2026 June 25-27 Kentucky Trip with Backroads Tours LLC

 Day 1: Thursday, June 25:

We loaded the car after feeding the cats and began on our adventure. We traveled to Gabe's in Madison, arriving a little after eight.

We made a couple of pit stops along the way, one at the Shell Station and one at McDonald's.

Two more couples were waiting for the bus in Madison. (Dawn and Rick) Everyone loaded on the bus by 8:30 A.M., and we were on our way to Kentucky. Our driver was Barbara Dudley on Eagle Christian Bus Tours, Rome, GA #3006, and our guide was Angie Himburg.

Our first restroom stop was the newly purchased  Travel Stop by Dolly Pardon. Their grand opening was June 24, the day before. Where Dolly Pardon was present to cut the ribbon. 

The travel stop has fuel pumps, EV charging stations, a general store, a truck driver's lounge, and a restaurant. Hanging from the ceiling is a chandelier featuring guitars. 

Outside, a muralled bus sits next to another mural, and a painting of musical notes leads away from the bus. You are greeted with a smile and warmth that make you want to stop and rest awhile. 

Our next stop was Farmwood's Dutch Bakery & Deli for lunch, where Hubby ordered a steak sandwich and fries, and I ordered potato salad. Just a few days before the trip, I had three teeth pulled and two implants, so I could only eat soft foods. $25.00

This was another great place to stop with warm hospitality, fast service, and homemade food. 

Their country store was filled with homemade items. We purchased a bottle of lavender lotion. 

We arrived at Tru by Hilton Lexington, Kentucky, room 417, to freshen up before going to Churchill Downs, Lexington, KY, for a buffet dinner and to watch the horse races. 

From the Chef's Table, I mostly ate Mac and Cheese and a small brownie, with a Diet Coke. 

A storm blew up, so the last few races were canceled. Everyone walked to the gift shop before heading to the bus in the rain.

It was late when we arrived at the hotel, and it had been a long day of travel, so we both went straight to bed.

Photos:

7794-7809 Dolly's Travel Stop Centerville, TN @ 9:18 A.M.

7810-7814 Farmwalds Dutch Deli and Bakery Horse Cave, KY @12:12 PM

7815-7817 Tru by Hilton Lexington, KY @4:34 PM

7818-7824 Churchill Downs, Lexington, KY @ 5:00 P.M.

Day 2: Friday, June 26: 

Breakfast at the hotel: Muffin, yogurt, egg, sausage, and kiwi juice. 

Today, we are going to the Louisville Little Slugger Museum. We were a little early, so everyone went to the gift shop. We purchased two baseball bats for two of our great-grandsons for Christmas.

We had their names engraved on each; both boys did very well playing baseball this year. One of the boys made the all-stars. $127.18

Next, we were taken on a factory tour where we learned the history of how baseball bats are harvested and made. $20.26. Our guide was Owen.

It was now lunchtime, so everyone dispersed in different directions, looking for a place to eat.

We stopped at The Main Eatery, 643 N Main St., Louisville, KY, a quaint sandwich-and-soup restaurant, where Hubby ordered chili with cheese. I ordered a baked potato with butter and sour cream, and we both ordered a soda. The food was delicious, and the service was great. The restaurant had a friendly, inviting atmosphere where you did not feel rushed and could relax and enjoy your meal.

Our next stop was the Louisville Art Museum, which had a gift shop and two upper levels of art display. The cost was $5.00.

On display was artwork by Stan Squirell, Threads of Influence, on view from March 20 to July 5, 2026.

The visionary art of Minnie Evans is on view April 4 through October 4,  2026. Minnie's art reflects on living and how our own history affects our own lives.

Our next stop was the Frazier History Museum, which cost $14.00. Inside the museum was the Spirit of Kentucky, The Commonwealth: Divided we fall, Stewart Historic Miniatures collections,  Cool Kentucky6, The Lewis and Clark Experience, Prusit of Happiness, Gounder's Gallery, Louisville to Liberty, the Blackburys ' journey, 120 Cool KY Counties, and the Kentucky Show in the Brown Forman Theatre.

