Western Reserve Tours

09/07/2022

What’s up with FB - I’m getting no posts only general informational things

09/23/2021

Love!!!!!!!

Ranger Betty Reid Soskin is turning 100 years old today. She is the oldest active National Park Service ranger and has had a massive impact.

02/22/2021

Soooooo, here we are almost at the end of February, 2021 . . . still in the throes of Covid 19 BUT, finally I feel as if I see a light at the end of the tunnel. My hubby got his first vaccine and will get his second one on Feb. 22. I am on several lists and hope to get called soon! These certainly have been trying times – hope all of you are staying safe and healthy.

OK, I’ve avoided the 800 lb. elephant in the room long enough – I have made the difficult decision to retire my beloved Western Reserve Tours – these past 35+ years have been such a joy and, while I have faith that travel will return in the future, it’s just is too risky to continue at this time.

I want you all to know that I will not be renewing my website: westernreservetours.com or my bulk email account but you can still reach me via FaceBook (Western Reserve Tours or Sandra Andrews Herring), email ([email protected]) or phone 330-221-6489 or 330-325-7330. I do not plan to fall off the face of the earth or run away with Sam Elliot (to be decided!) so please keep in touch, I treasure each and every one of you and I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to do what I love so much. I hope I made you laugh, I hope we made memories and I hope you have many more adventures in the future!

Wishing you Peace ~ Love ~ and Joy . . .

Your BusMom,
Sandy

06/10/2020

Well . . . it has come to my attention that 2020 sucks ~ sorry, but it does! Let’s just write it off and get on with it!!

I have made the difficult decision to go ahead and cancel any and all trips through the end of 2020. Wow, that hurts to even say it! I just think it is the right thing to do. So, there . . . it’s done. Now, let’s shake it off and look forward to 2021!!! As you all know, I had planned to retire Western Reserve Tours at the end of 2020 – hmmm, so much for plans!! Therefore, Western Reserve Tours will persevere and plan on limited trips for 2021!! I promise to keep in touch and plan destinations as soon as we can.

Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pa. has extended Queen Esther through next year – we will plan 2 dates for 2021. We hope to do all the plays at Playhouse Sq. in Cleveland, possibly a cruise or 2, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Diva Days, a casino here and there and the Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert. Of course, all this remains to be seen and I will only plan trips if safe and appropriate.

I think this is the shortest update ever!!

Stay safe, stay well, wash your hands, don’t stick your tongue out at people while wearing your mask (the tongue thing is optional!!), do your best and know that I miss you all and pray that things will even out and we can travel again soon.

Sandy

05/08/2020

Just wanted to share our May update . . . well, that’s it!!!! Yup, nothing!!

Want to keep you all in ‘the loop’ – we have cancelled all trips through the month of August – (FROZEN is still on as of right this minute, subject to change), my heart breaks but I have to be realistic. The rest of 2020 destinations are, again, realistically, in jeopardy. My heart says “hang on, there’s still hope for Sept. – Dec., my head says differently. But, for now, my heart wins and we will see what happens. I will let you all know asap.

I know that many of you spend your vacation time with me, and for that I am so grateful. But the last thing I would want is to put 40-50 people on a bus and have one person come down with this evil virus, it’s just not worth it.

Please know that I pray for each and every one of you every day!

As I wrote in my last update – I had planned on Dec. 2020 being the retirement of Western Reserve Tours – I am possibly rethinking this as I contemplate the cancellation of my 2020 schedule. More on this soon.

OK, here are some things to keep you updated:

Jesus Christ, Superstar has been re-scheduled for Aug., 2021

My Fair Lady has been re-scheduled for June, 2021

Cats has not been re-scheduled

As of right now it appears that our Alaska Cruise and our Fall Foliage Cruise are cancelled for 2020 but, God willing, they will be offered for 2021.

Wheeling Downs Casino – April 16- canceled/postponed.

My Fair Lady: Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland Friday, May 1; canceled/postponed.

Diva Day Tour – Monday, May 4, $35 per person - canceled/postponed.

