Bus Tours Magazine Volume XLIV, Number 2, November - December, 2022

GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT

r o c k y g a p i n F l i n t s t o n e , M a r y l a n d offers bus groups an interesting gam i n g e x p e r i e n c e a s w e l l a s a r e s o r t atmosphere

H i s t o r i c a n d t o u r i s t r a i l r o a d s h a v e always been a good addition to bus tours. in addition to getting out of the bus for a scenic ride, passengers often get a taste of history

13 FAITH-BASED TOURS

Many bus tour passengers are inter ested in faith based attractions and r e l a t e d h i s t o r y L a g r a n g e , g e o r g i a offers artifacts from the Middle east and Christmas Manger Tours.

SPECIAL FEATURES ON DEMAND

Bus tour patrons are always looking for something different Here are three places that provide your group with interesting and enjoyable experiences

STAFF

Editor & Publisher Larr y Plachno

Business Manager Nancy Ann Plachno

Typesetting/Page Layout Sherr y Mekeel

Web site Jake Ron Plaras

Adver tising Charles Hinkle Editorial Assistant Paulette Isoldi

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

Advertising

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COVER PHOTO

Bronner ’s silent night Memorial Chapel, a 56 foot tall landmark, is nestled on the south ern tip of Bronner ’s 27 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds it is a replica of the original chapel in oberndorf/salzburg, aus tria, which marks the site where “silent night” was first sung on Christmas eve in 1818 Bronner ’s chapel is open daily during store hours for visitation and meditation. There is no charge for admission FrankenMuTH CvB

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in whole or in par t 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

Buzz on the Bus

News and notes for bus tour planners

Bringle’s Smoking Oasis Nashville, Tennessee

On your next tour, consider Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porker, and Bringle’sSmoking Oasis ( Bringle’s newest concept that opened late last year)

Nashville’s global award winning pitmaster (25+ years grilling), Bringle has been featured in Southern Living's Great American BBQ B u c k e t L i s t , h a s p l a c e d s i x t i m e s a t t h e i c o n i c M e m p h i s i n M a y WorldBBQ Championship and has a new book, BBQ for Dummies Bringle s a y s , “ I w a s r a i s e d o n i c o n i c w e s t Te n n e s s e e b a r b e c u e w h e r e t h i c k s m o k e, a s p i c y r u b a n d a t r u s t y s m o k e r i s ‘ t h e s e c r e t sauce ’ Peg Leg Porker is known for its playful side dishes and its juicy, smoked to perfection pork ribs drenched with a spicy dry rub after they are cooked ”

Peg Leg Porker is a safely distanced, 10,000+ square foot estab lishment and is open Monday through Tuesday, 11 a m to 9 p m , and Thursday through Saturday, 11 a m to 10 p m The restaurant features award winning BBQ in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood at 903 Gleaves Street For more information, visit peglegporker com Pitmaster and Nashville native Bringle, has been competing in barbecue contests for more than 25 years, and has the blue ribbons to prove it With a deep Southern background built around family val ues and valuing a good meal, Bringle founded Peg Leg Porker in 2013

Peg Leg Porker is named after Bringle himself and his greatest win, a cancer battle that he triumphed at the age of 17 With this tri umph, though, Bringle lost his leg, which led him to create a name while adding more fire to his passion for success Upon opening its doors in the heart of Nashville, Peg Leg Porker was quickly named one of the hottest BBQ Joints in the country by Food Network, The Travel Channel, BBC, Southern Living, Texas Monthly, GQ, Garden and Gun magazines and many more

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center Aurora, Colorado

A $22 million exterior enhancement project is underway at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center Scheduled to be complete in January 2023, the project showcases an elevated arrival experience, a new games lawn, enhancements to the Grand Lodge lawn and the addition of terraces to Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass S p o r t s B a r T h e p r o j e c t a l s o f e a t u r e s m o r e t h a n 1 , 5 0 0 n a t i v e a n d

Smoking Oasis

adaptive trees, 40,000 shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, and five acres of low water use native grass mixes

“The enhancements will layer in a richness to the resort and create a m o r e g e n u i n e l o d g e e x p e r i e n c e f o r o u r g u e s t s , ” s a i d S u z y H a r t , General Manager of the 1,501 room resort “While we are focused on the exterior enhancements and the new dining terraces in 2022, there are plans for future development of the 130 acres that surround the resort We are currently in the design phase on what those 130 acres will look like, but it will complement the community and the

Bringle’s

r e s o r t w i t h r e t a i l , d i n i n g , e n t e r t a i n m e n t venues and open spaces that bring people together,” she added

Guests will experience an elevated arrival experience featuring clusters of mature pine trees and drought resistant native plants and shrubs lining the entry drive In front of the main entrance, a 9,000 square foot turf lawn will feature custom benches where guests can sit and watch the sun rise to welcome the day

The Grand Lodge Lawn will provide an expansive space for guests to enjoy the beau tiful Colorado outdoors A large freestanding d o u b l e fi r e p l a c e s t r u c t u r e, w i t h t w o n i n e foot wide hearths, will be a showcase feature on the lawn where resort style seating spaces w i l l a l l o w g u e s t s t o r e l a x a n d e n j o y t h e majestic sunsets over the Rocky Mountains The event lawn will also feature a 10,000 square foot artificial turf area, four fire pits and two natural boulder fire features Adja cent to the Grand Lodge lawn will be a games lawn featuring artificial turf, family friendly games such as bocce ball, corn hole and giant

chess, as well as three firepits where guests can roast s’mores

The Old Hickory Steakhouse Terrace will add an additional 96 seats to the restaurant An elegant fireplace with an eight foot wide h e a r t h w i l l p r o v i d e a d d e d w a r m t h t o t h e 2,600 square foot space The Mountain Pass Terrace will seat 108 guests and will feature a massive double sided fireplace featuring a 10 foot wide hearth where guests can gather a n d e n j o y aw e i n s p i r i n g v i e w s o f t h r e e o f Colorado’s Fourteeners Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Mount Evans

