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Category Archives: walking tour

NYC

5 Magical Holiday Traditions in New York City 

Blog, New York City, student groups, walking tour

Imagine it. The twinkle of lights, the scrumptious scent of roasting chestnuts on street corners, and the hustle-and-bustle of people with packages just waiting to be wrapped in colorful paper with bows and ribbons. Add in some holiday music and you have the recipe for an idyllic holiday visit to New York City. 

The holiday season is a magical time for children and adults alike and New York City, withits colorful decorations, Broadway shows, and active city ambiance can set the scene for the most fantastic holiday trip to kick off the holiday season right. 

Let’s take a look at five NYC traditions sure to put you in the holiday mood and mark the beginning of your celebrations. 

#1 The Rockefeller Christmas Tree 

By far, one of the most stunning sights in NYC during the holidays is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center Plaza on 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. 

You will want to see it all lit up so plan to visit during the appropriate hours. Starting December 1, 2022, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it is lit from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to taking in the lights on the tree, there are many activities right in the Plaza that your group may want to partake in including skating, having winter drinks in a nearby restaurant, or shopping at one of the local holiday shops. 

#2 Radio City Music Hall Performance of the Rockettes

The dazzling Christmas Spectacular starring the high-kicking Rockettes is a must-see for groups trying to take in the holiday activities in NYC. 

The show stars not only the Rockette’s precision dance team but wooden soldiers, and Santa himself makes an arrival just in time to spread holiday cheer! 

The shows run from November 18th through January 2, 2023. Get your tickets here or have Wolfe Tours plan your trip entirely. 

#3 The Winter Village at Bryant Park 

Every winter, Bryant Park turns into a winter wonderland filled with holiday shopping options, an ice skating rink, twinkling lights, and of course, amazing restaurants. 

Visit over 60 shopping kiosks with handmade and original gifts for the season, many of them having an NYC theme to them. Get your fill of good food and cocktails and then work it off with a few spoons around the ice rink. 

Times Square

#4 Visit Holiday Fairs & Markets

New York City parks and streets transform every holiday season when small temporary kiosks pop up selling unique holiday items that are sure to cross off many items on your Christmas gift list. 

Check out the Union Square Holiday Market through December 24th, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Here you can find over 160 artisans and vendors selling holiday gifts. 

#5 Holiday Window Displays 

Sometimes the best thing about NYC is walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds. You won’t want to miss the window displays on 5th Avenue where you can enjoy holiday-decorated windows in a theater-like fashion from the end of November through the New Year. 

Spending the holidays in New York City can get even the biggest Scrooge in the mood for the holidays, doing it with a group of friends or family can make it even more special. Check out Wolfe Tours and Adventures options for touring with your group today. 

 

Salem stocks

5 Places to Visit & Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts 

MA, walking tour

Located on the North Shore of Massachusetts, just 25 miles from Boston, is the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is most well-known for being the location of the Witch Trials of 1692, where more than 200 innocent people were accused of witchcraft, and imprisoned, and 20 of them were sentenced to death during the hysteria of the times. 

In addition to its notoriety surrounding the Witch Trials, Salem, Massachusetts is also rich in maritime, literary, and colonial history. When planning your group’s visit, we can customize what to see and explore depending on your group’s interests. 

Here are just a few of the options for places to visit and things to do in Salem, Massachusetts. 

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) 

Located at 161 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is the country’s oldest continuously operating museum.

For over 220 years, PEM has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and showcasing compelling artwork throughout history and from around the world. Visitors of the museum will find authentic witch trials objects, maritime and fashion galleries. This also includes historic property tours such as the Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese House, Ropes Mansion and gardens, (featured in the hit movie Hocus Pocus), and so much more for adults and children alike. 

Exhibitions at PEM are updated regularly so your group will want to check out the new events, workshops, and exhibitions. 

Friendship

Salem Walking Tours 

There is so much to see and do around every corner in Salem, from museums to art galleries and small retail shops. Walking the red brick-paved streets of Salem can give such a sense of exploration and allow visitors to dig deep into the history of this region. 

In addition to exploring on your own, a walking tour is a great idea to be able to hit all the key spots and get a sense of the city of Salem. Salem Walking Tours provides a two-and-a-half-hour well-researched and quality historical walking tour of the area. The tour features the stories from the indigenous communities, noble merchants, abolitionists, Salem Revolutionary War Patriots, and of course the events of the Salem Witch Trials.  

Salem Maritime National Historic Site 

Salem is not only a city rich in the colonial and revolutionary war history of our region but also in maritime history as well. 

Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England’s maritime history and global connections.

As a part of the National Historic Site, visitors may be able to view a tall ship replica – the Friendship. The Friendship commemorates Salem’s role as a center of global trade in post-Colonial America. Tours and activities are seasonal. The Friendship is currently undergoing restoration so check the website for availability. 

The House of Seven Gables 

The House of the Seven Gables is New England’s oldest wooden mansion and is the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel by the same name.

One of America’s most beloved homes, the House of Seven Gables sits on Salem Harbor and allows visitors to explore the home on a guided tour, or to walk the property on their own. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, the House is a great place to explore Massachusetts history. 

Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery in Salem MA USA

A student at the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery in Salem.

Witch History Exploration 

Around every corner in Salem is a little piece of history with much of it focusing on the Witch Trials. There are several witch attractions that you may want to include on your group’s tour of the area including the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Memorial, the Burying Point, and many more. 

Planning your Salem, Massachusetts tour can be a part of a larger Boston or Lexington/Concord tour or a separate unique tour on its own. Talk to our team about scheduling your tour that can be customized to fit your needs and interests. 

