Spectacular Gardens of the Rock River Valley
Thursday, June 1, 7:30 am–5 pm
Cost: $109 member/$119 nonmember
This morning travel to the Rock River Valley to explore the region’s beautiful gardens. In Janesville, WI, tour the majestic Rotary Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a docent-led tour of this stunning showcase featuring 24 garden areas and over 4,000 plant varieties. The Garden is home to many dramatic and internationally themed gardens, including Japanese, Scottish, French Formal, Italian, and English Cottage Gardens. The spectacular Sunken Gardens feature large cottonwoods and honey locust overhanging planting beds filled with drifts of colorful blooms from bulbs, perennials, and annuals. In Rockford, at Anderson Japanese Gardens, tour one of North America’s highest-rated Japanese Gardens. Anderson Gardens’ highlights include meandering streams, koi-filled ponds, and plunging waterfalls. Lunch today is at the historic Stockholm Inn in Rockford, IL. This Scandinavian-style restaurant owned by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen is known for its delicious home cooking and has hosted Dinah Shore and Mickey Rooney! The registration deadline is May 1. Departs from the Regent Center. Click to register.
Art in the Parks
Wednesday, July 12, 9 am–5:30 pm
Cost: $95 member/$109 nonmember
Chicago’s parks are often considered outdoor museums. This tour explores an array of nationally significant public monuments spanning over a century in various locations, including Lincoln, Washington, and Jackson Parks. Artworks range from renowned figurative monuments, such as St. Gaudens’ Standing Lincoln, to contemporary abstract installations, including Yoko Ono’s Skylanding. Other highlights are Lorado Taft’s riveting Fountain of Time and the iconic Buckingham Fountain. The tour is led by historian Julia S. Bachrach, author of The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks. Lunch is family style at Emperor’s Choice in Chinatown and includes egg rolls, Beef and Broccoli, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Hawaiian Fried Rice. Please notify staff of dietary restrictions at the time of registration. The fee includes lunch, a tour, and transportation. The registration deadline is June 12. Departs from the Regent Center. Click to register.
Indiana Amish Country
Friday, August 4, 7 am–8:30 pm
Cost: $120 member/$145 nonmember
Enjoy a delightful getaway as we travel to northern Indiana’s scenic Amish Country. Upon our arrival near Middlebury, IN, a local guide joins us to take us on a fascinating tour to experience the Amish lifestyle. These Amish backroads meander between its beautiful lakes dotted with farms, markets, and small shops as the sounds of horses pulling buggies fill the air. See the quaint family-owned homespun businesses such as Amish woodworkers, a bakery, quilters, popcorn makers, and other Amish country stores. Several stops will be made to see these local treasures. A highlight of your day will be at lunch when we visit an Amish family home where you are treated to fine hospitality and a fabulous and delicious home-cooked Amish Thresher meal! The fee includes lunch, a tour, and transportation. The registration deadline is July 1. Click to register.
Treasures of Ireland