Located minutes from both Denver Inter n a t i o n a l A i r p o r t a n d D o w n t o w n D e n v e r , Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center opened late 2018 The resort destination fea tures 1,501 guest rooms, including 114 well a p p o i n t e d s u i t e s a n d m o r e t h a n 5 1 7 , 0 0 0 square feet of meeting and convention space

A s a g a t e w a y t o t h e R o c k y M o u n t a i n s , Gaylord Rockies offers easy access to Denver attractions and Rocky Mountain adventures, complete with eight dining options; a luxu rious spa and salon; indoor and outdoor pool,

l a z y r i v e r ; a 7 5 f o o t T V i n M o u n t a i n P a s s

Sports Bar; and picture perfect sunset views o f t h e m o u n t a i n s L e a r n m o r e a t GaylordRockies com

Dismals Canyon

Phil Campbell, Alabama

Tucked away near the tiny town of Phil Campbell, Alabama, is a natural wonder like no other Dismals Canyon Designated as a National Natural Landmarks Program by the U S Department of Interior, the canyon is a privately owned natural terrain trail Deep in the canyon is the grandeur that got it clas sified as a National Natural Landmark Many native plant life species such as Hemlock, Tulip Poplar, Sweetgum and Big Leaf Mag nolia line the floor of the canyon making it a b i o l o g i c a l a n d g e o l o g i c a l g e m I n f a c t , b o t a n i s t s h a v e i d e n t i fi e d m o r e t h a n 3 5 0 exotic flora on the canyon’s floor

D i s m a l s C a n y o n a l s o h a s b e c o m e famously known for its Dismalites, a select species of “glowworms” that are kin to the New Zealand glowworms These glowworms

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

have to have a special habitat to survive in a n d a r e u n i q u e t o t h i s p a r t o f t h e S o u t h These species glow green and blue in order to attract food They have been classified as Orfelia Fultoni and what makes them unique to this area is the vast number of them that can be found on the canyon wall

While exploring the area, make sure you t a k e i t a l l i n , e s p e c i a l l y a t n i g h t w h e n y o u c a n n o t t e l l t h e d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n w h e r e t h e g l o w w o r m s i l l u m i n a t e a n d t h e s t a r s b e g i n

T h e 1 5 m i l e h i k i n g t r a i l f o l l o w s a l o n g the stream with boulders, waterfalls, mossy green ferns, natural bridges and giant trees T h e a r e a w a s a s a n c t u a r y t o m a n y N a t i v e A m e r i c a n t r i b e s s u c h a s t h e C h e r o k e e , P a l e o a n d C h i c k a s a w V i s i t o r s a l s o w i l l have the opportunity to explore the Temple C a v e , a b l u f f t h a t w a s h o m e t o t h e P a l e o a m e r i c a n s

T h i s o l d f a s h i o n e d g e n e r a l s t o r e h a s c a n d y, t s h i r t s , N a t i v e A m e r i c a n g o o d s ,

Dismals Canyon

g i f t s a n d p o s t c a r d s v i s i t o r s c a n p u r c h a s e to remember their time at Dismals Canyon

T h e S o d a F o u n t a i n i s k n o w n f o r i t s

s a n d w i c h e s , s p e c i a l t y d r i n k s , i c e c r e a m a n d m i l k s h a k e s M a n y v i s i t o r s w o r k u p a n a p p e t i t e a f t e r e x p l o r i n g t h e c a n y o n f l o o r q

q

Gaming

R o c k y G a p C a s i n o R e s o r t , a A A A , F o u r D i a m o n d h o t e l n e s t l e d in the Appalachian Mountains with lakeside views, offers luxurious a m e n i t i e s , a n a w a r d w i n n i n g g o l f c o u r s e, r e s t a u r a n t s f o r e v e r y occasion, adventurous activities, a relaxing spa and a high energy casino all set to the natural beauty of Rocky Gap State Park Located about two hours from Washington, D C , Baltimore and Pittsburgh, R o c k y G a p o f f e r s a p i c t u r e s q u e r e t r e a t f o r a r o m a n t i c g e t a w a y, c o r p o r a t e e v e n t o r b u s t o u r g r o u p

R o c k y G a p ’s e x c e p t i o n a l d i n i n g i n c l u d e s t h e r e s o r t ’ s n e w h i g h e n d r e s t a u r a n t , L a k e s i d e G r i l l e O v e r l o o k i n g t h e l a k e, L a k e s i d e G r i l l e s p e c i a l i z e s i n s t e a k s , c h o p s a n d f i s h a n d f e a t u r e s a c u r a t e d w i n e l i s t p l u s , i t s c r o w d pleasing Maryland crab cakes. Other restaurants include Signatures Bar & Grill, which offers sports viewing, burgers, pizzas, beer and m o r e i n a c l u b h o u s e a t m o s p h e r e ; a n d L o b b y L o u n g e + C a f é , a p o p u l a r s p o t f o r p a s t r i e s , c o f f e e a n d s a n d w i c h e s , a s w e l l a s a full service bar On the Rocks, the resort’s biggest full service bar, serves specialty cocktails and a wide selection of beers on tap

continued on page 22

Rocky Gap Casino Resort Flintstone, Maryland

With thousands of square feet of meeting space, Rocky Gap is a p o p u l a r d e s t i n a t i o n f o r p r i v a t e e v e n t s I n a d d i t i o n t o f o u r 6 0 0 s

u a r e f o o t m e e t i n g r o o m s ; a n e x e c u t i v e b o a r d r o o m ; a n d a p r i v a t e d i n i n g r o o m , a c c o m m o dating up to 24 guests; Rocky Gap o f f e r s o u t d o o r e v e n t s a t t h e

Allegheny Event Center; the Lake side Reception Area, Lakeside Ter race and Golfview Pavilion

Gaming

Rail ro ad s

by Brian Solomon

I f y o u h a v e e n j o y e d a v i s i t t o N e w Hampshire’s Conway Scenic Railroad, you w i l l l o v e i t e v e n m o r e o n y o u r n e x t v i s i t ! T h e r a i l r o a d h a s b e e n m a k i n g i m p r o v e ments During the 2022 season, trackwork a l o n g m o s t o f t h e r o u t e s h a s m a d e f o r a s m o o t h e r r i d e, a n d i n S e p t e m b e r t h e r a i l r o a d d e b u t e d i t s l a t e s t l u x u r y r a i l c a r, t h e beautiful Leslie Ann This deluxe Budd Vista d o m e w a s b u i l t i n t h e e a r l y 1 9 5 0 s f o r Northern Pacific and until 2019 had worked for the Orford Express dinner train in Que bec It now provides platinum class service on Conway Scenic’s Mountaineer that runs seasonally from North Conway over Craw f o r d N o t c h L e s l i e A n n i s t h e t h i r d V i s t a Dome in the railroad’s growing fleet of vin t a g e r a i l c a r s

C o n w a y S c e n i c h a s o n e o f t h e m o s t diverse excursion offerings Spring, summer

and fall the railroad operates three distinct rides, each with various options for visitors.

The most popular ride is its classic one hour trip down the old Boston & Maine Con way Branch This short ride is great for chil dren and aims to recreate the experience of traveling from town to town by train using a selection of railcars built between the 1890s and early 1950s

The Sawyer River excursion is a two hour midday trip that runs west to its namesake It offers pastoral views and follows the Saco River to the siding at near the crossing of the Sawyer River west of Bartlett

T h e b e s t t r i p i s t h e r a i l r o a d ’s fl a g s h i p Mountaineer that aims to recreate the expe rience of a 1950s cross country streamlined train Depending on the season, this offers b e t w e e n a 4 1⁄2 a n d 5 1⁄2 h o u r s c e n i c j o u r n e y ov e r C r aw f o r d N o t c h i n N e w H a m p s h i r e ’s White Mountains Since the arrival of Leslie Ann, this train now has four classes of travel

available to passengers While most passen gers book round trip fares, the railroad offers bus tour groups the option of booking one way journeys aboard the Mountaineer and guests may join the train at North Conway for the ride over Crawford Notch or join the train at Crawford’s Station for the eastward journey Phone (603) 356 5251 for details

Rosenberg Railroad Museum

Rosenberg, Texas

The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a hid den gem in the heart of Historic Downtown Rosenberg The museum has a comprehen sive railroad collection and exhibits that trace t h e s t o r y o f R o s e n b e r g , F o r t B e n d C o u n t y, and its deep roots in the railroad industry

The museum's grounds are two acres and offer a park like atmosphere It sits next to four active rail lines, providing guests of all ages an immersive railroad experience There are seven structures that guests can explore

Conway Scenic Railroad

Conway Scenic Railroad

throughout the property with docent led tours Among those structures, guests can enjoy the Victorian Era 1879 Business Car; The Quebec, R o s e n b e r g ' s v e r y o w n i n t e r l o c k e r To w e r, Tower 17 (built in 1903) and the museum's 1970s Missouri Pacific caboose.

For model train fans, the museum has its own model train room with two HO model train exhibits on display and a Lionel O gauge m o d e l t r a i n e x h i b i t t h a t i s c u r r e n t l y i n progress In addition, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum is the only museum near the Greater Houston area that offers guests of all ages the chance to experience a Garden Railroad The museum's Garden Railroad is tailored to look like Historic Downtown Rosenberg in the 1950s and its surrounding areas.

For planners, there is plenty of parking space available for tour buses in front of the museum and a parking lot is also available where there is more than enough space for multiple buses to park All the stops men tioned are within walking distance

Explore Historic Downtown

A f t e r e x p l o r i n g t h e m u s e u m ' s g r o u n d s a n d e x p e r i e n c i n g t h e G a r d e n R a i l r o a d ' s

d e p i c t i o n o f t h e t o w n o f R o s e n b e r g i n t h e 1950s, walk on over to Historic Downtown Rosenberg Enjoy the restaurants, boutiques and antique shops

Eat Local

Another Time Soda Fountain & Cafe is sit u a t e d r i g h t a c r o s s t h e s t r e e t f r o m t h e museum Here, you will find delicious, all American foods and original handmade milk shakes Among the various mouthwatering options, Rosenberg has to offer there is the Ol' Railroad Cafe, where they serve an excel lent all American breakfast, lunch, and din ner for everyone to enjoy Or perhaps you’re a taco lover, Bob’s Tacos is your stop If you are looking for something more on the sweet s i d e, s t o p b y E d i b l e C a n d y B i t e s D i s t C o , where you will find sweets for everyone to enjoy

