Bus Tours Magazine Volume XLII, Number 5 • May/June, 2021 by Bus Tours Magazine

Volume XLII, Number 5 • May/June, 2021

Stops Along The Way page 18

Special Features page 21

Historical page 11

He walked the line with Johnny Cash. For the last 34 years of his life, Johnny Cash enjoyed a deep friendship with Billy Graham. They often fished together, prayed together, and proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ to thousands together. Their Gospel message transcended culture, age, politics, and race— and touched music legends, sports heroes, movie stars, presidents, and people just like you. Bring your group to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., and invite them to see for themselves. It’s part movie, part exhibit, and

totally i nsp i ri ng.

A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

11863 Library Bus Tour Magazine Ad.indd 1

1/8/21 1:22 P

contents

MAY/JUNE 2021 Volume XLII, Number 5

STAFF

Editor & Publisher . . . . . . . . Larry Plachno Business Manager . . Nancy Ann Plachno Typesetting/Page Layout . . Sherry Mekeel Sara Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Ron Plaras

21 18 11

Bus Tours Magazine 9698 W. Judson Road Polo, Illinois 61064-9015 Phone: (815) 946-2341 Fax: (815) 946-2347 Web site: bustoursmagazine.com Advertising

Central/International West

midwest@busmag.com – (815) 946-2341 Midwest

jim@henryhousemedia.com – (847) 809-6931

Northeast

midwest@busmag.com – (815) 946-2341

Features 4

BUZZ ON THE BUS news and items of interest for bus tour planners.

Guides 11

Special 25

PROCEDURE AND LIABILITY AFTER A COLLISION WITH AN AUTOMATED VEHICLE With more autonomous vehicles on the road, it would be a good idea to think about what you need to do if you accidentally meet up with one.

And More 27 28

FROM THE ROAD SOCIAL MARKETING FOR TOURISM

ADVERTISERS INDEX

by Catherine Heeg

20 TIPS FOR TOUR PLANNERS by Larry Plachno

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS AND MUSEUMS Bus tour passengers love to visit historical places and sites to step into the past and learn some history. Here are several locations in Pennsylvania, north Carolina, north Dakota, ohio and Louisiana that are of interest.

STOPS ALONG THE WAY There are many places that offer a great stop for bus tours. included are Beaverhead County, Montana; Lamar County and Paris, Texas and the Texan Theater in greenville.

SPECIAL FEATURES IN DEMAND Here are some locations that are particularly appropriate for your bus tour. Four oaks Farm in northwest indiana is a leading agricultural destination that offers packages for groups. J.M. smucker, Lehman’s and P. graham Dunn provide great bus tour attractions in ohio.

The editorial staff at Bus Tours Magazine are always looking for news items and editorial material on places that want bus tour groups to stop. Please phone (815) 946-2341 or send material to editorial@busmag.com.

Southeast

tourgroups@busmag.com – (815) 946-2341 ddunay@busmag.com – (201) 781-6133

COVER PHOTO

Louisville slugger in downtown Louisville, Kentucky has been a favorite bus tour stop for decades. in addition to seeing the fascinating process of making professional baseball bats, bus tour passengers can also see baseball related exhibits and visit their impressive gift shop. LouisviLLe sLugger. BUS TOURS MAGAZINE (ISSN 0199-6096) is published six times annually by National Bus Trader, Inc., 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Subscriptions, $15 (in US funds) annually, Canadian & International $20 (in US funds). Printed in U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Polo, Illinois 61064 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BUS TOURS MAGAZINE, 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Change of Address: Please send old mailing label (or old address and computer number) as well as new address. Advertising: Display advertising rates sent on request. Advertising deadline is the last day of the second month preceding publication. Founded in 1979, BUS TOURS MAGAZINE is the oldest independent magazine in the bus and group tour market. Circulation includes bus and group tour planners in the United States and Canada regardless of affiliation or whether commercial, private or corporate or group leader. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. The name BUS TOURS MAGAZINE and the logo incorporating the passengers, bus and destinations are trade marks of National Bus Trader, Inc.

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 3

Buzz on the Bus News and notes for bus tour planners Adams County Winery Waves Fee It goes without saying that the past year has taken its toll on people,

Adams County Winery

businesses and economies around the world. The year of tough decisions and obstacles at every turn may be ending, but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for years to come. The past year has taught us many valuable lessons and one of those is that we need to support small businesses and the tourism industry in any way we can. Adams County Winery, located just eight miles west of Gettysburg, welcomes thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world each year. Guests come to the area to tour the battlefields, museums and historical sites; eat at some amazing restaurants, browse the shops, search for ghostly spirits and imbibe in the local craft beverage scene. “They come from all over,” says Dan Baum-

the transcontinental railroad, the height of passenger rail and the

gardner, general manager of Adams County Winery. “We’ve welcomed

railroad today.

motorcoach groups from as close to an hour’s drive away, from up

Five different museum experiences that are sure to delight any

and down the East Coast, the Midwest, parts of Canada and even

railroad fan, history buff or culture lover are available for adult tour

groups from Europe and Asia.”

participants. In addition to a memorable tour, bus tour guests receive

The motorcoach industry, which is vital to Gettysburg area busi-

a welcome gift and discount in the museum shop. Each experience

nesses, is also one of the industries that has been impacted greatly

lasts about an hour. Go to uprrmuseum.org for more information and

during the global pandemic, so Adams County Winery devised a plan.

to book your tour.

Motorcoach operators and receptive companies who schedule a

Union Pacific Museum experiences just for bus tours:

group visit in 2021 to the Farm Winery location in 2021 or 2022 will receive tours and tastings at no charge. The offer is valid for operators

Classic Highlights Tour

and receptive companies only and the groups must be scheduled by

This tour is ideal for the general Union Pacific fan and rail enthu-

the end of 2021. Visiting groups are not required to do both experiences

siast. You will be guided through more than 150 years of railroad his-

and currently the winery is unable to offer tours due to COVID-19

tory. Guests will see both floors of the museum and follow the Union

restrictions but hopes to resume tours soon. Companies are encour-

Pacific Railroad from its founding in 1862, through building the

aged to charge their guests whatever amount they normally would charge for these experiences. “Hopefully, we can play a part in helping those in the industry that have been so kind and generous to us over the years,” adds Baumgardner. Contact Business Development Coordinator Vaughn Crouse at (717) 334-4631 or e-mail at vaughn@adamscountywinery.com to schedule your group.

Union Pacific Railroad Museum The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is excited to welcome bus tours once again when it is safe to reopen. Located in a historic Carnegie Library in the heart of Council Bluffs, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum covers more than 150 years of railroad history, including 4 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Union Pacific Railroad Museum

Buzz on the Bus transcontinental railroad, the golden age of passenger travel, all the way to the railroad today.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., Rocky Gap Casino Resort features 665 slot machines, 17 table games and two casino bars. Table games

Hidden Histories Tours:

include bonus craps, roulette, three-card poker, Lucky Ladies black-

The Union Pacific Museum also offers tours in the “Hidden Histories”

jack, double-deck pitch blackjack, Mississippi stud and ultimate Texas

series for groups interested in something a little different. These

hold ’em. Golden Entertainment, Inc.’s innovative guest loyalty

tours will cover topics you won’t necessarily find on the museum’s

rewards program, True Rewards, is available at Rocky Gap and 140+

walls. We’ll dig deep into history and share the stories behind the

other locations.

stories. • Hidden History of a Carnegie Library. Learn about the language of architecture and how much architecture can communicate about a building’s purpose, its place in a community and the time in which it was built on the Hidden History of a Carnegie Library tour. • Hidden History of Wartime Railroads. Explore the Union

The Spa at Rocky Gap offers guests a selection of indulgent services including a selection of massages, salon services, manicures and pedicures. Open 7 a.m. –10 p.m. daily, On the Rocks at Rocky Gap Casino Resort is conveniently located on the casino floor, with a full-service bar offering specialty cocktails and a selection of beers on

Pacific Railroad’s wartime origins and the railroad’s subsequent close

tap.

relationship with the military.

Restaurants

• Hidden History of Death on the Railroad. This tour offers

• Signatures Bar & Grill – Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday,

something for those more in the mood for something on the edgier

Thursday and Sunday for bar and food service; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri-

side. Guests will discover the grim business of 19th century railroading

day and Saturday for food service, bar service until midnight. Signa-

and learn about the tragic histories that created our modern railroad

tures is located just offshore from the lake, Signatures Bar & Grill

safety standards.

offers views of Rocky Gap State Park in a clubhouse atmosphere. In

• Hidden History – Crimes, Scandals and Scams. With this

addition to an extensive menu of shared plates, salads, burgers, hot

off-beat tour your guests will revel in the seedier side and learn how

and cold sandwiches, made-to-order pizzas and traditional desserts,

the railroads ushered in the era of the con man.

