Field Trips

Friday, Jan. 31

Cancellation Deadline: Jan. 23

Trip Leader: Annette Vazquez (drnocat@hotmail.com)

Meet: 9:45 a.m. at Riverchase United Methodist Church to carpool

Or Meet: 10:15 a.m. at the Red Mountain Theatre, 1600

3rd Ave. South, Birmingham

End: 2 p.m.

Fee: None

Activity Level: Easy/moderate, walking in the city from one venue to the other

Tour the Red Mountain Theatre’s 60,000 square-foot Arts Campus, a hub for national performers and local talent in Birmingham. Afterward, enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch at a nearby eatery. Next, explore the Negro Southern League Museum, home to the largest collection of Negro League baseball artifacts, including uniforms from Satchel Paige and Willie Wells, the McCallister Trophy and 1,600 single-signed baseballs. This tour offers a rich glimpse into both Birmingham’s arts and sports history. Both tours are free, but donations are accepted.

Tour #1 (202): Friday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.

OR

Tour #2 (203): Friday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m.



Cancellation Deadline: Jan. 29



Trip Leader: Mary Frances Stayton (lovingcats@windstream.net)



Meet: 10 minutes prior to your tour in front of the ElizabethMoore Chocolate Shop, 2742 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham



Fee: None (Free tour with complimentary samples)



Activity Level: Easy/Standing



Participants enjoy a delightful tour of the Elizabeth Moore Chocolate Shop in Pelham, led by world-renowned pastry chef Susan Notter and her team. The tour showcases a variety of products, including Swiss chocolates, bonbons and European truffles. The staff explains the origins of the chocolate while offering samples to taste. Each tour lasts about one hour, with time for shopping afterward.

Friday, Feb. 28

Refund Deadline: Feb. 18

Trip Leader: Gail Sheppard (gakshepp@gmail.com)

Depart: 9:15 a.m. from Riverchase United Methodist Church

Return: 4:15 p.m.

Fee: $35 (Transportation and lunch)

Activity Level: Easy/Moderate, walking in town on sidewalks

Mark Andrew Harris, founder and director of the Dixie Art Colony Foundation, will host this outing, which includes a catered lunch, a presentation and a tour of the current DAC exhibit at the Prattville Creative Arts Center. Learn about the rich history of the Dixie Art Colony, its nationally recognized artists and other artists who played a key role in founding several of the South’s top regional art museums.

Thursday, March 6 – Friday, March 7

Refund Deadline: Feb. 25

Fee: $125 Dbl, $190 Sgl (Transportation and lodging)

Trip Leader Annette Vazquez (drnocat@hotmail.com) and Joyce Cattelane (joyce.cattelane@yahoo.com)

Depart: Thursday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. from Riverchase

United Methodist Church

Return: Friday, March 7, 3 p.m.

Activity Level: Moderate, lots of walking in town and uneven terrains of walking trails

Mentone is a charming mountain village atop Lookout Mountain, known for its vibrant arts community. We will explore shops and galleries featuring local potters, painters, carvers and quilters. Next, we travel to DeSoto Falls and walk the nearby trails. On Thursday night, our group will stay at the DeSoto State Lodge. After a hearty country breakfast at Rim Café, we will travel to Little River Canyon National Preserve on Friday. Home to the nation’s longest mountaintop river, the preserve boasts three major waterfalls: DeSoto Falls, Little River Falls and Grace’s High Falls.

Friday, Jan. 31



Refund Deadline: Jan. 21



Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)



Depart UA Gadsden Center: 8:30 a.m.



Return UA Gadsden Center: 6:00 p.m.



Fee: $40 (Transportation)



Activity Level: Easy



The Evelyn Burrow Museum houses one of the finest collections of porcelain, pottery, and bronze in the United States, featuring over 5,000 objects from the Victorian era to modern times. Museum tours are free, but they request donations. After exploring the museum, we will travel to Hanceville, AL, to visit Dodge City Browser, a unique combination of flower shop, thrift store and antique store. Browse for handmade and antique treasures. Join us for a fun experience at these two fascinating destinations.

Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham, AL

Sunday, Feb. 9

Refund Deadline: Jan. 10

Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)

Depart UA Gadsden Center: 12:30 p.m.

Return UA Gadsden Center: 6:00 p.m.

