Feb 15, 2013 3 min read

For four years now, Betty Grove of Waynesburg has been happy to set up motor coach adventures for retirees turned travelers, including herself and husband, Jim.

“We’ve been to the Smokey Mountains; Branson, Missouri; and Nashville,” Grove said. “The music was wonderful and we all enjoyed ourselves. But now we’re ready to go out West and really see some sights. We’re ready for the Badlands.”

The bus is almost full of returnees who can’t wait to let someone else do the driving so they can relax and enjoy a visit to the Wild West, Grove said. “We still have a dozen seats left, so I’m putting out the word. You won’t want to miss this trip. I think it’s going to be the best one yet.”

The nine-day, eight-night trip to South Dakota’s best hot spots, scheduled for June 1-9, includes transportation, lodging, 14 meals and tours of Custer State Park, the shoot ’em up town of Deadwood and the Unique Journey Museum. There will be visits to Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. But there’s fun along the way as well. The tour package includes a visit to the Amana Heritage Museum on the way out and the Corn Palace and Living History on the way back home.

“I think these trips are a great getaway because we don’t have to drive, book our rooms or pay for admissions. Everything’s taken care of and there’s good camaraderie on the bus. We have people who are going from Texas and New York,” Grove said. “If my husband and I weren’t having such a good time, I wouldn’t keep organizing these trips.”

In 2009, then-Waynesburg Center site supervisor Carol Andrew recruited Grove to revive the center’s tradition of scheduling road trips for local retirees.

“My fear the first time was what if they don’t like me, what if they don’t get along,” Grove said. “But everyone had a great time and we became friends on the bus ride. We can take 45 people and we get about two thirds who return for the next trip. I chose Diamond Tours because they have the most reasonable rates and their service is excellent. The best price is for couples and right now if you need a roommate, give me a call. If you want to go, call now before the last seats are taken. There’s a $144 deposit due when you make your reservation and all money has to be in by March 26.”

The South Dakota trip costs $835, with an additional $300 for single occupancy and includes trip insurance and all tips. Trip insurance covers full fare recovery if you have to cancel your trip or have to leave the trip for health reasons, weather, natural disaster, traffic accidents and many other unforeseen incidents.

Departure is 8 a.m June 1 from the Big Lots parking lot, 110 E. Greene St. Waynesburg.

For more information or to sign up, call Betty Grove at 724-627-8832.