Shopping

After an outing at the museum and lunch, take a stroll and explore the rest of the shops t h r o u g h o u t t h e d o w n t o w n a r e a S t e p i n t o the various antique shops, where you will fi n d h i d d e n t r e a s u r e s i n p l a c e s l i k e D & S

Rosenberg Railroad Museum

Antique Mall, Vogelsang Antique Emporium, Roots and Relics and the Red Queen’s Attic just to name a few If you prefer shopping at stylish local boutiques, there is Southern Sis ters, Wild Blossom Texas, and Calla Lilies

Home and Goods

If you are looking for unique and sophisti cated furniture pieces for your home or office, Portillo’s Home and Garden has you covered If you are more into the art scene, check out the Fort Bend Art Center, where you will find art pieces from painting to 3D sculptures

Adirondack Railroad New York State

E n j o y a o n e o f a k i n d r a i l e x p e r i e n c e t h r o u g h t h e b e a u t i f u l A d i r o n d a c k P a r k i n New York State, aboard the Adirondack Rail road The Railroad is experiential travel at its best Immerse yourself in the journey as you travel into parts of the country often inac c e s s i b l e b y o t h e r m o d e s o f t r a n s p o r t a t i o n aboard iconic trains

Relive the golden age of railroading in the c l i m a t e c o n t r o l l e d c a r s o r o p e n a i r c a r through the remote Adirondack Forest and

o f a l l k i n d s F l e x i b l e c h a r t e r s e r v i c e a n d group rates will allow you to reserve seats o n o n e o f t h e r e g u l a r s c h e d u l e d t r a i n s o r c h a r t e r t h e e n t i r e t r a i n o n y o u r c h o s e n d a t e

Vi n t a g e e q u i p m e n t o f f e r s a v a r i e t y o f c o n f i g u r a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g c o a c h , c a f é a n d t a b l e ( d i n i n g ) c a r s , o p e n a i r c a r s a n d t h e s i g n a t u r e D o m e c a r A p r o f e s s i o n a l , q u a l ified crew is provided, and you will receive help selecting the equipment that best suits y o u r n e e d s

Give your group the chance to experience t h e A d i r o n d a c k s a t a m o r e l e i s u r e l y p a c e Discount pricing to groups of 25 or more pas sengers for most excursions throughout the season.

• Easy access parking at station

• Wheelchair accessible (most trips)

enjoy the magnificent beauty of the six mil lion acre Adirondack Park The Adirondack Railroad welcomes groups, tours, business

o u t i n g s , w e d d i n g p a r t i e s a n d g a t h e r i n g s

• Railcars have restrooms and are non smoking

• One way fares available to and from all stations

Adirondack Railroad

phone (814) 447 9576 q

Rockhill Trolley Museum

Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania

Welcome to the Rockhill Trolley Museum, a “Living History Museum”, the first operating t r o l l e y m u s e u m i n P e n n

a

i a H e a

t h e “ding, ding” of the trolley bells and the “click ety clack” running down the tracks.

Ride one of 23 real, old fashioned electric trolleys or streetcars three miles round trip by the Rockhill Iron Furnace ruins, along the creek and countryside to Blacklog Narrows You will see and hear the volunteers operat ing, restoring and maintaining trolleys and

LaGrange, Georgia

L a G r a n g e , G e o r g i a i s o n e o f t h o s e c h a r m i n g A m e r i c a n t o w n s t h a t h a s r e i n v e n t e d i t s e l f , w h i l e s t i l l p r e s e r v i n g w h a t makes it unique An hour south of Atlanta, LaGrange is home to one of a kind attrac t i o n s , a s t o r y b o o k d o w n t o w n , g o r g e o u s r e c r e a t i o n a r e a s , i n t r i g u i n g m u s e u m s a n d other cultural attractions, nearby wineries, m u l t i p l e b r e w e r i e s , a f o r m i d a b l e a n t i q u e s h o p p i n g s c e n e a n d p l e n t y o f t h r i l l i n g a c t i v i t i e s

This unexpectedly beautiful and surpris ingly sophisticated town is filled with every thing a savvy traveler craves an authentic cultural experience, incredible food and inter esting attractions without the hefty price tag of bigger cities.

The Biblical History Center is one of the f e w p l a c e s o u t s i d e I s r a e l w h e r e y o u c a n s e e m o r e t h a n 2 5 0 g e n u i n e a r t i f a c t s f r o m t h e a n c i e n t M i d d l e E a s t O n l o a n f r o m t h e I s r a e l i A n t i q u i t y A u t h o r i t y, t h e e x h i b i t s include pottery, ceramics and tools, as well as a life size recreation of a biblical village

E a c h Tu e s d a y t h r o u g h S a t u r d a y f r o m N ov e m b e r 1 t o D e c e m b e r 2 3 , w i t n e s s t h e history and archaeology of the first Christ m a s d u r i n g t h e M a n g e r To u r s . S e e f u l l scale reconstructions of structures relevant t o t h e t i m e, g e n u i n e a r t i f a c t s f r o m t h e e r a a n d i n s i g h t t h a t w i l l m a k e t h i s C h r i s t m a s e v e n m o r e m e a n i n g f u l

W h e n y o u v i s i t H i l l s & D a l e s E s t a t e i n LaGrange, you will not only tour one of the finest homes in America today, but you will e x p e r i e n c e m a g n i f i c e n t 1 3 0 y e a r o l d g a r d e n s c r e a t e d i n t h e 1 8 9 0 s b y S a r a h F e r r e l l To u r t h e m a g n i f i c e n t C l a s s i c Revival residence of textile magnate Fuller Callaway Soak in the beauty of manicured t e r r a c e s , r o s e b o w e r s , d w a r f b o x w o o d p a r t e r r e s a n d w o o d e d p a t h w a y s , w h i c h provides spectacular foliage each and every s e a s o n

