Church Trip 2027 -Palmyra
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Palmyra & The Restoration Trail 2027
An exclusive journey bridging early Church history, sacred ground, and scenic cycling
through the historic river valleys and countryside of Upstate New York and Pennsylvania.
Historical Curation by Emily Utt
We are pleased to welcome back Emily Utt, Historic Sites Curator for the Church History Department.
Emily will lead interpretive discussions, sharing cutting-edge research, archival architectural findings, and
intimate details of early Restoration events across Harmony, Colesville, Fayette, and Palmyra.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A balanced schedule of private site tours, guided historical discussions, meals, and optional cycling Friday.
Day 1
(Marriott: Courtyard)
Arrival in Upstate New York & Orientation
Travel and arrive in New York. Commercial flight arrivals are recommended into Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) or _____;
private charter flights can land directly at Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM). Shuttles will transport guests to our
Binghamton hotel basecamp.
Group Welcome
Day 2
Priesthood Restoration & Harmony Historical Sites
After breakfast, we take a short 30-minute shuttle south to Harmony, Pennsylvania. Visit the reconstructed childhood home of Emma Hale Smith,
the Joseph & Emma home site, and the sacred Susquehanna River banks where the Aaronic Priesthood was restored. In the afternoon,
we explore Colesville, NY—home to Joseph Knight Sr. and one of the earliest branches of the Church.
Susquehanna River
Colesville Branch Sites
Day 3
(Marriott: Del Monte Lodge)
Whitmer Farm, Grandin Building & Book of Mormon Translation
A morning drive brings us to the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette, site of the Church’s organization and fresh ongoing historical research.
Following lunch, we head 40 minutes to Palmyra to tour the E.B. Grandin Print Shop where the 1830 Book of Mormon was set and published,
followed by a visit to the Martin Harris Farm.
Grandin Building
Martin Harris Farm
Evening Group Activity
Day 4
The Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah & Smith Family Homestead
A morning spent walking the quiet paths of the Hill Cumorah visitors’ center and monuments.
Afternoon visits include time in the peace of the Sacred Grove and touring the Smith Family Log Cabin and Frame Home, with opportunities for scenic cycling routes
connecting the surrounding countryside.
Sacred Grove
Smith Family Farm
Hill Cumorah
Farewell Dinner
Day 5
Return Flights or Extended Upstate Adventures
Morning checkout and shuttle transfers to the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) for flights home.
Guests wishing to join Western Spirit on our Erie Canal Towpath adventure will fly our Friday evening.
Flight & Hotel Logistics
- Inbound Flights (May 24): Syracuse (SYR) recommended for commercial arrivals; Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) for private air.
- Outbound Flights (May 28): Rochester (ROC) is the nearest departure hub for our Palmyra base.
- Hotels: Courtyard Marriott in Binghamton (Nights 1 & 2); Del Monte Lodge Renaissance (Nights 3 & 4).
- Luggage & Shuttles: Western Spirit support vans and gear trailers accompany the group for all transfers and airport runs.
Bikes & Equipment
- Custom E-Bikes Provided: Step-through premium electric bikes tuned to your height and riding preference ($100 Rental).
- Bring Your Own Bike: Guests may bring personal road or gravel bikes; please notify the operations team in advance.
- SAG Vehicle Support: Full vehicle support with cold drinks, nutrition, spare parts, and seating at all cycling stages.
- Casual & Cycling Attire: Comfortable bike gear, walking shoes for historic paths, and casual evening attire for dinners.
Place Deposit Limited Space Available
Trip Gallery
Harmony Priesthood Site
Church Trip 2026
Have Questions or Need Flight Coordination?
Brendon is finalizing reservations, private coach routes, and dinner venues.
Reach out directly with your flight itineraries, room preferences, and bike specs.
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