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Fall for All @ Mt. McGregor - Home of Grant Cottage: A Victorian Sci-Fi Spectacle!

  • Ulysses S. Grant State Historic Site 1000 Mount McGregor Road Wilton, NY, 12831 United States (map)

Step into a world of wonders celebrating the Victorian era with a retro-futuristic twist!

~ Get Ready to Immerse yourself in Victorian Splendor: Come one, come all, and embrace the enchanting era of the past and future at Fall for All @ Mt. McGregor - Home of Grant Cottage: A Victorian Sci-Fi Spectacle ~

Join us at the captivating Mt. McGregor site on Saturday, September 30th (rain date: Sunday, October 1st) from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm for a day filled with magic, history, and enchantment. Discover the grandeur of the Victorian era, infused with marvels, and experience the allure of Mt. McGregor, once the final home of Ulysses S. Grant, a 2-term President, and 6-Star General. Mark your calendars for September 30th and prepare for a day filled with wonder, history, and camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts. Together, let’s make this a journey into the heart of the Victorian era like no other!

Unveiling the Victorian Sci-Fi Marvels: Prepare to be enchanted by an array of enthralling attractions and experiences that celebrate the essence of the Victorian era:

1. TinType Photographer: Capture your timeless Victorian look with a vintage touch. Our skilled TinType photographer will create stunning photographs reminiscent of the 19th century.

2. Civil War Medical Reenactor: Witness history come alive as a skilled reenactor showcases the medical practices and equipment of the Civil War era. Discover the intriguing world of medicine during this momentous period.

3. Barnabus - Home of Grondahl’s Wizard Workshop: Enter the realm of enchantment with Barnabus - Home of Grondahl’s Wizard Workshop. Engage in spellbinding demonstrations and uncover the secrets of mystical artifacts.

4. Live Owl Encounter: Delight in the presence of majestic owls and learn about these mysterious creatures from expert handlers. A rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these feathered wonders!

5. Identify the Artifact Table: Test your knowledge and sleuthing skills at the Identify the Artifact Table. Examine intriguing historical objects and guess their purpose in the grand tapestry of the Victorian era.

6. Victorian Era Magician: Be spellbound by the mesmerizing performances of a Victorian-era magician. Prepare to be amazed as they weave magic and illusion, leaving you in awe.

7. Victorian Lawn Games: Engage in friendly competition with traditional Victorian lawn games, providing joy and laughter for all ages.

8. Food Truck: Kayla’s Kitchen will be onsite to serve up yummy food for purchase from 10am - 4pm.

9. Tea Dueling: (in the exhibition tent) a quaint Steampunk game. The rules of tea dueling are relatively simple. The duel is a contest of wills between two competitors. Each competitor is provided a cup of tea and their choice of weapon, in this case, a Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookie. Five cookies are presented face down to avoid any advantage that may or may not be conferred by the chess piece on the cookie. Once a competitor places a finger on a cookie, that cookie is considered chosen. The competitors must hold the cookie in a two-fingered hold. Any two fingers may be used. When instructed to dunk, the competitors must submerge at least 75% of the cookie in the tea for a count of five. The cookies are removed and then the duel begins. The last person to achieve a “clean Nom,” meaning that the entire cookie is consumed without it breaking or falling on the participant’s hand or body, is the winner. One elbow is allowed on the table as a steadying mechanism, but competitors may not use gravity to achieve their nom.

Special Experiences: Discover the rich history of Mt. McGregor, an enchanting location with a storied past. For a fee, explore the hidden gems of Grant Cottage, the final home of Ulysses S. Grant, a 2-term President, and 6-Star General. Additionally, embark on the captivating Hidden History Hike to uncover the secrets of this historic site, once a Victorian luxury hotel, tuberculosis clinic, children’s facility, and even a prison.

Calling all Victorian Sci-Fi Enthusiasts: Are you passionate about history and Victorian culture with a sci-fi twist? The tent is available for you to showcase your knowledge, share stories, and discuss any related topic—no charge required! Share your expertise and love for the Victorian era with a futuristic flair with the community.

Join the Spectacle: ‘Fall for All @ Mt. McGregor’ welcomes everyone to experience the magic of the Victorian era entwined with futuristic marvels. Dress up in your most exquisite Victorian attire and become part of this unforgettable extravaganza.

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GENERAL ADMISSION TO THIS EVENT IS FREE, allowing you to explore the wonders of the Victorian era. However, some special experiences, like Grant Cottage and the Hidden History Hike, are available for a fee.

Photo by Lawrence White

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