L a G r a n g e ’s b e a u t i f u l , h i s t o r i c d o w n t o w n i s f i l l e d w i t h l o c a l b o u t i q u e s a n d a n t i q u e s t o r e s w h e r e y o u c a n s h o p f o r u n i q u e c l o t h i n g , a r t i f a c t s , v i n t a g e p i e c e s

Faith-B ase d Attractions

and furniture. Visit a family owned depart ment store selling popular brands that has b e e n a n i c o n i c l a n d m a r k s i n c e 1 9 3 2 B r o w s e a t w o s t o r y e m p o r i u m o f f e r i n g a n i n c r e d i b l e s e l e c t i o n o f a n t i q u e s , f u r n i t u r e and home accessories Explore other local r e t a i l e r s w i t h e v e r y t h i n g f r o m h a n d m a d e j e w e l r y a n d h i g h e r e n d w o m e n ’s f a s h i o n s t o h o l i d a y a c c e s s o r i e s a n d d e l i c i o u s g o u r m e t f o o d i t e m s

There are so many photo opportunities to capture and so many stories to be told in LaGrange, Georgia Bus and group tour plan n e r s w i l l fi n d w h a t t h e y n e e d t o p l a n a n authentic, one of a kind visit by contacting Visit LaGrange Georgia at (706) 668 5555 or VisitLaGrange com q

S p e c i a l

F e a t u r e s o n D e m a n d

Explore Berkeley County, South Carolina

Tr a n s p o r t y o u r s e l f b a c k t o a t i m e w h e n t h e l i v i n ’ w a s e a s y ! N a t u r a l beauty, rich history, and exciting adven t u r e s a w a i t t h o s e w h o v i s i t C l e a n , affordable, bus friendly accommoda tions help ensure your stay is comfort able and enjoyable

Cypress Gardens

Visitors from across the globe come to experience this unique attraction fea tured in magazines, television shows, a n d m o t i o n p i c t u r e s i n c l u d i n g , T h e Notebook, The Patriot, and Cold Moun tain Embark on an adventurous boat

r i d e o n a n a t u r a l b l a c k w a t e r c y p r e s s swamp Enjoy the butterfly house and Swamparium. Take a stroll along newly restored scenic paths and bridges Gift shop

Mepkin Abbey

M e p k i n A b b e y i s o n e o f t h e f e w m o n a s t e r i e s t h a t o f f e r s t o u r s A t t e n d a n a u t h e n t i c Tr a p p i s t m o n k w o r s h i p s e r v i c e a n d s t r o l l a l o n g t h e b e a u t i f u l g r o u n d s f e a t u r i n g g i a n t l i v e o a k t r e e s and meticulously landscaped gardens o v e r l o o k i n g t h e C o o p e r R i v e r . F e a t u r e s a n e x t e n s i v e s t o r e w i t h h a n d made items from international monas t i c a r t i s a n s

Old Santee Canal Park

Explore the site of the first true canal i n A m e r i c a . O n c e u s e d f o r t r a d e a n d transportation during colonial times, it also served as a trading post for Native A m e r i c a n s To u r t h e h i s t o r i c S t o n e y Landing House and Interpretive Center to learn about the area’s history includ ing the first semi submersible torpedo boat, CSS Little David, which was built on these grounds Gift shop

The Berkeley Museum

E n j o y n u m e r o u s u n i q u e e x h i b i t s chronicling the area's rich history, from t h e fi r s t N a t i v e A m e r i c a n s e t t l e r s a n d the famed "Swamp Fox" Francis Mar

Berkeley County

ion's American Revolution battles to the later settlers whose families have remained for generations Gift shop

Agritourism Farms

Explore any of our 11 working farms and see how some of your favorite foods are harvested and produced. Watch fresh cheese being made, pick your own fruit, learn about edible landscaping, take a horseback ride, enjoy skeet shooting, nav igate a corn maze, and more

Battlefield Tours

Berkeley County is famous for its Revolutionary War con nections It’s the birthplace of two prominent military leaders General Francis Marion and General William Moultrie and 32 of the war ’s more than 200 South Carolina battle sites www exploreberkeleycounty com

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center/Museum Stevenson, Washington

The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum (CGICM) is in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge in beautiful Stevenson Wash ington, Skamania County Stop in and explore the diverse and unique

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center/Museum

heritage of the first nations that fished and traded on the Columbia River to the first settlers to arrive via the Oregon Trail in search of a new beginning

P r i o r t o t h e b u i l d i n g o f t h e d a m s , t h e p o r t i o n o f t h e C o l u m b i a R i v e r b o r d e r i n g t o d a y ’s S k a m a n i a C o u n t y w a s k n o w n f o r i t s r a p i d w a t e r s ( S k a m a n i a i s a C h i n o o k term meaning “swift waters”) The Cascade R a p i d s , s e v e n m i l e s l o n g , h i s t o r i c a l l y s e r v e d a s a t r a d i n g h u b f o r m o r e t h a n a d o z e n N a t i v e A m e r i c a n t r i b e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e a r e a , i n c l u d i n g t h e C a s c a d e, C h i n o o k , Ya k i m a a n d Wi s h r a m I n d i a n s O n d i s p l a y a t t h e m u s e u m i s a w i d e v a r i e t y o f p e t r o g l y p h s , b a s k e t s , t o o l s , a n d j e w e l r y h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e c r e a t i v i t y a n d b e a u t y o f S k a m a n i a ’s F i r s t P e o p l e W h i l e v i s i t i n g C G I C M l e a r n a b o u t t h e L e g e n d o f C o y o t e “ T h e C r e a t o r ” a n d Tsagaglalal “She Who Watches,” a female Indian Chief of the Wishram people frozen in time Look as well into local village life from fishing, plank homes, to the first Native A m e r i c a n Wo m a n i n Wa s h i n g t o n t o o w n land, Kalliah known as “Indian Mary ” Also, view a replica of the largest archaeological

find in Washington, “Clahclehlah” Village, w h e r e o n e h a l f a m i l l i o n a r t i f a c t s w e r e found and preserved

