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PEMBROKE, VIRGINIA

Astronomy: The Universe and Beyond

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 VA

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 Science & Nature

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Road Scholar
Program #5178RJ

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6 Days | 5 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
The Mountain Lake Conservancy is located at 3800 feet above sea level in Southwest Virginia.

 Equipment Requirements
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for walks around the property. The weather can be unpredictable, so a raincoat is also recommended. Nights can be cooler than the surrounding valleys. Property is hilly and you must be able to walk up and down hills and stairs throughout the week.

Itinerary for Oct 20 — Oct 25, 2013

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Type: Hotel

 Description: A grand stone hotel (site of the filming of "Dirty Dancing") overlooking the highest natural lake East of the Mississippi River and sitting on  2600 acres of unspoiled wilderness at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. 

Contact info:
115 Hotel Circle
Pembroke, VA 24136 USA
phone: 540-626-7121
web: www.MountainLakeHotel.com

Room amenities: Spacious, comfortable, double-occupancy guest rooms are equipped with private bath, 1 or 2 queen beds, desk, telephone and alarm clock. The hotel is not air-conditioned but rooms contain fans. If you are a couple and desire two beds, please note it on your confirmation form. If you have a specific request, please notify us prior to your arrival date.

Facility amenities: Road Scholar participants are welcome to use the heated outdoor pool and hot tub (Memorial Day-Labor Day). The Mountain Lake Conservancy consists of over 22 miles of multi-use trails for your enjoyment. Complimentary lawn games, rentals, and additional recreational opportunities include: tennis court, badminton, tether ball, croquet, over-sized lawn chess and checkers, horseshoes, bocce, volleyball, geocaching, orienteering, Disc golf course, mountain bike rentals, outdoor fire pit and an indoor hot-tub and sauna area. An Activities Barn houses table tennis, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and a dance floor. Gift shop and bar/lounge open daily. Library, public computers with access to internet, wireless internet, and TV lounge are available for guest use free of charge. Laundry facilities are available on the premises for a nominal fee.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $175 - $225.
Price range is for double occupancy. Modified American Plan (includes dinner and breakfast for two.)

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, October 20 - Arrival to the Mountain Lake Hotel. Wine and cheese social to meet... 
Arrival to the Mountain Lake Hotel. Wine and cheese social to meet and greet fellow participants. Orientation.

Afternoon: 4:00-5:00 pm - Program registration in the hotel lobby. 5:00-6:00 pm - Enjoy a wine and cheese meet and greet with fellow participants on the hotel veranda.

Dinner: 6:15 pm - Dinner in the hotel dining room.

Evening: 7:45 pm - Orientation session in the meeting room.

Lodging: Mountain Lake Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: A grand stone hotel (site of the filming of "Dirty Dancing") overlooking the highest natural lake East of the Mississippi River and sitting on  2600 acres of unspoiled wilderness at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. 

Contact info:
115 Hotel Circle
Pembroke, VA 24136 USA
phone: 540-626-7121
web: www.MountainLakeHotel.com

Room amenities: Spacious, comfortable, double-occupancy guest rooms are equipped with private bath, 1 or 2 queen beds, desk, telephone and alarm clock. The hotel is not air-conditioned but rooms contain fans. If you are a couple and desire two beds, please note it on your confirmation form. If you have a specific request, please notify us prior to your arrival date.

Facility amenities: Road Scholar participants are welcome to use the heated outdoor pool and hot tub (Memorial Day-Labor Day). The Mountain Lake Conservancy consists of over 22 miles of multi-use trails for your enjoyment. Complimentary lawn games, rentals, and additional recreational opportunities include: tennis court, badminton, tether ball, croquet, over-sized lawn chess and checkers, horseshoes, bocce, volleyball, geocaching, orienteering, Disc golf course, mountain bike rentals, outdoor fire pit and an indoor hot-tub and sauna area. An Activities Barn houses table tennis, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and a dance floor. Gift shop and bar/lounge open daily. Library, public computers with access to internet, wireless internet, and TV lounge are available for guest use free of charge. Laundry facilities are available on the premises for a nominal fee.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $175 - $225.
Price range is for double occupancy. Modified American Plan (includes dinner and breakfast for two.)

