Tramping around Chaplin ’ s World
A fabulous Florida fortress
Come wassail away
BY PAT HENDERSON
Tramping around Chaplin ’ s World
The legacy of the legendary Charlie Chaplin is celebrated at a new museum in Corsier-sur-Vevey , Switzerland . Chaplin ’ s World , which opened April 16 , is located on the Manoir de Ban estate where the actor and his wife , Oona , lived for 25 years starting in 1953 .
The attraction features three main areas — the manor , the studio and the park — that provide a look at different aspects of the Chaplins ’ lives . As visitors tour the beautiful mansion , they can see well-preserved rooms that include the couple ’ s furnishings and personal belongings .
The studio is a high-tech area that celebrates different periods of Chaplin ’ s cinematic career . The tour begins with a walk through a Hollywood-style studio from the silent film era and then takes guests to re-created sets from some of his most famous movies — the fairground atmosphere of “ The Circus ,” the machinery of “ Modern Times ,” the romantic setting of “ City Lights ” and more .
Guests also can tour around the estate ’ s 10-acre grounds . As they stroll along walking paths , they will see period gardens and native forests , and enjoy sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the Alps .
For more information , visit chaplinsworld . com or call + 41.21.903.0130 .
CHAPLIN ’ S WORLD / BUBBLES INCORPORATED S . A .
A fabulous Florida fortress
The rich history of Castillo de San Marcos , a massive fortress that has been under the domain of five different governments in its 315 years , can be discovered in St . Augustine , Florida . The attraction , which was declared a national monument in 1924 , is the oldest Spanish masonry fort in the continental United States and the oldest structure in the historical city .
Since being transferred to the National Park Service , the Castillo has become a major stop for history buffs . The grounds are home to numerous rooms that once housed soldiers and prisoners , a large interior courtyard , a working gun deck that provides great views of the city , and more .
Travelers also can watch a 25-minute movie that details the fort ’ s history , visit with the re-enactors and take part in ranger-led activities . One of the most popular options is the historical weapons program , during which groups can see live cannon- and musket-firing demonstrations .
Call + 1.904.829.6506 or go to nps . gov / casa to find out more .
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Come wassail away
Each December , the historical town of Woodstock , Vermont , welcomes the holiday season with the Winter Wassail Weekend . The 33rd installment of this traditional event will take place this year from Dec . 9 to 11 .
Throughout the weekend , groups can enjoy twinkling lights , carolers , the jingle of sleigh bells and the official lighting of the Village Green . Other components include visiting Billings Farm and Museum ’ s Christmas at the Farm display , going on a sleigh ride , touring the Woodstock History Center , seeing the holiday craft market and sampling some of the event ’ s namesake drink .
The highlight of the weekend is the Wassail Parade that goes through the center of town . More than 50 horses and riders , many dressed in holiday and period costumes from the early 19th century , are featured , and Santa Claus himself usually makes an appearance .
Call + 1.802.457.3555 or visit woodstockvt . com to find out more .
WOODSTOCKVT . COM
18 July 2016