The museum is dedicated to preserving t h e s t o r i e s a n d c u l t u r e o f t h e C o l u m b i a River Gorge and the incredible people that t r a v e l e d a n d f o r g e d a p a t h t h r o u g h t i m e and rock It also features a Rosary Collec tion featured in the Guinness Book of World Records; a 1917 Curtiss Bi Plane, as well as Russian and Japanese heritage Learn how S k a m a n i a C o u n t y b e c a m e W a s h i n g t o n ’s first “Sasquatch Refuge,” and why 1,000s of c o u p l e s h a v e a n x i o u s l y r u n t o S t e v e n s o n to tie the knot

T h e M u s e u m i s o p e n s e v e n d a y s a w e e k , 9 a . m . t o 5 p . m . , f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n / a d m i s s i o n c o s t g o t o c o l u m b i agorge org Be on the lookout for CGICM’s M a s c o t “ G i f f o r d P Tw i g g s , ” t h e i r f r i e n d l y Sasquatch, as you dive into the rich history, g e o l o g y, a n d c u l t u r e o f t h e C o l u m b i a R i v e r G o r g e

White Pines Lodge

Mt. Morris, Illinois

White Pines Lodge is the hidden gem of Ogle County If you have never been to Mount Morris, Illinois, you now have a new reason to plan a trip there. One of life’s joys is finding a destination like this less than two hours f r o m C h i c a g o To u r g r o u p s t r u l y e n j o y t h e high quality entertainment brought to the stage of the Lodge’s Pines Dinner Theater Reservations are now being taken for 2023 matinees which include a delicious hot lunch buffet

This quaint, 1930’s era Lodge is nestled deep in the forest of White Pines State Park

The restaurant is known far and wide for its delicious home style cuisine, generous por tions and friendly staff Guests enjoy tasty homemade dishes for breakfast, lunch or din ner in this treasured landmark Whether you a r e s t o p p i n g b y o n a m o t o r c o a c h o r f o r a family outing, wedding reception, business retreat, or Christmas party, White Pines takes

pride in ensuring that every guest who steps t h r o u g h t h e d o o r h a s a g r e a t e x p e r i e n c e A d j a c e n t t o t h e l a n d m a r k r e s t a u r a n t i s a charming and rustic gift shop filled with jew elry, locally made soaps, nostalgic gift items and souvenirs which will become precious mementos

A s t h e l u s h g r e e n c a n o p y o f s u m m e r begins to turn to fall, a walk in the park is a w o n d e r f u l w a y t o s p e n d a f e w h o u r s o u t d o o r s s o a k i n g u p t h e a w e s o m e c o l o r s o f autumn

A u t h e n t i c , c o z y l o g c a b i n s p r o v i d e overnight lodging just a stone’s throw from t h e l o d g e N a t u r a l b e a u t y a b o u n d s w i t h m i l e s o f h i k i n g t r a i l s t h a t c r i s s c r o s s o v e r bubbling streams and along moss covered l i m e s t o n e b l u f f s T h i s l ov e l y d e s t i n a t i o n i s ideal for relaxation, romantic escapes, fam i l y o u t i n g s , c o r p o r a t e r e t r e a t s , w e d d i n g receptions and weekend getaways Be sure t o v i s i t a t C h r i s t m a s t i m e , w h e n y o u c a n t a k e a h o r s e d r aw n w a g o n r i d e, v i s i t w i t h Santa, buy a freshly cut Christmas tree and m o r e

Discover White Pines Lodge, where you w i l l fi n d t i m e t o r e l a x a n d u n w i n d i n t h i s

peaceful forest Phone (815) 655 2400 or go to visitwhitepines com for details q

White Pines Lodge

Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky – Photo by Newport Aquarium

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Cincinnati, Ohio – Photo by Robert Webber

The Beast Roller Coaster at Kings Island, Mason, Ohio – Photo by Kings Island

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio – Photo by Mark BealerNorthern Kentucky Skyline with Roebling Suspension Bridge – Photo by Liz Dufour

Ark Encounter, Williamstown, Kentucky – Photo by Ark Encounter

20 Ti ps For Succ es s in the Student market

Beforehand

1. Know Your Demographics. Different areas have different needs, and how field trips are handled even form school to school in the same district can vary a great deal 2 . Te a c h i n g E x p e r i e n c e . I f y o u c a n , g e t someone with teaching experience who has p u t t o g e t h e r s t u d e n t t r i p s a n d a d d t h e m t o your company Retired teachers are usually great for this You could also find people who are currently teachers and get them onboard Teachers are always looking for ways to earn m o n e y a n d d o a t t h e s a m e t i m e s o m e t h i n g that many of them love.

