Shipshewana Weather Doesn't Scare Travelers

 

 

 

 

 

Even though dark skies threatened all day, 23 brave souls set out for Northern Indiana's flea market capital of the world, Shipshewana.  Also one of the largest Amish communities in the world, it is home to the Auction and  flea market where bargains attract thousands particularly on Wednesday mornings.

Always popular the baked goods, cheeses, flower and garden accessories.

This die-hard group of shoppers could not be deterred by a few clouds.

 

a BIG thank you to JD of Star of America bus company for a safe trip! 

 

 

 



Travelers Cruise Hawaiian Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 Travelers left Muncie on May 5th for a 13 day adventure that included sailing 4 of the Hawaiian islands on the Royal Caribbean ship RADIANCE OF THE SEAS, and cruising the north Pacific waters until reaching Vancouver, Canada on May 17th.

Lead by escort Helen Dash of Great Destinations Travel, the group also enjoyed an overnight in Honolulu and the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort.

Beautiful weather, beaches and attractions made the trip a wonderful experience for all.

As the coordinator for High Street Travelers, I especially want to thank Helen for stepping in and leading such a great trip!



Carmel Indiana's Center For The Performing Arts WOWS Travelers!

Also known as The Palladium, the High Street Traveler's were entertained by Purdue University's men's & women's performance choirs on Thursday April 11 th. The afternoon concert of the 60+ member tuxedo-clad mens Glee Club and the 40+ assemble of sequined-topped ladies group of Purduettes thoroughly mesmerized us.

The combined 2 hour performance was a treat for most of our group who were taking in the concert from a middle orchestra-section plush seat in an acoustically perfect auditorium. Founded in 1893, the PU Varsity Glee Club is one of the proudest traditions in the State of Indiana. The Purduettes began performing in 1942 when WW 2 depleted the men's club roster. Both groups perform all over the world today with energy and stunning vocals. 

Prior to the concert, Travelers enjoyed a lunch at Ted's Montana Grill, a Clay Terrace restaurant owned by Ted Turner. SEVERAL were brave enough to try the famous BISON burger.



NEW FRIENDSHIPS MADE & TRAVELERS HOME SAFELY

Driving into the Smoky Mountains

Well, it is Day 7 and time to head home after an incredible week. A restful night at the Holiday Inn - Biltmore East provided our group of 41 with renewed energy. Everyone boards the comfortable Cavallo coach and off we go. Many new friendships have been made this week on the journey.

Duckie has been a Trooper



Our punctuality enforcer, Mr Duckie is sporting a band aide this morning; aapparently due to an altercation with Miss Alley Cat while watching the KU - WKU game. If you were last boarding the coach after a timed stop or attraction, you held Duckie. Needless to say, he "got around", but returned clean and bathed every morning:)

 Renfro Valley Lodge

Our last lunch stop enroute home, the Renfro Valley Lodge and Restaurant was smack in the middle of "Kentucky Country Music" Capitol.  Hazel and others pay after a delicious lunch.   We'll be home this evening and hear of a winter storm coming - who's ready to turn around and go back??

Travelers Stroll through the Biltmore Estate

Built by George W Vanderbilt  1896

Asheville, NC

Still today one of America's largest private homes, The Biltmore Estate has been open for public viewing since 1930. With over 1,800 employees caring to preserve this national treasure, the sprawling grounds and mansion built right into the Blue Ridge Mountains remain a breath-taking sight. Grand Victorian architecture can be seen in the many of the rooms numbering 250+.

The outdoor estate gardens might still might be a few weeks away from being in their prime, but we were treated to gorgeous display of orchids in the Winter Garden and continuing throughout the grounds to the Winery. The past and present seem a streamed timeline of history on this 8,000 acres estate.

                Weary of traveling?? No, Deb is ready to go off on the segway tour!

WELCOME - to the 78th annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens! From a humble beginning in 1935, this event has grown along with Savannah's exemplary progress in historic preservation. The city's stature as a leader in preservation continues as Savannah protects and enhances its colonial town plan and historic homes.

We enjoyed walking through the beautiful tree-lined streets and landscaped squares and parks. They are the perfect setting for a notable collection of architecture that features craftsmanship of earlier centuries and designs. Today, these homes are treasured by residents who contribute to Savannah's ongoing history.

Our included lunch at the infamous, The Lady & Sons restaurant was "surprise", another southern buffet!!  Paula Deen is "the queen" of comfort food and all I can say is that it's a good thing we had a 1 1/2 hour walk afterwards to be de-comforted.

We have truly enjoyed the southern hospitality that Savannah,Georgia is known for! 

GEORGIA'S BARRIER ISLANDS ARE WORTH THE TRIP!

JEKYLL ISLAND

An early 8 am start allowed the High Street Travelers to take in Jekyll Island historical, architectural and archaeological wealth and so MUCH more.
We explored the lives of Sea Turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center - the state's first sea turtle rehabilitation, research and educational facility. FASCINATING!!

Next, the entire group boarded a double tram for a tour of the Island's National Historic Landmark District - once the winter home to the Rockefellers, Astors and Morgans.

Our journey took us back in time when the world was an upscale 19th century resort. We leisurely motored along the march and live oak trees to enjoy the re-stored "cottages" once part of the country's most exclusive club. The opulent mansions were part of America's grand society during the Gilded Age.
Our private lunch at the Jekyll Island Club Resort was a treat (as if we haven't eaten anything this week).

The resort fell into disrepair and closed in 1942, but historical efforts by the State of Georgia are re-storing many of the properties in the district to original condition.



ST. SIMON'S ISLAND

Jenny, our step-on guide for the afternoon tour of St. Simons showed us the working lighthouse built in 1872, Neptune Park on the Waterfront and the historical roots of Frederica, Christ Church and the ministry of the Wesley brothers.

A VERY BUSY DAY! GOOD NIGHT