'The world’s largest porch' at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Mich.
Hurrah! It’s becoming easier to travel, though everything remains uncertain from day-to-day. As of this writing, the mask mandate has been lifted within many airports and on various airlines and for many, this is quite the relief, although I am not sure whether I will be comfortable without one on a crowded aircraft.
I still think it will take a while for travel to return to pre-pandemic days. Trying to find a decent flight out of Reno has become somewhat of a problem since there are not many choices for a non-stop to anywhere thus making our trips longer. But, it’s not just about the journey, it’s about the destination that is the allure.
I’m soon off to Colorado to ride the historic trains and take in all the sites on this very special tour for those like me who love the sound of a train whistle, the smell of the steam, and the clickety clack of the wheels. I just learned there are a few seats left for both tours departing on either July 9 or July 16 since some folks have had to cancel. Just call the Chamber office at 775-882-1565.
Back by popular demand is the Mackinac Island trip departing Oct. 1. Those who have been are surprised at the variety of sites seen on this tour that begins in the beautiful city of Chicago and ends in Detroit with lots of great stops in between. There’s something for everyone on this tour that includes two nights at the famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, opened in July 1887 and today is listed on the National Register of Historic Place. Presidents Truman, Kennedy, Ford, Bush, and Clinton have enjoyed sitting on the “the world’s largest porch,” and so can you!
This year our holiday trip is to Santa Fe, New Mexico departing Dec. 11. What a wonderful place to shop for special holiday gifts, but the best gift of all is the one you will give to yourself as you spend time in and around this beautiful capital city so different from our own. Seats still available.
The storied trip to Ireland departing the end of April 2023 is just about sold out. Who wouldn’t want to stay in Irish castles while touring the Emerald Isle. And, Spain’s Classics departing in early April 2023 has only six seats left. Seems people are wanting to travel again, and early booking assures you’ll have something to which you can look forward. It’s amazing how time flies when you have a trip planned!
I’ve enjoyed a whiskey or two in my time and that’s what you’ll experience when on the Bluegrass and Smoking Mountains tour taking off in mid-April 2023. Plenty of seats yet left to experience the beautiful horse country of Kentucky — with a tasting at the Buffalo Tracy Bourbon Distillery, America’s oldest continuously operating distillery. And, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a rail-side breakfast at the famed Churchill Downs watching trainers working their race horses.
But, there’s much more to enjoy on that trip. Art lovers will enjoy visiting Berea, the quaint arts-and-crafts center of Kentucky. Hear the tails of Daniel Boone while traveling through the forest bearing his name. You’ll stay in Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, for two nights. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is America’s most visited UNESCO site. Then from the Smokies to the Blue Ridge Mountains to Asheville, N.C. The tour ends with a wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate. Can it get any better than that?
Right now, the Chamber staff is finalizing plans for a March 2023 trip to Israel that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Those who have been there tell me it’s like traveling back in the biblical times, yet Israel is very modern while preserving its unique heritage. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy this trip. More on that later.
Yes, I am about to pull that dusty old suitcase out of my closet and begin thinking about what to pack. July will be here before I know it and I’ll be climbing aboard those storied Colorado trains!
For information on any of the trips mentioned, go to the Carson City Chamber Travel Club page or stop by the office at 1900 S. Carson St., by the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Let’s travel while we can! It’s time to get off the couch!
Marilyn is 92 years young and enjoys every moment when on a tour.
