Local Field Trips
Field trip registration is first-come, first-served. Fees must be paid with registration.
Cancellations may only be made by contacting Registration Services at (205) 348-3000 or (866) 432-2015.
Refunds will not be issued after the trip cancellation deadline. Substitutions are not allowed.
If a field trip is full, you may request to be placed on a waitlist.
If you have questions about the trip, contact the trip leader or call OLLI at (205) 348-6482.
Members may participate in trips from any of the chapters TUSCALOOSA – GREATER BIRMINGHAM – GADSDEN
TUSCALOOSA FIELD TRIPS
Unless otherwise stated in the trip details, Tuscaloosa trips will depart and return to the Bryant Conference Center (BCC), 240 Paul W Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa.
TUS 201 Fossil Collection Trip
Friday, Sept. 15 Refund Deadline: Sept. 1
Trip Leader: Mary Jane Manning (mary_jane_manning@hotmail.com)
Depart BCC: 8:30 a.m.
Return BCC: 3 p.m.
Fee: $31 (transportation and lunch)
Activity Level: moderate to difficult (walking on uneven terrain and wading in shallow creek)
Join us for a fascinating fossil expedition! Explore the Natural History Museum to marvel at the state fossil – an ancient whale. Then, embark on a hunt for 84-million-year-old fossils in the Eutaw formation, primarily focusing on sharks’ teeth. You’ll have the opportunity to dig and sieve and keep your findings. Enjoy a picnic-style boxed lunch and receive an informative packet about the fossils.
TUS 202 Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa (TROT), Cottondale
Friday, Sept. 22 Refund deadline: Sept. 6
Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)
Depart BCC: 9:15 a.m.
Return BCC: 12:45 p.m.
Fee: $19 (transportation)
Activity Level: easy/moderate (standing, walking)
Join us for an inspiring visit to TROT! Discover how TROT provides equine therapy for Tuscaloosa residents with disabilities and collaborates with GOAT to bring joy to nursing home residents. Meet therapy horses and goats, learn about their care and diets, and explore TROT’s diverse therapeutic programs for children and veterans. The tour is free, and donations are appreciated. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch and socialize before returning to BCC.
TUS 203 A Day with the Arts in Birmingham
Friday, Sept. 29
Trip Leader: Amelia Yessick (ameliaheath@hotmail.com)
Refund Deadline: Sept. 21
Depart BCC: 8:45 a.m.
Return BCC: 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $85 (transportation)
Activity Level: Easy, moderate standing and walking
Discover the vibrant art scene of Birmingham through guided tours of the Birmingham Museum of Art and UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts. Explore classic and contemporary artworks, including the works of fiber artist Jacqueline Surdell and painter Michael Dixon. Enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch. Join us for a day of artistic inspiration and cultural exploration.
TUS 204 An Exclusive Taste of India with Rama Pidikiti
Friday, Sept. 29 Refund Deadline: Sept. 15
Meet: Rama’s Home
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fee: $50
Activity Level: Easy
Join Rama Pidikiti, instructor of the “Taste of India” class, as she invites OLLI members into her home for a deeper exploration of Indian food, culture and her passion for entertaining. Discover the rich traditions and flavors firsthand in this exclusive opportunity to experience authentic Indian hospitality.
TUS 205 Folsom-Moore-Webb-Holmes Plantation and AL Aquatic Biodiversity Center, Marion, AL)
Friday, October 6
Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)
Refund deadline: Sept. 21
Depart: 8:30 a.m. Bryant Conference Center (BCC)
Return: 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $85 (transportation and tour)
Activity Level: moderate (standing, walking indoors and outside on uneven ground)
Experience two distinct farming experiences on this trip! Explore a historic plantation with buildings from the 1820s, learn about its evolution over 200 years, and glimpse into the lives of the enslaved. After a Dutch-treat lunch, visit the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center to discover the conservation efforts and fascinating natural history of Alabama’s diverse ecosystem.
