Journey On A Christmas Tour — Snow or Sunshine?
Christmastime is the sacred season of celebrating the birth of Christ. It’s also a season of gift-giving, gatherings, and good food—and so much more! We hang greens and make wreathes. We sing songs and decorate a tree or three. We ponder and shop for gifts we hope our loved ones will enjoy. And we spend time with those we love.
This season can also be both hectic and lonely—a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moments. Gathering together for a journey, whether embracing the season or looking for good cheer, is an excellent way to get in the spirit—and to travel. Sometimes, you just want to get away from the scurrying for a little while. This season, BNT is offering a dozen Christmas-themed tours from quintessential New England to the Deep South to Middle America, as well as close to home.
Would You like Snow or Sunshine for Christmas?
Middlebury Inn at Christmas
It’s impossible to think about Vermont in December without thinking cozy inns and firelight, evergreens laden with snow, and twinkling storefronts. When there’s snow in the air, it’s like stepping into a snow globe. We cannot control the weather, but this year’s Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts early December as the snowiest month in Vermont. So, we’re hoping for picture perfect weather for our Christmas tour to Middlebury Inn, set on the village green in Middlebury, Vermont. In fact, if weather permits, we may get some hands-on dogsledding experience! Once you reach Vermont, you’ll stay three nights at Middlebury Inn. Built in 1827, Middlebury Inn offers 71 warm, comfortable, and personality-filled guest rooms, rave-worthy food, and all the New England atmosphere you can stand for a few days.
You’ll visit Morgan Horse Farm, the Shelburne Museum, and quaint shops named as one of the Top Five Christmas Destinations in the country. You’ll watch bread and cheese making, enjoy dinner at the historic inn that doubled as The Stratford Inn on The Newhart Show, and learn about the “Yankee Swap.” Wreath-making is an option at a family-owned nursery—and you’ll leave with a gift! You can opt instead for Coffee Lab’s one-hour class on the coffee process. And, every tour of Vermont should include a visit to a maple sugar farm and stop at The Vermont Country Store. So, head North with BNT on the Middlebury Inn at Christmas tour, and we’ll hope for snow!
Did you say Sunshine?
Christmas at the Library [+The Biltmore Estate with Chihuly Exhibit]
In early December, we’ll visit the Billy Graham Library. Billy Graham’s faith and dedication to spread the Gospel is a testament of how to “walk in love.” At Christmastime, the Library is decorated for the season with a live nativity, carriage rides, and more! This year, they are approaching a milestone, and one of you could be the TWO MILLIONTH guest!
Can you imagine that Billy didn’t like the idea of a library bearing his name until it was described as a “Crusade” for generations to come.
“When it was presented as an ongoing ministry and that people would have the opportunity to be won to Christ, I changed my mind.”
The Gospel is the core experience when you visit the Library just off Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The Man,” “The Message,” “The Ministry,” and “The Mission” themes unfold Billy’s journey of faith from young farm boy to “America’s pastor” and world evangelist. Not only will you visit the Library, but also, the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Narrowly Productions, Billy’s boyhood home, and JAARS, which is part of Wycliff Bible Translators.
But, first, you’ll visit The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, overnighting at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. This sprawling estate was the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. At Christmastime, you can view over 100 decorated trees on your self-guided tour of the Biltmore House and Gardens. You’ll have time to visit the Vanderbilt Legacy exhibit, the village farm, browse Antler Village, lunch together at Stable Cafe Loft, and enjoy dinner on your own—or with your traveling friends!
As a special treat, the Chihuly Exhibit is “in house” until January 2025. These glass sculptures are breathtaking. [See video below.]
Here’s a Sneak Peak Behind the Scenes At the Biltmore Preparing for Christmastime:
The Chihuly Exhibit at the Biltmore:
You say you’d like to do both Christmas tours??
Check your calendar. If seats are available, you could hop from one bus to the next with a few days in between to repack!
Don’t Miss Dates:
December 3-7, 2024
December 10-13, 2024
December is a wonderful time to travel. Whether you want snow or sunshine, quiet rests by the fireplace or inspiring atmosphere, we’ll take you there this Christmastime. Hurry, spots are filling fast!
Here Are A Few One Day Christmas Tours, Too…
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