Yankee Trails

518.286.2400 | yankeetrails.com Upstate New York M A Y 2 0 1 9 27 A St. Pete's Beach Journey Judy's Journal Our 17-day trip from the Capital Region began on Friday with 25 passengers boarding the luxury Yankee Trails motorcoach for sunny St. Petersburg, Florida (3 passengers flew down). Spirits were high as we traveled to our first destination for a quiet evening at the Comfort Inn in Frederick, Maryland. On Saturday, we departed at 8:00 a.m. for our journey southbound. After a stop for lunch at Ruby Tuesday's in Smithfield, NC, we all enjoyed the beautiful scenery of budding white blooms and yellow jasmine as we continued on to our next overnight stay at the Hampton Inn in Bluffton, SC, where several passengers gathered for dinner at the Golden Corral. Another early morning departure was rewarded by an early arrival in Tampa, Florida where we enjoyed a relaxing evening after settling into our "home" for the next 11 days. Our first full day in Florida welcomed warm weather, gorgeous views and a spectacular sunset on the Gulf of Mexico. The next day our weather was questionable so the Clearwater Aquarium was an opportune substitute instead of our scheduled boat ride, and we topped the evening off with a delicious dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse. The weather cooperated over the next few days as we continued our fun-filled week. Our passengers thrilled with the Big Cat Habitat featuring wondrous, exotic animals, and the Strawberry Festival did not disappoint with the music, exhibitions and, of course, strawberry shortcake! Our itinerary also included a beach party, the Tampa Bay History Center, the Wagon Wheel Flea Market, a performance of "Chicago," the Ringling Museum, and a baseball game with the Yankees vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. Culinary delights were enjoyed by all at PJ's Seafood, Columbia House, and a sunset pizza party! We reversed the trip home and returned safely to the Capital Region with very satisfied and relaxed passengers.

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