We have visited a variety of places and venues this Spring. Our last trip was to the Botanical Gardens, which is located  in St. Paul and is part of the Como Gardens and Zoo.

The gardens feature indoor and outdoor gardens, along with the sunken garden with anever-changing color show of flowers.

We then headed to the Day Trippers Theatre, located near the Mall of America.

We are greeted on our motor coach by a gentleman who had a unique idea — Using casts of mostly former stage performers who continue to share their talent in a fun and amusing way. The production, titled “Drinking Habits,”  was no exception. This cast of mostly nuns and clergy kept the audience entertained until the end.

Their idea for a very nice buffet pleased our palette.

Upcoming trips

June 18: This is a repeat of last year’s Mystery Trip. This family farm entertained us for the day with their collection and display of carousels and calliope, all beautifully displayed. The musical sounds bring us back to our childhood, when the circus would come to town.

We will have a special dinner at the lodge before we head for the horse barn, where the owners will demonstrate how they teach young folks to ride. Weather permitting, we will also see more outdoors.

The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from the Walmart parking lot and we will return about 6 p.m. Call 507-438-3946 as some seats are still available.

July 12: “Beauty and the Beast” at the Marion Ross Theatre in Albert Lea. This is going to be one of their biggest shows. This classic story tells the tale of Belle and the Beast, who is a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress that will break only when he learns to love. This is a tale that is as old as time. A local actor from Austin, Gordy Handeland, will play the part of the Beast. We will depart at 4  p.m. from Walmart. Our mystery meal is again a new spot. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. and seats are available. Fee is due by June 26.

July 25: Chanhassen Dinner Theater presents “Newsies.” Advertising, along with the high ratings is making this a real smash hit this season.  There will a lot of music and choreography and we are looking forward to seeing how these newspaper boys deal with this newspaper strike. This trip is filled. Departure time is 9 a.m.

Aug. 14: Mystery Trip. More details and clues to come.

Aug. 27: Minnesota State Fair. Join us so we can make this trip happen again. We will be departing at 7:30 a.m.

Our mailing address 1002 16 Th St. SW Austin,MN.  55912. We may not be in the Travel Office regularly during our travel season.