3 . Te a c h e r C o n f e r e n c e s . E x h i b i t a t teacher conferences There are some national c o n f e r e n c e s , s o m e r e g i o n a l s a n d t h o s e f o r e a c h s t a t e I f o u n d t h e s t a t e o n e s t o b e t h e most helpful You should target not only your own, but those states surrounding you The ones to aim for are music, social studies, sci ence and English You can pick up a lot of great l e a d s t h i s w a y G o o n l i n e t o fi n d o u t w h e r e they are for your area Also, join SYTA (Stu dent and Youth Travel Association). They have a lot of knowledge to impart and their fams are very good This could be a great recruit ment opportunity

4. School Districts and Getting Paid. Understand that working with school districts and getting paid could be a problem Some want to pay when the trip is over, but that is getting less and less common Do not do any thing until you have a non refundable deposit

You can work for ages on something (as with most of the travel business) and end up with nothing. Do not give out too much informa tion ahead of time Wait for the deposit What some teachers do is get all your info and then u s e t h a t k n o w l e d g e t o p l a n t h e t r i p t h e m selves Do not be surprised if they cancel at the last minute Yes you have a great contract, but try collecting from a school district that does not want to pay You are probably not going to get anywhere

5. Work With a Minimum. Work with a minimum number of students that must be paid for before the trip is a go. Never make it the full amount of the seats on the bus Make sure you set aside seats for comp chaperones and factor that into your pricing Always keep two seats for things you need to take with you This should include a “to go bag ”

6. Plan Ahead. Give the lead teacher any i n f o y o u t h i n k i s n e e d e d b e f o r e h a n d T h i s should include what should be expected from the students, both on the bus, at attractions, a t r e s t a u r a n t s a n d i n a h o t e l , i f a p p l i c a b l e Advise the teacher to have a health sheet on each student each chaperone should have it for the group and the lead teacher should have a master copy They should check with t h e i r n u r s e ’s o f fi c e a b o u t m e d i c a t i o n s a n d what school policy is concerning them They s h o u l d a l s o h a v e a c o n t a c t s h e e t i f a parent/guardian needs to be contacted, espe cially on overnights The teacher should also have every student’s cell number Advise the

by Paulette Isoldi

t e a c h e r t o h a v e a c e l l p h o n e p o l i c y t h a t i n c l u d e s w h e n t h e y c a n b e u s e d a n d w h e n they must be shut off.

Buses

7. Check Out the Bus Company. Check out your bus company beforehand Most dri vers must have a state approved license for transporting students Some school districts will inspect the bus(es) before they leave for the trip If they do not pass this inspection, the bus(es) will not move and you will be left hold ing the bag

8 . L i n k t o S t a t e S t a n d a rd s . Teachers love it when you have done your homework a n d c a n l i n k t h e t r i p t o s t a t e s t a n d a r d s Having worksheets for the teacher on places b e i n g v i s i t e d c a n b e v e r y h e l p f u l t o t h e m M a n y a t t r a c t i o n s a l r e a d y h a v e t h e m ; j u s t a s k

9. Escorts and Expectations. If you are not personally guiding the trip, make sure your escorts are familiar with everything you have done and what your expectations are Make sure they have 24/7 contact numbers if there are any questions or problems

1 0 . S t a r t b y G o i n g O v e r t h e R u l e s . Make sure before you leave your embarkation place the teacher goes over the rules of the b u s U n l e s s t h e r e i s a p r o b l e m , a d v i s e t h e t e a c h e r t o h a v e s e a t s t h e s a m e t h r o u g h o u t the trip This makes it easier for them to take attendance and cuts down on unnecessary spreading of germs

11. Breaking into Groups. Advise the teacher to break down the groups into fours or fives four is best if you are staying in a hotel where there are usually four to a room, five for a day trip Then have a student group leader for each one. This should be a very responsible person Every time the teacher takes attendance, that person just needs to ask those leaders if their people are present It makes things a lot easier and much quicker Remember you still need to double check The stories I could tell you about students being left behind are legendary

12. Gift Bags. Have a little gift bag for each student which includes wipes, water, a mask, a pair of gloves and perhaps some i n d i v i d u a l s n a c k s . M o s t k i d s l o v e f o o d b u t c h e c k f i r s t f o r a l l e r g i e s n o p e a n u t s Yo u m i g h t a l s o w a n t t o h a v e l i t t l e p r i z e s f o r v a r i o u s t h i n g s t h a t g o o n t h r o u g h o u t t h e t r i p

1 3 G a r b a g e H a v e g a r b a g e b a g s throughout the bus and make sure a garbage run is done periodically Part of the trip should b e k i d s l e a r n i n g h o w t o b e h a v e T h i s i s a prime example of them learning to clean up a f t e r t h e m s e l v e s t h i s s h o u l d a l s o b e addressed to the teacher(s) ahead of time. C u r r e n t b u s e s c o s t a g r e a t d e a l o f m o n e y, and if you have a good relationship with your bus company, you do not want to ruin it with messy and unruly children

Attractions

14. Understand the Rules. Make sure you and the teacher(s) understand the rules of e a ch pl ac e be in g v is it ed , p art i cu l ar l y i n regard to COVID Some attractions have stu dent/teacher ratios that must be met. Some will not allow backpacks in Others will not allow food All this must be researched ahead of time Read your attractions’ contracts very carefully

Hotels

1 5 . H o t e l R u l e s . I f s t a y i n g w i t h y o u r g r o u p a t a h o t e l , e s t a b l i s h r u l e s a h e a d o f time Make sure you understand what ameni

t i e s a r e b e i n g p r o v i d e d I f m o r e t h a n o n e night, will the room be cleaned each day? It is very important that students understand that there are things in the room that are not souvenirs such as pillows, irons, remotes, etc. On checking out make sure each room is acceptable ” If not, bring those students b a c k i n t o m a k e i t s o M a n y h o t e l s n o w require the hiring of a security guard or one or more teachers being on duty throughout the night

1 6 . L i g h t s O u t . M a k e s u r e t h e l e a d teacher understands that it is not acceptable for students to be heard once “lights out” is c a l l e d T h e y m u s t b e aw a r e t h a t t h e r e a r e other people staying at the hotel and those people have the right to a good night’s sleep.

