The Gospel Road

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“The Gospel Road was a wonderful trip – I met so many friendly people. We felt like family after – wonderful attractions, great music and plays. Need to check out the catalog for my next trip!” 

Phyllis, Eau Claire – Gospel Road 2018

Day 1 – Home to Peoria, IL 

As we begin our Gospel Road Adventure, the journey will take us across the Iowa landscape and into Illinois to Peoria, IL. After we settle into the Stoney Creek Hotel, we are privileged to an incredible private gospel concert by The Kramer Family. Their specialty is many of the old hymns we all adore. The family performs at over 200 events a year and have shared the concert platform at the Gaither Fall Festival and the National Quartet Convention. Rachel Kramer has one of the most dynamic voices you’ve ever heard and was honored to sing at the National Prayer Breakfast personally invited by President George W. Bush and First Lady, Laura Bush. What a special treat!! 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Stoney Creek Hotel 

Day 2 – Peoria to Covington, KY 

Our journey continues “Down the Gospel Road” winding our way to Covington, KY. This evening we have arranged a private dinner cruise with contemporary Gospel music. Enjoy the beautiful views along the Ohio River as we are entertained with songs like “Put your Hand in the Hand,” “How Great Thou Art”, “I Believe”, “Go Tell it on the Mountain”, “Oh Happy Day” and so many more. It will be an evening that will be sure to get your hands clapping and feet tapping!! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn 

Day 3 – Covington to Dry Ridge, KY 

Following breakfast we will welcome a step on guide for a city tour of Cincinnati and Newport. Enjoy the sights of the “Queen City” and learn about the Garden of Eden with a seven mile view, the historic areas and even where many movies have been filmed including Rain Man. Then we are back on the road again, making our way to the famous Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. Prepare to believe! This incredible 70,000 sq ft facility brings the pages of the Bible to life. You will be on your own for lunch at the museum’s very own Noah’s Café. The Planetarium Show will “knock your socks off!” We will have ample time to explore this one-of-a-kind faith experience. One never fails by going to a Bob Evans, so we enjoy an included dinner together there this evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 4 – Dry Ridge to Pigeon Forge, TN 

We are off first thing this morning for a very adventuresome day. The Ark Encounter is a new project of The Creation Museum. Located near Williamstown, Kentucky, “Encounter” is the fitting name for this incredible experience. A recreation of Noah’s Ark, it is almost one and a half football fields long and taller than a 4 story building. Be prepared to be blown away by this reconstruction of the Ark to its exact size and detail according to the Bible. We have dedicated several hours for you to carefully explore what is now a world destination. Your faith will be reinforced! Lunch will be on your own at restaurants right at the location. Leaving The Ark we travel across the pastoral rolling hills of Kentucky famously known as “horse country,” into Pigeon Forge, TN, our resting place for the night. Dinner is included this evening at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Music Road Inn (2 Nights) 

Day 5 – Pigeon Forge, TN 

Enjoy a great breakfast at our hotel before heading off to our wonderful “packed full of events” day. First this morning we visit the Christ Museum and Gardens in Gatlinburg. Here we will journey through life-size scenes of the story of Christ featuring dramatic figures, mood lighting, inspirational music, special effects and memorable biblical narrations. You will have some time for lunch before we depart for the National Quartet Convention (NQC) at the wonderful LeConte Center, located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. The NQC was started in 1957, founded by JD Sumner and James Blackwood of the Blackwood Brothers. The Convention features American Gospel Quartets and Southern Gospel artists that perform non-stop concerts at the Center. After a great evening of Gospel Music we will return to our hotel where we will enjoy our beautiful rooms. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Music Road Inn 

Day 6 – Pigeon Forge to Wilkesboro, NC 

After breakfast we will journey across Eastern Tennessee, through the Great Smoky Mountains to Wilkesboro, North Carolina and the World Headquarters of Samaritan’s Purse. We enjoy lunch right here before a very informative inside look at Franklin Graham’s compassionate organization that strives to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of millions all over the world. Ever wondered where all those Christmas Shoe Boxes go? This will be an eye opening experience we will never forget! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 7 – Wilkesboro to Wytheville, VA 

