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Destinations by Julie & MEP Vacations, 302 W Waupaca Street, New London, WI (2026)

06/14/2026

Guardians of the Gods & Royal Gorge Tour

Day 8 of 9 – Saturday, June 13, 2026

What a difference a day makes… before we knew it, we were waking up for the second-last day of our adventure. We shared our hotel with another Diamond coach tour from Ohio, so breakfast was filled with travel stories, comparing notes, and making a few new friends before everyone headed in their own direction.

By 9:00 a.m., our coach was rolling out of Kearney, but we had a little extra time to fill before heading farther east. We made a stop at —the Great Platte River Road Archway.

Sometimes the unexpected stops become the memorable ones.

Stretching right over Interstate 80, the Archway tells the story of the millions of people who traveled west through Nebraska in search of a new life. The exhibits take you through the days of Native Americans, fur traders, pioneers on the Oregon Trail, Pony Express riders, the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, and eventually the rise of the Lincoln Highway and modern Interstate 80.

The displays are incredibly detailed, with life-sized scenes, sound effects, and storytelling that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Covered wagons, pioneer cabins, railroad scenes, and historic vehicles all help bring history to life.

And then… BONUS! 🎉

It just happened to be the anniversary of the Archway’s opening, so instead of paying the regular $15 admission, tickets were half price. Our group happily took advantage of the special, spending about an hour and a half exploring the museum, browsing the gift shop, and enjoying the beautifully landscaped grounds outside.

A quick stop at Luv’s Travel Stop gave everyone the chance to grab a bite, stretch their legs, stock up on snacks, and maybe sneak in one more coffee before our next adventure.

Next up was the University of Nebraska State Museum – Morrill Hall in Lincoln.

Themuseum was filled with fossils, dinosaurs, geology, and natural history.

Some of our travelers absolutely loved wandering the museum
Others… well… let’s just say they generously gave it a one-star review and were ready to head back to the coach.

And just outside, another exciting event was creating quite the buzz around Lincoln.

The Savannah Bananas were in town taking on the Firefighters at Nebraska Stadium, and you could definitely tell something big was happening! Music was playing, vendors were everywhere, merchandise tents lined the streets, and crowds were already getting surprisingly heavy in the early afternoon—even though game time wasn’t until 7

By 2:30 p.m., everyone was back aboard the coach and heading toward Urbandale, Iowa, for supper at the Machine Shed Restaurant.

The food came out quickly, the service was great, and nobody left hungry.

But let’s be honest…

The entertainment wasn’t inside the restaurant.

It was outside with THE TRACTOR. 🚜😂

Apparently someone decided the tractor was pretty darn sexy, and before long people were climbing into the wagon for a ride around the property.

I’m honestly not sure who enjoyed it more… the gentleman driving the tractor or our group riding behind him with huge smiles and plenty of laughter.

Either way, it provided entertainment. 🤗

Our final drive of the day brought us to Ames, Iowa, where we checked into yet another Microtel.

Let’s just say…

There were a few little hiccups. 🤦‍♀️

Nothing that couldn’t eventually be sorted out, but enough to provide some conversation.

As things settled down, a few of us gathered for some dice games and cards, sharing laughs and enjoying one last evening together before our final day on the road.

Before long, everyone drifted off to La La Land 😴, resting up for the last chapter of another wonderful coach tour adventure.

06/13/2026

Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs Coach Tour

Day Seven of Our Nine-Day Adventure

Friday, June 12, 2026

Well… today was packing day. Suitcases zipped, snacks restocked, and it was time to start making our way back east toward Wisconsin. There’s something about waking up surrounded by those Colorado mountains that just brings a sense of peace. 🥹

A quick shout-out to MCM Elegant Suites in Colorado Springs. The staff was incredibly welcoming, the rooms were comfortable, with amazing suits. The breakfast could have had a few more choices, but overall I’d definitely recommend it if you’re staying in the area.

Since Diamond didn’t have anything planned for today... we have quite a few options but some could not participate in so we headed toward the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be!

