The fall weather in our area has been so beautiful and colorful, making it such a joy to travel.

Our first fall trip to Mackinac Island for a two-day island stay furnished us with warm, sunny days. We enjoyed an island tour with horse and carriages, as motorized vehicles, except for emergency vehicles are not admitted on the island.

Many rented bikes for a eight-hour ride around the island.

We also visited Door County, and explored many sites and enjoyed the famous fish boil dinner. We extended our tour to upper Michigan and Cherry Country. There is nothing like their homemade cherry pie.

Our next fall outing was a tour on the Paddleford Riverboat out of St. Paul. The temperature was cool, but the ride was warm and so enjoyable with Dixieland music.

We passed through the Ford Lock and Dam before a buffet lunch. This narrated tour was interesting, with plenty of color beginning to show.

•Oct. 30-31: Although it’s still October, plans are in order for a two-day tour to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

We have reservations for opening night of the preview of the Christmas Show. Opening night we will not only enjoy the usual buffet they host, and the Christmas show, but we will also meet the cast in a reception after. On day two, we have planned a noon, home-cooked, Scandinavian lunch. Entertainment will feature Anita and Sven on his accordion. We will depart at 8 a.m. from Walmart and return the next day about 6 p.m.

•Nov. 12-15: Annual Branson Christmas trip with five shows and five meals. Stays are in Kansas City and the Welk Resort. This year’s line-up includes three all new shows. Shows include Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, “Jonah” at the Sight and Sound theater (biblical production), Dublin’s Irish Tenors with the Celtic Ladies, Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety show, and the Red, Host and Blue Show, which will take us on a journey through some of the most popular decades of music from 1940 to 1970.

There’s room for more travelers.

•Dec. 4: “Life could be a Dream.” This is the story of a doo-wop singing group as they make their way to stardom with songs of the ‘60s.

Christmas songs have been included and will have you singing along. Lunch will be at the Old Country Buffet.

We’re hoping to keep you in the holiday spirit with hopefully lots of holiday decorations along the way.

There is a change in show plans for the December. We have scheduled a visit to the recently remodeled Old Log Theater near Excelsior. One can appreciate the new updated look, with better sound, dramatic lighting and an entire new bar and eating area.

Our newsletters are on the south side entrance. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Our travel number is 507-438-3946.