The Good Life
We all love Murray, but every once in a while it’s good to get out of town and explore the world. At The Murray Bank, we have a special travel club called The Good Life for customers age 50 and better who have a minimum deposit relationship of $2,500 or more with us. The Good Life offers members travel opportunities and assistance to make traveling easy, affordable, and more rewarding.
Group Travel – Join your friends and neighbors on a variety of group travel experiences. We manage all the planning and coordination. All you have to do is relax.
Specialized Services - Let us assist you with planning, scheduling, and booking your next trip. We can handle everything from hotel accommodations, transportation, restaurants, and more.
Variety of Destinations – The Good Life offers trips to a wide range of exciting domestic and international destinations.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining The Good Life, contact Brenda Sykes today at (270) 767-4252 to find out more.
The Good Life’s Currently Planned Trips
May 17 - May 22, 2020 - Castles, Flowers and Falls
Join us as we experience New York and all the majesty of it! We will see the beauty of the 1000 Islands Region of New York. On arrival in Alexandria Bay we will take a Two Nations Sightseeing Cruise on the St. Lawrence River. This international tour offers historic and scenic wonders in both the Canadian and American sections of the 1000 Islands. We will also see the Boldt Castle and Belhurst Castle, and that's just the first day!
On day two we will venture into a place that was featured on the New York Times #1 bestselling book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, the Finger Lakes region is described by the author as “World-Class Wines and Small-Town American Charm.” The eleven, long, narrow fingers are lakes that were carved by a glacier eons ago. By late afternoon we arrive at the New York Kitchen where the mission is to educate, engage and excite visitors by showcasing New York’s finest in wine, food and agriculture in a setting that proudly highlights the natural beauty, rich history and agricultural bounty of New York State. We will learn about the Kitchen and then be treated to a gourmet dinner prepared especially for our group.
On day three our first stop will be at the George Eastman House for a guided tour of the restored Colonial Revival-style mansion, once home to the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. Today the mansion is the world’s oldest museum dedicated to photography. After the tour you will be able to walk through the formal gardens of the estate. Next, we’re off to experience Rochester’s Lilac Festival. Every May, the Festival signals the start of spring as 22 acres of Highland Park displays more than 500 varieties of lilac bushes, from the deepest purple to the purest white, from lightly scented to irresistibly aromatic. Our group will be treated to lunch at the Elmwood Inn, a local favorite, before continuing on to Niagara Falls, Ontario. By late afternoon we’ll check into the beautiful Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel where everyone will have a view of Niagara Falls from their room!
Day four starts at the Floral Showhouse with its collection of orchids, succulents and other tropical plants. The month of May also offers the opportunity to see an amazing display of hydrangeas. We’ll make photo stops at Horseshoe Falls, the Floral Clock and the lilac gardens before our arrival in the charming, historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This lovely village has been described as the prettiest town in Canada.
To sign up for the trip or for more information, contact Brenda Sykes by email or phone (270) 767-4252
August 31 - September 11, 2020 - Alaska! By Land and Sea
Join us as we experience the “final frontier” - Alaska. Thrill to the sight of soaring eagles. Watch for breaching whales. Cruise past magnificent glaciers that have helped form this wild land. Visit fascinating ports of call during the day and explore the amazing amenities available aboard Celebrity’s Millennium at night. All of this and more awaits you in Alaska!
