Oct 2019 Leisure Group Travel Magazine

OCTOBER 2019 DIGITAL EDITION SPONSORED BY:

LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN

These six are helping reimagine the group tour experience

Great Shopping in the Big Apple

NYC takes retail revelry to dizzying heights

Missouri Group Tour Guide

The Show-Me State is ready to show you a good time

A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

Arkansas Group Travel Planner

The Natural State features breathtaking beauty

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CONTENTS

October 2019 Vol. 29 No. 5

FEATURES 9

WOMEN TO WATCH By Mary Lu Laffey Leisure Group Travel interviews six women who are helping reimagine the group tour experience

SPECIAL SECTIONS 27

MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE The Show-Me State is home to excellent food, culture and history

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ARKANSAS GROUP TRAVEL PLANNER The Natural State’s breathtaking beauty offers adventures for all ages

DESTINATIONS 14

EAST TREASURES AND TRIFLES By Randy Mink For many tourists, the New York City experience revolves around the magical world of shopping

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BURN CALORIES IN THE BIG APPLE By Jason Paha These walking tours will show you the best sides of New York City

22

ADIRONDACK MUSEUMS TELL THE REGION’S STORY By Jaylyn Fahey Museums in the Adirondack area will entertain and educate groups

55 59

LATEST & GREATEST 25 EAST 26 SOUTH 70 WEST

95 CENTRAL 105 INT’L

COLUMNS 6 ON MY MIND B y J e f f G ay d u k

8 ON TOUR B y M a rty S a r b ey D e S o uto

SOUTH THE LODGE AND GULF STATE PARK MAKE MEMORIES By Dave Bodle The 2019 Alabama Attraction of the Year and a hotel property built for comfort are a winning combination GET A GLIMPSE OF THE UNUSUAL AT ALABAMA’S MUSEUMS

By Vanessa Day

These museums get groups off the beaten path and into some fascinating exhibits

62 68 96 99 102 4

WEST GLACIERS TO GEYSERS By Randy Mink A Montana road trip showcases the best of the West THE MOTHER OF ALL ROAD TRIPS By Kathy Nolan From the quirky to the classic, Oklahoma's Route 66 has something for all

CENTRAL EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY IN MICHIGAN By Mary Lu Laffey The Wolverine State’s southwest shore features food, wine and brilliant sightlines EXPERIENCE DETROIT’S JAZZ SHOWS By Lauren DeLorenzo Sip a drink and savor some tunes in the Motor City

INT’L DON’T CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA By Randy Mink A powerful political wife who rose to near-saint status is remembered on the 100th anniversary of her birth

■ October 2019

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Glacier National Park is one of the many beautiful locales you'll find in Montana.

COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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overing the Grand Valley’s thriving wine industry, urban adventures and Centennial State history, this year’s Colorado Group Tour Planner is PTM’s best and most comprehensive yet. Proudly produced in conjunction with Tour Colorado, this magazine showcases the state’s natural beauty and rich culture. In addition, we shine the spotlight on Colorado Springs (as it prepares to open the state-of-the-art United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum) and the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop (which draws international visitors seeking rest and relaxation high in the Rocky Mountains).

Check out the online version or download a print copy at: leisuregrouptravel.com/colorado-group-tour-planner

VISIT LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out more recent articles on leisuregrouptravel.com • Cooperstown Steps up to the Plate with Group-Friendly Options • Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Cruising to Alaska • Mesa Area Abounds with Scenic Splendor, Old West Flavor

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et weekly digests of all the best online content with InSite, our free Friday e-newsletter, at: bit.ly/2nhxPvY

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

ON THE COVER: Illustration courtesy of SpicyTruffel/Bigstock.com

October 2019 ■ 5

ON MY MIND

By Jeffrey Gayduk

Can I Get Some Help Over Here, Please?

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t’s October, I know you’re busy. Travelers on the road, next year’s schedule to coordinate and that three-day-old pot roast in the fridge that needs to be eaten or thrown out. How do you prioritize?

I have the same problem. For years I said I was going to write a book. Having seen thousands of people come into the group travel industry from all walks of life, I was determined to tell their story to inspire others to pursue the opportunity.

During a rare January ice storm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I spent two days confined in a hotel room and sketched out how this book was going to lay out. I was on fire! That flame dwindled when I got back home where deadlines, family commitments and, dare I say it, golf got in the way. I shelved the idea but kept the framework for that book.

I’m delighted to say that my book project is back on target, thanks to a book I read about how to write a book! One of the author recommendations was to tell everyone you know that you’re writing a book. This puts the author on the “accountability hook.” Having told all your friends and family you’re writing a book, you mustn’t disappoint them, right?

So here I am, chunking blocks of time at my local library, developing an inspirational guide and tutorial manual for anyone interested in entering the field and leading group trips. I’m lucky to have a talented editor like Randy Mink who rearranges my misplaced commas and often asks, “Are you sure you want to say it this way?” And Marty de Souto has offered to share some of her tips and advice that she’s lent to Leisure Group Travel readers over the past two decades.

IT’S NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU

While I have a cadre of publishing experts here, you, my friend, are my eyes and ears and here’s where I can use a little help.

If you were sitting down over a cup of coffee or glass of wine with someone who was considering starting their own group trips, what advice would you give them? What lessons have you learned? Skills you’ve acquired? Somewhere you’ve been faced with a challenge that you overcame. What’s the backstory?

I’m a firm believer in learning from those that have ventured down that same path and I’m hoping to share your advice within this new book.

My motivation for this project is simple: This industry has given a lot to me and it’s time to give something back. I know a lot about this subject and with your advice we can help usher in the next generation of group travel enthusiasts.

Share your advice to jeff@ptmgroups.com, or call me in the office @ 630-794-0696.

Happy Traveling,

Vol. 29, No. 5 October 2019 Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editor – Miles Dobis

miles@ptmgroups.com

Production & Marketing Coordinator – Annie Gavin annie@ptmgroups.com

Chief Development Officer – Lance Harrell lance@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Vice President – Theresa O’Rourke Midwest, Frontier/Mountain West P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com

Regional Business Development Managers Midwest, Mid-Atlantic/New England – Tom Tobiason P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 tom@ptmgroups.com

South/West Coast – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsi bility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406)

is published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular sub scrip tion price for all others is $18.00 per year.

Single copies are $4.95 each.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 A

Jeff Gayduk Publisher 6

■ October 2019

publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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ON TOUR

By Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC

Markets can be an appealing locale to bring groups.

Food-based Trips Offer Some New Directions

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any factors can make up a tour — the price, good weather and nice travel companions. Also important are such features as scenic beauty, historic spots of interest, friendly locals, good guides and perhaps excellent shopping opportunities.

But one factor that can heavily influence the success of a tour is the food — deliciousness that can linger on in our memory long after the trip is over. So, how can we provide an excellent culinary experience for all concerned but still keep the trip price within reason? There are various methods we might consider when we plan our tours from the outset.

The first method is to use deluxe hotel properties with their own in-house restaurants throughout the trip, ensuring

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■ October 2019

tour members enjoy a top-notch dining experience at virtually every meal. This method will also assume a tour price tag, which may be way beyond that of all but the most deluxe travelers. Nevertheless, there are companies that can operate this kind of tour for small, deluxe groups who value this upscale dining experience.

Another method is to highlight a particular dining experience here and there as the trip moves along but not necessarily stay overnight in deluxe hotel properties. Such on-tour dining experiences booked in advance could be at notable restaurants along the route you’ve planned.

Or, you might rearrange your itinerary to include a specific restaurant in a locale that requires your adjusting the itinerary from the outset.

A third approach is to provide selected meals here and there as the tour rolls along but not necessarily at notable restaurants.

One might try to stage a festive picnic here and there with specialties of the area. A number of operators nowadays are offering wine tastings with local vineyards in conjunction with such dining experiences.

A fourth approach could be incorporating cooking classes or tastings at various specialty stops. For example, I’ve successfully taken groups to chocolate candy-making classes in Belgium. Many tour members come home more proud of the learning experience when it comes to foods than just the tasting experience.

A fifth approach is to include visits to the public markets in many cities on market day. Just learning the different foods, tastes, methods of preparation and agricultural realities can make for interesting and memorable content in a tour.

If you want to make food the principal raison d’etre in your travel program, you need to spend some time and energy investigating the many possibilities that might be incorporated into your trip offerings. You need to start visiting the restaurants, county fairs, markets and other food-centered locales. You’ll want to note the particular products in which they specialize, the seasons when they welcome visiting groups and similarly, the seasons when they may be too busy to pay attention to the visitors you plan to bring on your tours.

All-in-all, food can be a new direction, a new tour segment and a new curiosity you can introduce to your clientele who may be looking for something new in a trip.

Something different in a trip and something delicious. Try it. Your tour members may wonder why you waited so long.

Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) with a long history in the travel/tourism industry. She has been a tour operator, worldwide trip leader, college tourism instructor and textbook author. Her consulting firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com)

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

INDUSTRY FORECAST

Women to Watch S

Leisure Group Travel interviews six women who are helping reimagine the group tour experience

By Mary Lu Laffey

ay hello to six women whose imaginations keep the group tourism industry moving along a creative continuum of sustained growth. How? By reimagining the status quo and identifying ways to realize new potential. There are big thoughts, like the impact of sustainability, the status of sightseeing, defining authenticity and recognizing what’s up and coming. And detailed-oriented thinking as well — the impact of the number of guests, dietary restrictions and territorial decisions, like whether to cross the state line or international border.

With a combined work experience of well over 100 years,

Wendy Dobrzynski Executive Director Circle Wisconsin

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ircle Wisconsin opened shop in 1988 with the goal of supporting group travel throughout the state.

Today, a roster of 155-plus members boasts group-friendly destinations, attractions, restaurants, theaters, casinos, museums and lodging throughout five regions of the state. Dobrzynski started her career in bank travel. “In the beginning I arranged tours that would take groups out of the LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Janet Kasic, of Circle Michigan; Julianne Fredrick, at Tour Colorado; Lindsey James, from Iowa Group Travel; Wendy Dobrzynski, of Circle Wisconsin; Karen Ballard, at Vermont Tourism Network; and Donna Cordle Gray, at Legacy Dimensions for Missouri Tourism, spend a great deal of their time listening to the dreams of the members of their organizations. Then they make plans to make them happen.

In this fourth annual issue honoring women leaders in the group travel business, these six share news about their association, their journey in the business, and observations about what’s happening with groups and how they reimagine group travel for their members.

state. Now that is reversed,” she said.

Heads Up: “Younger baby boomers have discovered Wisconsin,” said Dobrzynski. “This demographic doesn’t want to worry about driving, being tired or if they should enjoy a wine or beer tasting. That’s where group travel holds a huge advantage.” She credits coach operators with being in tune with the expectations of today’s groups. “The addition of WiFi, plug-ins and more comfortable seating has not gone unnoticed,” she said.

Circle Wisconsin reimagines group travel by identifying experiences that lie hiding in

“Circle Wisconsin reimagines group travel by helping members identify experiences that lie hiding in plain sight.”

plain sight. “Wisconsin is riddled with historic towns and attractions, like the circus history in Baraboo. The Big Top Parade is terrific for groups — witnessing elephants being led down a main street is a story waiting to be retold,” she said.

Watch & Weigh: “I have a personal goal to visit the 570 historical markers around the state,” she said. “Using the information from the makers helps me gather story ideas and groups love to hear stories.” Eco-travel and smaller destinations are on her radar.

“Smaller towns often offer bigger access to groups,” she said. While sightseeing will always be a draw, it is what groups can do that fleshes out an itinerary.

Attention tour operators: “Tour operators should know that fall color is terrific in the Midwest — in the parks and along or on any waterfront — the Dells, from Lake Michigan to Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. Also, there’s a reason that Midwesterners have a reputation for being friendly; we are nice people,” she said. circlewisconsin.com October 2019 ■ 9

INDUSTRY FORECAST

Julianne Fredrick Executive Director Tour Colorado

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our Colorado brings together Colorado destinations, attractions, lodgers and tourism-based service providers as members in one statewide marketing organization. The organization’s history dates to a predecessor company, Colorado Group Tour Association, which opened in 1988; the name change happened in 1992.

Heads Up: In May 2019, Fredrick took the reins as Executive Director at Tour

Lindsey James President Iowa Group Travel Association

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owa Group Travel Association provides planning resources and assistance in creating singular group-friendly experiences. For nearly 30 years, IGTA has served as a single point of contact for tour planners interested in Iowa as a destination. Representing attractions, lodging, restaurants, and destination marketing organizations found throughout the state, IGTA promotes Iowa to the 10

■ October 2019

Colorado. She earned her chops over 20 years in the industry including a Tour Colorado board member, a travel agent, at a DMO, a tour guide and a step-on guide in Interlaken, Switzerland. Her goal: Help members embrace collaboration, group tour business and to increase tours in all regions of the state. “It is important for everyone to reimagine the group business,” Fredrick said. “Four-season travel is a key component for growth.”

Watch & Weigh: Fredrick believes groups can find just about everything to do in Colorado. Dude ranch experiences, wine country tours and tastings, mountain lakes, urban destinations, the plains, pueblos and mesas float to the top of her mustexperience lists. Colorado is reimagining food, too, as it links tasting tours to the immersive trend.

Attention tour operators: With national parks, national monuments, heritage sites and a laundry list of state parks, Colorado’s great outdoors provides a red carpet for groups seeking a mild or high adrenaline

national group motorcoach travel industry and group tour planning professionals.

Heads Up: Lindsey James still wears her hat as Executive Director for Visit Mason City and she doubles up as the President of the IGTA. “We’ve worked really hard throughout the past few years to break the stereotypes or misconceptions that people tend to have when they think about Iowa,” said James. “In addition to our website and social media presence, we attend trade shows, produce the Iowa Tour Guide, host familiarization tours, and distribute a quarterly e-newsletter.

Watch & Weigh: James believes the increased interest in multi-generational trips creates a greater opportunity for

“Iowa is so much more than cornfields.”

“With the exception of deep-sea fishing, I think groups can find just about everything to do in Colorado.” rush. Find world-class skiing in Colorado Ski Country where new lodging is scheduled to open this season.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center is located in Colorado Springs and between June and August, 15 tours are offered each day. Fredrick reminds operators historic railways provide singular experiences and closer looks at the state’s peaks and valleys — think the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad. tourcolorado.org

group travel. “There’s still strong interest in authentic experiences and, now, grandparents are looking for opportunities to travel and share those off-the-beatenpath experiences with grandchildren. Group travel can provide that, and at a great value,” she said.

James also likes to work across state lines. “We’re proud to be a sponsor of the 2020 ABA Marketplace in Omaha.

The Iowa Group Travel Association is partnering with Visit Omaha and Visit Nebraska and will host three Iowa FAM tours in conjunction with the Marketplace,” she said. Her team is also working on the Travel Iowa Marketplace and FAM tour scheduled for late fall of 2020.

Attention tour operators: “Iowa is so much more than cornfields,” said James.

“Iowa is nostalgic and rustic, yet edgy and sophisticated. We certainly embrace our agricultural roots, and can create memorable field-to-fork experiences for groups who are interested in those types of tours.” iowagrouptravel.com >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

their group tours. We even consider motorcycling as a new group niche and attend and exhibit at the huge motorcycle show held in Minneapolis each year.”

Kasic spent years with AAA Travel and contributed to Michigan Living Magazine

Janet Kasic, CTIS Director Circle Michigan

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ircle Michigan was formed in 1981 as a membership-driven marketing arm for group tour-friendly properties located in Michigan. It was the first of its kind and continues to lead the industry.

Heads Up: “Group travel has changed a lot over the last decade or so,” said Kasic. “Smaller groups, more active groups that want experiences and choices on

Karen Ballard Program Manager Vermont Tourism

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ermont Tourism Network began as an independently owned business nearly 35 years ago. The Vermont Chamber of Commerce purchased the company in 2009.

Heads Up: Stepping into the role as program manager for Vermont Tourism Network’s group tours, Karen Ballard brought along the real-world experience she honed in sales, marketing and promotions LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

“For 2020, I would say to keep your eye on Detroit. I just did a site tour and that city is hopping.”

along with her relationships with Vermont destinations. “My very first group marketplace was OMCA,” said Ballard.

“People told me it’s all about relationships, and it was hard to believe nearly 10 years ago, but now those very relationships are the basis of the success of my work.”

Watch & Weigh: “I haven’t been in the industry as long as others, but I’ve certainly seen an evolution of operators working to explore beyond the traditional mature market into others, like student groups, active adults and niche interest groups,” Ballard said. “The reimagining of tour offerings, in my opinion, comes mostly from DMOs and destinations seeking to expand offerings and working to provide new tour options that offer tour operators product to sell to a new market.”

Ballard recently introduced an International Culinary Trail focused on culinary and agri-tourism experiences around Vermont and Lake Champlain, border regions of Eastern Canada, and the Adirondack region of New York.

while she hosted a travel show on Metro Detroit cable television called Great Escapes. Soon after, she stepped onto a motorcoach to guide, escort, and promote tours nationwide.

Watch & Weigh: Year-round tours, like the 15 film tours that take groups to actual filming sites, are popular in Michigan. “Circle Michigan is also looking at creating a new adventure tour for winter tours — for the more active groups,” Kasic said. “Michigan has some of the best snowmobile trails in the country,” Kasic said. “Our governor is just about to unveil the return of competitive world cup skiing to Michigan too.”

Attention tour operators: “We are constantly updating and developing new itineraries for tour professionals to sell to their customers,” Kasic said.

“For 2020, I would say to keep your eye on Detroit. I just did a site tour and that city is hopping. It really is a center of activity, all in a park-like setting.” circlemichigan.com

“The focus on experiences must continue,” Ballard said. “With the online booking sites creating and offering thousands of experiences, it becomes even more important that destinations find ways to allow tour visits to stand out — and allow guests to leave feeling like they have had a visit to brag about.”

Attention tour operators: “Vermont Tourism Network offers one source for all of the components needed to create a tour — A Group Tour Manual, VermontTourismNetwork.com, five amazing receptive operators that are experienced in Vermont and the region and, of course, they can call me any time,” Ballard said. vermonttourismnetwork.com

“The focus on experiences must continue.”

October 2019 ■ 11

INDUSTRY FORECAST

Donna Cordle Gray Domestic Group Tour Program Missouri Division of Tourism

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n 2000, the Missouri Division of Tourism awarded the contract to execute the division’s domestic group tour program to Legacy Dimensions. Legacy is a Kansas City, Missouri-based event planning, sales/marketing and tourism representation company led by Donna Cordle Gray. Initially focused on trade shows, the 2017 Missouri Tourism Hall of Fame Award recipient

covers trade shows and conferences compiling notes and observations into industry reports, customizing itinerary creation and the all-important tour operator follow up.

Heads Up: “Group size is definitely smaller and experiential tourism is the buzz word,” said Cordle Gray. “Groups are no longer interested in just looking. They want handson experiences to create memories,” she said. According to Cordle Gray, baby boomers are not interested in traveling in the same fashion as their parents. “They are seeking more activity and choices,” she said. “The ‘cruise ship’ mentality toward tour planning is definitely a reality.”

Watch & Weigh: “Missouri’s international travel is growing as tour operators are seeking the real America,” said Cordle Gray, clicking off iconic attractions such as Route 66 as a must-see. “I think there will be an increased trend toward tour operators working together to sell into each other’s product,” she said. “The demand for group

“The demand for group activities that the individual consumer cannot experience on their own continues to grow.” activities that the individual consumer cannot experience on their own continues to grow.”

Attention tour operators: Cordle Gray believes group size will continue to be smaller and the need for specialty transportation and coaches will become more the norm. Student travel, especially performance tours, continues to grow. “Missouri is a very diverse state,” she said, “from both a geography standpoint as well as cultural. We have quaint smaller towns like Hannibal and the glittering lights of Branson.” visitmo.com

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EAST

REGION

TREASURES TRIFLES

I I

AND

For many tourists, the New York City experience revolves around the magical world of shopping

By Randy Mink

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rom exclusive boutiques and museum gift shops to famous department stores and shiny new malls, metro NYC takes retail revelry to dizzying heights.

If you can’t find it in New York, you probably can’t find it anywhere.

Shopping is such a temptation in the Big Apple that many travelers organize their sightseeing around marketplaces, malls and individual stores. Repeat visitors are always looking for something fresh, and this year has seen the opening of three new retail destinations that are creating quite a buzz.

On the West Side of Manhattan, within sight of the Hudson River train yards, Hudson Yards is the largest mixed-use private real estate development in American history. The complex of glass buildings between West 30th and West 34th streets, from 10th to 12th avenues, includes offices, residences, shops, restaurants and a 212-room hotel, the Equinox.

The new neighborhood’s tallest building, at 101 stories, will have the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor observatory (Edge), but right now the magnet for curiosity-seekers is the 14

■ October 2019

Vessel, an architectural sculpture that rises 15 stories above a plaza in the middle of Hudson Yards, just outside its high-end shopping mall.

Free, timed-entry tickets allow visitors (700 at a time) to climb around and explore the Vessel, and there’s an elevator for the disabled.

(For group reservations, email groups@ hudsonyardsnewyork.com). Made of 87 interlocking sections of concrete and reflective, copper-colored steel, Hudson Yards’ interactive centerpiece, laced with 154 staircases and 80 landings, offers views of the city from different heights, angles and vantage points. A creation of British designer Thomas Heatherwick, this stairway to nowhere has been compared to a jungle gym, woven basket, pine cone and honeycomb. Since Hudson Yards’ opening this past March, the vast plaza, landscaped with trees, gardens, fountains, benches and public art, has become a festive gathering spot.

Shoppers at Hudson Yards will find New York’s first and only Nieman Marcus department store and luxury jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.

Designer shops include Louis Vuitton, Dior, >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of Hudson Yards

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Hudson Yards North Gallery

Chanel and Kate Spade. Mercado Little Spain, the dining concept grabbing the most attention, has three restaurants, two bars, two retail markets and 15 tapas stations.

Reminiscent of food halls in Madrid or Barcelona, the stalls dish up paella, cured ham (jamon), gazpacho, velvety potato-egg omelets (tortilla de patatas) and other Spanish delicacies. (hudsonyardsnewyork.com) Hudson Yards is located on the High Line, a park built along an old elevated train track that served factories and warehouses in this former industrial area. Follow the path south 15 minutes to the Chelsea gallery district, where Chelsea Market focuses on artisan foods. Cable television’s Food Network is headquartered in the massive brick building, once the Nabisco factory (birthplace of the Oreo). Shops and eateries on street-level and downstairs purvey cheeses, chocolates, wines, Italian imported foods and heavenly baked goods. Heatonist specializes in hot sauces. Chelsea Market Baskets, besides doing customized mail-order gift baskets, also makes plenty of walk-in sales thanks to its excellent selection of cookies, candy and other sweets (including Leonidas Belgian chocolates and Shortbread House Scottish shortbread), not to mention teas, coffees, jams and gourmet potato chips. Sarabeth’s, nationally known for its jams, is a bakery/restaurant ideal for breakfast or lunch. Among Chelsea Market’s non-food shops are Imports from Marrakech (Moroccan decor), Artists & Fleas (artsy and vintage gifts) and Posman Books. (chelseamarket.com) The free Staten Island Ferry, making 25-minute crossings between the southern tip of Manhattan and borough of Staten Island, has always been a favorite with tourists looking to sail by the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Upon arrival in Staten Island, they traditionally hopped on the very next Manhattan-bound boat because there was nothing of interest near the ferry terminal. All that changed with the opening in May 2019 of Empire Outlets, New York City’s first and only outlet mall. Familiar names like Brooks Brothers, Columbia, Jockey, Old Navy, Crocs, Levi’s, Guess, Nike, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, October 2019 ■ 15

Banana Republic and American Eagle are attracting bargain hunters, with more stores and restaurants to come. The five-level outdoor mall, occupying a prime spot on the St. George waterfront, is sandwiched between the ferry terminal and Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the minor league Staten Island Yankees. Steps from the stadium is Staten Island’s 9/11 memorial, which is now closed for restoration.

