Day 2: Louisville to St. Louis, Missouri

After a good night's rest in New Albany, Indiana, we hit the road in pursuit of St. Louis, Missouri. On the way, we took a quick pit stop for lunch in O'Fallon, Illinois, where the crew chose from several restaurants including Mcallister's Deli, Jersey Mike's, and Qdoba. 

Soon after lunch, we could spot the Gateway Arch as we approached St. Louis. Phones and cameras were plastered against the bus windows in hopes of the perfect picture. Once we settled into the Crowne Plaza Hotel, we lined up like ducks in a row and marched over to the famous Arch. The crew then watched a movie about it's fascinating history and construction. The highlight of our visit was riding to the top of the 630-foot Arch in small tram cars or "pods". At the peak of the Gateway Arch, the crew enjoyed panoramic views of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. 

Day 2 of the Grand Western Tour ended with a delicious dinner at Kemoll's Italian Restaurant where we had another breathtaking view of the Gateway Arch. The salad, cheese bread, chicken, pasta basilica and tiramisu topped off another great day. It's clear to see that new friendships are forming and the fun has just begun! 

Next stop, Salina, Kansas! 

Day 1: Winston Salem to Louisville

Day one of the Grand Western Tour 2015 is coming to a close.  The bus carrying 52 students, 4 leaders, and bus-driver Clarence pulled out of the Brookstown Inn in Winston-Salem, NC as the sun was  still rising. Since then, we have traveled approximately 468 miles to our first overnight destination here in New Albany, Indiana. 

Many of the students were able to enjoy a continental breakfast at the Brookstown Inn before embarking on this wonderful journey West. Bags were loaded, hugs and kisses were exchanged between families, and within a short amount of time the crew was on the road. 

We stopped for a slightly rainy, but still delicious, picnic lunch in West Virginia. Even with the rain, the group enjoyed the meal and getting to know one another while huddled close under the picnic shelter. This year we have a good mix of students from all over North Carolina, as well as some from South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Connecticut, and Illinois. The students are enjoying playing the "name game", as I call it, and travel as a pack during stops. 

Upon arriving in Louisville, KY, the crew visited Churchill Downs, home of the oldest consecutive-running sporting event in America (as the group learned today). The Kentucky Derby Museum gave the group a look into the making/training of a Derby horse and its jockey. During our tour of the facility we were able to witness an actual race on the track. For many in the group it was their first experience seeing a horse race. They enjoyed picking a winner and cheering their picks on throughout the race. It was an exhilarating experience for all.

After checking in at the hotel, the crew traveled a short distance to Joe Huber's family farm and restaurant in Starlite, Indiana. We enjoyed a family style meal consisting of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and sweet rolls that melt in your mouth. After tonight I think most of the students realized they will not go hungry on the Grand Western Tour! 

The day ended with time spent enjoying each other's company on Joe Huber's beautiful farm.

Tomorrow we get a slightly later start which means more beauty sleep for all before our journey continues to St. Louis! 

Signing off-GWT

Welcome 2015 Participants

On behalf of the staff of Winston Salem Grand Western Tour, I would like to welcome you to the 2015 tour.

This Blog was created so that you and your family and friends will be able to experience the trip together!  The Staff will be posting, as time allows, during the trip.  Please keep in mind that the primary duties of the Staff are to take care of your children.  There will be times when internet connection is next to impossible, or that 'down time' between activities does not exist.

Two to three weeks after the students have returned home, we will mail you a picture CD that will include all of the pictures that have been posted on the blog. 

Packing tips can be downloaded from our website at www.grandwesterntour.com under General Information.

 

Hold on to your seat because we are getting ready to celebrate our 51st year in providing a Trip of a Lifetime - one more time!

 

Glenn Jordan, Nathan Ziglar, Molly Riddle, Amber Wilson

Staff of Grand Western Tour