This is a customer review from the Radley party who went on a New England fly drive at the end of September 2014.

As promised herewith a selection of photo’s taken on our recent trip.

Quechee Gorge is close to White River Falls and has adjacent to it Quechee Gorge Village (a collection of antique shops and specialty shops) and Quechee Diner a fully restored ,original old time US diner; the diner is one of only seven surviving , one of which is in the Smithsonian Museum. Ample parking and from the road bridge there is a brilliant view of the gorge,: all around beautiful New England countryside.

Old Sturbridge Village is a collection of old American houses, barns, Churches, Banks etc. with people dressed in costume enacting the period prior to 1840. In addition to having access to the interiors of all the buildings each day there is a series of demonstrations of 1840 life including loading and firing a musket, a working tinsmith, a working water powered sawmill, stagecoach rides and much much more. One of our favourites was the gentleman with the guitar who sang 1840’s songs and explained there background including I’me a Yanky Doodle Dandy. We were at the village for in excess of 6 hours and probably saw about 85%, well worth a visit, informative and lots of fun for all ages.

Springfield Armory has always interested me since it formed part of my college studies to Gain Chartered Engineering status in 1970. Beginning in 1794 Presedent George Washington authorised the manufacture of flintlock muskets on this site. In doing so it stimulated technology innovation, encouraged improved manufacturing processes and fostered increased use of labour saving machines. The site displays an impressive collection of guns as well a some of the early labour saving devices used in there manufacture; many of the principles we take for granted  now were formulated here such as consistency and interchangeability. As its a National Historic Site parking is ample, free and entrance is free. The grounds are shared with a college and are nice to walk or just to sit on one of the many benches.

Regards David & Val Radley