EDGEWATER â When itâs time to put on their traveling shoes, Edgewater residents donât have to search very far to find adventure and entertainment, both locally and beyond.
Whether itâs theatre and dining, casino excitement, sporting events, experiences in culture and learning, the luxury of a Caribbean cruise or a trip to Italy, the Edgewater Travel Club has conveniently provided numerous chances to enjoy getaways at reasonable costs in the company of friendly neighbors.
Travel Club excursions have included trips to Branson, MO; Starved Rock, Galena, and Springfield, IL; Wisconsinâs Lake Geneva, the Fireside Theatre and cultural festivals in Milwaukee; Michiganâs Holland Tulip Festival; the Chicago Flower Show, and more. About 2,000 Edgewater bookings for day and extended trips have resulted from numerous Travel Club opportunities offered since 2008.
Spearheaded by resident Casey Halinski since its inception, the Travel Club began meeting at the Elgin State Bank even before Creekside Lodge was built. Five years later, it has become less of a formal club (monthly meetings are no longer held) and more of an offering of multiple travel opportunities announced through inserts in Edgewaterâs monthly Lifestyles newsletters.
Up-close and personal with the Lincolns in Springfield, Ill. (Photo Provided)
For example, the current January issue offers an upcoming day trip to Jumerâs Casino in Rock Island on February 20 for $31, which includes $5 toward lunch. And there is a lot more to come in 2013.
A principal challenge the Travel Club faced from the beginning was finding local tour operators, charter companies, or park district providers that offered suitable opportunities, would pick participants up either at Edgewater or nearby, and would allow travelers to pay their fees through the Lodge. At length, the Travel Club settled upon Let Me Arrange It Tours, which accommodates Edgewaterâs needs while offering a variety of day and extended trips throughout the year.
This relationship offers several advantages. Residents are saved the need to locate a trustworthy tour company on their own. Working with a provider that has a long-standing relationship with Edgewater means better, more consistent service, and travelers have built-in companions who share a similar community, age group, and interests, enhancing the enjoyment of their travel experiences.
Casey Halinski was bitten by the travel bug many years ago while working in marketing for Automatic Electric, and he gained experience in the travel industry through work with a friend who owned a travel company. He and his wife Pat have also enjoyed many of their own journeys as well.
âI enjoy people. When we came to live here, I was looking to meet a lot of people,â Halinski said.
Judging by the numbers who have taken advantage of the Travel Clubâs adventures, heâs realized his wish â an achievement greatly benefiting everyone who wants to dust off their suitcases and join in the fun.
