Highlights

U S Tours Flexible Pricing:

• Customizable Comps
• Commissionable or Net Rates
• Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
• Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tours Managers are available

Whatever you want, U S Tours will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs.  Just let us know!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Norfolk, NE

Arrive today in Norfolk, NE, the boyhood home of comedy legend Johnny Carson.  Check into your Norfolk hotel for a two-night stay. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – Johnny Carson Touring w/lunch – Wine Tasting – Great American Comedy Festival Show

This morning after breakfast, meet your local guide for a day of Johnny Carson Touring.  Start with a visit to the Elkhorn Valley Museum.  The featured exhibit includes the Johnny Carson Gallery where you can see the history of Norfolk’s famous son. Items in the exhibit include his Emmy awards, Kennedy Center medallion and a replica stage where you can hear one of Mr. Carson’s favorite monologues.  Spend some time in the living room watching the best of Carson.  Your visit isn’t complete without checking out the square turn tractor, printing press and other historical memorabilia.

At the museum, enjoy a historical reenactment of Faye Gordon. Faye taught school in Norfolk and was a favorite teacher of Johnny Carson, who featured her on his show later in her life.

Next stop is the Johnny Carson Mural. This large series of paintings by artist Karl Reeder, shows the progression of Johnny’s career.  This is a great spot to take a picture!

Enjoy lunch at Black Cow Fat Pig.  Black Cow has a polished casual atmosphere, with an emphasis on locally-sourced food and a scratch kitchen. Everything is made in house, from its hand-cut fries to homemade desserts.  The restaurant sources the ingredients locally and place an emphasis on supporting local Farmers Market with seasonally-inspired menus.

After lunch, tour Johnny Carson’s childhood home in Norfolk.  Owner, Jim McKenzie, will speak about the history of the house and items found along the way while bringing it back to its original condition. Baden Luna, will portray young Johnny.  John has come home from 1939 to share what it was like to be a kid in Norfolk in the 30s.  He may just have a trick or two up his sleeves…….

Then enjoy a tour and wine tasting at the Norfolk Arts Center.  This modern building has two gallery spaces that houses traveling exhibits, as well as a sculpture garden and several permanent pieces.  Enjoy a wine tasting event.

Dinner will be included tonight at a local restaurant.  End the day with a show at the Great American Comedy Festival. Honoring his legacy as one of America’s greatest comedians ever, paying tribute to his status as a TV icon and remembering with gratitude the fondness Carson had for the community he called home.

The Great American Comedy Festival was created in 2008 to pay tribute to the legacy of Norfolk’s favorite son, Johnny Carson. The Great American Comedy Festival is typically held the 2nd weekend in June. Past Headliners include:  Vicki Lawrence, Rich Little, The Smothers Brothers, and Martin Short. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Depart for Home

After breakfast, depart for home. Or allow us to add another nearby destination  to this itinerary.  (B)

Tour Map