PIONEERS, PONIES, PETTICOATS & A BIT OF DISNEY

DAY ONE, TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2019 (L-D)

It’s an early morning departure we head towards St. Joseph, Missouri.   We will make a rest stop along the way.  Then we find ourselves in Marceline, Missouri. It’s a stop and tour of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum today!  Walt Disney first came to Marceline, Missouri by train when he was five years old.  When Walt returned in 1946, the Santa Fe train depot evoked cherished memories of when he first pulled into Marceline.  As a fitting tribute, the museum that honors him is located inside the very same train depot.  You will see unique Disney family effects, not able to be viewed anywhere else in the world.  This museum focuses on Walt’s life in Marceline as well as friends and family who supported him in his creative adventures while growing up.  While here you will enjoy lunch (included) and then depart as we complete our journey to St. Joseph.  Upon arrival  we will make our first stop at the Patee House Museum.  This stops reeks of history—the 1858 “Old World Hotel” for it’s time was a  modern  marvel, on April 3, 1860, business men  William Russell, Alexander  Majors, and   William Waddell, established the headquarters for the Pony Express on the first floor of her. And the house was also used as the Provost Marshal’s office.  After the war, the hotel’s grand ballroom was used as the court room in which Confederate officers were tired.  Hear the history of this gracious old structure   during your visit here today. Then we travel on to the Jesse James Home.  In 1881, Jesse James,  under the name of Thomas Howard moved his wife and family into this home—Hear the interesting story surrounding the home and the notorious activity of Jesse James.   We will check into the hotel now.—the Drury Inn. Then it’s dinner at the  Pony Express Museum and entertainment by Miss Lizzy during dinner. We’ll return to the hotel after   dinner and our entertainment. 

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DAY TWO, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019  (B-L-D)

Enjoy a full breakfast at the hotel this morning then we will begin our day of exploration with a driving tour of St. Joseph, with our step-on guide for today.  You will hear the history with a drive by viewing of such town greats as Aunt Jemima, STP Oil, and Studebaker along with others.  Then we will stop at the     St. Joseph Museum.  In addition to exhibits celebrating 175 years of St. Joe, you’ll see “Lines & Legacies - The Harry L. George Collection”, which is one of the largest collections of American Indian items in     Missouri.  The History Gallery featured exhibit is “World War I—Reflections on Community and Conflict”.  

Next we move on to the Walter Cronkite Memorial—on the campus of Missouri Western State University.  This Memorial honors St. Joseph’s  native son with interactive kiosks, photographs, video.  And you will see a replica of Cronkite’s CBS newsroom and a multimedia performance highlighting the legendary journalist’s broadcast career. Lunch is calling and we will have a unique luncheon experience at the campus dining hall.  This buffet     includes a Mongolian Grill, a large salad bar, American food like hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers, pizza, French fries, and there is a daily  entrée with meat and veggies and a deli sandwich station as well.  Dessert is cookies, cakes, brownies, and cobbler.  A drink will be included with your meal.  It’s all you can eat!   

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After lunch we will move on to the Tobiason’s Stained Glass Studio.  Tobiasons has over 50 years of experience in designing, fabricating, installing and restoring church window throughout the country.  You will see how hey create these timeless, beautiful and architecturally harmonious windows.  You also have the experience of creating your own stained glass piece to enjoy for years to come. 

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Our final stop on the tour today will be the Christ Episcopal Church, this church was organized in 1852 and has been on the corner of Seventh & Francis Streets since 1857.  It is the oldest Protestant house of worship in continuous use in the city.  It also contains the city’s oldest pipe organ.  Learn about the pipe organ, the beautiful leaded glass in the sanctuary, the “Four Seasons” in the chapel and the breathtaking “Tiffany” window.          

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We will return to the hotel for a chance to relax and refresh before we leave for dinner at one of St. Joe’s favorite spots. Enjoy three free drinks at the hotel and snacks before we depart for dinner.

DAY THREE, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019 (B-L)

Breakfast is served at the hotel—Bags outside your door and prepare to leave. Next it's on to Independence, Missouri for a tour of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.  The exhibits in the Museum emphasize the career of Harry S. Truman, and the history of the Truman administration.  See a replica of his Oval Office, and the office which Truman used in his retirement years.  Also on display are a collection of objects that were given to the president while he was in office.  Among the gifts in the collection are valuable presents from foreign heads of state and more   humble gifts from American citizens from all walks of life.  These exhibits emphasize the career of Harry S. Truman, and the history of his administration.  Perhaps a reflection of the man whose slogan was “Give ’em Hell, Harry”.  We will depart from the Museum and begin our travels back home.  On the way, we will visit the Country Cabin Village.  Our first stop is the Country Cabin Bake Shop where you will enjoy lunch (included) today.  It’s a Beef Brisket Sandwich with sides and a drink.  Then take some time to explore the shops here.  There are several to choose from for your shopping pleasure.  We’ll depart the are mid-afternoon and begin making our way toward home.  We should be there early evening.  Times will be provided in your final travel itinerary.  

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TOUR COST INCLUDES - CALL FOR PRICING

Tour Cost Includes:  Roundtrip Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, Two Nights Accommodations at the Drury Inn—St. Joseph, Tour the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, MO, Lunch at the Methodist Church in Marceline, Tour the Patee House & the Jesse James Home, Dinner at the Pony Express Museum with entertainment by Miss Lizzie, Breakfast each morning at the    hotel, Step-on Guided tour of St. Joseph, Tour the St. Joseph Museum, Tour the Walter Cronkite Memorial, Lunch at the Missouiri Western State University, Visit Tobiason’s Stained Glass with take home item, Tour of the Christ Episcopal Church, Snacks & Drinks at the Drury Inn, Dinner at the Fredrick Inn, Tour the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Lunch and Shopping at the Country Cabin Village—All Taxes and gratuities on included items

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Travel protection is not included but can be purchased at an additional cost. 

All timing is subject to revision.