Empire Outlets’ shoreline promenade and plaza afford picture-perfect views of the Manhattan skyline and harbor traffic, offers benches for relaxing, and has a few places to get food—Starbucks, Wetzel’s Pretzels, a Haagen-Dazs ice cream store and Belgian waffle sidewalk vendor. A Shake Shack and other restaurants are in the works. (empireoutlets.nyc) The metro area’s most anticipated new shopping experience awaits on the New Jersey side, five miles from Manhattan.

After years of delays, the first phase of the American Dream mega-mall will be unveiled

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■ October 2019

in late October at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, with additional areas opening in time for the holiday shopping season and into early 2020. Located at the Route 3-New Jersey Turnpike interchange, the mall will include more than 300 retail and entertainment venues, plus a food court, kosher food hall and 23 full-service restaurants. Featured on the who’s who list of luxury and fashion retailers are Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Hermes, Tiffany & Co. and Dolce & Gabbana. There will be an indoor Nickelodeon amusement park, indoor water park, ice skating rink and a ski slope that uses snowmaking equipment. Other crowd-pleasers: movie theaters, a SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, an observation wheel and two 18-hole miniature golf courses. Triple Five Worldwide, the development firm behind the project, owns and operates Minnesota’s Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada. (americandream.com) Switching from the brand-new to the

tried-and true, consider taking your group to Macy’s flagship store on Herald Square in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Offering almost a million items for sale in a two-building space measuring more than a million square feet, the “World’s Largest Store,” with its main entrance on Herald Square, covers an entire block between Broadway and Seventh Avenue. The 45-minute “Macy’s History Tour” ($12 a person with 10-person minimum) tells the story of this 1902 National Historic Landmark and includes a ride on the original wooden escalator, the nation’s first such pedestrian conveyance.

Tour participants receive a 10 percent savings pass to use at the mega-department store. (visitmacysusa.com/experience/new-yorkcity-macys-history-tour) Fifth Avenue, home to flagship stores of luxury brands, is another only-in-New-York setting in which to drop some dollars—or, more likely, window shop. Saks Fifth Avenue serves as an anchor near Rockefeller Center, and a stroll north toward Central Park leads to pricy bauble emporiums Harry Winston, Tiffany

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of American Dream

& Co., Bulgari, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Other tony Fifth Avenue tenants include Versace, the world’s largest Gucci store and iconic department store Bergdorf Goodman.

Outside of heavily guarded and fortified Trump Tower, across the street from Bergdorf’s, tourists stop to take pictures of its Fifth Avenue entrance, but many don’t realize they can go inside to shop or have a meal. Just walk past the Secret Service agents in the lobby and head to the tiny Trump Boutique. Better yet, take the escalator down to the Trump Store (heavy on golf wear) or the newsstand crammed with all manner of Donald Trump souvenirs, from chocolate bars to bobble-head figures of the president and first lady. There’s even a stand that sells Trump-Pence 2020 bumper stickers and other campaign gear.

Times Square, best known for its Broadway theaters, walls of electronic signs and masses of humanity, also pulls in visitors with dazzling retail attractions. At Hershey’s Chocolate World you will find toys, logo gear from socks to T-shirts and awesome displays of every imaginable variety of the company’s confections. You can design your own candy bar wrapper or mix and match your favorite candies at the Amazing Candy Machine. M&M’s World offers the same type of experience. Baseball fans scoping out Times LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Square will find Yankee Clubhouse and Mets Clubhouse stores on 42nd Street.

Visitors exploring the sights of Lower Manhattan’s Financial District—tourist draws like the 9/11 Memorial Museum and Memorial, One World Observatory and Museum of Jewish Heritage—have shopping opportunities aplenty. The two big enclosed malls— Westfield World Trade Center and upscale Brookfield Place—both boast impressive architectural trappings and can keep shoppers busy for hours. The Westfield complex is part of the dramatic new transportation center at the Oculus, a soaring white-ribbed space designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The atrium’s stunning interior, bathed in daylight from a glasspaneled roof, brings out the cameras. Among the 100-plus stores: Apple, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, Dior, Cole Haan and Under Armour.

New York museums, besides displaying rare and beautiful treasures, have gift shops stocked with treasures and trifles in the form of merchandise that you may not find anywhere else. At the new Museum of the Dog, located near Grand Central Terminal, you can buy socks, playing cards and other souvenirs bearing favorite dog breeds. Or how about a boxed Dog Bingo game? The Metropolitan

Photo courtesy of Macy’s

American Dream in New Jersey

Macy’s Herald Square

Museum of Art and other art repositories incorporate some of their signature works into everything from handbags to jigsaw puzzles.

At United Nations Headquarters, shops on the lower level offer U.N.-logo snow globes and teddy bears, handicrafts from around the world and miniature flags of each member nation, Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

From A to Z, stores in every corner of New York City have the goods.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: To view Randy Mink’s story on Cooperstown, New York, log on to tinyurl.com/y58ay7eo

October 2019 ■ 17

NEW YORK TOUR IDEAS

BURN CALORIES IN THE BIG APPLE These walking tours will show you the best sides of New York City

W

By Jason Paha

ith a bevy of diverse neighborhoods residing in its five bustling boroughs, New York is one of the finest walking cities in the world.

Wherever groups find themselves, be it Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx or Staten Island, the city’s sights and sounds are as intoxicating as any location on the planet.

Here are some of New York’s more popular walking tour options that will best help you explore the Big Apple.

Since its formation in 1991, Big Onion Walking Tours has led groups on tours through New York’s neighborhoods and historic districts. Big Onion offers more than 30 tours in 20 different NYC neighborhoods with some of its more beloved outings including a walking expedition across the Brooklyn Bridge, a look at the history and architecture of Harlem and a multi-ethnic eating tour that combines the history of the Lower East Side with food samplings from shops and markets. All tours, which last around 18

■ October 2019

Photos courtesy of nycgo.com

Big Onion Walking Tours

The DUMBO neighborhood offers fabulous sightlines.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

two hours and cover between one and two miles, are guided. bigonion.com

Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Trail

Queens calls itself the home of jazz thanks to the hundreds of top jazz performers who have lived there over the years. This monthly three-hour tour canvasses the neighborhoods, clubs and museums of Queens’ jazz legends, including a visit to the Louis Armstrong House. ephemerapress.com/queens-jazz-trail.html, www.flushingtownhall.org/

Foods of New York Tours

For 20 years, this tour has taken groups across the city and kept them well-fed while doing so. Guests can choose from six different food adventures in New York’s most historic neighborhoods, including Greenwich Village, Chinatown and Chelsea. These tours generally run three hours, with the Best of Brooklyn outing topping out at 4.5 hours. foodsofny.com

Gargoyles of Gramercy Park Walking Tour

It’s no surprise a city so rich in history is flush with gargoyles looking down on its denizens. This one-hour tour makes nine stops in Manhattan and features detailed information about the gargoyles and the neighborhoods they reside in. While tour host Alfred Pommer recommends you bring binoculars, he supplements the walk with photographs of the distant gargoyles to ensure you get a close-up view of the garish creatures. nycwalk.com

West Village in Manhattan is home to quaint streets which are perfect for walking.

that would make more than a few authors proud. literarypubcrawl.com

Harlem, Your Way!

Guests can learn about Harlem’s rich history through tours customized for both groups and individuals. Harlem, Your Way! outings take visitors to legendary sites like the Apollo Theater as well as to jazz and cabaret clubs, gothic cathedrals and uptown and downtown tours of New York City. On Sunday, the Gospel Tour invites guests to visit a musicfilled service at a neighborhood church. harlemyourwaytoursunlimited.com

Manhattan to Brooklyn NYC Walking Tour

Those seeking to soak in the majestic Manhattan skyline can embark on this tour that crosses the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn. This 45-minute

outing enables guests to learn about the city’s history and cultural significance from a guide while taking in such views as the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island. When your group arrives in Brooklyn, you’ll visit art galleries and chocolate shops in Brooklyn’s famous DUMBO neighborhood. onthegotours.com

Street Art Tour of Bushwick

Brooklyn has long been known as a street art haven and one of its most popular street art displays is the Bushwick Collective, located in the city’s Bushwick neighborhood. This collection of street art and graffiti stretches across several blocks of industrial buildings and attracts a variety of artists both locally, nationally and internationally. Free walking tours are offered where groups can learn about the history of the artists whose work graces walls in Bushwick and across Brooklyn. freetoursbyfoot.com/bushwick-graffitibushwick-collective/

Greenwich Village Literary Walking Tour and Pub Crawl

Literary sorts and liquor lovers will appreciate this tour that has been educating and entertaining guests since 1998. Local actors provide tourgoers with pints from venerable Greenwich Village establishments while regaling them with stories, poems and prose that make NYC the epicenter of American literature. These tours tend to run three hours, so pace yourself with the drinking, lest you wind up in a drunken stupor LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

October 2019 ■ 19

New York City Cultural Collection Enjoy unforgettable experiences at New York’s best museums and performing arts institutions.

The Whitney Museum of American Art

The Museum of Modern Art

Located in the heart of New York City, MoMA is home to the world’s greatest collection of modern and contemporary art. groupservices@moma.org

New York City Ballet

With almost 100 dancers and its own 62-piece orchestra, City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world.

Experience iconic American art from the 20th century to today at the Whitney’s exciting new location in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. grouptours@whitney.org

groupsales@nycballet.com

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Enjoy an inside look at Lincoln Center, the world’s premier performing arts center, with guided tours of renowned concert halls and performance opportunities. tour_desk@lincolncenter.org

Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Metropolitan Opera

Swing into NYC and experience America’s music. Customize your visit with iconic views, engaging learning opportunities, backstage tours, and more.

Experience the world’s greatest singers on the world’s greatest stage in the heart of Lincoln Center.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

As New York’s most-visited museum and attraction, The Met is an unmissable experience.

Carnegie Hall

With live performances of classical, jazz, pop, and world music, Carnegie Hall remains one of the world’s premier concert venues.

groupsales@metopera.org

mettours@metmuseum.org

The Museum of Modern Art moma.org | 212.708.9685

New York City Ballet nycballet.com | 212.870.4200

The Whitney Museum of American Art whitney.org | 646.321.5569

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts lincolncenter.org/visit/tours | 212.671.4227

Jazz at Lincoln Center jazz.org/groups | 212.258.9875

The Metropolitan Opera metopera.org/groups | 212.501.3410

The Metropolitan Museum of Art metmuseum.org | 212.570.3711

Carnegie Hall carnegiehall.org | 212.903.9705

groups@jazz.org

groupsales@carnegiehall.org

This girlfriends getaway to historic Hoboken, New Jersey blends a wide variety of wonderful options for a memorable experience.

HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF CULTURAL AND HERITAGE AFFAIRS Peggy Kelly pkelly@hcnj.us 201-459-20270 visithudson.org

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Hudson County, New Jersey

A Girlfriends Getaway in Hoboken Featuring an International Flair Day 1

Check in at the award-winning W Hoboken hotel.

Since opening in 2009, the property has held the No. 1 guest satisfaction designation of all North American W Hotels. On the waterfront overlooking Manhattan, W Hoboken is perfectly placed.

Dinner at Cucharamama features foods from Brazil, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Co-owner and chef Maricel E. Presilla was named the Beard Foundation’s Best ChefMid Atlantic region in 2012 and was named a finalist in 2015. A Special Pre-Fixe Menu is available from 5–6:30 p.m. Tonight, experience the No. 1 professional theater company in Hudson County, Miles Square Theater. Founded in 2002, Miles Square Theater offers professional theater year-round. “A Merry Little Christmas Carol” is December 5-29, 2019. The 2020 season will be announced in mid-October.

the cobblestone paving of Court Street and the townhomes of Willow Terrace. A map is available, but it’s suggested visitors download the app. Enjoy lunch at Hoboken’s oldest continually operating bar/restaurant, Elysian Café. The French bistro style menu offers a delightful selection of elysian sandwiches and lunch entrées. You’ve earned a high state of happy and tension relief. Choose from Hoboken’s Women Wellness, a medical massage office with spa-like atmosphere and service, Health in Hands, featuring Trigger Point Therapy and 10 others, or Zening Wholistic, a massage/body therapy and wellness organization. Continue the international dining experience at La Isla, an outstanding Cuban restaurant on the Jersey side of the Hudson River often called Little Havana. Since 1996, the Luis and Giner families with Chef Omar Giner have served traditional Cuban food from genuine ingredients.

Day 2

Day 3

A full American breakfast, or buffet breakfast is available in the hotel’s Halifax restaurant. Chef Seadon Shouse serves savory, fresh, local and sustainable cuisine.

Hoboken Historic Walking Tour will take you through the neighborliness of a small town that enjoys all the benefits of a big city. The birthplace of Frank Sinatra, Hoboken’s character has been preserved for more than 150 years. More than 30 points of interest fill the two to three hour walk, including historic homes and churches from as far back as 1856, popular parks,

Breakfast and checkout at the hotel before proceeding on a shopping extravaganza like no other.

American Dream in nearby East Rutherford is just a 25-minute drive from Hoboken. A first of its kind community for fashion and luxury retail opens October 25. Visitors will discover fine to casual dining and entertainment along with an array of shopping delights at more than 100 stores. Whether window shopping, or developing your seasonal wardrobe, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the American Dream experience.

October 2019 ■ 21

ADIRONDACK MUSEUMS TELL THE REGION’S STORY From the historic to the quirky, museums in the Adirondack area will entertain and educate groups

Fort Ticonderoga contains one of North America’s finest collections of 18th-century military material culture.

By Jaylyn Fahey

T

here are many reasons to visit New York’s Adirondack mountain region.

It begins with the stunning beauty of the area and continues with outdoor recreation for every season, rich historic sites, wonderful dining options, boat tours on beautiful lakes and certainly, the sweet tradition of maple sugaring. However, it’s the region’s museums that best tell its story.

art. The museum offers works of American and European art that span almost 6,000 years of art from antiquity to the present.

Open year-round, The Hyde features changing exhibitions in its five gallery spaces along with lectures, concerts, family activities, education programs and tours. (hydecollection.org)

FORT TICONDEROGA THE MUSEUM ON BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE This museum in the rural hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake is the storyteller for life in the Adirondacks past and present. Visitors can walk through beautiful galleries and enjoy interactive exhibits featuring unique Adirondack artifacts within 121 acres of an open-air campus. Guests can step into a guide boat, set off a charge in a mine shaft or row a vintage boat. (theadkx.org)

THE HYDE COLLECTION The Hyde Collection in Glen Falls is a historic house and museum complex with a distinguished collection of art, featuring Old Masters, 19th-Century European and American art and Modern and Contemporary 22

■ October 2019

Experience the blend of history and natural beauty like nowhere else. Explore 2,000 acres of America’s most historic landscape located on the shores of Lake Champlain and nestled between New York’s Adirondack and Vermont’s Green Mountains in Ticonderoga.

Explore one of North America’s finest collections of 18th-century military material culture. Exhibitions featuring art, weapons and equipment from North America and Europe highlight Ticonderoga’s signature stories and document warfare in Colonial and Revolutionary America. There are many tour options from Fort Ticonderoga Museum Tour and Breaking Ground Tour to the Scenic Boat Tour and Family Guided Tour. (fortticonderoga.org)

FREDERIC REMINGTON ART MUSEUM Frederic Remington was an American artist who specialized in depictions of the American Old West. Many of his paintings and sculptures included cowboys, American Indians and the U.S. Calvary.

This museum, located in Ogdensburg, New York, hosts a comprehensive collection of original Remington paintings, sketches and sculptures, as well as a broad array of personal effects and correspondence that serve to bring the artist and his vision to life. (fredericremington.org)

INTERNATIONAL MAPLE MUSEUM CENTRE This museum in Croghan was founded in 1977 to preserve the history and evolution of the North American maple syrup industry.

Exhibits depict the history of maple syrup and sugar-making techniques ranging from those used by the Native Americans to plastic tubing and stainless-steel evaporators in use today. On a tour, you will explore three display rooms and will find a replica of a sugar house, equipment room and the American Maple Hall of Fame. (maplemuseumcentre.org) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of Bryn Pinzgauer

NEW YORK TOUR IDEAS

The historic waters of Lake Champlain stretch 120 miles north to south along New York and Vermont with almost 600 miles of pristine shoreline and 435 square miles of surface area. With two states, lots of activity and plenty of lake views, why wouldn’t you want to loop around the lake?

THE ADIRONDACK COAST

Alyssa Senecal Alyssa@northcountychamber.com 518-563-1000 goadirondack.com/groups

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Plattsburgh, Ausable Chasm, Peru and West Chazy, New York

Loop Around the Lake Day 1

After breakfast and a morning visit to Fort Ticonderoga, you can travel to Peru, New York and Ausable Chasm. If you’re traveling in the fall, I Love New York has a great fall foliage report to follow.

Choose from one of the Ausable Chasm packages and climb, raft, rappel or simply walk around the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” A group favorite is Ausable Chasm’s Classic Tour. Your adventure begins with a one-mile walk on the scenic Sanctum Trail past Rainbow Falls, Elephant’s Head, stone bridges and spectacular vistas. Next, an experienced guide leads you on a float ride through the towering cliffs in the narrowest part of Ausable Chasm.

Make a stop at Rulfs Orchard for lunch and make your own apple pie for dessert. With apple blossoms in the spring, U-pick berries in the summer, and U-pick apples in the Fall, Rulfs Orchard offers a plethora of activities allowing your group to fully immerse itself in the Adirondack Coast’s agricultural way of life. After all, this area is the 2nd largest producer of McIntosh apples in the U.S. Arrive in Plattsburgh, New York and check into your hotel of choice. Plattsburgh has all major chain hotels and a ton of Adirondack hospitality. Enjoy dinner and a beer at Plattsburgh Brewing Company, a locally owned restaurant and brewery. With fresh items on the menu, historically inspired brews and a private event space, Plattsburgh Brewing Company is sure to meet your group’s dining needs.

Catch a show at The Strand Center Theatre, a landmark of cultural and historical importance in the heart of downtown Plattsburgh. Originally built as the Vaudeville Theatre in 1924, The Strand is

now a historical landmark offering everything from comedies to live music and so much more.

Day 2 Wake up to a full buffet breakfast at Parker Family Maple Farm, complete with their own, fresh maple syrup and a tour of the sugarhouse. Often guided by a family member, the tour features the old and new processes that have been used to make their maple syrup since 1889. Dive into the area’s agricultural history with a visit to Heart’s Delight Farm Heritage Exhibit. This permanent exhibit pays tribute to the Miner family and their farm. Heart’s Delight grew from 144 acres, a farmhouse and a few barns to a model farm of 300 structures and 15,000 acres. The theater features the history of the farm and current state of agriculture in the area.

Make a quick pit stop off of scenic Route 9 at Chazy Orchards, the largest McIntosh apple orchard in the world. Find a gift for friends or family amongst the locally made products in their farm market and be sure to grab a baker’s dozen of their irresistible doughnuts or a bag of apples to snack on throughout your journey.

Next stop is Vesco Ridge Vineyards, a small farm winery with gorgeous views and great owners! Enjoy a catered lunch and wine tasting on their covered deck.

After lunch, hop on the bus-friendly ferry out of Plattsburgh for a 15-minute ride across Lake Champlain to Grand Isle, Vermont to complete your Loop around the Lake.

October 2019 ■ 23

Did you know the Lake George area is the land of the Adirondack cowboy?

Beginning and ending in the Village of Lake George, the Dude Ranch Trail is a 40-mile loop passing horseback stables, rodeos and ranch resorts with activities sure to bring out the inner cowboys and cowgirls in any group.

WARREN COUNTY TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Tanya Brand brandt@warrencountyny.gov 800-365-1050 VisitLakeGeorge.com

24

■ October 2019

Lake George Area, New York

Rodeos, Ranches and Rides Day 1

Arrive in the Lake George area and check into one of the all-inclusive resorts that offer ranchstyle experiences. Each resort provides a signature experience that can be customized to your group’s abilities, interests and length of stay.

Ridin-Hy Ranch Resort has been family owned and operated for generations and offers four seasons of authentic Adirondack activities and relaxation in a spectacular mountain setting. Explore Ridin-Hy’s 700 acres of scenic trails on horseback with free instruction by experienced wranglers. Enjoy hayrides, horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides as well as activities such as bingo, nightly entertainment, crafts, spa treatments, swimming and boating.

Located just west of Lake George, Stony Creek Ranch Resort has been offering ranch experiences to groups for over 42 years. Set on the beautiful Hudson River, this ranch-style resort features more than 80 acres on which to discover adventures of Adirondack proportions.

Daily horseback rides are offered along with a weekly professional rodeo experience. Join in a cattle drive or meet the friendly farm animals at the petting zoo. This all-inclusive ranch features 80 rustic-designed cabins and rooms with Adirondack décor and serves three bountiful meals a day along with fun activities such as movies under the stars and cowboy campfires nightly.

Day 2 Enjoy breakfast at your ranch-style resort.

A Lake George itinerary wouldn’t be complete without getting out on the “Queen of American Lakes.”

Choose a scenic cruise aboard one of the five ships that sail the pristine waters of 32-mile long Lake George.

The Lake George Steamboat Company’s Minne Ha Ha sails hourly and lunch and dinner cruises are available on the lake’s largest sailing vessel, the Lac Du Saint Sacrement or Lake George Shoreline’s upscale Adirondac or Horicon.

Prospect Mountain Memorial Highway is one of Lake George’s iconic landmarks offering panoramic views of the lake, the Adirondack Mountains and beyond. Travel the 5.5-mile scenic highway, visiting each of its three breathtaking overlooks to its 2,030-foot summit. Discover the historical ruins of what was once the world’s largest cable railroad and snap a photo as a keepsake of this memorable tour.

Don’t miss an evening at Painted Pony Championship Rodeo for exciting spills and thrills of professional rodeo. Kick off the night with an authentic, Texas style BBQ buffet, then dust off your boots and mosey on over to the corral where you will be entertained by tough cowboys, beautiful cowgirls, funny rodeo clowns and outstanding animals.

Day 3 Today is all about riding the waves. Choose from one of the many outdoor outfitters for an exciting day of whitewater rafting, kayaking or lazy river tubing on the Hudson or Sacandaga Rivers.

Whether it’s a full day of wet and wild adventure or just a few hours of teambuilding on the river, this outdoor experience is sure to provide memories to last a lifetime. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Empire State Building Unveils New Exhibits

Photo courtesy of Evan Joseph

NEW YORK — The Empire State Building just unveiled the second phase of its $165 million, reimagined observatory experience, introducing a second-floor gallery that immerses guests in a series of digitally enhanced exhibits ranging from the building’s construction to its place in pop culture. The “World’s Most Famous Building” exhibit has more than 70 screens that show the skyscraper’s starring roles in movies, TV shows, commercials, cartoons, comic books and video games. In the King Kong exhibit, visitors walk into an office from the 1930s where the famous ape’s fingers pierce the walls as he dangles from the building and dodges vintage fighter planes; those brave enough can even step into Kong’s hands.

