April 2014 Dear Friends on the Go Travelers and
Transcription
April 2014 Dear Friends on the Go Travelers and
BUSINESS: (314) 475-3070 PO BOX 1454 MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO 63043 TRAVEL COORDINATORS Vickie Burns: (314) 591-4315 Carole Dunsford: (314) 330-3965 April 2014 Dear Friends on the Go Travelers and Future Travelers, We’re CELEBRATING our first anniversary with this newsletter and would like to thank you for your support. Many WONDERFUL MEMORIES have been made this year and there are many more to come. We want you to know we always plan and research our trips with the intent to have the BEST ADVENTURES possible for your ENJOYMENT. Our 19 years of travel industry experience goes into planning and executing all of our trips. Everyone is ALWAYS welcome whether you travel alone, with friends or family. No matter how you travel, you are sure to meet new friends and create NEW memories. Friends on the Go Travelers are FUN FRIENDLY people that you will ENJOY getting to know. Check out our newsletter to see what EXCURSIONS await you. If you know anyone who would like to join us or want a newsletter please have them give us a call at (314)475-3070, email us at fun@friendsonthegotravelclub.com or check out and sign up on our new and improved website at friendsonthegotravelclub.com. Like us on Facebook so you are sure to get all updates as they are posted. If you have an email address, make sure to list it on the reservation form so we can put you on our list for updates and information. Questions, comments, and trip ideas are always welcome. Don’t forget about our on - going LUCKY SEVEN CLUB. All you have to do is travel with us SEVEN times in each calendar year and those who qualify; there will be a no cost to you celebration at the end of the year. If you don’t qualify you are welcome to join the fun for a minimal cost. See details for the celebration in this current newsletter and be sure to sign up which is a requirement. We start out our summer with RED, WHITE AND BOOM FIREWORKS IN PEORIA, IL along with a MYSTERY TRIP in October and THE SMOKEY MOUNTAINS AND BILTMORE HOUSE for the holidays. You’ll also want to look inside for another fun addition of EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ST. LOUIS, the THIRD HELPING and due to bad weather last December, the CHRISTMAS GERMAN STYLE in Hermann, MO has been rescheduled plus there’s so much more. We look forward to traveling with you soon. Yours in Traveling, Vickie & Carole P.S. There are still openings available for the following trips: Springtime in St. Louis May 14, Fairmount Park June 3, Lake Geneva, WI June 17 - 20, Ozark Actors Theatre presents “Comedy of Errors” June 27. If a trip is past the payment due date and you are interested, please contact us for availability, it may not be too late to join the fun. As always, if you are interested in any other 2014 trips that are currently full let us know and we can put you on the waiting list in case there are any cancellations. Email: fun@friendsonthegotravelclub.com Website: www.friendsonthegotravelclub.com July – December 2014 1. Red, White & BOOM! “Fireworks & Fun” Fame and Museum that was created to honor the players and personalities who have had the greatest impact on the franchise. The Cardinals Hall of Fame gives fans a new way to connect and learn about our team’s great heritage. Next, let’s head to the new Cardinals Nation Restaurant for lunch (at time of print they are still working out group July 4 - 5 • Cost $250 Double - $300 Single Join us as we head to Peoria, IL for some explosive Fourth of July fun!! DAY ONE: Friday, July 4 8:00 a.m. We depart for Peoria, IL with our first stop at Kelleher’s Irish Pub for lunch where you will have a choice from a limited menu. We then visit Peoria Riverfront Museum where we will find the domed planetarium, interactive Illinois exhibits, big screen theater and much more. Now, we head to Studios on Sheridan Shops and Galleries where you will have a little time to browse the shops or watch the talents of the artists. Next, we head to Field Cooking School where you have a chance to participate in fixing our dinner meal or just sit back and relax while they do all of the work. The highlight of our evening is a stop at the historical Pettengill-Morron House built in 1868 that has been turned into a museum. The home overlooks the Illinois River where the fireworks will be set off from a barge. So grab a seat, enjoy the view and get ready for a beautiful light display without all of the crowds. Once we return, we will check into the Quality Inn and Suites for a good night sleep. (L, D) menus so I am unable to give choices). Our last stop of the day will be a cruise on the Becky Thatcher river boat, back for a delightful narrated journey to a time when steamboats ruled the Mississippi. Full payment is due by June 1. 