Signatures serves 12 rotating beers on tap and signature cocktails, including adult milkshakes.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

• LB’s Place – Open daily, breakfast 7-11 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m. to 4

Nestled in the hills of Rocky Gap State Park, Rocky Gap Casino

p.m.; dinner 5 -10 p.m., LB’s Place offers an elegant dining room and

Resort is just two hours away from Washington, Baltimore, and Pitts-

a spacious patio overlooking the lake. In addition to LB’s signature

burgh with easy access from Exit 50 on Interstate 68. Rocky Gap’s

Maryland crab cakes, specialties include steaks, chops and fish, com-

spacious grounds offer oversized chairs and several firepits for loung-

plemented by a curated wine list. A lunch menu serves flatbreads,

ing, as well as on-site activities including pedal boats, canoes and

sandwiches, burgers and salads.

standup paddle rentals; a swimming beach, fishing and cornhole.

• Lobby Lounge and Café – Open 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through

Luxury rooms and suites, each appointed with top-of-the-line luxury

Thursday; 24 hours Friday and Saturday, The Lobby Lounge and Café

bedding and pillow-top mattresses, offer breathtaking views of the

serves coffee, freshly-made baked goods, a variety of sandwiches

mountains and the lake. Exceptional amenities include premium

and a full-service bar.

cable channels on HDTVs and refrigerators.

Rocky Gap Casino

Due to current state restrictions enacted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, modified hours of operations and temporary restaurant and venue closures may be in place.

National Harbor Celebrates Black History Year- Round National Harbor celebrates Black history year-round and has launched African American travel programs, sites and locations throughout the property and surrounding region. National Harbor is the ideal location to stay when vising Washington, D.C. and surrounds and the property provides a wealth of African American history and culture. National Harbor is just minutes from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Museum of African History and Culture and other interesting locations and Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 5

Buzz on the Bus with 350 items in the museum exhibit, “Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.” Tributes at the estate’s slave memorial are held daily. The Accokeek Foundation’s National Colonial Farm has an historic interpretation through the eyes of Cate Sharper, a woman enslaved in Maryland in the 18th century. Her story is one of resilience and perseverance as well as unthinkable exploitation and hardship. For more information on travel ideas and day trips at National Harbor, visit nationalharbor.com.

Museum of Arts and Design Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) will present Carrie Moyer and

National Harbor

Sheila Pepe: Tabernacles for Trying Times. The exhibition, originating from Maine’s Portland Museum of Art, marks the first major museum survey of painter Carrie Moyer and sculptor Sheila Carrie Moyer and

educational programs. With its beautiful riverfront location, eight

Sheila Pepe, whose abstract works, rich with color and materiality,

hotels and more than 40 restaurants, National Harbor is the perfect

explore themes of craft, feminism and queer activism.

home base to stay and explore the property and the region. National Harbor has 12 restaurants and retail shops that are Black

Highlighting the artists’ individual styles and techniques, collaborative works and new directions through more than 25 works on

owned and another two at Tanger Outlets National Harbor. The des-

view, the exhibition presents their most ambitious collaboration to

tination that attracts more than 14 million visitors annually, has

date. The impressively scaled Parlor for the People is a sitespecific

become a haven for successful Black entrepreneurs. These entrepre-

installation that reimagines the religious tradition of the tabernacle

neurs have amazing stories from The Furlough Cheesecake where

as a communal space open to all for the discussion of justice, equality,

two sisters turned to making cheesecakes initially out of their home

knowledge and these “trying times.”

during the government shutdown and were so successful that they

“The opportunity to bring this exhibition, the first major collabo-

opened their bricks-and-mortar location during the pandemic, to a

ration by these Brooklynbased, visionary life partners, to the people

veteran couple who found a solution for their daughter’s chronic skin

of New York City at this moment couldn’t be more important. It is crit-

allergies by opening their own natural bath and body store – Brook-

ical that museums take a leading role in the healing of our commu-

ieGirl. The ZAAF collection of beautiful leather and woven goods

nities and at the same time do all we can to support our local artists.

from Ethiopia was founded by Abai Schulze whose life journey took

We invite everyone to be a part of this exhibition experience and to

her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the U.S. Through her store,

find inspiration within our galleries,” said Terry Skoda, interim director,

she is able to give back to the artisans in her birth country.

Museum of Arts and Design (MAD).

MahoganyBooks will open its second store at National Harbor on

For Moyer and Pepe, the evolution of their artistic practices is inex-

Juneteenth of this year. The store sells books for, by or about the

tricably linked to their 25-year love story. A couple since 1998, they

African diaspora. Named in honor of their daughter, Mahogany, own-

married in 2015. Over the decades, they have broken through homo-

ers Ramunda and Derrick Young were recently honored to have a

phobic and sexist bar-

surprise visit their online book club – President Obama.

riers to earn interna-

National Harbor celebrates renowned artists, all local with artwork

tional acclaim.

throughout the property and in the MGM National Harbor by African

As a painter, Moyer

American artists Sam Gilliam, Martha Jackson Jarvis and Cheryl Foster.

developed a visual lan-

Other artwork on the property depicts famous African Americans

guage that weaves

such as Frederick Douglass and Louis Armstrong and provides a walk-

together abstraction,

ing tour narrative on the art and the artists. The state of Maryland

bodily forms and logo-

also provides a Frederick Douglass driving tour that ends at the statue

like imagery. Pepe is

in National Harbor. Douglass was born in Maryland.

best known for her use

Other areas to explore close to National Harbor include Mount

of industrial materials,

Vernon, George Washington’s estate where the lives of the enslaved

which she knots, knits

is presented in The Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour, along

and crochets into mon-

6 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

umental structures. In the exhibition, individual works from over the last two decades demonstrate how Moyer and Pepe have informed

Buzz on the Bus

Mississippi Queen

each other’s development while maintaining distinct identities as artists, scholars, women, lesbians and activists. Accompanying the exhibition is an 89-page, full-color catalog published by the Portland Museum of Art (PMA). Jaime DeSimone, the PMA associate curator of contemporary art, offers an introduction and six essays, as well as a lengthy interview with Pepe and Moyer. Additionally, a full slate of public programs will leverage the exhibition’s content and themes and will include virtual talks and in-gallery activations with the artists.

Arkansas’s Great River Road The Arkansas section of the Great River Road, which is part of a national scenic byway that runs 3,000 miles from Minnesota to

and amenities of the Mississippi River Valley, hopes the All-American

Louisiana, has been designated an “All-American Road” by the Federal

status will bring new attention to the Great River Road.

Highway Administration.

Created in 1938 and stretching for 3,000 miles through and beside

Arkansas’s section of the Great River Road is comprised of 10

10 states, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway is the longest

counties located in the Arkansas Delta: Mississippi, Crittenden, St.

such designated roadway and one of the oldest. Travelers planning

Francis, Lee, Monroe, Phillips, Arkansas, Desha, Drew and Chicot.

a journey along the road canorder a free 10-state Great River Road

To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess

map, which shows the Great River Road’s route through all 10 states

multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and have

and highlights the interpretive centers along the way. Another helpful

one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or high-

resource is the Drive the Great River Road app, available for free on

way must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That is, the

Apple and Android devices. Travelers can plot their route along the

road must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized

Great River Road and find scenic overlooks, agritourism attractions,

by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary

interpretive centers and more. Visit experiencemississippiriver.com

reason for their trip. These roads are considered the very best of Amer-

for more detailed information.

ica’s National Scenic Byways. In 2020, 63 nomination applications were submitted. Forty-nine byways in 28 states were designated, including 34 National Scenic Byways and 15 All-American Roads.

Walt Disney Family Museum The Walt Disney Family Museum has announced the opening of

“It’s an honor for Arkansas’s Great River Road to be named an All-

the new special exhibition, The Walt Disney Studios and World War II.

American Road by the Federal Highway Administration,” said

The museum’s updated operating hours will be Thursday through

Arkansas Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst. “It is

Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last gallery entry at 4 p.m.

truly a destination highway. Along the way, visitors can experience

retrospective of The Walt Disney Studios’ extensive contributions to

everything from quaint small towns to plantations to world-class bik-

the Allies’ World War II effort, The Walt Disney Studios and World War

ing trails. We invite everyone to explore it and see how the mighty

II is the first major special exhibition of its kind, curated by World War

Mississippi has shaped Arkansas and its people.”

