By Victor Block
Sam and Barbara Goodman were enjoying guided hikes while learning about the ancient geology and more recent Native American history of the area they were exploring. While they walked, their children were getting an archery lesson and being taught about the local flora and fauna by an experienced naturalist. The family members were taking part in a growing trend that combines the enjoyment of a vacation with opportunities to learn something new or to increase your knowledge in an area of interest.
People are often surprised at the A-to-Z list of learning vacations available around the United States and throughout the world. From archaeology and art to zip-lining and zoology, the something-for-everyone choices are so diverse that everyone will enjoy taking part.
In addition to golf, swimming and other activities expected at many resorts, some also offer education along with entertainment. That’s certainly true at the Mohonk Mountain House, a National Historic Landmark Resort founded in 1869. Set among 40,000 acres of unspoiled forests 90 miles north of New York City, its five-star facilities are augmented by an eclectic menu of learning activities.
Along with those in which the Goodman family was taking part, they range from tomahawk-throwing and learning the lifestyles of black bears that reside nearby to courses in woodland survival strategies and the story of glaciers that invaded the region during the last Ice Age.
What might be the most extensive inventory of learning trips is offered by Road Scholar, the self-proclaimed “world leader in educational travel for older adults.” From jazz in New Orleans to pickleball in North Carolina, wildlife conservation in Africa to cooking in Italy, virtually all of its programs qualify as adult-learning vacations. In an average year the company hosts more than 100,000 adults on educational trips in all 50 U.S. states and around the world. These include intergenerational programs for grandparents with their grandchildren along with shipboard learning voyages.
The vessels made at the Wooden Boat School, however, aren’t large enough to carry many passengers. They range from kayaks to river boats to masted sailing crafts. Students can learn everything from boat design and building to repairing and sailing. The establishment is situated on a 64-acre saltwater campus along the coast of Maine and offers students accommodations and meals.
The choices of housing are more extensive for guests at the John C. Campbell Folk School, which is tucked into the western mountains of North Carolina. They range from dormitory-style accommodations to a historic home, and all include meals. Classes are equally as diverse, which isn’t surprising because more than 800 weekend and weeklong courses are offered. Given the rural location, it’s no surprise that basketry, blacksmithing and crafts are among the offerings. Less expected are courses in art, dance, photography and writing.
The setting is very different in Colonial Williamsburg. That living history museum re-creates the community’s 18th-century appearance when it served as the capital of Colonial Virginia, along with reconstructed buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries. Its learning experiences relate to quilt-making, woodworking and other arts and crafts of the times.
Authentically dressed reenactors around town meet and greet visitors, introduce them to the activities in which they’re engaged and answer questions. These include a historic gardener who demonstrates the tools used in the 18th century for planting and harvesting crops and describes the vegetables and herbs that were commonly grown for food.
Other uses of garden crops are explored at the California School of Herbal Studies in Sonoma County. Founded in 1978, it offers one-day, weekend and longer courses in herbalism. These begin with basics such as the Roots of Herbalism and Herbal Medicine Making for Beginners and progress to Herbal Skin Care and the uses of Chinese herbs. The campus includes a half-acre garden with more than 400 herbs, an herbal laboratory and apothecary, and forested hiking trails. The fact that it’s located not far from San Francisco in a famous wine-producing region adds to its vacation appeal.
A more esoteric choice of alternatives is offered by Cornell University’s Education Vacations. People who sign up for on-campus classes can select from offerings that range from the science of climate change to outdoor adventures and fly-fishing. Among travel and learning opportunities are a study of the earth’s biodiversity in Borneo and an exploration of art and design in Scandinavia.
Those who like to combine learning with luxury might wish to check out Timbers Kauai. Located on Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” it’s part of a resort community that includes a Jack Nicklaus golf course, spa that uses ancient healing traditions, miles of nature trails and a large organic farm.
In addition to supplying the property’s signature dining venue, the farm hosts weekly hands-on tours for guests who can plant and harvest crops under the direction of the resident farmer. Those so included can also learn about the history of Hawaiian cuisine, traditions of local fishermen and farmers, and how to balance the flavors inspired by both local bounty and cuisines from around the world.
If farming or folk crafts isn’t your thing, perhaps wildlife conservation or Italian cooking is. Whatever your hobby or special interest, it’s likely that you can take part in it while enjoying a vacation at the same time.
WHEN YOU GO
mohonk.com
roadscholar.org
thewoodenboatschool.com
folkschool.org
colonialwilliamsburg.com
cshs.com
cornell.edu
timberskauai.com
Travelers on a Road Scholar adventure learn about nature in the Canadian Rockies from an expert. Photo courtesy of Road Scholar.
A naturalist at Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York teaches children about nature. Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House.
At the California School of Herbal Studies in Sonoma County traveling students have the opportunity to learn about medicinal herbs. Photo courtesy of Natallia Khlapushyna/Dreamstime.com.
Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
At the California School of Herbal Studies in Sonoma County traveling students have the opportunity to learn about medicinal herbs. Photo courtesy of Natallia Khlapushyna/Dreamstime.com.
Source: www.creators.com