3. “Let’s Go Exploring” Wed, July 16 • 7:30 am – 5:30 pm • Cost $76 We will be exploring treasures of the historic past of Edwardsville, IL on this action filled day. We start off by visiting the 1836 Madison County Historical Museum that will offer history highlights, antique displays and interesting seasonal exhibits. Next, we head to the historic Village of Leclaire that was founded in 1890. There, we will enjoy learning the history of this thriving village, then it’s on to the Stephenson House, which was built in 1820. Here we will experience how the upper class lived. Lunch will be served at the new Mike Shannon Restaurant complete with lots of Cardinal memorabilia and tasty food. We conclude our day with an informational drive along Historic Route 66. Edwardsville has a rich history that we will be exploring with this memorable day of fun, facts, and food. Full pay is due by June 1. DAY TWO: Saturday, July 5 This morning we’ll enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room of the hotel. Then, before heading home we stop for two hours of gaming fun at the Par-A-Dice Casino followed by lunch at Options Buffet. We hope that you can join us on this FUNTASTIC trip!! (B, L) 4. Kosher Konnection This trip includes one night stay at Quality Inn and Suites, one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner, all activities listed, motor coach transportation and travel coordinator. A $50.00 deposit is due at sign up with full payment due by June 1. Fri, July 25 • 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • Cost $70 Have you ever wondered about Jewish customs and faith? If so, you will want to join Linda Koenig of Gateway Tours on a wonderful informational journey. Our first stop will be a visit to the Holocaust Museum where you will learn about the destruction of six million Jews and five million civilians at the hands of the Nazis during World War II. Now, we are in for a real treat when Jerry Koenig tells us of his family’s experiences living in Poland during World War II. Next, we visit Kohn’s Deli and Kosher Meat Market where you see a full market of kosher products. We will enjoy a kosher lunch of matzo ball soup, knish 2. Cardinal Nation Mon, July 7 • 9 am – 4 pm • Cost $90 Go Cards!!! Let’s find out what all the hype is about at the New Ballpark Village with our first stop for a behind the scenes tour of the ballpark. On today’s tour we will visit the radio broadcast booth, see the World Series trophies in the Champions Club, and imagine you’re a big leaguer in the dugouts plus much more. Now, we head to the new Hall of ~2~ July – December 2014 with laughter. Full payment is due by June 15. and choice of sandwich. We learn the concept of “kosher” with time to shop for groceries or maybe a delicious baked good before departing for our next stop. After lunch, we visit Temple Israel for a tour of the synagogue and learn about the rabbis and Torah Scrolls. Before departing, you will want to view the 6-ton sculptured altar wall full of symbols of the Jewish faith from the Book of Exodus. One last stop of this fascinating trip will be to the smallest Jewish Cemetery in the U.S., Ohave Shalom. Only Holocaust survivors are buried here. Our final stop of the day is a visit to the inspiring monument dedicated to all victims of the Holocaust. Full payment is due by June 1. 7. Isle of Capri Booneville Tues, Aug 19 • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm • Cost $60 Grab your good luck charms and join us for some super fun as we head to Booneville, MO to the Isle of Capri Casino for a great afternoon of gambling. Today, we will enjoy a buffet lunch that is included at the Farmers Pick restaurant. Following lunch, everyone will receive $5.00 cash to get your gaming started. Before leaving town, we will make a stop at Russell Stover’s Outlet Store where they have some awesome deals on chocolate and other delicious candy. Full payment is due by July 1. 5. Ice Cream Social 8. Hidden Secrets Fri, Aug 1 • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm • Cost $25 Thurs, Aug 28 • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Cost $80 Grab your family and friends and head to Genesis Banquet Center at 2651 Telegraph Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125 for an afternoon of prizes, food, and bingo fun. We’ll have a BBQ with all the fixens’ along with sundae bar for dessert. A cash bar will be available, for those who would like to purchase a spirited drink. After lunch, we’ll give away attendance prizes and play several rounds of bingo for a variety of gifts. These are always enjoyable events, so come and get out of the sun. Bus transportation will NOT be provided. Full payment is due by June15. Today, we are heading to the new Missouri Civilian War Museum at Jefferson Barracks where you will find many historic artifacts. The museum’s mission is to keep the memory alive of the citizens and soldiers of the United States and Confederate States of America who endured the great hardships and sacrifices of our nation’s most turbulent times, The American Civil War. Now for lunch, we head to Kimmswick to one of everyone’s favorite’s The Blue Owl Restaurant. We will have a choice of four different menu items along with a piece of one of their famous desserts. Our day isn’t quite finished yet, we are heading to Crystal City Underground Cave that was once a working sand mine. The cave is approximately 200 acres and has a year round temperature of 55 degrees, so grab a jacket and join us as we go for a forty five minute barge ride through the cave and learn the history from the owners. Their vision for this facility is to become a cultural and convention resource with sports and recreational amenities. This wonderful cave is like nothing you have ever seen before. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as we will be walking on sand to the barge. A cart will be available to transport those who need assistance. Full payment is due by July 1. 6. “Lend Me a Tenor” Wed, Aug 13 • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm • Cost $97 Today, we head to Booneville, MO where we visit a diamond in the ruff for lunch at The Settler’s Inn! This will be a wonderful experience if you’ve never been and always a pleasure if you have. We will be served a family style meal today which will include their fantastic spinach salad, fried chicken, ribs with all the sides, and cobbler for dessert. Next, we head to Arrow Rock to the Lyceum Theatre for today’s performance of “Lend Me a Tenor”. This hilarious show is set in 1934 at the Cleveland Grand Opera house to welcome world-famous tenor Tito Morelli, the greatest tenor of his generation. He will perform a sold-out one night only performance as Otello, his greatest role. Through a hilarious series of mishaps, Tito is given a double dose of tranquilizer, causing his pulse to drop so low that they believe he is dead and it’s all downhill from there! What transpire is a Tony Award-winning farce full of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and bawdy humor. This madcap screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave you teary-eyed 9. Historic Hotels of St. Louis Thurs, Sept 4 • 8:30 am - 5:00 pm • Cost $70 Throughout its history, St. Louis has been home to many of the finest and largest hotels in America. Among these posh ~3~ July – December 2014 19th century hotels were the Southern, National, Planters and Lindell. Thanks to fire, neglect and the economy, these grand hotels no longer exist, but countless stories about the hotels and their famous guests remain. On the other hand, we have recently witnessed the awesome restoration and conversion of some early 20 th century hotels and buildings into first class landmark hotels. Our tour today begins as we join Linda Koenig of Gateway Tours where we will visit the Cheshire Inn, Chase, Renaissance, Union Station, Drury Union Stations, and more. The ballrooms, public spaces and dining areas of these historic hotels are magnificent and have many stories to tell. Join us as we experience the hospitality of years gone by. Our delicious lunch of salad, chicken florentine, pasta, beverage and cannoli will be served at Lorenzo’s Trattoria on the Hill. Full payment is due by July 20. bluff top hideaway will provide a wonderful setting for our lunch that will be catered by My Just Desserts. Here, we will have a breath taking view of the Illinois and Mississippi river valley far below. To round out this splendid day, we will have a little time to visit a few of the unique wineries and shops along with a visit to Uncle Andy’s Produce. Full payment is due by August 1. 12. Spirit of Peoria Wed, Sept 24 • 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm • Cost $80 We are once again heading to Grafton, IL along the Great River Road for a beautiful view of the fall foliage while traveling to Pere Marquette State Park for lunch. Today’s family style meal inclues their famous fried chicken along with all the sides and pie for dessert. The lodge is always a favorite stop on anyone’s agenda. After lunch, we head to the Boat Dock Restaurant where we meet the crew of the Spirit of Peoria for an hour and a half sight-seeing boat tour. The captain will be telling the history of the rivers as we sail along and view the beauty of the changing of the leaves. The boat is only here for a short time every year and then it heads back to its home in Peoria, IL so don’t miss the boat. Full payment is due by August 15. 10. Treasures of Osage County Wed, Sept 10 • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm • Cost $85 Our first stop will be the 1887 built Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain. We will learn the its rich history as well as visit the ladies of the church and watch them do their hand stitching, for the quilts they are making for auction. Lunch is served at the Westphalia Inn that was built in the 1930’s. We will be having a family style meal with fried chicken and all the wonderful sides that go with it. We will have wine sampling and some time to spend in the Everchanging Gift Shop at the Inn. Then off to visit and learn about the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Westphalia, founded in 1838. At the next stop, we tour the Freedom Products Company that has been designing and building quality wood products since 1920. Our last stop will be to the Wenwood Farm Winery that sits in the beautiful countryside valley. Here we’re going to taste award winning wines that they produce on site. Full payment is due by August 15. 