We did not have time to watch the movie, but when we returned from our trolley tour, we did. The curator said once we paid, we could return after our tour.

Next, take our one-hour trolley tour of Louisville with our guide, Travis. 

After the trolley tour, we watched a movie at the Frazier Museum, then went to Mussels and Burgers for dinner. Hubby ordered a salad, and I ordered their bread pudding. Their motto is: " Who says 'Pub Grub' has to be boring? $24.37.

After dinner, we walked around until about 6:30 P.M., then boarded the bus and returned to the hotel. Packed, for we are leaving tomorrow.

Photos:

7825 Breakfast @7:34 AM 

7826-7833 Travel Lexington to Louisville, KY @8:41-9:18 A.M. 

7834-7896 Louisville Slugger Museum Louisville, KY @9:30-11:10 A.M. 

7897-7898 Lunch at the Main Eatery, Louisville, KY @11:32 PM

7899-7999 The Frazier Museu, Louisville, KY@12:02-1:41 P.M.

8001 Trolley Tour @1:47 PM

8002--8005 Dinner at Mussel and Burgers, Louisville, KY@4:39 PM 

8006-8068 Traveling from Louisville to Lexington, KY @ 5:48–7 P.M.

8069-8012 receipts @7:13 PM 

Big Cameras

8736-8755 Traveling from Lexington to Louisville, KY @ 8:27 A.M. 

8756-8786 Louisville Little Slugger Museum and Factory Tour  8:34- 11:07 A.M.

8787-8802 Louisville, Ky    

8804-8806 Art Museum, Louisville, Ky

8807-8814 Louisville, Ky    

8815-8933 Frazier History Museum, Louisville, Ky  

8934-9011 Trolley Tour Louisville, Ky

9012-9021 Churchill Downs, fifteen-minute break and gift shop, Lexington, KY

9022-9062 Traveling from Lexington to Louisville, KY 

9063-9086 Traveling from Louisville to Lexington, KY

Day 3: Saturday, June 27:

Breakfast at the hotel,l I ate a blueberry muffin with cream cheese.

I  was up at 6 A.M., took a shower, finished packing, wrote in my journal, ate breakfast, and was on the bus by 8 A.M.

Our first stop was Buc-ee's at 9:19 A.M. in Smith Grove, KY, for a restroom break and snacks. I was still hungry, so I bought eggs, bacon, cheese biscuits, and some Buc-ee's bites. I only ate a few bites and gave Hubbt half, but he was hungry, so most of it was thrown away. 

Our next stop was in Franklin, TN, to do some shopping and to eat lunch.

We decided to eat at Pucketts, where we ordered a meat and three veggies. We got chicken and dumplings, broccoli, green beans, and sweet potatoes with iced tea. We got an extra plate and shared the food, which was more than enough. After lunch, we walked up the sidewalk to the Williamson Archives and Museum. 

I took several photos and stopped to talk to the curator. We talked for several minutes about the different wars, genealogy, history, and families. 

We had to walk several blocks back to the bus,s so I had to cut our conversation short. I thanked her, and we began our journey back to the bus.

Loaded onto the bus by 1:30 and were on our way to Gabe's in Madison. Eight people got off in Madison; the rest were going to Scottsboro.

We loaded our car and began our journey home. We stopped at Chick-fil-A in Athens for a Dragon Fruit Tea, which was free with their app. 

Our next stop was Isom's fruit stand in Athens,s where we bought a basket of fresh peaches and several banana peppers. $19.00.

Our next stop was Lash's in Elgin for their Low Country Boil, which consists of Cajun boiled shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn.

We were home by 4:30 P.M.

 Unloaded the car, ate dinner, uploaded photos, and worked on the computer until time for bed.

Photos:

8073-Buc ees @9:19 AM

8074-8075 Pucketts @ 11:47 A.M. $24.09

8076-8164 Williamson Archives and Museum 12:12–1:07 P.M.

2025 Jul 12-20: Bus Trip to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard with The Club/Diamonds in the Rough/Diamond Tours

Day 1, Saturday, July 12, Travel day. 

We boarded the bus around 8:00 A.M. and departed for Cape Cod, stopping at rest areas along the way. We will pay for lunch meals.

