GOD BLESS AMERICA TRIP                                                                               
(Children ages 10-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by a paid adult)
June 16
Wednesday, 8:15am-7:15pm
Cost: $54.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/ Coach Bus/Fully Guided/Advance Planning Packet/Chicken Dinner with All the Fixins/Show/Cantigny Admission/ Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: June 2
Memorial Day was May 31. Flag Day was June 14. Today is our own BVCC Celebration of the Good Old USA. Join us as we travel through time and history as we celebrate the Red, White and Blue. The day begins with FREE PARKING and BREAKFAST BUFFET at 8:15am at the Center. At 8:45am our COACH BUS leaves for WHITE FENCE FARM  in Romeoville, Illinois. Since 1922, this family operation has grown from a small dining room serving “The World’s Greatest Chicken Dinner” to a sprawling destination with 12 Dining Rooms, a Petting Zoo housing miniature breeds of llamas, sheep and goats, displays of antique and classic cars, collections of clocks,  guns and music boxes and beautiful grounds with a relaxed country atmosphere. We arrive at 11am with time to enjoy it all before we go inside for our 4-PIECE CHICKEN DINNER including Homemade CORN FRITTERS; COTTAGE CHEESE; COLE SLAW, KIDNEY BEAN SALAD; BAKED POTATO; HOMEMADE CHICKEN GRAVY; PICKLED BEETS; Choice of BEVERAGE and VANILLA ICE CREAM (a Farm tradition) for Dessert. The chicken recipe is a secret but we know it’s baked then flash fried for only 3 minutes in no-cholesterol vegetable oil which makes it crispy and fresh. At 1pm it’s the delightful patriotic presentation GOD BLESS AMERICA. Starring Robert, Lori and Elliott (he’s 10 years old) Mestas, watch history unfold before your very eyes in a musical tribute. This multi-media show includes lots of singing, dancing, colorful costumes and music. It will make you proud to be an American. At 2:30pm we leave for CANTIGNY in Wheaton. The estate of Robert R. McCormick, founder of the Chicago Tribune, is home to 2 Museums, the Visitor’s Center, Formal Gardens and 35 acres of beautiful trees and flowers. We’ll stop at the VISITOR’S CENTER for a 10-minute VIDEO. Then you have time “On-Your-Own” to take a tour of the mansion housing THE ROBERT R. MCCORMICK MUSEUM that reveals the lifestyle of the early 1900s; go through the 1ST DIVISION MILITARY MUSEUM including the TANKS GRAVEYARD or visit the GIFT SHOP and BERTIE’S COFFEE SHOP. We leave at 4:45pm with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7:15pm.

SUMMERTIME IN WISCONSIN TRIP                                                                
(Children ages 12 – 17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
June 30
Wednesday, 7:30am-7pm
Cost: $49.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Coach Bus/Guided Tour-Hayride-Gift Shop-Bakery-Demonstrations/Lunch & Shopping Stop/1-hr. Guided Cruise/Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: June 16
It’s Summer in Wisconsin. Enjoy all the good things our state has to offer in one trip – from an unusual ranch run by nuns to lunch at a 72-year old family owned restaurant, a stop at a charming cheese shop and a cruise on a lake. The day begins with 7:30am FREE PARKING and BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 8am our COACH BUS heads for VILLA LORETTO in Mt. Calvary. This unique complex run by the Carmelite Sisters started in 1949 with a love for people and animals as they established CRISTO REY RANCH with more than 300 animals. Pet a llama. See the  “fainting” goats. Photograph the peacocks, Clydesdales, emus, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, miniature horses, pot-belly pig, quail, chickens, dogs, cats and more. We’ll take a GUIDED  TOUR of the Ranch with beautiful gardens and ponds and climb aboard for a “Nun-Driven” HAYRIDE. Then shop the NUN BETTER BAKERY (homemade cookies and pizza house specialties) and visit the GIFT SHOP (homemade quilts,embroidered towels, aprons, candles, gift items, purses, flower arrangements and specialty cards). We’ll delight in DEMONSTRATIONS such as Dog-Herding with Sr. Mary Stephen and Weaving with Sr. Michael. At 11:30am we leave for a “Hidden Jem” – SCHREINER’S RESTAURANT  in Fond du Lac. On July 13, 1938, Albert and Regina Schreiner opened “The Grill” serving 25-cent Lunch Plates featuring homemade egg salad, tuna salad and chicken salad. Regina became known as Grandma Schreiner and her recipes are still served today including her famous New England Clam Chowder. You can choose from traditional sandwiches like Clubs, BLTs, Hot Turkey or Beef, Liver Sausage on Rye or Burgers ($4-$7); Chilled Salad Plates (tuna, chicken, ham, egg or a combination about $5); malts & shakes; award-winning Pies & Cakes from the Bakery (take something home) and their famous “Mini-Menu” (including sides & beverage about $8-$10) like Fried Chicken, Haddock, Pork Chops or Liver & Onions (or Bacon). Lunch is “On-Your-Own” (not included in trip cost). We want you to enjoy your favorites from this famous Wisconsin eatery enjoyed by generations of families for 72 years. At 1:30pm we leave for another family-run business established in 1975 – WALLENFANGS of GREEN LAKE. Take home some delicious Wisconsin products including cheeses, summer sausage (a house specialty), preserves, popcorns, mustards, chutneys, muffin mixes, etc. BOXES & COOLERS under the BUS for your use. Finally, it’s off to the HEIDEL HOUSE RESORT for a 1-HOUR GUIDED CRUISE aboard the Yacht ESCAPADE. Our Captain will take you back in time for a rich history of Green Lake, deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. Hear stories of area landmarks and the history of local families while feeling the fresh lake breeze on your face and soaking in the panoramic beauty. At 4:45pm we leave with TREAT BAG/ BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES  on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7pm.      


