from strangers to friends
The Inspiring Journey of the Twin Mills Travel Club
BY JACKIE HOBSON HESS WITH TRILOGY® LAKE NORMAN MEMBERS ALAN AND ELAINE MORGENSTERN
Traveling can transform strangers into lifelong friends, especially when those shared experiences are curated by travel experts Alan and Elaine Morgenstern, the founders of the Travel Club at Trilogy® Lake Norman. Alan and Elaine, who have spent over 50 years managing a consulting business, are no strangers to exploration. They've traveled to over 115 countries, savoring the joys, thrills, and unforgettable moments the world has to offer. And they have the stories to prove it.
Their adventures span across all seven continents, from dining at the Blue Hall of the City Hall in Stockholm (the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet), tasting what
Elaine calls the world’s best cookie in Amsterdam (a favorite of hers from her pastry chef days), and enjoying a private cocktail reception (complete with glacier ice)
hosted by a cruise captain in Antarctica to mark their visit to their seventh continent.
They've even flown on a helicopter to the top of Mount Everest.
But it was during a trip to Africa that the idea for the Twin Mills Travel Club was born. Alan had just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, only to catch Covid-19, which changed their travel plans. Instead of continuing on to Kenya, they were sent back to Arusha, where they were treated like royalty for eight days as Alan recovered. It was there, during this unexpected time of rest, that Elaine turned to Alan and said,
“Let’s start a travel club!”
The idea was simple but powerful: Elaine envisioned a space where Trilogy® community Members could come together, share their travel stories, and inspire one another to explore the world. Adding to the charm, Elaine would bake her special cookies to welcome new friends. When their first Travel Club meeting came, Alan and Elaine were nervous. Just 15 minutes before the scheduled start, the room was empty. But once the clock ticked past the start time, the room quickly filled with 52 of their eager neighbors, and the Travel Club was officially off and running.
What began as a casual way to connect with their community has grown into a thriving network of 400 members, all eagerly anticipating the next adventure. Alan and Elaine’s dedication to providing memorable experiences has made the club the talk of the Lake Norman community. For example, one couple, who had just moved in, called Alan to say, “We heard about your club. Can we join your next trip?” The couple is now set to travel to Peru with Alan and Elaine, to visit the wonders of Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Amazon.
Since its inception, the Twin Mills Travel Club has grown into a series of carefully curated trips. While Alan takes the lead in planning the itineraries, Elaine ensures that the experiences are meaningful for everyone. The trips are always planned with an eye for inclusivity, ensuring that there are options for solo travelers as well as those traveling with a partner. The trips also cater to various budgets, providing both luxurious and more affordable options without sacrificing the quality or integrity of the experience. As Elaine jokes, “Nobody says ‘no’ to Alan,” and his ability to negotiate great pricing for the group has been a key factor in the club’s success.
Alan’s knack for trip planning has helped the club grow. To date, he has organized 12 international trips, all of which have been to places the couple has personally visited, ensuring that Members feel safe and well-informed. Alan has also used social media to connect with potential sponsors, helping to offset trip costs. This culminated in the first Travel Expo for Trilogy Lake Norman Members, which attracted 350 attendees.
The couple's travel experiences have opened doors for them as well. Their highly regarded Travel Club has earned them special opportunities, like an exclusive invite to sail on Oceania Cruises’ newest ship with long-time TV personality Samantha Brown in August 2025.
Looking ahead, Alan and Elaine have a full travel schedule. In 2025, they will take 30 people to Peru, another 30-40 on a Rocky Mountaineer adventure, and 16 to Morocco. These upcoming trips will continue to offer Trilogy Members the chance to explore new destinations and create lasting friendships.
For Alan and Elaine, the Travel Club is more than just about seeing the world; it’s about bringing people together. As their travels continue, they cherish the relationships they’ve formed and the opportunity to share their passion for travel with others. Their adventures, both near and far, have created a legacy that will inspire Trilogy Members for years to come. n
ENCANTERRA®, A TRILOGY® RESORT COMMUNITY MEMBER LONNY LEMON
ENCANTERRA® EXPOSES A COUPLE TO EUROPE WITH
Lonny and Karen Lemon’s story is testament to the unexpected joys of retirement and the value of exploration. After Lonny’s career as an Illinois school superintendent and Karen’s work as a teacher, they decided to leave the cold winters behind.
Without a solid retirement plan, the couple made a scouting trip to Scottsdale and met Lonny’s former colleague who was a new Encanterra® resident.
“As soon as we drove through the gates, we were sold,” Lonny remembered. The next day, Karen returned to Illinois, but first she told Lonny, “Don’t come home without a house.”
Three days later, they had their new home and quickly immersed themselves into the community’s amenities and activities.
Lonny and Karen’s social life flourished as they made new friends, many of which are former Illinois residents. Lonny even helped some of them purchase their homes: sight-unseen.
The couple’s love for adventure ignited when a group of Encanterra Members went on an 11-day Mediterranean cruise. Lonny and Karen, who had never been to Europe, were first in line.
The Lifestyle team expertly managed the trip for nearly 300 Trilogy® Members, from booking the cruise to coordinating exciting excursions in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Lonny and Karen extended their vacation by 77 more days, traveling through Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia, bringing family along for parts of the 92-day journey.
“We were hooked,” Lonny described the extended trip. “We went to Europe again this summer for 15 days, and it was all because of this trip which started with Encanterra.”
Although their travels likely won’t end soon, until the next, they will enjoy the Encanterra home base with friends from Illinois, friends they’ve met along the way, and friends from their cruise.
“Our best friends are here,” explained Lonny. “We have a big social group, and we feel safe.” n LOOKING TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?
Keep an eye on the Explore 360 section of MTL for upcoming Trilogy® trips.