13. Cornet Chop Suey Wed, Oct 8 • 8:00 am - 3:00 pm • Cost $70 Today, we head to the Sheldon Concert Hall for a breakfast concert and entertainment performed by Cornet Chop Suey. We start the morning with a danish and coffee before heading to the concert hall for a spectacular performance. Cornet Chop Suey’s music has become one of our favorites with their exciting style of traditional jazz, swing and blues. This is one show that promises a high-energy good time! Then, we head to Belleville, IL to Eckert’s Farm and Restaurant where you are guaranteed a taste of the good old days! Lunch today will be your choice of meatloaf, country fried-steak, or catfish and pie for dessert. Before returning home, you may want to stop by the gift shop or the country store. This is going to be a great fall day you will not want to miss. Full payment is due by August 15. 11. Bluff Top Delights Thurs, Sept 18 • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm • Cost $88 Today, we join our friends from Bluff City Tours as we head up the Illinois Great River Road. Our first stop is Principia College, the only Christian Science College in the country, which is located high above on the hilltops in the Village of Elsah. This campus offers a unique setting with beautiful scenery along with some amazing architectural designs and fascinating history. Now, we travel up the river road to the town of Grafton where we will travel some 300 feet up to the top of the bluff for our lunch destination - Tara Point Inn. This magnificent 14. “Bingo: The Winning Musical” Sat, Oct 11 • 8:00 am – 7:00 pm • Cost $85 Our first stop today is Columbia, MO where we will have lunch at JJ’s Café with three entrée selections along with a dessert. Next, we head to Macon, MO to Maples Repertory Theatre ~4~ July – December 2014 where we will see Bingo the Musical. “Bingo” is an off-Broadway splashy, zippy, fun new hilarious musical comedy about a colorful group of die-hard Bingo players and friends. A stranger blows through their bingo hall and makes them confront their past. This tuneful score will leave your pulse racing! During this uproarious comedy, we’ll play three games of bingo with a lucky winner at every game. This is one fun show you are not going to want to miss. Full payment is due September 1. 2004 however, not before 40 inmates were executed in the gas chamber. This fantastic historical tour includes a little paranormal activity. Ghost Hunters and other groups have visited the prison to check out the occurrences. Our trip isn’t complete without stopping at the Central Dairy for a cool treat before heading home. Full payment is due by September 1. 17. Klondike Kid Mystery Tour 15. “Kosher Lutherans” Oct. 27 – 28 • Cost $310 Double - $365 Single Sun, Oct 19 • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm • Cost $70 Pack your mukluks and cowboy boots we’re looking for Klondike Kid on this mystery trip! Here are a few clues for you to ponder. We’re headed to the North Pole, we’ll get our kicks on Route 66 and the train whistles blows, so be on the lookout. This interactive mystery package – full of clues, prizes and surprises – will have you guessing until the very end when you solve the mystery! Today, we head to Alton, IL for lunch at Casetelli’s Moonlight Restaurant for their wonderful family style meal of house salad, fried chicken, mostaccioli, baked potato, veggies, hot bread and dessert. Now, let’s head to the Alton Little Theatre for a comedy of Kosher Lutherans. Today’s show centers on Hanna and Franklyn, the seemingly perfect couple who desperately want to have a child of their own, but are unable to do so. As the couple begins to wonder if they’ll ever become parents, they have a chance encounter with a God-fearing pregnant girl from Iowa who offers to let the couple adopt her out of wedlock child. Just before the papers are signed Hanna and Franklyn discover the girl is unaware that they are Jewish and this starts the mishaps. Knowing the revelation could throw a ratchet into the works, the couple poses as Lutherans but just how far will they go?? This becomes a barrel of laughs and will have you laughing in your seats. Full payment is due by September 1. Trip includes one night stay at hotel, one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner and many activities, motor coach transportation and travel coordinator. A $50.00 deposit due at sign up with full payment due by September 15. rd 18. Eat Your Way Through St. Louis – 3 Helping Fri, Nov 7 • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm • Cost $75 Here we go again for our wonderful eating tour. Our breakfast stop will be Strange Donuts in Maplewood, where we will have a very unique donut of your choice or a classic one and a beverage. Lunch will be at the famous reality show restaurant “Sweetie Pies” where “Mississippi Style Cooking” is their thing. At Sweetie Pies you will have your choice of an entrée with sides and a drink. This place is sure to satisfy with their “SOUL cookin’ & Lots of Butter.” Now, we head to Cyrano’s Cafe in Webster Groves for one of their award winning desserts. You can choose from key lime pie, Mississippi mud pie, carrot cake, strawberry shortcake or chocolate layer cake. On our way back, we will make a stop at The Very Best Cookies, where the cookies are homemade with LOVE, since 1988. Then onto Kakao Chocolate where their mission statement is “Chocolate Is Our Passion and we hope to 16. Looking for Ghost Thurs. Oct. 23 • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Cost $75 What a better way to start the Halloween season than with this ghostly trip? We start our spooky day with a step on guide for a drive tour to some of the popular attractions of Jefferson City. We will be breaking out of the ordinary restaurant scene and escaping to Prison Brews for lunch, where you have a choice of 7 menu items. Prison Brews is located in the historical building, once known as Landwehr Dairy that was built in 1895. Then, it’s on to our ghostly tour with the prison warden telling the stories of ghosts once seen in the old Missouri State Penitentiary. This heart-stopping thrill of creeping through the abandoned prison built in 1836 will make you want to keep your ears and eyes open. The prison was decommissioned in ~5~ July – December 2014 make it yours, too!” You may purchase cookies and chocolates on your own to take home and enjoy. This trip is sure to please EVERYONES palate. YUM YUM!! Full payment is due by October 1. English Mountain high school where Dolly graduated from, Bush’s Baked Beans visitors center where we can view a video on how they process their beans, along with hands on exhibits and a fantastic general store. We will travel on Old Coach Road along Douglas Lake and Dam for a spectacular view of the mountains just to name a few sites that will offer many beautiful photo ops. Lunch is included today at Perkins Restaurant where you can select from a few choices. In the evening, we are in for a treat in this Feudin’ Feastin’ Family Night of Entertainment at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show! Whether you’re cityfolk or country cuzins, you’ll love the singing and sidesplitting comedy of this feudin family. Granny’s home cookin’ will be served up with fried chicken and pulled pork with smashed taters, cole slaw, corn on the cob, cornbread, soup and dessert. 19. Lucky 7 Club Celebration Mon, Nov 10 or Wed, Nov 12 • 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Cost: Free to LUCKY 7 CLUB Members $25 for Non Members Our LUCKY 7 CLUB Celebration is going to be a GREAT time!! If you are not a member no problem, EVERYONE is WELCOME!! The LUCKY 7 CLUB is for those of you that have traveled with us 7 times or more during 2014. We will be celebrating with lunch, entertainment, bingo and prizes. You can choose one of two locations that work best for you. Monday, November 10 meet us at Maryland Heights Community Center located at 2344 McKelvey Rd., Maryland Hgts., MO 63043 or Wednesday November 12 at Genesis Banquet Center on 2651 Telegraph, St. Louis, MO 63125. Each celebration will have a catered meal by Genesis. The entrée will be beef sirloin and baked ham. We HOPE to see you ALL there!! Bus transportation will NOT be provided. Reservation is required to participate. Full payment is due by October 15. DAY THREE – Tuesday, November 18 You’ll enjoy a full breakfast before we cruise through the mountains to Asheville, N. Carolina where we will be visiting the Biltmore House. This beautiful chateau built in 1895 with its 250-rooms is just as impressive now as it was back then. The Biltmore is truly a wonder of architecture and hospitality. We will enjoy a self-guided tour of the beautiful house decorated for the holidays along with the gardens and the grounds. Benches are located throughout the house for those who may need to rest. We’ll spend a couple hours viewing this beautiful old house, and for lunch we have a family style meal at Deer Park Restaurant housed in the historic barn on the property. Later dinner will be at Calhouns Restaurant where you have your choice of fried fish sandwich, cheeseburger or barbeque pork sandwich. After dinner, we jump aboard the Trolley Tour of Lights for a narrated excursion of the Winterfest Light Tour. 20. The Smoky Mountains Nov 16 – 20 • Cost $720 Double - $855 Single DAY ONE – Sunday, November 16 Today, we head to the Smokey Mountains for some fun filled holiday time. We will check into the Music Road Inn right in the heart of the bustling Pigeon Forge area where we stay for three nights. Dinner tonight will be at Applewood Farm House Restaurant where you have a choice of ham, chicken & dumplings, pork loin, meatloaf or fried chicken. DAY FOUR – Wednesday, November 19 Start your morning off with a hot breakfast before checking out of the hotel to head home. Before departing the area, we are making a stop at the huge Christmas Place Shop Village for a short visit. Next, we head to Nashville for the evening where we check into Hotel Preston for the night. After check in, we head to Cracker Barrel for dinner followed by a visit to the Opryland Hotel Complex. Here you will have a chance ride on the Delta Riverboats that takes us for a ride through the 4.5 acre gardens. Before leaving, take time to explore this awe inspiring hotel which is decorated for the holidays or visit the gift shops. DAY TWO – Monday, November 17 We start our morning off with a full breakfast buffet served at the hotel before meeting our step-on guide who will spend the day showing us some of the greatest sites of the area. A few of those spots are the home known as “Red Top” which is the home of Dolly Parton and the place she stays when she is in town, Tinsley Bible