FOUR WINDS CASINO TRIP                                                                           
July 14
Wednesday, 7:15am-8pm
Cost: $29.99 (Includes FREE parking/Breakfast Buffet/ Coach Bus/Fully Guided/FREE Bus Bingo/Player’s Card-$10 Food Coupon-$15.00 Slots Play/Treat Bag/Beverage/1/2-hr. Rest Stop/Movie/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: June 30
We’re going BACK for the 3rd time to the Midwest’s NEWEST CASINO just across the Indiana border in New Buffalo, Michigan. Four Winds opened to rave reviews in 2007. You will be in awe of the winding road through the lush trees opening up on a gorgeous one-story land casino that reminds you of Potawatomi here in Milwaukee. The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7:15am BREAKFAST BUFFET  at the Center.At 7:45am our COACH BUS (restroom on board) leaves with BVCC TOUR GUIDE.We’ll play FREE BUS BINGO (optional) with PRIZES. At 11am we arrive with a MEET’N GREET by Casino Staff. You’ll get a $10 COUPON (use for food or play), $15 INSTANT SLOT CREDIT ($10 more than last year) and PLAYER’S CARD (EVERYONE gets a card – even if you already have one – because the $ is loaded onto the new card). However, you still have to give us your BIRTHDATE at time of Registration. ***IMPORTANT: At this Casino, you MUST have a VALID PICTURE ID to get your Casino Package. Call B. Marie at 414-482-1000 with questions. Restaurants include THE BUFFET (11am-3:45pm - $12) with all the goodies including hand-carved meats like Prime Rib, Turkey and Ham; Dessert Station featuring hand-dipped Gelato (Italian ice cream) and “Breakfast” made to order at Lunch! Other  restaurants include TIMBERS DELI & FAST FOOD (sandwiches/pizza); GRAB’N GO (wraps/hot dogs) and the WILLOWBROOK CAFÉ (sandwiches/ pastries/salads/Starbucks coffees). GAMING  includes 3,000 SLOTS (1-cent and up); VIDEO POKER; CRAPS; BLACKJACK; ROULETTE; CRAZY FOUR; LET IT RIDE; MINI & MIDI BACCARAT; 3 CARD POKER; PAI GOW POKER and the only Midwest official WORLD POKER TOUR ROOM. At 4:15pm we leave with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/ MOVIE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS and ½-HOUR REST STOP arriving in Milwaukee at 8pm.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE MUSICAL REVIEW & DINNER
(Children ages 12-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
July 21
Wednesday, 7:30am-6:30pm
Cost: $56.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Coach Bus/Museum Admission/Dinner/Show/Deli Shopping/Treat bag/Beverage/ Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: July 7
It’s a Trip of Memories. From a Museum full of “Blasts From the Past” to an old-fashioned “Sunday Dinner” and Show full of songs you know and love to a family-run Delicatessen like those in every neighborhood wherever you grew up. Join us for a walk down Memory Lane. The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7:30am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 8am our COACH BUS heads for the HISTORIC AUTO MUSEUM in Roscoe, IL. This isn’t just a bunch of cars in a barn. It’s a Museum of History with displays using photographs, personal items, clothing and memorabilia drawing a picture of the person, time and place. At 9:30am we arrive (ADMISSION Included in trip cost). YOU pick and choose which exhibits to visit on your own Self-Guided Tour. There’s the original Patrol Car from “The Andy Griffith Show.” See “Cars of the Presidents” including a moving tribute to President John F. Kennedy and that tragic day in Dallas and the Abraham Lincoln Exhibit. There’s the Movie and Music Stars cars and memorabilia from James Dean, Elvis and Marilyn to Batmobiles, the Ghostbusters Car and the Grateful Dead Tour Bus. The Racing Hall includes Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Dale Ehrnhardt, Jr. And there’s a GIFT SHOP for souvenirs.   At 11:15am we leave for the Hoffman House in Rockford. Talk about nostalgic, the Hoffman Brothers opened Ishnala Supper Club in the Dells in 1953 and followed in 1958 with the Hoffman House in Rockford located in the Don Carter Lanes. Today they are still using the same recipes the Hoffman Brothers developed over the years. “SUNDAY DINNER” at Noon includes: Old-Fashioned “Jello Salad”; Hoffman House Prime Rib; Whipped Potatoes & Homemade Gravy; Vegetable of the day; Bread basket & Butter; Coffee or Tea and the Chef’s Choice of Dessert like one of the Brothers’ recipes – fruit pies, layer cakes and cobblers. After Dinner, Patte Armato Lund and Mike Williamson with Mike McIntyre present the SOLID GOLD SONGBOOK of hits from the Past. Enjoy tunes from Broadway shows like Cabaret, Guys & Dolls and Cats. Then there’s the famous duos like Sonny & Cher, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton and even The Captain & Tenille. Add old-fashioned family-style Comedy and Fun and you have a Trip Down Memory Lane. At 3pm we leave for our last stop, TENUTA’S DELI in Kenosha. In it’s 3rd generation, the Tenuta family keeps the concept of the Neighborhood Deli while offering you modern convenience in good food including take-out. You might find supper for tonight as well as pastas, cheeses, meats and much more. BOXES & COOLERS under the BUS for your use. We head home with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES arriving in Milwaukee at 6:30pm after our walk down memory lane.


