A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS
IN HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA
and
NC CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
IN CARY, NORTH CAROLINA
Friday, December 15th, 2023
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A town with rich heritage including colonial and revolutionary roots, Historic Hillsborough was established in 1754. Signs of its importance in North Carolina and American history can be seen everywhere including the restored buildings we will visit on a guided tour. Soak in the historic architecture and holiday spirit as you see beautiful wreaths adorning front doors along the way and 19th century holiday decor at the historic Burwell School. Hillsborough boasts that "hometown holiday" feel.
Enjoy a festive holiday lunch at the newly renovated Colonial Inn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1838 tall and unwavering North Carolina jewel is steeped in history.
Relax after lunch as your motorcoach takes you on a short ride to Cary, NC to the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. We will arrive for the 4:30 Twilight Tour where all new for 2023 larger-than-life lanterns will captivate you as they light up the evening on easy-to-stroll paths. (Our pictures are from 2022). You may choose to take in the cultural arts performance on the amphitheater stage and enjoy a light meal (oyo) from the various food trucks along the way or at the venue cafe. "It's spectacularly magical!"
$225 per person
includes motorcoach travel, tickets to both events and lunch including gratuity
ITINERARY
7:00: Begin boarding the coach at Winter Park Baptist Church parking lot*
7:15: Be in your seat as the bus will roll toward Warsaw
8:30: Rest and coffee stop in Warsaw
8:55 On the road again
10:30 Arrive Colonial Inn in Hillsborough
11:00: Lunch at the Colonial Inn. (Three options will be offered for your selection. Wine will be available at your added cost.)
1:00 PM: Guided tour of Hillsborough begins
3:00 PM: Depart Hillsborough, travel about 45 minutes to Cary.
4:00 PM: Arrive at the NC Chinese Lantern Festival for viewing from twilight to darkness. (This is two levels of light for the same show. Interesting!) Eat (on your own) at the venue cafe or at one of several food trucks. Benches are scattered throughout for seating. Easy gravel paths for walking shoes.
7:00 PM: Back to the coach for the return to Wilmington with one rest stop along the way.
9:30 PM: Return to Winter Park Baptist Church.
COST: $225 per person
PAYMENT DUE: November 1, 2023 or before
WRITE CHECK TO: Natural & Family Resources, Inc.
MAIL CHECK WITH REGISTRATION FORM TO: 6451 Quail Run Road, Wilmington, NC 28409
DRESS: A little chic maybe since it is Christmas. I find that jewelry goes a long way to dress up an otherwise comfortable look. And as always, layered clothing for the weather expected on that day.
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SUGGESTED GRATUITIES: Step-on guide: $2.00, Motorcoach driver: $5.00 per person
*A departure/return site is planned for the BACK parking lot at Winter Park Baptist Church. The church is located at 4700 Wrightsville Avenue and has a white steeple. The BACK of the church is on Park Avenue where there is no street number. The parking lot that we will use is a pie-shaped property between Park Avenue and Pine Grove Drive. This lot is also across the street from Pine Grove Office Park and The Wesley Memorial Activity Center. You will see vehicles marked Winter Park Baptist Church parked on the lot and most likely the charter motor coach will be in place when you arrive. You may leave your car there for the day, but parking is at your own risk.