We arrived a little after 7:00 A.M., helped direct people inside the building, and ensured they signed in. Hubby helped load the bus.

The PROVEST, VICTORY B006 GROUND FORCE SIX NASHVILLE, TN  bus departed at 8:00 A.M. The BUS WAS BLACK TRIMMED IN GOLD V, and our driver was Heather.

Our first stop was Love's in Columbia, TN, for a restroom break at 10:47 A.M., 9651-9652.

We stopped for lunch at Greenwood Mall in Columbia, TN, at 1:06 P.M. 

Hubby and I ordered a chicken wrap with Diet Pepsi. We had enough time to shop, so we visited Victoria's Secret and purchased five pairs of panties. We spent $31.80

9653-9655.

Our next stop was the Pilot Travel Center in Pendleton, KY, at 5:15 P.M. for a restroom break. 9656-9658 photo 

We stopped at Texas Roadhouse in Fairborn, Ohio, for dinner. Hubby ordered a Fort Worth Ribeye, salad, and baked potato. I ordered a baked sweet potato and iced tea. We spent $37.20, plus tip. We were seated in groups of four. 9659-9662 7:59 P.M. Our server was Marsha, and we sat at table 233/3.

We will arrive at the Wingate Inn Dayton, located at 3055 Presidential Drive, Fairborn, Ohio, for one night and are expected around 9:15 P.M., Room 328.

Took a shower and went to bed. It was a long day. 

Day 2: Sunday, July 13. Travel day and stop at the Heinz Museum 

I was up early and walked around 2 miles before breakfast. 6:01-7:05 A.M. photos 9664-9707. I walked up the street where I saw a pond full of Canada Geese. I walked past Wright State University, Wendy's, and several other restaurants. The highway was beautiful, filled with flowers. 

Breakfast was eggs, sausage, blueberry muffins, and cranberry juice at 7:09 A.M. photo 9708.

Loaded onto the bus and was leaving by 8:30 A.M. 

Our first stop was Love's Zanesville, Ohio, at 10:55 A.M. for a restroom break. 9709-9711.

We stopped at Cracker Barrel in Washington, PA, at 2:05 P.M., 9712, and spent $22.23. I ordered pinto beans, apples, & cornbread, and Hubby ordered a barrel cheeseburger and fries. 

Traveled through Pennsylvania 9713-9724 @3:01

Pittsburgh, PA 

We stopped at the Senator John Heinz History Center, located at 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh, PA. 3:18-4:14 P.M. photos 9725-9746.

The Chautauqua Lake Ice Company constructed this building in 1898 as a warehouse to store ice. The ice was harvested from lakes in western New York. 

They also used machines to manufacture ice from distilled water.

Dinner at Bob Evans Restaurant, 153 N Breezewood Rd. Breezewood, PA. Around 6 P.M., I ate fried steak, macaroni and cheese, creamed potatoes, tea, and a chocolate chip cookie. (Threw the cookie away.)Photos 9747-9752 @6:43-7:25 P.M. Bought some Naked Bee Hand & Cuticle Salve and some Naked Bee Lotion, spent $18.93.

Travel to hotel 9753-9762 8:45 P.M.

Around 9:15 P.M., arrive at Comfort Inn & SUITES Hershey South, 1589 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA. Room 162

BIG CAMERA

843-889 @8:51 A.M. downtown Pittsburgh, PA

890-1007 @2:18-3:17 P.M. HEINZE History Museum Pittsburgh, PA

1008-1094 @3:25-5:05 P.M. Travel to Pittsburgh, PA 

Day 3: Monday, July 14.Travel day 

For breakfast, I ate two sausage links, a blueberry muffin, and cranberry juice. 9708 at 7:09 A.M.

Walked around the hotel 9763-9764 @ 6:53 A.M.

We traveled in Pennsylvania, 8:36-10:58 A.M., 9765-9768 

We crossed the Delaware River, onto the New Jersey Turnpike, stopping at the Woodrow Wilson Service Area at @10:58 A.M. 9769-9774

We stopped at Rest Stop Darien, CT, at 3:01 P.M. 9776-9778

Bought a McDonald's Oreo McFlurry, spent $8.49.

