The heading is borrowed from Windham Parks & Recreation Department’s booklet of Spring/Summer offerings, and couldn’t be more descriptive. Whether you enjoy shopping, theater or visiting special places, you will find your favorite in this summer trip schedule.

A variety of outings has been planned by Sherri Holtan, who works part-time in that department. She has a special knack for choosing interesting adventures and trips for seniors in the Lakes Region. Often, these are “sold out” by the time they are published, so it’s a good idea to call in advance.

Sherri goes on the trips and makes everyone feel comfortable. Rest trips are scheduled, and oftentimes for coffee along the way. A small fee is charged to cover transportation costs, and entrance fees (if any) are generally at a special rate.

Unless otherwise noted, everyone leaves from the parking lot at Windham Mall, in the area to the right of Big Lots. Park your car and travel in one of the town vans and a bus. Times given for return home may vary slightly. Call 892-1905 for more information or to put your name on the list.

Saturday, May 14: Enjoy the beautiful mid-coast scenery and travel to Camden and Rockport on a fun-filled day. Tours will include the Maine Cheese Factory and Rockport Chocolates. Browsing in area stores will be part of this pre-tourist season day. Leave at 8 a.m. and return early evening. A lunch spot will be selected in the area. Transportation cost is $5.

Thursday, May 26: A ride to Portsmouth, N.H. for a visit to the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion. One of the most outstanding homes remaining of the Colonial area, the mansion has 40 rooms, dating back to the 1700s. There is an art gallery, too. Be aware that the building has steep, narrow steps and walkways, and this should be considered in your plans. Leave at 8 a.m. and return about 4 p.m. Cost is $9. Lunch will be at the QuarterDeck.

Tuesday, June 21: A unique trip to visit an Alpaca Farm in Waldoboro. Learn all about these unusual animals and then enjoy lunch at Moody’s Diner. A stop at Big Al’s on the way home rounds out the day. Leave at 8:30 a.m., with a stop on the way for coffee, and return late afternoon. Transportation: $4.

June 24 & 25, and July 8 & 9: Overnight trips to Millinocket, Maine to go on a Moose Safari. Leave at 10 a.m. Friday – the safari runs from 3-9 p.m. Stay overnight at the Heritage Motor Inn, and take a leisurely trip home. Limited seats. Bring proper equipment including footwear, insect spray, camera and binoculars. Price, including transportation and room (but not meals) is $77 per person.

Tuesday, July 5: More wildlife, as participants visit the Beech Hill Bison farm in North Waterford. Perhaps a hayride will be enjoyed, depending on the weather. Leave at 9 a.m. and return between 4-5 p.m. Lunch plans will be announced. Transportation: $7.

Friday, July 15: Wildlife of the local variety will be enjoyed at the Yarmouth Clam Festival. Exhibits, food, crafts and more. Leave at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. The cost is $4.

Thursday, July 21 (rain date Aug. 2): Join your friends on the Atlantic Explorer, and go out to sea on a cruise down the Kennebunk River, along the coast of Maine past the Bush summer home, Goat Island Lighthouse and even see a view of life under the ocean. Leave at 8 a.m. Cost is $19 per person. No stop for coffee on the way, and lunch will be determined at a later date.

Tuesday, July 26: Come to the theater in Epping, N.H. and see Beauty and the Beast. Dinner will be at the Foxfire Grille, right next door. Cost is $20 per person, not including dinner, and prepayment is required prior to July 1. Leave at noon and return early evening.

More trips are planned through September, including theater trips, a cruise and Autumn at Lands End. A free booklet is available at the Windham Public Library and in the Town Hall, listing all the trips and lots of other activities available locally for senior citizens.

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