"Fall" in Love with Michigan - Judy's Journey

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 6:45am
*Amsterdam, Exit 27 Park & Ride - 7:45am

*Please be advised that this is a drop off/pick up zone ONLY. Parking is not permitted. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however, we must adhere to the policies set forth by the NYS Thruway Authority

Wed., October 14:

We'll board the coach this morning and settle down to a pleasant ride to our first destination,The Muranda Cheese Company, located in Waterloo, New York! Delight in a guided tasting of 12 Muranda cheeses. When you visit Miranda Cheese company, you will have an opportunity not only to taste their cheese, but also to experience the passion that the farm puts into the production of its cheese. We'll then continue on to Mentor, OH and our accommodations for the evening at the Holiday Inn Cleveland Northeast - Mentor (440-951-7333). We’ll enjoy a buffet-style dinner (included) tonight at the restaurant featuring Parmesan Crusted Chicken w/sun dried tomato cream sauce and Roasted Beef w/mushroom demi-glaze. Your meal also includes warm Rolls and Butter, Mixed Green Salad, Roasted Red Skin Potatoes and Seasonal Veggies. Following dinner the rest of your evening is free. We kindly request that passengers pack an overnight bag for this night, as the baggage will not be removed from the coach. You will be responsible for bringing the carry-on to your room.

Thurs., October 15:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel before we depart for our accommodations for the night at The Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, Michigan (989-742-4875). Upon arrival, we will have time to relax and unwind. Later, massive draft horses pull our deluxe covered carriages as guides fill the ride through the wooded resort with fun and interesting facts about Northern Michigan and the elk native to the area. Inside the 130 acre elk preserve you will get to see the majestic elk up close. USA Today named it one of the “Top Ten Carriage Rides in the US” and Destination Magazine named it “Best of the Best” in the adventure category. Then it’s onto the Elk Antler Log Cabin for a five-course dinner & wine tasting (included). Dinner includes: Pear & Apple Dumpling, Shrimp Cocktail, Thunder Bay Sweet Napa Salad and Croissant, Crown Roast of Pork with Roasted Red Skin Potatoes, and White Chocolate Mousse Filled Pizzelles with Fresh Raspberries! After this amazing meal, your evening is free.

Fri., October 16:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel before we depart for Mackinaw City where we will board a ferry to Mackinac Island. Since no cars are allowed on the island, horse-drawn carriages will take us to the Grand Hotel (906-847-3331), an American Tradition since 1887. The Grand Hotel was constructed to help accommodate the already steady stream of summer visitors who wished to escape the severe heat of the cities and enjoy the cooler weather and natural beauty of the island. Glimmering like a diamond on an island of brilliant green, the Grand Hotel beckons you to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm, and is the Crown Jewel of pristine, secluded Mackinac Island. You will have free time upon our arrival and you can relax in one of the rocking chairs on the world's largest veranda (which is two football fields long!). You'll enjoy a five-course dinner (included) at the hotel tonight. Casual wear is appropriate throughout the day at the Grand Hotel, but in accordance with tradition. Guests MUST wear formal attire after 6pm: jackets and ties for men and dresses or dressy pantsuits for women are required.

Sat., October 17:

A full five-course breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. Next, step back in time and experience the timeless charm of Mackinac Island on a 1-3/4hour narrated horse-drawn carriage tour. As you travel through the island’s picturesque streets and past its historic landmarks, your guide will bring the island’s rich history to life with fascinating stories and local insights. Relax and enjoy the fresh air, stunning scenery, and the gentle pace of carriage travel. This unforgettable journey is one of the most enjoyable—and truly authentic—ways to explore the beauty and character of Mackinac Island. The rest of the day is free for you to explore town or return to the hotel to enjoy the amenities. Tonight, we will savor another five-course dinner (included) with formal attire in accordance with the Grand Hotel’s tradition. This evening there will be Ballroom dancing to the Grand Orchestra, or you can relax and make the most of our last night on the island.