Arrive around 5:31 P.M. at 99 Restaurant, 7 Airport Road, Westerly, RI 

9779-9781

I have pre-ordered the Grilled Chicken with creamed potatoes, salad, and chocolate cake. 

Rest stop at Invigorate Gas, West Greenwich, RI, where Heather fuels the bus. 9782-9784 @ 7:29 P.M. 9782-9784.

Aiden by Best Western

Arrive at Aiden by Best Western 476 MA-28 West Yarmouth, MA, around 9:45 P.M., room 125.

1097-1150 @11:33-12:28 P.M. travel through New Jersey

Day 4: Tuesday, July 15.Visiting Chatham, Eastham, and Providence, MA. 

Breakfast eggs, sausage, muffin, cranberry juice. 

At 7:20, we walked to CVS to buy some mouthwash and spent $8.49.

I went to the dentist before we left to file down a broken tooth that kept my mouth sore and to put some medicine on the ulcers that I had in my mouth. 

We meet our guide at @9 A.M. and embark on a tour of the Outer Cape.

Chatham Lighthouse

Our first stop was Chatham Lighthouse at 9:28 A.M. 9786-9799.

Our next stop was the Salt Pond Visitor Center @ 10:41 to 11:00 A.M. 

Here I walked the trail and got eaten up by insects. 

That evening, we walked to CVS (about 2 blocks away) to buy some spray to stop the itching from the bug bites. 

We visited the Center 9800-9809.

Pier at Provincetown

Our next stop was Provincetown from 12:38 to 1:54 P.M., 9810-9831.

We walked around the town, stopping at the Lobster Pot Express for lunch. 

Here we ordered a Lobster roll, a drink, and clam chowder. We spent $48.95.

We walked along the alleyway where we saw several art pieces. Monsters attack P-town. Shop therapy is blamed—Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Alice meets the queen and many other pieces. 

I walked along the Macmillan Pier, stopping to take a photo with the many colorful floats, and sat on a whale statue. 

Our next stop was at the Red Barn in Eastham, where we shopped and played a round of mini golf. @3:06-3:28 P.M. 9832-9838.

Arrive around 5:00 P.M. at Not Your Average Joe's, 793 Lyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA, for a prepaid meal. I ordered mustard-crusted chicken with mashed potatoes. 9846-9848.

Depart for the hotel around 6:30 P.M.

Big camera

1151-11-79 @8:37-9:13 A.M. Chatham Lighthouse Chatham, MA 

1180-1187 @9:31-11:00 A.M. Eastham Windmill

1188-1279 @11:45-1:31 P.M. Provincetown, MA

1280-1281 @1:58 P.M. Red Barn Eastham, MA 

1282-1296 @3:15-3:26 P.M. Higgins Farm Windmill Brewster, MA

1197-1299 @4:08 P.M. Passenger Train (Cape Cod Central Railway) Hyannis

Day 5: Wednesday, July 16. Visiting Martha's Vineyard 

After breakfast, we meet our guide and depart at 9:30 A.M.for Stop & Shop 39 Nathan Ellis Highway, Masphee, MA. Depart for Ferry to Martha's Vineyard at 9:35 A.M. Arrive at The Island Queen Ferry, 75 Fallouth Heights Rd, Falmouth, MA. Depart for Martha's Vineyard at 10:30 A.M. Arrive Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard at 11:15 A.M. 

Several of us took an excursion around the islands in four vans for 1 1/2 hours. We spent $120.00. We stopped at The Seafood Shanty in Edgartown for lunch.

The Seafood Shanty 

Hubby and I ordered fish and chips and spent $34.75.

Everyone was dropped off at the ferry, but didn't leave until 3:45 P.M.

We bought an ice cream at the pier.

We walked down the pier, bought a drink, and talked with the owner.

Valley Grille, Mashpee, MA 

Depart for dinner at 4:30 P.M. at Valley Grille, 39 Old Barnstable Road, Mashpee, MA. We had a buffet-style meal. I got chicken, beef, veggies, a roll, salad, and ice cream with a brownie. 