Wine Tasting – Sat., June 27 (?) cancelled

Diva Day Tour – Monday, June 8 cancelled

Cats: Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland Sat., June 13 - cancelled

Quailcrest Spring Garden Fair & Pine Tree Barn – Sunday, June 14th - cancelled

Niagara-on-the-Lake – Shaw Festival – cancelled

* * * * *

So Far, So Good unless otherwise noted:

FROZEN - Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland – THURSDAY, AUG. 13 - $115 per person, we have main floor seats for the 7:30 p.m. performance at The State Theater!!!!! 5:30 p.m. departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 6:00 p.m. departs Litehouse Pools

Wine Tasting – tba –fall.

ALASKA ! –cancelled

New England Fall Foliage Cruise - cancelled

Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster, Pa. –“Queen Esther” – Oct. 7-8 - $279.00 per person based on double occupancy

Diva Day!! - Monday, Oct. 12 - $tba per person – Upscale shopping at consignment and second hand shops– extra discounts, refreshments, etc. We will be raising monies for Breast cancer Awareness. Destinations and details soon.

Casino – Oct. 15-16 – being planned

Deluxe NYC – Oct. – Nov. – being planned

Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster, Pa. – 3-day, 2-night being planned. Queen Esther at Sight & Sound. Tentatively Nov. 11 – 13 - $tba

Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert, Severance Hall – Sunday, Dec. tba, $tba

As you can well imagine, the motorcoach industry has been hit especially hard, no bailout, no help – be sure to watch the news on Wednesday, May 13 – there is going to be a rally in Washington, D.C. of, literally, hundreds of motorcoaches from all across the U.S. will be converging on D.C. – it’s going to be EPIC!!!!!

I pray that each and every one of you are staying home, staying healthy, washing your hands, getting outside when you can and doing the best you can during these unprecedented times. Myself and my family are doing fine – hunkered down, having Wine with DeWine daily and trying to stay positive. Am I scared? You bet I am! I’m scared for the world, our country, our families, our friends. I am in awe of our Ohio Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton – because of them, we here in Ohio are on a much better path of eventual recovery. We all must stay diligent – stay home, call ahead and get your grocery needs as curb side pick ups, go outside and get some fresh air, don’t visit anyone, check on your loved ones by phone/email/FaceBook, be wary of phone and on-line scams, these low life jerks never miss an opportunity to take your money! None of us are alone in this, if you need some, ask for it, if you need to talk, call me!

Happy Mother’s Day – enjoy the day!!
Hang in there – “We’re all in this together”

04/07/2020

Hmmm, where does one begin . . .

Number one, I pray that each and every one of you are staying home, staying healthy, washing your hands, getting outside when you can and doing the best you can during these unprecedented times. Myself and my family are doing fine – hunkered down, having Wine with DeWine daily and trying to stay positive. Am I scared? You bet I am! I’m scared for the world, our country, our families, our friends. I am in awe of our Ohio Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton – because of them, we here in Ohio are on a much better path of eventual recovery. We all must stay diligent – stay home, call ahead and get your grocery needs as curb side pick ups, go outside and get some fresh air, don’t visit anyone, check on your loved ones by phone/email/FaceBook, be wary of phone and on-line scams, these low life jerks never miss an opportunity to take your money! None of us are alone in this, if you need, ask for it, if you need to talk, call me!

Looking out my window right now I see hope!! I see trees leafing out, my rhubarb is up, tulip bulbs are ready to burst, these things all tell me to stay positive, that things will work out – just gonna take time. The sun just popped out . . . I’d call that a sign!!

Hang in there – “We’re all in this together”!

A few things I am personally doing during the pandemic:

- Tried working out at home – jogging in place in the living room, wasn’t sure I could move fast enough to get out of the way of the entire entertainment unit falling – decided that was a bad idea. Registered a 2.4 earthquake centered in Randolph.

- Made masks out of bandanas – Larry and I donned them yesterday when we went to pick up our taxes – we looked like two geriatric thugs

- Trying to practice social distancing between me the refrigerator – not working so far.

