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Day 1
Monday, May 11
Our southern adventure will take us through Illinois, Kentucky and into Tennessee today as our final destination will be Nashville for the night. We will be staying at the Radisson Hotel located near Opry Mills Outlet Mall. The hotel has a shuttle that runs from the hotel to the mall for those who would like to stretch those legs and do some shopping. B
Day 2
Tuesday, May 12
It’s only a short ride from Nashville to Chattanooga, where we will spend the next two nights in the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. But before we arrive at the hotel we are going to stop at Lookout Mountain, located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Trek through Rock City's natural wonders and "see seven states" views before touring Ruby Falls, America's deepest cave and largest underground waterfall accessible to the public. We will be treated to an old fashion cookout for lunch when we arrive. We will have plenty of time after checking into the hotel to freshen up before having dinner in the Station House located right in the hotel.
Day 3
Wednesday, May 13
Along with our step on guide, we will explore the City to see all it has to offer and learn the history of this old southern town. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium takes you on a remarkable journey from the mountains to the sea. Beneath its six magnificent glass peaks, guests explore three living forests and meet amazing creatures that swim, fly and crawl in natural habitats. On the other side of the River, lunch will be waiting for us at the Northshore Grill, along with a little free time to explore the water front and their shops. We are going to return to the hotel in mid afternoon to freshen up and get ready for our evening of fun and good food. We are going to see a Rock and Roll Show at the Jukebox Junction Theater after a great dinner in the Gardens Restaurant.
Day 4
Thursday, May 14
Atlanta maybe only a couple hours away but we are going to take a step back in history...back to the “Gone with the Wind” days. A step on guide is going to join us today as we explore not only the “days of old” but also the modern Atlanta. A visit to the Cyclorama will tell the Battle of Atlanta and it will be the beginning of our journey....searching for more about “Gone with the Wind”. From here we go to the “Underground Atlanta” for lunch before heading to Peachtree Street and a visit to the Margaret Mitchell House. Margaret is the author of “Gone with the Wind”. Our step on guide will keep us entertained as we travel to Jonesboro, GA where we will tour the “Road to Tara” Museum. It will be a “step back in time” as we spend an evening at Stately Oaks Plantation for a southern buffet supper served in an old school house. After dinner, sit back and relax as our story teller puts a smile on your face as we listen to the stories and tales of how it used to be when life was simpler and folks had time to “sit a spell”. We will return to hotel, the Drury Inn for a good nights sleep. BLD
Day 5
Friday, May 15
Our step on guide will join us again today for a tour of the more modern Atlanta, touring CNN and the World of Coke, along with a City Tour of Atlanta’s well know spots. Lunch will be at the Varsity Club, the world’s largest Drive-Inn restaurant. We are also going to tour Stone Mountain Park. Three figures of the Confederate States of America are carved there: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. We will take a short break at the hotel to enjoy “Happy Hour” and a chance to freshen up before going to dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, along with a musical treat. BLD
Day 6
Saturday, May 16
We will continue our southern adventure as we find out how they make that “moonshine”!! We are going to tour the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, TN. The town of Lynchburg is a quaint, slow paced town with a neat town square, lined by shops. After a bit of free time we will walk to Miss Mary BoBo’s Boarding House for lunch. We will continue our way to Louisville and will arrive in late afternoon. We will be staying at the Hampton Inn for the next two nights. BL
Day 7
Sunday, May 17
The “Run for the Roses” maybe over but we are still going to get to experience the excitement of Churchill Downs. We will start the morning in the horse barn area on the backside at Churchill Downs and take a short walk past the barns, catch a glimpse of Thoroughbred being bathed and the hot steam rolling off his back as we make our way to the track kitchen. We will enjoy a hearty southern style breakfast as we watch the early morning workouts of the some of the world’s finest horses. Experience Derby Day from the starting gate to the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Museum. But our Derby experience isn’t over yet. We are going to enjoy an afternoon of Racing at Churchill Downs!! Your admission, program and lunch will be included. You will be able to sit inside or outside to watch your favorite horse cross the finish line. BL
Day 8
Monday, May 18
This is our final day but not the end of our fun! One last stop before leaving Louisville will be the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. We will tour the world-famous bat factory to see how they are made. Enjoy time in the Museum before departing for home. We should arrive back in the early evening. B |
