Spousal Activities

*All Transportation for all spousal activities is provided

Phipps Conservatory (Spousal Luncheon - Spousal Registration Required.)         Wednesday, July 14th, 2010             11:00 PM – 3:00 PM

You will be enjoying an air conditioned catered luncheon overlooking the breath taking views of the lush Tropical Forest and the vistas of Oakland landmarks within the beautiful botanical gardens adorned with summer flora inside the impressive Phipps Conservatory. Awaken your senses and immerse yourself in seventeen distinct botanical experiences including an herb garden, a Japanese Courtyard, the sunken garden, the Orchid room and the Victoria Room. Encounter something of the secret life of plants and glimpse one of the world's greenest public gardens.  Since 1893, visitors have been drawn to the natural wonder and beauty contained within the nineteen indoor and outdoor gardens of Phipps Conservatory, as well as to the structure itself including the glasshouse. 

Learn more about Phipps Conservatory at: http://www.phipps.conservatory.org/

Mount Washington Tour                 Friday, July 16th, 2010                      12:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Monongahela and the Duquesne Inclines
Around the turn of the century, nearly a dozen inclines carried workers between Mount Washington and the city and its factories below.  Today, only two of those inclines still exist—The Monongahela and the Duquesne.  The historic Monongahela Incline opened in 1870, and has been beautifully restored in recent years.  Steeper and shorter than the Duquesne Incline, the Monongahela travels 635 feet at a 35 degree angle.  At the top, the Monongahela Incline deposits passengers amid Mount Washington’s famed restaurants and scenic overlooks. 

You can take a ride on the Duquesne Incline cable car that has been in operation since 1877, to the observation deck to enjoy the spectacular views of the Ohio and Allegheny River Valleys and downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle. The Upper (Grandview Avenue) Station of The Duquesne Incline is located in the center of Pittsburgh's "Restaurant Row," overlooking the view of Downtown Pittsburgh's beautiful Golden Triangle, ranked the second most beautiful view in America by USA Weekend Magazine !

To learn more about the Inclines, visit: http://incline.pghfree.net/

A map will be provided with a list of restaurants that you may visit for lunch.  Learn more about your restaurant choices and view the list at:  http://incline.pghfree.net/restaurants.htm

You have the option of touring the amish country side of Volant or relaxing at Moraine State Park.

Amish Country Tour                Saturday, July 17th, 2010                  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Amish Country Tour takes place in the rolling farmlands north of Pittsburgh, in Mercer and Lawrence Counties, -- a place that was settled in 1847 where almost 2,000 Old-Order Amish have made their home on the farms that surround the quaint villages of Volant and New Wilmington. A two hour, private, guided back roads' tour through the countryside provides a glimpse of peaceful Amish life. This Old-Order Amish community is the third largest in the United States.  Among other things you will learn about their life style, schooling, religion and farming.  One of the stops will be at “Teena’s Quilt Shop.” 

      Our tour will end in Volant.  Originally a small gristmill town that was incorporated in 1893, Volant is a unique village of quaint shops and restaurants nestled in the rolling hills of scenic western Pennsylvania Amish country. It almost became a ghost town in the late 1970s due to the mill's closing, but was revived and restored in the early 1980s by several businessmen.  The town’s Merchant Association is sponsoring a special event centered around our visit.  They have invited Amish craft men and women to showcase their talents in woodworking, metal sculpting, sewing and baking.  You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with these men and women first hand.  Enjoy shopping on an old-fashioned main street where Amish buggies co-mingle with automobiles. The gristmill is now a country, antique and specialty shop and has been restored to working condition. Other shops along Main Street offer Victorian collectibles, homemade arts and crafts, Christmas specialties, pottery, music-related items and contemporary fashions. Volant is also home to several restaurants and other specialty stores.

Lunch will be on your own with buses departing for Cranberry by 3:00 PM

Learn more about the Volant Shops at: 

Moraine State Park                  Saturday, July 17th, 2010                  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The gently rolling hills, lush forest and sparkling waters of Moraine State Park make for a wonderful worry-free day. Lake Arthur of Moraine State Park provides over forty-two miles of scenic shoreline. Venture onto the lake on a boat rental to experience the beauty of this attractive park from the water. Get off at one of the two beaches of the lake and sunbath along the shore. Or you may also choose to cool off in the lake after hiking or biking on one of the many trails that run through the woods and around the lake. Whether you want to relax at the beach, picnic in the shade or break a sweat on the trail, Moraine State Park has something everyone will enjoy.

You will have your choice of activities with a provided box lunch that you may pick up between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at our reserved pavilion.  Reservation required for lunch count.

BARN OWL PROGRAM              
You can begin your tour with the Owl Barn and listen to a short presentation explaining the Barn Owl program along with time to explore the gift shop. 

NAUTICAL NATURE TOUR*
A one-hour Nautical Nature Cruise on an enclosed pontoon boat to experience the area’s natural history and osprey reintroduction while enjoying the unique scenery and wildlife. 

WALKING, BIKING, and SKATING        
For walking, biking and in-line skating, a paved, seven-mile trail (not a loop) winds near the shoreline in the northwest corner of the park. Bike rentals and child pull-behind trailers are available. For mountain biking, there is a six-mile loop trail on the North Shore.
The bus will stop at the bike rental every half hour to take cyclists to the beach. 
 
BOATING*
Sailboats, paddle boats, small motor boats and wind surfs can be rented from Crescent Bay Boat Rental, located on the South Shore, just past Pleasant Valley Beach. They also sell fishing bait and gasoline.  Concession stands located at each of the two swimming beaches offer hot and cold foods, as well as beverages and desserts. Picnic tables, charcoal grills and restrooms are located throughout the park's day use areas and marinas.

SWIMMING
No cost activities include swimming at one of the two beaches along the shore of Lake Arthur - the north shore's 550-foot sandy Lakeview Beach, and the south shore's 1,200-foot sandy Pleasant Valley Day Beach (which offers a paved path down to the water). The lifeguard-watched beaches are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, weather permitting. Showers, changing facilities and food concessions are available. Pets are not permitted in the beach areas.

HIKING, KAYAKING, CANOEING, and FISHING
Hiking opportunities are plentiful, where 28.6 miles of hiking trails wind through forests, fields and along the lake shore.  Kayaking, canoeing and fishing will be at no cost as the equipment will be provided at Daniel’s Launch by the PA Game Commission for your water adventure. 

Fishing Licenses will need to be purchased in order to fish in any location at the Park.*

The buses will be available every half hour to transport to the various parts of the park. 

*All additional activities are at the expense of the participants.

**Please note that we will be providing security throughout the week at all location in which we have events scheduled.

To learn more about Moraine and what it has to offer, go to: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/moraine.aspx                   

HORSEBACK RIDING*
For horse lovers, there is about 20 miles of equestrian trails that one could take a guided horseback ride.  This is located adjacent to Moraine State Park and transportation is provided.