Just to get you all caught up on our trips:

We have no idea at this time when we will get back to traveling – no matter how much I miss you all I will not take trips until we all feel comfortable and safe. As most of you know, the end of 2020 will mark the retirement of Western Reserve Tours . . . I sure didn’t plan on canceling half of our schedule, but Covid-19 had other plans. If all goes well, I would like to think we can get back on the road sometime in July-August – who knows?? I really doubt that June is possible, again, who knows??

Here is our “schedule” for now:

Wheeling Downs Casino – April 16- canceled/postponed.

My Fair Lady: Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland Friday, May 1; canceled/postponed.

Diva Day Tour – Monday, May 4, $35 per person - canceled/postponed.

Wine Tasting – Sat., June 27 (?) - $67.50 per person includes TheBus, 4 wineries & lunch at Freeport!

Diva Day Tour – Monday, June 8 (?) - $ and destination tba

Cats: Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland Sat., June 13 (?); $87.50 pp –
11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breath- taking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater – “Memory”. Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Quailcrest Spring Garden Fair & Pine Tree Barn – Sunday, June 14th (?), $36.50 per person

Niagara-on-the-Lake – Shaw Festival – our play this year is GYPSY!!!!! – Aug. 5-7 - $575 per person/based on double occupancy. One of our favorite destinations!

FROZEN - Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland – THURSDAY, AUG. 13 - $115 per person, we have main floor seats for the 7:30 p.m. performance at The State Theater!!!!! 5:30 p.m. departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 6:00 p.m. departs Litehouse Pools

Wine Tasting – tba –fall.

ALASKA ! – Aug. 26 – Sept. 5 – booking now, call for details! This one is booking really well – a Bucket List trip for sure!!!!! Call for detailed flyer and information packet. We have limited space still available.

New England Fall Foliage Cruise on the New Sky Princess – Sept. 18 –26– bus from Randolph Fairgrounds to NYC – call for detailed itinerary and prices. AWESOME CRUISE!

Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster, Pa. –“Queen Esther” – Oct. 7-8 - $279.00 per person based on double occupancy

Diva Day!! - Monday, Oct. 12 - $tba per person – Upscale shopping at consignment and second hand shops– extra discounts, refreshments, etc. We will be raising monies for Breast cancer Awareness. Destinations and details soon.

Casino – Oct. 15-16 – being planned

Deluxe NYC – Oct. – Nov. – being planned

Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster, Pa. – 3-day, 2-night being planned. Queen Esther at Sight & Sound. Tentatively Nov. 11 – 13 - $tba

Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert, Severance Hall – Sunday, Dec. tba, $tba

03/18/2020

Just want to touch base with all of you good people and let you know Western Reserve Tours is alive and well ~ just taking a little hiatus ~ pretending I am at the beach with a Cabana Boy approaching me with a glass of wine and a nice cheese tray ~ oh wait, it’s Larry!! He’s got a glass of Dr. Pepper and a bowl of Cheetos – noooooooooooooo!! OK, that’s it – this virus has got to go!!! But in the mean time, please please everyone, take this seriously! Stay home if you can, physically distance yourself when you can, support your local restaurants, etc., thank those who have to work and WASH YOUR DANG HANDS!!!!! Oh, and don’t French kiss any strangers ~ hey, I don’t make the rules!!!

As of right now we are cancelling or postponing the following: Wheeling Downs Casino (April 16-17), My Fair Lady (May 1) and Diva Day (May 4).

There is no way to predict how soon we will be able to resume our schedule ~ I will update you all the best I can.

Hang in there everybody, be kind, be patient, this is a great time to do a Random Act of Kindness – we will get through this.

Love you all ~

Sandy

God Bless the USA!