II historian Kent Ramsey. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore

“The Great River Road tells the story of America’s history,” said Kim Williams, director of Arkansas’s Great River Road. “From large

a rarely-shared period in the studios’ history, with more than 550 examples of rare, historical objects and film clips on display.

cities to small river towns, through historical sites and interpretive

“We deeply appreciate the overwhelming and generous support

centers, the Great River Road lays out the history of our native people

that our members and friends have shown us throughout the chal-

and immigrant communities, the river industry and transportation,

lenges of this past year. We are delighted to be able to open the doors

agriculture and so much more. This designation is a wonderful tes-

to this original exhibition that offers insight into the creativity, inno-

tament to the importance and historical significance of Arkansas’s

vation and positivity that Walt and his team brought to military leaders,

Delta region.”

troops and civilians at home and abroad,” says Executive Director

The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC), a non-profit

Kirsten Komoroske. “I am grateful to our guests and staff for helping

organization founded to preserve and improve the resources, viability

create a safe and enjoyable experience, and I look forward to wel-

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 7

Buzz on the Bus

Walt Disney Family Museum

New Visitor Attraction in Downtown Nashville March 4, 2021, marks the beginning of the first merchant openings at Fifth + Broadway, one of the largest and most transformational mixeduse developments in the city’s history. Strategically located across from the Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, it is at the crossroads of one of the South’s busiest and most iconic hubs. Bringing together a retail, dining, cultural and entertainment venue like no other, Fifth + Broadway will quickly become the new “heart and soul” of downtown. A 6.2-acre site that was once home to the city’s Convention Center, Fifth + Broadway seamlessly provides the opportunity to live, work and play all in one city block location. The residential tower and office tower portion of the project have already opened and are active. The merchants featured in Fifth + Broadway’s approximately

coming you back initially to our special exhibition in the Diane Disney

200,000 square feet of restaurants and retail represent a dynamic mix

Miller Exhibition Hall and later to the Main Museum.”

of local legends that have made Music City a world-class destination

The Walt Disney Studios and World War II will be on display in the

as well as some of the nation’s most exciting brands and eateries

Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall at 122 Riley Avenue. To accom-

coming to downtown Nashville for the first time. Their new home is

modate guests safely and to ensure proper distancing, the museum

located alongside the 56,000 SF National Museum of African American

requires all guests – including members – to reserve tickets prior to

Music which held its ribbon cutting in January and is now open to the

their visit. Admission will be available on a timed-ticket basis with

public at Fifth + Broadway.

limited capacities set for each time slot. Tickets will be released in short-term increments to ensure availability.

"Our mission is to provide the visitor market with the opportunity to participate in the favorite activities of the traveler – which includes

The Walt Disney Family Museum prioritizes the health and safety

shopping and dining, but now it will be offered in a unique environ-

of our guests and staff and will therefore be taking the following mea-

ment that is authentic to the Nashville music and art scene," said Car-

sures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

olyn J. Feimster, travel andtourism manager for Fifth + Broadway.

• Face coverings are required at all times for staff and guests ages three and over. • Increased cleaning frequency and procedures implemented throughout the day.

Feimster went on to explain how Nashville has evolved into a hub for fashion designers making Fifth + Broadway a shopping mecca with a combination of national retailers along with an array of eclectic shops. All are clustered around an open-air street that will feature a

• Distancing of at least six feet required for both guests and staff.

variety of shopping experiences from global brands to local artisans

• Additional hand sanitation stations installed throughout the

and creative designers.

museum and signage indicating handwashing locations.

“To match and exceed the amazing Nashville culinary scene, a total of 112,000 square feet of space will be devoted to a culinary

• Installation of clear acrylic coverings in transactional areas.

experience at Fifth + Broadway that will include everything from sig-

• Directional signage and placement of staff to ensure continual

nature restaurants, downtown diners, rustic farm-to-table bistros,

flow and eliminate crowding.

cafes and lounges,” said Feimster.

• Modified gallery interactives and listening stations that can now be experienced using the WDFM mobile app, headphones, or disposable styluses available free of charge. • Capacity limitations for daily attendance and all spaces. • Daily staff health checks prior to arrival at the museum. • Due to current restrictions, the café, water fountains, coat check, theater, and Learning Center will remain closed until further notice. • The museum asks that visitors also take a self-screening questionnaire before visiting, and to please stay home if you are experiencing symptoms. If you purchased tickets and need to reschedule your visit, e-mail tickets@wdfmuseum.org. 8 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Fifth+ Broadway

Buzz on the Bus The 50,000-square-foot Assembly Food Hall will further enhance

Some of the programs Fifth + Broadway are launching include:

the culinary appeal as an open eatery with chef-driven outlets to

• All visitors will have access to our FASHION + FOOD + FUN Vis-

include indoor and outdoor communal tables. This European-style

itor Pass which will include a variety of special offers, amenities, gifts

market will include a curated menu of casual dining and takeaway

with purchase, discounts and more. A visitor simply needs to have a

foods from very popular local eateries, as well as a hip coffee bistro

voucher from one of the many programs available and show an out-

and wine bar.

of-town driver’s license or passport.

The featured venue will be the Rooftop Dining Terrace and Enter-

• FIT Visitors will have access to:

tainment Deck which will overlook the historic Ryman Auditorium,

– A customized tour operator or travel agent FIT voucher with

Lower Broadway and the Bridgestone Arena which houses profes-

the partner’s logo on it redeemable at Guest Services for the FASHION

sional sporting events and concerts.

+ FOOD + FUN Visitor Pass.

As a major anchor to the project, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will be where visitors will dis-

– Vouchers can be printed or digital and available in multiple languages.

cover the many connections and influences that African Americans

– Package development with area hotels and attractions.

have had on all types of music. From classical to country to jazz

– Customize itinerary development.

and hip-hop, NMAAM will integrate history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres and subgenres telling a unique narrative through the lens of black music.

• Group-Friendly Programs: – Meet + Greets will be available for groups of any size with a 24- hour notice to receive the Visitor Pass. – Project tours can also be arranged in advance.

For those who know a day will not be enough at Fifth + Broadway,

– Pre-paid gift cards can be included in the materials for each

they can book their Nashville stay at the newly renovated Renaissance

member of the group.

Nashville which is a luxury haven situated in the heart of Nashville

• Student Market:

and attached to Fifth + Broadway. The hotel offers two restaurants,

– Performance space will be available.

a pool, fitness center and 103,000+ square feet of meeting and event

– Student rates at NMAAM.

space.

– Pre-purchased, low-cost dining cards.

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Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 9

Battle★ Collection

Buzz on the Bus • M.I.C.E. Market: – Unique venues for private events. – Group-friendly restaurants with prixfixe menus. – Ability to package in shopping discounts and incentives. – Spouse programs, and other unique activities. – Delegates can enjoy an exciting day that includes entry into the Country’s only National Museum of African American Music, lunch in the Assembly Food Hall, amazing shopping, then finish the day off on the Rooftop Dining Terrace which can be made available for groups as a partial or complete buy-out for receptions, lunches and dinners. The center’s eclectic mix of retail shops and unique boutiques

recovered from the Battleship North Carolina’s

Owners share in the story and support of the

will round out a memorable day in Down-

hull restoration into artistically beautiful

most highly decorated American battleship

town Nashville for both convention dele-

objects, built for functional use or display.

in the Pacific Theater during World War II,

gates as well as spouse programs.

Battle★Star knives are crafted at Iron-

Have a special request? Or seeking a

man Forge from original USS North Car-

unique program? Fifth + Broadway Tourism

olina(BB-55) steel from the bow of the his-

Department will work with you to customize

toric ship. The collection begins with the

programs for your clients. E-mail Carolyn J.

Kill Devil Hills K-Bar and the Outer Banks

Feimster at Carolyn@CJFMarketingInterna-

Oyster Shucker.

tional.com. Visit fifthandb.com

which earned 15 battle stars. Sales

are

online

only.

battleshipnc.com/store/steel to see the prodC ucts available. q

Each item of Battle★Star steel and teak is crafted from material taken from the hull

Battle★Star Collection

or deck of the Battleship North Carolina and

Offers Collectibles

will vary slightly as the material remains un-

Battleship North Carolina has launched the Battle★Star Collection to sell finely crafted products made from materials taken directly from the ship during periods of restoration. “We are proud to be able to share the USS North Carolina with the public by sell-

retouched. The products enhance a mantle, bookcase or desk. All come with a certificate of authenticity or an attached plaque. Buying from the Battle★Star Collection means owning a piece of American history. "³¤{qUÙ1( U1s1 U1¤ ʵ 1Ï 1 U1s"1¤ ʵ q{ 1ɗ

ing heirloom-quality products that repurpose the historic materials that built this great American battleship,” said Captain Terry Bragg, executive director of the Battleship. The steel and teak used in the products come from hull and deck restoration projects.