Drugstore a 104 year old drugstore along with the oldest working court house both located in Dandridge, TN. We will also view the dike that saved this town many years ago, then make a stop at Sevierville County Court House, ~6~ July – December 2014 DAY FIVE – Thursday, November 20 This morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel before heading out for the day’s activities. We stop for lunch in Grand Rivers, KY at Patti’s Settlement where you will have your choice of their specialty 2” pork chop, aloha chicken salad or grilled chicken, with baked potato, flower pot bread and dessert. We will have a little time to wander through Patti’s village shops before finishing out our trip. room Franciscan Friary will display 95 Christmas trees in addition to decorations galore. This awesome display will take your breath away!! Then, we’re off for a Narrated Tour of the City of Hermann from the comfort of our motor coach. We’ll visit the Rotundra in the City Park to enjoy “Christmas Tablescapes.” After that, we’re off to enjoy tables displayed with their own unique Christmas theme. Warm cider and soft carols will be shared by all. Our last stop is Stone Hill Winery for a tasting and visits to the gift shop and Kristkindl Market for crafts, goodies, and entertainment. Full payment is due by October 15. Trip includes three nights at Music Road Inn, three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, Hatfield Theatre, Biltmore House, Trolley Light tour, step-on guided tour, motor coach transportation and travel coordinator. A $100.00 deposit due at sign up with full payment due by September 15. 23. St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Sun, Dec 14 • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm • Cost $87 21. Holiday Lights Tour Today, we start our day with lunch at Lady of the Snows for a family style meal. Then we have time to visit the Christmas Tree Room, Wreath display, and the gift shop. Now, we will be a part of the beloved Christmas tradition of “Christmas at the Cathedral” featuring the St. Louis Archdiocesan Adult, Children, and Hand bell Choirs and Orchestra. This year’s program will feature two hours of sacred traditional Christmas favorites as well as new carols and hymns that will quickly become your new favorites. There is just no better experience than hearing the quiet lullaby of ‘Silent Night’ or the rousing exuberance of “Joy to the World” in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral Basilica! Full payment is due by October 15. Mon, Dec 1 • 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm • Cost $67 Come kick off the holiday season with our 2nd Holiday Light Tour!!! Today, we start our day with an early dinner at Ethel’s Smoke House where you will have plenty of fun looking at the old time memorabilia while waiting for your delicious meal. For dinner, you will have a choice of eight different items off the menu so there is sure to be something for everyone taste. Now let’s head to the Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park in O’Fallon, MO where they have thousands of beautiful lights along with many displays from groups across the area. Next, we head to Tillis Parks Winter Wonderland which is a family tradition for many St. Louisians with their more than a million twinkling lights and various holiday scenes. This is sure to be a wonderful night to get you in the spirit of the season. Full pay is due by October 15. 24. Christmas at Powell Hall Sat, Dec 20 • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm • Cost $85 Come join us for a wonderful day of holiday fun. We begin the day with a visit to Russell Stovers in Fairview Heights, IL for a chance to pick up some holiday candies before heading to Smokey Bones Fire Grill. You have your choice of five different menu items, including a dessert. Now, we head to Powell Hall where we will see why thousands of people have made the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Holiday Celebration concert their own annual holiday tradition. Powell Hall is transformed into a holiday magical destination complete with hot chocolate and a visit from the big guy from the North Pole. You’ll enjoy the St. Louis Symphony along with the Holiday Festival Chorus for their rendition of your favorite holiday songs to make the season brighter. Each year, there is a special guest but as of the printing of our newsletter the quest has not been announced. Full payment is due by November 1. 22. Christmas German Style Sat, Dec 6 • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm • Cost $75 Today is going to be a day in historic Hermann, MO to remember!! Our first stop will be the Wurst Haus for a tour and tasting of brats and sausages. Then off to lunch at the Inn at Hermannhof, in the Fireplace Room where we will have the choice of grilled chicken breast or bratwurst-knackwurst sampler with all the fixings, drink, and fruit cobbler for dessert. (Please note your choice on the reservation form). After lunch, there is so much more to come!! We will visit the “Weihnachtsfest” at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, for a house tour and a sweet treat. Next, we head to St. George Rectory, where this 17 Walking necessary ~7~