DO-IT-YOURSELF CHICAGO SUMMER TRIP                                                
(Children ages 10-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
August 7
Saturday, 8am-7:45pm
Cost: $29.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Coach Bus/Fully Guided/ Advance Planning Packet/Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: July 24
It’s SUMMER in CHICAGO. There’s the Lake, museums, Millenium Park, the Art Institute, State Street and the Magnificent Mile with the BEST shopping in the WORLD. From dining to entertainment and that shopping, do what YOU want to do in Chicago WITHOUT the hassle and expense of driving and parking. You receive an ADVANCE PLANNING PACKET full of information on museums, shopping, restaurants, festivals and attractions. The day begins with FREE PARKING and  8am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 8:30am our COACH BUS leaves arriving at the 1st of 5 Stops: MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY including the U-505 SUBMARINE/Mummies & Dinosaurs/ Star Wars Exhibit/3-D Theater and more. At10:30am we stop at the MUSEUM CAMPUS w/Front Door drop off at 3 Museums: ADLER PLANETARIUM, SHEDD AQUAR­IUM/OCEANARIUM and FIELD MUSEUM. At 11am we stop at the ART INSTITUTE with fabulous GIFT SHOP, NEW! MODERN ART WING and well-known MASTERPIECES. Across the street is MILLENIUM PARK with the Cloud Gate Sculpture, restaurants and shops. It’s a short walk to STATE STREET with a huge Old Navy Store, Filene’s Basement and Macy’s. At 11:15am we stop at NAVY PIER with Boat Rides of all kinds, the Carousel and Ferris Wheel, Food Court, Live Entertainment, restaurants and shopping. At 11:30am our last stop is NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE with famous stores and restaurants, galleries, entertainment and more. Lunch at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Handcock Center (buffet about $15 all-you-can-eat with a GREAT view). Stop at the American Girl Store, ESPN Zone, Hard Rock Café, Rainforest Restaurant. Shop at Neiman-Marcus, Sony, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom’s and lots more. YOU pick and choose where to get off the BUS and where to get back on at the end of the day. Pick-up Schedule in your ADVANCE PLANNING PACKET. TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7:45pm.

COME FALL IN LOVE: ROGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CAROUSEL
(Children ages 12-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
August 18
Wednesday, 8am-7pm
Cost: $56.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Coach Bus/Fully Guided/Planning Packet/Show/TreatBag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline EARLY DEADLINE:   August 1
It’s been called the American Romeo and Juliet. Rogers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece of young love, faith and hope. When headstrong carnival barker Billy Biegelow comes to town and falls for the beautiful young Julie Jordan, their love story transcends time and even death itself. Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II. produced a grand, romantic musical with classic songs like “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, “If I Loved You”, “A Real Nice Clambake” and the stirring “You’ll Never Walk Alone” which will bring tears to your eyes. And YOU see  everything from our excellent Main Floor seats and hear every note of the LIVE! 28-Piece ORCHESTRA. The day begins with FREE PARKING and 8am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 8:30am our COACH BUS leaves for OLD ORCHARD MALL in Skokie, Illinois with arrival at 10am. Enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting with plants and flowers, benches, fountains and stone paths. SHOP the many stores like Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s (you receive a Brochure with the 80+ stores and a Map). Have LUNCH “On-Your-Own” at restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory, Noodles & Co., Potbelly Sandwich Works, California Pizza Kitchen, Johnny Rockets (a Chicago Hot Dog eatery) and the Food Court featuring pizza, subs, Chinese and ice cream. At 1pm our BUS leaves for Cahn Auditorium on the campus of Northwestern University for the LIGHT OPERA WORKS performance of CAROUSEL. Recognized as the premiere company in the Midwest, you’ll thrill to the outstanding singers, the graceful and athletic dancers, beautiful period costumes, sumptuous scenery and lush orchestrations. The Chicago Tribune says “These productions are as slick and professional as anything you’d see in downtown Chicago.” Last year we “Sold Out” for their production of “My Fair Lady” and our Trippers LOVED it. At 4:45pm we leave with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7pm.


HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!                                                                                         
THE NEW! DIAMOND JO CASINO TRIP
September 15
Wednesday, 7am-7:45pm
Cost: $29.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Coach Bus (Restroom on board)/FREE Bus Bingo/Player’s Card+Buffet Coupon+$10 Slot Play/1/2-hr Rest Stop/Movie/Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Sept. 1
We’re celebrating a Birthday – Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa is 1 year old! Last year we went and had a GREAT time with several winners so we’re going back by “Popular Demand.” There are 975 SLOTS from 1-cent to $100 including the NEW! Dolphin Treasure, Hi Octane and Panther Magic; VIDEO POKER; BLACKJACK; Live POKER ROOM; CRAPS; ROULETTE; MISSISSIPPI STUD and PAI GOW POKER. Visit 3 RESTAURANTS, 2 BARS and even THE CHERRY LANES – 30 Bowling Lanes right in the Casino! The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7am BREAKFAST BUFFET. Our COACH BUS (Restroom on board) leaves at 7:30am. Play FREE BUS BINGO (optional) with Prizes. At 10:30am we arrive greeted by Casino Staff with your Packet: PLAYER’S CARD (give birth date at time of registration) + BUFFET COUPON and $10.00 SLOT PLAY.  Everyone will get a Player’s Card, even if you have a card already, because the Casino puts your slot play on the card. Do not bring your card. IMPORTANT:  You MUST bring a VALID PICTURE ID to present to the Casino. The day is “On-Your-Own.” The KITCHEN BUFFET is your lunch stop with all NEW! Offerings including American, Italian and Asian dishes, rotisserie meats, brick-oven pizzas, soups, salad bar and desserts. Or grab a nosh at JO’S DELI  with matzo ball soup, corned beef, muffins and gourmet coffees. Looking to relax? MOJO’S SPORTS BAR and THE TREE BAR await. And if you’re feeling frisky, try the CHERRY LANES – at $2 a game it’s a steal. At 4pm we board the BUS with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/MOVIE/RAFFLE PRIZES and a ½-hr REST STOP before arriving in Milwaukee at 7:45pm. Happy Birthday Diamond Jo…it’s a whole new game!

THE EDDIE CASH SHOW: THE HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC THRU SONG BY A MASTER STORYTELLER featuring COTTON EXCHANGE RESTAURANT DINNER
September 29
Wednesday, 7:45am-6:15pm
Cost: $49.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Coach Bus/Guided Hayride Tour + 1 Apple + 1 Pumpkin + Shopping/Dinner/Show/ Shopping/ Treat Bag/beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Sept. 15
Eddie Cash was there when popular music began – from Nat King Cole to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. He was a performer onstage and a friend and buddy backstage. His show gives you – through songs and personal remembrances woven by a Master Storyteller – the history of popular music from 1956 and how it became a part of our lives. Add a celebration of AUTUMN with a Hayride and visit to a famous Garden Center and you have a day to remember. It begins with FREE PARKING and 7:45am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 8:15am our COACH BUS leaves for THE ELEGANT FARMER to celebrate the Harvest. On arrival at 9am we hop on board for our GUIDED TOUR HAYRIDE. As we travel through the orchards, hear about the different apples and receive 1 APPLE to take home. When we get to the fields, hop off and PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKIN. Then it’s back to the store for SHOPPING. At 10:45am we leave for COTTON EXCHANGE in Waterford. We’ll dine at Noon in PLANTATION HALL with your choice of Entrée (give at time of Registration): 1) The House Specialty – CHICKEN ST. CLAIR – Tender Breast of Chicken stuffed with Fresh Asparagus, Ham and Provolone Cheese topped with their Chardonnay Cream Sauce along with Red “Smashed” Potatoes and Vegetable of the Day or 2) PASTA PRIMAVERA  (vegetarian) – Al Dente Pasta with a Medley of Fall Vegetables tossed together in a rich Sauce. Both entrees include GARDEN SALAD with choice of Dressings; Fresh baked ROLLS & BUTTER; Coffee/Tea/Milk and the DESSERT OF THE DAY – usually one of the Chef’s favorite Cakes like Chocolate Delight, Moist Banana or Spicy Carrot. At 1:30pm Eddie Cash performs a show you will not forget. It started in 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee when young Eddie started making music history with some exciting new performers at Sun Records that handled Elvis Presley,  Jerry Lee Lewis and Bill Black (later of the Bill Black Combo). His career includes a 20-year run in the Lounge at the Mint Hotel in Las Vegas and a 5-year run in Branson, Missouri. His songs and stories include those of Frank Sinatra, Conway Twitty, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Bobby Vinton, Roy Orbison, Johnny Mathias and many more. At 4pm we leave for our last stop – MILAEGAR’S IN RACINE. The Autumn Harvest is on display and remember, Halloween is only a month away. SHOP for gifts, decorations, seasonal clothing, garden items and much more. At 5:30pm we board our BUS with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/ RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 6:15pm.