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knives and Battle★Star steel and teak. To create Battle★Star knives, a talented American bladesmith has transformed steel 10 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Visit our website at: visitfortmadison.com

The collection includes both Battle★Star

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Visit

1-800-210-TOUR (8687)

Crawford County

Historical Attractions and Museums Crawford County Meadville, Pennsylvania

Crawford County Historical Society, who owns

considered to be the grandest of members

and operates the Baldwin-Reynolds House

of a previous era in our community,” accord-

A perfectly accessorized player moves up

Museum, decided to keep their fundraisers

ing to Josh Sherretts. “We’re glad to hold such

to the wicket. She pulls back her mallet with

within their mission. As the only event of its

an amazing event in her namesake.”

PGA Tour like precision. She taps the wooden

kind in our region, it has received notice from

ball, stands up and watches it fly through the

Florida, Arizona and across the country.

Not only can one join in the fun of the tournament, the Baldwin-Reynolds House

manicured lawn of historic Mount Hope –

The Eleanor Davies Croquet Classic takes

Museum is also available for public tours

The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum in

place each summer on the grounds of five

throughout the summer months and hosts

Meadville, Pennsylvania. She, and more than

historic mansions on Terrace Street in

other events such as dinner theaters, haunted

150 others, are not professional croquet play-

Meadville, allowing those in attendance to

mansions and other seasonal events. Built

ers; they are amateur competitors at the

feel as if they have just stepped off the set of

in 1843 by United States Supreme Court Jus-

annual Eleanor Davies Croquet Classic, the

Downton Abbey. The event offers opportunity

tice Henry Baldwin, the Baldwin-Reynolds

largest fundraiser for the museum.

for both players and spectator attendees,

House Museum is the premier home of his-

While many nonprofits host fundraisers to

including period food, delicious beverages,

tory, the arts and cultural experiences in

help raise revenue for their operations, the

live music and more. “Eleanor Davies was

northwest Pennsylvania. Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 11

Guide: Historial Attractions and Museums For more information on the Eleanor Davies Croquet Classic, Mount Hope: The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum, or the

George Bush Presidential Library & Museum College Station, Texas

Crawford County Historical Society, to reach

Decorated Navy pilot, congressman,

out to Sherretts, executive director, at

ambassador, director of the Central Intelli-

jsherretts@crawfordhistorical.org or visit their

gence Agency, Vice President and President–

listing on visitcrawford.org.

all of these distinguished titles define the life and career of George H.W. Bush, the 41st

Billy Graham Library

President of the United States. Bush’s illus-

Charlotte, North Carolina

trious career spanned a time of trial and

The Billy Graham Library welcomes tour

tumult in America, starting with World War

companies and motorcoach operators to

II and including the conflicts in Korea and

come take a walk through history. Millions

Vietnam, the Civil Rights era and the end of

have been impacted by Billy Graham. Learn

the Cold War.

about one of the most influential voices of

Experience all of these pivotal moments

the 20th century and be inspired by his

in history from the perspective of one of the

message of God’s love. Through multime-

20th century America’s most prominent polit-

dia exhibits, films and memorabilia, relive

ical figures and public servants at the George

the historic moments of his life and that of

Bush Presidential Library & Museum in Col-

his wife, Ruth Bell Graham.

lege Station.

Motorcoach drivers and escorts receive

Located on the campus of Texas A&M

a complimentary lunch when the entire

University, the presidential library and

group eats lunch in the Graham Brothers

museum showcases a variety of exhibits

Dairy Bar. Meal vouchers are available and

that demonstrate the challenges and influ-

should be purchased at least a week prior

ences that shaped Bush’s life and presi-

to your visit. Vouchers are $11 per person.

dency. Your journey starts at the Symbols

Book your tour of the Billy Graham Library

of the Presidency exhibit, where you can

by phoning (704) 401-3270 or e-mailing

enjoy a look at a presidential limousine, a

librarytours@bgea.org.

three-foot-tall crystal Presidential seal and more. Continue on to learn about the Bush

Billy Graham Library

12 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Guide: Historial Attractions and Museums George Bush Presidential Library

and Pierce families through exhibits of photographs and videos before seeing a restored 1944 TBM Avenger, the kind of plane Bush flew during World War II. Explore the rest of the museum and you will see more artifacts, photos, videos and interactive displays that cover Bush’s life in West Texas, his service in Congress, his time as the head of the CIA and Vice President to Ronald Raegan. Bush’s journey to the presidency culminates in the Domestic Leadership area of the museum, where you will read a speech from the teleprompter in the Press Room Theater, sit behind the desk in the Oval Office and see some of the gifts given by foreign heads of state. Continue on to learn about the contributions of First Lady Barbara Bush and discover what life was like for the Bushes after they left the White House. In addition to being a museum, the facility

tographs, 2,500 hours of video and about

museum for visitors, but there is no set date

100,000 objects.

administered by the National Archives in

also houses a stunning collection of research

Due to the health crisis the Bush Library

material that features 43 million pages of offi-

and Museum is currently closed to visitors.

cial and personal papers, two million pho-

Personnel are currently preparing the

Washington D.C. Please monitor the Web site, bush4.org, for more information.

Bonanzaville North Dakota

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME!

Welcome to Bonanzaville – one of North Dakota’s largest historical attractions. Bonanzaville

pioneer

village

and main museum set on 12 acres (about half the area of Chicago's Millennium Park). Bonanzaville is home to more than 400,000 artifacts depicting the rich pioneer past of Cass County North Dakota. Our main museum houses several stationary and rotating exhibits while our revolving

UPCOMING EXHIBITS 1000 George Bush Drive West College Station, TX 77845 r XXX CVTI PSH FIND US

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Texas Sea Grant: 50 Years of Science and Stewardship Oceans of Plastic

gallery displays a vast selection of exceedingly rare native American artifacts. Bonanzaville features • Fargo’s first log cabin built in 1869 when Fargo was a city of tents in the Dakota Territory.

PODCASTS

• An antique car museum which visitors

“All the Best” George & Barbara Mrs. Bush’s Story Time

from across the United States consider one

Visit bush41.org for museum hours

of David Houston the roll film camera inven-

of the best they have ever seen. • The

This program is made possible in part through the Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the city of College Station through the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.

Houston

Mansion,

home

tor who patented the basic principles in1881 eventually making it possible for the ordinary Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 13

Guide: Historial Attractions and Museums citizen to carry a camera and take their own photographs. Groups may also experience the air museum, telephone museum, pioneer fire house museum, train museum, blacksmith shop and much more. Bus tour guests will receive a discounted admission of $8, 25 percent off the regular price. Bonanzaville

has

several

2021 unique events listed below. • 4th of July Event: July 4 • Pioneer Days: August 21 and 22 • First

Responder

Appreciation

Night: September 23 •

Trunk

Treat

“Boo-

nanzaville”: October 31 • Christmas on the Prairie: December 4

Bradford House

• Murder Mysteries: June through Sept by reservation • Paranormal Investigations and Ghost Tours: Select weekends in September and

more information, visit the Web site at bonan-

mantle in the tavern display? Why did the

zaville.org

federal government not strive to protect its

phone

(701)

frontier citizens from Indian attacks? Think

282-2822.

on these things as you stroll through the new

October • Harvest Days Weekends September 18 to October 24

Bradford House Museum Step over the threshold of the Bradford

Opening May 1, hours are Monday

House Museum and into imagined life in late

throughFriday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10

18th century America – the scurry of servants,

a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon-

the sighs of the master, David Bradford writ-

5 p.m. (through August). September hours

ing at his desk, the hushed chatter of ladies

are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

examining a bolt of crimson silk. Docents

Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday-

dressed in 18th century clothing entertain

5 p.m. In October Bonanzaville is open on

and inform as they detail the structure itself

weekends.

and hint at the intrigues of the Whiskey

The gift shop carries many unique items as

Rebellion. From its thick stone walls,

well as snacks, candy and drinks. Several dining

mahogany bannister and14-foot ceilings to

facilities are located just down the street. For

its Chippendale and Hepplewhite furnishings.

Bonanzaville

It is the doings of the Whiskey Rebellion (a grassroots challenge to the newly-formed federal government), though, that provide the mystique. Did Bradford and his colleagues really examine stolen mail at the dining room table? Why is a portrait of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton hanging upside down over the

14 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center.

Guide: Historial Attractions and Museums The Bradford House Historical Association (BHHA) owns and operates the Bradford

tors to be met with fully accessible educational space and an accessible restroom.

