Join us for the day on Friday, September 19, 2008 , as we travel by motor coach into the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains to spend the day in the historic city of Elmira.

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Elmira was selected as one of three Union Army Depots in New York State. In addition, a Civil War prison camp was built. The local economy prospered as never before by supplying the Army. In 1864, Elmira became a full-fledged city.

Elmira is the home of the Near Westside Neighborhood District. Located on the National Register the district is rich with architectural jewels and holds one of the highest concentration of Victorian style architecture in the country with over 450 structures on the National Register.

Upon our arrival, we will visit the Arnot Art Museum. The museum is housed in an 1833 neo-classical home of the Arnot family. The collection includes 17th, 18th and 19TH century paintings as well as 19TH and 20TH century American art and bronze sculpture.

After our museum tour we will meet our Step on Guide who will give us a tour of Historic Elmira including the Near Westside Neighborhood. This is neighborhood is designated as having the largest concentration of Victorian style homes and architecture in the nation! The historic district has over 450 nationally registered homes in twenty square blocks! As an added treat we will view the interiors of several of these historic homes!

After touring several historic homes, we will have a delightful lunch at Horigan’s located in the National Historic District.

After lunch we will tour Mark Twain’s Study on the Elmira College campus. The study once overlooked the city from atop East Hill and still contains some of its original furniture.

Before heading home, we will make a fun stop at The Christmas House. This Queen Anne mansion features six decorated rooms beautifully adorned with a variety of classic Christmas decorations and gifts. You may even want to do a bit of early holiday shopping!