"We Love Lucy" - 75th Anniversary Celebration

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
Pet Smart, Crossgates Commons - 7:30am
Amsterdam, Exit 27 Park & Ride - 8:00am

Monday, October 12:

Today we hit the road to Western New York and the city of Jamestown, NY, the funniest city in the country—dare we say, the world! Our accommodations are at the Doubletree Jamestown (716-488-7227), right in downtown Jamestown, steps from the National Comedy Center and Lucy-Desi Museum. The hotel features an indoor pool and onsite restaurant. Each room features an iron/ironing board, coffee maker, mini-fridge and hair dryer. There are many restaurants within a few blocks walking distance for dinner on your own.

Tuesday, October 13:

This morning we’ll enjoy a bus tour of Lucy’s hometown that includes a friendly and knowledgeable step-on guide who will take you to places of significance in Lucille Ball’s life in Jamestown, NY and nearby Celoron. Aboard your motorcoach, you will see the house that she was born in, the house where she grew up, larger-than-life I Love Lucy murals, legendary Lucy statues, Lucy’s final resting place and much more. Lunch is included today at The Tropicana Club, a replica of Ricky Ricardo’s nightclub from I Love Lucy. Dine while watching a classic episode of the show on the big screen. Next we will visit the Fenton History Center named for the 25th Governor of NYS. This 1863 Italianate Villa mansion is full of exhibits portraying the rich and vibrant history of Jamestown and surrounding areas, with rooms devoted to the industries that built the community, immigration, the Underground Railroad, pioneer living, Victorian culture, Lucille Ball, and so much more! Then we will head back to the hotel where you will have some time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own. This evening we will visit The National Comedy Center for a special VIP Event! Celebrate the art of humor, from early Vaudeville to Carol Burnett, Jay Leno, Jim Gaffigan, and the latest viral memes. More than 50 immersive exhibits let you battle your friends as to who can keep from laughing the longest, perform live stand-up karaoke, and insert yourself into classic comedic scenes. USA Today named it the “Best New Museum '' in the country and TIME Magazine named it one of its “World’s Greatest Places”. Special “pop-up” exhibits of Lucy memorabilia will be at this event that are normally not available to the public.

Wed., October 14:

This morning after breakfast (included) at the hotel, we’ll head to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum. The Luci-Desi Museum celebrates the lives, careers and legacy of the “First Couple of Comedy” and the incredible impact they had on the world, as well as the pioneering role and remarkable influence that I Love Lucy had on the world. Recreate your own Vitameatavegamin commercial, watch unaired scenes, and view props and sets from the classic television show I Love Lucy, starring Jamestown native Lucille Ball. Next we set sail on the Chautauqua Belle, an authentic Mississippi-style sternwheel paddleboat, for a lovely tour of the North end of Chautauqua Lake, sharing tales of old, light music, and lots of history. See the beautiful homes along the Chautauqua Institution shoreline! A chicken BBQ lunch is also included on board! After the cruise we will return to the hotel for time on your own to refresh and get ready for tonight’s festivities. This evening we will head to the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel where we’ll dance the night away at an evening Lucille “Ball” – Celebrating the 75th Anniversary, with music, food, dancing, costumes, laughter, and surprises. We will return to the hotel after the gala.

Thursday, October 15

Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. We will depart at 12pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 6pm. One stop each way.