Depart for the hotel at 7:30 P.M. 

9852 Ferry ride 10:40 A.M. (Island Queen)

9853-9869 Excursion 11:43-12:02 P.M. 

9870-9875 lunch 12:43 P.M. (The Seafood Shanty)

9876-77 boats

9878-9885 dinner and flowers outside (Valley Grille)

1301-1409 9:33-2:50 P.M. Martha Vineyard, Oak Bluff, Edgartown

Day 6: Thursday, July 17. We visited the towns of Sandwich and Hyannis, MA

After breakfast, we will meet our guide at 9:00 A.M. and take a guided tour of Hyannis and the quaint, historic village of Sandwich. 

We visited the John F. Kennedy Museum and the John F. Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis.

We ate a lobster roll with water at Fresh Ketch, Hyannis. 9892-9894 @12:25 P.M.  

1410-1497 ~9:07-10:22 A.M. Sandwich, MA (Canal Visitor Center), where I walked to the pier. The canal is a waterway operated by the Corps of Engineers where you can hike, fish, and watch ships. 

Big Camera

1502-1538 @10:29-10:34 A.M. JFK Museum Hyannis, MA 

1545-1578 @2:28-2:52 P.M. Veterans Park, Hyannis, JFK Fountain 

9895-9903 @1:40 P.M. WE traveled through Hyannis, MA

9904-9906- JFK Memorial Hyannis at 3:56 P.M. 

9907-9911 we traveled through Hyannis, MA @4:10 P.M.

9912-9916 Dinner at Grand Cafe, Hyannis, MA. At 5:14-6:08 P.M. 

I ordered Grilled Salmon, a salad, creamed potatoes, veggies, and for dessert, Vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup. 

Returned to the hotel and packed, for we are beginning our journey home. 

Lee Haygood went to the hospital during the night with a UT infection and stayed a few days. They ended up flying home. 

Carolyn went back to her room to get something before we left. She fell and hurt her shoulder. The door locked, and she could not get up to let anyone in. The master key wouldn't work, and the fire department had to rescue her. She was taken to the hospital. She spent the day at the hospital. We dropped off her two sisters and sister-in-law at the hospital.

They all rejoined us for dinner. Carolyn was fine; she just got a lot of bruising. 

Another couple decided they wanted to fly home. So when we left, we were four fewer people on the bus.

Big Camera 

1410-1497 @10:07-10:22 A.M.  Sandwich, MA  & Canal Visitor Center. 

1502-1538 @10:29-10:54 A.M. JFK Museum at Hyannis, MA

JFK Museum

1545-1578 @2:38-2:52 P.M. Veterans Park JFK Memorial and Korean Statue Hyannis 

Day 7: Friday, July 18. Begin our journey home, and stop at Foxwood Casino

Please have your luggage ready for pickup in our room by 7:15 A.M.

9918- at 9:10 A.M., we were in Buzzard's Bay, MA, 

9919-at @9:45 A.M., we were in Fall River, MA. 

9920-@10:03 A.M., we were in East Providence, RI  

9921-9923 @ 10:30 A.M., we stopped at Invigorate to fill up with gas and use the restrooms

Waterfall at Foxwood Resort and  Casino 

9924-9978 - at 11:34 A.M., we stopped at Foxwood Resort and Casino, 39 Norwich Westerly Road, Ledyard, CT., and the Tanger Outlet. 

We walked through the casino, where we saw display windows showcasing the clothes worn by various entertainers. Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Lita Ford, Usher, Skip Not, Britney Spears, Chris Isaac, Mondonna, John Entwistle, Dan Victory (Counting Crows), Tom Keifer (Cinderella), Felix Pappalard, Steven Van Zandt, Dukes of the Souls, Duff McKagan, Guns N' Roses, & the Beatles.

Hell's Kitchen

We saw several native American statues, a sucker & duck large enough to stand next to. We saw several restaurants, including Hell's Kitchen and Wahlburgers.

We traveled through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and upper New York. Stopping to spend the night in Carlisle, South, Pennsylvania.

9979-9983 @3:56 P.M., we traveled through Preston, Norton, Norwich, and the Thames River, CT. 