STARVED ROCK FALL COLORS TRIP
(Children ages 12-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
October 20
Wednesday, 7am-7:45pm
Cost: $59.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Coach Bus (Restroom on board)/Fully Guided/ Guided Trolley Tour/Autumn Buffet Dinner/Stop at 2 Visitor Centers/ Video/Gift Shops/1-hr. Guided Canal Boat Ride/Shopping & Coupons/Treat Bag/Beverage/ Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Oct. 6
Last Fall we enjoyed 3 new experiences at Starved Rock and we SOLD OUT the Trip with a long Waiting List. So we again offer in one Trip the lush FALL COLORS on display at one of the nation’s top Autumn destinations; the NEW! DINNER BUFFET All-You-Can- Eat and the NEW! 1-HOUR CANAL BOAT GUIDED TOUR. You won’t forget some of the most beautiful and scenic forests, canyons and bluffs in all their Autumn splendor. Plus, there’s the Starved Rock Lodge, built in the 1930s with it’s wood floors, pine furniture, brick fireplaces and atmosphere that brings the out-doors inside. Discover all the joys of this great destination that’s been “wowing” people for 75 years. We begin with FREE PARKING and 7am BREAKFAST BUFFET  at the Center. Our COACH BUS (Restroom on board) leaves at 7:30am for STARVED ROCK LODGE in Utica, Illinois. At 10:45am we arrive with time to use the restrooms and delight in the beautiful forest surroundings. The morning includes our 1-hour GUIDED TROLLEY TOUR where you see the trees, bluffs and canyons while learning about the area and it’s history. The beautiful LODGE DINING ROOM is the setting for the NEW! DINNER BUFFET featuring 3-4 entrees like fried chicken, pot roast, turkey and fish; 3-4 sides like mashed potatoes, noodles, dressing, mac’n cheese and farm fresh vegetables; the Soup and Salad Bar and the NEW! DESSERT TABLE with offerings like apple or fruit cobbler, cakes, pies and cheesecakes. Beverage included. After Dinner we hop on the Trolleys for 2 stops: the VISITOR’S CENTER & GIFT SHOP   where we see a VIDEO on the history of  Starved Rock then on to the CANAL BOAT VISITOR’S CENTER & GIFT SHOP before our NEW! CANAL BOAT 1-hour GUIDED TOUR with crew dressed in period costumes relating the rich history of the canal. Our boat is pulled by mules – just like the boats in the 19th century. At 3:30pm we board our BUS and leave the Park by the SCENIC TRAIL so we can enjoy those Autumn Colors on our way to DOWNTOWN OTTOWA – a delightful array of shops and restaurants as you stroll the quaint  streets. Shops include Gramma’s Attic Antique Mall (4 floors), Two Sisters Candy & Gifts, LaSalle St. Roasting Co., Triple J Ice Cream and much more. There’s a MEET’N GREET with COUPONS. Or you can take the Reddick Mansion Tour ($2 – not included in Trip Cost). At 4:45pm we leave with TREAT BAG/ BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES arriving in Milwaukee at 7:45pm.


DRURY LANE PRESENTS: SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS DINNER & SHOW
(Children ages 12-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
November 3
Wednesday, 7:15am-7pm
Cost: $58.99 (Drury Lane raised ticket price $4.00) (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Coach Bus/Fully Guided/Mill & Museum Tour + 1 Bag Cornmeal Souvenir/Dinner/Show/Cheese
Shop Samples + Shopping//Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration EARLY Deadline: Oct. 13 (3 wks.)
