Local Field Trips
Field trip registration is first-come, first-served. Fees must be paid with registration. Members are welcome to sign up for offerings from any of the three chapters.
Cancellations may only be made by contacting Registration Services at (205) 348-3000.
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.
Our field trips come in different shapes and sizes. We want you to be comfortable with the level of activity expected to take place. Decide your preferred activity level to help select the field trips that fit your preference: Level 1- Easy/Light Walking, Level 2- Moderate, Level 3- Active, Level 4- Very Active.
Introducing the New Activity Level Guide!
OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
These trips and tours involve light physical activity at a leisurely pace. Participants should be able to board a van/motorcoach/charter bus, walk at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes, navigate a flight of stairs and stand for an extended time.
OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
Moderate trips/tours require average physical activity. Participants should be able to navigate one or two flights of stairs, walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
OLLI Level 3 – Active
Active trips and tours involve increased physical activity. The itineraries blend longer and shorter days, along with leisure time. Participants should be able to walk longer distances, stand for extended periods and navigate more stairs. They must also be able to handle uneven walking surfaces. This level is not suitable for participants who require mobility assistance devices.
OLLI Level 4 – Very Active
Very active trips and tours require participants to be physically fit to ensure safety and enjoyment. Participants should be able to handle extensive walking, hiking, transfers over rough and dusty terrain, high altitudes, early mornings, late evenings or extreme temperatures. They may also encounter wet and windy conditions. This level is not suitable for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility assistance devices.
Members may participate in trips from any of the chapters TUSCALOOSA – GREATER BIRMINGHAM – GADSDEN
Greater Birmingham
BHM 201 Board in Birmingham
Monday, Sept. 15
Refund Deadline: Sept. 8
Trip Leader: Gail Sheppard (gakshepp@gmail.com)
Meet: 11:45 a.m. at Board in Birmingham
End: 2 p.m.
Fee: $50 (Culinary demonstration and charcuterie box)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Indulge your culinary skills for an instructional class at Birmingham’s first charcuterie bar. Our host, Corinne Sweet, owner and founder of Board in Birmingham, will show us how to prepare and organize a variety of delicious treats. At the conclusion of the demonstration, you will have a charcuterie box to take home to impress your friends and family.
BHM 202 The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Friday, Sept. 26
Refund Deadline: Sept. 18
Trip Leader: Annette Vazquez (drnocat@hotmail.com)
Meet: 10:15 a.m. at The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
End: Noon
Fee: $8 (Admission)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Explore the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, home to over 6,000 artifacts celebrating the state’s rich sports heritage. See memorabilia from legends like Jesse Owens, Hank Aaron and Charles Barkley — even the sewing machine that mended Alabama uniforms. A must-visit for sports fans and history lovers alike.
BHM 203 Noccalula Falls and Town of Gadsden Visit
Friday, Oct. 24 (Rain date October 31)
Trip Leader: Annette Vazquez (drnocat@hotmail.com)
Refund Deadline: Oct. 9
Meet: 8:30 a.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church
Fee: $38 (Transportation and Admission)
Return: 4:15 p.m.
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking, and boarding a van and a mini train
Join us for a visit to Noccalula Falls to see the beautiful 90-foot waterfall and learn about the Native American maiden who leapt to her death to escape an unwanted marriage. Ride a mini train to explore the Pioneer Village and botanical gardens. Then enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch and shopping in charming downtown Gadsden — a perfect day of nature, history and Southern hospitality.
BHM 204 Tour Downtown Historic Buildings and Sites with David Fleming
Friday, Oct. 10
Trip Leader: Annette Vazquez (drnocat@hotmail.com)
Refund Date: Sept. 25
Meet: 9:15 a.m. at the Riverchase United Methodist Church parking lot, corner of Old Montgomery Hwy and Carl Raines Lake Rd
Fee: $ 20(Transportation, tour)
Return: 12:45 p.m.
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Participants will have an opportunity to meet with David Fleming, president and CEO of REV Birmingham, for a tour of some of Birmingham’s historic buildings and sites in the downtown area of our vibrant city. David is one of our OLLI faculty members who taught us about how his organization REV Birmingham is improving buildings and public spaces during our spring semester. On this tour we will see the historic structures that have been preserved, which have aided in the revitalization of the city of Birmingham. Come see your hometown in a brand new light!
BHM 205 Tribute to Veterans Trip in Montevallo
Friday, Nov. 7
Trip Leader: Annette Vazquez (drnocat@hotmail.com)
Refund Deadline: Oct. 23
Meet: 9 a.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church
Reduced Fee: $12 (Transportation and admission), courtesy of the Dennis James Travel Fund. See pg. 7.