Historic Fort Steuben Everyone is ready to travel again, with the

House Museum, a National Historic Land-

Spend a day in downtown Washington,

assurance that all health and safety protocols

mark, built in 1788 by Bradford, a leader of

by visiting the two sites, stopping at one of

are being followed. A visit to Steubenville

the Whiskey Rebellion. In April 2021, capacity

the local distilleries or wineries and eating

and Jefferson County can provide several out-

was increased to educate the public through

at one of the quaint local eateries.

door experiences that allow for that. History,

the expansion of the campus by renovating the late Victorian storefront adjacent to the museum into the Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center. This expansion allows the community and visitors to be educated about the historical significance of the Whiskey Rebellion and David Bradford, a history that is unique to western Pennsylvania and Washington County. The educational center shares the important story of the Whiskey Rebellion and how it helped shape American history through educational hands-on activities and displays including a historic timeline, period exhibits and 18th century tavern bar, and distilling displays. The Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center also provides for the needs of our physically-challenged visi-

Steubenville Mural

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 15

Guide: Historial Attractions and Museums archaeology, genealogy – the past is present in Steubenville, one of

Black Sheep Vineyard or one of The Farm Restaurant’s specialty

Ohio’s oldest cities. Known as the City of Murals, 25 larger-than-life

desserts.

art on buildings throughout the city reflect the area and America’s

The holiday season brings out the area’s newest attraction:

growth. Well-known figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Steubenville

Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Advent Market featuring more

native son Dean Martin share the fame with less familiar personalities

than 180 life-size nutcrackers depicting characters from literature,

such as “Sloopy” and Fleetwood Walker. Knowledgeable and enter-

movies, professions, legends and music under an array of colorful

taining step-on guides are available to tell the stories behind each of

lights and music. The Christmas Gift Shop, Drosselmeyer’s Nut-

the paintings.

cracker Shoppe and other merchants offer additional holiday shop-

Early American frontier life is depicted at Historic Fort Steuben, a completely reconstructed fort built on the original site overlooking the Ohio River. Adjacent to the fort is the first Federal Land Office

ping and fun. Excellent lodging options and a variety of dining experiences make an overnight stay in Steubenville a unique travel experience.

west of the Alleghenies – built in 1801 as an early American home office. Copies of genealogy records of early settlers are on file there.

St. Tammany Parish

An on-going archaeology dig is on-site with historical displays in the

Louisiana

Fort Steuben Visitor Center. Find old-fashioned games and toys as well as historical books and souvenirs at the Museum Shop. The stained-glass windows and architecture of Steubenville’s historic downtown churches are a source of wonder while a visit to the Antique Warehouse offers a huge selection of antiques and memorabilia. Just 20 minutes from the city is the Quaker village of Historic Mount

St. Tammany Parish is open and ready to welcome your group. Louisiana Northshore is located less than an hour from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and is a destination in its own right. • Stroll or windshield Old Mandeville with their newly expanded Historic Marker Tour. This QR code tour shares the history of 41 historic sites along the Mandeville lakefront.

Pleasant, an important site of the Underground Railroad in the 19th

• Dine al fresco at Pat’s Rest Awhile, opened in January 2021 in

century. After touring the village, enjoy locally-produced wine at

the former Frapart Hotel (1880s-1905). Located on the northern shores

16 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Guide: Historial Attractions and Museums of Lake Pontchartrain, the waterfront restau-

brews from Louisiana’s oldest and largest

rant boasts an upscale menu, casual atmos-

craft brewery.

• Downstairs, The Anchor offers an open-air, casual venue featuring an expan-

phere, and both indoor and outdoor dining.

• A two-for-one waterfront dining des-

sive playground and boat dock. The Gulf-

The restaurant is under the helm of St. Tam-

tination along the banks of the Tchefuncte

inspired menu is rooted in classic Louisiana

many Parish restaurateur extraordinaire, Chef

River in Madisonville and led by Chef Michael

cooking, highlighting the region’s oysters,

Pat Gallagher, a former Ruth Chris’ executive

shellfish and seasonal catch. Upstairs is the

chef and owner of four other Tammany Taste

Tchefuncte’s Restaurant, an upscale eatery

Tchefuncte’s Restaurant courtesy of

culinary havens.

specializing in Louisiana and Amer-

LouisianaNorthshore.com

• In the heart of downtown Covington, Royal Carriages of New Orleans has

ican cuisine with a large wine selection and private dining

expanded their nearly 80-year-old

rooms

New Orleans business to St. Tam-

Tchefuncte River.

many Parish. They are now offering

overlooking

the

The Louisiana Northshore

mule-drawn carriage rides that are

is brimming with adventure and

focused on sharing the charm of the his-

activities to welcome your

toric St. John district.

groups. Discover the many more

• Steps from exquisite restaurants,

reasons to choose St. Tammany Parish

Hoodoo Ice Cream serves up hand-crafted

for

specialties infused with locally sourced pro-

LouisianaNorthshore.com/Groups.

duce and grass-fed, Jersey cows' milk. • Visit the Abita Brewery and Tap Room for a pint of renowned flagship and seasonal

your

group

stay

at q

Gottlieb, a former executive chef of the Ralph Brennon Group, opened in the summer of 2020.

What’s at the Center of the Nation in Belle Fourche? A beautiful CON monument An old-fashioned log cabin A hands-on museum of regional science and history Tourist info

GET TO THE HEART OF IT

travelwv.com

304.264.8801

And it’s all free! Come visit us! We’ve got a great gift shop, too! The Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center Memorial Day to Labor Day Mon-Sat 9 to 5; Sunday 1-4 www.thetristatemuseum.com 605-723-1200 Visit us on Facebook

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 17

Stops Along the Way Photo courtesy of Kristi Holland portfolio Beaverhead County Dillon Montana

River. Geologic features, abundant recre-

Gallery, Lunch in the Park series, Southwest

ational opportunities, a rich cultural history

Montana Arts Council.

Distinguished as the largest in Montana,

and a wide array of events and activities

Hiking in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge

Beaverhead County includes 5,551 square

make the county a very attractive destination

National Forest (the largest in Montana) and

miles of diverse geography including 30

for a vacation or a lifetime.

square miles of blue ribbon trout streams.

* Surrounded by the Continental Divide on

hot springs 7 77 are two 77 group-friendly 7 77 7 activities. Rodeos are a big attraction each summer. The Dillon Jaycees hosts Montana’s Largest

Larger than the state of Connecticut, the

three sides, Beaverhead County area is

county is home to less than 10,000

unique in that it is both cold and dry. Locally

residents.

known as the Montana’s Banana Belt, pre-

The county is home to many generational

cipitation varies widely. Average annual

cattle ranches, including the largest – Mata-

amounts range from 10 inches in Dillon to

dor Ranch. Ranching and agri-business is

more than 50 inches in mountains forming

the largest economic sector in the county. In

the Continental Divide. Two-thirds of precip-

Beaverhead County, there are more cows

itation in mountains is snow. Typical winter

than people. Beaverhead County cities include Dillon,

has snow in the mountains and relatively dry in the valleys.

the county seat; and Lima, as well as the

Cultural attractions include Community

communities of Argenta, Bannack, Dell,

Concert Series, community theater, commu-

Dewey, Glen, Grant, Elkhorn, Jackson, Lake-

nity band and orchestra, Shakespeare in the

view, Monida, Polaris, Wisdom and Wise

Park, The University of Montana Western Art

18 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Lose Yourself Discover Yourself Dillon Montana

Bus Tours Welcomed VisitDillonMT.com 406-683-5511

Guide: Stops Along the Way Rodeo over Labor Day weekend each year and the Beaverhead Chamber hosts the Sr. Pro Rodeo each summer.

Paris and Lamar County are well rep-

Visit Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce andAgriculture or Dillon

resented by muse-

Convention and Visitors Bureau for more tourism information at

ums such as The

beaverheadchamber.org or visitdillonmt.com.

Sam Bell Maxey House built in 1868

Lamar County Paris, Texas

with more than 10,000 family arti-

Paris Visitors Center and the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce

facts on display, the

are always ready to welcome you in a “BIG Texas Way” as their special

Lamar County His-

guests.

torical Museum and

Their very own “Texanized Eiffel Tower,” topped with a red cowboy

the Valley of the

hat, is a perfect place to take that memorable picture that has been

Caddo Museum and

the center of photos from all over the world and even TV shows and

Cultural Center.

commercials.