17. Keeping Together Or Not. When possible, and it is not always possible, try to have your students in a bloc Make sure that boys and girls rooms do not have adjoining inside doors

18. Convention Hotel. If you are going t o a c o nv e n t i o n , I n e v e r w o u l d s t a y a t t h e c o n v e n t i o n h o t e l T h i s l e a d s t o t o o m u c h intermingling with other schools and could be a major problem

Overall

19. Staying Informed. Keep the lead teacher informed at all times of what is going on, but always put a positive spin on things Yo u w a n t t o b e a s u p b e a t a s p o s s i b l e a n d make them feel you are in control of the sit u a t i o n e v e n i f t h i n g s m i g h t n o t b e a s t h e y should be

20. Good Luck. Breaking into this niche is not easy Once you get a good track record, you are probably set up for repeat business for many years

If you have any comments, suggestions, questions, concerns or need any help planning a student trip, e mail Paulette Isoldi, Paul Marc Tours at paul marc@verizon net q

Down The Road

Coming events of interest to readers of BUS TOURS MAGAZINE. Submissions for the department should be directed to the editor Unless otherwise indicated, events are not open to the general public

November 13 16, 2022. Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) Marketplace. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Nevada

January 12 16, 2023 UMA Motorcoach Expo 2023. Orlando, Florida

more infor mation view motorcoach expo com

Detroit, Michigan

Paulette Isoldi has been in the travel indus try since 1974 She and her husband started t h e i r o w n t o u r c o m p a n y i n 1 9 9 2 c a l l e d P a u l M a r c T o u r s S i n c e t h e n , t h e y h a v e taken people to visit 41 states and many dif ferent countries Their specialties are reunion groups, student groups and “foodies ” Please feel free to send feedback and suggestions to paul marc@verizon net Suggestions on how to get more people visiting bustours magazine.com Web site and getting loca tions to invite bus tours are welcome

Rocky Gap offers a tranquil spa, salon, fit ness center and a spacious indoor swimming pool, open year round The Spa at Rocky Gap offers guests a variety of indulgent services, including massages, facials, salon services, manicures, pedicures and waxing services. A popular favorite includes Rocky Gap’s sig nature spa massage with warm stones and a r o m a t h e r a p y, p e r f e c t a f t e r a l o n g d a y o f adventure or golf

There is plenty of adventure year round, as well, at Rocky Gap’s casino, where there a r e t h r i l l s t o b e h a d w h i l e p l a y i n g s l o t machines or table games and while cheer i n g f o r s p o r t s t e a m s i n t h e b r a n d n e w sports viewing lounge, which features a full LED TV wall. View the Web site at rockygapcasino com; p h o n e ( 3 0 1 ) 7 8 4 8 4 0 0 o r e m a i l Wanda Holtschneider@goldenent com for more information q

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

Title of Publication: Bus Tours Magazine Publication No 0199 6096 Date of Filing: 9/13/22 Issue Frequency: Bi monthly No of Issues Published Annually: 6 Annual Subscription Price: $15 U S , $20 Canada & International Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication and Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 9698 W Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064 Contact Person: Larry Plachno Telephone: (815) 946 2341 Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Larry J. Plachno, 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Owner: National Bus Trader, Inc , Larry J Plachno, 9698 W Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064 Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None Tax Status: Has not change during the preceding 12 months Extent and Nature of Circulation: Total No Copies: Average No Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 7,858; Actual Number Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 8,050 Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1) Paid /Requested Outside County: Average: 5,497; Actual: 5,406) Paid/Requested In County: Average: 6; Actual: 6 3) Paid distribution outside the mails: Average: 105; Actual 97) Paid distribution by other classes of mail: Average: 76; Actual 95 Total paid distribution: Average: 5 , 6 8 4 ; Ac t u a l 5 , 6 0 4 No n re q u e s t e d d i s t r i b u t i o n : 1 ) Ou t s i d e County: Average: 2,077; Actual: 2,286 2) In county: Average: 0; Actual 0. 3) Mailed at other classes through the USPS: Average: 0; Actual: 0 4) Outside the mail: Average: 68; Actual: 125 Total free or nominal rate distribution: Average 2,145; Actual: 2,411 Total distribution: Average: 7,829; Actual: 8,015 Copies not distributed: Average: 29; Actual: 35 Total: Average: 7,858; Actual: 8,050 Per cent Paid: Average: 72 60%; Actual: 69 92% Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: Average: 3,068; Actual: 3,226 Total Requested and Paid Print Copies + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies: Average: 8 , 7 5 2 ; A c t u a l : 8 , 8 3 0 . To t a l R e q u e s t e d C o p y D i s t r i b u t i o n +

. . Got News? The staff at Bus Tours Magazine is always looking for news releases with dates at least six months ahead for bus tours and bus tour planners. Please send them in Word or PDF format with a high res photo to the address below. Bus Tours Magazine editorial@busmag.com Or phone: (815) 946-2341

Adirondack Railroad Advertiser ’s Index

City

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce

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.