will continue their trips. Those at Camp Santanoni will return via shuttle.

Dinner: As we welcome the overnighters back to the comforts of the lodge, we will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the Log House Restaurant.

Evening: After a lecture from a local expert about the history of logging in the area, and treacherous tales of balancing on logs to free up jams on the Hudson River as they floated down to market, we will again light a campfire on the lawn and have time to relax on the adirondack chairs as we enjoy each others company and tell stories from the day. As always, the Log House Pub is open to all of our guests and patrons.

Day 5
Adirondack Experience - Rivers, Lakes, Mountains, Woods
North River, NY B,L,D Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity note: We will again be offering three levels of activity. Easy - Enjoy the morning on our campus. Enjoy the beach and trails or simply relax in your room or at the Log House. Moderate - Hike to the East Branch of the Sacandaga River, a 5 mile round trip that begins along Old Farm Trail near Garnet Hill Lodge. No significant vertical rise. Challenging - Paddle across 13th Lake, then hike up Peaked Mountain, a 6.4 mile round trip with 1245 ft of vertical rise.

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Choose to spend the final morning with some free time on our campus, or on a moderate or challenging hike.

Lunch: Garnet Hill Lodge will provide each hiker with a made to order picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic spot on the trails. Hikers may choose from a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches that will include a gluten free and vegetarian option. The lunches include a choice of pretzels, chips or trail mix as well as fruit and a drink.

Afternoon: Easy - Visit the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. A beautiful museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing the best of Adirondack art, architecture, history and culture as well as our wildlife and natural beauty. Moderate - Hike back from the river. Challenging - Hike and paddle back from Peaked Mountain.

Dinner: Farewell dinner. Guests will be able to choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from the restaurant's full menu as well as a free glass of wine or beer as they enjoy our spectacular views of 13th Lake and the Adirondack mountains.

Evening: Live music at the Log House, a chance to relax with new friends and celebrate the end of a great week!

Day 6
Departures
North River, NY B
Activity note: Shuttle will be departing the Lodge to Albany Airport in the morning, based on flight schedule. Please do not book flights until after 12:00PM.

Breakfast: A delicious buffet-style breakfast at Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant, including eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes or french toast, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola and pastries.

Morning: Independent departures. For those enrolled to take the shuttle back to Albany Airport, the return shuttle will be based around your flight schedules and departure time will be sent to you prior to your program. Please do not book flights until after 12:00PM. Your information packet will include a form to fill out and send to Road Scholar regarding your flight information. It is very important to fill out this form. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Arrive in Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: Take centre stage in Nashville

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Day 3: A day of legends

Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight's dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

Day 4: Heading back home to Memphis

This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Day 5: A day dedicated to the King

Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Day 6: Memphis to Greenwood

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration - a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Day 7: Moving on to Natchez

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.

Day 8: Natchez to Lafayette

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots.Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience.A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician.In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 9: Lafayette for foodies

Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.

Day 10: Welcome to the Big Easy

New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.

Day 11: Festivities in New Orleans Relaxed Start

Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration.In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist.End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe - a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.

Day 12: Depart New Orleans

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end with a departure to the airport.