9985-9986 @ 5:07 P.M., we traveled through Terrytown, NY 

We arrived around 6:30 P.M.at  Golden Corral, 900 Lehigh Valley Mall Drive, Whitehall, PA. I ordered fried shrimp, hushpuppies, and fries. Dessert: Strawberry and carrot cake. 9987-9988 

9989 @11:02: We arrived at Best Western Carlisle South, 101 Alexander Spring Rd, Carlisle, PA, room 359.

9979-9983 Travel through Preston, Norwich, and the Thames River in Connecticut. 

Took a shower and went to bed. 

Day 8: Saturday, July 19, traveling home, stopping at the Carnegie Museum and Flight 93.

I walked around the hotel in Fairborn 3231-3243 IPAD @6:36-6:49 A.M. 

Ate a strawberry yogurt and cranberry juice for breakfast at the hotel and left for Pittsburgh, PA, at 8:30 A.M.

9990-9991- @ 9:46 A.M., we traveled through W. Providence, PA 

9992-1007- @9:58 we traveled through Bedford, PA 

0018-0020- @ a0:06 A.M,. we traveled through Napier, PA.

0021-0063- at 10:09-10:30 A.M. We traveled through Manns Choice, Shellsbury, Central City, and Stoystown 

Flight 93, 9-11

0064-0102 @10:32-11:50 we stopped at Flight 93 National Memorial Stopystown 

0103-0128 - @ 12:51-1:32 we traveled through Quemahoning township, Friedens, Somerset, Lincoln, and Jefferson, PA 

0129-0147 @1:25-1:32 we travel to Pittsburgh, PA

The Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh

0148-0171 @2:08-2:13 We visited the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

We ate lunch at Fossil Fuels, located on the museum's lower level, near the natural history area. We ordered a chicken sandwich, Macaroni salad, and a parfait. I ate the parfait.

Andrew Carnegie built the Carnegie Museum, which opened in 1895, and featured artifacts from Egypt, minerals, exotic wildlife taxidermy, and dinosaur fossils. 

We will depart for Fairborn. Oh, at 3:15 P.M., we will pay for lunch and dinner. 

We should arrive at the Wingate Inn Dayton Fairborn, located at 3055 Presidential Drive, Fairborn, OH, for one night. Room 311  

IPAD 

Traveled through Pennsylvania at @9:18 A.M. -3244-3258

Flight 93 Memorial and Museum @10:36-11:51 -3259-3313

Traveled to Pittsburgh @1:34- 1:37 P.M. - 3321-3334

Visited Carnegie Museum and ate lunch from @1:42-3:17 P.M. -3335-3456

Traveled through Pittsburgh, PA 3453-3522 @3:24-3:52 P.M. 

Iphone

We stopped at Steak 'n Shake at 7:20 P.M. Hubby and I split a hamburger, fries, and a Dream Cycle milkshake. 0179-0181 spent $20 

0182 - We crossed the Muskingum River at @7:26 P.M.

0183-0185 - We were in Zanesville, Ohio, at 7:30 P.M. 

Took a shower and went to bed. 

Day 9: Sunday, July 20, Travel Home, final day of travel. 

Ate a strawberry yogurt for breakfast after walking around the hotel for about 45 minutes. 0186-0197 - @ 7:16 A.M.

We stopped at Pilot in Pendleton, OH,  for a restroom break at 10:26 A.M. 

Carousel at Greenwood Mall Bowling Green, KY 

We stopped at Greenwood Mall in Bowling Green, KY, for lunch. 

I wasn't hungry, so I went for ice cream instead. Hubby ordered a Chinese plate. I went shopping at Victoria's Secret. They had a "buy two, get one free" sale. They also had 10 pairs of panties for $40. 

We picked up Fran's grandson and her dog in Nashville. 

We stopped at Buc-ee's in Athens for dinner and to drop off a passenger.

Hubby and I split a BBQ sandwich— spent $8.00

My Hubby and I helped unload the bus of everything left inside the coach. 

We should arrive home around 7:45 P.M.  

It is great to be back home. 

Coach: Ground Force Six Victory Ground, Nashville, TN

Driver: Heather