Ark Encounter, Part 4

Up early and back on the road heading home. But wait - another Dawny. A surprise stop at Santa Claus, Indiana to visit the Christmas Store.

It's like Walmart - if they don't have it, you don't need it. Huge store.

You can visit them online HERE. And there are more photos HERE.

Back on the coach for a short drive to Mariah Hill, Indiana for a fried chicken lunch at The Chateau. Yum! You can see photos HERE. Click on "See 22 photos" and look at the first photo on the second row. Is this for real?

We arrived at our destination in St. Louis (Drury Inn) in time to have "hot hors d'oeuvres" aka dinner. They've expanded their evening happy hour even more since I was here a few years ago. And I loved the new colors in the lobby.

Then back on the coach for a short drive to the Missouri Botanical Gardens for the Christmas lights show they call "Garden Glow." The paths were well marked and stops along the way to warm up (fortunately we didn't need them).

Another upside down Christmas tree at the hot chocolate stop.

The show continues through January 8. Click HERE for more information. And HERE for photos which are much better than mine.

Our last night. We arrived back in Springfield around noon.

I hated to see this trip end, as it was one of my best trips ever. Everything was perfect. There isn't one stop I'd have eliminated. And so many wonderful things to see, all in three days (two days driving), due to the precision planning by Sunnyland.

The weather was perfect - a little rain the first morning, which ended before we left the hotel; a little nippy in the evening, but I was never cold. I wore my coat once; the Glow walk, but a sweater or jacket would have sufficed.

We didn't have to make choices about meals - everything was planned and in the cost of the trip so that we didn't have to stand in line to pay our checks, or venture out, searching for a place to eat.

My favorite things: The church, which has replaced the one in Malta as my favorite of all I've seen anywhere; the traditional Christmas carols playing throughout the ark and the creation museum, the fried chicken at The Chateau, the helpful and friendly staff at the Holiday Inn in Covington, KY, Tim's stories on the riverboat Destiny, the tour mates who were friendly and joyful, and best of all - Rory, the best coach driver in the world and Dawn, the best tour escort who makes everything run smoothly, and with continuous little bits of lagniappe (something extra) daily. Disneyland might be the happiest place on earth, but only if Dawn's not around. She makes everything magical, sparkly, giggly, and the most fun ever.

When we boarded the coach each morning, we found a little treat on the seat.

And surprises from Terri - when she bought notecards for herself, she bought some for me.

And the gift which brought tears to my eyes - beautiful handmade napkin rings from Rookwood Pottery.

THE END

My blog is strictly for fun and to keep a record of my life. I do not have paid ads, so when I recommend a company or business, it means that I feel they are worthy of praise.

A company I highly recommend is Sunnyland Travel in Springfield, Missouri. If you'd like a catalog of next year's travel, click HERE. There's a form to request the catalog, which should be ready soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MAKE TRAVEL AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR LIFE