Railroaders place to shoot the shit.

Back by popular demand, the UTU is offering members of its Alumni Association a holiday tour they will not soon forget.

The "Country Christmas" tour will take place Tuesday, Dec. 7, through Friday, Dec. 10, at the incredible Gaylord Opryland resort.

The tour includes three nights at the decked-out Gaylord Opryland Hotel; tickets to "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes," with dazzling scenery, costumes and lighting, at the Grand Ole Opry Theater; tickets to Louise Mandrell's special dinner show, a traditional holiday meal including all the trimmings, served family style, and featuring the multi-talented Mandrell and a talented cast.

The package also includes tickets to "ICE: Nashville's Winter Wonderland," with interactive ice sculptures and displays all hand-carved from two million pounds of ice; the "Treasure for the Holidays," a huge craft show featuring a variety of handmade and novelty gifts, ranging from candles and jewelry to clothing, artwork and food; the "Hall of Trees" holiday-tree display; a coupon book good for discounts throughout the resort; luggage handling, taxes and resort fees.

The cost of the tour, arranged through the UTU Alumni Association's designated travel professionals, Landfall Travel, is $495 per person double occupancy; $415 per person triple; $375 per person quad, and $725 per single.

Parking is an additional $18 per day, if required.

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due with the reservation. The balance is due Oct. 15. Landfall representatives can also handle requests for air travel, upgraded room accommodations or other special requests.

Call Landfall toll free at (800) 835-9233; check out the Alumni Association page on www.landfalltravel.com or email travel@landfalltravel.com for more information.

Please note that while the Gaylord Opryland resort was damaged by flooding in May, hotel officials say most repairs will have been completed by the end of summer.

This tour is open to all UTU Alumni Association members, family and friends; other UTU members are welcome to join them as space permits.