Discover the Mid-Atlantic's hidden gems, from the culinary delights of the New York Wine and Culinary Center to the historical significance of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Indulge in the region's cultural offerings, including the Empire State Carousel's folk art and the interactive experiences at Madame Tussauds. Embrace the festive spirit at Longwood Gardens' Christmas display or delve into history with a Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. tour. The Mid-Atlantic awaits with open arms, offering a blend of education, entertainment, and enchantment.
In just nine months, the New York Wine and Culinary Center rose to prominence in Canandaigua. This $7.6 million, 19,000-square-foot facility, nestled on South Main Street and bordered by lush gardens with a view of Canandaigua Lake, is a haven for food and wine enthusiasts. The center provides a range of culinary classes, wine tastings, and educational tours. Guests can enjoy light meals and wine-and-food pairings in the Taste of NY Lounge or explore the exhibit hall that celebrates New York's rich agricultural heritage. While there is a fee for the cooking classes and chef demonstrations, general admission to the center is complimentary.
The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail is flourishing, with three new wineries joining the fold. Among them is Sparkling Pond Winery in Ripley, which specializes in sparkling and ice wines and is now welcoming visitors for tastings and tours. This addition brings the total to 14 wineries participating in the trail's annual Holiday Weekends event, a festive occasion spanning two weekends in November.
Opening in November, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is a poignant tribute located in New York's Hudson Valley, close to West Point. The site, where George Washington's army encamped during the Revolutionary War, is also where Washington established the Purple Heart in 1782. The Hall of Honor commemorates those who have been wounded or killed in service to the nation. Visitors can delve into the stories of Purple Heart recipients, with an estimated 1.7 million soldiers eligible for inclusion in this memorial.
The Farmers Museum near Cooperstown is now home to the Empire State Carousel, a vibrant piece of contemporary folk art crafted by over 1,000 volunteer artisans from across New York. The carousel is a celebration of the state's cultural history, featuring 25 hand-carved animals native to New York and 23 portrait panels of notable New Yorkers such as Susan B. Anthony and Theodore Roosevelt. The museum also offers a glimpse into rural and village life in 1845 New York through authentic demonstrations and exhibits.
Madame Tussauds in Times Square, NYC, continues to innovate with new interactive exhibits. Visitors can admire Lindsay Lohan's latest bling, recite lines with a wax figure of Will Smith, ponder a presidential vote for Hillary Clinton, or even audition for Simon Cowell of American Idol fame.
For those planning a trip to New York City, companies like NYC Group Tours and NYC Vacation Packages offer packages that include viewing the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in style, along with other city attractions.
Starting in November, Longwood Gardens near Kennett Square transforms into a holiday paradise. The gardens come alive with thousands of poinsettias, snapdragons, and paperwhite narcissus, signaling the festive season. At night, the gardens sparkle with over 400,000 lights adorning nearly 40 miles of wire. Groups can reserve spots for the Yuletide Buffet, enjoying a lavish meal amidst the holiday decor.
The Quality Inn Gettysburg Motor Lodge now caters to groups of 20 or more with packages that include an overnight stay in Gettysburg and a day trip to Washington, D.C., just 90 minutes away. Visitors can immerse themselves in history at the American Civil War Museum, the Gettysburg Diorama, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, and even dine with a President Lincoln impersonator at the historic Dobbin House. The Washington, D.C. excursion features stops at several war memorials.
In Lancaster, the Dutch Apple Theatre is set to present regional premieres of contemporary shows like "The Full Monty" and "Swing," alongside classics such as "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Cabaret." The theatre promises a modern twist on the dinner theatre experience, ensuring it's not just for the older generation.
This article is sponsored by Leisure Group Travel.
Essential Guide to Frontier and Mountain West Travel
Discover the heart of the American West with our comprehensive guide to traveling in the Frontier and Mountain West states. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history and vibrant culture, from the haunting beauty of desert landscapes to the bustling energy of modern urban centers. Whether you're exploring the grandeur of the Grand Canyon or shopping in a billion-dollar district, every moment promises an unforgettable adventure.
Realtors may go under scanner
The government has proposed to bring the real estate industry, property dealers and builders under the scanner of a Real Estate Regulator through a Real Estate Management Bill that is likely to be brought into the Parliament in the next winter session.
NRI Tax Planning And Double Tax Treaty
Generally, while NRIs go abroad to pursue better career prospects, many of them do not intend to return to India, but they do leave their footprints behind in the form of ancestral (or self-acquired) property, bank deposits, shares in companies and other investments. The Income-tax Act, 1961 (Act) taxes India-sourced income in the hands of all kinds of assessees, irrespective of their residential status determined, based on their physical presence in India. Accordingly, even when they are away, they continue to be liable to tax in India, including obtaining Permanent Account Number (PAN Card), and filing annual tax returns.
