Tuesday to Thursday, September 9-11, 2025
Exclusive to Members at the Friend Level (or above)
On our two-day Farms Afield trip this September, you’re invited to discover beautiful Bryn Athyn, a Historic District and National Historic Landmark, on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Established as a religious community in the late 19th century, Bryn Athyn is a denomination of the New Church and like the Swedenborgian Church in San Francisco (toured during the 2018 Farms Afield to Berkeley, CA and the Bay Area), was founded upon the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg.
Photo: Bryn Athyn Cathedral (courtesy of Bryn Athyn Cathedral).
We will spend a full day touring Bryn Athyn Historic District and its historic structures, all constructed between 1892 and 1939. Our tour of Bryn Athyn will include two residences: the Beaux-Arts mansion Cairnwood and the castle-like Glencairn.
Photo: Cairnwood Estate (courtesy of Bryn Athyn Historic District).
Built as a family home, Glencairn is now a museum of religious art and history. We’ll also tour Bryn Athyn Cathedral (pictured at top), a Gothic and early-Romanesque structure overlooking the picturesque Pennypack Creek Valley, and the central place of workshop for Bryn Athyn Church.
Photo: Glencairn Museum (courtesy of Bryn Athyn Historic District).
We will stay for two nights (Sept 9-10) at the nearby Joseph Ambler Inn, which features five meticulously restored buildings, including an award-winning restaurant, nestled within twelve acres of manicured gardens and rolling meadows. Offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, the Inn’s John Roberts House (pictured at right) will be home to Farms Afield attendees during our stay. Built in 1794, the John Roberts House was moved two miles to the grounds of the Inn, where it was painstakingly restored.
Photo: The John Roberts House at the Joseph Ambler Inn (courtesy of the Jospeh Ambler Inn).
On the following day, our trip will conclude with a tour of Beth Sholom Synagogue. Commissioned in 1953, it is the only Synagogue designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With its hexagonal floor plan, Wright sought to evoke the image of cupped hands, as if congregants were “resting in the very hands of God.”
Photo: Beth Sholom Synagogue (courtesy of Beth Sholom Preservation).
Early Bird Rate Through July 20, 2025
SAVE $50
$1425/per person for double occupancy*
$1600/per person for single occupancy*
The trip will be led by staff members Vonda Givens, Jonathan Clancy, and Parker Sanchez. Farms Afield is a Members-Only experience, for Members at our Friend level ($200) and above.
Itinerary:
Sept. 9
Arrive at Joseph Ambler Inn and check in (no tour activities).
Sept. 10
Activities begin with breakfast and then a full day tour of Bryn Athyn (lunch is included).
Sept. 11
Activities end with breakfast and then a tour of Beth Sholom Synagogue. Farms Afield attendees will be transported back to the Inn by approximately 12:30 p.m.
Note: Check-out from the Inn will be required before the group leaves for our morning tour.
Fees Include:
- Transportation by motorcoach to all activities,
- Daily breakfast,
- Tour fees, and,
- Lunch during our tour of Bryn Athyn.
FAQs:
- The group will meet up at The Joseph Ambler Inn. Travel to and from the Inn is not provided. Once activities begin, transportation by motorcoach will be provided.
- All rooms in the John Roberts House of the Joseph Ambler Inn have queen beds. Cots are not available.
- Please expect moderate walking each day and call us with mobility and/or ADA accessibility needs related to the tours or inn (973-540-0311).
- All tours are rain or shine. Please dress accordingly.
- Members at the Friend Level or above are eligible for Farms Afield. To upgrade your membership, call the office at 973-540-0311.
- *After July 20, rates increase to $1475 for double occupancy and $1650 for single occupancy.
- Cancellation policy: Full refunds are available through July 31, 2025; after this date 50% refunds will be provided. No refunds are available after Sept. 1.