Events List Navigation
December 2018
Holiday Light Show and Shopping
Our first stop is in Theresa, Wisconsin to visit Widmer’s Cheese and Confections by Joel. Widmer’s Cheese Cellars settled in the heart of one of the richest cheese making areas in America more than 80 years ago. There will be a 15 minute video, possible tour depending on what needs to be made, free samples and cheese makers can answer your questions upon request. Chocolate is a specialty for blind entrepreneur, Joel Bernhard, owner of Confections by Joel. He started making candy back in 1999, selling to friends and neighbors but as word spread about his delicious chocolates he expanded to an old general store which is over 100 years old, with original tin ceilings and hardwood floors. Next stop is Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker and High Tea at the Drake
Experience the elegant High Tea at the Drake Hotel in festive downtown Chicago as you enjoy live holiday musical entertainment, finger sandwiches, pastries and an assortment of very fine teas. Following High Tea, you will have time to shop on the Magnificent Mile. Continue the holiday festivities at the ballet where you will be mesmerized by the boldly reimagined “Nutcracker” with Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live by the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra and performed by the Joffrey Ballet Company.
Drury Lane: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Based on the beloved Academy Award-winning Disney film, this nine-time Tony nominated musical continues to win the hearts of people all over the globe. Trapped in her provincial life, a young and intelligent beauty risks everything to become the heroine of her own story and break a wicked spell imprisoning a castle of enchanted misfits and a terrifying beast.
February 2019
Wild Rose Casino
Join us as we head East and over the boarder to Clinton, Iowa for some gaming at Wild Rose Casino. Located on the Mississippi, Wild Rose Casino dates back to the earliest days of riverboat gaming in Iowa.
The Producers at the Paramount
The Producers is an uproariously funny musical with hilarious songs that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Nobody does comedy like Mel Brooks and nobody does shows like the Paramount in Aurora. Under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than he could with a hit. And so begins one of the most hilarious cons in musical theatre history.
March 2019
Chicago Multi-Cultural Food Tour
The ever popular food tour is back for new neighborhoods and new food! The day starts with a trip to Chicago’s vibrant Mexican neighborhood, Pilsen, for the cultural experience and a traditional breakfast sampling. Next, we head to Greektown to get some of the most requested appetizers and shouting out “OPA”! From there we turn our eyes to the Emerald Isle, as we sample traditional Irish pub fare. The day concludes with a treat at an authentic German bakery. Don’t miss this great trip where you will be getting a great history lesson of the different neighborhoods while filling your belly with the great foods from the culture.
The House on the Rock & Grumpy Troll
The House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI, began in 1945 when a man named Alex Jordan had a towering goal: to build a retreat as awe-inspiring as the view from the rock upon which the House would eventually be built. Since those early days, it has grown far beyond the original house and into an attraction with many buildings, exhibits and collections. Enjoy a leisurely self-guided tour of two sections including the Original House & Infinity Room, Streets of Yesterday, Spirit of Aviation, Carousel Room and so much more. After touring the attractions of The House, enjoy a late lunch at The Grumpy Troll Brewhouse
Kenosha Museums, Streetcar & Lunch
First stop on the trip will be an authentic German lunch at the House of Gerhard followed by an afternoon at Civil War Museum which includes a 30-45 minute theater performance. Who better to tell the stories of the people who were touched by the Civil War or slavery than the individuals themselves? The Civil War Museum focuses on the contributions of the Upper Middle West – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Michigan. Before heading back to Illinois, trip goers will also have some time to explore on their own and hop aboard an authentic streetcar for a 2-mile scenic tour of the Lake Michigan shoreline, Harbor Park, two historic districts and the downtown business district.
April 2019
Chicago Church Tour
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 7:45am - 5:00pm AGES: ACTIVE ADULTS Fee: $93/$103 Location: Depart F&RC - Lobby for Chicago, IL Chicago’s breathtaking houses of worship tell the story of the city’s rich cultural history as well as our diverse population. Visit Chicago’s oldest and most beautiful churches, emphasizing architecture, immigrant life, the effect of The Great Chicago Fire and the dynamic changes within the city’s population. Tour includes St. Patrick’s Cathedral (oldest in the state), First United Methodist Church (tallest in…
May 2019
American Pickers & Poopy’s Pub
We will be traveling by bus first to one of the most interesting biker bars in Illinois called Poopys. It’s menu offers your typical pub items like burger, chicken wings, sandwiches, hot dogs and appetizers like mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, etc… along with a full bar. The fee for this event will allow you to choose your lunch from the sandwich menu and then a non-alcoholic drink. Once done with lunch, we will then travel to the American Pickers store to check out mementos that Mike and Frank have created from their finds on the road along with other cute shops along that same strip.