Do you like the TV show “Dancing With the Stars”? Have you always liked the Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly movies? Well this show is for YOU! Originally a movie directed by Stanley Donen (Singing in the Rain, On the Town, Royal Wedding, Damn Yankees) with dance numbers by Michael Kidd, this musical has a gutsy, rollicking score but is BEST KNOWN for its DANCING. Add 2 stops with their roots in the 1800s and you have a boisterous good time. The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7:15am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 7:45am we leave on our COACH BUS for the GRAU MILL and UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM in Oak Brook, IL.    This 150-year old working mill still grinds CORNMEAL today (you get a BAG with RECIPES as a souvenir). There’s a short TOUR then see the upstairs rooms used to hide slaves on the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. See DEMONSTRATIONS of Spinning and Weaving by Costumed Guides. There’s a GIFT SHOP. At 11:15am we leave for DRURY LANE THEATRE. Choose (at time of registration) one Entrée: 1) ROAST SIRLOIN OF BEEF served in its natural juices; 2) TRADITIONAL TURKEY BREAST with fresh Herb Stuffing, Turkey Gravy & Cranberries and 3) FETTUCCINI ALFREDO with SWEET PEAS (vegetarian). All Entrees include CHEF’S SOUP DUJOUR (like Cream of Mushroom, Hearty Vegetable, Chicken Noodle); Fresh Baked BREADS & BUTTER; BEVERAGE and DESSERT (like Ice Cream Sundae, Apple Strudel, Fruit Pies). At 1:30pm it’s the musical comedy SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Set in 1850 Oregon Territory, 7 Brothers (loggers) are living the bachelor life in a one-room cabin. Enter the new wife of the oldest brother and the fun begins. Determined to marry off the other 6 brothers, trouble ensues when the boys kidnap 6 girls from town. An avalanche strands them all until Spring. Of course they all fall in love and live happily ever after. But it’s how they get there that’s the fun. The highlight is the dance number that squares off the 7 brothers with the girls’ 7 suitors from town – each one trying to out-do the other. You’ll be exhausted just watching them. At 4:15pm we leave for our last stop – TIM & TOM’S CHEESE SHOP in Kenosha. In the 1800s, immigrants from Europe came to the New World. Farmers brought the art of Cheese-Making with them. This shop has everything from Cheddar and Colby to Swiss and Gouda. There’s time for SHOPPING and SAMPLES. We leave at 6:15pm with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7pm. Kick up your heels and join us for a rollicking good time.

15TH ANNUAL CHICAGO HOLIDAY SHOPPING/MAGNIFICENT MILE DISNEY LIGHTS FESTIVAL/PARADE/
FIREWORKS TRIP
(Children ages 10-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
November 20
Saturday, 9:15am-10:00pm
Cost: $29.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Advance Planning Packet/
Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Nov. 6
What a “Magnificent” day of Holiday FUN we have planned for YOU along North Michigan Avenue –Chicago’s MAGNIFICENT MILE of shopping, activities and special events. The day begins at 9:15am with FREE PARKING and BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 9:45am our COACH BUS leaves. Your ADVANCE PLANNING PACKET tells you everything that’s going on today.  Lunch, shopping, sight-seeing, free events and entertainment all ON-YOUR-OWN from 11:45am-7:45pm. The BUS stops and picks you up 1 block WEST of North Michigan Avenue. You don’t have to drive or park. Check out the DECORATED STORE WINDOWS on Michigan Avenue and State Street, unveiled today! There’s Santa Claus and Holiday Central at the historic WATER TOWER. The RIVERWALK at TRIBUNE TOWER  has entertainment, booths and Holiday treats. Shop at stores like The American Girl Store, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom’s and Macy’s. The JOHN HANDCOCK OBSERVATION DECK has a thrilling view. Restaurants like Harry Carey’s, Ditka’s Steak House, Hard Rock Café, Rainforest Café, Portillo’s Hot Dogs and Johnny Rocket’s beckon you to enjoy a great lunch. And don’t forget the NEW! MILLENIUM PARK across the river on South Michigan Avenue across the street from the Art Institute with RESTAURANTS, CLOUD GATE ARCH designed by Frank Gehry and much more. At dusk (6pm) the MAGNIFICENT MILE DISNEY LIGHTS FESTIVAL PARADE begins with Mickey Mouse and friends lighting the 600,000 tiny white Italian lights along Michigan Avenue. The Parade ends at the Chicago River (best place to see everything) with FESTIVAL FIREWORKS. At 7:45pm we meet at the BUS and leave with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES arriving in Milwaukee at 10pm.


