No, you may be any age, and you may bring a child or grandchild 12 years or older. It’s a great way to take your child or grandchild on a worry-free vacation. We do not normally go to amusement parks, etc., but you may take a day to depart from the group to take side trips. Normally, we have travelers from 45 to 85, but we have had 90-year-olds and 15-year-olds.

“Do I have to be from Shelby County?”

No, people from all over the country join their friends and/or family for our trips. It is a perfect way to celebrate a class or family reunion, an anniversary, a birthday, or any other special occasion.

Traveling expands your horizons (no pun intended), fulfills dreams, and gives you new perspectives on life. Join us!

2026 Travel Schedule

From the Horizon: 

Asheville, North Carolina, has been in the news recently due to the devastating flood which hit the area as a result of Hurricane Helene.  Last fall, Shelby Senior Services scheduled a motorcoach trip to that area for May, which included a visit to the Biltmore Estate. It was touch and go trying to confirm that trip because of washed out roads and rock slides.  About a month ago it was determined that we were a “go.”  While there are still pockets where cleanup is still underway, overall, the town and the countryside has been restored meticulously for the return of visiting tour groups.

Of course, the Biltmore Estate was the outstanding feature of the whole trip.  The 178,900+ square feet, massive 250-room French Renaissance chateau was not flooded, but the five-mile road leading up to the home had an extensive number of trees uprooted or snapped off and partially washed out roads. Fortunately for us, the estate is open for visitors and just as magnificent as it has always been since it was constructed.  It was introduced to George W. Vanderbilt’s friends and family in 1895, six years after the beginning of the build, although it was still not finished. Vanderbilt purchased 125,000 acres and centered the home on top of a mountain in the middle of the property so he could enjoy the views from any window of the mansion. It was his wish to pursue his studies of art, literature, music, agriculture, horticulture and architecture in these magnificent surroundings. The home was furnished with the latest 1895 technology such as electricity and central heating and telephones. He installed an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and gymnasium, just to mention some of the outstanding features of the mansion. Biltmore (named for Bilt, a town in Europe where his ancestors originated and More, the name given to the open grounds in that town) is still the largest private residence in America.  His heirs currently own the property, which still covers 8,000 acres. One just has to visit this National Historic Landmark to appreciate Vanderbilt’s vision.

However, there are other places to discover while visiting Asheville.  For example, The Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Rafael Guastavino, architect and builder of the Basilica, emigrated from Barcelona in 1881.  He had been successful as a home and large factory builder in Spain. This church is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in America.  It is adorned with a dome made of tile, created by Guastavino. This enabled him to create an oval dome in the Basilica, which is strong, fireproof and beautiful.  It is the largest oval, free-standing dome in America.  He, completed the church in 1908.  He also used this method in a thousand buildings in places like NYC and Boston, as well as in buildings all up and down the east coast. When you visit Asheville, don’t miss this beautiful church.

Finally, historic buildings all over Asheville have been financed by wealthy landowners.  Many of these were built by E. W. Grove.  His most enduring legacy is the Grove Arcade. The Arcade is not a place for gaming, it is an ornate architectural structure housing an extensive number of fun, locally owned shops featuring jewelry, rare coins, watches, local crafts, fine art, instruments, and much more. You won’t go hungry there, either.  You may chose to order scrumptious ice cream, sandwiches, bakery items, or cafe food.  It is a community within a community, just as E. W. Grove envisioned. While Asheville has been through a challenging time, it has rebounded with gusto.  You are welcomed there with open arms to experience all they have to offer.

Shelby Senior Services offers many fun and educational trips throughout the spring, summer and fall.  We invite you to visit our office and pick up the flyers and brochures on the wall facing the front desk.  Join our family of travelers.  Call 317-398-0127 or 317-701-5984 for more information.