2018 Reunion
June 18th - June 24th



Hotel Information
The Holiday Inn (map it)
1570 North Military Highway
Norfolk, VA 82502

Call 757-213-2231 to reserve your room(s).
Identify your affiliation with the RS EDWARDS ASSOCIATION for special rates and benefits.

Hotel rates:
  • Single / Double Occupancy $119.00 per night + 14% tax + $2 city tax
  • Suite $139.00 per night + 14% tax + $2 city tax
The special rates will apply for three days prior and three days after our reunion dates. Two free breakfasts are provided for each morning per room. There will be a hospitality suite each day of the reunion, location TBD by hotel.


Schedule
PLEASE NOTE: All prices are per person
Registration Cost per adult: $50
Cost per child ages 3 - 10: $17.50


Monday, June 18th
8:30am – 5:00pm Depart via motor coach for the charming town of Williamsburg. A dedicated, licensed tour guide will provide interesting and informative narration during the ride about the historic Virginia Peninsula and the Coastal Virginia area. Upon arrival, step back into the 18th century as a historical interpreter guides guests through the past and the events that helped shape America's history on a one and one half hour leisurely walking tour through the restored district. (Actual distance is approximately 4-5 blocks, and is appropriate for those in wheelchairs).

Following the overview tour, enjoy free time to shop and browse in the many unique specialty shops in Merchants Square. High quality apparel, gifts, jewelry, unusual quilts, beautiful furniture and holiday decorations are but a few of the offerings found in this quaint, picturesque shopping area. Guests will enjoy lunch on their own in one of the Colonial Taverns or in Merchants Square. The guide will point out all of the dining options as they pass through town.

Next, ride along the scenic Colonial Parkway and spend the afternoon at Jamestown Settlement. Established in 1607, this was the first permanent settlement in the New World. Guests will enjoy touring the re-created village of Jamestown which chronicles the nation's 17th century beginnings in Virginia in the context of its Powhatan Indian, English and western central African cultures. Jamestown represents an enduring legacy of language, culture and government. Through an introductory film, "1607: A Nation Takes Root" and expansive 30,000 square foot indoor exhibition galleries, guests will discover the political, social and economic factors that led to the colonization of the New World, the culture of the Powhatan Indians of coastal Virginia at the time of the English arrival, and the first century of the Virginia colony when Jamestown served as its capital. Outside, history comes alive in re-creations of a Powhatan Indian village, a colonial fort, and the three ships - Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery - that transported English colonists to Virginia in 1607. Costumed historical interpreters demonstrate work and everyday life of the era and engage visitors in a variety of activities. There will also be time to browse the gift shop for unique "Made in Virginia" items.

Price per adult: $56.00, inclusive (Lunch on own)
Price per child: $39.00 (ages 4 - 12)


Tuesday, June 19th
8:30am – 4:00pm Board the bus for Virginia Beach to visit one of the city's most revered attractions, the Military Aviation Museum. The museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War II and Korean War era fighters, bombers, trainers and seaplanes in the world. Many aircraft have been fully restored to their World War II condition and are used for flight demonstration, movie production or commercials. Enjoy a guided tour of the galleries and shopping in the gift shop which is stocked with all things flight related.

Enjoy lunch ocean side at Waterman's Surfside Grill. This classic coastal restaurant with beachfront dining has been a local favorite for many years. Guests will love the expansive ocean views! The restaurant has requested that a list of names with menu selections be provided. Please provide this information on the Registration form.

Following lunch, enjoy free time for a leisurely walking tour of the vibrant Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Stroll the wide, paved sidewalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and see its many sites and landmarks as you become acquainted with this coastal resort town. Guests may also choose to walk the fishing pier (small admission fee, pay on own), or shop the myriad of stores that line the oceanfront avenues.

Then re-board the motor coach as your guide points out the history of Virginia's largest city. See the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry where the English colonists first came ashore in 1607 prior to settling at nearby Jamestown. Walk out on the overlook to see where the bay and the ocean meet, and where the famous Battle of the Capes took place during the Revolutionary War.

Enjoy a stop at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, this lighthouse was active until the late 1800's and is currently a Virginia Historic Landmark. Guests may choose to climb to the top of the Lighthouse (small admission fee, pay on own) or shop in the gift shop for all things Lighthouse related.

Ride down the resort strip, see the historic Cavalier Hotel as well as the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, a unique structure which pays homage to veterans everywhere.

Price: $79.00 per person, inclusive. (Lunch included)
Price per child (ages 4-12): $55.00

Tuesday Evening, June 19th
6pm - 10pm Enjoy a two-hour dinner cruise on the magnificent Spirit of Norfolk. The ship leaves the Waterside pier area and travels north on the Elizabeth River, passing Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth Marine Terminals, the Lamberts Point Coal Piers, and Norfolk Naval Base, the World's largest operational naval base and home of the Atlantic fleet. The Spirit features a top-of-the-line buffet with several hot entrees. The selection includes beef, poultry, and seafood, fresh vegetables, potato, salad, rolls and butter, and dessert.

During the cruise, guests will be entertained by talented staff who perform popular hits that you are sure to recognize! The interactive DJ will kick off the cruise with an energetic send off and performance. The ship has two fully enclosed, climate-controlled lower decks and an open-air upper deck.

Price: $99.00 per person, inclusive (Dinner included)
Price per child (ages 4-12): $65.00

Wednesday, June 20th
9am - 4:30pm Learn about Norfolk's colorful history of over three centuries as you ride through the lovely historic district and restored areas. View the stately homes along the Hague, old St. Paul's Church, the Moses Myers House, the Chrysler Museum of Art, MacArthur Memorial, the historic Freemason District, Nauticus, a maritime center, the Battleship Wisconsin, the restored waterfront area, as well as many other points of interest. Downtown Norfolk has undergone a complete transformation in the last decade and features the beautifully renovated Town Point Park with the Armed Forces memorial, a beautiful $34million cruise terminal, waterfront condos and state of the art shopping area.

