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Burlington, Vermont
September 18-22
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Hilton Burlington
60 Battery Street
Burlington, VT 05401
(805)859-5055
September 18
For those of you arriving in Burlington on the 18th, join us aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen for an unforgettable 2 ½ hour sunset dinner cruise and reception along the shores of Lake Champlain. After the cruise, take some time to explore the city. The cruise is free for special train riders, and registered convention attendees not riding the train may purchase tickets for this event when they register online.
September 19
The first day of the convention leads off with a keynote presentation by Amtrak CEO Wick Moorman. Moorman's address is followed by an "Ask Amtrak" Panel, as well as informative sessions on mechanical, safety, and regulatory news. The day concludes with the first of our two car parties.
September 20
Day two is our day to explore the area, and we have two incredible excursions planned!
The first excursion takes us south about seven miles to the home of the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory where we'll have the opportunity to purchase a cuddly new friend. Then it's off to the Shelbourne Museum, one of the nation's most diverse museums of art, design, and Americana. The museum is also home to the historic Lake Champlain steamboat “Ticonderoga" launched in 1906, an 1890 railroad station, and a 1914 steam locomotive. The Shelbourne has something for everyone! Cost of the excursion includes round-trip transportation, a box lunch, and admission to the museum.
The second excursion will take us to the Town of Stowe. In Stowe, we will ride the Stowe Gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield for a view of three states and a Canadian province.
After descending, it's off to the von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall. We'll enjoy lunch followed by a presentation and tour of the famous von Trapp Family Lodge led by one of the von Trapp grandchildren. The von Trapp Family was made famous in the 1965 musical drama "Sound of Music." Ticket price includes round-trip transportation, gondola ride, lunch, and tour of the lodge.