TUS 206 Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail
Friday, Oct. 13
Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)
Cancellation deadline: Thursday, September 28
Depart BCC: 1:30 p.m.
Return BCC: 4 p.m.
Fee: $0
Activity level: Moderate (walking indoors and outdoors, extended standing)
Join us on a guided tour of significant civil rights sites in Tuscaloosa. Explore the Malone Hood Plaza and Foster Auditorium on the UA campus, reflecting on the events of June 1963. From there, we will visit other pivotal locations, some by bus and others on foot. Donations are appreciated to support this insightful tour experience.
TUS 207 Northport Miniature Train Experience
Friday, Oct. 27
Trip Leader: Sheree Miller, (evergreens3@yahoo.com) and Dan Miller
Refund deadline: October 19
Meet: 10:00 a.m. Northport Depot, 725 25th Avenue,
Northport, AL 35476
Fee: $9 (lunch)
Activity level: easy (short distance walking, standing indoors)
Discover the captivating world of model trains at the historic Northport Depot with the Black Warrior Model Railroad Club. Learn about the history of miniature trains, witness them in action, and explore the preserved train depot and caboose. Immerse yourself in this fascinating hobby and enjoy a delightful Dutchtreat box lunch next to real train tracks. Don’t miss this opportunity to relive childhood memories and appreciate the artistry of miniature trains.
TUS 208 Geology Field Trip of Tuscaloosa County
Tuesday, Nov. 14
Trip leader: Philip Malone (Philipgmalone@gmail.com)
Refund Deadline: Nov. 1
Depart BCC: 8 a.m.
Return BCC: 5 p.m.
Fee: $22 (van transportation)
Activity Level: Easy to moderate (walking and standing)
Explore diverse geological formations at various locations in Tuscaloosa County. Discover rock outcrops and notable sites in the city of Tuscaloosa. Enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch at a local restaurant. Join us for a fascinating journey through the geological wonders of our area.
TUS 209 Tuscaloosa Heritage Tour
Trip leader: Tommy Britain
Dec. 12
Starts: 10 a.m.
Ends: 2 p.m.
Activity Level: Easy to moderate (walking and standing)
Fee: $0
On this downtown Tuscaloosa Christmas Home Tour, explore beautifully decorated historic homes, including the Battle Friedman House, Jemison Mansion, and Murphy House. Enjoy the festive ambiance and learn about local history. Free tour with donation option. Meet at Jemison House. Dutch treat lunch. Experience the holiday charm of downtown Tuscaloosa.
GREATER BIRMINGHAM FIELD TRIPS
BHM 201 Urban Exploration: City Walk BHAM and Protective Stadium Excursion
Friday, Sept. 22
Refund Deadline: Sept. 8
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center to board the bus downtown.
Trip Leader: Beth White (wytehaus1@msn.com)
Return: 2:30 p.m.
Activity level: Moderate (lots of walking)
Fee: $23 (transportation)
Join us for a unique excursion to City Walk BHAM and Protective Stadium. Explore the vibrant City Walk BHAM, a transformative city park, with a guided one-mile walking tour led by Toni Dennis. Discover pickleball courts, recreational areas, public art displays and more. Afterward, enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch. Then, go behind the scenes of Protective Stadium with Jackson Seawell at 1 pm.
BHM 202 Natural Oasis: Burritt on the Mountain and Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Friday, Oct. 13
Refund Deadline: Sept. 22
Trip Leader: Pam Moore (pamlmoore@hotmail.com)
Meet at Riverchase United Methodist Church at 8:15 a.m. and board the passenger van.
Space is limited so please register early. We expect to return before 6 p.m.
Fees: $60 (transportation and admission)
Embark on a captivating journey to Huntsville, the “Rocket City,” to explore its rich history and natural beauty. Discover Round Top Mountain for breathtaking city views, tour the historic mansion of Dr. William Henry Burritt and visit the replica schoolhouse of Dorothy Davidson Rosenwald. Enjoy a delightful Dutch-treat lunch before continuing our adventure at the enchanting Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Explore meadows, woodland paths, fascinating aquatic habitats and perhaps even encounter a magnificent butterfly up close.