Fee: $80 (Transportation and admission)

Activity Level: Easy

Stephen Sondheim’s "Assassins" is a stunning and darkly comic journey into the minds of history’s most notorious assassins — men and women who attempted to kill American presidents. The ghosts of figures like John Wilkes Booth, Leon Czolgosz, Charles Guiteau and other "would-be" assassins appear before a suicidally depressed and aggressive Lee Harvey Oswald, creating a gripping narrative that delves into their motives and impact.

ACTA Theater, Trussville, AL

Sunday, Feb. 23

Refund Deadline: Feb. 10

Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)

Depart UA Gadsden Center: 12:30 p.m.

Return UA Gadsden Center: 6 p.m.

Fee: $65 (Transportation and ticket)

Activity Level: Easy

Ethel and Norman Thayer spend their summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. During the year the story takes place, they are visited by their daughter, her fiancé and his son. The play explores the relationship of the young woman and her father growing up, and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage.

Thursday, March 13 – Sunday, March 16

Refund Deadline: March 6

Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)

Depart UA Gadsden Center: 8:30 a.m.

Return UA Gadsden Center: 6:00 p.m.

Fee: $475 Dbl, $675 Sgl (Transportation, lodging, admissions)

Activity Level: Easy (easy walking)

Join us for a southern adventure to Mobile and Fairhope! On Thursday, we begin with a tour of the historic Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, a 13,000 sq. ft. Greek Revival home. Afterward, we check in at the Hampton Inn and enjoy dinner at the River Shack. Friday features a Bellingrath Gardens and Estate tour, followed by lunch at the Lighthouse. Later, we embark on a sunset dolphin cruise aboard the Sunny Lady at Orange Beach. Dinner will be at Briquette’s Steakhouse. Saturday, we visit the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, filled with entertainment, food, and unique art. Before leaving, we’ll stop at Tolstoy Park to see the unique round Henry Stuart House. After dinner at Ralph & Kacoo’s, we rest before heading home Sunday morning.

AM Tour – Friday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.

Refund Deadline: Jan. 9

Trip Leader: Mary Jon Sneckenberger (alasneck@gmail.com)

Meet: 10 minutes before your tour time at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, 1530 McFarland N Blvd C, Tuscaloosa

Fee: $30 (Candy making experience, samples)

Activity level: Moderate (standing for an hour plus)

Indulge your sweet tooth in a hands-on session with Peterbrooke’s skilled chocolatiers. Caramel-dip an apple and decorate it with your choice of white, dark or milk chocolate, sprinkles and more. Finally, enjoy time to shop for additional sweet delights to take home alongside your tasty creations. Each tour lasts one hour.

PM Tour – Friday, Jan. 24, 1 p.m.

Refund Deadline: Jan. 9

Trip Leader: Mary Jon Sneckenberger (alasneck@gmail.com)

Meet: 10 minutes before your tour time at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, 1530 McFarland N Blvd C, Tuscaloosa

Fee: $30 (Candy making experience, samples)

Activity level: Moderate (standing for an hour plus)

Indulge your sweet tooth in a hands-on session with Peterbrooke’s skilled chocolatiers. Caramel-dip an apple and decorate it with your choice of white, dark or milk chocolate, sprinkles and more. Finally, enjoy time to shop for additional sweet delights to take home alongside your tasty creations. Each tour lasts one hour.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Cancellation Deadline: Feb. 10

Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)

Meet: 6:30 p.m. at Bryant-Jordan Hall, 285 Kilgore

Ln., Tuscaloosa

End: 10 p.m.

Fee: None

Activity level: Easy

UA Opera Theatre students present the story of two children confronting a witch, set to lyrics by Engelbert Humperdinck (the 19th-century composer, not the pop singer!) and a storyline by his sister, Adelheid Wette. The performers are accompanied by piano, and Paul Houghtaling, the Director of Opera Theatre at UA, speaks with the audience before the music begins.

Friday, Feb. 21

Cancellation Deadline: Feb. 14

Trip leader: Mary Jane Manning (mary_jane_manning2023@outlook.com)

Meet: 9:30 a.m. Richard Shelby Federal Building and Courthouse, Tuscaloosa, AL

End: 1:30 p.m.