02/24/2020

Quick Head's Up:

MGM Casino - Northfield Park - Tuesday, March 10, 2020
8:45 a.m. – leave Randolph Fairgrounds - 9:00 a.m. – leave A & W parking lot on Rt. 59
$35 per person Casino Incentive: $25 free play + FREE LUNCH BUFFET!
Make sure you bring valid ID with you! Call Sandy Herring – 330-325-7330 to make reservations Full payment is required to hold your reservation

Jesus Christ Superstar: Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland – only 6 tickets left!
Sat., March 14; $94.50 pp - 11:30 departs Rootstown McDonalds (note change in pick up spot), 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools

Wheeling Downs Casino – April 16-17 - $99 pp/based on double occupancy – leaves from Randolph Fairgrounds & A & W in Ravenna, includes TheBus, one nights lodging, one breakfast buffet + $25 free play!

Wine Tasting – tentative date: Sat., June 27 – Pa. wineries and Freeport Restaurant – yum!!!!!

Niagara-on-the-Lake – Shaw Festival – Aug. 5-7 – our play this year is GYPSY!!!!! – $575 per person, based on double occupancy.

FROZEN - Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland – THURSDAY, AUG. 13 - $115 per person, we have main floor seats for the 7:30 p.m. performance at The State Theater!!!!! 5:30 p.m. departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 6:00 p.m. departs Litehouse Pools – Call right away as this one will sell out very quickly!

Call me! 330-325-7330
Sandy Herring, BusMom

02/12/2020

Jesus Christ Superstar: Sat., March 14; $94.50 pp - 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.
PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU WANT TO GO AS WE WILL HAVE TO CONFIRM OUR TICKET NUMBERS BY THE MIDDLE OF FEBRUARY!

Call me asap!! 330-325-7330, Sandy Herring, BusMom

01/27/2020

BIG OLE 'HEAD'S UP' -

Please give me a call asap - 330-325-7330!
Sandy Herring, BusMom
Need more folks to sign up for Cleveland Home & Garden Show at the IX Center - have to make this LAST CALL:

CLEVELAND HOME & GARDEN SHOW – Mon., Feb. 3 - $38.50 per person, leaves from Randolph Fairgrounds (9:30 a.m.) with a pick up at Litehouse Pools in C.Falls/Stow (10:00 a.m.) Please call me right away on this one!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - 50th Anniversary!: Sat., March 14; $94.50 pp - 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.
PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU WANT TO GO AS WE WILL HAVE TO CONFIRM OUR TICKET NUMBERS BY THE MIDDLE OF FEBRUARY!

01/19/2020

BRRRRRRRRRR – you’d think it was January in Ohio – oh wait . . . it is!!!!

So let’s concentrate on fun stuff – lots of great adventures coming up and in the planning stages. Take a look, give me a call (330-325-7330) and let’s get this party started!!

Jersey Boys: Sat., Jan. 25, 2020; $99.50 pp – 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
SOLD OUT!

CLEVELAND HOME & GARDEN SHOW – Mon., Feb. 3 - $38.50 per person, leaves from Randolph Fairgrounds with a pick up at Litehouse Pools in C.Falls/Stow. Please call me right away on this one!

Anastasia: Friday, Feb. 7; $93.50 pp - 5:30 p.m. departure from Randolph, 6:00 p.m. from Litehouse Pools
SORRY – WE HAVE TO CANCEL.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Sat., March 14; $94.50 pp - 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.
PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU WANT TO GO AS WE WILL HAVE TO CONFIRM OUR TICKET NUMBERS BY THE MIDDLE OF FEBRUARY!

My Fair Lady: Friday, May 1; $95.50 pp - 5:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 6:00 departs Litehouse Pools
My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?

DIVA DAY !!! – Monday, May 4 – more info soon!!!!! We will be raising monies for Children’s Hosp. – Colin Carr Fund, Palliative Care.

CATS: Sat., June 13; $87.50 pp - 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breath- taking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater – “Memory”. Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Frozen : 2020 date tba. Prices and times coming soon!!!!!
This is the timeless tale of a family, pulled apart by a mysterious secret. As one young woman struggles to find her voice and harness her powers within, the other embarks on an epic adventure to bring her family together once and for all. Both are searching for love. They just don’t know where to find it!

