Celebrate, Commemorate, and Savor: Recapping Journey’s Fall Mystery Trip
What do you get when you mix six unforgettable stops, three Nebraska counties, and a motorcoach full of curious adventurers whose ages spanned six decades? A Journey Mystery Trip that delivered on every promise — and then some.
Our theme for the day was Celebrate, Commemorate, and Savor. Travelers stayed in suspense, guessing each destination from rhyming clues before the big reveal. We had some great guesses, and some hilarious ones!
We began by celebrating Polish heritage at the Polish Home Belvedere in Sarpy County, where we learned about Polish history and lore, sang a little, laughed a lot, and sampled a variety of sweet treats. Tom, the accordion-playing events director and storyteller extraordinaire, made it easy to fall in love with a spot that’s been a cultural cornerstone for generations.
Next, we paused to commemorate at the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Papillion. The gentlemen from the foundation shared the powerful story behind the memorial’s creation and how it was designed to honor not only the 396 fallen Nebraskans, but also four sailors from the USS Evans. The overcast sky and gentle drizzle added to the reverence of the moment. We were deeply moved, and the quiet conversations that followed were full of reflection and gratitude.
From there, we headed to Omaha’s St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, where Father Pappas, a published author on Orthodox theology, gave us a fascinating tour and history lesson. We soaked in the beauty of the church, then indulged in a to-die-for Greek salad and baklava. The costumes, music, and dancing brought the celebration to life — and yes, several of us discovered our inner Greek dancer. Opa!
After lunch, our fearless driver Dean whisked us off to Union Orchard in Cass County, where Carl Reichart from Cass County Tourism greeted us with a friendly welcome and some awesome swag. Once a University of Nebraska fruit farm, Union Orchard is now owned by the Wostrel family and was bursting with warm hospitality and seasonal bounty. We sipped cider, munched on apple cider donuts, and browsed shelves stocked with fruit, pastries, candied jalapeños, hard cider, and Nebraska wine.
Next came a dose of furry therapy at Scatter Joy Acres, where 88 rescued animals — and the humans who love them — showed us just how powerful healing can be. Founder Joy and her team offer animal-assisted therapy through the Equine Eagala Model Program, supporting veterans, children on the spectrum, and individuals with diverse needs. Reindeer, ostrich, and alpacas made for some fun photo ops, mellow moments, and lasting (sweet) memories.
We wrapped up the day at Slattery Vintage Estates in Nehawka, savoring the fruits of the vineyard and a delicious autumnal repast. The Slattery family welcomed us with cozy hospitality and culinary flair. Soft instrumental jazz played in the background until someone asked about the Nebraska game. Let’s just say the score wasn’t in our favor, but spirits stayed high — and we suspect a few folks may be back for glamping.
Beyond the stops and snacks, the group itself was something special. Our travelers ranged in age from their forties to their nineties — proof that curiosity and a sense of adventure are truly ageless. Whether we were sipping cider, dancing to Greek music, or befriending a sloth named Lucy, our guests formed a community — sharing stories and laughter, forming connections, and making the most of the experience. Turns out, mystery makes a pretty great matchmaker. And while Nebraska didn’t win the game, this group of Nebraskans definitely won the day. Who had a great time? We did — mystery solved.
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