Williamsburg

What To See & Do In Colonial Virginia

Blog, Colonial Virginia, walking tour

If you’re a history buff, Colonial Virginia is one of the best places for your school or group tour to spend a few days. Located along the beautiful coast of Virginia, just a few hours from Washington D.C. lies the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. These three areas are rich with history from some of the first Europeans to attempt a colony at Jamestown Colony to the Battlefields of Yorktown during the American Revolution. 

Colonial Virginia is the perfect place to schedule your next group tour. There is so much to see and do, you just might have trouble deciding what to include in your itinerary. Don’t worry Wolfe Tours can help with that. Here are a few of our suggestions of where to start with your list of ‘must-see’ activities in Colonial Virginia. 

Colonial Virginia

The Historic Triangle 

Looking for places that will capture the interest and inspiration of all ages? Look no further than a multi-day visit to the Historic Triangle. We suggest spending at the very least three days touring Yorktown, Jamestown, and Colonial Williamsburg. If you have more time you will be able to include more activities on your schedule! 

Colonial Williamsburg 

Students and adults alike will love stepping back in time to the 18th Century in Colonial Williamsburg. Follow in the footsteps of colonial Americans as you visit taverns, shops, and museums as you meet staff dressed in period clothing. Colonial Williamsburg is truly a living history museum.

As you explore the 301 acres of Colonial Williamsburg you will see dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed as if you are stepping into the past. Visit Duke of Gloucester Street, the Capitol, the Governor’s Palace, the  George Wythe House, the Courthouse, and many gathering places such as Raleigh’s Tavern. There is so much to see and do! 

Jamestown Settlement 

Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English Colony, is also a living-history park and museum. During your visit, you will be able to see what life was like for those first colonists as well as hear the stories of 17th Century Virginia from the European settlers, Powhatan Indians, and African slaves.

See replicas of the three ships that brought the European settlers to the area, a recreated Powhatan Village, as well as a recreated James Fort as it was in 1610. You will immerse yourself in history in Jamestown. 

Battlefields of Yorktown

Yorktown is most known for being the site of the siege and surrender of British General Cornwallis to Colonial General George Washington and the French Fleet during the American Revolutionary War on October 19, 1781.

During your tour of this area, you can take in the battlefields where the main fighting took place, explore the architecture of the eighteenth century, or grab a meal at one of the historic restaurants. There are multiple historic sites to visit such as the American Revolution Museum and the Colonial National Historic Park. 

Having trouble deciding how long and what to visit? Let Wolfe Tours plan your trip down to the last detail and create a trip you can only dream of! 

 

walking

5 Top Tips on How to Prepare for A Walking Tour 

Blog, walking tour

A walking tour is one of the best ways to see the world! Not only is it fantastic aerobic exercise, but it also gets the heart pumping and allows you to get outside and enjoy your surroundings without putting too much strain on your body. 

Wolfe Tours offers a variety of walking tours, from those in our nation’s capital of Washington D.C. to Boston, Philadelphia, Disney, New York City, and basically, anywhere your group is interested in touring. Our groups, both adults and school groups love our well-planned walking tours. Taking a walking tour, however, means being ready for the day in several ways. 

Here are a few suggestions on how you and your group can prepare for a walking tour so everyone has fun and enjoys the attractions and landmarks. children walking

#1 – Get Moving 

Going from the couch to walking many miles in a day around the nation’s capital can be a huge shock to the body. Even people who regularly exercise can become exhausted when walking up step after step. 

Plan in advance by upping your movement in the days and weeks before your trip. Start small by walking around your neighborhood and increasing your distance as you strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance. Even short walks can be helpful. 

Training with a friend can make the anticipation of the trip fun and exciting. Don’t forget to incorporate stretching into your workouts as that will be what keeps you limber and your muscles strong. 

Before you sign up for a walking tour or begin exercising, it’s a good idea to get a medical check-up to be sure you have the green light to get out there and explore while walking. 

#2 – Consider Footwear and Foot Care 

Your feet are literally the foundation of your walking process. If walking tours are your thing, we suggest investing in a supportive pair of walking shoes or hiking sneakers. Make sure you bring a few extra pairs of cotton socks that have cushions and will allow your feet to breathe. 

In some cases, walkers get blisters and we recommend having a foot care pouch in your bag with ointment, bandages, and moleskin to cushion the blister. This will allow you to continue walking without pain. 

Prior to the walking tour, lubricate your feet with Vaseline or another smooth product that will protect your feet from blisters. Don’t forget to trim your toenails to a nice length! 

hydrate

#3 – Hydration & Snacks 

Walking means expending energy and sweating. Be sure to have a water bottle that will allow you to hydrate every 10-15 minutes as well as a few quick on-the-go snacks like a granola bar to feed your hunger while you walk. 

If your tour day is especially warm or sunny, continually hydrate throughout the day. 

#4 – Prep For Weather 

Check the forecast prior to the day before your walking tour. 

Pack a light bag/backpack that will allow you to hold a few key items including your water bottle, some snacks, and wet weather gear in case the skies turn grey or a sudden rain shower passes through. You will also want to have some sunscreen, a hat, and a few light layers that you can put on or off depending on the temperature. 

#5 – Keep Safety in Mind 

Your walking tour has been planned and organized by the professionals. That being said, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Have a phone that can help you call a friend or authorities in case you get lost or separated from your group. 

Looking for more suggestions on how to prepare for a walking tour or any of our tours? Give us a call, we’d be happy to help.