Historic Down-

The Red River Valley Veterans Memorial, located next to the Eiffel

town Paris sur-

Tower at our Love Civic Center Complex, covers five counties honoring

rounds a plaza with

those who have served and those who are presently serving our great

a beautiful marble fountain that was donated by JJ Culbertson in 1927,

country. These main attractions are definitely worth a closer look.

following a devastating fire in 1916, that destroyed more than 1,400

Evergreen Cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is home to the

businesses and homes. Parisians rolled up their sleeves the day after

famous statue, Jesus in Cowboy Boots, as well as many other deco-

the fire and began a rebuild from 1916 -to 1918, resulting in the classic

rative and interesting monuments of early settlers and prominent

period architecture around the plaza listing Paris on the National

Paris figures who helped to establish a strong community.

Paris, T exas... t i ’s always a g d idea! ParisTexas.com Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 19

Guide: Stops Along the Way Stroll around the plaza and enjoy local eateries with great choices to choose from. Find

fees, sodas, sandwiches, salads and quiche are always available.

the perfect place to shop in several boutiques,

Need a different menu? Special requests

retail shops, specialty stores, including art and

are no problem at all. With a little notice,

antiques. There is something for everyone.

Texan Theater Greenville can accommodate

Paris hotels can accommodate groups

just about anything planners can think of

and make you feel right at home so you will

with resident chef, James. Meals can even

be refreshed and ready to start out on another

compliment the theme of a bus tour journey.

fun journey.

As the Texan Theater lobby doubles as a café,

Visit the Web site paristexas.com and

bring groups in during a downtown shopping

Facebook, Visit Paris, Texas or phone (903)

spree or historic walking tour to refuel with

784-2501.

some delicious Nespresso Coffee, chai tea, croissants and a whole lot more.

Texan Theater Greenville Greenville, Texas

What is a theater without entertainment? From live music, plays, lectures or movies,

Take a break from the road in the most

Texan Theater Greenville presents the enter-

relaxing theater around – the Texan Theater

tainment that has guests talking. Hosting talents

Greenville in Greenville, Texas. At once inti-

such as Livingston Taylor, Bryan White, Ian

mate and spacious, the Texan Theater

Moore as well as the professional skaters and

Greenville knows what groups need and pro-

Broadway-level singers performing in Spinning

vides it in spades. Make this relaxing theater

Tales of Cinderella and Peter Pan on Ice, Texan

home for the next few hours, knowing that

Theater Greenville knows how to get guests

the staff is eager to work with bus tour oper-

dancing in their seats or the roomy aisles.

ators to plan a wonderful time for guests.

At Texan Theater Greenville, the staff

The Texan Theater Greenville was

works with bus tour planners and operators

designed to optimize guests’ comfort. This

to make this stop the best and easiest they

gorgeous theater is set with 114 luxurious

have ever had. A stop in Greenville, Texas at

seats in a space that once held 700 movie

the Texan Theater will be the highlight of bus

theater seats. This gives guests ease of mobil-

tour passengers’ entire adventure. Groups

ity and comfort. Delicious meals and delight-

and planners are in good hands with Texan

ful entertainment go hand in hand. This is

Theater Greenville.

why each seat comes with table room, so meals are a breeze. Delicious handmade cof-

Texan Theater Greenville 20 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

For more information. phone (903) 259-6360 or visit texantheatergreenville.com.

Special Features in Demand Fair Oaks Farm

museums and tours, lunch and ice cream.

An on-site restaurant is available offering

Northwest Indiana

Overnight tours are also welcome. Groups

farm-to-table dining. A cafe for casual meals

will be guided through a tour about farming

and snacks, grilled cheese sandwiches made

practices and nutrition.

with their award-winning cheeses, soups,

Fair Oaks Farms in northwest Indiana is the nation’s leading agriculture destination. Not only is it a fun escape to the country with

Adventure tours include the Dairy Adven-

salads and the unforgettable Fair Oaks Farms

farm-to-table food, gourmet ice cream,

ture featuring the new Robotic Dairy and

cheese and experiential museums, it is one

dairy innovation, and the Pig Adventure

Overnight accommodations are available

of the few places you can tour a modern,

where they learn all about pigs and piglets.

at the on-site Fairfield Inn & Suites. Grab-n-

working farm in action. Fair Oaks Farms is

Round out your experience with the experi-

go breakfast is currently available with both

pioneering leading practices in sustainability,

ential museums and gardens to learn about

cold and hot food options for all hotel guests.

including environmental and animal care.

agriculture and crops in the Crop Adventure.

Customized groups are their specialty.

Their mission is to give the everyday con-

In the fall, the Orchard Experience is all

sumer the opportunity to see how food is pro-

about sunflowers, apples, pumpkins, gourds

duced.

and eating all the delicious foods and sweets

Group tour packages with overnight

in the Harvest Market. If you have groups

accommodations available on-site. Group

coming in the fall, this can be added on for

tours run Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.

groups to pick apples to take home.

to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Single-day packages include the Adventure

Discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more.

gourmet ice creamare also offered.

To book, contact Sharon Semko at sharons@fofarms.com.

J. M. Smucker Company Orrville, Ohio For more than 120 years the J. M. Smucker Co. has made quality products that, over time, have become staples in Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 21

Guide: Special Features in Demand

family pantries across North America. At the J. M. Smucker Co. Store and Café, visitors can experience the company’s rich history, while browsing their full selection of products, merchandise and unique gift items for the whole family, in Orrville, Ohio, where the company originated. Visit the Hallway of History to learn about the company’s journey from 1897 to today. Do not skip the cafe where you will find delicious brick oven pizza, sandwiches and an ice cream bar. Browse a full selection of products for people and pets, including their namesake Smucker’s fruit spread. Guests can even create a personalized jar of Smucker’s or Jif with their own picture on the label. For more

information

phone

(330)

684-6287

visit

jmsmucker.com/smuckercafe-store.

Lehman’s Kidron, Ohio What started as a small hardware store serving local Amish in Kidron, Ohio grew into something much bigger than founder Jay Lehman ever dreamed. Lehman’s shopping experience is like nothing else. Shop more than 35,000 practical and fun products from housewares and gardening to apparel and toys. With a room for everyone to enjoy, it is truly family fun that is close to home. Phone ahead for a three-minute step-on greeting or a “What in the world is it” program. No room on the bus? No worries. Lehman’s offers free shipping on orders more than $100. For more information phone (800)-438-5346 or visit lehmans.com. 22 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Lehman’s

Beautifully Unique One-Day Shopping Tour

For over 120 years The J.M.

Smucker Co. has made quality products that, over time, have become staples in family pantries across North America. At The J.M. Smucker Co. Store and Café, visitors can experience our Company’s rich history, while browsing our full selection of products, merchandise and unique gift items for the whole family, right here in Orrville, OH, where our Company originated. Guests can even create a personalized jar of Smucker’s® or Jif® with your own picture on the label!

࠮ =PZP[ [OL /HSS^H` VM History to learn about our Company’s journey from [V [VKH` ࠮ +VU»[ ZRPW [OL JHMt ^OLYL `V\»SS ÄUK KLSPJPV\Z IYPJR oven pizza, sandwiches and an ice cream bar. ࠮ )YV^ZL H M\SS ZLSLJ[PVU of our products for people and pets, including our namesake Smucker’s® fruit spreads.

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What started as a small

࠮ *HSS HOLHK MVY H

hardware store serving the [OYLL TPU\[L Z[LW VU local Amish in Kidron, Ohio, greeting or a “What in the world is it” program. grew into something much bigger than founder Jay Lehman ࠮ 5V YVVT VU [OL I\Z& ever dreamed. Lehman’s shopping experience is like 5V ^VYYPLZ >L VɈLY nothing else. Shop over 35,000 practical and fun products from housewares -9,, ZOPWWPUN VU orders over $100. and gardening to apparel and toys. We have added over 14,000 new products in the last two years so if you haven’t been to Lehman’s lately, then you haven’t been! 3,/4(5: *64 ࠮

Nestled in beautiful Sonnenberg

Valley and the heart of Amish Country, P. Graham Dunn not only creates and produces a wide selection of high quality KtJVY HUK NPM[Z I\[ HSZV VɈLYZ N\LZ[Z H VUL VM H RPUK ZOVWWPUN L_WLYPLUJL =PZP[VYZ ^PSS ÄUK H ZLYPLZ VM windows, providing a bird’s eye view to the manufacturing where the entire WYVK\J[PVU WYVJLZZ JHU IL ZLLU MYVT Z[HY[ [V ÄUPZO 3HYNL *5* YV\[LYZ powerful lasers and simple craftsmanship are all part of the artistry involved in the development of P. Graham Dunn products. Plus, create a SHZ[PUN RLLWZHRL ^P[O H WLYZVUHSPaLK SHZLY LUNYH]LK NPM[ >P[O V]LY 400 items to choose from, each can be customized in minutes to craft a unique, heartfelt gift.

