Join our Very First Fall Foliage Tour
The Northeast Adventure
Columbus Day Weekend ~ October 10-13, 2024
NJ ~ NY ~ CT ~ VT
Join us in Honoring Racing Legend and Parkinson’s Warrior, Sam Posey!
Keep reading for more info…
When you embark on Drive Toward a Cure’s Northeast Adventure, you’re in for four days & three nights of spectacular fall colors in the glorious Appalachian Autumn!
Enjoy an ALL-inclusive tour consisting of outstanding drives, top-rated accommodations, amazing food and drink, and memorable stops, enjoyed alongside like-minded drivers. Cars and Camaraderie® – what could be better?!
And if your schedule allows, make the most of the Columbus Day weekend by adding an optional fourth night without having to change rooms.
The fall colors in the Northeast are truly spectacular — second to none! Whether you’re local or coming from regions that don’t enjoy the autumn change, it’s always a really special experience. And there is hardly a better way to enjoy it than driving your favorite car along the many scenic back roads and byways of the Appalachian Mountains. For our next multi-day signature event, the 2024 Drive Toward a Cure “Northeast Adventure” will continue to put Drive Toward a Cure at the pinnacle of driving events, blending Cars and Camaraderie for a great cause.
Why A Drive Toward a Cure “Adventure”?
Check out these videos from The/Drive and Motorz / ERN Live with Alan Taylor made following the 2018 “California Adventure”.
The Driving Adventure
A Drive Toward a Cure “Adventure” is more than just a drive in the country. We’ve carefully laid out a fun and challenging navigational road rally that will engage you in the drive in a way that point-to-point driving events cannot match.
We do not run a “speed event” that could attract unwanted attention. Instead, we encourage all participants to responsibly share the road. In this way our “Adventure” events are the perfect opportunity for modern sports cars and exotics, and classic cars to celebrate the joy of driving together.
All Cars are Welcome!
For those who are unsure about these “tulips”, don’t worry — we also include friendly turn-by-turn directions with street names. But really… we know you’ll have more fun with those “tulips”!
Drive Toward a Cure “Adventure” events typically include a “Special Stage” driving exercise. This year’s optional, safe, and adrenaline-infused blast will be held at Lime Rock Park on their FCP Euro Proving Grounds with an activation that is sure to not only test driver skill but remain a great source of entertainment for all. Those that partake will be eligible for our “Winning Drive Award”, and everyone is sure to enjoy the camaraderie that this element provides.
They call it “autocross”. We call if FUN!
The Itinerary
Routing and scheduling is subject to change. Named destinations are unlikely to change, though their position without our schedule may be altered.
Day 1: Thursday, October 10
Private Collection to Legendary Race Track
Registration for our program will begin on-site at 8:00am, with coffee and breakfast treats, along with a guided tour of the eclectic collection of award-winning vintage and race cars. The exact location will be revealed to registered participants ahead of the event.
We’ll be hitting the road, putting some miles under our belts in short order to reach Lakeville, CT – home to the legendary Lime Rock Park road racing circuit. Opened in 1957, it’s one of the three oldest continuously operated road racing circuits in the U.S. … and the only one still in its original configuration.
Our activities at the track will include a delicious catered lunch, and taking on the 1/2-mile autocross track for our famous special stage driving exercise for those who wish to participate!
With the days driving mostly done, the Northeast Adventure will travel a short distance to the Litchfield Inn for our first night. Without doubt, new friendships will continue to be created and nurtured over our Welcome Dinner, and a relaxing evening of camaraderie over all things automotive, and also our common goal of making the miles count and giving back by supporting Parkinson’s.
Lunch With Our Special Guest: Sam Posey
Join us as we honor Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Sam Posey – the legendary American former racing driver and sports broadcast journalist – as we visit his home track, Lime Rock Park.
While his racing career found Sam competing worldwide with and against such greats as Mario Andretti, Mark Donohue, Roger Penske… the list is truly endless!… his love for motorsport has roots in the Connecticut area where he was raised, and primarily at Lime Rock Park. Sam went on to compete in Trans-Am, Champ Cars, NASCAR, and even Formula 1. He had podium finishes that included Le Mans.
Beyond his fabled motorsports involvement, Sam is also an author, designer and artist.
As a participant in the Northeast Adventure, you’ll help us celebrate his career and achievements as we honor Sam for the other cause he champions – that of being a Parkinson’s warrior. First diagnosed in 1995, his struggles have not stopped his enthusiasm for motorsport or painting and he continues to bring his positive attitude to the community at large, despite his challenges.
We couldn’t pass through the Lakeville area without taking the time to enjoy Sam – and we’re hopeful to have some additional FOS (friends of Sam) attending that you’ll enjoy too. What a wonderful pit stop this will be!
Day 2: Friday, October 11
Rural Connecticut to Picturesque Vermont
Friday sees us starting the day with a wonderful breakfast buffet at the Litchfield Inn before we hit the road toward our event headquarters in Vermont.
The day will feature some spectacular drives with a farm fresh BBQ treat for lunch and other Fall surprises at the Liberty Ridge Farm.
Our ultimate destination is the stunning Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester, VT, a boutique hotel that brings to mind the grand leisure inns of days past. After you’re settled in, our “welcome” reception and dinner will cap the day. Share in stories from the day with your new friends at dinner. Cars and camaraderie… it’s what we’re all about!
Days 3 / 4: Saturday, October 12 / Sunday, October 13
Explore the Appalachians
Continuing the all-inclusive Adventure, you can count on hearty breakfasts being served before we hit the road to rack up yet more miles and smiles. Each day’s route will lead to different destinations.
