Night tours have a special magic, especially when illuminated by spotlights, fireworks, lighthouse beacons, city lights and even basins of fire along a riverfront.
[/media-credit] Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace, Mich.
Some of the following locations are familiar destinations ready to be seen in a different light. Some night tours celebrate the evening in unique and artistic ways. All find the magic.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Night tours at Niagara Falls bring colorful lights, fireworks and the roar of water, even when muted by ice.
“The annual Winter Festival of Lights has grown into a much wider destination event, with new programming, illumination displays, refurbished lighting installations, and exciting new sound and light experiences that simply amaze everyone who sees them,” said David Adames, senior director of business development at Niagara Parks Commission.
[/media-credit] Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
By November 2016, when the Winter Festival of Lights begins, $4 million will have been invested by the Niagara Falls Illumination Board for both falls. Through Oct. 31, 85 firework spectaculars are scheduled. The sound and light show, Onguiaahra: Thunder of the Waters, debuts at the end of summer.
“Niagara Parks also provides Illumination Tower Dinner Packages, where guests can enjoy dinner at a Niagara Parks restaurant followed by an unforgettable experience visiting the historic Illumination Tower,” said Jennifer Thomas, Niagara Parks group sales manager.
Circle Line Sightseeing
New York, New York
Cameras click and visitors snap selfies on Circle Line Sightseeing’s signature Harbor Lights cruise.
“The semicircle route goes around the tip of Manhattan and under the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Lindsey Guinn, who handles public relations for Circle Line Sightseeing.
“At sunset, there can be a golden glow on all the buildings of Manhattan and then the city lights come up. The boats pause within 100 feet of Liberty Island so our guests can get photos with the Statue of Liberty in the background.”
Pier 83 is not far from Times Square. Motorcoaches can drop off visitors and then go to a staging area.
“Some groups schedule the two-hour cruise as a happy hour before a late dinner mid-town,” Guinn said. “We have a cafe. We also can arrange box meals or catered events in a private section.”
WaterFire
Providence, Rhode Island
[/media-credit] WaterFire, Providence, R.I.
Fire and water may not mix, but in Providence, Rhode Island, the lighting of more than 80 sparkling bonfires for each WaterFire event creates community along the riverfront.
“The fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames … the enchanting music,” said Peter Mello, managing director. “WaterFire has captured the imagination of more than 15 million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.”
The free event is seasonal and depending on the sponsors, includes a theme or focus with a wide variety of performers and activities in adjacent areas. An easy walk from downtown hotels makes WaterFire attractive as an evening activity.
Check the WaterFire website for motorcoach parking details.
Gateway Arch
St. Louis, Missouri
The view of the sun setting behind the iconic Gateway Arch, and the lights of St. Louis as darkness falls, can make night tours magical.
“Our Skyline Dinner Cruise gives guests the best view of the St. Louis skyline from the Mississippi River,” said Lindsey Erb, Gateway Arch marketing specialist. “The cruise includes a Dixieland band and a delicious buffet that has something for everyone.”
An old-time steamboat feel is provided by the Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher, replica riverboats of the historic 19th-century paddle wheelers, but with all the modern conveniences of today.
“Typically, the cruise will go in both directions to give guests a view of the entire St. Louis skyline,” Erb said. “The route for each cruise is determined by river traffic and conditions.”
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Mackinaw City, Michigan
[/media-credit] Evening Lighthouse Cruise, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, Mackinaw City, Mich.
Guests can enjoy the sunset and the comforting lights of some of Michigan’s historic lighthouses on Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry cruises from Mackinaw City, Michigan.
“Our Evening Lighthouse Cruises include five to seven lighthouse sightings depending on the route,” said Cindy Gezon, director of cruises and group sales. “Both east and west tours go under the Mackinac Bridge — a unique way to see the lights on the bridge.”
For a natural light show, Shepler’s books Mary Stewart Adams of Dark Sky Park for special Dark Skies Cruises.
“We go out very late and far into Lake Michigan, where the intense darkness makes it possible to view thousands of stars, or in August, the Perseid Meteor Showers,” Gezon said.
Motorcoach drop off is usually easy at the dock. Motorcoach parking is free.
National Mall
Washington, D.C.
[/media-credit] Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Using luxury vehicles and the best guides in Washington, D.C., Capitol Escapes provides unforgettable National Mall night tours.
“The monuments and memorials look different at night,” said Joyce Kirby, president of Capitol Escapes. “The city itself takes on a new personality in the evening. The memorial lighting creates a dramatic effect as if the statues themselves could come to life. Favorite sites are much less crowded and, in the summer, the heat of the day gives way to cool breezes.”
If the group is more interested in lesser-known memorials, Kirby often suggests a tour called “Obscure Memorials at Night”. These memorials include those for Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and The Women’s Titanic Memorial.
Capitol Escapes can arrange hotel and restaurant pick-ups, or pick-ups from any other location.
Article by Becky Linhardt
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