Another display spotlights celebrities who have visited the 86th-floor observatory. (empirestatebuilding.com) Empire State Building

30 Americans Presentation on Display

PENNSYLVANIA — The 10th anniversary presentation of 30 Americans, a major exhibition drawn from the acclaimed Rubell Family Collection and featuring works by many of the most important and influential African American artists of the past four decades, will be on view at the Barnes Foundation from late October through January 12, 2020. From the canonical to the cutting-edge, the featured artists explore issues of personal and cultural identity against a backdrop of pervasive stereotyping—of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class—addressing intersectional politics in unique and powerful ways. (barnesfoundation.org)

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

EAST REGION out-style coaster features a 4,636-foot milk chocolate track and spans seven acres. (hersheypark.com/chocolatetown/) Hersheypark

Photo courtesy of Fauxto Digit

& Greatest Photo courtesy of Randy Mink

Latest

Baseball Shrine Spotlights Card Collecting

NEW YORK — The hobby of collecting baseball cards is the focus of Shoebox Treasures, the newest permanent exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The interactive exhibit explores the history of trading cards, traces how the design of cards has evolved over the years and takes a deep dive into the passion behind collecting cards. One section is devoted to “error cards”—those that featured reversed photos, misspelled names or even incorrectly identified players. On display in “The Cards Your Mother Threw Away” are vertical files featuring more than 2,000 cards, which represents a mere one percent of the cards in the Hall of Fame’s collection. One station lets visitors pose for their own baseball card photo and email themselves a series of cards. The journey concludes with the “Holy Grails,” 10 cards that are among the rarest and most sought-after in the industry’s 140-year history. (baseballhall.org)

Hersheypark Opening Chocolatetown

PENNSYLVANIA — In the summer of 2020, Hersheypark is opening Hershey’s Chocolatetown, Where Fun Meets Chocolate. This will be the most transformative expansion in Hersheypark history. Here, guests can shop, eat, play and ride. One of its most historic rides, The Carrousel, is moving on over to Hershey’s Chocolatetown. Another new attraction will be the roller coaster Candymonium, which has a 210-foot ascent with seven camelback hills. Hold on tight because you will reach the speed of 76 mph. The in-and-

Hyannis Factory Tour Reopens MASSACHUSETTS — Cape Cod Potato Chips is re-opening its Hyannis Factory Tour in Cape Cod, spotlighting renovations, visitor experiences and behind-the-scenes opportunities. The renovations include an expanded space to accommodate more vistors; an up-close-and-personal view of the quintessential kettles with photo opportunities; and a picturesque patio for guests to sit back and take it all in and enjoy some chips. (Capecodchips.com)

John Dillon Park Makes the Adirondacks Accessible to All

NEW YORK — Located just outside of the town of Long Lake in the heart of the Adirondacks, John Dillon Park offers a wheelchair-accessible wilderness experience for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to fully enjoy all that this region’s natural landscapes have to offer. John Dillon Park provides access to both woods and water. Grampus Lake surrounds the park’s edge, and visitors have the chance to go for a boat ride or set out for a paddle in a canoe or kayak from the wheelchair accessible dock.

There is also an extensive network of trails for hiking and exploring. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity at the park, with overlooks like Osprey Point, where a family of ospreys have made their home for the past 18 years, providing the chance to observe wildlife in its own natural habitat. (paulsmiths.edu/ johndillonpark) October 2019 ■ 25

Latest

& Greatest

Royal Caribbean Returns to New Orleans

SOUTH REGION

Africa in Atlanta

GEORGIA — The new African Savanna just opened as the first phase of the LOUISIANA — Royal Caribbean three-part Grand New View project that is International will sail year-round from transforming Zoo Atlanta. The new elephant New Orleans when the Majesty of the Seas environment more than triples the size of arrives at her new homeport in January the former elephant habitat and is designed 2020. Seven-night cruises to the Bahamas, with elephant well-being in mind. Elements Key West and Royal Caribbean’s newly include Abana Pond, the largest of the reimagined private island destination, complex’s three water features, a pond with Perfect Day at CocoCay, are departing 360-degree access and a gentle slope for through April 2021. (royalcaribbean.com) ease of use by multiple elephants. Additional features include Chishimba Falls and Kalambo Falls, two waterfalls named after falls in Africa. The indoor Zambezi Elephant Center can house up to seven elephants.

A special observation area gives visitors the chance to look inside the building for a behind-the-scenes look at the elephants’ care. Other residents of the African Savanna include zebras, giraffes, ostriches, warthogs Royal Caribbean and meerkats. Future elements of Grand New View will include Savanna Hall, a special event destination that will overlook the “Nack-A-Tish” new African Savanna from the historic former Cyclorama building, and a new grand entry plaza; Louisiana’s Oldest City both will open in early 2020. (zooatlanta.org/ africansavanna) • •

s e h c o t i h c t a N

concourse D, the ticketing lobby and baggage claim. The overhaul is set to bring in popular local restaurants such as Biscuit Love, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and Barista Parlor. (bnavisionnashville.com)

Mississippi Museum of Art Presents Exhibition

MISSISSIPPI — The Mississippi Museum of Art will present New Symphony of Time, an ongoing exhibition of approximately 170 works drawn primarily from the museum’s permanent collection that illuminates and expands the boundaries of Mississippi’s identity. The exhibition is open and remains on view with select artworks and wall text changing over time, enabling visitors to make new connections from different perspectives. (msmuseumart.org) Mississippi Museum of Art

Celebrate Discover Explore • Celebrate at one of more than 30 annual festivals & events

• Discover the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Kisatchie National Forest, Cane River National Heritage Area, plantation, and museums • Explore our Historic Landmark District which offers unique shopping and dining.

800-259-1714 • www.Natchitoches.com 26

■ October 2019

Nashville Airport Plans Major Overhaul

TENNESSEE — BNA Vision is the dynamic expansion plan to help with the growth that Nashville International Airport (BNA) is experiencing. BNA is expected to grow passenger traffic from 16 million today to more than 23 million by 2032. The expansion will include a new terminal garage, an onsite hotel, and expanding

Museum to Display AlcatrazThemed Artwork

TENNESSEE — Each year, tourists visiting San Francisco make the journey across the water to Alcatraz island.

Since its closing in 1963, the former federal penitentiary continues to intrigue people of all ages, and likewise, there is a huge fascination with the artwork of prison artists. The two subjects are being brought together at Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The new temporary exhibit called Alcatraz Art Escape will feature artwork inspired

by Alcatraz Island and created by incarcerated artists. The exhibit will run through the spring of 2020. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

M I S S O UTourRGuideI 2020

Group Tour Guide

HOT SPOTS ALONG ROUTE 66 Enjoy the journey along this historic road

TRUMAN LIBRARY WOWS VISITORS

Guests are wild about Harry

EXPLORE KANSAS CITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CULINARY DELIGHTS

Ward Franz Director We look forward to welcoming you to Missouri. We’re called the Show-Me State, and I’d like to show you some of my favorite things about it.

I love Civil War history – and we have it: from the first major battle west of the Mississippi River at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Southwest Missouri to the Stars and Stripes Museum in Southeast Missouri where Civil War soldiers started America’s military newspaper.

We’ve got great urban areas – St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield – with all the culture, entertainment, nightlife, sports and fine dining you would expect.

Capture a piece of America’s cultural past with a cruise down Route 66, staying in historic renovated motor courts, admiring the authentic neon signs and roadside attractions, and enjoying down-home cooking along the Mother Road.

Folks who love the outdoors fall in love with Missouri, with its crystal-clear float streams, trails that run from civilized to rugged, fun-filled lakes and world-class fishing.

And the music! From blues in St. Louis to jazz in Kansas City, bluegrass in the Ozarks and all the shows in Branson – we’ve got a tune for every taste.

We know you’ll have a great time, every time. Welcome to Missouri – and enjoy the show!

Ward Franz Director www.visitmo.com

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M I S S O UTourRGuideI 2020

FEATURES

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Group Tour Guide

Truman Library Plans 21st Century Update Visitors to Independence are wild about Harry Truman • By Randy Mink

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Hot Spots Along the Mother Road Seasoned travelers know it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey • By Lauren DeLorenzo

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It’s All About What’s New in Branson If you haven’t seen Branson lately, you haven’t seen Branson • By Dave Bodle

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The Best Vacations are Often Close By Even the busiest Missouri group sales person will take time away for a fun vacation.

Here are their staycations

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Springfield is a City at the Crossroads of History Springfield, Missouri is the gateway to the great outdoors and is the heart and soul of the Ozarks

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A Capital Idea for a Memorable Tour Historic and architectural treasures, museums and culinary delights make Jefferson City a joy to tour • By Dave Bodle

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Discover the Diverse Options that a Kansas City Itinerary Offers From musical entertainment and culinary delights to award-winning museums, the Kansas City area is a perfect group tour destination

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Kansas City is More than Just Barbecue K.C. is a food-lover’s paradise • By Jason Paha

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ON THE COVER: The Missouri Governor’s Mansion is one of few executive residences in the United States open to the public.

(Photo courtesy of the Jefferson City Convention and Vistors Bureau )

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Missouri Driving MISSOURI Distances

DRIVING At a glance, this handy chart DISTANCES shows distances At a glance, this handy chart in miles between shows distances in miles between popular tourist cities popular tourist cities

Branson Cape Girardeau Charleston Columbia Hannibal Hermann Independence Jefferson City Joplin Kansas City Rolla St. Charles Ste. Genevieve St. Joseph St. Louis Sedalia Springfield

Branson 0 275 256 201 275 217 205 170 107 211 144 254 286 264 251 156 43

Cape Girardeau 275 0 35 225 217 185 342 220 321 350 158 126 61 408 115 279 255

Charleston Columbia Hannibal 256 201 275 35 225 217 0 258 249 258 0 98 249 98 0 214 65 86 375 119 192 252 31 106 319 227 302 382 126 201 198 94 151 166 108 99 101 175 165 448 184 194 147 125 117 313 67 163 255 162 237

2 0 M I S S O UR I G R OU P TOU R GU ID E 6 260 MISSOURI TOUR GUIDE

Hermann Independence Jefferson City Joplin 217 205 170 107 185 342 220 321 214 375 252 319 65 119 31 227 86 192 106 302 0 181 48 250 181 0 142 154 48 142 0 202 250 154 202 0 188 9 148 157 72 204 62 178 60 225 117 284 129 290 168 297 208 211 243 63 81 242 122 284 61 175 107 82 182 163 133 70

Kansas City Rolla St. Charles Ste. Genevieve St. Joseph St. Louis Sedalia Springfield 211 144 254 286 264 251 156 43 350 158 126 61 408 115 279 255 382 198 166 101 448 147 313 255 67 162 126 94 108 175 184 125 201 151 99 165 194 117 163 237 188 72 60 129 243 81 107 182 9 204 225 290 63 242 82 163 148 62 117 168 208 122 61 133 157 178 284 297 211 284 175 70 0 210 233 298 55 252 87 167 210 0 108 112 269 106 123 110 233 108 0 66 290 22 173 220 112 66 298 0 354 54 227 232 55 269 290 354 0 307 144 219 252 106 22 54 307 0 186 215 87 123 173 227 144 186 0 118 167 110 220 232 219 215 118 0

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR MISSOURI TOUR Local information to get you on your way to the Show-Me State

Official Missouri Welcome Centers

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taffers at Official Missouri Welcome Centers are ready to assist you with information about the surrounding area and the entire state. Picnic areas, vending machines and playground equipment are available at most Official Welcome Centers. (industry.visitmo.com/about-the-division/welcome-centers) Conway Official Welcome Center 110619 Interstate 44 West Conway, MO 65632 417-589-0023 Tourism.ConwayW@ded.mo.gov Eagleville Official Missouri Welcome Center 11687 Interstate 35 South Eagleville, MO 64442 660-867-5566 Tourism.Eagleville@ded.mo.gov Hannibal Official Missouri Welcome Center 1700 Highway 61 South Hannibal, MO 63401 573-248-2420 Tourism.Hannibal@ded.mo.gov Hayti Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 55 North, Mile Marker 20 Hayti, MO 63851 573-359-0330 Tourism.Hayti@ded.mo.gov Joplin Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 44 East, Mile Marker 2 Rest Area Joplin, MO 64803 417-629-3030 Tourism.Joplin@ded.mo.gov Kansas City Official Missouri Welcome Center 4010 Bluff Ridge Cutoff Kansas City, MO 64133 816-889-3330 Tourism.KansasCity@ded.mo.gov

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Out-of-State OUT-OF-STATE DRIVING DISTANCES Driving Distances From Chicago Dallas Minneapolis Memphis

To St. Louis Kansas City Branson St. Louis

Miles 297 508 643 283

Rock Port Official Missouri Welcome Center 23181 Interstate 29 South Rock Port, MO 64482 660-744-6300 Tourism.RockPort@ded.mo.gov St. Louis Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 270 at Riverview Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 314-869-7100 Tourism.StLouis@ded.mo.gov

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TRUMAN LIBRARY PLANS 21ST CENTURY UPDATE Visitors to Independence are wild about Harry

By Randy Mink

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ndependence was his home for most of his life, and though he’s been gone nearly 50 years, the man’s legacy is warmly embraced by townspeople and the thousands of visitors who come every year to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.

The only president born in Missouri is best remembered for handling international challenges that confronted the nation as World War II ended and the Cold War heated up. A growing number of historians today rank the straight-talking Midwesterner among the top five U.S. presidents.

To enhance the visitor experience, the museum portion of the shrine to America’s 33rd president—currently closed to the public—is undergoing a $22 million renovation and expansion. Completion of the project in late summer or early fall of 2020 is planned to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the start of Truman’s presidency. The renovation will be the largest since the former president cut the ribbon to open the library/ museum in 1957 and its first major upgrade in more than 20 years. The space is being reinvented by museum planning and design firm Gallagher & Associates, whose credits include the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. and National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

A 3,000-square-foot addition with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade bearing the presidential seal will feature a dramatic new entrance on the building’s east side. Once inside the museum, visitors will encounter another glass wall, one that will provide unobstructed views of the museum courtyard and path to President Truman’s gravesite and office during his retirement years. The redesigned lobby will feature a one-stop admission and information desk, a larger museum store and expanded restrooms.

The permanent exhibition galleries, previously divided between two floors, will be expanded and relocated to the first floor, providing a more cohesive flow between exhibits, amenities, program spaces and the courtyard. Truman’s story will be told through state-of-the-art technology and hands-on experiences. Highlights will include immersive sound-and-light theaters focusing on World War I and the Cold War, a

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14-foot-diameter interactive globe exploring the struggles to maintain peace following World War II, and a Loyalty Review Board role-playing activity where players uncover government disloyalty during the Red Scare. Never-before-seen artifacts will be displayed.

Visitors will begin their museum experience in an immersive orientation theater that transports them to April 12, 1945, with video projections of World War II battle scenes, newspaper headlines and images of American war production. Amidst this turmoil, the news arrives that President Franklin D. Roosevelt has died. The relatively unknown Harry S. Truman is now in charge.

The next gallery, titled Plow to Politics, summarizes Truman’s childhood, rural roots, World War I service, political ascent and other aspects of his pre-presidential life.

The First Four Months gallery examines how Truman dealt with ending the wars in Europe and the Pacific, including his decision to use the atomic bomb on Japan. The safety plug from the bomb dropped on Nagasaki is the centerpiece of a reflective space.

Museum visitors will also see artifacts and videos that dramatize how Truman’s efforts saved Western Europe from starvation and the spread of Communism.

Truman’s Washington gallery looks at the period from 1935 to 1953 when Harry, his wife Bess and daughter Margaret lived in Washington, D.C. Visitors can see Bess’s gowns, the original Buffalo Mantel from the White House state dining room and the ceiling beams that cracked under the weight of Margaret’s piano.

In the Civic Literacy gallery, a re-creation of the Oval Office will

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The Truman’s Washington gallery will cover the period 1935-1953.

have an expanded viewing area where, at the push of a button, the voice of President Truman describes the contents. The famous sign “The Buck Stops Here” will be prominently displayed in this area.

When President and Mrs. Truman left the White House, they returned to their hometown of Independence, near Kansas City.

Videos, slideshows and interactive maps of Truman’s Independence will illustrate how the town impacted them and how they impacted the town. In the center of the room, visitors can unearth the story behind Thomas Hart Benton’s mural Independence and the Opening of the West, the artist’s processes and Truman’s contributions to the work. The Legacy gallery, the permanent exhibition’s final chapter, will display quotes from presidents and dignitaries on Truman’s impact.

The museum’s lower floor will contain temporary galleries and host traveling exhibitions. Scheduled for 2021 is a collection of paintings by former President George W. Bush. An open display area will showcase the collection’s automobiles, Truman’s farm buggy and a rotating presentation of newly acquired or rarely seen objects. The Truman Library is well known for its history lab, the White House Decision Center. Popular with student groups and a good team-building activity for adults, the program lets participants step into the roles of President Truman and his advisors as they work with formerly classified material to tackle some of the greatest political challenges ever faced by a world leader.

The Truman Historic Walking Trail features places in Independence that were important in Truman’s life, including homes of friends and associates. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service, consists of the 14room, white-frame house where the Trumans lived from 19191972. Clinton’s Soda Fountain on Independence Square occupies the very site of a pharmacy/soda fountain where Truman landed his first job. The Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar sheds light on the president’s humble rural beginnings.

Located about two hours south of Independence, the site preserves the small frame house where Truman was born on May 8, 1884, and lived his first 11 months.

More information: Truman Library, trumanlibrary.org; Independence Tourism Division, visitindependence.com; Truman Birthplace, mostateparks.com.•

Take your Group On an adventure to remember

From the places and the people, to the feeling and the attitude, we offer a unique variety of group entertainment definitely worth the visit.

Personalized Itineraries History and Architecture Arts and Culture Home-Town Hospitality

HOT SPOTS ALONG

THE MOTHER ROAD Seasoned travelers know it’s not about the destination — it’s about the journey

By Lauren DeLorenzo

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Photo courtesy of Haydn Blackey

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he historic highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles has long been seen as a symbol of escape, optimism and freedom. It also represents opportunity — not only for travelers, but for dozens of roadside attractions that set up shop along the road.

Missouri entrepreneur John Woodruff first helped promote the idea for the highway in the 1920s. By 1938, the entire road was paved, and Midwesterners were using it to migrate or vacation in the Southwest. Realizing drivers would need motels, diners and services along the way, business owners flocked to the roadside, bringing life to formerly isolated communities along the route.

The road became crucial for transporting goods and military supplies during the second World War. After the war, families found themselves with more income and leisure time, and the route boomed as vacationers embarked on the tradition of the Great American Road Trip.

Much of Route 66 remains and travelers can still drive the famous road along Interstate 44. The remaining roadside attractions offer road-trippers an experience of true Americana on the Main Street of America.

66 Drive-in Theatre — Carthage Decades after the post-war boom, this classic symbol of American culture combines cars, movies and concession stands. With an enormous 66 sign on the back of the projector screen, the Carthage drive-in is one of the last of its kind. The screenhouse, playground and parking lot date back to 1949, so it still has much of its original character. 66drivein.com

Gary’s Gay Parita — Ash Grove This gas station doesn’t have any gas, but it has plenty of stories.

Fred Watson, the original owner of the 1930s-style gas station, named the place after his wife, Gay. It became a favorite stop along the road before it burned down in 1955.

Fortunately, it has been restored, thanks to Gary Turner.

Visitors often stop at the service station to explore the antique road signs, vintage vehicles and old gas pumps, which stand in front of the roadside store. But the real reason to visit was for the conversation — Gary and his wife Lena would chat with travelers passing through, recommending places to stop for lunch down the road and sharing stories about the items at the old service station. Although Gary and Lena have both passed away, their daughter Barbara now runs the station as her parents did, greeting visitors with warm conversation and tales about living on old Route 66. visitmo.com/things-to-do/garys-gay-parita

Route 66 Museum — Lebanon Looking for some facts for the road? Lebanon’s Route 66 Museum opened in 2005 and has been sharing the history of the Mother Road ever since. See maps of the route, a 1950s car, a rusty guard rail and gas pumps from another time. The museum features a salt and pepper shaker collection from diners along the route and showcases items demonstrating the traditions of decades past. visitmo.com/things-to-do/route66-museum

Gary’s Gay Parita in Ash Grove is a 1930s-style gas station.

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Uranus, Missouri Is your drive lacking funnel cakes? Looking for a tattoo shop or sports bar? Anything a driver could need can be found in Uranus, Missouri, an attraction that doesn’t skimp on hometown service. The site includes a festival food truck lot, nightclub, gun range and general store. There’s also plenty to see at the Uranus Sideshow Museum and the Escape Room. The Fudge Factory is particularly well-known for its homemade treats — the perfect sugar rush to get you back on the road. Another great stop is the Moonicorn Creamery & Funnel Cakery, which serves fabulous hand-dipped ice cream and funnel cakes. uranusmissouri.com

Mural City — Cuba After you treat your taste buds, treat your eyes to the sights of Cuba, Missouri, dubbed ”Mural City.” This Route 66 stop features 12 outdoor murals, each one featuring an interesting story. Stop by the mural of actress Bette Davis, who visited Cuba in 1948. Other famous visitors, including Harry S. Truman and Amelia Earhart, also have murals dedicated to them.

Visitors can learn about local history through murals depicting life from decades past. From the Osage Nation meeting French settlers to a mural depicting the Civil War, moments from the region’s history have been captured with paint and displayed for passers-by to marvel at. cubamomurals.com

Stay. Eat. Discover. Enjoy.

Mystery/Side Trip

 Stretch at the Conservation Interpretive Center  Learn the evolution of healthcare at the A.T. Still Museum of Osteopathic Medicine  Enjoy a private lunch at Thousand Hills Lakeside Dining  Walk an ADA trail to the Native American Petroglyphs  Explore the galaxy with a lively discussion at the Robison Planetarium

Plan your trip with Kirksville Tourism Office! info@VisitKirksville.com 660-665-3766

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     

Dining Options 8 Hotels Art Galleries Antique Shopping Music Events Theater

Mural City in Cuba features 12 outdoor murals, each containing an interesting story.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard — St. Louis If there’s one thing you should be sure to try on Route 66, it’s frozen custard.

What is that, you ask? Well, other than delicious, this frozen specialty is made from cream, milk and eggs, making it denser and smoother than regular ice cream. It’s so thick that Ted Drewes employees turn it upside down before they hand it to you to demonstrate that it was made correctly. There are only two Ted Drewes locations and travelers flock to them, tempted by treats like the concrete, where you can choose various mixins such as chocolate chips and cone pieces. Not even winter weather stops customers from lining up at the store — yes, it’s that good. Since the shop doubles as a Christmas tree lot during the holiday season, many St. Louis natives consider it tradition to pick out the perfect tree while enjoying a frozen treat. Each October, the shop ventures to Nova Scotia where it selects and harvests the finest Christmas trees. Ted’s begins selling the trees the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. teddrewes.com

History Museum on the Square — Springfield It seems natural to end a journey where it all began. A meeting with Missouri State Highway Commission Chief Engineer A.H. Piepmeier and Cyrus Avery, chairman of the Oklahoma Department of Highways, determined that while they were satisfied with Route 60, they liked the sound of Route 66. They submitted the latter and it was approved November 11, 1926, the official birthdate of U.S. Highway 66.

Located on the historic route, the recently reopened History Museum of the Square is a regional history and education destination. Six galleries with interactive and video displays are featured. None are more informative than The Birthplace of Route 66 gallery. historymuseumonthesquare.org •

OUR STAGE IS PERFECT FOR GROUPS TO PLAY Learn more about Bransonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

12th Annual Professional Travel Planner FAM April 21-24, 2020 Lenni Neimeyer, CTIS, CSTP, Director of Leisure Group Sales LNeimeyer@BransonCVB.com

ExploreBransonGroups.com 417-243-2105

IT’S ALL ABOUT

WHAT’S NEW IN BRANSON If you haven’t seen Branson lately, you haven’t seen Branson. New and exciting additions are flooding this legendary destination.

By Dave Bodle

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f you talk to the folks in Branson, they will tell you that about every five to seven years, positive changes have a major impact on their community. In December 1991, a 60 Minutes story took this sleepy Ozark Mountain community from a popular regional destination to a national vacation and tour location.

Over the years, new theaters, attractions, accommodations and restaurants added to Branson’s appeal.

Construction is underway on the $51 million Aquarium at the Boardwalk, located in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district. After sitting vacant for a decade, the Grand Palace property is being transformed into the Branson Boardwalk.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk – the centerpiece of the 13-acre development – is on schedule to open in the summer of 2020.