It’s hard to believe this peaceful wildlife refuge was once used to manufacture chemical weapons during World War II and later became an industrial site. Nature had other plans, though. After years of restoration, it’s now one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country, protecting thousands of acres of prairie and providing a home for bison, deer, bald eagles, prairie dogs, burrowing owls, and the endangered black-footed ferret. It’s an amazing conservation success story and well worth the stop.

We visited the welcome center, stretched our legs, learned a little about the refuge’s history, and then hopped back on the bus for the 11-mile wildlife drive.

Then came the stars of the show…

The bison🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬

Several herds were grazing nearby, and a few apparently decided that standing in the middle of the road was exactly where they belonged. They stared at us as if to say, “You’ll leave when we’re good and ready to move off the roadway.” Traffic? Not their problem.

All I could think of was…

🎵 “You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd…” 🎵

…and apparently you can’t keep a schedule in one either! 😂

After the drive around the loop, we headed back to the welcome center where we wandered through the outdoor gardens and spotted a rather large bull snake slithering through the grass and a adorable little bunny, who couldn’t have cared less about all the photos that were being taken of him, but was more worried about the snake🫣. Nearby prairie dogs are popping up like a game of “Whack -a-Mole” and also inflammation about the black footed ferret.

It turned into one of those unexpected stops that ends up being a great find.

lunch was found at one of the local truck steps, heading towards Kearney… Roller dogs, sodas, chips, and whatever their bellies were hungry for.

By late afternoon, we rolled back into the Microtel Inn & Suites, the very same hotel where we had stayed on our way west.

Instead of heading out for dinner, we decided on something simple and fun—a pizza party! Scott had been talking up Casey’s pizza, and after a few slices I can officially say…he wasn’t exaggerating. It was delicious! We also picked up cookies so we could celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Happy 55th anniversary to Mark and Cindy… 🎉🍕🍪

Once dinner was finished and everything was cleaned up…A few people gathered around tables to play cards, others shook dice and tested their luck, and there may have been a few adult beverages enjoyed along the way. As for me…my little coin purse somehow ended up a little lighter than when the evening started.

One of my favorite parts of these coach tours isn’t always the big attractions. It’s evenings like this—sharing pizza, celebrating birthdays, laughing over card games and dice, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Somewhere along the way, a bus full of strangers becomes a bus full of friends.

As the laughter faded and everyone headed back to their rooms for a good night’s sleep, we all knew there was just one more full day left on this incredible adventure. Time certainly flies when you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery, wonderful people, and just enough buffalo to bring traffic to a complete standstill.

06/12/2026

Guardians of the Gods, Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs Coach Tour

Day Six of Our Nine-Day Adventure

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Another breakfast outside this morning… and I was perfectly happy about that. Sunshine, fresh air, and a little extra Vitamin D? Count me in every single time.

We pulled out at 9:00 a.m., leaving Colorado Springs behind and making our way toward the Royal Gorge. The drive itself was worth the trip. The mountains, the rock formations, the open ranchland… every time you looked out the window there was something different to see. It really makes you appreciate just how beautiful this part of the country is.

One thing that was pretty noticeable was how dry everything looked. A good soaking rain would do this area a world of good. The creek beds looked like they were patiently waiting for Mother Nature to turn the faucet back on.

We were the first coach to arrive and the other two Diamond coaches pulled in shortly after.

Before we got off the bus, one of the park employees came aboard to explain the layout and answer questions. Then it was time to explore.

Most of us headed straight for the gondola ride across the Arkansas River. The views were absolutely incredible. Looking down into that canyon is one of those moments where pictures just don’t do it justice. The Royal Gorge is over 1,200 feet deep, and the famous suspension bridge sits nearly 1,000 feet above the river. It’s hard to wrap your head around those numbers until you’re actually standing there thinking, “Yep… that’s a long way down!”

The bridge itself has quite a story. It opened back in 1929 and stretches 1,260 feet across the canyon. Amazingly, it was built simply so visitors could experience the view.

