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GAITHERS – JEFF ALLEN – OAK RIDGE BOYS

Day 1 – Home to Lake Geneva, WI 

As we head east into Wisconsin, our excitement for the “Best of the Best” will mount with each passing mile! Arriving in picturesque Lake Geneva, we will check into the Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva, located in the heart of downtown and overlooking beautiful Geneva Lake! What a magnificent view from our lakeview rooms! A special evening is planned as we walk next door to the historic Baker House, a Queen Anne Mansion built in 1885. As we tour this 17,000 sq. ft. residence, we’ll learn about the exterior shingles being completely made from the great Californian Redwoods, we’ll walk on the inlaid wood floors made from five different species of wood, and gaze at the thirteen ornate fireplaces surrounded by floor to ceiling hand carved mantles embellished with pristine (and rare!) J & JG Low Art Tile of Chelsea, MA! We’ll experience fine dining in the Baker House parlor where decadence takes center stage. Designed with exotic flair and vintage glamour, we will be completely swept away to a world of Gilded Age living! 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva 

Day 2 – Lake Geneva to Shipshewana, IN 

After a restful night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel, we will board The Walworth for a scenic and unique US Mailboat cruise! For over 100 years, mail has been delivered around the lake by boat. This 2 1/2 hour cruise will take us around the entire lake as we watch the mail person leap off the front of the boat onto residents’ docks, deliver and collect the mail, before jumping back aboard the back of the moving Walworth! Truly exciting and unique! After disembarking, we will walk across the street to Popeye’s on Lake Geneva, known for its flame-roasted rotisserie meats. Then we depart for quaint Shipshewana and check into the Blue Gate Garden Inn for three nights. The Blue Gate serves delicious food and tonight our dinner will be their tasty pizza buffet dinner with pizza, wings, pasta, salad, and more! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Blue Gate Garden Inn (3 Nights) 

Day 3 – Shipshewana 

We will be thoroughly satisfied after Blue Gate’s hot breakfast and ready for our morning visit to Menno-Hof, where multi-image presentations, historical environments and colorful displays take us on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Amish and Mennonites. How interesting it will be to learn about he Amish culture and lifestyle! A soup & sandwich lunch is served back at Blue Gate before we’re treated to the Gaither Vocal Band! Since the early 1990s, the Gaither Vocal Band has served as a standard-bearer in the world of gospel music. Founded by legendary gospel songwriter and producer, Bill Gaither, this Grammy-winning vocal group is known around the world for their stunning vocals, innovative harmonies, and life-altering message of grace, hope and redemption. Then we head back to the hotel to freshen up before the Blue Gate serves us an all-you-can-eat family-style dinner – be sure to save room for pie! Tonight we attend “Half Stitched the Musical.” What could possibly go wrong when an Amish widow decides to teach a weekend quilting class? Well…throw in a biker, a Marine, a quarrelsome couple, and a few more crazy characters and see what happens. Cultures collide and personalities conflict when six loose threads and an Amish widow spend a weekend together learning a lot about quilts, and a bit about themselves. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4 – Shipshewana 

Another hearty breakfast is enjoyed at the Blue Gate before we experience the Midwest’s largest Flea Market – get ready to browse, bargain, and find lunch on your own…or perhaps just munch on the homemade goodies you’ve purchased as you have walked along! Next up is a Amish countryside tour with a local step-on guide, including several interesting Amish stops. This afternoon we’re in for an Amish tradition: an Ice Cream Social! Then we’ll have a little leisure time to explore Shipshewana or relax at the hotel before enjoying Blue Gate’s Signature Buffet, complete with a full salad bar, hot bar, and dessert bar. Tonight we’re entertained by the hilarious comedian, Jeff Allen! Jeff’s comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life & the joy derived from a healthy marriage. He’s been featured on numerous networks and shows. Jeff is one of the funniest, most inspirational, Christian comedians! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Ice Cream Social, Dinner 

Day 5 – Shipshewana to Schaumburg, IL 

Enjoy one last scrumptious Blue Gate breakfast before we spend our morning shopping in Shipshewana. Be sure to visit Yoder’s Meat & Cheese and Yoder’s Department Store. We’ll also enjoy a peaceful ride through Shipshewana by horse-drawn buggy! A mouth-watering picnic-style lunch of BBQ roast pork, pressure-fried chicken, mac & cheese, baked beans, and potato salad is planned before taking in the “Oak Ridge Boys” concert. With phenomenal harmonies and an amazing career that’s spanned several decades, they are true country legends! Afterwards, we start our journey towards home. Dinner is included at Cracker Barrel tonight. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites

Day 6 – Schaumburg to Home 

After breakfast we make our way home, with comfort stops and lunch at one of our favorite spots, Norske Nook, along the way. We will reminisce about all the great music we’ve listened to and all the wonderful sights we’ve experienced over the last several days – it’s truly been the Best of the Best! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch