SMETHPORT — Seating is still available for “One Day — Fall Getaway,” the McKean County Historical Society’s bus trip to the Finger Lakes Region in central New York on Oct. 8.
Departure via Niagara Scenic Motorcoach is slated for 7:20 a.m. from the Bradford Mall.
The first stop on the itinerary is the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum of Aviation and Motorcycles in Hammondsport.
A native of Hammondsport, Curtiss was always fascinated with going fast and initially gained fame as a manufacturer of motorcycles that were noted for their speed and innovations in the first decade of motorcycles.
He was well-known for setting land speed records. In 1907, Curtiss became the world’s fastest man while riding a motorcycle at just over 136 miles per hour in Florida.
During World War I, Curtiss turned his attention to another growing side of transportation: aviation, where his contributions included the development of ailerons, retractable landing gear, tricycle landing gear and dual pilot controls.
His planes were the first to take off and land on ship decks.
A walking tour, wine tasting and lunch overlooking Keuka Lake are planned at Bully Hill Vineyards.
Then it’s on to historic Seneca Falls for a visit to Sauder’s Farm and Country Market, which specializes in spices, cheeses, fresh vegetables, flowers and wood products.
Most of the day will be spent at museums and a canal-side walk in downtown Seneca Falls.
The Women’s Rights National Historical Park, established in 1980, is the site of several early women’s rights conventions and is a landmark of the Feminist Movement that sought equal rights with men, especially greater social, political and religious freedoms.
Exhibits at the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry show how the Seneca River and Cayuga-Seneca Canal helped determine the rise of industry, support cultural development and extend social reform movements.
During the visit to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the nation’s oldest membership organization devoted to honoring the achievements of American women, the group will learn about the significant contributions that women from all walks of life and every section of the country have made to American society.
Admission is free at the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum. For many years, Seneca Falls’ residents have believed that their scenic town was the inspiration for Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the 1946 film, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed because of the similarities of the two locations’ scenes and architecture.
A free walking trail with benches and various sculptures can be found at the Ludovico Sculpture Trail.
Reservations for dinner have been made at Parker’s Grill, also in Seneca Falls.
Time permitting, a walk and photo opportunities at Locks 2/3 of the Seneca Canal conclude the trip.
Arrival back at the Bradford Mall is slated for 9 p.m.
The cost of $149 per person includes admission to the Curtiss Museum, lunch at Bully Hills and dinner at Parker’s.
Reservations deadline is Sept. 13, when a $50 payment is due. The balance is payable by Oct. 1.
Call the McKean County Historical Society at 814-887-5142.