Kind of interesting timing, too—we happened to be here on the anniversary of the 2013 wildfire that swept through the park. The fire destroyed most of the buildings, but the bridge itself survived. Looking around today, you’d never know what happened unless someone told you. Everything has been beautifully rebuilt.

They also held bird presentation. These weren’t just birds showing off for treats—they each have their own story. Many have injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild, and now they help teach visitors about conservation and the importance of protecting our wildlife.

Two ways of crossing the gorge, the gondola or taking the bridge. Heading back across I decided to walk the bridge great views, but very very windy and it actually took your breath away walking.

The scenery today was absolutely beautiful. Driver Scott even got to see I herd of mountain goats. Consisting of the mamas and their babies .

The day is not over yet, we boarded the bus and headed back to the hotel for a bit of freshening up. Headed out to a restaurant called Black Eyed Peas. We had a choice of roast beef, meatloaf, chicken, or a turkey dinner.

Now back to the hotel… to do a bit of packing. We will be leaving this beautiful area in the morning.

06/11/2026

Guardians of the Gods, Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs Coach Tour

Day Five of Our Nine-Day Coach Tour

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Another beautiful Colorado morning started with breakfast, and a few of us even took our coffee outside to enjoy the sunshine before heading out for the day.

Our first stop was Manitou Springs, where we met our local guide, Monica. She introduced us to the famous mineral springs and, sampled the water.

We got to see views of the Manitou Incline.…WOW…it consist of 2768 steps made from railroad ties. Climbing 2000 feet and elevation.

Monica shared some of the history of the town and its natural springs. For hundreds of years, people have believed in the healing qualities of the mineral water, and in the late 1800s Manitou Springs became a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the springs. Today, several of the springs can still be found throughout downtown, each with its own unique taste.

After our tour, we had a couple of hours to explore on our own. The shops are always fun to browse. This little town tucked up against the mountains. what an amazing view.

Next, we headed over to the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. We had time to look through the exhibits, watch the short film, and enjoy the views from the outdoor patio overlooking the red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the distance.

One of the neat displays inside the visitor center is Theo, short for Theiophytalia kerri. Theo’s fossil was actually discovered right in the Garden of the Gods back in the late 1800s, but for many years scientists believed it belonged to a different dinosaur. It wasn’t until 2006 that it was identified as its own unique species, making it something pretty special to this area. Kind of fun to think Theo kept everyone guessing for well over 100 years…and nope, still no mate has been found! 😊

Back on the coach, we met our next guide, Gizmo, who took us through the Garden of the Gods. We made stops at Balanced Rock, where just about everyone had to take the classic photo pretending to hold it up, and at Ship Rock, another impressive formation in the park.

Along the way, Gizmo shared information about how these giant sandstone rocks were formed millions of years ago and pointed out several of the park’s unique features. Everywhere you looked there seemed to be another great photo opportunity.

After a full day in the sunshine, we decided a little break at the hotel sounded like the perfect plan before heading out for the evening.

That night we went to Julie Penrose Hall, where we joined two other coach tours for dinner and entertainment by Randy Rodriguez. Randy kept everyone smiling with a nice mix of music, stories, and humor, making for a very enjoyable evening.

And just when we thought the day was over, we got one last surprise. As we were leaving, two young bull elk were casually walking down the street. Not something you see every day! It was the perfect ending to another great day in Colorado.

06/10/2026

Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs

Day 4 of Our 9-Day Tour

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Well…we started the day with breakfast. 😬 Let’s just say it could’ve been a whole lot better, but we made the best of it and nobody went hungry. A little extra coffee and we were good to go!

We met up with our guide for the day, Glenda, at her hotel and loaded her on the coach. She was a wealth of information and such a pleasure to have with us.

We had a little time to kill before our scheduled stops, so we toured around Colorado Springs, taking in some of the sculptures throughout the city and enjoying those absolutely breathtaking mountain views. I don’t care how many times you see them…you still look up and say, “Wow.”

Our first stop was the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. This isn’t just your average gift shop. It’s actually the oldest and largest trading post in Colorado and is packed with everything from local artwork and Native American jewelry to western gifts, homemade fudge, souvenirs, and all kinds of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. 😂 I think a few extra bags found their way back onto the coach.