Return: 4 p.m.
Activity Level: OLLI level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Spend the day honoring those who served. Visit the National Veterans Shrine at American Village, then tour the Alabama National Cemetery with guides Eldon Woodie and Pam Nichols. Hear veterans’ stories, explore the Memorial Pathway and enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch at Main Street Tavern. After lunch, stroll Orr Park to see its famed tree carvings.
Gadsden
GAD 201 Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes
Pelham, AL
Friday, Sept. 26
Refund Deadline: Sept. 11
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Depart UA Gadsden Center: 8:30 a.m.
Return UA Gadsden Center: 6 p.m.
Fee: $50 (Transportation and sweet treat)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Sip, savor and delight in the deliciously sweet treats. Perfected over 100 years and baked with love, Heirloom Pound Cakes bring bake a mouthful of memories. Receive a little piece of nostalgia as you taste delicious cakes and sweet treats. We will be served small bites while on our tour.
GAD 202 Southern Belle Riverboat
Chattanooga, TN
Friday, Oct. 10
Refund Deadline: Sept. 25
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont Depart (slild01@aol.com)
UA Gadsden Center: 8:30 a.m.
Return UA Gadsden Center: 6 p.m.
Fee: $135 (Transportation, Admission, Dinner Cruise)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
Step into the 1889 Victorian charm of Chattanooga’s Mayor’s Mansion Inn for a candlelit dinner, featuring a perfectly seared filet mignon. As the sun sets, board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a 90-minute cruise. Enjoy breathtaking views, gentle breezes and the magic of an unforgettable evening on the water.
GAD 203 Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
A musical at Virginia Samford Theater
Saturday, Oct. 25
Refund Deadline: Oct. 9
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Depart UA Gadsden Center: 8:30 a.m.
Return: 6 p.m. Fee: $95 (Transportation, ticket)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
A luxury train, a snowbound night, and a shocking murder — “Murder on the Orient Express” brings Agatha Christie’s classic mystery to life. With the killer still aboard, Hercule Poirot must solve the case before they strike again. Don’t miss this thrilling, suspenseful and darkly witty stage production
GAD 204 U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum and Phoenix Flag
Huntsville, AL
Friday, Oct. 31
Refund Deadline: Oct. 16
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Depart UA Gadsden Center: 8:30 a.m.
Return UA Gadsden Center: 6 p.m.
Fee: $40 (Transportation, tour)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Explore the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, home to more than 30 fully restored military vehicles from WWI to today, including the oldest surviving jeep, the Ford Pygmy. Discover a powerful collection of uniforms, photographs and military memorabilia. Then, tour Phoenix, a local manufacturer. See how they construct U.S. flags using 100% domestic materials and produce smoke curtains, fire blankets and parachute harnesses for the Navy and Army. This meaningful trip honors service, sacrifice and American craftsmanship.
Tuscaloosa
TUS 201 Exploring Shoals Area in Northwest Alabama
Thursday-Friday, Oct. 9-10
Refund Deadline: Sept. 25
Trip Leader: Philip Malone (philipgmalone@gmail.com)
Depart BCC: Thursday, 8 a.m.
Return BCC: Friday, 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $140 Dbl, $195 Sgl (Transportation, lodging, admission)
Activity level: OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
Explore Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s childhood home, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Dine at the unique Rattlesnake Saloon. Day two features a tour of the University of North Alabama, Pope’s Tavern and the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House. Dutchtreat lunches at local favorite restaurants are planned both days.
TUS 202 Alabama Wildlife Center and Vulcan
Friday, Oct. 24
Refund Deadline: Oct. 9
Trip Leader: Sheree Miller (evergreens3@yahoo.com)
Depart BCC: 8 a.m.
Return: 4 p.m.
Fee: $38 (Transportation, Admission)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
Visit the Alabama Wildlife Center, the largest and oldest rehabilitation center in the state. Learn about native bird rescue and rehabilitation, and release. Enjoy a guided 0.7mile walk along the Treetop Nature Trail Boardwalk to see non-releasable raptors up close. After a Dutch-treat lunch, tour Birmingham’s Vulcan statue and museum, featuring photos, artifacts and local history.
TUS 203 To Those Who Love the Vastness of the Sky
Friday, Oct. 31
Refund Deadline: Oct. 1
Trip leader: David Maxwell (dhmaxwell1@gmail.com)
Tour Guide: Dr. Robert Kane
Depart BCC: 7:45 a.m.
Return BCC: 5:45 p.m.
Reduced Fee: $15 (Transportation, tour), courtesy of the Dennis James Travel Fund. See pg. 7.