Sun., October 18:

A full breakfast is included at our hotel this morning before our departure. We will enjoy our horse-drawn carriages to meet our ferry boat and to Mackinac City to meet our motorcoach.Today we will travel south to explore a historical treasure called Castle Farms, one of Michigan’s premier attractions. Enjoy a lovely buffet lunch (included), followed by a tram ride and guided walking tour of the grounds and of the Castle. Next, we will check into our accommodations for tonight at the Hampton Inn at Traverse City, Michigan. 231–946–8900. Dinner (included) tonight is at Sleder’s Family Tavern, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Michigan! Established in 1882, the tavern is a Traverse City classic; Sleder’s has a nostalgic and casual atmosphere, family-style dining, historic decor, animals galore, and the longest mahogany bar in town. Meal choices are 1) ½ rack slabtown ribs, 2) Pacific Fried Cod, 3) Pacific Baked Cod, or 4) Cherry Barbequed Chicken with cherry pie for dessert in the Cherry Capital of the World! After dinner, the rest of your evening is free.

Mon., October 19:

Enjoy a full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before beginning the day’s activities. A knowledgeable local guide will join the group for a 1.5-hour tour, sharing fascinating facts about Traverse City while pointing out notable landmarks and places of interest along the way. At the conclusion of the tour, everyone will receive a special surprise! Our next stop will bring us to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland; As seen on The Travel Channel you will have time on your own for shopping. It’s a shopper's dream, with over 50,000 decorations and gifts. Bronner's is the size of 1 1/2 football fields. Our accommodations for tonight are at the Bavarian Inn Lodge (989-652-7200). We’ll have a family style dinner (included) at the Bavarian Inn tonight. This Ultimate Bavarian Combination 5-Meat Family-Style Dinner includes Kasseler Rippchen (smoked pork loin), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), JagerSchnitzel (breaded pork), plus Frankenmuth Chicken with potato cheese puffs and dressing. After dinner, the rest of your evening is free.

Tues., October 20:

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. Then we continue traveling to the Ford Rouge Factory! Rev up your inner engineer in a five-part experience at a legendary factory — Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn Truck Plant. Walk through the Legacy Gallery and Electric Vehicle Display, and look back at the iconic vehicles manufactured at the Rouge complex, all while looking ahead to automaking’s electric future. Take a seat in our Legacy Theater to learn more about the history of Ford Motor Company. Feel the force of modern engineering in the multisensory Manufacturing Innovation Theater. Travel up to the observation deck for sweeping views of the historic Rouge Complex and one of the world’s largest living roofs. Step into the elevated plant walkway for a look at where the legendary Ford F-150 is assembled. After our tour, we’ll stop for lunch (included) at Ford’s Garage, a 1920-style restaurant with memorabilia and cars. Enjoy Ford’s classic American Burger and grilled chicken, with Ford’s signature fries, and mashed garlic redskin potatoes. We'll then continue on to Mentor, OH and our accommodations for the evening at the Holiday Inn Cleveland Northeast - Mentor (440-951-7333). We’ll have buffet-style dinner (included) tonight at the restaurant featuring Herb Baked Bone-in Chicken and Homemade Meatloaf. Your meal also includes warm Rolls and Butter, Mixed Green Salad, Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots and Rice Pilaf. Following dinner the rest of your evening is free. We kindly request that passengers pack an overnight bag for this night, as the baggage will not be removed from the coach. You will be responsible for bringing the carry-on to your room.

Wed., October 21:

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before we begin our journey home. Along the way, we will stop at the beautiful Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, New York, where you will have the opportunity to tour the stunning Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion and stroll through the spectacular formal gardens. The walk through the gardens is easy and will take approximately two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. You will also have the chance to visit the Bay House Gift Shop, offering a variety of unique souvenirs and local treasures. As our memorable journey comes to an end, we depart with many wonderful Michigan memories to share with family and friends. Our approximate arrival back in the Capital District is 6:00 PM. Comfort stops will be made along the way.