From there, we continued our city tour before heading to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. What an incredible place! The interactive exhibits tell the stories of America’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes—their struggles, sacrifices, and amazing accomplishments. You really leave with a whole new appreciation for what these athletes have gone through to represent our country.

Next stop…Old Colorado City.

It’s full of history and charm with beautiful old buildings, unique little boutiques, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of places to just wander around. It originally started during the gold rush days and still has that wonderful historic feel to it. Of course, there may have been a little shopping involved…and maybe a little eating too. 😉

Then we headed over to the Penrose Heritage Museum, and what a hidden gem that is! It’s home to an amazing collection of historic automobiles, carriages, and memorabilia from the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb, “RACE to the CLOUDS”…Even if you’re not a huge car person, it’s fascinating to see the history and beautifully restored vehicles.

Back to the hotel we went to drop off Glenda and anyone who wanted to relax for a bit.

If we’ve got extra time, we’re going to find something to do!

So the rest of us stayed on the coach and headed over to the Air Force Academy Visitor Center. just recently opened. I think Dan went through a little water The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the visitor center shares the history of the Academy along with exhibits about cadet life and the Air Force. Even though the visitor center closed at 5:00, it was still worth making the trip over to see such an impressive campus nestled against the mountains.

After that, we headed back to the hotel, picked up the rest of our crew, and made our way to Applebee’s for dinner.

Now…this part deserves its own paragraph. 🤦‍♀️😂

The food got some mixed reviews, but the biggest entertainment of the evening was being told we couldn’t have alcoholic beverages because we were on a coach tour.

Well…that didn’t exactly go over real well.

We politely explained—more than once—that we were all adults and perfectly capable of paying for our own drinks, thank you very much. This wasn’t part of the tour package and certainly wasn’t being charged to anyone else. It took a few conversations, but eventually everyone got what they wanted, and it gave us all something to laugh about.

It really was another beautiful day with a fantastic group. Lots of memories, beautiful scenery, a little shopping, a little history, and plenty of windshield time taking in Colorado.

Back at the hotel, some sat outside enjoying the evening and visiting, while others headed in for showers and straight to bed.

Another great day in the books…and tomorrow we’ll see what adventure finds us next! ❤️

06/09/2026

Guardians of the Gorge – Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs
Day 3 of 9
Monday, June 8, 2026

Up and at ’em! After breakfast, we were on the road by 8:30 a.m., heading toward North Platte, Nebraska. Along the way, we watched True Grit, which seemed fitting since parts of the movie were filmed in Colorado. A little western adventure while rolling across the plains.

The weather decided it wanted to keep us entertained. Wild and crazy storms were popping up all over the place. One minute sunshine, the next minute dark clouds. Thankfully, Scott kept us moving right along.

Our first stop was the historic Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. This was the home of the Buffalo Bill Cody. The ranch includes his restored home, barns, and museum displays. If the walls could talk.

After spending about an hour and a half there, it was time for lunch at Pals Brewing Company. Fun place! Known for its craft beer. The owner was originally from Wausau.

Then it was back on the coach and headed west. We made one restroom stop, but otherwise it was miles and miles of open country. Fields. Cows. More fields. More cows.

Heading through Denver, and outside of it, hit another major storm system. many cars pulled along the side of the road waiting to ride the storm out.

By late afternoon, we rolled into Colorado Springs and checked into MCM Elegante Suites for our multi day stay. I have to say, I’m loving my room here! Plenty of space to spread out and settle in for the next few days.

After a quick luggage drop, we headed over to Black Bear Diner for dinner. Great service, food came out fast, and the employees were all very pleasant. The real winner, though? Huckleberry ice cream for dessert! 🤗

Of course, no tour day is complete without a Walmart run. A few forgotten items, a few things nobody really needed but somehow ended up in the cart anyway, and then it was back to the hotel.

The rest of the evening was spent unpacking, organizing rooms, and getting settled in for our adventure in Colorado Springs.