MERRY CHRISTMAS BIG BANDS STYLE featuring O&H BAKERY-DUTCH UNCLE MARKET & LONG GROVE HISTORIC SHOPPING VILLAGE
(Children ages 12-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
December 8
Wednesday, 7:45am-7:00pm
Cost: $55.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Coach Bus/Bakery Meet’n Greet + Free Coffee & Kringle Samples & Shopping/Dinner/Show/ Shopping/Treat Bag/Beverage/ Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Nov. 24
Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen dressed like Santa Clauses in front of a huge Christmas Tree singing White Christmas with a full orchestra in the movie Holiday Inn…now THAT’S Christmas! Join us as the 14-piece Ron Mills Orchestra brings back those memories at the MILK PAIL DINNER THEATER. The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7:45am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. At 8:15am we leave on our COACH BUS for O&H BAKERY and DUTCH UNCLE MARKET in Racine. We have a MEET’N GREET with a history of KRINGLES – the Swedish pastry that melts in your mouth. There’s time for shopping, coffee & kringle samples and browsing the Market for Holiday gifts. We have BOXES & COOLERS under the BUS for your purchases. At 10am we leave for THE MILK PAIL  in Dundee, IL. famous for their Homemade BISCUITS & BUTTER  (ask for 2nds & 3rds). At 12pm noon it’s DINNER: Crisp CAESAR SALAD; those Milk  Pail Biscuits & Butter; ITALIAN SEASONED BAKED CHICKEN BREAST; HOT MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY; MIXED SEASONAL VEGETABLE MEDLEY; Coffee/Decaf/Tea and for dessert HOLIDAY PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM PIE. There’s a CASH BAR if you wish to purchase a cocktail.At 1:30pm it’s SHOWTIME! Sit back and relax as the clarinets, drums and saxophones take you to the BIG BAND ERA – Bing and Frank Sinatra, the Dorseys, Rosemary and Glen Miller, Louie Armstrong and Les Brown. You can sing along or take a spin on the Dance Floor. The Holiday music of the 1930s and 40s is alive and well. At 3:15pm we leave for our last stop – Historic LONG GROVE VILLAGE. This charming 1880s German settlement is decked out in Holiday splendor. Stroll the brick paths and shop at more than 50 stores, galleries and restaurants like LONG GROVE CONFECTIONARY; APPLE HAUS  (homemade apple pies baked  in a brown bag); THE ARTISTIC GARDENER; VIKING TREASURES; BRITISH ACCENTS LTD.; NIFTY 50’s; EMPORIUM OF ANTIQUES and GLUNZ FAMILY WINERY. At 5pm we leave with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/ RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7:00pm.

CHRISTMASTIME IN CHICAGO – ON SALE
(Children ages 10-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
December 29
Wednesday, 7:30am-7:30pm
Cost: $29.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Coach Bus/Advance Planning Packet/Fully
Guided/Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Dec. 15
Chicago at Christmastime is spectacular – the decorated store windows on State Street and North Michigan Avenue; those tiny white lights on the trees up and down the Magnificent Mile; the Christmas trees and displays in stores , hotels and restaurants; the museums special exhibits like the Museum of Science & Industry Christmas Trees from Around the World. Most people go before Christmas but we have a different idea. ALL these things are still available today, December 29th, with one very desirable added attraction – EVERYTHING IN THE STORES IS ON SALE!! Why not take advantage of the after Christmas Sales while still enjoying Christmastime Chicago? The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7:30am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. Our COACH BUS leaves at 8am. Your ADVANCE PLANNING PACKET  has information on stores, museums, restaurants, etc. There are 5 stops in downtown Chicago. YOU  decide where to get off the BUS, what to do all day and where to get back on the BUS.  At 10:30am we arrive at STOP #1 – The MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY celebrating the 77th year of Christmas Around the World trees & Gift Shop along with all the other exhibits.  STOP #2 is the Museum Campus – home of the ADLER PLANITARIUM, FIELD MUSEUM and SHEDD AQUARIUM with stops at each “front door.” STOP #3  - ART INSTITUTE/MILLENIUM PARK/STATE STREET with stores like a huge Old Navy, Filene’s Basement, H&M and Macy’s.  STOP #4 – NAVY PIER beautifully decorated for the holidays with shopping and restaurants like the NEW! Harry Caray’s on the Pier. Finally STOP #5 is the big shopping one, NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE or the MAGNIFICENT MILE with sales galore at Water Tower Place, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdale’s, the American Girl Store and lots more. You’ll get the BUS Pick-Up Schedule with your Trip Ticket.  There will be BOXES under the BUS for your purchases. We leave Chicago at 5:30pm with TREAT BAG/ BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7:30pm.


WE’RE GOING BACK!