Fee: None

Activity Level: Moderate – walking/standing

Participants will visit three local art galleries in downtown Tuscaloosa — Caleb O’Connor’s paintings in the Federal Building, Harrison Galleries and the Dinah Washington Center. O’Connor’s artwork is shown on 16-piece murals, each piece is 14 × 9 ft and captures a significant local historical event. The Harrison Galleries showcases 19th- and 20th-century paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and vintage photography. The Dinah Washington Center features one gallery for The University of Alabama and one for The Arts Council. The trip concludes with a Dutchtreat lunch at DePalma’s. Donations at each of the museums are appreciated.

Thursday, Feb. 27 – Saturday, March 1

Refund Deadline: Jan. 26

Trip Leader: Amelia Yessick (ameliaheath@hotmail.com)

Depart BCC: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27

Return BCC: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1

Fee: $290 Dbl, $415 Sgl (Transportation, lodging, two meals)

Activity Level: Easy, Moderate – some walking

Visit the literary capital of Alabama for an exciting weekend filled with captivating readings, enlightening discussions, engaging conversations and Monroeville’s renowned hospitality. Discover new authors, celebrate beloved writers, and enjoy great times with others who share a passion for Southern literature. Experiencing all of this in the courtroom made famous by "To Kill a Mockingbird" is truly magical! Highlights include the presentations of the Harper Lee Award and the Truman Capote Prize, a bountiful Friday supper and a Southern Saturday lunch.

Friday, March 7

Cancellation Deadline: Feb. 28

Trip Leader: Carolyn Rhodes (writegems@gmail.com)

Tour Guide: Dr. Leroy Hurt

Meet: 10 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, in front of University Mall, 1701 McFarland Blvd. E. Tuscaloosa

Fee: None

Activity Level: Easy, slow walking, standing

Participants meet at the parking lot near Veterans Memorial Park at Tuscaloosa Mall. Dedicated in 1978 to honor veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, this one-acre park features a prominent WWII mast from the USS Tuscaloosa. Surrounding this centerpiece are military displays, including a bomber and an attack helicopter. Guests will hear fascinating military stories and learn about the Alabama Veterans’ Wall. The tour is led by Dr. Hurt, a West Point graduate and Army veteran. Leroy, known as the "Nordic Walking Guy," provides Nordic walking poles for participants to use during the tour or to practice with afterward.

Wednesday, March 19

Refund Deadline: Feb. 26

Trip leader: Mary Jane Manning (mary_jane_manning2023@outlook.com)

Depart BCC: 9 a.m.

Return BCC: 3 p.m.

Fee: $40 (Transportation, tour and Iron pour, tile)

Activity Level: Moderate – walking/standing

Join us on a guided tour of Sloss Furnaces and discover the historic significance of this site as the birthplace of Birmingham and the iron and steel industry. Learn how iron is made and hear the stories of the men who worked there. You’ll have the opportunity to design cast-iron tile, which artists will pour from a coke-fired furnace at approximately 2,800 degrees. After the tour, enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch at The Gardens Café by Kathy G, located inside the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, followed by a stroll through the gardens.

Tuesday, April 1

Cancellation Deadline: March 25

Trip Leader: Danielle Houston (dhouston6565@gmail.com)

Meet: 9:15 a.m. Moody Music Building, 810 2nd Ave. Tuscaloosa

End: 12:30 p.m.

Fee: None

Activity Level: easy/moderate (walking and standing)

Ever wonder what it takes to get the Million Dollar Band ready for performances? Join us as we learn the behind-the-scenes creation of the choreography, music and what it takes to bring together their impressive performances. Depending on the band’s schedule, we may have the opportunity to attend a rehearsal. After the tour we will have a Dutch-treat lunch at a local restaurant.

Sunday, April 6

Cancellation Deadline: Thursday, March 27

Trip Leaders: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com) & Donna Boles

Meet: 6:15 p.m. UA Moody Music Building

End: 9 p.m.

Fee: None

Activity level: Easy

Come listen to the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra rehearse for its final concert of the season in Moody Hall. You’ll hear TSO rehearse sections of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Sibelius’ Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela and several other memorable selections. Enjoy this "behind the scenes" opportunity to watch a great orchestra prepare for a concert.

Wednesday, April 23 (workshop) and Thursday, April 24 (field trip)

Trip Leader: Philip Malone (philipgmalone@gmail.com)

Cancellation Deadline: April 16

Workshop – Meet: 9 a.m. Tuscaloosa County Extension Office, 2513 7th St. Tuscaloosa

End: 4 p.m.