Tomorrow, the mountains await! This mountain scenery is very good for the soul.

06/08/2026

Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs

Day 2 of 9 – Sunday, June 7, 2026

Everyone enjoyed a great breakfast at the Sleep Inn & Suites before we hit the road. We decided to leave a little earlier and make an extra stop in Omaha’s historic Old Market district.

The Old Market is one of Omaha’s most charming areas, known for its brick-paved streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful old warehouses that have been transformed into local businesses. It has a wonderful small-town-meets-big-city feel. Unfortunately, being Sunday morning, many of the shops did not open until noon, so we didn’t quite get the full Old Market experience.

A few of us somehow found our way to Billy Frogg’s Bar, where we enjoyed a cocktail, soaked up a little sunshine, and participated in some professional-level people watching. Just as we were making our way back to the coach, Mother Nature decided our timing had been just about perfect and turned on the rain.

Our next stop was Omaha’s beautiful Joslyn Art Museum. Opened in 1931, the museum is known for its stunning pink marble exterior and impressive collection of artwork ranging from ancient pieces to modern masterpieces. It was a nice stop and gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs while taking in a little culture.

From there, we headed west toward Lincoln. Thankfully, our trusty coach driver Scott found a hidden gems along the way. He discovered the Sunken Gardens, one of Lincoln’s most loved attractions. The gardens feature beautifully flower beds, waterfalls, sculptures, and pathways. With over 30,000 flowers planted each year, Everyone loved wandering through the gardens and snapping photos of the colorful blooms.

After leaving the gardens behind, we made the approximately two-hour trek to Kearney, Nebraska. Once we arrived at the hotel, Microtel Inn and suites, it was the usual routine—grab the luggage, find the room, freshen up, and head to our next meal.

Tonight’s destination was Pizza Ranch, where nobody left hungry.

Back at the hotel, everyone settled into their own evening routines. A handful gathered for dice games, others played cards, took walks, spent time in the workout room, or simply found a comfortable chair to relax in. And of course, there were those who wisely decided that a soft hotel bed sounded better than any game and headed off for some well-earned R&R.

Another great day is in the books. We’re one day closer to the mountains. Colorado, we’re on our way!

06/07/2026

Gardens of the Gods, Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs
Day 1 of 9 – June 6, 2026

We pulled out of Wolf River Bank in New London just before 8:00 a.m. with our returning driver, Scott, ready to take us west. After picking up our second group in Allenton, we were officially on our way!

We made a stop at the famous Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa. For those who have never been there, it is known as the world’s largest truck stop, covering 225 acres right along I-80. What started as a Standard Oil station in 1964 has grown into quite the destination. this area is on 225 acres. It includes things such as movie, theaters, barbershop, dentist, gift shop, restaurants, chiropractor, laundry, service, showers, and area to park 900 semis and so much more.

Some of our group did a little shopping, some grabbed snacks, and several enjoyed touring the truck museum, which has over 100 antique trucks on display. It was fun to stretch our legs and explore before getting back on the road.

A couple of hours later, we arrived at our overnight hotel, the Sleep Inn & Suites in Ankeny, Iowa. The hotel has a nice indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, and exercise room.

Earlier in the week, I had made dinner reservations at the Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, conveniently located right across the street from the hotel. After a full day of traveling, nobody was complaining about not having to get back on the bus. We enjoyed a nice meal together.

After dinner, some headed back to their rooms to relax, while others visited in the lobby and got acquainted with fellow travelers.

We even ended the day with a beautiful sunset.

Day one is in the books, everyone is doing great, and we’re looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings. Colorado, we will see you soon!!

06/03/2026

Just added for 2027 … another adventure awaits🤗

06/01/2026

Update...SOLD

Thank you all for reaching out!!

Last-minute trip cancellation due to health issues …PLEASE HELP OUT MY CLIENTS….
their trip was $3000… They are willing to take $1000 off of it!!

2 SEATS AVAILABLE for only $1000 per person!!

Please contact me at 920-716-3615 if you are interested or have any questions

Destinations by Julie & MEP Vacations

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