HORSESHOE CASINO TRIP
January 12
Wednesday, 7:30am-7:00pm
Cost:  $29.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Coach Bus/Fully Guided/Bus Bingo/ Player’s Package: FREE Buffet Coupon+$15 Slot Play+Player’s Card/Meet’n Greet/5 ½ hrs. Gaming/Treat Bag/Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Dec. 29
We’re going back to one of our favorites – The Horseshoe Casino in Hammond Indiana (just across the Illinois state line). With 35,000 sq. ft. after it’s $30 million renovation inspired by Jack Binion himself, this casino is a dream. There are 3,200 slots (2-cents and up); 97 gaming tables; 300 video poker machines; the only Midwest Keno Parlor; the unique Asian Gaming area inspired by the Chinese Silk Road (a design marvel) and 4 restaurants. The day begins with FREE PARKING and 7:30am BREAKFAST BUFFET. At 8am we leave on our warm, cozy COACH BUS. Play BUS BINGO with prizes (optional). At  10:30am we arrive with a MEET’N GREET to answer all your questions. You will receive your  PLAYER’S PACKET: FREE COUPON ($15.99 value) for the VILLAGE SQUARE BUFFET + PLAYER’S CARD + $15 SLOT PLAY. The day is “On-Your-Own.” Favorite slots include eBay, Wheel of Fortune & Indiana Jones. There’s Blackjack, Craps, Keno, Video Poker, Roulette, Baccarat and Flop Poker. The newly expanded Village Square Buffet has 9 food stations: Italian with pasta, pizza, lasagna and Chicken Vesuvio; Mexican with fajitas, fresh guacamole and burritos; American with meat carving station, fried chicken, mac & cheese and homemade mashed potatoes; Seafood with mountain chilled shrimp, crab legs and clams; Chinese-Japanese with sushi, stir frys, dim sum and noodles; Soups/Salads/Bread Bar and Dessert Station. At 4:30pm we leave with TREAT BAG/BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES on the BUS arriving in Milwaukee at 7pm.

YOU OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES: CHICAGO AND THE MOVIES TRIP
(Children ages 12-17 welcome at same cost accompanied by paid adult)
January 26
Wednesday, 8:00am-7:00pm
Cost: $49.99 (Includes FREE Parking/Breakfast Buffet/Fully Guided/Coach Bus/Advance Planning Packet/1-hr. Chicago Theatre Guided Tour & Souvenir/2-hr. Chicago Film Guided Bus Tour with Film Clips/ Cheesecake Outlet Store-Café Stop/Treat Bag/ Beverage/Raffle Prizes)
Registration Deadline: Jan. 12
You know the song, “You ought to be in pictures!” Well today you get a chance to see and hear all about The Movies in Chicago from a lovely old Movie Palace to the actual locations of some of your favorite films made in the Windy City. The day begins with FREE PARKING  and 8am BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Center. Our COACH BUS  leaves at 8:30am for THE CHICAGO THEATRE on State Street (that great street).   At 10:30am we arrive for the GUIDED 1-hour MARQUEE TOUR. The grandeur of the Theatre will leave you breathless. It was built in French Baroque style in 1921 with a 6-story vertical CHICAGO marquee. See the elegant lobby, majestic staircase, beautiful auditorium with murals over the stage and on the ceiling. Stand on the stage. Bring your camera and take a photo at one of the signature spots. See the backstage walls autographed by the biggest names in show business. Receive a FREE SOUVENIR. At 11:45am we leave for River West for lunch. Your ADVANCE PLANNING PACKET has all kinds of restaurant information for LUNCH  “On-Your-Own” from 11:45am-1:15pm at famous Chicago eateries like PORTILLO’S HOT DOGS; ROCK’N ROLL MCDONALD’S ; HARD ROCK CAFÉ; RAINFOREST CAFÉ; LOU MALNATI’S and GINO’S EAST PIZZA RESTAURANTS. At 1:20pm we board our BUS for a 2-hr. GUIDED CHICAGO FILM TOUR. Your Bus Seat becomes a Director’s Chair as we travel to 30 locations where movies were made like the Blockbusters THE DARK KNIGHT  and THE FUGITIVE ; Chicago favorites like FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF and THE BLUES BROTHERS and Classics like NORTH BY NORTHWEST  and  THE STING. At each location, watch scenes come to life on the BUS VIDEO SCREENS with CLIPS FROM THE MOVIES while getting up close with these memorable film locations. You’ll learn the history of Chicago film-making, movie “lingo”, location facts & figures, behind the scenes trivia, stories about your favorite stars and much more. The entire tour is on the BUS (no stops) so it doesn’t matter what the weather is like. At 3:30pm we head for our last stop – ELI’S CHEESECAKE WORLD. In 1940 Eli Schulman opened his first restaurant which immediately became a “hangout” for the top movie stars of the day like Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer  Tracy. Today the factory, outlet store and café feature Eli’s famous cheesecake with dozens of flavors to choose from at regular prices and greatly reduced prices for “slightly imperfect” cakes. The café sells cheesecake by the slice, beverages, sandwiches, cookies and more. We’ll have BOXES under the BUS for your purchases. Remember, cheesecake freezes well, keeps for several months and makes a great snack while watching a movie! At 5pm we leave with TREAT BAG/ BEVERAGE/RAFFLE PRIZES arriving in Milwaukee at 7pm. You’ll be
ready for your close-up after today’s Chicago and The Movies Trip.