Start spreading the news – I’m leaving on Monday – I want to be a part of it, New York, New York! Yes, finally, my vagabond shoes – and those of my 11 other travel companions – will be leaving Carson City for the likes of Old Broadway and the many sites that make this world-class city so special. And, what a time to be in New York City! Though I have traveled there before, I’ve never seen New York at Christmas. Like many of you who love to travel and haven’t been able to due to all of the COVID restrictions and just the uncertainty of traveling at all, I’ve felt a bit cooped up. Honestly, it’s exciting to think about what to pack. Yes, I’ve received all three shots, so am vaxxed to the max. Of course part of my packing will include masks which I will need just about everywhere. I’ll be seeing the famous Rockettes Holiday Show and a New York play. Our hotel is right in the heart of Times Square. As most of you who read my column know, I love to travel in a group setting with travelers from our area and have made many good friends over the years who love to travel as much as I do. As a single traveler, I am never alone. The Carson City Chamber trips through Collette Vacations or Mayflower Tours have never disappointed and I’ve experienced so much of the world I would never have had the opportunity to do otherwise. While I love to travel internationally, I’m going to stick to traveling in the good ole U.S.A at least through 2022 – seems much easier and there’s so much of our great country I haven’t yet seen. For those who want to better understand our country and further embrace our own culture, the Chamber has several 2022 trips that are sure to please. In April, we’re going to learn about our history on the Heritage of America tour that starts in Philadelphia and ends in Washington, D.C., and takes us through Shenandoah National Park and Colonial Williamsburg with other important historic stops in between. If you are a history buff, this one’s for you! Those who enjoyed Mackinac Island this year, firmly recommend this tour that begins in Chicago on June 17 and ends outside of Detroit where we will see the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. The highlight of the tour, however, is the stay at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. If you’ve never been to South Dakota, you’ve missed out on some of our country’s most beautiful vistas. You’ll spend lots of time behind your camera wanting to capture the scenery. And, you’ll come home feeling proud of our National Parks system. Of course, the highlight of this tour is Mt. Rushmore where you will again feel the true American spirit. No changing hotels on this tour. Unpack once and then off we go to see amazing sites. So, you maybe prefer music? Then, be sure to come on the America’s Music Cities tour to relive the Elvis era and watch a performance in the Grand Ole Opry. Our first stop is New Orleans to experience jazz. Then it’s on to Memphis for some rock n’ roll. We end in the country music capital of Nashville. So, three music genres on one trip. What a fabulous tour this is. For full details, go to the Chamber’s Travel Club page found on their home page at www.carsoncitychamber.com or call my friends at 775-882-1565. Now, back to my packing for my Monday departure to melt away my small town blues! Marilyn Foster will be 93 the end of January and looks forward to traveling again.
