Guided Exploration

TOUR NAME: Guided Exploration – The Mariners’ Museum and Nolan Trail 

DATE: Sunday, March 13

DURATION (ROUND TRIP): 10:00 – 2:30/3-ish  (return is traffic dependent)                    Please arrive at 9:30 at REI to board the bus.

PRICE: $30 per person (purchase your ticket at TheNatureBus.com > Calendar) 

DESCRIPTION: Join us for a day of exploration on the grounds of one of Virginia’s most historically rich museums. Travel on board The Nature Bus, with our newest guide, Victoria! We will head to Newport News (a 40-min bus ride).  Once we arrive at the museum, we will go on a 90 minute guided walking tour; the museum is home to the scenic Nolan Trail! Be prepared to see wildlife of all varieties as well as partake in tree and floral identification! After our guided nature-hike, we will break for lunch. Guests may either bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch from the Museum Cafe. Next, enjoy a self-paced, self-guided tour of the various historical exhibits housed at The Mariner’s Museum (museum admission fee is included). See below for more information about what to expect inside the museum. Please be flexible with the departure time as we don’t want to rush; we will board The Nature Bus and return home to REI/Virginia Beach around 3ish. The 40-minute bus ride back will be hosted by Victoria; she will be discussing the amazing historical perspectives and natural elements of our adventure. A fun filled day for everyone! 

From The Mariner’s Museum: “For over 90 years, the history of the ocean and its relationship with humankind has been told and displayed in one of the largest maritime museums in the world. In 1930, The Mariners’ Museum was brought to life by the shared vision of Archer Milton Huntington and Homer L. Ferguson. Today, The Mariners’ Museum sits in an urban oasis – the 550 acre park is now home to the 167-acre Mariners’ Lake and the Noland Trail – a five-mile shoreline trail with 14 bridges. Within the Museum itself you will find 90,000 square feet of exhibition galleries including the prestigious International Small Craft Center, and the award-winning USS Monitor Center. This state-of-the-art exhibition and conservation lab houses 210 tons of artifacts from the Civil War ironclad Monitor, which were recovered from NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. The Mariners’ Museum Library and Archives is home to nearly 110,000 books; 800,000 photographs, films, and negatives; and over 1 million pieces of archival material, making it the largest maritime library in the Western Hemisphere.”

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
– Air conditioned/heated new vehicle
– Transportation to and from Newport News (100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606)
– Guide for the unique walking tour of the Nolan Trail with in-depth narrative of trees and plants, including an overview history of the park.
– Entrance fee to the Mariners’ Museum to explore the exhibits and history.
– All fees (including tunnel tolls, admission to the museum/park; excluding food/drink)
– Expert pre-planning services

THINGS TO BRING:
– You may either bring a packed lunch or purchase your lunch form the Museum Cafe. If you pack a lunch it can be stowed away in our on board coolers with ice packs.  If it is a lovely day, we may picnic outdoors; we provide the picnic blankets. Otherwise we may eat in the cafe.
– Your PPE Mask
– Your digital or printed ticket
– Printed/signed waiver (please print and sign at home to save time at checkin)
– Photo ID
– Please dress for the weather. Layer-up in cold weather and water bottle, sunscreen, sun hat on hot days.
CASH (it is customary to tip 15% to the guide)

  • We look forward to seeing you on the tour! Check out all of the 5-star reviews, so you will be super confident that you will have an amazing experience! You can read them at TheNatureBus.com > click the REVIEWS tab. See you soon!
  • If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595

 

Important NOTES  “Know before you go” ~

*We go “light rain” or shine. See our weather policy FAQs  page. Please dress for the weather. In the case of light rain, we simply take cover and wait it out. In the case of heavy rain, we move the experience to our rain-date. Be sure both dates will work for you (the original date and the rain-date). ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS

*PLEASE: Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. Please arrive 15-30 min before departure. We cannot wait for latecomers because we must adhere to our planned itinerary. Therefore we must pull away at the exact departure time. We cannot receive telephone/text calls to let us know your are running late because we will driving and using the phone as a GPS.
*ALL OUR TOURS INVOLVE WALKING; GUESTS SHOULD EXPECT VARYING DEGREES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

COVID SAFETY MEASURES: We care about the health and safety of those participating in our nature experiences. The Nature Bus has been outfitted with dividers between rows of seats. The bus is sanitized between each tour. We ride with windows partially open, like an open-air tram (weather permitting). Feel free to open your window if it is closed. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. 

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Venue:  

Address:
350 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462, United States

  •  March 13, 2022
     10:00 am - 3:00 pm