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As we are on the last of our summer tours, we look back and reminisce about the tour from which we  recently returned from, the Colorado Historic Tours. This tour featured six rail excursions and three national parks which included Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, and the Black Canyon of Gunnison.

We also visited the Garden of Gods.

Our tour began with our plane landing in Denver, Colorado, known as the Mile High City, where our tour began. We explored several historic sites with a guided tour over the next nine days.

The Minnesota State Fair was on our list of one day trips. The heat may have been on, but with fair officials and staff watching over our motor coach, we were feeling really comfortable within our group. We experienced how the state fair takes special care making it indeed one of the country’s best fairs. It has over 247 food vendors making it a delicious opportunity to visit.

Sept. 17-20: Fall in the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. Our first stop will have us dining at Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant. Many will remember Paula as she had her famous cooking show on national television. Also included on this trip will be a visit to the Silver Dollar City.

This trip will include shows, rides, many charming stands with the smell of honey, fall flowers, apple cider and more. Six shows plus one on the Branson Belle River Cruise with lunch and entertainment are among the signs of fall that are already around us. We are ready.

Oct. 2: Celebration Belle River Cruise on the great Mississippi River. We will be bussed to Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin to board our four-deck cruiser with entertainment on two floors. There is also a dance floor and our noon lunch with food is prepared on the boat. There is a third floor area, with a gift area and a top floor seating for great viewing. This trip will depart at 7 a.m. from Walmart parking lot.

Nov. 13 and Dec. 5 are the two dates we have set for  the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s “White Christmas.”  These do fill quickly so call for openings.

Also this year, we have added to our list:

The Tournament of Roses Parade in California Dec. 29-Jan. 6.

Some things on this trip will include the parade float building where we will watch hundreds of people work on their floats. There will be a special New Year’s Eve gala event with music, dancing and your own party.

The following day we will have reserved seating for the parade and a spectacular dinner with the New Year’s Eve gala event.

The  following  day will include a guided tour of Los  Angeles and Hollywood, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Santa Monica and a full five day schedule of events.

Our travel schedule for 2025 and can be picked up at our Travel Office at the Mower County Senior Center.  Call 507-438-3946. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Messages may be sent to evestravel.Jan@gmail.com  All trips depart from the southwest corner of the Walmart parking lot.