Saturday morning presents the option of exploring local roads and hidden spots on our exclusive route, or take part in the Land Rover Experience based at Mt. Equinox (an extra-cost option; more details below). Regardless of how you travel there, we will all meet at the summit of Mt. Equinox for lunch and breathtaking four-state views: to the east, The Green Mountains, the valley of Vermont, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire; to the west, The Adirondack Mountains of New York; and to the south, the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning will continue the scenic exploration of what the area has to offer. As always, all meals are covered – including our final Saturday evening dinner and silent auction, Sunday breakfast, and Sunday lunch along the route back in the direction of our Thursday starting point.
Option: Even More Adventure with Land Rover Experience!
(Limited Availability)
Enjoy the great outdoors while developing off-road skills to tackle the most extreme terrain. You’ll drive the latest Land Rover models and enjoy one-to-one coaching from an expert instructor at your side. Whether you will be driving off-road for the first time or are a seasoned pro, you’ll quickly build confidence, refine your techniques and have fun along the way.
You’ll be personally coached in essential skills within the controlled environment of their purpose-built training areas, develop your skills on nearby natural trails with diverse terrain, challenging obstacles and magnificent scenery.
Skills for Every Season
- Grass & Gravel
- Mud & Ruts
- Water Crossings
- Rock Crawl
Those who choose to participate will be met at the hotel for a 9:00am departure. One instructor and up to 3 guests will be assigned per vehicle, with driving duties shared equally among you and the other off-road Adventurers. The Land Rover Experience will incorporate Land Rover’s off-road center and follow off-road trails that culminate atop Mt. Equinox where you will meet with the rest of the group for lunch at the summit!
Choose this option on the registration screen. $280 per person.
Optional Fourth Night: October 13/14
Make the Most Of the Long Weekend
Take advantage of Columbus Day and continue the Adventure through Monday! We are happy to extend our negotiated room rate for an extra night and ensure you can stay in your existing room to make the most of the Columbus Day long weekend. This weekend is forecast as the very peak of the fall colors and if you can, we encourage you to soak up every last minute of it.
Choose this option on the registration screen. $650.
Reserve Your Spot!
Pricing:
October 10-13, 2024: US$7,495 ALL-inclusive entry for TWO people, one room/night
The core Drive Toward a Cure “Northeast Adventure”, kicks off on the morning of Thursday, October 10 in New Jersey – details for our private collection starting point will be revealed to registrants only!
Night of October 9: TBA
For those preferring to wake up refreshed and stay locally to begin our Thursday morning start, feel free to take advantage of one of our room blocks with a special room rate on Wednesday evening. Hotel(s) to be announced soon, however you’ll need to set your reservation directly with the property.
Optional Fourth Night of October 13: US$650
Extend your Adventure and take advantage of the long Columbus Day weekend with an additional night at the Kimpton Taconic Inn. By choosing this option we’ll be able to ensure you remain in your same room.
Additional nights beyond at our final hotel may also be available – please reply to your registration confirmation email to inquire about extending your reservation and ensure you can stay in the same room and continue to enjoy the resort and surrounding area.
The event registration fee includes the following:
- Charitable contribution benefiting Parkinson’s Disease research, patient care, and awareness and education, via Drive Toward a Cure programs, including grant opportunities within our Special Assistance Fund, Access to Care program, Young Onset Parkinson’s directive, as well as annual giving to the Michael J. Fox Foundation and regional Parkinson Foundation Centers of Excellence.
- Tax receipt** issued by Drive Toward a Cure.
- Entry for one vehicle in all driving components of the event.
- One hotel room for two people in highly rated properties for three or four nights, depending on options chosen.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner for two people for the duration*.
- Nightly cocktail receptions for two people.
- Entry into all private properties, exhibits and museums included on the event itinerary.
- All tips and gratuities are included.
- Luggage transportation between the start and the hotel property, if desired, and between hotel properties.
- “Special stage” autocross driving exercise at Lime Rock Park’s FCP Euro Proving Grounds.
- Drive Toward a Cure door decals for the car.
- Drive Toward a Cure commemorative items and sponsor giveaways.
- Commemorative, full-color road book.
- Full event logistics and organization.
- Event liability insurance.
Raffle and Auction Prize Donors
We are seeking Raffle and Auction item donors. Let us know if you have a product or experience that you might like to contribute!
Donations support Parkinson’s Disease research and patient care and may be recognized with a tax receipt.
Drive Toward a Cure for Parkinson’s Disease
Hagerty Plus® Roadside Service
Hagerty will cover all participants vehicles – not just those of existing Hagerty clients – with Hagerty Plus® Roadside Service and Benefits during the event dates. Hagerty Plus is a comprehensive full-service roadside assistance program designed specifically for classic cars. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s only for classics; whatever car you bring on our signature Drive Toward a Cure “Adventure” event will be provided with Hagerty Plus for the duration of the event.
Drive Toward a Cure for Parkinson's Disease
The Drive Toward a Cure program has been carefully designed to provide a premium experience while raising much-needed funds to continue the search for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, while also supporting patient care. Learn more about our beneficiaries, The Parkinson’s Institute and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Minor event scheduling and details are subject to change without notice.
* Ordered alcoholic drinks and special requests are not included.
** Your charitable donation deduction for federal income tax purposes is defined as the excess of the amount of money contributed minus the value of certain goods or services provided by the charity as required by the IRS. Certain other costs associated with your registration and/or overall event costs do not need to be counted toward the value of goods or services provided to the registrant. A good faith estimate of the value of goods and services to be provided will be published as soon as it is known. Your ability to take a tax deduction depends on your tax situation. Please consult an accountant.