࠮ :[LW VU VY SVII` greetings to all bus tours. ࠮ 5HYYH[LK NYV\W ^PUKV^ tours of our production process and factory. ࠮ -YLL ZOPWWPUN VU VYKLYZ of $59 or more. ࠮ +PZJV\U[ VɈLYLK [V the bus driver and escort. ࠮ ;HRL OVTL ZV\]LUPY goodie bags available for $5 each (driver and escort receive theirs for free).

7.9(/(4+<55 *64 ࠮

Guide: Special Features in Demand

P. Graham Dunn Sonnenberg Valley, Ohio

also offers guests a one-of-a-kind shopping

powerful lasers and simple craftsmanship

experience.

are all part of the artistry involved in the

Nestled in beautiful Sonnenberg Valley

Visitors will find a series of windows, pro-

and the heart of Amish Country, P. Graham

viding a bird’s eye view to the manufacturing

development of P. Graham Dunn products. Plus, create a lasting keepsake with a per-

Dunn not only creates and produces a wide

where the entire production process can be

sonalized, laser-engraved gift. With more

selection of high-quality decor and gifts, but

seen from start to finish. Large CNC routers,

than 400 items to choose from, each can be customized in minutes to craft a unique, heartfelt gift. P. Graham Dunn offers step-on or lobby greetings to all bus tours as well as narrated group window tours of the production process and factory. Free shipping is offered on orders of $59 or more and a 25 percent discount is offered to the bus driver and escort. Take-home souvenir goody bags are available for $5 each; driver and escort receive theirs free. For more information phone (800) 828-5260 or visit pgrahamdunn.com.

24 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

ore and more, “driverless” or automated cars are staking claim to the road. Such advancements

in technology force the public to reassess what they once knew about safety or traffic law. It is time for a look at the differences –

should any exist, between a collision with an automated vehicle and a collision featuring only traditional vehicles. From the roadside assessment to anticipation of liability, drivers must be educated to face this new normal. By 2030, automated vehicles are estimated to represent five percent of all vehicles, but they are likely to consume far greater mental real estate than that slim percentage. Headlines of rare and fatal accidents featuring automated vehicles stand out vividly in the public’s memory. With fatal crashes like those in Florida (May 7, 2016 and March 1, 2019), California (March 23, 2018), Arizona (March 18, 2018) and Hebei, China (January 20, 2016), people cannot help but be cautious. In the case of a collision between a traditional vehicle and an automated car, the roadside procedures are exactly the same as with traditional traffic accidents. A human driver is required to move to a safe area, turn on the vehicle’s hazards and use road flares if available. Turn off the engine, and leave the vehicle. Assess if anyone is injured. Regardless of whether or not injury is present, phone 911 to alert the authorities before gathering information on the vehicles. Determine the make, model, year, license plate number and vehicle identification number of the vehicles concerned. Snapping clear photos is an easy way to do this. Acquire the names and contact information of everyone involved, including wit-

View from the driver’s seat of a Tesla on Autopilot.

nesses. Record the date, time and location of the accident, the directions the vehicles were traveling and any other pertinent details. The more information one can provide law enforcement, the better. Take note of responding police officers’ badge numbers, and obtain information on when the

Procedure and Liability After a Collision with an Automated Vehicle

official accident report will be available. Finally, drivers need to inform their insur-

by Melissa Stanek Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 25

Special: Collisions ance companies utilizing the aforementioned details. Who is to blame, though? When a person comes up against a big company, such as those who design automated cars, people tend to root for the person, the little guy. Unfortunately, with automated car crashes, it is not so cut and dried. There are five levels of car automation, six if level zero – the traditional vehicle, is counted. Levels one through three require a human driver to remain alert and to take over the car’s functions in case of unforeseen conditions or glitches in the car’s operating systems. Levels four and five cars are the only truly autonomous cars, as they require no human presence. No level five cars exist, and level four cars are not made for the retail market.

Misnomers like “driverless” and “autopilot” create the illusion that the cars are in control when, in fact, they are not. determine whether an actual human or a

the horizon, the glimmering future streams

Every newsworthy “driverless” vehicle

legal “person,” such as an operating system,

in, and with it, drivers expect change. Very

crash has featured human drivers behind the

acted in an unreasonable way, causing harm.

little, however, changes in regards to col-

wheels of cars they were supposed to correct.

That is the only true legal difference.

lision procedure and liability.

Misnomers like “driverless” and “autopilot”

Automated cars are gradually changing

create the illusion that the cars are in control

the way people approach the road. From

when, in fact, they are not. Human error is responsible for more than 90 percent of all traditional traffic accidents. People can only purchase automated cars that require their rapt attention, a level one, two or three automated car, so it is likely humans will be to blame for the vast majority of any future accidents as well. Each collision is unique, and automated vehicle law is a rapidly evolving field. That said, if a human is negligent – even in an automated car, they face liability. If a level four vehicle “operated” by an employee of the manufacturer crashes during testing, the manufacturing company can be partially responsible due to employer liability. With some states, like Michigan, deeming level four and five operating systems “drivers,” sniffing out the responsible party in a crash is not so different from what drivers are used to. Crashes involving level four or five cars may simply find product liability charges replacing human negligence. According to legal scholar Bryant Walker Smith, one must 26 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

From the Road Safety Procedures For months now, several buses are back on the road by using safety procedures and equipment. Here are some photos from Nagel Coaches in Edmonton, Alberta showing what they are doing.

Top: Nagel’s senior driver, Eric Longbottom, is shown fogging the coach at the end of the day. This procedure allowed Nagel Coaches to get back into running tours. Below: Using passenger dividers provided by Prevost and requesting passengers to wear masks allowed this tour to get started on September 20, 2020. The group went from Edmonton to British Columbia and Okanagan for seven days.

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 27

Social Marketing for Tourism by catherine Heeg

Hate to Write? Three More Reasons Not to Blog Are you on the fence about blogging? Tourism colleagues tell you that a blog is essential. “Experts” say you have to blog if you want to grow your brand. Yet, deep down you do not really want to blog and you are not sure the “experts” understand your brand. In fact, you probably have a long list of reasons you do not want or need to blog, right? Let us just add these three reasons to your list, and you are done. Is that little voice saying. . .but, but, but? Even if you are a definite “undecided” onthe-fence blogger, here are three reasons you can forget about blogging. That is right, just do not write a blog. These three reasons are solid. As we all know there are two sides to a coin. Along with the seven reasons not to blog I am going to throw in the exceptions to these solid reasons just to play the devils advocate.

Three Reasons Not to Write a Blog 1.–I have more business than I can handle. If this is the case in your world, then no reason to try to grow and take on even more business. No need to start or continue your blog writing. Maybe you work for Amazon or some other company that is reaping the rewards of pandemic pandemonium. If this does not describe your world, a blog can help you connect with your existing clients as well as new prospects. It can solidify your relationships during uncertain times. 2. I hate to write. So many people in our industry tell me they do not have the time or talent to write. Other tourism pros say they just can not commit or schedule their writing time because they travel constantly. Does this sound like the reasons you are not writing a blog? If so, do not write. You may want to reconsider when you see these stats: (https://bit.ly/3bFFCwM) Let us take a different train of thought when thinking about blogging. Turn on the power of video and visuals and turn them into a blog post. Simply embed a video into your 28 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

next blog post then: • Write an engaging opening paragraph • Insert the video • Write a closing paragraph • Link to related articles • Boom! You are done. Do you have a plethora of photos? How about creating a photo blog to tell your story visually? Pictures really do speak louder than words. It is easy with this roadmap: 3. My business appears on the top of every organic search. Well, then you truly do not need a blog. You have already conquered SEO. Not you? Consistently writing a blog helps fuel the web crawlers as they look for new content and will boost your rankings. Optimizing each blog post will attract these web crawlers. Here is how to get started: 1. Research top key words for your content a. Consider diverse related keywords; travel vs. travelling b. Mix things up with lateral key words; food tours vs culinary tours

2. Insert your key words into the: a. URL b. Page Title c. Meta Description tags d. On-page headings and sub-headings e. Within blog content f. Other SEO building text tips. (http://bit.ly/2S3eoXF ) Not sure what keywords to use? Google can help. (http://bit.ly/3qC9jX8 ) Manage your keywords so you know you are using the strongest for your niche. Check out these tools. (http://bit.ly/3eqaSF7 ) Picture what the future of travel will look like. Your blog writing will help shape this vision for your readers. Get off the fence, pick q up your pen and start blogging today.

Catherine Heeg, international speaker and trainer, focuses on social media marketing strategies for the tourism and hospitality industry. Join the conversation and connect with her at cmsspeaking.com and socially.