MONDAY, AUGUST 31
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Fairbanks, Alaska. Upon arrival we will board our deluxe motor coach for a short ride to Marriott’s Springhill Suites, located in the heart of downtown Fairbanks, where we’ll check in for two nights. The evening is free for you to start exploring this lovely small city.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Following breakfast this morning, we’ll depart on a guided tour of Fairbanks that includes the Gold Dredge #8 mine and the Alaska Pipeline. Learn all about the mining history of interior Alaska and try your luck at panning for gold. Then we will depart for the Sternwheeler River Boat Discovery where we will enjoy a hearty Miner’s Stew lunch before we board the boat for a narrated cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. We’ll stop at a recreated Indian village to learn about the native Alaskans’ fascinating way of life.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Today enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we travel to Denali. Upon arrival we will have lunch at the Alpenglow Restaurant followed by a Denali Natural History Tour in Denali National Park. This 4 to 5-hour excursion with a certified driver-naturalist provides in-depth information about the history of the park while we keep a keen lookout for wildlife and photo opportunities. Tonight, we’ll stay at the Grande Denali Lodge which offers panoramic views of the Denali wilderness and the Nenana River canyon.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before we board our deluxe dome car for a ride on the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Talkeetna. A delicious, freshly prepared, cooked-to-order lunch is included on the train. Upon arrival in Talkeetna, we will have free time to explore this iconic Alaskan town before we transfer to Anchorage and check into the Hilton Hotel for a one-night stay.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
We begin another exciting day with a beautiful drive southward on the Seward Highway as we make our way to the Seavey “Ididaride” Complex. Members of the Seavey family won six consecutive Iditarod races (2012 - 2017). Here, we’ll be treated to a wilderness dogsled ride! Feel the raw power, enthusiasm and energy of 13 amazing Iditarod sled dogs as they pull your comfortable wheeled sled along a two-mile trek through the Alaskan wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek. Afterward, your Iditarod veteran guide will tell you exciting stories about their Iditarod experiences and take you on a tour of their facilities. After all that excitement, we’ll visit Seavey’s kennel area where you’ll be able to cuddle adorable puppies. Next, we’re on our way to board Celebrity Cruise’s beautiful Millennium for a 7-night cruise. Get settled in your fabulous stateroom and explore the ship before we sail away! The ship sets sail at 8:00 p.m. (Beginning with lunch today, all meals are included on the ship.)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Scenic Cruising
Get up close and personal with gigantic Hubbard Glacier, North America's largest tidewater glacier. This 1,350 square miles of blue ice is the most active glacier in Alaska!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Juneau, Alaska offers unparalleled glacier viewing from such places as Tracy Arm Fjord, the Juneau Icefields and Glacier Bay National Park. Shore excursions offer slight seeing, a tour of historic downtown or panning for gold, just to name a few.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Downtown Skagway features historic false-front shops and restaurants, wooden sidewalks, locals in period costumes and restored buildings, many of which are part of the National Park Service’s Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. With a wide variety of shore excursions available, including a ride in an antique train car on the White Pass & Yukon Railway with views of spectacular scenery and a thrilling ride in a sled pulled by a team of Alaskan Huskies, there’s something for everyone in Skagway!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagoff Island, home to more brown bears than humans, where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. Experience the true Alaskan wilderness as you are surrounded by rainforest and mist-shrouded mountains. Explore a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. Glide down the world's largest ZipRider, whale watch in the waters of Port Frederick and Point Adolphus, search for the coastal brown bears, or soar high above it all in a helicopter.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Ketchikan is set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's famed Inside Passage with a network of waterways that snake through some of the most spectacular wilderness in the world. It is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaskan Native culture. From here you can visit Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane or boat. This 2.3 million-acre park is stunning, with massive glacial cliffs and secluded bays. Other popular excursions include Totem Heritage Center with its collection of over 30 totems dating back to the 19th century, fishing expeditions, hiking and kayaking.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Scenic Cruising
Get ready for amazing views and wildlife like nowhere else as you sail through Alaska's Inside Passage. You’ll have panoramic views of hanging glaciers, fjords and coastal mountains. Be on the watch for whales, sea lions, seals and a variety of water foul.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
This morning we’ll to disembark the ship in Vancouver, British Columbia and head to the airport for our flight home. We’ll take with us wonderful memories of amazing Alaska!
View full details on the trip by clicking on the flyer here.
Print your reservation form by clicking here.
To sign up for the trip or for more information, contact Brenda Sykes by email or phone (270) 767-4252