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“Almost Heaven, West Virginia 

Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River 

Life is old there, older than the trees 

Younger than the mountains, growin’ like a breeze 

Country roads, take me home 

To the place I belong 

West Virginia, mountain mama 

Take me home, country roads” 

Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver 

 

Day 1 – Home to Normal, IL 

We depart today anticipating our Almost Heaven tour, showcasing the autumn splendor of West Virginia & Shenandoah! Our travels take us to Northwoods Brewpub for lunch. Our first overnight will be in Normal, IL with dinner on your own at area restaurants. 

Included Meals: Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites 

 

Day 2 – Normal to Marietta, OH 

It’s a travel day to Ohio, with lunch and comfort stops on your own along the way. After checking into our hotel, we are treated to an evening dinner cruise aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, a genuine sternwheel passenger vessel that runs the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. We’ll enjoy a tasty dinner and then live entertainment by singers who will perform a variety of music styles & genres. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

 

Day 3 – Marietta to Elkins, WV 

After breakfast we continue on, entering the lovely hills of West Virginia! First we’ll visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. We’ll tour the South end of the institution campus and the oldest portion of the hospital, the Civil War Section. We’ll explore a customary Patient ward, restored to its original valor, and learn about Civil War history and how it influenced the formation of the state of WV. We’ll delve into patient life in and outside of the hospital, psychiatric treatments, and an architectural overview of the institution. An interesting stop for sure! Next an excellent lunch buffet is served at Stillwaters, Stonewall Resort’s signature restaurant, complete with scenic autumn views of the West Fork River. Then we travel on to the Weston, WV area and see an Appalachian Glass Blower in action with a visit to the Museum of American Glass. What talent and precision they have! Moving on to Elkins, WV, we’ll check into our hotel before an evening at the Gandy Dancer Theatre, for a wonderful dinner and a fantastic show. The Gandy Dancer Theatre features group performances by highly talented musicians and dancers who incorporate comedy and passion into their Branson-style shows. This is “Where Mountain Memories are Made!” 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

 

Day 4 – Elkins to Lewisburg, WV 

We depart after breakfast and travel to Cass, WV. We’ll enjoy spending a couple of hours aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad, taking a trip back to an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. A boxed lunch is enjoyed as we rail along. Our ride will be filled with rich history, unparalleled autumn views from the open train, and the sights and sounds of an original lumbering town. Then we drive on to Lewisburg, WV for the night. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

 

Day 5 – Lewisburg to Staunton, VA 

We take a short drive after breakfast to The Greenbrier, a world-class resort in West Virginia’s majestic Allegheny Mountains. We’ll be treated to morning coffee and treats, followed by a fascinating Bunker tour. In 1958, Congress instructed The Greenbrier to build their West Virginia Wing to conceal the construction of an emergency Cold War fallout shelter and relocation facility for Congress. Once veiled in secrecy, The Greenbrier bunker stands today as a captivating historical landmark, inviting us to embark on an unforgettable 90-minute journey through its corridors and chambers. The people of White Sulphur Springs, WV, helped keep the Greenbriers resort’s bunker – designed to hole the entirety of Congress – hidden from 1958 to 1992! The hideout boasted more that 1,000 bunk beds, a 400-seat cafeteria, as well as individual auditoriums for both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A delicious lunch is included at The Greenbrier. Then off we go to Lexington, VA, located in the southern Shenandoah Valley. A horse-drawn carriage ride through Lexington is the perfect way to see this historic and charming town! There will be time afterwards to “shop local” in their quaint downtown. You may choose, at your own cost, to visit the Stonewall Jackson House Museum. Tonight we’ll enjoy a wonderful stay at the historic Hotel 24 in Staunton, VA, pronounced “Stanton.” Originally named the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, it has been restored to preserve many original features. Located in the heart of the city, Hotel 24 has a heritage dating back to a bygone era, and its architecture and charm reflect its fascinating journey. Fun fact: Staunton is the Statler Brothers’ hometown! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hotel 24 

 

Day 6 – Staunton to Shenandoah National Park, VA 

We’ll enjoy breakfast at our historic hotel before we depart to view the majestic seven Natural Chimneys, towering as much as 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley. Viewed from one angle, the formations resemble enormous chimneys standing in bleak contrast to the greenery of the Valley. Take a few steps, though, and the chimneys are transformed into the massive turrets of a foreboding medieval castle. Then we head to the Virginia Quilt Museum for a guided tour of these masterpieces. Next up is the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitors Center. Built from 1848-1853, the Hardesty-Higgins House is steeped in Civil War history. This Center also boasts the Valley Turnpike Museum, Civil War Orientation Center, and more. We’ll immerse ourselves in the history here before choosing from the many nearby restaurants for lunch on our own. Mid-afternoon, a step-on guide will take us into the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. We’ll stop at various overlooks for sightseeing as well as the Byrd Visitor Center on our way to the Skyland Lodge located in the heart of the Shenandoah National Park. Skyland Lodge sits at 3,680 feet, the highest elevation on Shenandoah National Park’s scenic drive. Set amidst the sweeping vistas of Shenandoah, this serene location offers sweeping views of the landscape. Our stay here will be made all the more special with dinner and entertainment this evening! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Skyland Lodge 

