Heroes & Hometown Legends

After breakfast, we depart for a full slate of veteran events in Clarksville. On arrival, we check into our hotel, our home for the next four nights.  The celebration kicks off with a Welcome Home Veterans Celebration at Oak Grove Gaming to welcome the escorted arrival of the exhibits. Afterward, we enjoy a visit to the gaming floor of Oak Grove Gaming.   Tonight, at Valor Hall, Mission BBQ will be serving a delicious dinner and we will have an opening ceremony before returning to our hotel.  Hampton Inn Suites, Clarksville, TN

This morning, we attend Breakfast with a Hero, a moving and powerful event, complete with a delicious breakfast.  Later, we visit the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, which offers a unique variety of art, history and fun.  Then, it’s time for the Great Biscuit Bake Off at the Tanglewood House.  We divide into teams and make our own biscuits before eating a delicious lunch.  We continue to Beachaven Winery for a tour and tasting at the largest, family-owned winery in the state of Tennessee.  We have free time at our hotel to get ready for more evening festivities. This is a great night for a picnic!  We head over to Oak Grove Gaming’s Equestrian Center for the official opening ceremony, dinner, and Wreath Laying at the Welcome Home Veterans Celebration exhibits.  This is a moving evening that includes a Massing of the Colors, special music from our high school choirs, wreath laying and special speakers.  Hampton Inn Suites, Clarksville, TN

We step back in time with a visit to Fort Defiance. Overlooking the confluence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, Fort Defiance will share Clarksville’s Civil War story with interactive displays, re-enactors, and a guided tour. Our Veteran’s celebration continues with the Valor Lunch, honoring National POW/MIA Recognition Day. We will have a keynote speaker, a delicious meal, and will present 10 Quilts of Valor. After lunch, we visit Miss Lucille’s Marketplace for a fun bit of shopping in their unique market. If you love vintage, handmade or upcycled items, this is the place for you! Stroll through the many booths or just stop in the café for a coffee and delicious dessert. Next, is a stop-off at Old Glory Distillery to learn about wonderful Tennessee spirits and shop in their great gift shop. Dinner is included at a local restaurant before enjoying the rest of our evening with live entertainment. Hampton Inn Suites, Clarksville, TN

Today begins with “Welcome Home Day” and a Veteran’s Parade, a special recognition of Vietnam Veterans. All military personnel are welcome following the VVA Founding Principle, “Never again will one generation of Veterans abandon another.” Marching units, Color Guards, marching bands and floats will be featured in this wonderful parade through downtown Clarksville. We continue with a stroll through the Downtown Market, voted the best Farmer’s Market in Tennessee, and have lunch on your own from the food trucks or downtown restaurants in the area. This afternoon, we have free time to explore the exhibits at the event headquarters. After dinner at a local venue, it’s time for our final night! Grammy Award winner, CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and American Patriot, Lee Greenwood will delight the crowd with his timeless tunes and unbridled patriotism. Hampton Inn Suites, Clarksville, TN

As our motorcoach turns towards home, we make a stop at the Keokuk National Cemetery for a short visit and view the Unknown Soldiers Monument to honor 48 unknown soldiers buried at this cemetery. Our journey continues north to Burlington, Iowa. Before checking in, we visit the Mississippi Valley Veteran’s Memorial, a memorial that honors the service men and women from the entire region in a beautiful way, a place to meet and to remember. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Burlington, IA

Our final day of travel follows the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Along this route are some of the 71 “Freedom” rocks painted to commemorate veterans. We stop in LeClair, the birthplace of History Channel’s American Pickers, Mike Wolfe, and visit his Antique Archaeology store filled with a deep appreciation of America’s history, values, and stories. Afterward, we begin the final leg of our journey. Welcome home!