20 Tips For Places That Want Bus Tours byLarry Plachno This column normally provides 20 Tips for Bus Tour Planners. We are going to change our approach with this issue to provide 20

your front door? Then you need to start invit-

up the phone and call you. The second is that

ing them 12 months prior.

when they mention this you know they are

3. It is a Different World. The pandemic

calling because of your invitation in BUS TOURS MAGAZINE.

Trips for Places that Want Bus Tours. Why?

has markedly changed the industry. Some bus

Because the tour planners have been doing a

tour planners have retired or quit while new

7. Is Your Invitation Appropriate? When

great job in getting tours planned for now and

ones have started up. Some bus companies

inviting bus tours, make sure that your invi-

the months ahead. And, because the bus oper-

have quit, but others have expanded. Many

tation is geared to them. Do not mention con-

ators have been doing a great job in providing

people now work form home instead of at the

ventions, wedding parties, fishing or golfing.

safety equipment and procedures to get buses

office. We here at BUS TOURS MAGAZINE have

Tell them what you have to offer bus groups.

back on the road again.

been busy keeping track of this for you.

8. Get the Most for Your Money. You

Our big problem right now is getting the

4. Restarting. The experts say that restart-

come out ahead when you run multiple

places that want bus tours – convention and

ing a business is the same as originally start-

smaller advertisements rather than fewer

visitor bureaus, attractions, restaurants and

ing. You need to invite bus tours and tell them

larger ones. One reason is that you get a dis-

lodging – to invite bus tours to get them mov-

what you have to offer. You need to tell bus

count on more insertions while the second

ing again. Here are 20 tips that can help.

tours that you are here for them. People are

reason is that there is a synergism with sales

now getting the vaccine and will be looking

based on more exposures.

1. Bus Tours Need to be Invited. One of the biggest concerns of bus tour planners

for places to go.

9. News and Editorial. Ask about sub-

5. Location, Location, Location. The

mitting news or editorial to go with your invi-

will accept and accommodate bus tours. Stop-

real estate people said it first, but we will

tation. Either advertising or editorial are good

ping at places that do not have the room for

repeat it: Location, Location, Location. When

for sales, but together they do an even better job.

is to make sure that they stop at places that

bus tours or can not accommodate them is a

you place your invitation in BUS TOURS MAG-

potential nightmare. This is why bus tour plan-

AZINE, make sure that your location is promi-

10. Hyperlinks. Looking for instant

ners look for invitations in BUS TOURS MAGA-

nent. Unless you are as well known as the

response? Ask about hyperlinks from your

ZINE so they know they are welcome. How can

Washington Monument or Walt Disney World,

invitation in the digital edition to your Web

we get those invitations so we can get bus

the tour planners are looking for your location

site or order page. When the reader clicks on

tours moving again? 2. Planning Ahead. While one-day trips

so they can confirm that they want to plan a

your invitation, they fly to your Web site where

tour to your area.

you can tell them what you have to offer.

6. Give Them a Reason to Phone. Give

11. Videos. A picture may be worth a

tours requires six months to a year between

something small away to entice bus tour plan-

thousand words, but a video goes a long way

initial concept to their departure date. It takes

ners to phone and book their group. It can be

to show tour planners what you have to offer.

a long time to arrange and plan the tour, make

something as simple as a gift card, a backstage

Find an individual or company to help you

reservations and design the catalogs, booklets

tour for your group or a wine and cheese

with the video and then add it to your invita-

and Web sites before you can then sell the

reception. This accomplishes two things. One

tion in BUS TOURS MAGAZINE.

seats. When do you want to see bus tours at

is that it prompts the bus tour planners to pick

can be planned quickly, planning longer bus

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021 • 29

20 Tips 12. Co-Ops: Work with your neighbors

tion sheet to give them. Years ago this was

18. Packaging. Are you able to offer

who also want bus tours. You can put several

mimeographed or spirit duplicated and

packages with other nearby places that want

smaller advertisements on a page or two rep-

mailed to bus tour planners. Today it is usu-

bus tours? Many tour planners like packages

resenting a specific city or area. Tour planners

ally a Word document or PDF that is e-mailed

because it not only combines two or more

love this because they then know what

to them. In addition to the expected contact

purchases into one, but it also tells the bus

attractions, restaurants and lodging in your

information, it should include what you have

tour planner that these places work together

area are inviting bus tours.

to offer to bus tours. Some have gotten so

with bus tours.

13. E-Mail Blues. Ever since the pan-

elaborate that they include maps, photos and

19. Food Service. Tours generally allow

demic started, more and more companies

mention of other nearby stops suitable for

for three meals a day even if they are not

and organizations have been stuffing spam

bus groups. Here are some suggestions.

included in the price of the tour. Any food ser-

into e-mail accounts. People have become

16. Group Rates. Your information sheet

vice options you can provide should be included

weary and have gotten into a “click-delete”

should include your group rates and payment

in your Information Sheet to give the bus tour

mentality that has reduced the effectiveness

policy. Do you require a deposit or payment

planner some options. If you are unable to pro-

of e-mail. Hence, some marketing operations

in advance? What forms of payment will you

vide food service, then try to list nearby alter-

are looking for alternatives.

accept? Do you require a rooming list?

natives that are suitable for bus tours.

14. More Digital Readers. What with

17. Bus Parking. Do not forget that it

20. Local Restrictions and Require-

new people coming into the business and

may not be easy to park a 45-foot motor-

ments. Do you require masks? Do you

many no longer working in offices, we have

coach. Do you have a designated bus parking

require social distancing? Are there any lim-

seen increasing traffic with the digital version

area? Is it mentioned in your Information

itations on the number of people in various

of BUS TOURS MAGAZINE as bus tour planners

Sheet? Does your information sheet tell

buildings or in different activities? Hopefully,

are looking for invitations and ideas.

where to drop off the group and how to get

these restrictions will be reduced in the

to your bus parking area?

months ahead as tha pandemic eases.

15. Information Sheet. If you are inviting bus tours, you should have an informa-

Advertiser’s Index Atlantic City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

J.M.Smucker Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Beaverhead Chamber of

Jacksonville Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Commerce & Agricuture . . . . . . . . . .18

Lamar County Chamber

Billy Graham Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Bonanzaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Lehman’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Bradford House Historical

Martinsburg-Berkekey County . . . . . .17

Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

McKinney CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Branson’s Best Restaurants . . . . . . . .31

Morse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

City of Ft. Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Outlets of Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Columbia Gorge

P. Graham Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Interpretive Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Crawford County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Rocky Gap Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Ronald Reagan Presidential

Fair Oaks Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

George Bush Library and Museum . . .13

Texan Theatre Greenville . . . . . . . . . .19

Historic Fort Steuben . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Tri-State City Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

30 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2021

Branson’s Best Restaurants Where Bus Tours Stop to Eat

Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House

997 W State 165 Branson, MO 65616 417.335.0690 fallcreeksteakhouse.com

Pasghetti's Restaurant & Attraction

REDISCOVER ATLANTIC CITY

The Story Continues Excitement awaits in Atlantic City, including miles of sandy beaches, our world-famous Boardwalk and the thrilling Steel Pier. Enjoy tax-free shopping, award-winning dining, live entertainment and other great attractions. Here you can experience the ultimate getaway and create a lifetime of memories.

Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-318-6097 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced.

Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

TourAtlanticCity.com

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q Jacksonville Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . .10

Commerce & Agricuture . . . . . . . . .18

q Lamar County Chamber

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of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

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Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

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q Branson’s Best Restaurants . . . . . .31

q Morse Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

q City of Ft. Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

q Outlets of Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . .20

q Columbia Gorge

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Interpretive Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 q Crawford County CVB . . . . . . . . . . .12 q Fair Oaks Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 q George Bush Library and Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 q Historic Fort Steuben . . . . . . . . . . .15

q Rocky Gap Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 q Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Texan Theatre Greenville . . . . . . . . . .19 Tri-State City Museum . . . . . . . . . . . .17

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Are you missing the buses? • The CDC says that people who have been vaccinated can now travel domestically. • The CERTS Act is now putting money into the bus industry and the buses are moving again for both charters and tours. • National Parks are inviting bus tours in the summer of 2021. • Bus tour planners are again planning tours and are looking for invitations in the pages of Bus Tours Magazine. Are they finding your invitation to bus tours? We can solve that problem today.

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• Bonanzaville page 14 • Bradford House Historical Association page 15 • Branson’s Best Retaurants page 31 • Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center page 9 • Crawford County CVB page 12 • George Bush Library and Museum page 13 • J.M. Smucker Company page 23 • Lamar County Chamber of Commerce page 19 • Lehman’s page 23 • P. Graham Dunn page 23 • Texan Theater Greenville page 19 • Tri-State City Museum page 17

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