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, October 21 - Astronomy/Planets 101, Cosmology lecture, Star Gazing 
Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 am - breakfast available in hotel dining room.

Morning: 9:00 - 11:30 am - Astronomy and Planet 101 with Jack Brockway.

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Lunch in hotel dining room.

Afternoon: 1:30-4:00 pm - Session on "Cosmology and the Accelerating Universe" with Virginia Tech professor, John Simonetti.

Dinner: 5:30 pm - Dinner in hotel dining room.

Evening: 7:30 - Sky Observation on the lawn with Mike Overacker.

Lodging: Mountain Lake Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: A grand stone hotel (site of the filming of "Dirty Dancing") overlooking the highest natural lake East of the Mississippi River and sitting on  2600 acres of unspoiled wilderness at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. 

Contact info:
115 Hotel Circle
Pembroke, VA 24136 USA
phone: 540-626-7121
web: www.MountainLakeHotel.com

Room amenities: Spacious, comfortable, double-occupancy guest rooms are equipped with private bath, 1 or 2 queen beds, desk, telephone and alarm clock. The hotel is not air-conditioned but rooms contain fans. If you are a couple and desire two beds, please note it on your confirmation form. If you have a specific request, please notify us prior to your arrival date.

Facility amenities: Road Scholar participants are welcome to use the heated outdoor pool and hot tub (Memorial Day-Labor Day). The Mountain Lake Conservancy consists of over 22 miles of multi-use trails for your enjoyment. Complimentary lawn games, rentals, and additional recreational opportunities include: tennis court, badminton, tether ball, croquet, over-sized lawn chess and checkers, horseshoes, bocce, volleyball, geocaching, orienteering, Disc golf course, mountain bike rentals, outdoor fire pit and an indoor hot-tub and sauna area. An Activities Barn houses table tennis, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and a dance floor. Gift shop and bar/lounge open daily. Library, public computers with access to internet, wireless internet, and TV lounge are available for guest use free of charge. Laundry facilities are available on the premises for a nominal fee.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $175 - $225.
Price range is for double occupancy. Modified American Plan (includes dinner and breakfast for two.)

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, October 22 - Galaxies lecture, Exploring the Radio Universe, and evening... 
Galaxies lecture, Exploring the Radio Universe, and evening presentation "Songs of the Night".

Breakfast: 7:30-9:00am - Breakfast available in hotel dining room.

Morning: 9:00-11:30 am - "Galaxies, Building Block for Astrophysical Understanding" with Matt Fleenor.

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Lunch in hotel dining room.

Afternoon: 1:30-4:00 pm - "Exploring the Radio Universe" with Sue Ann Heatherly from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV.

Dinner: 5:30 pm - Dinner in the hotel dining room.

Evening: 7:30 pm - Presentation "Songs of the Night" by Jerry Via.

Lodging: Mountain Lake Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: A grand stone hotel (site of the filming of "Dirty Dancing") overlooking the highest natural lake East of the Mississippi River and sitting on  2600 acres of unspoiled wilderness at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. 

Contact info:
115 Hotel Circle
Pembroke, VA 24136 USA
phone: 540-626-7121
web: www.MountainLakeHotel.com

Room amenities: Spacious, comfortable, double-occupancy guest rooms are equipped with private bath, 1 or 2 queen beds, desk, telephone and alarm clock. The hotel is not air-conditioned but rooms contain fans. If you are a couple and desire two beds, please note it on your confirmation form. If you have a specific request, please notify us prior to your arrival date.

Facility amenities: Road Scholar participants are welcome to use the heated outdoor pool and hot tub (Memorial Day-Labor Day). The Mountain Lake Conservancy consists of over 22 miles of multi-use trails for your enjoyment. Complimentary lawn games, rentals, and additional recreational opportunities include: tennis court, badminton, tether ball, croquet, over-sized lawn chess and checkers, horseshoes, bocce, volleyball, geocaching, orienteering, Disc golf course, mountain bike rentals, outdoor fire pit and an indoor hot-tub and sauna area. An Activities Barn houses table tennis, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and a dance floor. Gift shop and bar/lounge open daily. Library, public computers with access to internet, wireless internet, and TV lounge are available for guest use free of charge. Laundry facilities are available on the premises for a nominal fee.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $175 - $225.
Price range is for double occupancy. Modified American Plan (includes dinner and breakfast for two.)