With a focus on fish and fun, the aquarium will take guests on an undersea adventure with games to play and aquatic life to view. The setting for each exhibit area will be magnificent. From the giant Pacific octopus greeting visitors outside to plenty of photo opportunities throughout the aquarium, there will be many exciting things to see and do.

A water tunnel in the center of the aquarium surrounds you with various species of fish in an underwater city setting. There’s beauty to discover in the Jelly Fish Infinity Room. See schooling fish, seahorses, butterfly fish and a mermaid in the Mermaid Palace. The gorgeous coral reef, Amazing Rays and touch pool are not to be missed.

The beauty and heritage of the Ozark Mountains will always be an important part of Branson’s DNA. The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead Adventure Park offers groups a variety of ways to experience the Ozarks. Immerse yourself in the history that surrounds the homestead. For the more adventurous, there’s off-road exploring on ATVs, ziplining from the 230-foot Inspiration Tower and a new ropes course.

The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park is home to a new ropes course.

Branson’s 2020 figures to be spectacular.

Outdoor excitement is the centerpiece of Big Cedar Lodge.

The Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy is a great experience for beginners and experts. Coaches provide training in a variety of shooting sports, including trap, skeet and clays.

For golf groups, the lodge has opened the Ozarks National Golf Course. Highlighting the local terrain, the course offers wonderful vistas. You might want to park the cart and simply enjoy the views.

When Branson Landing along Lake Taneycomo opened 15 years ago, it was the city’s biggest development. It continues to impress. Celebrity kitchens have found their way to the popular shopping and dining destination. Andy B’s Bowl Social brings bowling, games and a “pub grub” experience. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is serving favorite Southern dishes in her family-style restaurant. Jimmy Buffett’s Landshark Bar & Grill proves you don’t need an ocean to enjoy the beach vibe.

There’s always something new happening at Silver Dollar City. Innovative rides, top entertainment and outstanding artisans are hallmarks of this 1880s-themed park. 2019 brought a new multi-million-dollar original production, “Reuben’s Swashbuckling Adventure.” Fall guests were delighted with “Craft Days and Pumpkin Nights,” the park’s biggest fall event ever. Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas” will debut an 80-foot-tall, state-of-the-art Christmas tree. The $1.5-million project combines color, music, lights and animated imagery.

On top of all this, Silver Dollar City will open a new Rivertown area and ride, Mystic River Falls, in 2020.

Branson’s 2019 additions were certainly exciting. 2020 promises to be spectacular. • 2020 MIS SOURI G ROUP TOUR G UIDE

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Lake of the Ozarks

THE BEST VACATIONS ARE OFTEN CLOSE BY Even the busiest Missouri group sales person will take time away for a fun, relaxing vacation, whether it’s over a weekend or for a week. Here are their Missouri staycations.

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lthough it’s tough to choose just one, I would say spending time with family at the Lake of the Ozarks is my favorite activity. I was lucky enough to enjoy many weekends at the lake growing up and still look forward to our visits. Tourists come from all over the country to explore the lake. How cool is it that I’m less than an hour away from this great destination? If you’re looking for a fun getaway within driving distance, check out some of the many wonderful restaurants, recreational activities and entertainment options the lake has to offer.

Start your day with breakfast at Stewart’s Restaurant, home of the ‘Biggest Cinnamon Roll at the Lake.’ After you’ve satisfied your appetite, head to the water for a leisurely boat ride. Kick back and enjoy the gentle breeze and beautiful sights as you leave all your worries behind. From swimming and waterskiing to soaking up the sun, there are so many ways to enjoy the lake. After a full day of boating and outdoor recreation, it’s time for dinner with a view at a waterfront restaurant. One of my favorite dining experiences is Frankie & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill. Settle in for an evening of delicious food, live music and beach volleyball. The next morning, wake up early for a hike along the beautiful trails at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The site offers miles of nature trails, a huge natural bridge and the ruins of a historic turn-of-the-century castle.

Whether going for a boat ride, dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants or simply relaxing on the dock, the Lake of the Ozarks is always an enjoyable getaway.”

Jordan Rowles Convention & Group Sales Manager Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Marceline “Did you know that Marceline, Missouri, is the hometown of Walt Disney? This lovely community gives you a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a true American legend and sends you off with a better understanding of why this piece of small-town Missouri inspired Walt Disney throughout his career.

The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is located at 120 E. Santa Fe Avenue in a beautifully renovated Santa Fe Railway station.

It started with a generous donation from Walt’s younger sister, Ruth. The museum contains 10,000 square feet of immersive Disney history. You can take a self-guided tour through Walt’s life via ‘story stations’ dotted throughout the building, while browsing some of the 4,000 artifacts donated by the Disney family – from their collection of personal family letters to the extensive cross-section of fascinating Disney collectibles. After the museum tour, explore the city of Marceline for additional Disney connections. Enjoy the new Midget Autopia Walking Trail in EP Ripley Park, take in a meal or do a little shopping on the original Main Street USA. The Main Street USA at Disneyland and Disney World are patterned after Main Street in Marceline. Wind up the day with a walk through the historic Disney Family Farm.

Sections of the original 45-acre property are still accessible, with highlight stops at the original Dreaming Tree site and Walt’s Barn. Everyone is encouraged to sign the inside of the barn or simply read the thousands of notes to Walt and his brother Roy left for decades by fans who walked the same path before you.

Marceline is a bucket-list moment for true Disney lovers. It makes you simply young at heart again!”

Jolene Dempster Group Sales/Services Manager St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Way of American Genius “One of my favorite getaways is when I head to Highway 36, an hour north of Interstate 70, which explores the northern part of Missouri. Referred to as The Way of American Genius, this road explores the area’s natural beauty and some of the Show-Me State’s greatest innovators and innovations.

Traveling east to west, my first stop is Hannibal, where you’ll find several attractions connected to famous author Mark Twain.

You’ll learn about the father of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, at the A.T. Still Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville. Then stop at Rothwell Park in Moberly for a selfie with a statue of American military genius, General Omar N. Bradley.

The central portion of Highway 36 brings you to the childhood home of Walt Disney in Marceline. About 20 miles west of Marceline you’ll find the boyhood home of another great military leader, General John J. ‘Black Jack’ Pershing, in Laclede. Jamesport

America’s best Aquarium A big museum for big imaginations.

Immerse your group in the world’s largest fish and wildlife attraction, Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, voted America’s best aquarium and best new attraction.

Plan your event at

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and Chillicothe are the next two stops in the central region. Jamesport is home to one of the largest Amish communities west of the Mississippi, and Chillicothe is known as ‘The Home of Sliced Bread.’

Hamilton, in the western region of the state, is the hometown of James Cash ‘J.C.’ Penney.

You can learn more about the man who created a retail empire at the J.C. Penney Library and Museum. St. Joseph, the starting point for the Pony Express, is your final stop. For a look at one of history’s most notable characters, visit the Jesse James Home, where the outlaw was killed by one of his own gang members in 1882.

Along the way you’ll find locally owned cafes, bakeries, wineries and breweries that offer a true taste of the Show-Me State. Take your time and enjoy all ‘The Way of American Genius’ has to offer.” • Greg Maxon Group Travel Sales Manager/ Operations Manager Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Look no further than Springfield, Missouri, the gateway to the great outdoors, the heart and soul of the Ozarks and the birthplace of historic Route 66. From pristine parks and trails and boutique shopping to diverse wineries, breweries and distilleries and group-friendly attractions, Springfield has it all.

SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Lori Casey lcasey@springfieldmo.org 800-678-8667 springfieldmo.org

Springfield, MO

A City at the Crossroads of History Day 1

Arrive mid-morning at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, voted America’s Best Aquarium and Best New Attraction

by USA Today readers. The facility includes 1.5 million gallons of water in multiple aquariums and the immersive wildlife museum experience showcases more than 35,000 live fish, animals, reptiles and birds. Visitors see the wild with state-of-the-art 4D dioramas surrounding them with the sights and sounds of wildlife habitats.

Lunch is at Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe, located inside Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, where you’ll enjoy a great menu of seafood and down-home cooking.

The NRA National Sporting Arms Museum inside Bass Pro is the most historically significant gun museum in the Midwest. You’ll see almost 1,000 incredible sporting artifacts from the 1600s to modern-day.

The next stop at Bass Pro is the Archery Hall of Fame Museum. The world’s finest archery museum honors outstanding figures in archery and preserves the sport’s history.

There will be time for shopping in the “Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores,” Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

It’s almost 500,000 square feet of shopping fun at the first and largest Bass Pro store in the world. After a full day of activities, select a group-friendly dinner option; Springfield’s culinary options scene is diverse — including everything from elegant to family-style dining.

Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, meet your step-on guide for a Route 66 Guided Driving Tour. Springfield has

a full history with Route 66. There will be a stop at the all-new History Museum on the Square where the “Birthplace of Route 66 Gallery” is a must-see.

Next, it’s Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. There are some cool boutiques and galleries for shopping and a historic site of the first wild west shootout where “Wild Bill” Hickok and Davis Tutt faced off.

Lunch is at Steak ‘n Shake on Historic Route 66 before touring Springfield’s only castle, Pythian Castle.

Schedule a history tour with an optional 15-minute escape room, or a ClueKeeper History Hunt Game.

Relax for the remainder of the afternoon taking the “C Street Stroll” through the Commercial Street District. It features six blocks of turn-of-the-century architecture, houses, art galleries, boutiques, a chocolate factory, flea markets and more.

Day 3 Breakfast and checkout of the hotel are followed by a short drive to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield where, on August 10, 1861, the first Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River was fought. There’s a 4.9-mile paved tour road with eight interpretive stops. Five walking trails off the tour road vary in length from ¼ to ¾ mile.

Lunch is at Leong’s Asian Diner. You cannot leave the city without some of their famous Springfield-style cashew chicken. This afternoon, you’re off to Fantastic Caverns, “America’s Ride Thru Cave.” A 55-minute guided tour follows an ancient underground riverbed filled with massive formations. The cave stays a comfortable 60° year-round.

Depart for home with fantastic Springfield memories.

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A CAPITAL IDEA FOR A MEMORABLE TOUR

Historic and architectural treasures, museums and culinary delights make Jefferson City – Missouri’s capital city – a joy to tour

By Dave Bodle

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eing a history or architectural aficionado is not required to enjoy and appreciate that aspect of Jefferson City, but it is a logical place to begin a tour. Blend in some special options only available to groups, and you have a winning itinerary.

Covering three acres in downtown Jefferson City, the Missouri State Capitol was completed in 1917. Voters had approved $3.5 million in bonds to finance the construction. As the project was coming to a close, it became apparent that more than $1 million would be left over. Here, the story takes an unusual twist. A capitol decoration committee was formed, and this visionary group commissioned virtually all the exterior and interior art. Pieces from leading artists Thomas Hart Benton and Sir Frank Brangwyn are featured. Take a tour to see just how much art could be purchased for $1 million in the early part of the 20th century. Tours are free and guided, but reservations are needed for 10 or more.

You need not go far to experience the Missouri State Museum.

It’s on the first floor of the state capitol and well worth the visit.

Featuring the state’s history and resources, the museum houses long-term and changing exhibits. Missouri was one of the most divided states during the Civil War, and the museum’s exhibits tell that complex story. The museum’s most significant collection is 125 battlefield flags belonging to or captured by Missouri troops that fought for both the Union and Confederate armies.

Another piece of history worth discovering is the Governor’s Mansion. Constructed around the clock by inmates from the Missouri State Penitentiary, the residence has been lived in since 1871 and is one of the few governor’s mansions in the country that permits tours. If walls could talk, the mansion would have some interesting stories to tell. You can hear many of them on a free docent-led tour. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

In 1826, the state capitol moved to Jefferson City. At the lower end of Jefferson Street, a rare Missouri River landing became a commercial hub. Business exploded in the 1850s at “the landing,” but after the Civil War, rail travel was preferred over river transportation. The landing’s contribution to the city was recognized in 1974 when the state’s bicentennial commission accepted the Jefferson Landing proposal as its official project. On July 4, 1976, the revived Lohman Building and Union Hotel were recognized as the cornerstone of the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. Visitors to the Lohman Building will see an 1850s general store and warehouse and a film on the history of the site.

The Union Hotel houses the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery with rotating displays of Missouri art.

The Missouri State Penitentiary, at the time of its decommission in 2004, was the oldest operating prison west of the Mississippi. Opened in 1836, the penitentiary had its share of escape attempts and riots.

A variety of tours are offered for groups, including a Mystery Tour, conducted by a

former inmate who shares what it was like to spend time behind the bars. Four months after temporarily closing due to tornado damage, the Missouri State Penitentiary has resumed both the two-hour history and two-hour ghost tours through November 30, 2019. The Missouri State Penitentiary Museum on East Capitol Avenue offers additional information about the historic prison.

Several tours in Jefferson City are available only to groups.

“Puppies on Parole” brings together the Missouri Department of Corrections, local animal shelters and pet lovers. Non-violent offenders selected from a local prison population volunteer as dog trainers. Basic obedience and socialization are taught over a 12-week period before the dogs are available for adoption. Groups visit a local prison where a program supervisor steps on the tour coach (often with a puppy) and describes the program. Carolyn Grieve with Arvest Bank describes the tour: “Everyone loved the visit, and the Puppies on Parole was an absolute HIT – someone on the bus actually started a collection and passed their hat.”

“Lunch and the Dump” is another option designed for groups.

As bizarre as it might sound, a visit to a sanitary landfill can be enlightening. The local site manager shares how the landfill benefits the environment, from initial planning and set up through daily operations and finally to closing the site.

Jefferson City is a great destination in itself and perfect for a hub-and-spoke tour of Central Missouri. Pack another bag for an extra day or two with visits to Columbia, Hermann, Lake of the Ozarks, Boonville, Fulton and more. Begin planning by calling 800.769.4183 or visiting online at visitjeffersoncity.com.•

Our tell the stories.

you feel the

History.

Book your tour at MissouriPenTours.com 2020 MIS SOURI G ROUP TOUR G UIDE

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KANSAS CITY ITINERARY

Discover the Diverse Options That a Kansas City Itinerary Offers From jazz music entertainment and culinary delights to award-winning museums, shopping pleasures and a famous outlaw, the Kansas City area is a perfect group tour destination

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UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ■ Rhythm & Ribs ■ Museum Discovery With Some Local Flavors ■ The Pursuit of Jesse James

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

24 2 0 2 0 M I S S O U R I GR OU P TOU R GU ID E

Day 1: Rhythm & Ribs

Experience Kansas City’s most famous traditions—jazz and barbecue — both have roots in K.C. that date back to the 1920s. Belly up to the bar and sample the heavenly ’cue at some of the city’s 100plus barbecue joints. Then, discover how Kansas City jazz defined an era through K.C. legends. Track your barbecue adventures with the KC BBQ Experience app, the ultimate resource for enjoying Kansas City’s signature cuisine. The app allows you to check in to 100-plus regional restaurants, earn badges for bragging rights, post photos of your barbecue and embark on themed trails to explore new parts of the city. Go to visitkc.com/bbq for more details.

Lunch at Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, the legendary king of ribs, is the most renowned barbequer in history. Bryant created a sauce that has attracted the likes of former Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter to his restaurant, which was considered the best restaurant in the world by New Yorker columnist Calvin Trillin. arthurbryants.com The sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive at the American Jazz Museum. The museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as the Blue Room, a working jazz club and the Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center. Located in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District in Kansas City, this is the place where jazz masters such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner and hundreds of others defined the sounds of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. americanjazzmuseum.org Gangster Tour features a look at the Pendergast era from 1920

to 1945. “Gangster TV” highlights this wild and wooly era with historical film and photographs from the period. You’ll learn and see how the “Pendergast Machine” controlled the political system and the very fabric of life in Kansas City. The tour highlights infamous crimes like the Union Station Massacre, shows the locations of speakeasies and gambling halls and explains how liquor flowed freely during Prohibition. The homes and workplaces of crime bosses and the sites of major turf wars are also featured on the tour.

Sounds like an “offer you can’t refuse.” thekctours.com Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is downtown Kansas City’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Drawing inspiration from the country’s most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom’s Town brings to life the glamorous magnetism of the Gatsby era.

Rooted in a deco optimism, Kansas City flouted Prohibition under the Pendergast machine. toms-town.com Check in at one of Kansas City’s group-friendly hotels.

Enjoy dinner at Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ, a Kansas City tradition since 1957. Jack Stack’s has one of the most extensive BBQ menus in the country. jackstackbbq.com Enjoy live jazz music at the Blue Room. Named after the 1930s famed Street Hotel in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the Blue Room simultaneously honors the past and showcases the present names in jazz. The Blue Room provides a distinctive platform to present dynamic performances from the best local and national jazz talent in an intimate setting. club.americanjazzmuseum.org

American Jazz Museum

In addition to the Blue Room, experience the “jam session” at The Mutual Musicians Foundation located in the heart of Kansas City’s Historic Jazz District. Originally home to the Black Musicians’ Protective Union Local 627 A.F. of M., the foundation continues its grand tradition as a living tribute to the city’s long and illustrious musical history. Jazz greats and popular local players alike continue to show up every weekend, playing the night away just as they have since the 1930s. mutualmusiciansfoundation.org

Day 2: Museum Discovery With Some Local Flavors

Discover Kansas City’s signature attractions, from old favorites to new kids on the block. Uncover the treasures of the Steamboat Arabia. Visit the nation’s only World War I museum. Enjoy toys of past and present at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Begin your day at The Roasterie. The Roasterie travels to the ends of the earth to find the best coffee beans for our coffees including espresso, single-origin origins and fair trade organic coffees. Sourcing coffee beans for the discerning coffee connoisseur and air-roasting them to the perfect temperature unlocks the most exquisite flavor each coffee has to offer. Enjoy a tour and tasting. theroasterie.com Arabia Steamboat Museum is home to a true time capsule of frontier life in the 1800s. The Arabia was headed up the Missouri River in the fall of 1856 when she struck a tree snag and sank just north of Kansas City. Her cargo hold was full of 200 tons of supplies bound for general stores and pioneer settlements. As the years passed, the river changed course and left the Arabia buried beneath a Kansas cornfield. Finally, in 1988, a group of modernday adventurers uncovered the lost Arabia and her magnificent cargo. They were amazed to find fine dishware, clothing and even bottled food all preserved in remarkable condition. Their find has been called the King Tut’s Tomb of the Missouri River. So, if you’re looking for an adventure, discover the treasures of the Steamboat Arabia. 1856.com Lunch at The Westside Local. The restaurant supports local farms and businesses. This allows them to offer the freshest ingredients and dining experience possible, farm-to-table. thewestsidelocal.com Next stop is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures with the world’s largest fine-scale miniature collection and one of the nation’s largest antique toy collections on public display. toyandminiaturemuseum.org The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. theworldwar.org Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Its mission is simple: to produce fresh, flavorful beers using the finest traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. boulevard.com Dinner tonight can be at the Blue Bird Bistro. Blue Bird focuses on local, organic food. bluebirdbistro.com Before returning to your hotel, are you in need of some serious 2020 MIS SOURI G ROUP TOUR G UIDE

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KANSAS CITY ITINERARY

retail therapy? Kansas City has the cure. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts as you browse the unique boutiques in the town of Weston, Missouri. Shop the distinctive stores of the Tuscan-themed Village at Briarcliff. Enjoy the nation’s first outdoor suburban shopping mall, Country Club Plaza.

Day 3: The Pursuit of Jesse James

Breakfast and check out of your hotel before chasing an American outlaw. Jesse James has drawn worldwide fascination for being known as America’s Robin Hood and a cold-blooded killer.

James was born, raised and killed in Northwest Missouri. Your group can explore the legacy of this notorious outlaw at many sites throughout the area.

First stop is the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home & Museum (Independence) – This is the jail where Frank James resided while standing trial. He turned himself in for protection due to his fear of assassination after his brother’s death. jchs.org/1859-jail Jesse James Bank Museum (Liberty) – The site of the country’s first daylight bank robbery during peacetime, committed by the James gang. visitclaymo.com/business/jesse-james-bankmuseum Jesse James Farm & Museum (Kearney) – The home where Jesse was born and his brother, Frank, died. The farm holds the world’s largest collection of James family memorabilia. jessejames.org Jesse James Home (St. Joseph) – Visit the home where Jesse was shot and killed. ponyexpressjessejames.com

Beyond Barbecue Kansas City is a food-lover’s paradise

By Jason Paha

I

nvariably, when one thinks about Kansas City’s culinary offerings, barbecue most often comes to mind. With good reason.

The city features more than 100 barbecue restaurants in its metro area and has billed itself the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” Still, there’s more to this burgeoning Missouri city than delicious smoked meats. Chef-owned eateries, lively food halls, classic delis and hearty steakhouses dot a city that has earned a reputation as one of the best places to dine in the country.

Here are just a few of Kansas City’s finest eating establishments visitors can enjoy (including a few top-notch barbecue restaurants for good measure).

Bluestem Bluestem has received numerous local and national accolades including being named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant between 2015-18. The restaurant features progressive American cuisine focusing on seasonal products, a changing menu and local ingredients.

Guests may order fixed price meals of three, five or seven courses, with past offerings including dishes like rabbit cappelletti, a moist ribeye and dark chocolate mousse.

The Rieger Jesse James Bank Museum

Located on the ground floor of the historic Rieger Hotel (opened in 1915), The Rieger features classic dishes like steak and oyster tartare, brick quail and smoked trout and also serves hand-crafted cocktails. The Rieger offers groups the option to dine in a private room.

Town Topic Hamburgers Since 1937, the iconic Town Topic diner has been serving hamburgers to hungry patrons from across the country. Today, guests can still visit the establishment’s historic counter that has seated customers for generations and enjoy an oldfashioned hamburger, homemade chili and a slice of pie.

Barbecue Few, if any cities, can match Kansas City’s barbecue scene.

With so many exceptional establishments to choose from, it’s difficult to select just one … or three … or five spots to visit. That said, here are a few pit stops worth making: LC’s Bar-B-Q is an old-school spot that serves traditional barbecue and sides in a no-frills dining room. Perhaps the two most legendary institutions are Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – both trace their roots directly to the godfather of barbecue, Henry Perry.

26 2 0 2 0 M I S S O U R I GR OU P TOU R GU ID E

Take Your Tour

Over the Top Missouri’s most iconic attraction has reached new heights.

Renovations to the Gateway Arch – including an updated museum, new parks and trails, and more – have transformed the Arch into a completely different experience. But that’s just part of what’s exciting and new in the Show-Me State.

Let us show you what else makes Missouri a top stop for your group tours.

Contact Donna Cordle Gray at DonnaCordle@legacydimensions.com for group info.

REGION

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Photos courtesy of Alabama State Parks

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NOBITATUSDA EUMQUAE

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The Lodge and Gulf State Park

MAKE MEMORIES The 2019 Alabama Attraction of the Year and a hotel property built for comfort are a winning combination

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By Dave Bodle ne of the gems in the Alabama State Parks system is Gulf State Park. A diamond within the park is the soon to be one-year-old, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Gulf State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the City of Gulf Shores. The park has 6,500 acres of protected land and is part of the Alabama State Parks system.

The Alabama Tourism Department named Gulf State Park the 2019 Attraction of the

Year. The adage “there’s something for everyone” is the best way to describe the amenities of the park.

Certainly, the beaches are a calling card. The park boasts 3.5 miles of wide, white sandy beach, which is perfect for October 2019 ■ 55

Photo courtesy of Alabama State Parks

The Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion is a great place for groups to meet and enjoy a lovely view.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Alabama

shell collecting, leisurely walks or relaxing.

The beach pavilion is a perfect gathering point for a picnic or just getting away from the sun.

Migrating and resident birds call the park home and there’s flora to discover along the nature trails. There are bikes to rent and guided Segway tours available.

Before venturing out, it’s a good idea to begin your visit with a stop at the Nature Center. The center is a living presentation of the many plants and animals innate to the Gulf Coast region.

Gulf State Park is a great place to get active.

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With the Gulf of Mexico in front of you and Lake Shelby in the park’s interior, you expect the fishing to be awesome. And you would be right. The 592-acre Lake Shelby is the largest of the three lakes on property.

Redfish, bream, speckled trout and catfish are the typical catch, but there are also bass lurking in those waters.

Surf fishing the Gulf of Mexico will always be popular, but it’s the pier where most of the action takes place. The typical fish caught are croaker, whiting, flounder, sheepshead, pompano, Spanish and king mackerel, blue

fish, red fish and speckled trout. The pier is the second longest on the Gulf Coast and provides more than 2,400 feet of fishing space. The pier is wheelchair accessible with comfort stations at the pier’s midpoint. The Angler Academy on the pier is the place to learn the tips and tricks for pier fishing.

Fishing equipment and bait are provided for these two hours of fun.

From kayaking to parasailing and every option in between there’s plenty to see, do and experience in Gulf State Park. Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park features a full lunch and dinner menu in a casual setting.

Start planning on the park’s website alapark. com/parks/gulf-state-park.

From the guest rooms, suites and restaurants, views of the beautiful beach and park await visitors to The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel. There are 350 rooms, which include 20 suites, providing a relaxing experience and comfortable base for your stay. Rooms with two queen-sized beds include a 50-inch television, spacious shower or bathtub, a balcony and a Hilton Serenity Bed designed for support and comfort. In addition to the comforts of a guest room, accessible rooms include audio/strobe alarms, doorbells and telephones, roll-in showers, or accessible bathtubs. The Lodge is groupfriendly in all ways. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

The world’s largest

MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM IS JUST A DOWNSHIFT FROM DOWNTOWN.

Standing amidst the largest motorcycle collection in the world, it’s impossible not to feel the energy. More than 1,600 vintage and modern bikes and race cars from all over the world dating back to 1901, all housed in a towering, awe-inspiring museum, are proof of a city that’s running wide open. Dig in to everything the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum has to offer, right here at The Dinner Table of the South. inbirmingham.com/LGT2 | 800 - 458 - 8085

GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a great place to relax.

The dining options at The Lodge are plentiful. From a relaxing cup of coffee to innovative dishes, every palate will be satisfied. Perch is open for dinner and presents a full menu of locally sourced and

freshly prepared entrees. In addition to a casual lunch and dinner menu, Foodcraft serves a la carte and a breakfast buffet and a brunch buffet on Saturday and Sunday.

The Dragonfly Food Bar & Grill offers

favorite poolside fare and thirst-quenching beverages. Roasted Oak Coffee & Wine Bar is located in The Lodge’s lobby and features special coffees and teas along with breakfast pastries and a light lunch menu.

In the evening, the Roasted Oak transforms into a wine bar with selected wines, craft beers and a light menu.

There’s a pool and fitness center for your convenience along with a host of amenities to ensure your comfortable stay. The staff is multi-lingual and there’s a guest activity/ recreation desk and concierge desk available.

The property is both ground zero for all that Gulf State Park offers, but is ideal to hub & spoke the area. Visit the Gulf Shores community, shop Tanger Outlets, enjoy the Park at OWA and its 21-amusement rides, or have fun at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with its 600 residents, a ZZA member. Begin planning your stay online at www3.hilton. com/en/hotels/alabama/the-lodge-atgulf-state-park-a-hilton-hotel-PNSLGHH/ index.html

hello

Huntsville, Alabama | huntsville.org

Get ready for your adventure in the Rocket City!

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ALABAMA TOUR IDEAS

GET A GLIMPSE OF THE UNUSUAL

AT ALABAMA’S MUSEUMS

By Vanessa Day

The word museum often conjures up images of classic themes: Art, history and science. Alabama has its fair share of these, each with intriguing and educational exhibits. However, there are a handful of Alabama museums that get groups off the beaten path and introduce them to a unique world. Groups looking to experience something just a little different should definitely give these museums a look.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

October 2019 ■ 59

ALABAMA TOUR IDEAS

Located in downtown Decatur, Alabama, The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a new facility opened in June 2019. However, its roots date back more than 50 years. Back in 1968, John Cook, Sr. opened a small insect collection to the public. The collection soon grew to include fossils, minerals, seashells and mounted wildlife, and was officially named Cook’s Natural Science Museum in the 1980s. While the new museum still houses an impressive insect display, it also features several other interactive and immersive exhibits to teach groups about the natural world.

Groups can wander through an authentic replica of an Alabama cave, filled with hidden animals and winding pathways. Guests can learn all about the cave environment and the species that call it home. The forests exhibit transports groups into the wilderness of the

Photo courtesy of The Cook Museum of Natural Science

COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is filled with wondrous exhibits.

Southeast, introducing them to the flora and fauna that inhabit these magical worlds.

Groups can get hands-on in the Foundations

exhibit, which features a kinetic sand table where guests can create natural structures to their hearts’ content.

TIM HOLLIS’ POP CULTURE MUSEUM

BERMAN MUSEUM OF WORLD HISTORY

In Dora, Alabama, just outside Birmingham, groups will find a small, but mighty museum filled with some fun and unusual pop culture items. Tim Hollis’ Pop Culture Museum is housed in the home of the local author and showcases more than 11,000 pieces of memorabilia collected

by Hollis. Over the years (Hollis has been growing his museum collection since 1981), the writer picked up everything from toys and games to lunch boxes and cereal.

What began as a testament to a man’s childhood transformed into a full-blown museum that captures the everyday joys of generations. Hollis’ collection fills a twostory addition to his home and features some funky and memorable items including board games and children’s books that will almost certainly fill you with nostalgia.

Groups can travel through time as they see what’s gathered here: a 50-year-old Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket, shopping bags from local grocery stores, a Bugs Bunny lunchbox, and an original Mr. Potato Head kit where kids used real potatoes to create the character. (Visits are by appointment only.)

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Don’t let the name fool you, this is no ordinary history museum. Located in Anniston, The Berman Museum chronicles the story of Farley and Germaine Berman, two world travelers who collected artifacts from the places they visited. By the end of their traveling years, they had collected thousands of unique pieces, from weaponry to sculptures.

The museum, which opened in 1996, houses the couple’s extensive collection, as well as the Dr. Oliver and Pei-hwa Foo Asian collection. Groups can peruse the exotic weapons in the Deadly Beauty gallery, filled with Berman’s collection of spy and combination weapons.

The Persian Scimitar of Abbas is a must-see, encrusted with 1,295 diamonds, 50 carats worth of rubies, a 10-carat emerald, and three pounds of gold. In the World Wars galleries, groups can view artifacts and images from both World Wars, including Adolf Hitler’s personal silver tea service. The American West gallery includes firearms and weapons dating from the American Revolution up to the Spanish-American War. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Motorcycle enthusiasts looking to find the biggest collection of the two-wheeled machines should look no further than the Barber Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama. That’s right, the world’s largest motorcycle collection can be found here, along with some rare transportation vehicles. Started by business executive and motorsports racer George Barber, the museum opened in 1994 showcasing the engineering and design behind motorcycles. Today, it’s home to more than 1,600 motorcycles, some dating back more than 100 years.

Groups visiting the Barber Motorsports Museum can see how the machines transformed over time, from a steampowered motorcycle built back in 1867, to the military Harley dubbed The Ginny built in the 1940s, to The Britten V1000, an innovative carbon fiber beauty built in 1995.

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Photo courtesy of Peter Schinkel

BARBER MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM

Barber Motorsports Museum

Official NASA Visitor Center

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ION ATTRACT •

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ALABAM

•

See the world’s largest collection of space artifacts and explore the fascinating future of space travel!

Looking to stay a bit longer? Sign up for an inspiring experience at Space Camp! Two- to six-day Camps are available for all ages: children, families, adults and corporate groups.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Huntsville, Alabama • (800) 637-7223 rocketcenter.com October 2019 ■ 61

WEST

REGION

Glaciers to Geysers A 400-MILE MONTANA ROAD TRIP BETWEEN TWO GREAT NATIONAL PARKS SHOWCASES THE BEST OF THE WEST

Photo courtesy of Randy Mink

By Randy Mink

The historic wooden vessel DeSmet offers Lake McDonald cruises from Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald Lodge.

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

I

f you’ve come to western Montana for jaw-dropping vistas, you’d be in the right place, for the mountains, lakes, rivers and wide-open spaces typify what it means to be in Big Sky Country. Throw in watchable wildlife, outdoor adventure activities, pioneer heritage and Indian lore—along with a slice or two of huckleberry pie—and you’ve got a pretty special part of the world.

The trip from Glacier National Park, which hugs the U.S.-Canada border, to Yellowstone National Park takes in a broad swath of territory that mirrors the true spirit of the American West. There are almost too many highlights to count.

Any group tour to this neck of the woods has to include Glacier National Park, called the “Crown of the Continent.” Its jagged peaks, deep gorges, waterfalls and high

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

alpine meadows are altogether stunning.

There are 37 named glaciers and 762 lakes.

The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that stretches between West Glacier and St. Mary, features many scenic overlooks, cresting the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet at Logan Pass. The National Park Service operates a free shuttle service on the iconic road from July through Labor Day, with stops at the must-see sights, and guided tours are offered by the park’s vintage Red Bus fleet that has been around since 1936. Sun Tours provides the experience from the perspective of the Blackfeet Tribe. Narrow,

winding and steep, Going-to-the-Sun Road can be challenging for anyone afraid of heights.

Boat cruises capture Glacier’s majesty from a different point of view. Glacier Park Boat Company operates 45- to 90-minute lake excursions from four lodges; some trips include guided walks and hikes. St. Mary Lake, ringed by dense forests and soaring, snow-crested peaks, is considered the

October 2019 ■ 63

radar when people think of Montana, yet Flathead Lake is a recreational magnet and its 185-mile shoreline is dotted with inviting towns. At 27 miles long and 15 miles wide, it is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. At the northern end, where the Swan River flows into the lake, Bigfork makes a great launching point for exploring the area. Earning a place in the book 100 Best Small Art Towns in America

by John Villani, the charming town boasts world-class art galleries and Broadwaycaliber performances at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. The theater this past summer presented shows like Catch Me If You Can, Oklahoma! and Seussical the Musical.

Polson, at the southern end of Flathead Lake, has its own summer theatrical offerings, with shows staged by the Port Polson Players in a 1938 log theater on the lake. Sightseeing and dinner cruises are available from Kwataqnuk Flathead Lake Resort & Casino. The lake has multiple islands, the biggest being Wild Horse Island, home to bighorn sheep and a few elusive wild horses. Surrounding the lake are the snowcapped Mission Mountains, grasslands with grazing cattle and orchards that produce the famous Flathead Lake cherries. Besides scheduled cruises, boats can be chartered by groups, with Wild Horse Island a popular destination for hiking and picnicking.

Polson’s most surprising—and engaging attraction—is the Miracle of America

Photo courtesy of Randy Mink

most picturesque. Outside the park, private outfitters offer whitewater rafting and calm float trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which borders the park.

Montana’s Glacier Country is home to delightful towns like Whitefish, famed for one of the West’s great ski destinations— Whitefish Mountain Resort. Located 25 minutes from Glacier National Park, Whitefish abounds with group activities, including boat cruises from the Lodge at Whitefish Lake and scenic lift rides at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Or consider horseback riding and wagon rides followed by a cookout at Bar W Ranch. Central Avenue is lined with boutiques, art galleries, coffeehouses and restaurants.

South of Whitefish is Kalispell, where shoppers make a beeline to the galleries and one-of-a-kind emporiums along Main Street in the historic downtown district. A town treasure is the 26-room Conrad Mansion Museum, once the abode of a wealthy entrepreneur who carved a niche for himself in the Montana Territory in the late 1800s.

Innovative features of the home include a freight elevator, a dumbwaiter, a unique barrel-shaped pass through connecting the kitchen and dining room, built-in fire hoses on each level, and a communication system with an electric call box, intercom and even a speaking tube.

Not far from Kalispell lies a huge body of water that sometimes flies under the

Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana in Charlo

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Museum. It’s an indoor/outdoor treasure chest of Americana with an eclectic collection of antiques, from small things like watches, doorknobs, sheet music and political campaign buttons to classic autos and motorcycles, military vehicles, tractors, a horse-drawn hearse, even a Vietnam-era fighter plane. Put a quarter in the 1914 violano—a violin-piano machine—and be serenaded. The Pioneer Village in back has authentically restored buildings from the area, including an 1890s sod-roofed log cabin, a general store, gas station, old-time dentist’s and doctor’s offices, and a 1912 school. Offering a walk down memory lane, this fascinating museum has something for every interest.

Polson and much of the area between Flathead Lake and Missoula are on Flathead Indian Reservation land. In Charlo, the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana spotlights local Native American history and pioneer life through old photographs, artifacts and life-size dioramas, and has an impressive gift shop with quality Indian art.

Ninepipes Lodge, next door to the museum, houses Allentown Restaurant, whose picture windows afford idyllic views of a pond backed the Mission range. The breakfast menu includes huckleberry pancakes, and a shop between the lodge and museum makes huckleberry shakes. As travelers in Montana discover, huckleberries are harvested only in the wild. Prized as a local delicacy, they are not grown commercially. Souvenir stores sell everything from huckleberry jam to huckleberry barbecue sauce, and restaurants serve huckleberry pie.

The Flathead Reservation also encompasses the National Bison Range, a refuge established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect the West’s declining bison population, which had been decimated by hunting. Fewer than 300 bison remained at the turn of the 20th century.

Three driving trails through the grasslands afford opportunities for bison spotting, and some of the one-ton animals will even come right up to the roadside. Visitors, however, are cautioned to stay in their vehicles, as the animals are dangerous and can run 30 mph.

Hiking is permitted only on designated trails.

The range is home not only to 350-400 bison but pronghorn, deer and elk as well.

Missoula, a prime air gateway to western >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Experience Glacier National Park on a historic red bus tour.

Visit Purple Mountain Lavender overlooking Flathead Lake near Kalispell.

Enjoy one of Missoula’s signature events at Caras Park along the Clark Fork River.

Travelers are drawn to Western Montana’s jaw-dropping landscapes and rejuvenating outdoor activities like nature walks and tranquil, scenic river floats. Rich history, cozy lodging and warm western hospitality abound in the region’s charming small towns.

Missoula boasts renowned culinary, art and live music scenes, and Kalispell—the hub of northwest Montana—offers a lively downtown, mouth-watering dining and brewery scene and just minutes from Glacier National Park..

Consider a Glaciers to Geysers tour combining Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. Western Montana also pairs well with Eastern Washington Wine Country and other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Or, consider a two-nation vacation incorporating the Blackfeet Nation and Glacier National Park with Waterton Lakes and Banff national parks in the Canadian Rockies.

DiscoverKalispell.com

TourOperators.GlacierMT.com

DestinationMissoula.org

Photo courtesy of NPS/Neal Herbert

Crowds at Yellowstone National Park gather to watch Old Faithful spout off.

Montana, is the state’s second-largest city with a population of just over 75,000 and a definite college-town feel. The University of Montana campus contributes to the hip vibe and rich cultural life. Higgins Avenue and surrounding downtown streets offer a bounty of shops, eateries, brewpubs, music clubs and public art. Fanciers of things old make a beeline to the Montana Antique Mall on Railroad Street. Crammed with treasures and trifles offered by more than 60 dealers, it occupies a brick building that operated as a hotel from the 1890s until the 1940s.

Steps away from downtown is the Missoula Riverfront Trail, which meanders along both sides of the Clark Fork River. A recreational asset, the river attracts tubing enthusiasts on a hot summer day.

Deer Lodge, 80 miles southeast of Missoula via Interstate 90 and midway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, has a number of group-friendly attractions, including Historic Grant-Kohrs Ranch. Operated by the National Park Service as an 1880s working ranch, this former home of a cattle baron is a well-preserved slice of Western heritage. Other draws in Deer Lodge are the Old Montana Prison Complex, Montana Auto Museum and Frontier Montana Museum.

History lovers also flock to the 19th 66

■ October 2019

century mining town of Philipsburg, whose enchanting National Historic District is packed with fun shops, including an oldtime candy store and soda fountain. The Granite County Museum features a replica silver mine, and there’s summer theater at Montana’s oldest opera house. The area has several ruby and sapphire mines that allow digging for a fee. More mining-era history can be found in the historic districts of nearby Anaconda. And not far away is Butte, where the World Museum of Mining, on the grounds of the old Orphan Girl Mine, invites visitors to explore a mining camp and descend 100 feet into the earth on a 90-minute tour. Once known as the “richest hill on earth,” Butte was a copper-producing powerhouse and abounds with architectural landmarks like the Copper King Mansion, the 1880s Victorian residence of William A. Clark, a U.S. senator and “copper king.” The Butte Trolley Tour gives an overview of the town’s history.

South of Butte, the neighboring towns of Virginia City (pop. 190) and Nevada City are true gems. Packed with historic buildings and artifacts, both are ghost towns that remain virtually unchanged from the boom days of the 1860s gold rush. The Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad offers a 1½-mile scenic train ride between Virginia City and Nevada City. Vaudeville shows and melodramas are

staged at the Virginia City Opera House.

Bozeman, the air gateway to the Yellowstone region, is considered the adventure capital of the northern Rockies, with many opportunities for hiking, cycling and mountain biking. The town is filled with gear shops, coffee shops, brewpubs and art galleries. The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of the Rockies, on the Montana State University campus, has an entire T. Rex skeleton and a recreation of a late-1800s Montana homestead.

Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, is massive and offers a wide range of scenic delights, from bison, bears and other wildlife to awesome waterfalls, 10,000-foot peaks and unique geothermal activity. Highlights include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the bubbling Mud Volcano area and Mammoth Hot Springs. The park boasts more than 15,000 active geysers and hydrothermal features. Old Faithful geyser, the star of the show, erupts at intervals of 40 to 126 minutes. While waiting for Old Faithful to blow, check out the A-framed Old Faithful Inn with its four-story foyer, the largest log structure in the world.

From glaciers to geysers, the splendors of western Montana epitomize America the beautiful. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Destination Missoula Glacier Country Tourism

Spend three days in Glacier Country, beginning in Missoula. Check out the town’s local galleries, shops and attractions. From there, cruise north along Flathead Lake to Kalispell, a destination that pairs Montana’s great outdoors with a vibrant downtown.

Missoula, Glacier National Park and Kalispell, Montana

Enjoy Three Days of Fun and Adventure in Western Montana Day 1

Arrive in Missoula, Montana’s arts and culture hub. Explore downtown Missoula’s vibrant local scene. Numerous galleries, shops and boutiques line the main street and eateries range from food trucks to fine dining.

To get a glimpse of Missoula’s rich history and contemporary culture, explore one (or more) of the 10 art galleries and museums scattered throughout the city. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is the perfect stop for history buffs, while the Missoula Art Museum offers world-class art exhibits to peruse.

Check in at a group-friendly Missoula hotel. If time permits, take to the Clark Fork River for a leisurely float. This eclectic mountain town is also home to numerous breweries, distilleries and its very own cidery, all offering tours and plenty of Montana flavor.

Day 2

GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM Debbie Picard debbie@glaciermt.com 406-562-3231 glaciermt.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Wake up in Missoula and enjoy breakfast at your hotel or sleuth out a local’s favorite hot spot. Head north to tour the National Bison Range, a National Wildlife Refuge prime for viewing antelope, deer, bighorn sheep and bison.

Continue your scenic drive to Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

Arrive in Kalispell, where history, style and opportunity collide at the center of your next adventure.

Grab lunch at one of downtown Kalispell’s charming restaurants, then explore galleries, breweries and boutiques. Next, board the Montana Trolley for a tour of three diverse museums offering a glimpse into Kalispell’s past and present, including a Glacier National Park permanent art collection, “Crown of the Continent” at the Hockaday Museum of Art and Conrad Mansion Museum, the residence of Kalispell’s founder, Charles E. Conrad. The mansion was completed in 1895 and restored in period detail.

Check into your Kalispell hotel before enjoying an evening sunset cruise with spectacular views on Flathead Lake aboard the Far West and dinner afterward at the Blue Canyon Restaurant.

Day 3 Wake up in Kalispell and enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Glacier National Park for an interpretive tour with Sun Tours or a red bus tour of the stunningly gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park boasts 1 million acres of mesmerizing peaks, expansive valleys, 200-plus waterfalls, hidden alpine lakes and American Indian history. Crest the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, where you’ll find mountain goats “hanging out.” Make sure to stop at one of the park’s three visitor centers before taking a short, guided hike. There are four food service establishments in the park serving both lunch and dinner.

Enjoy a relaxing evening in a historic timbered lodge, and start planning your next Glacier Country getaway.

October 2019 ■ 67

OKLAHOMA TOUR IDEAS

THE MOTHER OF ALL ROAD TRIPS FROM THE QUIRKY TO THE CLASSIC, ROUTE 66 HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

By Kathy Nolan

P

lanning to motor west? Get your kicks at quirky landmarks and shoot plenty of Instagram-worthy pictures along the Mother Road.

Take the Great American Road Trip along Oklahoma’s 432-mile stretch of black asphalt lined with iconic attractions on Route 66.

“Oklahoma boasts the most original drivable miles of the world’s most famous road. Over 100 unique attractions, restaurants and don’t-miss surprises await you on the Mother Road in our state,” said Todd Stallbaumer, Consumer and Trade marketing director for the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.

Roll down the windows, crank up the radio and travel in nostalgic style with 68

■ October 2019

a stop in Miami at the historic Coleman Theatre. Remarkable melodies from a 1929 Wurlitzer pipe organ transports patrons back to the Roaring 1920s when the Spanish Mission Revival building was constructed to host vaudeville shows and silent movies. Sparkling chandeliers and dark mahogany walls add to the grandeur of the opulent Louis IV décor. colemantheatre.org He never met a man he didn’t like. Learn more about the outspoken Oklahoma statesman at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. Rope tricks, leading acts and thoughtful essays offer a brief glimpse into a day in the life of this largerthan-life character. Don’t just read the rare authentic movie posters that cover museum

walls. Last year, for the 100th anniversary of Will’s first movie, the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation completed a successful Red Carpet fundraising event to restore the 36year old onsite theatre. Watch Will Rogers in his famous films that are screened daily using interactive touchscreens. Before riding off into the sunset, pay your respects to the legendary performer with a visit to his tomb, located on the memorial grounds. Schedule a group tour (10 or more guests) two weeks in advance with a guide for $5 per person. willrogers.com Some people call him the Space Cowboy of Tulsa. He might not be Steve Miller’s gangster of love, but this 21-foot, blue-eyed security guard who protects Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios is out of this world. The “Muffler Man” >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

is a large, fiberglass sculpture originally used as advertisement in the 1960s. He has been recently transformed and installed by artist Mark Cline and sculptor Chris Wollard, who both collaborated with American Giants to restore and reinvent the vintage hero. Step inside the “souvenir shop on steroids” to find the ultimate kitschy (yet somehow still cool) token to document your adventure. buckatomson66.com Fill ‘er up! That’s a tall order at the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa.

Fortunately, the 10,000-square foot dream garage is also home to the World’s Tallest Gas Pump, topping off at 66 feet. Imagination and hard work transformed an old decommissioned Armory into a sweet dream featuring three huge garage doors that open to house rare antique cars on the former drill room floor. On June 24, the museum will be promoted as an official pit stop in the 2020 Great American Race. heartofroute66.org Tires and toddlers screech when they pull in to the Rock Café in Stroud. The diner was already famous for its rugged stone face, constructed with rock that was removed when the Mother Road was built. In 2001, a team of Pixar animators came to dinner and found another local celebrity, ready for her close-up. Pixar creatives were inspired to develop a Cars character based on Dawn Welch, the charismatic owner. The only thing more popular than the real-life Sally Carrera is Betsy the Grill. More than five million burgers and chicken fried steaks have been seared to perfection on her 200-pound frame over the last 75 years. The café décor features souvenirs left by the Pixar crew and gifts received from Disney. Meet the “Real Sally” when you visit the diner, open seven days a week. rockcafert66.com For pure refreshment and entertainment, pop the top on one of 700 signature sodas at one of the newest attractions on the Mother Road in Arcadia. A 66-foot LED soda pop sculpture at POPS projects a multi-colored beam in the night sky, lighting the path for thirsty travelers. The sleek, sophisticated oasis stocks more than 12,000 bottles of carbonated concoctions. The diner features old-fashioned milkshakes, juicy burgers and the famous chicken fried steak.

POPS is open seven days a week. After you LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

fill up on American classics, top off your tank and hit the road. pops66.com Pull over to visit the Mother of all Mother Road museums. Enjoy a real slice of Americana at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Learn how the highway impacted American culture and won the hearts of road warriors. If you break it, you buy it. Look, but don’t touch vintage souvenirs in the “world’s largest curio cabinet,” a unique collection of items found on Route 66 throughout the years. Each exhibit room is flavored by the legendary music in keeping with its particular theme, like “Will Rogers Highway” by native son Woody Guthrie and the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

Follow the timeline of America’s Main Street and explore exhibits showcasing the history of the highway in each decade since its inception, starting with the route’s initial construction in the 1920s. Artifacts, signs, vehicles and memorabilia have survived to tell the story of the highway’s golden years, its eventual decline and the nostalgia that surrounds Route 66 today. okhistory.org/ sites/route66.php Unless you have unlimited time to explore the open road, it’s difficult to see and grasp the big picture. Fortunately, the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum in Elk City

Tumbleweed Grill in Texola, Oklahoma

takes travelers on a virtual journey through each of the eight states that Route 66 passes through. It really does wind from Chicago to LA. See quirky roadside attractions and get a real feel for the Route 66 road trip experience.

Experience classic automobiles with interactive and hands-on displays. Drive down Route 66 in a 1955 pink Cadillac and watch a black and white movie at the drive-in while sitting in a classic Chevy Impala. elkcity. com/departments/museums/nationalroute-66-museum/

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of many roadside attractions on Oklahoma’s Route 66.

October 2019 ■ 69

Latest

& Greatest

Wine History Museum Opens in Napa Valley

CALIFORNIA — 1881 Napa, the Napa Valley’s first wine history museum and tasting salon, has opened in a historic Victorian home in Oakville. Created by Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Boisset Collection, it has an extensive collection of wine artifacts from Europe and the United States and is next to Oakville Grocery (founded in 1881 and the oldest continually operating grocery store in California). The two centerpieces of the space—a 48-light Baccarat crystal Zenith chandelier and a reproduction of an 1895 map of Napa County on canvas hanging from the ceiling—provide a dramatic environment for exploring the displays surrounding the tasting room. (boissetcollection.com)

with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Olvera Street and Union Station. (lapca.org/content/laplaza-cocina-la-plaza-village)

Queen Mary Introduces Cunard Exhibit

CALIFORNIA — In partnership with Cunard Line, the iconic RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach has unveiled a new, permanent exhibition, The Cunard Story. The exhibition showcases Cunard’s 179-year history, its relationship with the Queen Mary, its founder’s vision, the ships it inspired and continues to bring forward, and their influence on immigration, global maritime policies and technological innovation. The Cunard Story chronicles the company’s legacy through artifacts, photographs and film, and features an “immigration salon” that allows visitors to digitally explore ancestry databases. At the time of her maiden voyage in 1936, the Queen Mary was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. Retired from service in the 1960s, the permanently moored icon, a top Long Beach hotel and tourist attraction, attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year. (queenmary.com)

Napa Valley

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■ October 2019

Cherokee Nation

history and culture of the Cherokee Nation within 4,000 square feet of permanent exhibit space that features Cherokee lifestyle from pre-European contact through the Trail of Tears and the revitalization of the tribe after the American Civil War. The powerful and inspiring stories are supported, in part, by artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, Gilcrease Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society and Cherokee National Archives.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum boasts 1,000 square feet of rotating gallery space that will feature fresh content centered around seven themes: government, education, religion, culture, community, commerce and veterans. The first exhibit on display in the gallery pays tribute to Cherokee Nation citizen Cecil Dick, who is known for his contributions to Native art and his tribe. It is on display through Jan. 31.

(Visitcherokeenation.com)

New Ship to Debut Up North

Ethnic Eats to Open in Los Angeles

CALIFORNIA — LA Plaza Cocina, a museum and teaching kitchen dedicated to Mexican food, opens later this year at LA Plaza Village on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. The multi-disciplinary venue will aim to educate visitors on Mexico’s culinary heritage, from its indigenous roots to its contemporary interpretations through an array of exhibitions, cooking classes, lectures, workshops and culinary festivals. LA Plaza Village is a new mixed-use complex located in one of the oldest historic districts of Los Angeles. Consisting of four buildings ranging from five to seven stories tall, the project will include multifamily housing units, retail space and murals by local Chicano artists. A significant feature will be a landscaped paseo connecting LA Plaza Village

WEST REGION

Queen Mary

Cherokee Nation Celebrates Opening of New Museum

OKLAHOMA — Cherokee Nation recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Cherokee National History Museum. The museum is the newest addition to the tribe’s robust tourism offerings and is located within one of its most iconic structures, the Cherokee National Capitol building. The Cherokee National History Museum shares the

ALASKA — Victory Cruise Lines, operated

by American Queen Steamboat Company, is building its third vessel, the 200-passenger Ocean Victory. The ship will sail in Alaska on seven- to 10-night voyages from May through September, 2021. Onboard amenities include two restaurants, an open-deck dining area, observation and lectures lounges, piano bar, library, gym, spa, and swimming pool with a pool bar and Jacuzzi. The vessel’s small size and low draw will allow it to dock in Alaska ports not accessible to larger cruise ships.

Equipped with 20 Zodiacs and dozens of kayaks, the Ocean Victory will provide guests with opportunities for active adventure and viewing wildlife. A staff of marine biologists, scientists and naturalists will lead expeditions and give lectures. (victorycruiselines.com) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ARKANSAS GROUP TRAVEL P L A NNE R

ARKANSAS FILLED WITH WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS, OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

HIDDEN GEMS OF SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS Stunning views and treasures can be found here

FAMOUS FACES, SCENIC PLACES

Explore beautiful scenery, get a glimpse into the lives of well-known figures

2020 EDITION

Welcome to ARKANSAS! AR K A NSAS G RO UP T RAVE L PLA N NE R 2 02 0

We look forward to hosting your group in The Natural State!

2

From the breathtaking beauty of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, to the history and culture of the Delta, to the urban amenities of our capital city of Little Rock, there are adventures for all ages in The Natural State.

Here, you can take part in experiences found nowhere else in the world. Dig for diamonds and keep what you find at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Take a ghost tour through the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs or learn about the wild, wild west in Fort Smith. Tour sites that commemorate Arkansas’s native sons Bill Clinton and Johnny Cash.

You can also visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Walmart Museum, both in Bentonville.

And don’t forget our outdoor activities. Arkansas is known as The Natural State for a reason! Hiking, camping, floating, rock-climbing, mountain biking and cycling are just a few of the many outdoor options waiting to be discovered in our great outdoors. The state is home to seven national park sites, including the Buffalo National River, the first in the nation. Arkansas is also home to Hot Springs National Park, the first land set aside for protection by the federal government.

The possibilities are endless in Arkansas. Enjoy your visit!

Sincerely,

Jessica Ledbetter Sales Manager Arkansas Tourism

“Here, you can take part in experiences found nowhere else in the world.”

CONTENTS

—6—

Famous Faces and Scenic Places

Explore some of Arkansas’s most beautiful scenery and get a glimpse into the lives of a few well-known figures

—8—

Vistas, Charming Towns make Memorable Experiences

Fill your North Central/Northwest Arkansas itinerary with world-class museums and outdoor adventures

By Dave Bodle

— 12 —

Have Fun and Learn about History in Central Arkansas Museums, baseball and even an old mill are enticing attractions in this charming region

By Lauren Wong

— 16 —

Hidden Gems of Southwest Arkansas

This region is where stunning views, littleknown histories and treasures unfold

By Lauren DeLorenzo

6

12

— 20 —

Arkansas Delta Filled with Culture Nature, history and Johnny Cash’s childhood home can be found in the Delta region

By Jaylyn Fahey

ON THE COVER: The historic Melba Theater, movie house and concert venue. (Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism )

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■ BELLA VISTA

(1.1 miles north of U.S. Highway 71 B) arkansas.com/place/ bentonville-welcome-center p: 479-855-3111 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

■ HARRISON

Turrell

(1.9 miles south of Bear Creek Springs) arkansas.com/place/ harrison-welcome-center p: 870-741-3343 • Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

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Horseshoe Lake

FLYING MAKES ARKANSAS ACCESSIBLE WORLDWIDE:

Helena-West Helena Barton

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West Memphis

Bear Cr. Lake

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Madison Francis

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The Arkansas Department of Transportation welcomes you.

Here are some rest areas.

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Paragould

Walcott

WHETHER YOU DRIVE OR FLY, THE NATURAL STATE WORKS WELL FOR GROUPS

Rector

Lake Ashbaugh

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St. Francis

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Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) Little Rock, AR clintonairport.com p: 501-372-3439 Six airlines (Allegiant Air, American Air Lines, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier Airlines) offer daily flights to major hubs.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) Bentonville, AR flyxna.com p: 479-205-1000 Five airlines (American Airlines, Delta, United, Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines) service XNA.

■ SILOAM SPRINGS

(0.25 miles east of U.S. Highway 59) arkansas.com/place/siloamsprings-welcome-center p: 479-524-4445 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

■ VAN BUREN

(Mile Marker 2.6) arkansas.com/place/ van-burenfort-smithwelcome-center p: 479-474-9512 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily •R estrooms and vending machines available 24/7

■ MAMMOTH SPRING

(0.2 miles south of Missouri state line inside Mammoth Spring State Park) arkansas.com/place/ mammoth-springwelcome-center p: 870-625-7364 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available only during business hours

■ CORNING

(2.7 miles north of State Highway 328) arkansas.com/place/ corning-welcome-center p: 870-857-6014 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

■ WEST MEMPHIS

(Mile Marker 278.4, Exit 279-A) arkansas.com/place/westmemphis-welcome-center p: 870-735-3637 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms and vending machines available 24/7

■ TEXARKANA

(Mile Marker 7.1) arkansas.com/place/ texarkana-welcome-center p: 870-772-4301 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (until 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day) • Restrooms and vending machines available 24/7

■ EL DORADO

(Intersection of U.S. Highway 82 and U.S. Highway 167) arkansas.com/place/eldorado-welcome-center p: 870-881-9160 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

■ RED RIVER

(0.4 miles north of State Highway 108) arkansas.com/place/redriver-welcome-center p: 870-772-7511 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

■ HELENA-WEST HELENA (1 mile west of the Mississippi River) arkansas.com/place/ helenawest-helenawelcome-center p: 870-338-7602 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

■ LAKE VILLAGE

(Intersection of U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 159) arkansas.com/place/lakevillage-welcome-center p: 870-265-5832 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily • Restrooms available 24/7

These Arkansas American Bus Association members provide charter and tour services: Arkansas Destinations, Inc. Little Rock, AR ardestinations.com p: 501-603-0113

Francis Custom Tours Inc. Arkadelphia, AR franciscustomtours.com/ FCT_ContactUs.htm p: 870-246-3366

Jonesboro Travel Cruise & Tour Jonesboro, AR jonesborotravel.com p: 870-932-2060

Little Rock Coaches Little Rock, AR littlerocktours.com/ coach-services p: 501-868-7287

Pinnacle Charter & Tours Rogers, AR pinnlimo.com p: 479-205-0505

Trump Tours Inc. Bentonville, AR trumpgroups.com/ contactus.html p: 479-271-9898

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ARKANSAS ITINERARY

Famous Faces andScenic Places Explore some of Arkansas’ most beautiful scenery and get a glimpse into the lives of a few well-known figures that helped shape The Natural State Gangster Museum of America

Day 1

at a Glance: Duration: 5 days Available: Year-round Places Explored: Hot Springs, Little Rock, Altus, Mt. Magazine State Park, Bentonville, Rogers and Fayetteville This Itinerary is Ideal for: Adults over 21

Hot Springs

Start your day in Hot Springs on historic Bathhouse Row retracing the steps of 20th century crime bosses like Al Capone. The Gangster Museum of America exhibits highlight Hot Springs’ connection to infamous outlaws from across the country. Another fascinating exhibit is “The Boys of Spring,” featuring the beginnings of baseball’s spring training in Hot Springs. Legends such as Babe Ruth and Cy Young enjoyed the healing thermal spas. Bathhouse Row itself still offers the same relaxing experience. The Buckstaff Bathhouse does the traditional baths and is one of the eight bathhouses that comprise this designated National Historic Landmark District.

After visiting Bathhouse Row, a stop at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort will give guests the opportunity to enjoy horse racing, sports wagering, live music and a casino. Following the races, a dinner cruise on Lake Hamilton’s Belle of Hot Springs is a perfect ending to your day.

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Day 2

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Chateau Aux Arc

Little Rock

After breakfast, check out of your Hot Springs hotel and depart for Little Rock.

Arrive in Little Rock, Arkansas’ state capitol. Here, you can walk in the steps of a president at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. View an exact replica of Bill Clinton’s Oval Office and Cabinet Room, as well as photographs, videos, documents and an interactive timeline highlighting domestic and foreign policies and the Clintons’ lives in the White House.

View another important historic landmark at Little Rock Central High School Historic Site, one of the Top 10 Civil Rights Sites in the United States. The only high school functioning within the boundaries of a National Historic Site, the school and museum are a testament to the nine African-American students who integrated into the all-white school as a test of the Civil Rights act in 1957.

Across the river in North Little Rock, you will find The Old Mill. This replica grist mill, set in a lushly landscaped park, appeared in the opening scene of the 1939 film Gone with the Wind and remains one of the area’s most-visited attractions.

Check into any group-friendly hotel in the area. Finish the day with an Arkansas Travelers baseball game at Dickey Stephens Park or a dinner show at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse.

Day 3

Altus and Mt. Magazine State Park

Enjoy breakfast and depart for Altus and Arkansas’ wine country.

Arkansas is the oldest and largest grape juice and wineproducing state in the southern United States. Drawn by the Benedictine of Subiaco Abbey, a colony of German-Swiss immigrants settled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and began growing grapes in the 1870s at Altus in Franklin County. Experience true farm-to-table dining at Post Vineyards’ Trellis Room, where local flavor is grown right outside the kitchen. Then tour St. Mary’s Catholic Church, famous for its murals adorned with gold leaf, painted by a German artist Fridolin Fuchs during World War I, with Altus residents serving as models. Visit one (or all!) of the six wineries operating in Altus, Post Winery, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Mount Bethel Winery, Chateau Aux Arc, Dionysus Wine and Brew and Neumeier Winery for a tour and tasting.

After experiencing the vineyards of the Arkansas River Valley, stay overnight at the highest point in Arkansas, The Lodge at Mount Magazine. From its setting on the mountain’s south bluff, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake in the distance.

Day 4

Bentonville

Arrive in Bentonville. While in town, be sure to check out Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, opened in 2011 by the Walton Family Foundation. Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. 21c Museum and Hotel adds another artful element to the Bentonville scene with more than 12,000 square feet of gallery space that adjoins this 104-room boutique hotel and world-class restaurant The Hive.

Downtown Bentonville is among one of only seven other cities to house such a unique place to stay and play.

Come and play at the Scott Family Amazeum children’s museum and be wowed by the 50,000 square feet of handson exhibits and tinkering space. Take a walk down memory

Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

lane at the Walmart Museum inside the original 5&10 opened in downtown Bentonville in 1950. Have a soda or a milkshake at Spark Cafe located right next door. Take time to see and explore what life was like as far back as 14,000 years ago at the Museum of Native American History showcasing one of the most comprehensive artifact collections in the South.

Day 5

Rogers and Fayetteville

Breakfast at your hotel before departing for Rogers. Brickpaved streets lead to old-fashioned storefronts filled with unique furniture, antiques and gifts, cafes, jewelry and business offices in the historic downtown of Rogers, Arkansas, which encompasses about eight square blocks. The Daisy Airgun Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of antique airguns, and the Rogers Historical Museum are also located here. Lunch is at any of Rogers’ downtown cafes.

Your busy day continues in Fayetteville. Visit Terra Studios, home of the Original Bluebird of Happiness with glass-blowing demonstrations at The Bluebird House Gallery. Fifty regional artists of American arts and crafts are represented at The Muse Gallery and Coffee House. Explore the unique Art Park with sculptures, murals, art installations, fountains, labyrinth, picnic areas and walking paths.

Keep your group entertained in the evening with performances at the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared.

Every sort of production makes stops at these two live performance hallmarks.

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Vistas, Charming Towns Make

Memorable Experiences

Fill your North Central/Northwest Arkansas itinerary with world-class museums, outdoor adventures, faith-based attractions and the heritage of the Ozark Mountains

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By Dave Bodle

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R EUREKA SPRINGS

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ld-world charm has placed the entire downtown on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic homes and the 1905 Basin Park Hotel embrace the cliffs, while one-of-a-kind shops from art galleries, boutiques, crafts and extraordinary dining line Main Street.

The Great Passion Play is “America’s No. 1 Attended Outdoor Drama,” according to the Institute of Outdoor Theater and Drama of East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. A cast of 150 costumed actors and supporting staff tell the epic story of Jesus Christ’s last days. Additional attractions on the site are the Holy Land Tour, Christ of the Ozarks statue, museums, trails and a spectacular Christmas drive-through light display. The 2020 season begins in April and continues through October. Nearby Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural must-see.

The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s mission is to rescue abandoned, abused and neglected big cats.

Nearly 100 animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, cougars and others are housed.

R ROGERS

Encompassing almost eight square blocks, Rogers’ historic downtown certainly has its share of specialty shops from furniture and antiques to gifts and jewelry.

Blend some interesting cafes into the mix and your morning is set. Fill the remainder of your day with these uniquely Rogers attractions.

Long before the mother’s famous A Christmas Story quote, “You’ll shoot your eye out,” Daisy airguns were on many little boys’ and girls’ Christmas lists. Plenty of those wishes came true. Located on a downtown corner, the Daisy Airgun Museum is a must stop for fans and collectors. Daisy airguns are part of the American story. Visitors learn about the early history of Daisy and its move to Rogers in 1958. You’ll walk through more than 130 years of history viewing 18th century guns and Daisy guns from 1888 to today.

Not to be missed, the nearby Rogers Historical Museum’s expanded campus encompasses four blocks of downtown Rogers. Its collection of artifacts tells much of the story of Northwest Arkansas. As your day comes to an end enjoy dinner downtown before an evening at The Victory Theater. Opened in 1927 and closing its doors in the early 1970s, the City of Rogers

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MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

purchased the theater in 2008 with the support of civicminded donors and volunteers.

Let day two of your Rogers stay fulfill your outdoor wants with a visit to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Arkansas’ largest state park features hiking and biking trails, a shooting range and a visitor center with interpretive programs and exhibits focusing on the park’s natural resources.

R BENTONVILLE

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You’d be hard-pressed to find any other city comparable to Bentonville. This city of 50,000 certainly has a proud history as the headquarters for retail giant Walmart. It’s also a city that embraces creativity, the outdoors and honors the area’s first inhabitants.

The Walmart Museum tells a fascinating story of an American icon. After serving in World War II, Sam Walton and wife Helen bought their first Ben Franklin store in Newport, Arkansas. The museum tells the story of what followed from the move to Bentonville, the booming 1950s and the founding of Walmart in the 1960s through today’s new commitments. Many years before the Walton family moved to Bentonville, Paleo Man was the neighborhood’s first inhabitant. Through more than 10,000 dynamic artifacts, the Museum of Native American History traces from the Paleo period through the Archaic, Woodlands, Mississippian, Historic and PreColumbian periods.

Architecture, nature and art present a glorious combination at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Before entering the building, visitors are treated to the

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stunning architecture set in harmony with the Ozarks. Eight trails wind their way around the building. In addition to the permanent collections on display, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

R FAYETTEVILLE

Home to the University of Arkansas, this university town is a cornucopia of entertainment, culinary delights and attractions.

US News has regularly ranked Fayetteville as one of the Top 5 Best Places to Live.

Keep your group entertained in the evening with performances at the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared. Every sort of production makes stops at these two live performance hallmarks.

This is a university town, so there’s plenty of live music and hot spots to choose from. The culinary scene is extensive and makes the choices challenging. From BBQ and burger joints to fine dining American and international restaurants, you won’t go hungry in Fayetteville. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features 12 gardens each with its own theme. Each garden is designed to inspire visitors and residents in their home gardens.

Home to the original Bluebird of Happiness and the Pink Bird of Hope, Terra Studios is dedicated to a better world through art.

It just might be all fun and games. In the six-acre Art Park, visit with sculptures of fantasy people and play a giant game of chess or checkers. Experience the labyrinth and spend time in the wizard cave.

R FORT SMITH

In the beginning, Fort Smith was the last breath of civilization before settlers and law enforcement ventured into Indian Country. Arkansas’ second largest city embraces its past, but also celebrates the present with arts and culture, shopping and a diverse restaurant scene.

Step back in time to the mid-1800s. Welcome to “Miss Laura’s Social Club.” The only remaining house of ill repute from Fort Smith’s Old West red-light district, it now serves as the visitor center.

The Victorian mansion is fully restored and now sits proudly as the

only bordello on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Fort Smith National Historic Site visitor center has plenty of tales to tell. Its location was originally a barracks but was converted into a courthouse and jail. It was from this courthouse that Judge Isaac Parker sent many an outlaw to the nearby gallows. Not to be missed, The Trail of Tears Overlook paved half-mile path parallels the Arkansas River.

During this boisterous period in Fort Smith’s history, the only law in the Indian Territory was the U.S. Marshals. To honor the marshals’ service that worked out of Fort Smith, the city’s successful bid to build the United States Marshals Museum was granted. The building and Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor opened in September of 2019. The exhibit experiences have a tentative opening of the first quarter of 2021.

The “Unexpected” brings world-class mural artists downtown for a 10-day festival of murals. A windshield tour is an absolute must, but you’ll appreciate the breath of these works when you get off the coach. While downtown, take advantage of the city’s place as a crossroads of cultures and enjoy the culinary expressions they brought.

R MOUNTAIN VIEW

Home to Ozark Folk Center State Park and the state’s

largest craft cooperative, Arkansas Craft Guild, Mountain View maintains the crafts and music of the Ozark Mountains.

Presented as a living history, the park features more than 20 artisans demonstrating Ozark heritage crafts and musicians displaying their talents. Mingle with the craftspeople whose livelihood is their work.

Just a short distance from Mountain View, groups discover not all beauty is above ground. Blanchard Springs Caverns is an underground world with its own loveliness.

Three different guided tours are available depending on your time and adventuresome level.

R BATESVILLE

With the oldest existing Main Street in Arkansas, Batesville is well worth a visit. The downtown features an attractive streetscape with a historic movie theater, homes and churches, antique and boutique shopping and dining experiences. Race fans need to make a stop at hometown hero Mark Martin Museum and Gift Shop.

Like so many Arkansas small towns, a local college adds to the vibrancy of the community. For two days in April, the college shows its Scottish heritage at the annual Arkansas Scottish Festival. ■

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Have Fun and Learn About

History IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Museums, baseball and even an old mill are some of the attractions in this charming region

By Lauren Wong

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The Old Mill

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W

ith the Ozarks in the northwest, the Ouachita Mountains in the southwest and lakes and caverns across the state, Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; natural beauty is unrivaled. Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; central region is a particularly stellar location for groups, with a myriad of attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages.

R LITTLE ROCK

Bursting with endless activities, Little Rock features a trolley that can take you to most of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attractions, so forget parking and hop on the trolley.

If you want to do a good deed, you can start your trip by volunteering at Heifer International, an organization that has been working to end hunger and poverty since 1944.