Following our nice hot breakfast we journey just a few short miles away to another critical branch of The Samaritan’s Purse. This is the distribution center where we witness the fascinating logistics of shipping these needed goods world wide! Also, their Disaster Response Teams are headquartered here. Marvel at the amazing planning and preparation involved in providing such a critical humanitarian service. Then we are off winding our way through the NC mountains to the famous Billy Graham Library in Charlotte… what is in store for us today can only be imagined! Before our tour, included lunch is provided right in the Library at the Graham Bros. Dairy Bar. Now for what will likely be the highlight of the trip, The Billy Graham Library and Museum. The Billy Graham Library tops the all time high for spiritual blessings! Retrace Billy Graham’s dynamic journey through stunning multi media presentations, interactive kiosks, photos and memorabilia all done with state-of-the-art technology. When you are finished, you will absolutely realize it’s not about the man “Billy Graham” but about his “God fearing dedication to his Lord & Savior.” Included on the site is Billy’s boyhood home and the gravesites of Billy and Ruth Graham. People, by the tens of thousands, have been making pilgrimages from all over the world to witness this presentation of the Ministry of Billy Graham, his wife Ruth, and his team and associates. For many, this is a life altering experience. You will truly love the rich heritage and deep spiritual impact of this “God Spot.” Our hotel this evening is located just north of Charlotte. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

Day 8 – Mooresville to Walnut Creek, OH 

Today is a delightful travel day through the western mountain regions of Virginia & West Virginia to the Amish country of Ohio. We pause for lunch on your own at Tamarack, featuring all West Virginia made products. Then we will enjoy the warm Dutchman hospitality of the incomparable Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek, Ohio. Amish dinner is served this evening before we settle into our homey accommodations. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: The Carlisle Inn (2 Nights) 

Day 9 – Walnut Creek 

After a satisfying Amish-style breakfast, we take a step-back with a full time of leisure this morning. We will travel a few short miles to the Ohio Star Theatre for a 1:00 PM performance of the new musical, “Simple Sanctuary,” a musical that is part suspense, part romance. “Simple Sanctuary” is a story of love tested, the cost of freedom, and the solace found in true community. Following the play we will have some time for shopping in the Amish shops before we enjoy another great Amish meal at the Dutch Valley Restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 10 – Walnut Creek to Nappanee, IN 

After another great Amish-style breakfast we will travel west across some beautiful Amish countryside towards Nappanee, IN. We’ll arrive for an afternoon production of “Anne of Green Gables” in the Round Barn Theatre. It’s a journey filled with hope and determination that brings our heroine out of the orphanage and into a world of friendship, family and a bright future, performed in a new musical style of the golden age of broadway! Following this production we will have a hearty “Threshers” meal before we check into our hotel for the evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Inn At Amish Acres 

Day 11 – Nappanee to Aurora, IL 

After a light breakfast, we’ll be treated to a guided tour of the 125 year old Amish homestead and take a leisurely buggy ride around the 80 acre farm. We’ll learn the whys and ways of the Amish as our guide takes us through the 12 room house, the Grossdaadi Haus, the Sweitzer bank barn, and more. We’ll experience the sights & sounds of a working farm. We’ll also view the documentary films “Genesis” and “Exodus of the Amish.” Then we depart Amish country and travel to St. John, Indiana, the home of The Shrine of Christ’s Passion. The Shrine is a multi-media interactive, half-mile winding trail that depicts the last days of Jesus’ life. Forty life-sized bronze sculptures in a tranquil setting, complete with beautiful music and amazingly sculptured gardens, allow visitors to experience the story of the crucifixion and resurrection as never before. We travel down the road to our hotel for the evening where you can find an evening meal at a nearby restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 12 – Aurora to Home 

We finish the last leg home today. There will be reminiscing of our Gospel Road memories all the way back! 

Included Meals: Breakfast