Visit the MacArthur Memorial for a glimpse into our country's history. Here you will view the outstanding collection housed in Norfolk's historic city hall which trace the life and achievements of five-star General Douglas MacArthur. You will also have the opportunity to view the short film which chronicles the General's life. The General and Mrs. MacArthur are entombed in the rotunda of the memorial. Nine separate galleries arranged in two levels circle the rotunda and tell the story of General MacArthur and the millions of American men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces from the Civil War through the Korean War. A gift shop with unique memorabilia is located on the premises.

Continue on to a delicious meal at the charming Freemason Abbey Restaurant, housed in a 135-year-old renovated church. For nearly thirty years it has been a local's favorite restaurant, featuring a varied menu with something for everyone. The décor is reminiscent of English style pub houses and has a warm, casual yet elegant tavern atmosphere. The restaurant has requested that a list of names with menu selections be provided. Please provide this information on the Registration form.

Next cruise the Victory Rover through the bustling Hampton Roads Harbor, one of the largest in the world. Enjoy fascinating and entertaining commentary during the two-hour excursion aboard this naval themed vessel. Take in the sights of aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided cruisers and all of the other ships that form the world's most powerful armada. Light snacks will be available for purchase on board.

Price: $69.00 per person, inclusive (Lunch included)
Price per child (ages 4-12): $55.00

Thursday, June 21st
9:30am – 4:00pm Tour the Norfolk Naval Base, which is part of Naval Station Norfolk - the largest naval installation in the world. Home port to 59 ships, ranging in size from aircraft carriers to submarines, 18 aircraft squadrons and headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet, this naval complex occupies over 8,000 acres of land and is home to more than 70,000 military personnel. A Navy personnel will board the coach and take you past the 14 piers, through the Naval Air Station, and the historic homes built for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition on "Admiral's Row" which now house the flag officers. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the officer's clubs on base.

Nauticus is a unique and thriving campus of visitor attractions that explores the economic, naval, and natural powers of the sea. Features here include a series of interactive exhibits, 3D, high-def films in the 250-person theater, and aquariums of marine life. Also housed here is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten museums officially operated by the U.S. Navy. Highlights of the naval battles and exhibits of detailed ship models, artwork, and memorabilia are showcased throughout.

A true highlight of any visit to Nauticus is a self-guided tour of the battleship Wisconsin, one of the famous Iowa-class ships. This great ship saw action in WWII, the Korean War and most recently in the Persian Gulf War. The Wisconsin is permanently berthed beside Nauticus where it is accessed by a connecting walkway. Explore the main deck and recently opened portions of the interior to learn about this famous ship, those who fought and served on board and the role that this mighty warship has played in the defense of our nation.

Enjoy a stop at Doumar's, home of the world's first ice cream cone machine. Abe Doumar created the first ice cream cone at the World's Fair of 1904 in St. Louis. It was so successful that he designed a four-iron waffle machine that he launched during the Jamestown Exposition of 1907. Today, the family business still bakes cones on the original cone machine. While at Doumar's, guests will be given an introduction and history and everyone will be treated to an ice cream and cone.

Price: $68.00 per person, inclusive (Lunch included)
Price per child (ages 4-12): $48.00

Friday, June 22nd
9am – 4pm Begin a delightful day of art and the outdoors with a tour of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, which dates back to 1938 and is considered a premiere example of horticultural excellence. The Garden represents 175-acres of colorful landscapes, unusual flowers, mature forests and seasonal plantings and features one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast. The Garden is home to 52 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies.

Enjoy a relaxing trackless train ride, and spend time browsing in the Garden Gift Shop which specializes in unique gifts and gardening books.

Enjoy a stop at the Chrysler Museum of Art, housed in an Italianate-style structure facing the picturesque Hague Inlet of the Elizabeth River. Hailed as one of the top 20 art museums in the country by The Wall Street Journal, the Chrysler Museum's encyclopedic collection of over 30,000 objects paintings, photography, glass, sculpture and decorative arts spanning almost 5,000 years of the history of art. The museum recently underwent a $24 million expansion and renovation and features works of artists such as Picasso, Warhol, Dali, Degas, Matisse, Cezanne, Rodin and Renoir.

Lunch today will be on your own at Waterside, Norfolk's unique newly re-imagined waterfront festival marketplace located on the scenic Elizabeth River. Waterside offers restaurants, shopping and beautiful views. Choose from one of many dining options.

Visit the Hermitage Foundation Museum, nestled on 12 beautifully landscaped acres alongside the picturesque Lafayette River, this Tudorstyle mansion was built in 1908 and features an outstanding collection of Eastern and Western art. The museum's collections are displayed in a unique home-like setting and represent the arts of America, England, France, Italy, Persia, Russia, Spain and the Far East. Included in the collection are paintings, sculptures, ivories, ritual bronzes, jade, Oriental rugs, tapestries, laces, embroidery and furniture. The one-hour docent guided tour to the Hermitage gives visitors a sense of the life and artistic interests of a wealthy family during the 1st half of the 20th century. Free time will be given after the tour to walk the beautiful gardens and grounds.

Price: $58.00 per person, inclusive (Lunch on own)
Price per child (ages 4-12): $39.00

Saturday, June 23rd
No activities are scheduled

Saturday, June 23rd
6pm Banquet, included in registration. During the business meeting, proposals for the 2020 reunion will be heard, followed by elections for the positions of President, Treasurer and Master At Arms.

Sunday, June 24th
9am Farewell Breakfast, location in hotel TBD


Download the Registration Form



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