Heifer International works towards helping families become self-resilient by providing them with training in sustainable farming, helping farmers gain access to the market and empowering women. Guests can also visit Heifer Village, a hands-on, global educational facility that is home to interactive exhibits that provide a stimulating educational experience.

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HISTORY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS

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Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

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Another popular locale is Heifer Ranch in Perryville, a 1,200acre beacon of transformational education and sustainable agriculture nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.

Guests will gain a deeper understanding of hunger and poverty, sustainable food systems and community development while experiencing a hands-on learning experience.

You can also enjoy a history lesson at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Located within the Clinton Presidential Center along the banks of the Arkansas River, this library features rotating exhibits, a replica of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room and the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history. Among the permanent exhibits, you will find photographs, videos, documents and interactive stations with a timeline highlighting domestic and foreign policies and life in the White House.

Step foot in Little Rock’s oldest urban park, MacArthur Park, to visit the Arkansas Art Center and MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, both of which are located on this 36-acre property. Find a collection of international art and special exhibitions including live theater performances, lectures, films, poetry slams and family festivals at the Arkansas Arts Center. The center is currently under renovations and the collections will be housed in a temporary location for most of 2020. On the soil where General Douglas MacArthur was born, within the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History features exhibits of artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents and other military items to show the contributions of Arkansas men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a standing reminder of the nine African-American students who integrated into the all-white school as a test of the Civil Rights Act in 1957. This is the only high school functioning within the boundaries of a National Historic Site. Located across the street is the museum showing the struggles the “Little Rock Nine” faced with photographs, video recordings, news clippings and more.

If you’re looking for a chance to sit back and relax, look no further than Little Rock’s Rusty Tractor Vineyards, which is scheduled to open by October. The process of harvesting a bottle of wine takes about a year as they believe the use of machinery compromises the integrity of the grapes.

R NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock Central High School

Take a trip to The Old Mill, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Appearing in the opening scene of the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind, this authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill was built in 1933 and made to look as if it was built in the 1800s.

Spend an afternoon at either the Arkansas National Guard Museum or the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. The National Guard Museum shows the progression of the Arkansas guard from a frontier militia to modern military through the history

of Camp Robinson and Camp Pike. The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is the only place in the world you can see two floating Naval vessels that bookend in World War II. The submarine, USS Razorback (SS-394) is the longest-serving submarine in the world and was in the Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered.

The USS Hogan tugboat on display moved the USS Nevada warship out of Pearl Harbor so it didn’t sink while blocking other ships from escaping.

Take a seat among Dickey-Stephens Park’s 5,800 fixed seats, 24 luxury suites, three dining areas or the grass berms in this beautiful ballpark. Sitting directly across from the Arkansas River, this minor league baseball field provides one of the best urban views overlooking downtown Little Rock. The park is home of the AA minor league Arkansas Travelers.

R JACKSONVILLE

Available for private retirement and reunion events, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History allows you to explore both the battlefield and home front of current conflicts. The museum will take you from the Battle of Reed’s Bridge to the Civil War in Arkansas. ■

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Clinton Presidential Center It’s more than famous Southern charm and hospitality – Little Rock is essential to planning an unforgettable tour itinerary. Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River, the capital city is home to an amazing array of world-class attractions, outstanding local cuisine, eclectic shopping and so many more pleasant surprises to be discovered. Whether it’s just for a day or a longer stay, memories are waiting to be made in Little Rock.

Tour

LittleRock.com

Ad paid for with State and Heart of Arkansas funds.

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HIDDEN OF SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS This region is where stunning views, little-known histories and treasures unfold

D

By Lauren DeLorenzo

eep among the crystal lakes, dark leafy hollows and mountain towns of Southwest Arkansas, explorers can find hidden histories and tranquil getaways. Known for its exceptional hunting and fishing areas around the Ouachita Mountains, the region draws adventurers and sightseers to its many resorts, golf courses, boating opportunities, water sports and scuba diving experiences.

The city of Hot Springs catches the eye of travelers looking for a lush escape, and the healing waters the city was named for has drawn people to the valley for centuries. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic center used to be a vacation hotspot for bootlegging gangsters and leaders of organized crime of the 1930s, and is now filled with museums, gorgeous architecture, exciting activities and the natural beauty that the region is famous for.

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

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HIDDEN GEMS OF SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

R HOT SPRINGS

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is located within Hot Springs and in 1832 was the first land set aside for protection by the federal government, essentially making it the first national park. Hot Springs National Park is best known for the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain at an average of 143 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can, and are encouraged, to drink the water when it arrives at the surface of Hot Springs Mountain. Thousands of visitors endorse the good quality of the hot springs water and fill bottles to take it home. The park is a popular place for hiking and also features a museum and visitor center. Another beloved element of the park is its historic Bathhouse Row, which features eight bathhouses that are designated as a National Historic Landmark District. These bathhouse buildings were constructed between 1892 and 1923 and are a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

One of the more popular attractions in Hot Springs is the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Horse racing, sports wagering, live music, and of course, the casino, attract visitors year-round.

Other highlights of the town include the National Park Aquarium, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, Galaxy Connection, the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum and the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which sit on the peninsula of Lake Hamilton. With more than 100 permanent and traveling exhibits, Mid-America Science Museum is a favorite stop for student and adult groups. Visitors can retrace the steps of 20th century crime bosses at the Gangster Museum of America, which features exhibits on Al Capone (who frequented Hot Springs in the early 1920s), and other infamous outlaws across the country. After treating yourself to a dip in the springs, jump on board a cruise ship with the Belle of Hot Springs. Sightsee, dine and take in the sunset on Lake Hamilton with your own private party.

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R HOPE

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Just over 80 miles from Hot Springs is Hope, the birthplace of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Groups can travel back in time to the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site, which preserves the home where Bill Clinton spent his formative years. The home is the spot where Clinton says “In this house I learned to walk and talk, I learned to pray, I learned to read and I learned to count by number cards my grandparents tacked on the kitchen window.” Clinton lived in this house for the first four years of his life with his mother and maternal grandparents.

R EL DORADO Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Stories have long told of El Dorado, a city of abundant riches. This town certainly lives up to the myth. El Dorado was at the heart of the 1920s oil boom, and its connection to the railroads helped launch the state’s petroleum industry. Here, visitors will find a wealth of excitement, and can join in on the

Crater of Diamonds State Park

best of Arkansas’ festivals, carnivals, gun shows, historical reenactments, museums and dining experiences.

The Murphy Arts District brings music, theater, dance, art and food to El Dorado through a range of immersive events and programs. Groups can visit one of the regular farmers markets, see a play in the renovated 1920s-era theater, explore photography and sculpture at the Mad Art Gallery, and finish off by dining on farm-to-table food at the Griffin Restaurant. If that’s not enough to satisfy a culture craving, the South Arkansas Arts Center offers monthly gallery exhibits, community theater productions and a range of creative classes for groups to get their hands on.

R CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK

Though this region is bursting with natural beauty, you can’t take the view home with you. But you can take home its treasures. The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is one of the only places in the world where the public can hunt for real diamonds. Visitors can search the 37-acre eroded surface of a volcanic crater for gemstones and rocks and take home their findings. The visitor center displays uncut diamonds and exhibits which demonstrate the unique geology of the region. Visitors can rent diamond-hunting tools and learn the best techniques to find precious stones.

Not only has the public found more than 33,000 diamonds in this park, but it was also the place where the largest

diamond in the United States, the 40.23 carat Uncle Sam diamond, was discovered.

R MOUNT IDA

For groups looking for a guided experience, the Wegner Crystal Mines in Mount Ida provide group tours where guides will bring you into the 40-acre mine site and teach you how to get the most out of your dig. Tools are provided in this collecting experience which is great for people of all ages. At the site’s museum, visitors can marvel at a 2,000-pound quartz crystal, a 4,400-pound amethyst geode and a hoard of other treasures.

There are many mines to explore: The Crystal Forest Mine, the Phantom Mine (famous for rare Phantom Quartz Crystals) and the Tailings Area are just a few. Group accommodations and customized digs are available here. ■

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Hampton Archeological Museum State Park

ARKANSAS DELTA FILLED WITH

Culture Nature, history and even Johnny Cash’s childhood home can be found in the Arkansas Delta region

By Jaylyn Fahey

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hose seeking a locale filled with history, culture and heritage can find all that and more in Arkansas. The Natural State is rich with ancestry and preserves it in a memorable way. Here are some cities in the upper and lower Delta Region that have plenty to offer groups.

R WILSON

Hampson Archeological Museum State Park exhibits a nationally renowned collection from the Nodena site, a 15-acre palisades village that once thrived on the Mississippi River. The museum interprets the lifestyles of the farming-based civilization that lived there from 1400 A.D. to 1650 A.D. The artifacts and exhibits share the story of this aboriginal population of farmers who cultivated crops and supplemented their food resource with hunting native game while developing art, religion and political structure. After touring the museum, take a lunch break at Wilson Café, the sweetheart of the square located on one end of town. The café’s veggie plate and array of fresh salad selections feature ingredients sourced from Wilson Gardens, located 100 yards from the café. arkansasstateparks.com/ parks/hampson-archeological-museum-state-park

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ARKANSAS DELTA FILLED WITH CULTURE

R BLYTHEVILLE Johnny Cash Boyhood Home

Housed in the historic Kress Building, the Delta Gateway Museum illustrates historical themes in the world’s most fertile agricultural regions. Exhibits focus on the development of cotton and soybeans along with interrelated topics such as earthquakes, rivers and flood control.

There are hands-on exhibits for kids in grades four to six.

Admission is free. deltagatewaymuseum.weebly.com/

R HELENA R DYESS

The Historic Dyess Colony was created in 1934 as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal to aid in the nation’s economic recovery from the Great Depression. As a federal agricultural resettlement community, it provided a fresh start for nearly 500 impoverished Arkansas farm families including that of music legend Johnny Cash. Because of this, the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home was created. The home is furnished as it appeared when the Cash family lived there and tells the story of Dyess Colony and how growing up in the Colony influenced Cash and his music. dyesscash.astate.edu/

R WEST MEMPHIS

Gaming, racing, gambling, Southland Park Gaming and Racing has it all. With more than 2,000 slots and regular giveaways, this 80,000-square-foot casino allows visitors to play blackjack, craps and roulette. Visitors can place their bets at the High Limit Room before trying their luck at greyhound racing. Southland conducts nine-dog racing year-round. Find a quick bite between wins or dine in the casino. Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker features classic bar food and multiple televisions while Shine Bar’s trendy atmosphere will complement your winnings. southlandcasino.com

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Activate your inner environmentalist and visit Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. The 17,000-square-foot center tells the story of a unique ridge atop the Mississippi Delta with indoor and outdoor exhibits, films and trails. It features a three-story education, exhibit and meeting facility on 160 acres. Explore nature along the diverse trails that run through wetlands, forest and prairie. Jonesboro is a town where more than 50 businesses successfully served the African American community from the 1920s to the 1960s. Visitors can tour the town’s African American Cultural Center, a day trip that includes a 30-minute film and a guided tour. Be sure to stop at the Arkansas State University Museum for fun family activities as well. arkansas. com/attractions-culture/african-american-cultural-center

Explore the rich history of the Arkansas Delta at the Delta Cultural Center. Through engaging exhibits, historic properties and educational programs, the museum is a must-see. With free admission, visitors can see exhibits like A Heritage of Determination, Civil War in the Delta and Delta Sounds Exhibit. The Cultural Center is home to the radio show King Biscuit Time, a daily blues radio program you are able to visit. The Delta Cultural Center hosts many fascinating collections from art to music to photography. By the end of your visit, you will be overwhelmed with culture, heritage and history. deltaculturalcenter.com

R PINE BLUFF

For those obsessed with trains and transportation, the Arkansas Railroad Museum is the place for you. Take a tour of this museum and learn about the history of the cotton belt. Just down the road, guests can find the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, a free-admission museum that includes displays of Johnny Cash, Alan Ladd, Tracy Lawrence, Art Porter and Al Green, all stars who hail from Arkansas. arkansasrailroadmuseum.org

R WALNUT RIDGE

Located alongside Rock N Roll Highway 67, Walnut Ridge has an interesting history. August 1942 saw the opening of the Army Air Forces Flying School where more than 4,500 students graduated. The Wings of Honor World War II Museum located on the grounds of the Walnut Ridge Airport preserves the history of the airfield. Thirty-five years before the museum opened its doors, the airfield had a famous group of visitors.

In September 1964, the Beatles landed at the airport for a planned vacation nearby. The secret didn’t last long and two days later much of the town was waiting for a glimpse of the group before their plane left.

The inaugural Beatles at the Ridge Music Festival was held in September 2012. The event has become a popular festival for music lovers across the world. Regardless of when you visit Walnut Ridge, the Beatles sculpture titled “British Invasion of the Rock N Roll Highway” and the Guitar Walk honoring the musicians that played Highway 67 are both must-sees. ■

Discover the real America at the original gateway to the American West and future home of The United States Marshals Museum!

Relive a history that inspired the iconic tale of True Grit and walk along the Trail of Tears.

Explore the majesty of the Ozarks by train. Discover a growing gallery of world-renowned public art. Visit the barbershop where Elvis received his famous military buzz cut and more.

Fort Smith • Sallisaw, OK • Tahlequah, OK • Park Hill, OK • Fayetteville • Bentonville • Altus

Justice, Art and the Trail of Tears Day 1

Miss Laura’s Visitors Center: Tour the first former bordello listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

With arrangements, “Miss Laura” will greet your group and give a guided tour.

Fort Smith National Historic Site: Relive a history that inspired the iconic tale of True Grit as you tour the court where Judge Isaac C. Parker and Deputy U.S. Marshals brought the most infamous outlaws of the American West to justice. Groups also learn about the Five Civilized Tribes and see the remains of the first Fort Smith as they walk along a paved portion of the Trail of Tears path.

Day 2 Arrive at Sequoyah’s Cabin: Tour the cabin that was home to Sequoyah—also called George Gist—who developed the Cherokee Alphabet in 1821.

Lunch at Restaurant of The Cherokee: Head to Tahlequah and enjoy a unique lunch complete with fried bread, drink and dessert. Visit the Cherokee Nation Heritage Center, tour the Ancient Village and the museum’s two main galleries, which includes The Trail of Tears exhibits and see Adam’s Corner Rural Village.

Day 3 TOUR FORT SMITH

Carolyn Joyce CJoyce@TourFortSmith.com 800)-637-1477 tourfortsmith.com

Driving Tour – Historic District & Public Art: Discover a growing gallery of world-renowned urban and contemporary art along Garrison Avenue and the timeless architecture of Belle Grove Historic District.

The Clayton House: Tour the antebellum home that William Clayton—prosecuting attorney for Judge Parker—doubled in size and shaped into an Italianate-

style mansion in 1821. Tour includes lunch and/or high tea with prior arrangement.

Dinner at Taliano’s: Housed in the James Sparks Home (1887), this Romanesque mansion features hand-carved fireplaces and original chandeliers.

Day 4 Depart for Northwest Arkansas!

Driving Tour of Fayetteville: A step-on guide will take you on a tour through hog country and home of the University of Arkansas; includes a drive to Mount Sequoyah. Terra Studios: See where the Bluebirds of Happiness are made, enjoy a glass blowing demonstration and view pieces by regional artists at the Muse Gallery. Tour and Lunch at Peel Mansion: Tour the 1875 mansion built for Colonel Samuel West Peel and visit the Heritage Garden. Followed by a catered lunch in the mansion. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Catfish Hole before heading back to Fort Smith.

Day 5 River Valley Nature Center: Built on 170 secluded acres, the center offers an array of exhibits that focus on Arkansas plants & wildlife. Chaffee Crossing Historic District: Tour the WWII training facility and the barbershop where Elvis received the “buzz cut heard around the world” after being drafted.

Mount Magazine: Enjoy lunch at the lodge as you look out over the beautiful scenery. Tour the Visitors Center and visit the gift shop. Arkansas Wine Country: Visit St. Mary’s Church, then experience the tradition of Swedish wine making and enjoy dinner at Wiederkehr Wine Cellar.

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The Walmart Museum, Bentonville Crystal Bridges, Bentonville

Downtown Eureka Springs

COME FIND YOUR ARKANSAS

ArkansasGroupTravel.com Fayetteville

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Branson Theme Park Awaits New Raft Ride

MISSOURI — Silver Dollar City in 2020 will celebrate its 60th anniversary with Mystic River Falls, a $23 million investment that will feature the tallest raft ride drop (82 feet) in the Western Hemisphere. Lasting more than five minutes, the river adventure will be themed to the history of Marvel Cave, the show cave that was the catalyst for Silver Dollar City six decades ago. Mystic River Falls will be the highlight of a new themed area of the park called Rivertown, which also will include Rivertown Smokehouse. Specializing in barbecue, the park’s largest restaurant will provide 450 seats along the banks of the Mystic River. (silverdollarcity.com)

Milwaukee Casino Hotel Adds New Tower

WISCONSIN — Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee just unveiled its latest expansion project with the grand opening of a new 119-room hotel tower. This brings the total number of guest rooms to 500, making the Potawatomi the second-largest hotel in

CENTRAL REGION Milwaukee. Each of the 60 standard rooms and 59 suites provide views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. A ballroom, meeting space and the Ember Salon & Spa are also part of the property’s $80 million project. The new tower matches the 19-floor hotel that opened in 2014. (paysbig.com)

Mystic River Falls

Eisenhower Museum Offers New Experiences

KANSAS — The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene has unveiled 25,000 square feet of new exhibits with technological components, artifacts and new stories that explore Eisenhower’s pre-WWII career assignments. One new interactive feature tells the story of “Becoming Ike and Mamie.” Another interactive helps visitors understand the impacts of the Cold War during the Eisenhower Administration. Using newly digitized and never-before-seen footage from the National Archives, new mini-theaters offer visitors the opportunity to hear Ike’s words firsthand on events and issues from D-Day to world peace. (eisenhowerlibrary.gov)

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CENTRAL

REGION

EAT, DRINK MERRY AND BE

IN MICHIGAN

By Mary Lu Laffey

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â&#x2013; October 2019

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan

The Wolverine State’s southwest shore features food, wine and brilliant sightlines

I

n southwestern Michigan, small towns with big ideas entice groups to park the coach and stay awhile. Ditto for medium-sized cities with over-the-top agendas, and a major metropolis that boasts an international reputation for hospitality. Whether kicking back along the shore or venturing into the woods, tour groups visiting Michigan’s Riviera are invited to eat, drink and be merry.

SMALL TOWNS Think Paw Paw, where the state’s largest and oldest winery offers free tours and a tasting room smack-dab in the middle of a charming downtown. Family owned, St. Julian Winery and Distillery is the state’s

largest and most awarded winery. With a recent foray into distilling, there may be more awards to come. Although inland, Paw Paw offers waterfront access, too. Think Maple Lake where the Maple Lake Amphitheatre & Park caps weekends with its series of Sunday concerts. Foodies in the group can take their pick from 18 stops for ice cream, full-service restaurants and a bakery, all within walking distances of one another. Staying in Paw Paw offers easy access to Michigan’s wine country and the beaches of South Haven, one of Michigan’s legendary port cities. stayinpawpaw.org, southaven.org The Silver Beach Carousel in St. Joseph lures groups off the lakefront for a turn on a replicated, three-row, Coney Island-

A flight of beer at Grand Rapids Brewing Co. LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

October 2019 ■ 97

style ride that captures the imaginations of visitors. Two chariots and 48 hand-carved carousel figures were created in homage to the original 1910 design. St. Joe is also a festival favorite for foodies and music fans; the annual BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass is held annually in May. swmichigan.org Only three miles from the great Lake Michigan shoreline near Saugatuck-Douglas, groups venture into the woods toward Fennville to spend an hour or so of self-expression at Express Yourself Art Barn. A bright red barn, circa 1880, anchors the property. Inside, guests can create mementoes of their southwestern Michigan tour. Groups can paint a birdhouse, throw a pot, fuse glass and even string beads for a memory bracelet. There is plenty of sample art on the ceilings, walls and along the property’s walkways to provide ideas. Gun Lake Casino in Wayland is easy to find on U.S. Route 131, halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Feedback reports the food service alone in the Sandhill Cafe or The Harvest Buffet is worth a pullover. Gaming includes over 2,000 slots. gunlakecasino.com

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MEDIUM-SIZED LAKEFRONTS In Muskegon, Aquastar Cruises welcomes groups to experience the “lake effect” of two lakes, Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

Its roster of narrated sails includes options for on-board catering, even pre-boarding entertainment. The 90-minute Sunset Cruise is a hands-down favorite on the 150seat, U.S. Coast Guard-inspected vessel.

The former Port City Princess, the renamed and renovated Aquastar, docks adjacent to the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, a veteran of Omaha Beach (World War II) is a must-see stop for student and military groups. aquastarcruises.com, visitmuskegon.org Also located on two lakes — Lake Macatawa and, as locals say, the “big lake,” Holland invites groups to celebrate its heritage. In May, the annual Tulip Time Festival is consistently listed as one of the top events on the planet. When September rolls around, Holland celebrates the Latino community through art, film and music at the Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival.

Film viewings are open and free. The 36acre Windmill Island Gardens is a favorite group stop. Seasonally, the only female miller in the U.S. prepares stone ground flour and visits with guests at the 250-yearold De Zwaan Windmill. holland.org

BIG CITY WITH BIG IDEAS Approaching Grand Rapids, the skyline soaring above the Grand River announces a big city persona. That first impression is soon tempered as groups experience the neighborhoods that keep the secondlargest city in Michigan both welcoming and accessible.

A three-day Culture Pass GR helps the bottom line with entry to cultural hot spots from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Grand Rapids Art Museum to the John Ball Zoo and other perks. experiencegr.com Discover art in and out-of-doors at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Meijer Gardens is the second most popular attraction in the state and one of the world’s 100 most visited art museums.

Seasonal indoor exhibits fill the greenhouse complex and halls in the fall and the Railway Garden that joins 42 decorated trees and cultural displays at the holidays.

Outdoors, world treasures in sculpture anchor horticultural landscapes. While the sculptures glisten in the summer sun, they literally glow in winter when dusted by snow. meijergardens.org For 19 days in the fall, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids transforms three square miles of the city into an open canvas to display juried art from all over the world. The annual event is free.

Of course, theater lovers can take in a play, but once a year they can sit in on stand-up during Gilda’s LaughFest.

LaughFest Seriously Funny is a 10-day festival that benefits Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. artprize.org With 32 breweries in Grand Rapids, its Beer City title is well-deserved. Often credited with starting it all, Founders Brewing Co. offers tours and dine-in options. Still hungry? Consider a group cooking class at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market where over 20 market vendors set up shop year-round. downtownmarketgr.com >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

MICHIGAN TOUR IDEAS

Experience Detroit’s Jazz Shows Sip a drink and savor some tunes in the Motor City

By Lauren DeLorenzo

W

step back in time to Cliff Bell’s, a lounge which opened in 1935 and is a must-see in Detroit’s bar scene. Established

by Cliff Bell, who ran bars since Prohibition and claims to have introduced the first bar stools, the lounge exudes class with its polished wood bar and ceiling, specialty cocktails and live music.

Tucked away in a hideaway street is another beloved and authentic music experience — Café d’Mongo’s Speakeasy.

The bar is still owned by the original family who bootlegged alcohol from Canada during prohibition, and it draws plenty of dedicated regulars. The eclectic decor and welcoming, underground atmosphere have drawn visits from Ryan Gosling, Michael Bay and Quentin Tarantino. There aren’t many places that capture the feeling of Detroit as well as d’Mongo’s, with pieces of the city’s history covering the walls and lively crowds looking for seats at the bar.

Detroit’s Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe has music in its veins. The English-style pub offers a charming, intimate setting where guests sit so close to the performers they are within an arm’s distance. The musicians here are local legends and future stars, with regulars including R&B and blues singer Thornetta Davis and the energetic Sean Dobbins. Hear soothing piano solos, bolting jazz bands and smooth singers as you sip from a selection of wines and pick from the lunch or dinner menus.

