Worth the Drive/Ride: Holiday Edition

Here are 4 sights within an hour's drive of the GAP area that are "worth the drive" this time of year, particularly if you carpool...

1. Longwood Gardens! Their illuminated walkways, decorated trees, fountain show and plant-induced splendor is absolutely sure to please young and old alike.  It's not a "kiddie" experience by any means, but it keeps children well entertained while adults can take in the beauty.  There are some events there as well, but our strategy has always been to try to go on a warm-ish night when nothing else is going on.  Dress warmly! Lights and holiday events run through January 9.  Roughly an hour away (off-peak).  Admission for adults is $18, kids $8, children under 4 are free. http://www.longwoodgardens.org/Christmas.html

2. If you're really organized, before you hit the evening lights at Longwood, you can go right across the street to visit the Brandywine River Museum's amazing model train display.  This display is an uber-favorite of my kids... Thomas and Friends have been known to make appearances, and the entire room is an indoor town and train-lovers paradise.  Not as large at the Morris Arboretum display, but it's indoors! And this year, there is also an amazing "Imaginary Beasts" museum display that was lots of fun to see, as well as the various "critters" in decorated trees around he museum.  Wonderful Wyeth collection! Holiday exhibit runs through January 9, adult admission is $12, students and kids 6 and over $6, children under 6 are free.
http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/trains.html

3. Shadybrook Farm in Newtown, PA.


We just did this for the first time tonight.  The video is pretty good, but I wish I could attach the audio of my own kids' reactions.  They absolutely loved it and were howling with laughter.  It takes about 40 minutes to get to Newtown, and maybe 20 minutes or a bit more to drive through the display... where everyone from Mary & Joseph to Dora & Spongebob make an appearance.  There are extra activities... photos with Santa, horse-drawn hayride, hot chocolate and more, but we just got Dunkin' Donuts on the way and enjoyed our snack and the lights!
http://www.shadybrookfarm.com/lightshow2.php

$20-$25 per car, so load it up... and here's a $5 off coupon for weekdays:
http://www.shadybrookfarm.com/images/holidays/HLS_Coupon.pdf

4. And this one is even better... you don't have to drive!  Take the train into the city and go see the Light Display and Organ show at Macy's downtown on Market Street.  Show runs every hour on the hour from 10am to 8pm through New Year's Day.  FREE!
http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/xmas.php

Calling All Thomas Fans!

Morris Arboretum Garden Railway

As GAP readers will know, the Morris Arboretum is a big favorite of my family, and we’ve been to see the Garden Railway many times this summer.  Next weekend, 14^th to 15th August, will see the railway transformed for Thomas fans for the last time this summer.  The Railway is free with regular admission ($14 per adult), and those under 3 are FREE. See their website for further details on admission prices, memberships and hours: 

http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml 

Worth the Drive: A Day Out with Thomas!  Strasburg Railroad

For a Day out with Thomas, visit the Strasburg Railroad, September 11-19 or  November 19-21. Strasburg Railroad is near Lanaster, PA... a 90 minute drive from the GAP area.  Ride a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine, see a full-sized operating steam locomotive, and meet Sir Topham Hatt!

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.

A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, an Imagination Station and more. 

Day Out With Thomas Train rides depart every half hour during the times below:

M-F: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SAT: 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SUN: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• September 11 — 9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• September 12 — 9:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• September 13 - 17 — 10:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
• September 18 — 9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• September 19 — 9:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Ticket prices are $18.00 for ages 2 and up, or combo tickets are $25.00 (includes one ride behind Thomas and one Coach ride aboard the Strasburg Rail Road). Advance purchase is highly recommended. The Thomas train ride is approximately 22 minutes in length. For more information go to: Strasburg Railroad Website