In 1942, the world was at war.  Tennessee was gearing up, as was the rest of the nation, to do its part in the war efforts.  Oak Ridge was chosen as one of the sites for the historic Manhattan Project, the government code name for the development of the Atomic bomb!  The city was so secret, it wasn’t found on any map...only the President and a few top advisors knew its true purpose...a secret industrial complex and city of nearly 80,000 created almost overnight.  We visit this once “secret” city to see the homes, the church, and the museum filled with many displays and exhibits of the “Secret City” and the atomic bomb.  This was the destination for our Fall Mystery Tour in 2010 and what a success!

Day 1 * Wednesday * October 3
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was built under a cloak of great secrecy during World War II.  A city and three manufacturing plants of unprecedented scope were constructed to develop a technology that ended the war.  Join Shenandoah Tours as we journey into  Oak Ridge, where thousands of Manhattan Project workers were housed during the war.  Following arrival we’ll check into an area hotel for a two-night stay.  This evening we’ll visit the Museum of Appalachia, a pioneer village,  for an “Evening in Old Appalachia,” featuring a country buffet and authentic old-time mountain and bluegrass music.  (D)

Day 2 * Thursday * October 4
The history in this town is amazing!  A day of discovery at the American Museum of Science and Energy.  We’ll find out how 75,000 people kept a secret during World War II.  It is here that the documents and artifacts of the Manhattan Project are housed.  Models of weapons, protective clothing and tools are exhibited as well.  Time out for lunch on our own at the Soup Kitchen.  This afternoon  a local guide joins us for the “Unlock the Secrets” city tour where the many “people” stories of Oak Ridge come to life.  See Historic Jackson Square, Chapel on the Hill, Commemorative Walk, the International Friendship Bell, Manhattan Project Neighborhood, and K-25 Overlook.  Dinner is included this evening at Flatwater Grill overlooking Norris Lake.  (CB,D)

Day 3 * Friday * October 5
Turn the clock back to yesteryear at the Oak Ridge National Lab, the facility that played a major role in the Manhattan Project.  See the historic Graphite Reactor, the prototype for the actual plutonium reactor.  Since the end of the war, this laboratory has been used for peacetime research  in medicine and biology and was used to produce the world’s first medical radioisotopes for treating cancer.  We depart for our journey home by early afternoon.  We carry with us the desire to “Let Peace Ring” as it does at the International Friendship Bell, which we have seen on our tour to the “Secret City,” and which serves as an expression of hope for everlasting peace.  (CB)  

Price Per Person

Twin $379.00

Single $489.00

NOTE:  Please bring proper identification (government issued photo ID) with you on this tour.

TOUR INCLUDES:
* Transportation via climate controlled, lavatory equipped motorcoach
* Luggage handling, based on one bag per person
* Services of a Shenandoah Tours Escort
* Accident insurance
* Accommodations as outlined
* Admissions and sightseeing as outlined
* Meals:  
        2 continental breakfast
        2 dinners