Tampa has a brand new Museum of Art! The visiting exhibit is "American Impressionists in the Garden." The art of gardening paralleled the art of painting. Early 20^th century America witnessed a mania for the garden and eagerly showed an interest in the art of gardening. The exhibit features paintings depicting European and American gardens by American Impressionist artists as well as 4 bronze sculptures created by American artists for the garden.

Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit, admire the fascinating design of this new museum building and browse its gift shop.

Lunch is included at the famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.

Departure Time: 10:00 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 3:45 pm
Cost: $46.00
Maximum: 45

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October 22        Chihuly Collection/Glass Studio and Hot Shop
Friday                 Lunch at the St. Pete Yacht Club

Sometimes what glitters isn’t gold – it’s glass. There is a new museum on the waterfront in St. Pete.! Dale Chihuly, the Seattle-based glass artist, who has produced news-garnering exhibits around the world, is now represented by a permanent collection in a new gallery in St. Petersburg. It is the only place in which Chihuly’s work is presented without any other competing collections. One room is dedicated to his dazzling chandeliers. We will tour the exhibit and then move on to the Morean Arts Center and its Hot Shop/Glass Studio and Metal Shop for a glass blowing demonstration. While seated comfortably, we will watch working artists create magnificent glass pieces using thousand year old techniques. Visit the retail store and view the art gallery.

To add to the excitement, we have included a very special lunch on the Bay at the famous St. Pete Yacht Club. Don’t miss this one!

Departure time: 9:00 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 4:00 pm
Cost: $52.00
Maximum: 45

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October 29         Tour of the Patel Conservatory and the Straz
Friday                   Center Theaters. Lunch by Maestro’s in the Performing Arts Center Lobby.
                               Musical presentation by the Tampa Opera Apprentices.

Designed especially for us, we will have a guided walking tour of the Patel Conservatory and hear about its amazing variety of classes for children and adults. A backstage tour of the theaters that make up the newly named Straz Center for Performing Arts, will reveal the technical equipment used in stage events. Learn about all of the wonderful activities that take place in this fine complex.

The tour ends in the lobby of Morsani Hall where Maestro’s will cater a luncheon for us. We will be entertained with a short musical presentation by the Tampa Opera Apprentices. The menu is Stuffed Chicken Florentine over rice, salad and white cake with rum and coconut icing topped with Drunken Berries. Those wanting a vegetarian entree, Vegetarian Napoleon, should call Carolyn Deming at 633-2241 well ahead of the tour.

Departure Time: 9:00 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 2:30 pm
Cost: $41.00
Maximum: 45

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November 5         Tampa Post Office Processing Center
Friday                     International Mall for lunch OYO and Shopping
 

How do all of those letters and packages get to their destination??? Let’s find out by visiting the Main Post Office in Tampa located near the Tampa Airport. We will have a guided tour behind the scenes where we will see the special machines needed to process and distribute mail. Learn about bulk mailing, express mail, special packaging, and maybe we can find out when the next stamp price increase will occur.

The International Mall is nearby and has some of the best restaurants in town. Lunch OYO. Have an elegant lunch at one of the Mall’s restaurants on Bay Street or indulge in faster food and have more time to shop.

Departure Time: 845 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 3:00 pm      No wheelchairs. Walkers permitted
Cost: $22.00                            No cameras
Maximum: 45                           Closed shoes only. No sandals.

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November 14         "The Merry Widow" at the Straz Performing in Ferguson Hall (mezzanine seating)
Sunday matinee     Arts Center. Dinner at the Marriott Waterside

Often called the "Queen of Operettas" this is certainly the most celebrated and successful show of its kind ever written. Franz Lehar’s operetta receives an updated approach by Artistic Director and Resident composer of Opera Tampa, Maestro Anton Coppola. It focuses on the rich and newly widowed Hanna Glawari and Barron Zeta’s hope that he can keep Hannna and her millions in his bankrupt country. In earlier years the widow has been played by famed actresses Mae Murray, Jeannette MacDonald and Lana Turner.

Following this delightful musical afternoon will be dinner OYO at the handsome Marriott Waterside in Tampa.

Departure Time: 12:45 pm (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 6:45 pm
Cost: $49            (price reduced from $79!!!)
Maximum: 35
 

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November 19         Plant City
Friday

Departure time: 9:00 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 4:00 pm
Cost: $24.00
Maximum: 45

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Departure time: 4:30 pm (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 9:00 pm
Cost: $65.00
Maximum: 45