BHM 203 Historical Experiences: Alabama Frontier Days – Fort Toulouse Alabama
Saturday, Nov. 4
Refund Deadline: Oct. 20
Trip Leader: Pam Moore (pamlmoore@hotmail.com)
Meet at the Riverchase United Methodist church at 8:15 a.m. and board the passenger van. Visit site.
Dutch-treat lunch. Return to Birmingham by 5 p.m.
Fee: $40 (transportation and admission)
Experience history the OLLI way, as we delve into one of Alabama’s most authentic living-history events. Witness skilled frontiersmen and women showcasing their trades, stroll amidst balladeers, entertainers, musicians, and perhaps even witness the magic of a magician. History buffs will have a unique opportunity to glimpse into the frontier life of the Creek tribe, French soldiers, and their families.
BHM 204 OLLI Gets Festive: Wacky Tacky Christmas Lights Tour
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Refund Deadline: Nov. 21
Trip Leader: Mary Hawkins (hawkinster@msn.com)
Board Themed Tour Bus at 6 p.m.
Fee: $45 (all funds will be donated to the event organizer, Fresh Air Family)
OLLI is embracing festive spirit by embarking on a guided excursion to explore the most whimsically themed holiday displays in the area. From Santa’s Trailer Park to Dueling Neighbors, Star Wars Christmas to Hanukkah House, we’ll encounter a delightful array of about a dozen large displays and several smaller ones. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tour as our guides take care of the driving.
GADSDEN FIELD TRIPS
GAD 201 Blue Bell Creamery/Comer Museum
September 22
Refund Deadline: September 7
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Depart 8:30 a.m.
Return 6 p.m.
Fee: $40
Activity Level: Easy
Experience the fascinating process of ice cream making at Blue Bell Creamery and explore the rich heritage of the museum’s remarkable collection. Discover captivating exhibits, including the Sylacauga History Room, Pioneer Room, Civil War display, and World War II memorabilia. Don’t miss the chance to view prized memorabilia from local icons. With an ever-changing art display and a visit to the marble quarry, this itinerary promises a memorable experience. Join us for this enriching adventure, starting at the museum and concluding with a delicious lunch and dessert at the creamery.
GAD 202 Ave Maria Grotto/Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
October 6
Refund Deadline: September 28
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Depart 8:30 a.m.
Return 6 p.m.
Fee: $26
Activity Level: Moderate (walking at the Grotto)
On October 6, embark on a captivating journey to Ave Maria Grotto, a miniature replica of Jerusalem. Located at St. Bernard Abbey, this tranquil site showcases meticulously crafted stone and cement structures by Brother Joseph Zoetl. Follow the winding pathway through these marvels to a stunning hillside grotto. After a delightful lunch, marvel at the Church of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, radiating Franciscan devotion and adorned with exquisite stained-glass windows and hand-carved stations of the Cross. Immerse yourself in the sacred ambiance of this remarkable destination.
GAD 203 “Bright Star” at the Whole Backstage Theatre
September 29
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Refund Deadline: September 19
Depart: 4 p.m.
Return: 10 p.m.
Fee: $50
Activity Level: Easy
GAD 204 La Grange, GA
October 27 – 29
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Refund Deadline: October 1
Depart 8:30 a.m.
Return 6 p.m.
Fee: $380 dbl, $475 single
Activity Level: Moderate (some walking)
Starting on October 27, join us for a delightful 2-night trip to LaGrange, GA. Experience the Beacon Brewery and Nutwood Winery, followed by a scrumptious winery lunch. Relax at the hotel before exploring the stunning Hills and Dales gardens and mansion. Immerse yourself in the ancient biblical world at the Biblical History Center, with fascinating tombs, a replicated village, and unique dining. Enjoy a leisurely Sunday breakfast before departing, leaving with cherished memories of this enriching getaway.
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