Official ID (Name, DOB, DL # and State Is required for OLLI to send 30 days in advance)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Lt. Col. (Ret) Dr. Robert Kane, former Chief Historian, Air University, Maxwell AFB will serve as our step-on guide at Maxwell Air Force Base. Discover the base’s pivotal role in the development of American airpower doctrine, flight training, education and leadership over the past century. Learn how this "cradle of airpower" has its roots in the Wright brothers and a Maxwell family connection. After lunch at an off-base restaurant, we will tour the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute Museum and Archives, then stop at Peach Park in Clanton on the way home.
TUS 204 Behind the Scenes of the Million Dollar Band
Trip Leader: Danielle Houston (dhouston6565@gmail.com)
Meet: 3:15 p.m.at the Moody Music Building Main Lobby
Refund Deadline: Oct. 21
Fee: $5
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light
Walking Ever wonder what it takes to get the UA Million Dollar Band performance-ready? Learn how they prepare, travel and choreograph their impressive routines. Depending on availability, we may also get to watch them in action on the practice field.
TUS 205 Behind the Scenes of the Million Dollar Band
Trip Leader: Danielle Houston (dhouston6565@gmail.com)
Meet: 3:15 p.m.at the Moody Music Building Main Lobby
Refund Deadline: Oct. 21
Fee: $5
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light
Walking Ever wonder what it takes to get the UA Million Dollar Band performance-ready? Learn how they prepare, travel and choreograph their impressive routines. Depending on availability, we may also get to watch them in action on the practice field.
TUS 206 UA College of Engineering facility tour and iMaDE Lab
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com)
Depart BCC: 8:45 a.m.
Return: 12:45 p.m.
Refund Deadline: Oct. 21
Fee: $16 (transportation, tour)
Activity level: OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
In Comer Hall, tour the College’s “Cube” and large-scale structures lab, and get an overview of the engineering quad, foundry and debris cannon. Tour the new iMaDE Lab in Paty Hall where students get real-world experience and advanced engineering through project-based learning. After the tours, enjoy a Dutch-treat lunch at Lakeside Dining.
TUS 207 Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 5-7
Refund Deadline: Oct. 2
Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont (slild01@aol.com)
Depart BCC: 8 a.m.
Return BCC Center: 6 p.m.
Fee: $460 Dbl; $610 Sgl (Transportation, lodging, admissions)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
Experience the elegance and holiday charm of the Biltmore Estate, the luxurious home of George and Emily Vanderbilt. Enjoy the mansion’s Christmas décor, the Tutankhamun exhibit, Antler Hill Village, and more. We will join Gadsden Chapter members for tours and activities. For full trip details, see page 36 (GAD 205).
TUS 208 Tuscaloosa Historic Homes Holiday Tour
Sunday, Dec. 7
Refund Deadline: Nov. 28
Trip Leader: Amelia Yessick, (ameliaheath@hotmail.com)
Meet: 1:45 p.m. Jemison Mansion parking lot
End: 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $5 (administrative); onsite donations also requested, typically $5 per house.
Activity Level: OLLI Level 2 – Moderate
Join us at the Tuscaloosa Preservation Society's Annual Holiday Open House at the Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion (1859) and Battle-Friedman Home (1835). Tour these beautifully preserved homes, both on the National Register of Historic Places, and learn about their history and unique features along once-grand Greensboro Avenue.
TUS 209 Holiday Lunch at American Village & Alabama National Cemetery Tour, Montevallo
Thursday, December 11
Refund Deadline: Nov. 13
Trip Leader: Peggy Hamner (sswims2001@gmail.com) and Mary Jon Sneckenberger
Depart BCC: 8:45 a.m.
Return: 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $75 (Transportation, Tour, Holiday Lunch)
Activity level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy/Light Walking
Celebrate the holidays at American Village, an innovative American history and civics educational center. Rediscover America’s journey to independence, liberty and selfgovernment, visit replicas of Mount Vernon and Liberty Hall and perhaps meet George Washington or his wife Martha! After lunch in the East Room of the White House, take a guided bus tour of the Alabama National Cemetery, which was established in 2009.
TUS 210 Scrooge: The Musical
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Refund Deadline: Nov. 26
Trip Leader: Carolyn Rhodes (writegems@gmail.com)
Meet: 1:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Bean-Brown Theatre, Sandra Hall-Ray Fine Arts Centre
End: After the matinee
Fee: $28 (Admission)
Activity Level: OLLI Level 1 – Easy
“Scrooge: The Musical,” composed by Leslie Bricusse, was originally written for the musical version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Bricusse was a British composer, lyricist and playwright known for his work on musicals and film scores including “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” and “Doctor Dolittle.”
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