Hayner Hits the Road will be traveling to Philadelphia and Washington D.C. on July 20th-26th. This all-inclusive trip will include three nights lodging at the Warick Hotel Rittenhouse Square. This hotel is ideally situated in prestigious Rittenhouse Square and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Representing the architectural design prevalent in the 1920’s, it is heavily influenced by Classical and Renaissance features. Warick combines rich history, tradition, and original architecture with modern design. Since 1928, the historic Warick has hosted prominent guests like Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, and Sidney Poitier.
The trip includes all dinners. In Philadelphia we will dine at the historic Black Powder Tavern. Since 1746, the building that houses this tavern has played a part in the establishment of our nation; first as a respite for stagecoach travelers expanding westward and later as a covert rendezvous point for George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and other leaders of the American revolution. It is believed that during the infamous winter of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge, a major figure in the Continental Army, master military mind Friedrich Von Steuben, designated the tavern as a secret black powder munitions stash for Continental Army couriers. All the while, the tavern continued to provide food, shelter and cheer to the hungry, weary soldiers fighting for their independence. Another evening, we will dine at the historic Moshulu. The historic Moshulu is the world’s only restaurant on a fully restored tall ship. Docked along Philadelphia’s waterfront, this iconic four-masted vessel has sailed around the world, braved the high seas, and now offers an unforgettable dining experience with breathtaking views. Initially built in 1904 in Scotland, the Moshulu spent decades transporting cargo across the globe, surviving fierce storms, and navigating the infamous Cape Horn. During World War I, the U.S. seized the ship from its German owners, and First Lady Edith Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson, gave her a new name: Moshulu, meaning "one who fears not" in Native
American language. After years of service supplying grain to Europe during World War II, the Moshulu retired from sailing. But rather than fade into history, she was beautifully restored and transformed into one of Philadelphia’s most unique dining destinations. Moshulu has even made its mark in Hollywood, appearing in The Godfather Part II and Rocky.
Other highlights of the Philadelphia itinerary include: Tour of Valley Forge National Park which is the site of a Revolutionary War encampment, northwest of Philadelphia. Washington’s Headquarters, a stone house on the Schuylkill River, was occupied by George Washington from 1777 to 1778. Park trails connect the key monuments and historic structures, including the early-20th-century National Memorial Arch and the Muhlenberg Brigade’s recreated log-cabin barracks. A guided tour of Philadelphia, including Independence Hall Tour, Liberty Bell Center, President’s House Historic Site, Christ Church & Burial Grounds, Betsy Ross House, Museum of the American Revolution, the Barnes Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, National Constitution Center, and the Longwood Gardens & du Pont House. Longwood Gardens was established in 1906 when industrialist Pierre S. du Pont purchased a1700s-era farm to save its historic tree collection. Du Pont transformed the property into a premier 1,100-acre botanical garden, adding a massive conservatory (1914), open-air theatre (1915), and iconic fountains.
In Washington D.C., lodging will be at the historic Alexandrian Hotel in Olde Town Alexandria. Step back in time: cobblestone streets and beautifully maintained historic buildings have preserved charm that is impossible to replicate. The Olde Town Alexandria hotel, named for the city founders John and Philip Alexander and built on their family homestead, embodies the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood. Located in a historic area near the waterfront, it is associated with the site of the Civil War-era Marshall House.
Washington dinners include Jula’s on the Potomac. Perched along the banks of the Potomac River with panoramic views, Jula’s defines luxury waterfront dining in Alexandria. It is recognized as the most sought-after Alexandria waterfront restaurant and a standout for fine dining where exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and breathtaking views come together. Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place is located at Washington Harbour in the historic Georgetown neighborhood and boasts stunning views of the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, Potomac River, and Dancing Fountain. The Portofino Restaurant is an award-winning old-school Italian Restaurant where guests enter the transformed cottage through the rear. Inside, the original living area of the home is now an open dining room, with walls adorned with black and white photos of three generations of the Michelis family. The restaurant was opened in 1955 by Grandfather Michelis, when he arrived in the United States from Tuscany. Like the eatery itself, the menu has largely remained unchanged throughout its long tenure featuring flavors from Italy’s Tuscany and Liguria regions.
Other Washington D.C highlights include: Arlington National Cemetery with Tram Tour, guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, exterior of the Supreme Court Building, The People’s House: A White House Experience, Lafayette Park, Smithsonian Institution Museums, guided tour of Washington’s monuments and memorials, and a performance of “Pippin” at the Signature Theatre.
Please visit www.troyhayner.org for additional information, to register and to pay. For additional information about the trips, call David or Rachael at the Hayner, 937-339-0457. The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is proudly supported by the citizens of the Troy City School District through a local tax levy and generous gifts to the Friends of Hayner. Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is located at 301 West Main Street, Troy.