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, October 23 - Telescopes 101, Free Afternoon, and Star Gazing 
Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 am - Breakfast available in hotel dining room.

Morning: 9:00 - 11:30 am - Session on Telescopes 101 and Meteorites with Mike Overacker.

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Lunch in hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Free afternoon. Enjoy activities offered at the Mountain Lake Conservancy & Hotel, or explore the New River Valley area on your own.

Dinner: 5:30 pm - Dinner in hotel dining room.

Evening: 7:30 pm - Sky Observation on the front lawn with Mike Overacker.

Lodging: Mountain Lake Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: A grand stone hotel (site of the filming of "Dirty Dancing") overlooking the highest natural lake East of the Mississippi River and sitting on  2600 acres of unspoiled wilderness at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. 

Contact info:
115 Hotel Circle
Pembroke, VA 24136 USA
phone: 540-626-7121
web: www.MountainLakeHotel.com

Room amenities: Spacious, comfortable, double-occupancy guest rooms are equipped with private bath, 1 or 2 queen beds, desk, telephone and alarm clock. The hotel is not air-conditioned but rooms contain fans. If you are a couple and desire two beds, please note it on your confirmation form. If you have a specific request, please notify us prior to your arrival date.

Facility amenities: Road Scholar participants are welcome to use the heated outdoor pool and hot tub (Memorial Day-Labor Day). The Mountain Lake Conservancy consists of over 22 miles of multi-use trails for your enjoyment. Complimentary lawn games, rentals, and additional recreational opportunities include: tennis court, badminton, tether ball, croquet, over-sized lawn chess and checkers, horseshoes, bocce, volleyball, geocaching, orienteering, Disc golf course, mountain bike rentals, outdoor fire pit and an indoor hot-tub and sauna area. An Activities Barn houses table tennis, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and a dance floor. Gift shop and bar/lounge open daily. Library, public computers with access to internet, wireless internet, and TV lounge are available for guest use free of charge. Laundry facilities are available on the premises for a nominal fee.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $175 - $225.
Price range is for double occupancy. Modified American Plan (includes dinner and breakfast for two.)

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, October 24 - Life of Stars, Black Holes, Neutron Stars and Gravitational Waves,... 
Life of Stars, Black Holes, Neutron Stars and Gravitational Waves, Free Evening OR optional trip to Selu Observatory in Radford, VA.

Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 am - Breakfast available in hotel dining room.

Morning: 9:00-11:30 am - Session on "Birth, Life and Death of Stars" with Radford University professor, Jack Brockway.

Lunch: 12:00 pm - Lunch in hotel dining room.

Afternoon: 1:30 - 4:00 pm - Session on "Black Holes, Neutron Stars & Gravitational Waves with Radford University professor, Brett Taylor.

Dinner: 5:30 pm - Dinner in the hotel dining room.

Evening: Optional trip to the SELU Observatory in Radford, VA, a one-hour drive. Carpooling encouraged as transportation is not provided.

Lodging: Mountain Lake Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, October 25 - Presentation: History of Mountain Lake and the Springs of Virginia,... 
Presentation: History of Mountain Lake and the Springs of Virginia, Program Wrap-Up and Departure.

Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 am - Breakfast available in hotel dining room.

Morning: 9:00 am - Slideshow presentation "The History of Mountain Lake and the Springs of Virginia" by local historian Jim Walker. Program wrap-up.

Morning: Check out of hotel by 11:00 am.

Meals Included: Breakfast
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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Our Value Promise To You

You won't find a better value.

Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
•5 nights of accommodations
•14 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
•9 Expert-led lectures
•3 Field trips
•5 Hands-on experiences
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Ratings

4.7
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