Field Trip – Meet: Bryant Conference Center: 8 a.m.

End: 3 p.m.

Fee: $20 (Transportation)

Activity Level: Moderate, able to walk 2 miles and negotiate stairs

On the first day, participants will review techniques to enhance their photography skills in a classroom setting. Visual aids will demonstrate how to use your camera for better pictures during this six-hour workshop. The following day, we will go into the field at various locations to practice the skills learned in the workshop. Bring your favorite camera (Philip will use an iPhone 13) and explore new techniques to expand your photographic horizons. We will travel together in a van to different locations, and lunch each day will be a Dutch-treat at a local restaurant.

Friday, April 25

Refund Deadline: April 10

Trip Leader: Mary Jon Sneckenberger (alasneck@gmail.com)

Meet: 9 a.m. at Rama Pidikiti’s home near Cottondale

End: 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $40 (garden tour and lunch)

Activity level: Moderate/Strenuous – uneven terrain on the property

Explore the property’s beautiful gardens and diverse plants with your guide, Rama Pidikiti. She and her husband began landscaping over 30 years ago, and for Rama, it remains a work in progress. She shares her expertise on thriving plants and offers landscaping tips, including recycling ideas. After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring delicious Indian dishes on her patio. Return home inspired with new ideas, recipes and spice packets to recreate Rama’s culinary delights.

Friday, May 2

Refund Deadline: Thursday, April 17

Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)

Meet: 9 a.m. at Rama Pidikiti’s home near Cottondale

End: 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $40 (garden tour and lunch)

Activity level: Moderate/Strenuous – uneven terrain on the property

Explore the property’s beautiful gardens and diverse plants with your guide, Rama Pidikiti. She and her husband began landscaping over 30 years ago, and for Rama, it remains a work in progress. She shares her expertise on thriving plants and offers landscaping tips, including recycling ideas. After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring delicious Indian dishes on her patio. Return home inspired with new ideas, recipes and spice packets to recreate Rama’s culinary delights.

Tuesday, April 29

Refund Deadline: April 1

Tour Leader: Carolyn Rhodes (writegems@gmail.com)

Tour Guide: Jim Ezell

Depart BCC: 8 a.m.

Return BCC: 4 p.m.

Fee:$90 (Transportation)

Activity Level: Easy

Join us for a magical slow tour through the ever-changing Talladega National Forest this spring. Enter the Oakmulgee Division near Moundville, where points of interest include old-growth forests, restoration areas, diverse trees, butterflies, wildflowers and natural habitats. As the group travels along winding roads, streams, and bridges, they may spot deer and other wildlife. Bring your camera! Lunch is indoors (Dutch treat) at Jim’s BBQ, a 5-star restaurant in Billingsley. Jim Ezell, a retired environmental engineer, shares insights on the area’s importance, geography, and natural evolution.

Wednesday, May 7

Cancellation Deadline: April 24

Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)

Meet: 9:30 a.m., Bobby Babb’s home, Tuscaloosa

End: 11:30 a.m.

Fee: None

Activity level: easy/moderate (walking, standing outdoors)

OLLI member and instructor Bobby Babb will share his beautiful garden of more than 150 varieties of roses and other blooming plants. He will provide tips on cultivating and recognizing different roses as you walk among the blooms in Bobby’s backyard.

A.M. Tour – Monday, May 19, 10 a.m. – Noon

Cancellation Deadline: April 14

Trip Leader: Linda Lyerly (linda.p.lyerly@gmail.com)

Tour Guide: Daniel Lyerly, UA Athletic Video Director

Fee: None

Activity Level: easy/moderate (walking, standing indoors)

Experience the extraordinary focus and dedication of the storied Alabama football program! See firsthand the fullsize indoor practice field, team meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, victory walls, trophy cases, national championship rings, the world-class workout facility and more.

P.M. Tour – Monday, May 19, 2 – 4 p.m.

Cancellation Deadline: April 14

Trip Leader: Linda Lyerly (linda.p.lyerly@gmail.com)

Tour Guide: Daniel Lyerly, UA Athletic Video Director

Fee: None

Activity Level: easy/moderate (walking, standing indoors)

Experience the extraordinary focus and dedication of the storied Alabama football program! See firsthand the fullsize indoor practice field, team meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, victory walls, trophy cases, national championship rings, the world-class workout facility and more.