British Isles Cruise – England~Ireland~Scotland!!! Aboard the Regal Princess– July 26-Aug. 8, 2020 – call for a detailed flyer.

7 Night Alaskan Cruise Plus 3-Nights Land! Aboard The Coral Princess – Aug. 26 – September 5, 2020 – simply an amazing experience that we cannot wait to do again!!!! Call for a detailed flyer!
I HAVE A VERY NICE LADY WHO IS POSSIBLY GOING TO NEED A TRAVEL PARTNER – ANYONE INTERESTED??

New England Fall Foliage Cruise – Sept. 18 – 26, 2020 aboard the new Sky Princess– this will be our 5th year in a row for this awesome adventure! Call for a detailed flyer!

Sight & Sound – Lancaster, Pa. – Queen Esther Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake New York City

MORE TO BE ADDED ASAP!

11/01/2019

NOVEMBER . . . WHAT???!!!!
What happened to September and October????

Holy Cow – our holiday adventures are sneaking up rather quickly so here’s a HEAD’S UP on the following amazing holiday trips:

White Christmas – Playhouse Sq., Cleveland – Friday, Dec. 13 - $94.50 pp.
IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written! Give everyone the gift they’re dreaming of with this merry and bright holiday musical.
4:30 p.m. departure from Randolph, 5:00 p.m. from Litehouse Pools –
WE NEED @15 MORE SIGN UPS FOR THIS TRIP!

Mean Girls – Playhouse Sq., Cleveland – Sunday, Dec. 1 - $93.50 pp.
This dazzling and hilarious musical tells the story of Cady Heron, a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies!!
5:30 p.m. departure from Randolph, 6:00 p.m. from Litehouse Pools – NOT LOOKING GOOD AT THIS TIME.

Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert, Severance Hall – Sunday, Dec. 15, $139.50 includes TheBus, awesome lunch buffet at The Akron Women’s City Club and reserved seating for the Christmas Concert at Severance Hall.
MY DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IN CLEVELAND IS MONDAY, NOV. 4 – WE HAVE SEATS AVAILABLE BUT AFTER MONDAY I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESERVE ADDITIONAL SEATING AS THE CONCERT IS SOLD OUT!!!!!

A fun thing to do tomorrow!
Relay for Life Craft Bazaar – Sat., Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at First Christian Church, 3493 Darrow Rd., Stow. I will be presenting the Relay for Life Team a check for $1,900 at the craft show tomorrow. Our Divas raised this incredible amount on our Diva Day bus on Monday, Oct. 14 for Breast cancer Research!!

2020 Playhouse Square, Broadway Series, Cleveland:

Jersey Boys: Sat., Jan. 25, 2020; $99.50 pp – 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
They were just four guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story -- a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.

Anastasia: Friday, Feb. 7; $93.50 pp - 5:30 p.m. departure from Randolph, 6:00 p.m. from Litehouse Pools
Anastasia transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920’s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past and embarks on a grand adventure to help her find home, love and family.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Sat., March 14; $94.50 pp - 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

My Fair Lady: Friday, May 1; $95.50 pp - 5:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 6:00 departs Litehouse Pools
My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?

Cats: Sat., June 13; $87.50 pp - 11:30 departs Randolph Fairgrounds, 12:00 departs Litehouse Pools
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breath- taking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater – “Memory”. Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Frozen : 2020 date tba. Prices and times coming soon!!!!!
This is the timeless tale of a family, pulled apart by a mysterious secret. As one young woman struggles to find her voice and harness her powers within, the other embarks on an epic adventure to bring her family together once and for all. Both are searching for love. They just don’t know where to find it!

Bahamas Cruise on the Anthem of the Seas – March 28 – April 5, 2020 – call for a detailed flyer, etc.

British Isles Cruise – England~Ireland~Scotland!!! – July 26-Aug. 8, 2020 – call for a detailed flyer.

Sight & Sound – Lancaster, Pa. – Queen Esther Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake New York City

Lots more to be announced!!!!!

Call me – 330-325-7330 – Sandy Herring, BusMom, Western Reserve Tours