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NEW MULE DAY . . . “Hit the road, Jack!” 4 Days / April 4 We’re headed for the “Mule Capital of the World”, Columbia, TN Day 1. We depart today full of anticipation of a “Celebration of the Mule”. “Mule Day” in Columbia, TN has been a tradition since around 1840, when the first Monday in April brought huge crowds to the animal livestock show and Mule Day Market. Mule Day, with its festive air, has evolved into what is now an almost week-long celebration of the mule with thousands of visitors taking part in the numerous activities. After dinner on our own, those interested will have the option to go out to Maury County Park and join this evening’s Mule Day activities. Tired? Want to just relax at the hotel? No problem; get rested up for a big day tomorrow. Lodging: Hampton Inn, Columbia, TN Day 2. We have breakfast at the hotel today and every day of the tour. Today we enjoy the highlight of the Mule Day festivities, the Mule Day Parade. Entries are judged and cash prizes and ribbons are awarded in several categories. Following the parade, we head to Maury County Park to enjoy the Mule Day festivities – arts & crafts, flea market, knife & coin show, live music, draft mule show, etc. Lunch is on your own at the park – the smell of barbecue specialties and homemade pies blend with the smoky aroma of roasted corn and funnel cake sweetness; choices, choices, choices! This evening, we have a wonderful dinner at Falcon Rest in McMinnville, TN, where history is fun. Built by “Gorilla Pants” manufacturer Clay Faulkner in 1896, this Victorian mansion has been called “Tennessee’s Biltmore” by PBS. Humorous tales from the past; food like Grandma used to make; an 1890’s department store; and a friendly ghost all add up to special entertainment and a meal you won’t forget. Lodging: Hampton Inn, Manchester, TN Day 3. Today, we head for Nashville, TN. Lunch is at Martha’s Restaurant at Belle Meade Plantation followed by a tour of the plantation. Belle Meade Plantation is a 30-acre historic site with the Belle Meade mansion built in 1853 as the centerpiece of the property. This Greek revival house was home to five generations of the Harding-Jackson family, original owners of the Belle Meade Farm. In the late 19th Century, the farm encompassed 5400 acres and was a thoroughbred nursery famous for breeding and training championship race horses. Recent Kentucky Derby winners like Funny Cide and Barbarro even racing legends like Secretariat and Seabiscuit can trace their bloodlines back to the breeding stock at Belle Meade. Later this afternoon, we travel to Lost River Cave & Valley in Bowling Green, KY. Activities here include a guided history tour, an underground cave boat tour, and river mining for gemstones. Lodging: Hampton Inn, Bowling Green, KY Day 4. We begin our journey home this morning; arriving relaxed and with stories to share of this tour that was just great fun! Special note: If possible bring a lightweight folding lawn chair for the parade. Also plan to wear comfortable shoes; and, to dress warmly for the cave tour. Included meals: 3 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 1 Dinner
Tour cost: $319. per person Child/Teen $549. per person 4/room $579. per person 3/room $639. per person 2/room $799. Single
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