White Pines Inn

Friday, Dec. 17, was a beautiful, sunny, crisp winter day - a great day for an excursion. So, the four "ScoutAbouts" (Chuck, Linda, Carmen and I) headed to the White Pines Inn in Mt. Morris, Illinois. Our objective - to scout out the Dinner Theatre for a possible Learning In Retirement trip. Carmen had set up a free reservation for all of us to enjoy the buffet lunch and the show - a comedic rendition of the Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol! (Thanks, Carmen!)

The two hour ride to the White Pines Inn passed quickly. Much of the route followed the incredible Rock River - filled with wind-blown chunks of ice and areas of rapidly flowing open water. Along the way, we spotted billowing smoke from the gigantic stacks of a near-by nuclear power plant, and an enormous statue of  Black Hawk, the Eternal Indian, situated high atop a bluff overlooking the Rock River. (Check out more information about this statue.)

I've got to admit...once we arrived at our destination, this ScoutAbout was a little worried. We were in the middle of a State Forest looking at a log-cabin style building surrounded by smaller log cabins. Very few cars were in the parking lot, and it looked somewhat deserted. As we approached the "lodge," we saw a sign above the door - Family Restaurant and Dinner Theatre. Phew! All my worries were abated, and we entered. Since we were a little early the hostess sent us to the gift shop (and restrooms) across the way.

Around 11:45, the hostess began seating people. I am not quite sure where all of these people (and their cars) were hiding, but there they were - in line waiting for a table. We were seated at a table right inside the entry door, closest to the buffet. Speaking of the buffet...all I can say is, "Yummmmmmmmy." There were probably eight different salads, three main entrees, and three kinds of bread to choose from. You wanted to savor each mouthful, yet at the same time, couldn't wait to sample the next item on your plate. And for dessert, a choice of all chocolate or chocolate and white cake with VERY creamy frosting!

After lunch, the show began - a comedic version of "A Christmas Carol" with only two actors. I wasn't sure how that would work, until they explained that members of the audience would participate as the other characters! Well, they warmed us up with the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Previously, the audience has been divided into 12 groups and each group was responsible for their part. Luckily, the ScoutAbouts (along with a few tables around us) were assigned day 12, so we only had to shout out our group part once. The song did get the audience laughing and warmed us up for the comedy to come. Without going into too much detail, this was one of the most innovative ways to do a play that I have ever seen. The audience members chosen (at random) to play parts in the play, really put all they had into it. The rest of us were nearly rolling in the isles with laughter. And guess what! Carmen was chosen to play the Ghost of Christmas Future. She did an excellent job! Carmen, I think you have a budding career in Theater.

We were so impressed with the friendliness of the employees and the high quality of the food and entertainment, that Carmen made reservations for an LIR Special Events trip to the White Pines Inn next October to see a different play (with audience participation). I can't wait! It should be outstanding - and the Fall colors along the way should be awesome.

Enjoy a few pictures from our ScoutAbout adventure!