Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Amazingly, two National Historic Landmarks for Architecture exist right here in nearby Pennsylvania not far from our doors, the Wharton Esherick Museum and the George Nakashima Woodworkers Complex. Both artists were leaders in 20th century American design and in the American studio craft movement, each with a similar yet unique style and philosophy.
Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima discovered in themselves an undeniable passion for woodworking and, along with it, a great talent for creating pieces that combine both beauty and functionality. These two creative minds were great innovators of twentieth-century design, offering an approach that was like nothing that had been created before and we are lucky enough to take a step inside their studios and experience their world in wood.
At each studio, we’ll have an exclusive tour that will take us face to face with truly magnificent works of art, each detailing the self-expression and eclectic vision of the artist. Along our journey, we’ll also experience the artistry of nature in an enchanting secret garden, exploration of a charming historic town and an overnight stay in a place filled with history and quirky artistic design.
All of this marvelous Mid Century Modern artistry awaits, so what are you waiting for? Join us on our two-day immersion into artistic delights!
Day One: Wharton Esherick Museum
Our first encounter with amazing artistry starts where Wharton Esherick made an unconventional escape from society in his hillside home and studio on the verdant slopes of Valley Forge Mountain. This hand-crafted building which is itself an inhabitable artwork representative of his iconoclastic vision can best be described as “an autobiography in three dimensions”.
A guided tour will take us through Esherick’s magical home and studio that has been preserved much as it was when the artist lived and worked there. His creativity will reveal his strong sense of place and deep connection with nature and his motto, “If it isn’t fun, it isn’t worth doing,” is evident in the joyful expression of his work.
Chanticleer Garden:
After enjoying an included lunch and perhaps a picnic on a nice day, an enchanting, secret garden filled with romance and imagination is our next artistic adventure.
We’ll be a special guest of the Rosengarten’s on their former private estate at Chanticleer Gardens where we can wander among the varied nooks and crannies and secret passages leading from one amazing garden to another with each step feeling like being transferred to a different dimension.
As a pleasure garden, Chanticleer invites you to wander, sit and enjoy the views, relax as you feel the sun on your back and the grass beneath your feet, listen to the birds, and enjoy the scents of the garden.
Doylestown Inn:
Now we’ll head to the charming town of Doylestown for our overnight stay at the boutique Doylestown Inn, a place filled with history and an ambiance of bright, quirky artistic décor.
Enjoy dinner at your leisure right here at The Hattery or wander around town to find a great local spot.
Day 2: Nakashima's Woodworkers Tour
Today we’ll have another amazing encounter with ingenious design on our visit to George Nakashima’s Woodworker Complex where we’ll immerse in the innovated spaces created from his artistic soul. Nakashima embodied a unique ability to blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modernist designs, creating elegant, organic furniture that was functional, sculptural and captivating in a way that showcased the natural beauty of the wood.
His avant- garde style emphasized simplicity, functionality, and a deep respect for the materials he used which evolved into a philosophy from which all his creations emanated. He believed that the inherent beauty of natural materials like wood should first be studied, understood, and respected so the resulting product will retain these characteristics along with those of the craftsperson who brings it into being. Wood is not regarded as in inanimate object but rather as a material that “lives and breathes”, one that through the woodworker’s hands takes on a life of its own.
Our guided tour will lead us through his creations for you to experience them firsthand.
A Special Artistic Surprise!:
Let’s enjoy an included lunch before delving into one last artistic experience.
A special artistic surprise is right around the corner, one that can’t be missed! Now we take our short drive back into New Jersey filled with artistic delight and creative ideas to bring back home.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South Lot, across Linwood Ave on the field side at 7:15 AM and returns at approximately 7:30 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:00 AM and returns at approximately 6:45 PM
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 8:45 AM and returns at approximately 6:00 PM
Price per person is $1,045 Twin & $1,145 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due May 10, 2025. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before May 10, 2025. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after May 10, 2025. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