 

Day 7 – Shenandoah National Park to Winchester, VA 

Breakfast is served is the Lodge this morning. Our first stop is the Luray Caverns for a self-guided tour of the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Stroll along well-lighted, paved walkways that lead you through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn. Our time here includes lunch on own at their Stalactite Cafe or Heartpine Café as well as enjoying their three museums. The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum showcases over 75 different carriages, caravans, cars, and other interesting things related to transportation throughout the years. The Toy Town Junction is a small toy museum. The Shenandoah Heritage Village and Luray Valley Museum shows what life was like in the Shenandoah Valley predating the Civil War. Then on to northern Shenandoah Valley where we’ll find the historic Belle Grove Plantation. Our tour of the 1797 Manor House offers us an informative look at the rich history, Jeffersonian architecture, captivating landscape, the free and enslaved people who lived and worked here, and the important collections of the Belle Grove Plantation. We then drive to Winchester, VA where we will stay at the Hampton Inn for two nights. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Hampton Inn (2 Nights) 

 

Day 8 – Winchester 

A full day exploring Winchester is in store. First, we’ll visit the Patsy Cline Historic House, the modest 2-story family home of Patsy Cline from 1948 to 1953. We’ll also take a guided driving tour, highlighting Winchester historical sites and Patsy Cline-related sites, including the Shenandoah Memorial Park to visit Patsy’s gravesite. Charming Old Town provides a variety of options for lunch on your own. This afternoon we’ll visit the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley where a guided tour of the Galleries provides insight to the Valley’s history and much more. We’ll also have time to explore the gardens and the historic Glen Burnie house, which dates back to 1793. A delicious dinner awaits at IJ Canns Restaurant and afterwards we’ll be entertained by a Patsy Cline impersonator. What a perfect way to conclude our day! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 9 – Winchester to Hartville, OH 

It’s a travel day to Hartville, OH. Arriving in the afternoon, there will be time to explore the Hartville Shops, Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, and Hartville Hardware. Dinner is then served at the Hartville Kitchen. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Comfort Suites 

 

Day 10 – Hartville to Schaumburg, IL 

Another travel day is in store as we make our way to Schaumburg, IL. A feasting and jousting experience awaits at the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. The Queen of the Royal Court invites us to travel through the mists of time to a festive celebration where we’ll be in awe of gallant knights and majestic horses. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

 

Day 11 – Schaumburg to Home 

Today we travel home, with a stop in Wisconsin Dells for an included lunch at Cracker Barrel. It’s truly been Almost Heaven in West Virginia & Shenandoah… in fact, we may just have to listen to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” one last time! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $3,399
Single: $4,249
Triple: $3,179
Quad: $3,019

Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $268
Single: $340

Travel Bucks

$45 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$100 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 30 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

No

Tour Pace

Moderate Walking

Price Includes

21 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach



The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 66°
Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
21°
Minneapolis, Mn
32°
Almost Heaven: West Virginia & Shenandoah
Motorcoach Departure Date:
10/09/2025
Motorcoach Return Date:
10/19/2025

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Highlights

* Valley Gem Sternwheeler Dinner Cruise
* Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum Tour
* Museum of American Glass including Glass Blowing Demo
* Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre
* Cass Scenic Railroad Journey
* The Greenbrier Resort Tour, Treats & Lunch
* Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through Lexington
* 1 Night Stay at Historic Hotel 24
* Shenandoah’s Natural Chimneys
* Virginia Quilt Museum Guided Tour
* Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center including Valley Turnpike Museum, Civil War Orientation Center & Hardesty-Higgins Home
* Shenandoah National Park Guided Tour
* 1 Night Stay at Skyland Lodge in Shenandoah National Park, complete with Dinner & Entertainment
* Luray Caverns including 3 Museums
* Belle Grove Plantation Tour
* Patsy Cline Historic House & Driving Tour
* Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
* Patsy Cline Tribute Entertainment
* Hartsville Shops, Markets & Hardware
* Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament



Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
21°
Minneapolis, Mn
32°
Almost Heaven: West Virginia & Shenandoah
The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 66°
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