Adventures with the Day Trippers

Travel opens your eyes to new cultures, different ways of life and an entire world outside of your day-to-day routine. To reap the benefits of travel, you don’t have to go far. By simply traveling just a few miles up the road, you may find something fresh and exciting to see – it’s just a matter of seizing the moment and exploring opportunities in front of you.

That’s exactly what the 50 women in the Tellico Village Day Trippers aim to do – explore the beautiful and inviting areas surrounding our community. Bette Purvis, member of the Day Trippers joined the club more than seven years ago after learning about it through friends.

Purvis has always had a passion for travel. She and her husband lived in Taiwan for three years and while there she joined a club so she could explore the country. The couple moved to Tellico Village in 2002, and after relocating she had the itch to see the beautiful state of Tennessee. Her desire to explore Tennessee led her to attend a Day Trippers meeting. After that, she was hooked.

“Tellico Village is in a beautiful spot in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Just living in this area makes you want to explore more,” said Purvis. “The people of Tennessee are very friendly, very open and they want to share what they have to offer in our community and in our state.”

While the Day Trippers enjoy fun trips, the club’s meaning runs much deeper than travel. The club shares a special bond of friendship that embodies the inviting and adventuresome spirit of Tellico Villagers.

Together these women have made trips to Atlanta, Nashville, North Carolina and beyond. They’ve broadened their horizons by exploring different religions, cultures and communities. Some members have found new hobbies like glass blowing and chocolate making. Others have explored fossils, museums, cabins and hotels. And they always, always end with lunch.

“It is absolutely amazing,” Purvis said. “This club has been in existence for more than 10 years, and they are always finding something new to do.”

As a club, the Day Trippers come together once a month for their meeting to plan the next monthly trip. The trips are fun and interesting, which has led to the club’s growth in popularity. In fact, it is so popular there is a wait list to get in.

“It is a great group of women who have a lot of common interest in terms of exploring as well as the kind of things we enjoy,” Purvis said. “The women are fascinating to get to know. We come from all places around the United States and have so much in common. It’s an enjoyable group and a wonderful support group – we are always there to help each other.”