Between the live music, the stylish decor and specialty cocktails, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the unique blend of history and music that Detroit has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Dunn

ith deep roots in jazz, blues, soul and even techno, Detroit has music in its DNA. It’s no surprise the core of the city’s nightlife is in its themed bars, clubs and entertainment centers.

It’s here that you’ll find live music, dance floors and drinks served on bars shaped like keyboards. Would you expect any less from the city that gave us Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington — not to mention its ties to Stevie Wonder and the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin? Discover Detroit’s secret speakeasy lounges, private event spaces and Prohibition-era bars with a history of breaking musical boundaries.

Earning the title of the world’s oldest jazz club in continuous operation, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge has been presenting local and major jazz acts to the city since its opening in 1934. The club has featured musicians including Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Oscar Peterson in its intimate, 99-seat setting. Here, the bar is a curving keyboard, and tilted mirrors allow guests to see the pianist’s hands while they play. The menu offers dishes that are off the beaten path, serving catfish nuggets alongside their loaded potatoes, smothered pork chops and sweet potato pie.

If you can’t get enough of that cool, jazzy atmosphere,

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Photo courtesy of UPTRA Photo courtesy of MI DNR

When you enter Michigan’s Upper Peninsula…you enter a world of the finest attractions and unique experiences unmatched anywhere in the Midwest.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula • Sault Ste. Marie • Paradise • Whitefish Point • Munising • St. Ignace

Shipwrecks, Lighthouses and Waterfalls Day 1

Your tour begins in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the home of the world famous Soo Locks and one of the oldest permanent settlements in the Midwest. After checking into your hotel, you’ll be doing the Soo Locks Dinner Cruise on the St. Mary’s River where you’ll be treated to a delicious buffet dinner and get the chance to transit through both the American and Canadian locks and cruise alongside massive lake freighters and ocean going vessels passing through the locks.

Day 2

Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association Established 1911

UPTRA

Fred Huffman groups@uptravel.com 800-562-7134 uptravel.com

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Today, you’ll travel to the Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, which features the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald and the oldest lighthouse on the south shore of Lake Superior. On the way, you’ll pass through the Hiawatha National Forest and Paradise, Michigan and upon arrival you will be able to tour the museum, lighthouse keeper’s quarters, museum gift shop and the grounds including the observation deck at the point.

From there, you will travel to the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, which is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and one of the biggest group tour attractions in the Upper Peninsula. The Falls are on the Tahquamenon River where Hiawatha launched his canoe to start his journey featured in Longfellow’s epic poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.” Lunch will be served at the Tahquamenon Falls Brew Pub, which is located

within easy walking distance of the trailhead going into the falls. After viewing the upper falls, you can travel to Munising, Michigan, where you will have dinner and spend the night in one of the nearby hotels.

Day 3 Your tour today starts off with a boat ride along the shoreline of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which was our country’s first national lakeshore. The featured attraction is a three-hour Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise along the south shore of Lake Superior where you will see more than 15 miles of stunning 100 to 200-foot cliffs and rock formations such as Miner’s Castle, Lover’s Leap, Chapel Rock and Rainbow Cave. During the cruise, you will also see Grand Island and view the historic East Channel Lighthouse.

After lunch in Munising, travel to the Palms Book State Park near Manistique to see The Big Springs of Michigan, or “Kitch-iti-Kipi” as the natives call it. The Big Springs bubble up at a rate of more than 10,000 gallons per minute and fascinates visitors with its clear water and peaceful surroundings. Called the “Mirror of Heaven” by the Native Americans, visitors take a self-propelled observation raft to view the wonders of the springs which include large trout, strange formations caused by the surging waters and constant eruptions from the depths below. After viewing the Big Springs, you will head to St. Ignace for dinner and your last night in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of Evita Museum

INT’L

Don’t Cry for Me, A powerful political wife who rose to near-saint status is remembered on the 100th anniversary of her birth

Argentina 102

■ October 2019

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

or a person who left this earth at a young age in 1952, Eva Peron—better known as Evita—certainly left a legacy. The presence of this heroine to the downtrodden in post-World War II Argentina seems to be everywhere in Buenos Aires, the country’s capital.

Many of us know Evita the Broadway musical and the 1996 movie version starring Madonna, neither of which was well received in Argentina. But visitors to Buenos Aires get a different perspective in the city where the nation’s feisty first lady became celebrity-inchief and the focus of a personality cult never seen before or since. That she achieved such renown in a male-dominated culture is all the more noteworthy.

Evita’s image looms large on a prominent downtown skyscraper, and it graces Argentina’s 100-peso note as well. Posters, postcards and postage stamps in souvenir and antiques shops bear the face of this controversial presidential wife who carved out a niche for herself before succumbing to cancer at the age of 33. Around town it’s common to see graffiti evoking the memory of Eva Peron. And hers is the most searched for mausoleum in Recoleta Cemetery, a prime Buenos Aires tourist attraction.

The excellent Evita Museum, housed in an early 1900s mansion in the Palermo neighborhood, tells the story of Eva Peron, from her childhood and show business career to social reforms she initiated as the second wife of Colonel Juan Domingo Peron, who served as Argentina’s president from 1946 to 1955 and again in 1973-1974. In her travels around Europe and Latin America, she acted as an ambassador for Argentina.

The first exhibit area—and one of the most popular—features dresses from Evita’s wardrobe. One is a gala black silk frock she chose for a meeting at the Vatican with Pope Pius XII in 1947. With each dress, to show historical context, is a black-and-white photo of her wearing it. An actress before becoming first lady, she was criticized for her LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

extravagant clothes and luxurious lifestyle— and for her politics as well. Not everyone was a fan of the Peronists, who ruled with an iron fist, jailing opposition leaders and closing down newspapers.

Born Maria Eva Duarte in 1919 in a small town in Buenos Aires province, the future icon was the youngest of five illegitimate siblings raised in humble conditions. A gallery devoted to her early life features a slideshow of family photos with captions in English.

The saga continues in galleries that spotlight Eva’s career acting in plays, movies and radio soap operas (1935-1945). There are reproductions of movie posters and video clips of her films. Even as a performer, she showed an interest in politics, helping to organize the Argentina Radio Association, formed to defend the rights of those employed in the entertainment industry. She was elected the guild’s president in 1944.

The next year she married the widowed Juan Peron, a man almost twice her age.

In her book The Reason for My Life, Eva Peron writes: “My artistic calling made me know other scenes…I started to see the great injustices, and I not only saw them in the fiction I played but also in the reality of my new life.”

Upstairs galleries focus on Evita’s role in helping her country’s poor. In 1948 she helped create a social aid foundation that advocated for building hospitals and nursing schools, housing for orphans and senior citizens, and temporary shelters for women and the homeless. (The mansion was purchased by her foundation and turned into a shelter for women and their children.) She promoted summer camp programs, subsidies for disabled seniors and women’s voting rights. Working with unions to solve labor problems also endeared her to the urban masses.

For her social justice platform, Evita was adored by the underprivileged, people she called descamisados (“shirtless ones”). Photos and videos show her addressing workers’ rallies, microphone in hand, and meeting with charity organizations on her trips to Europe.

Ignoring all protocol when she went abroad,

she met not only with prime ministers but ordinary people as well. On behalf of President Peron, she also boosted commercial relations with Argentina; some of her efforts resulted in trade treaties signed with France, Spain and Italy.

The museum journey ends with a film (in Spanish) about Eva Peron’s funeral and the outpouring of grief upon Evita’s death from uterine cancer, one year into her husband’s second term as president. During a two-week national mourning period, almost three million people came day and night to pay their respects at her wake in the Department of Labor and Welfare administration building. Eight people were crushed to death in the crowds of mourners,

Peron’s image adorns this government building on Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires.

Photo courtesy of Randy Mink

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By Randy Mink

October 2019 ■ 103

Photo courtesy of Evita Museum

Dresses worn by Eva Peron are displayed at the Evita Museum.

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Photo courtesy of Evita Museum

and 2,000 had to be treated for injuries.

The demand for flowers was so great that Argentina and surrounding countries exhausted their supplies.

Eva Peron had become an icon who eclipsed the president himself. After her premature death, Juan Peron’s grip on power weakened and he was deposed by a military coup in 1955. For the next 18 years he lived in exile in Spain, returning briefly to power in 1973 before dying a year later.

In the museum gift shop, Evita’s image adorns everything from handbags and scarves to T-shirts and mousepads.

Eva Peron’s final resting place is one of the grandiose tombs that line the lanes of historic Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires’ posh Recoleta neighborhood. Inscribed “Familia Duarte,” the mausoleum is the only one continually festooned with flower bouquets thanks to Evita devotees who keep the black granite shrine freshly supplied. Affixed to the vault are bronze plaques with quotes from her speeches.

As you learn on the free Recoleta neighborhood walk offered by the Buenos Aires tourism office, Evita’s embalmed corpse had been secretly moved to Milan, Italy (under another name) after the 1955 military coup and remained in a hidden location there for 16 years before being sent to Spain, where it lay in her exiled husband’s mansion for two years. The body was returned to Argentina in 1974 upon Peron’s return to power. (The whole story of the corpse’s journey is filled with bizarre twists and turns.) Resting with Eva are her sisters and brother; her niece cares for the tomb. Juan

A stately mansion houses Buenos Aires’ Evita Museum.

Peron is buried elsewhere in Argentina.

It’s ironic, your guide points out, that Evita, a champion of the poor, rests with captains of industry, political leaders and others in the upper classes she despised. Rich families competed with each other to build the most elaborate tombs.

Downtown, rising high above the city’s widest boulevard, is a building that, on each side, bears a 10-foot-high portrait of Evita.

This is the headquarters of the government’s social welfare ministry, where she frequently addressed crowds. Avenida 9 de Julio, at 16 lanes reputedly the world’s widest avenue, also is home to the Obelisk, a needle-like landmark on the Plaza de Republica, a gathering spot for

fans celebrating soccer victories.

Evita, along with her husband, also made emotional speeches, almost religious in fervor, to union members and other supporters from the balcony of the presidential palace in the Plaza de Mayo, the historic heart of Buenos Aires. The reddish building, called Casa Rosada, is one of many landmarks on the plaza, which has seen countless dramatic events and today hosts political rallies, protests and jubilant celebrations. During the military coup that ousted Juan Peron in 1955, Argentine naval aircraft strafed the square, killing more than 300 civilians. Bullet holes from that attack, along with a plaque commemorating the event, can be seen on the economics ministry building across the street from Casa Rosada.

To witness strong women in action today, visit Plaza de Mayo around 3:30 Thursday afternoon. Since 1977, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo and their supporters have marched holding photos of those abducted and “disappeared” by the state during the military dictatorship of 1976-1983. Thousands of people were kidnapped, tortured and killed, some dropped from airplanes into the sea. Even babies were taken from pregnant women who gave birth and were given to families to raise as their own. Called the “Dirty War,” that frightening time in Argentina is chronicled at museums and memorials at ESMA, a former naval campus where some 5,000 men and women were held.

From Peronist rule to human rights atrocities two decades later, the mid-20th century in Argentina was indeed a turbulent time. Fortunately, visitors today can get a sense of this recent history while touring Buenos Aires. One name that comes up time and again is that of a glamorous woman who was the face of an era—Eva Peron. Her passion changed a nation forever.

An epitaph on a plaque at her grave, famously paraphrased in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical, reads: “Don’t cry for me, Argentina, for I remain quite near to you, and I am an essential part of your existence.” Those words still ring true nearly seven decades after her death.

For more information on the Evita Museum and Buenos Aires, visit museoevita.org.ar and turismo. buenosaires.gob.ar/en. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Tourism Office Earns Coveted Award

SWITZERLAND — Switzerland Tourism has been named Tourism Board of the Year by global luxury travel network Virtuoso.

It is the fourth time in six years that Switzerland has won the award. Switzerland Tourism is the official National Tourist Office of Switzerland and operates in 30 countries around the world. In the Americas, Switzerland Tourism has offices in New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Sao Paulo. (myswitzerland.com)

Carnival Plans Big Season to North Atlantic Isles

BERMUDA — Carnival Cruise Line will operate its largest Bermuda season ever in 2019-20, with more than 40 voyages visiting the island nation, including eight week-long cruises departing from Baltimore and Charleston next year. Six Carnival

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

INT’L

Balmy Bermuda

ships—the Carnival Breeze, Magic, Pride, Radiance, Sunshine and Sunrise—will offer four- to nine-day Bermuda cruises from five homeports along the Eastern Seaboard.

Carnival is the only cruise operator to offer roundtrip Bermuda cruises from Charleston, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale. Also, nine-day Bermuda departures have been added to the New York-based schedules of the totally transformed Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance, which offer four-day cruises to the islands as well. (carnival.com)

New Private Island for Cruise Passengers

BAHAMAS — Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island destination in the Bahamas, welcomes its first guests in November 2019. Formerly a sand-extraction site littered with debris, the island paradise will have eight beaches with crystal-clear water; Seakers Family Cove, a shallow lagoon with a beach for games and monitored by lifeguards; a complimentary food court; a spa; and evening entertainment, including a light show around the 98-foot-high lighthouse at the center of the island and a traditional Junkanoo parade, a Bahamian festival with colorful costumes, music and dancing.

Guests can also enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and stargazing. (msccruises.com)

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Red Hot Hot Celebrations Celebrations has has aa new new name name and and website website address: address: www.redhotgroups.com www.redhotgroups.com Red Red Hot Hot Groups Groups connects connects destinations, destinations, festivals festivals and and special special events events with with the the tourism tourism industries industries and and Red group tour planners.

For over 10 years we continue to offer a one-stop shopping website for the group tour planners. For over 10 years we continue to offer a one-stop shopping website for the travel trade trade to to use use in in researching researching destinations destinations and and events events that that add add value value to to group group tour tour planners planners travel existing itineraries and programs.

Subscribe to our weekly updates for all the latest news on the the existing itineraries and programs. Subscribe to our weekly updates for all the latest news on best group group friendly friendly destinations destinations in in the the US US and and Canada.

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Carbon County County Carbon

Visit Carbon County & “Get Your West On”! Your group will stay captivated with unique area Visit Carbon County & “Get Your West On”! Your group will stay captivated with unique area events like the Woodchopper’s Jamboree & Rodeo where competitors chop and saw wood for events like the Woodchopper’s Jamboree & Rodeo where competitors chop and saw wood for the fastest time. The Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering & Mountain Man Rendezvous in the fastest time. The Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering & Mountain Man Rendezvous in July will bring you back in time to experience cowboy & mountain man history come to life. Don’t July will bring you back in time to experience cowboy & mountain man history come to life. Don’t miss the Carbon County Fair & Rodeo held every August to experience local culture, live music, miss the Carbon County Fair & Rodeo held every August to experience local culture, live music, cowboys riding bulls & broncos and a demolition derby. Leave the city behind & bring your group cowboys riding bulls & broncos and a demolition derby. Leave the city behind & bring your group to the wide-open spaces in Carbon County! to the wide-open spaces in Carbon County!

www.wyomingcarboncounty.com www.wyomingcarboncounty.com Leslie Jefferson • Visit Carbon County, Wyoming Leslie Jefferson • Visit Carbon County, Wyoming 307-324-3020 • director@wyomingcarboncounty.com 307-324-3020 • director@wyomingcarboncounty.com

Rochester Rochester

With 8,000 hotel rooms and nearly as many festivals, there is no limit to what you can see and With 8,000 hotel rooms and nearly as many festivals, there is no limit to what you can see and celebrate in Rochester, NY! From the largest collection of lilacs to a ten-day international jazz celebrate in Rochester, NY! From the largest collection of lilacs to a ten-day international jazz festival, we have every festival imaginable. When not festival hopping, you can walk in the footsteps festival, we have every festival imaginable. When not festival hopping, you can walk in the footsteps of civil rights pioneers Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, or American innovator, George of civil rights pioneers Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, or American innovator, George Eastman, founder of Kodak, or even view and play your way through the largest collection of toys, Eastman, founder of Kodak, or even view and play your way through the largest collection of toys, dolls, games and video games in the entire world. Located along the historic Erie Canal, Rochester dolls, games and video games in the entire world. Located along the historic Erie Canal, Rochester is perfectly situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario between Niagara Falls and the worldis perfectly situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario between Niagara Falls and the worldrenowned Finger Lakes Wine Region. Abundant charm awaits in Rochester, New York. renowned Finger Lakes Wine Region. Abundant charm awaits in Rochester, New York.

www.visitrochester.com www.visitrochester.com Sonia Asencio • Visit Rochester Sonia Asencio • Visit Rochester 585-279-8309 • soniaa@visitrochester.com 585-279-8309 • soniaa@visitrochester.com

Louisville Louisville

In the fall groups come to Louisville for the pumpkins and stay for the festivities such as the In the fall groups come to Louisville for the pumpkins and stay for the festivities such as the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular - Visit this truly one-of-a-kind fall experience that was named the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular - Visit this truly one-of-a-kind fall experience that was named the “#1 Halloween Event in the Country” by Country Living Magazine. Holidays in Louisville offer “#1 Halloween Event in the Country” by Country Living Magazine. Holidays in Louisville offer groups unique and magical holiday experiences. New this year “Winter Woods Spectacular” - a groups unique and magical holiday experiences. New this year “Winter Woods Spectacular” - a wonderland display made up of millions of twinkling lights and artistic scenes and sounds that wonderland display made up of millions of twinkling lights and artistic scenes and sounds that organizers promise will transport you to an ethereal winter wonderland as you drive through organizers promise will transport you to an ethereal winter wonderland as you drive through the park. Holiday-themed favorites include…Kentucky Derby Museum’s “Reindeer Games” and the park. Holiday-themed favorites include…Kentucky Derby Museum’s “Reindeer Games” and Lights Under Louisville, a decorated underground drive at the Louisville Mega Cavern.

Lights Under Louisville, a decorated underground drive at the Louisville Mega Cavern.

www.gotolouisville.com www.gotolouisville.com Saundra Robertson • Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau Saundra Robertson • Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-626-5646 • srobertson@gotolouisville.com 800-626-5646 • srobertson@gotolouisville.com

Wayne County County Wayne

Book lovers, readers, and holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to meet 100 Ohio authors and Book lovers, readers, and holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to meet 100 Ohio authors and illustrators plus purchase autographed copies at the Buckeye Book Fair - November 2 at Fisher illustrators plus purchase autographed copies at the Buckeye Book Fair - November 2 at Fisher Auditorium. Window Wonderland is November 22 - Santa comes to Downtown Wooster and the Auditorium. Window Wonderland is November 22 - Santa comes to Downtown Wooster and the festive holiday windows are unveiled. Join this wonderful family tradition while enjoying children’s festive holiday windows are unveiled. Join this wonderful family tradition while enjoying children’s activities, live music, shopping, street performers, and tasty holiday treats. Enjoy a free Walking tour activities, live music, shopping, street performers, and tasty holiday treats. Enjoy a free Walking tour of Downtown churches highlighting their history, architecture, and music on December 6. Groups of Downtown churches highlighting their history, architecture, and music on December 6. Groups can enjoy calm and quiet evening to reflect on the reason for the season! can enjoy calm and quiet evening to reflect on the reason for the season!

www.wccvb.com www.wccvb.com Marty Starkey • Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau Marty Starkey • Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau 800-362-6474 • info@wccvb.com 800-362-6474 • info@wccvb.com

Reno-Sparks Reno-Sparks

Reno Tahoe is a dynamic, four-season resort destination in a spectacular natural setting, where Reno Tahoe is a dynamic, four-season resort destination in a spectacular natural setting, where America’s largest alpine lake meets The Biggest Little City in the World. Tour planners, Reno America’s largest alpine lake meets The Biggest Little City in the World. Tour planners, Reno Tahoe has special events and festivals happening throughout the year that groups would enjoy Tahoe has special events and festivals happening throughout the year that groups would enjoy including the Reno Rodeo, Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, The Reno Balloon Race, including the Reno Rodeo, Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, The Reno Balloon Race, the National Championship Air Races, Street Vibrations Fall Rally, The Eldorado Great Italian the National Championship Air Races, Street Vibrations Fall Rally, The Eldorado Great Italian Festival, plus the International Camel & Ostrich Races and World Championship Outhouse Festival, plus the International Camel & Ostrich Races and World Championship Outhouse Races in Virginia City! The best part of these events…most are free admission!

Races in Virginia City! The best part of these events…most are free admission!

www.visitrenotahoe.com www.visitrenotahoe.com Tammie Baker • Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority Tammie Baker • Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority 775-827-7760 • tbaker@renotahoeusa.com 775-827-7760 • tbaker@renotahoeusa.com

Simi Valley Valley Simi

Simi Valley, CA loves group tour travelers and festivals too! Round up Rock and Country Music Fest Simi Valley, CA loves group tour travelers and festivals too! Round up Rock and Country Music Fest draws some of the biggest names in country music each April. The Simi Cajun Fest hosts over 20,000 draws some of the biggest names in country music each April. The Simi Cajun Fest hosts over 20,000 people and is the largest Cajun festival this side of the Mississippi in May. Each Holiday season groups people and is the largest Cajun festival this side of the Mississippi in May. Each Holiday season groups love the Great American Christmas Holiday Lights Experience as they light up The Ronald Reagan love the Great American Christmas Holiday Lights Experience as they light up The Ronald Reagan Library and Presidential Museum with spectacular holiday spirit. Just 30 minutes north of Los Angeles Library and Presidential Museum with spectacular holiday spirit. Just 30 minutes north of Los Angeles and some of California’s most exquisite beaches, Simi Valley is a great location for your next vacation! and some of California’s most exquisite beaches, Simi Valley is a great location for your next vacation!

www.visitsimivalley.com www.visitsimivalley.com Layma Askarzoi • Simi Valley Chamber Tourism Alliance Layma Askarzoi • Simi Valley Chamber Tourism Alliance 805-526-3900 • svcta@simichamber.org 805-526-3900 • svcta@simichamber.org

City of of Hays Hays City

Groups enjoy visiting Hays Kansas, located directly on I-70, known for flying discs, tapping kegs Groups enjoy visiting Hays Kansas, located directly on I-70, known for flying discs, tapping kegs and dirt track racing each fall! The 35th Annual Frontier Disc Golf Open is the longest running and dirt track racing each fall! The 35th Annual Frontier Disc Golf Open is the longest running PDGA sanctioned event in the state of Kansas - held September 7 & 8. Numerous end of harvest PDGA sanctioned event in the state of Kansas - held September 7 & 8. Numerous end of harvest celebrations are held in August, September and October. Kegs will be tapped and great celebrations are held in August, September and October. Kegs will be tapped and great German food will be served to the locals and guests. The 13th Annual Fall Nationals attracts German food will be served to the locals and guests. The 13th Annual Fall Nationals attracts over 200 national, regional and state IMCA champions from 11 states and Canada - October 3 & 4. over 200 national, regional and state IMCA champions from 11 states and Canada - October 3 & 4.

www.haysusa.net www.haysusa.net Janet Kuhn • City of Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau Janet Kuhn • City of Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau 785-628-8202 • jkuhn@haysusa.com 785-628-8202 • jkuhn@haysusa.com

Tour Planners Planners -- for for aa comprehensive comprehensive listing listing of of destinations, destinations, festivals, festivals, events, events, museum museum Tour openings and and theater theater schedules, schedules, visit visit us us at: at: www.redhotgroups.com www.redhotgroups.com •• 562-920-3395 562-920-3395 openings

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Book your Groups at the Outlets at Tejon! For Meet & Greets, a VIP gift and discounts for your clients, plus a $15 gift card for your group leader and driver, contact Becky at rswiggum@tejonoutlets.com or +1 (661) 663-4213 at least 48 hours prior to your visit. Plus, mention this ad when you book your trip!

TejonOutlets.com

Located just 40 min. north of Los Angeles, off California’s I-5.

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