It was “All About Christmas” as our travelers made their way on our six-day tour celebrating Christmas in all its glory. Our tour began at the Amana Colonies, whose unique history culture is found nowhere else in the world. We visited their seven villages, including the winery, basket makers, and bakery prior to lunch at the Ox Yoke family style restaurant, which features German and American recipes passed down through generations. We took a stroll through the magical Tannenbaum Forests that included a breathtaking nativity and a 17-foot German Style Pyramid tree.

We proceeded to Peoria, Ill., taking a 2-mile drive through Folepi’s (festival of lights East Peoria, Ill) which included many colorful lighted displays and floats — just the beginning of what we would experience in the next days.

On Day Two we made our way to Music City USA, to Nashville and the Opryland Hotel for a two-night stay. With over 2,100 rooms, this site was filled with many activities and events.

The decor throughout includes a huge area of flower gardens, displays and balcony settings on several floors. The drive as we arrived was a total picture of trees lining the drive looking like snow over the entire grounds. The entrance has a two-story decorated tree to welcome guests. Over 17 restaurants give you some idea of the size in Opryland. After setting into our rooms, we departed for the General Jackson River Boat Cruise for dinner and holiday entertainment.

The third day of our tour took us to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Opening in 2001, this hall gives tribute to the many country western stars, showcasing their achievements through the years, beginning with Hank Williams in 1961, up to Garth Brooks in 2016. Along with their exhibits of records, history, and life stories, there were treasured cars and displays of many of the country favorites that we all have loved and still enjoy.

We had a southern lunch at the CMH along with a presentation of one of Nashville’s great songwriters, Richie McDonald, singing and telling stories behind the lyrics. It was a special treat, as many in our group recognized him and collected his music.

We went to the Wild Horse Saloon for barbecue; line dancing followed. We filled the floor, getting into the spirit wearing cowboy hats and ready to join the Nashville fun.

Then it was off to the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium with a post-show tour to learn about the amazing history of the theater. Among the stars was Martina McBride; it was a very crowd-pleasing line-up.

We spent more time at the Gaylord Opryland resort. This year’s exhibit in ice was “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” made with 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice. Each was given a parka to wear into the exhibit that held at 9 degrees, kind of like a winter day in Minnesota. The true meaning of Christmas could be seen through the displays, all in beautiful color and carved by 40 artisans from China. A full nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice was unbelievable.

Then it was on to Elvis Presley’s Graceland home in Memphis. The original mansion of “The King of Rock n’ Roll,” was mostly cared for and displayed his music and memories related to his career. The automobile museum and his burial site are there also.

We made our way to St. Louis, Missouri. Located only mere steps away from where Lewis and Clark began their historic journey was The Gateway Arch; as the nation’s tallest monument, it has welcomed visitors for over 50 years. We took a ride to the top of the Arch where there were breathtaking views from 630 feet in the air. The construction video is one of the world’s wonders.

The Anheuser Busch Brewery tour revealed rich architecture and the heritage of the oldest and largest brewery. The Clydesdale horses are housed there and we were able to see them as they were being groomed and en route to another appearance.

We took in “The Shrine of our Lady of Snows,” at the annual Way of Lights Christmas display, in Belleville, Illnois. The Missionary Oblates of  Mary Immaculate have made this a shrine in devotion to Mary. Surrounding the Memorial Statue of Mary are over 2 million lights in a huge display on their grounds. The facility where the fathers live serve as a meeting area and we were there in time for their holiday tree displays, along with many wreaths and an unbelievable display of the nativity built all of Lego blocks. With a warm reception from the fathers and a dinner served by them, we were ready to make our way back to Austin after being filled with the memories of the many signs of Christmas.  We are ready to turn on our lights and celebrate the most holy event of the year.

We will take the last trip together of 2017 on New Year’s Eve when we travel to see “Sister Act” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. We will depart at 1:30 p.m. and will get back about 11 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Plans are in the making but Travel will be taking time off this winter. There will be an announcement in the Austin Daily Herald, and our Mower County Senior monthly newsletter in regards to the Travel Show date.

Gift certificates, in any amount, are available with the Travel Office. Call 507-438-3946 for more information.