TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 4 — Our travels today begin with our journey to the beautiful Outer Banks, with our evening stop in Beckley, West Virginia. Dinner will be at the Tamarack, with shopping time there. This is the nation's first and only statewide collection of handmade crafts, arts, and cuisine. A one-of-a-kind shopping and cultural experience with 59,000-square-feet of retail and over 2,000 juried artists. Lodging will be at the Country Inn & Suites in Beckley.

WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 5 — Start your morning with a hot breakfast buffet. Today, we will see the Exhibition Coal Mine, which is the largest and most popular coal heritage destination in the region, featuring a visit to the extensive collection of mining artifacts and tools, geological specimens, photographs, and remnants of early life among the coal towns of southern West Virginia. The main attraction, under the supervision of an experienced veteran coal miner, is a tour that takes visitors below ground. You can explore the historical coal camp situated throughout the grounds. Upon leaving, we will travel to Nags Head, North Carolina, for a three-night’s stay at the Comfort Inn South.

THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 6 — Enjoy a hot breakfast and depart for the Wright Brothers Park and Memorial. This is where Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first powered airplane flight. Then onto the village of Manteo on Roanoke Island. You'll meet sailors, like those who sailed across the Atlantic in 1585, when you tour the Elizabeth II, a representative of a 16th century sailing ship. These interpreters bring the history of the voyages to life. At the Settlement Site, you will encounter soldiers bravely facing the challenges of the New World. In the Roanoke Adventure Museum, you will find interactive exhibits exploring the 400 years of Outer Banks history since America's beginning. You will also have time for some rest: a walk on the beach, quite time on your balcony, or relaxing on the deck in the afternoon.

FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 7 — Begin the morning with a hot buffet in the breakfast area that overlooks the ocean. Then it's off to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. You can also take the ferry from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island (once home to the infamous pirate Blackbeard). Enjoy a seafood lunch buffet on the island plus free time to explore the many quaint boutiques and galleries, or stop by the lighthouse for photos and take a stroll along Silver Lake

SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 8 — This morning we will be checking out of the hotel and departing for Corolla. A stop will be made at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Then to Mt. Airy, North Carolina, the home of Mayberry! Dinner will be at the impressive Depot in Dobson, with a rustic and functional water wheel and a supporting cast of stuffed wild animals. The Depot has the reputation of being one of the best restaurants in this corner of North Carolina.

SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 9 — This morning you will enjoy a "Windshield" City Tour of Mayberry. Mayberry fans will see The Andy Griffith Museum, the Old City Jail, Floyd's City Barber Shop, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, TV Land’s Landmark Andy & Opie Statue, Andy's Home, Mayberry Courthouse, and Wally's Service Station. The main street area is loaded with unique shops and places for lunch, including the Snappy Lunch Diner, which was made famous by the TV show. After our Mayberry adventure we will continue into Parkersburg, West Virginia. Lodging will be at the historic Blennerhassett Hotel. Built in 1889, the hotel effortlessly blends the past and future with seamless integration of the elegant nature of its bygone era and the modern comforts of today.

MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 10 — Today we’ll start our trek homeward. On our way we will tour the Anthony Thomas Candy Factory in Columbus, Ohio, and learn how chocolates are made. You'll be surprised by some of the company's well-known customers. Naturally, there's a store where you’ll be delighted by the samples and sweet treats. Then we’ll arrive at the Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City, Ohio, just in time for a fabulous family style lunch. These friendly meals include baskets of warm bread, generous platters of chicken and roast beef, and a variety of savory side dishes to pass and share, as well as a trip to the salad bar and the perfect finishing touch — a piece of their legendary pie. Following lunch, we’ll have time to wander through the bakery, where everything is made fresh daily. In addition, Der Dutchman also has two floors where guests can browse for beautiful gifts and home decor at Carlisle Gifts. A tour of one of the Piatt Castles is next. It's like a little bit of Europe in Ohio. Then it will be time for us to return home with wonderful memories of the past seven days.