Travel & Tourism Awards 2020

Page 34 www.lux-review.com LUX Travel and Tourism Awards 2020 Recognizing history whilst celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future is not an easy balance, and yet, it is one that the team at VFTCB seem to strike with ease. From the valiant efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton and General George Washington during the American War of Independence, to the multitude of exciting events happening all over Montgomery County today, there is a wealth of things to experience in this beautiful part of the state of Pennsylvania. Since its formation, VFTCB has remained an award- winning, private, non-profit, membership-based sales and marketing organization, actively promoting both Valley Forge and Montgomery County as places to explore. The old saying from writer and philosopher George Santayana goes “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”, and it is perhaps true. However, arguably one of the greatest travel and tourism luxuries in the world today is the ability to glimpse the past in ways never before seen. To gaze at the intimately detailed artwork of old masters; to hear the myths of ancient times; to feel the fossilised imprints of magnificent creatures who once roamed the Earth; these are experiences to be treasured. Chief amongst Valley Forge represents a big part of American history, full of stories and tales from soldiers who participated in the American War of Independence in the late 1700s. In the world today, Valley Forge and Montgomery County offer guests a wealth of extras, without losing the historical reverence for the bravery of men from a bygone era. Helping visitors make the most of this historic site is the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), a firm we profiled following its win in LUXlife’s Travel and Tourism Awards 2020. Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Best Pennsylvanian Heritage Tourism Advisory 2020 these, however, is the ability to remember those lost in times of war and difficulty. A site of historical importance in the American War of Independence, Valley Forge is one such place where discerning visitors can come and stand where soldiers once stood, paying respects to those who made America what it is today. Alongside Valley Forge, the wider Montgomery County offers a wealth of both historic and modern attractions, for every type of visitor. With 80 hotels, 1,600 restaurants, over 200 arts and culture venues, 53 golf courses, world-class shopping brands, historic sites, adventuring experiences, family attractions, and over 100 miles worth of trails, there is something for everyone. Therein lies the luxury of the VFTCB; offering unparalleled access and insight into many of these opportunities for excitement and adventure, or reflection and understanding. Not only is the VFTCB a source of tremendous travel excitement for visitors to Valley Forge and the wider Montgomery