Bus Tours Magazine Volume XLIV, Number 4 March - April 2023

Los Angeles Crusade display at the Billy Graham Library

16

MARCH/APRIL 2023

Volume XLV, Number 4

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

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Guides

4 RAIL & SAIL

Tr a i n a n d b o a t r i d e s a r e t r a d i t i o n a l favorites of bus tour passengers Riding the rails and waterways provides e x c i t i n g n e w a d v e n t u r e s a n d n e w scenery for your passengers Here are some places that are inviting your next bus tour

10 GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT

Bus tour passengers are always looking for excitement and entertainment

G a m i n g c a n k e e p t o u r p a s s e n g e r s busy for hours while good entertainment will make them remember your bus tour Here are some suggestions

16 ZOOS & GARDENS

It is always interesting to watch furry creatures at the zoo as well as intere s t i n g a n d a t t r a c t i v e g a r d e n s a n d botanical exhibits Consider these popular locations for your next bus tour itinerary

Features

13 PRESIDENTIAL LOCATION

In addition to being a tribute to President Ronald Reagan, his Presidential L i b r a r y a n d M u s e u m i n C a l i f o r n i a offers a wide range of exhibits including the new display on Auschwitz and the Holocaust

19 ROSWELL, GEORGIA

Located near major interstate highways and just north of Atlanta, Roswell offers a great place for bus tours with interesting history including Barrington Hall, with the only antebellum gardens in the Metro Atlanta area open to the public and Bulloch Hall, connected to the Roosevelt presidential family

20 STUDENT TOUR LOCATIONS

Nicole Aspesi, a ninth grade student, writes about two locations that would be good additions to student tours

And More

21 20 TIPS FOR TOUR PLANNERS by Paulette

Isoldi

22 ADVERTISERS INDEX

Northeast bustoursmag@gmail com – (815) 946-2341 tourgroups@busmag com – (815) 946-2341

Southeast southeast@busmag com – (815) 946-2341

COVER PHOTO

The Detroit Princess Riverboat is the largest d i n n e r b o a t i n t h e M i d w e s t , w i t h c l i m a t econtrolled indoor seating for 1,200 passengers and multiple outdoor viewing decks She cruises the Detroit River from May into O c t o b e r e a c h y e a r D E T R O I T P R I N C E S S RIVERBOAT

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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 par t without the written consent of the publisher

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Tours Magazine / March, 2023

Rail & Sail

Conway Scenic Railroad New Hampshire

by Brian Solomon

Travel in style and comfort through New Hampshire’s White Mountains on Conway Scenic Railroad’s Mountaineer. This is a beautiful journey that offers splendid scenic views of the Mount Washington Valley and follows the Saco River to its headwaters at Crawford Notch

T h e t r a i n i s a n A m e r i c a n c l a s s i c t h a t recreates the experience of a 1950s transcont i n e n t a l s t r e a m l i n e r c o m p l e t e w i t h B u d d Vista domes – glass-topped passenger cars that offer panoramic views The Mountaineer runs seasonally providing a four- to five-hour round-trip railway journey and is ideal for bus groups and tours with options for oneway travel from either end of the run The line climbs after passing the old railroad town of Bartlett

The most magnificent scenery is toward the west end of the run, where the railroad c r o s s e s i t s t w o m o s t f a m o u s b r i d g e s , t h e curved Frankenstein trestle and the high Willey Brook Bridge that is situated among the

r o c k y c r a g s o f C r a w f o r d N o t c h C u l i n a r y services are available on board The most popular time to travel is during peak foliage season in October, but consider an off-peak a d v e n t u r e i n l a t e s p r i n g , e a r l y S e p t e m b e r a n d N o v e m b e r w h e n t h e t r a i n i s l e s s crowded

C o n w a y S c e n i c R a i l r o a d i s o n e N e w E n g l a n d ’s p r e m i e r t o u r i s t r a i l r o a d s a n d i t o p e r a t e s a v a r i e t y o f h e r i t a g e e x c u r s i o n s over portions of the former Boston & Maine and Maine Central lines This has aimed to i n s t i l l a l o v e f o r c l a s s i c r a i l r o a d t r a v e l i n generations of visitors The railroad maintains fleets of vintage locomotives and passenger cars that date back to railroading’s Golden Age and provide an authentic experience for visitors

Trains board at the restored Victorian-era Station at the center of North Conway village This gorgeous one-of-a-kind building was d e s i g n e d b y B o s t o n a r c h i t e c t N a t h a n i e l J

Bradlee (1829-1888) in a Russian revival style t h a t w a s e n v i s i o n e d a s a g a t e w a y t o t h e White Mountains

Station grounds include a classic roundhouse to store and maintain locomotives and an historic freight house that is home to the North Conway Model Railroad club that is open seasonally to visitors and recreates a v i s i o n o f t h e r a i l r o a d i n m i n i a t u r e a s i t appeared in the mid-20th century.

Michigan Princess

Lansing, Michigan

Board the Michigan Princess for a fun-filled experience on the water With convenient riverfront access, this classic paddlewheel boat features scenic views of Lansing’s local l a n d m a r k s a n d p r ov i d e s a n u n f o r g e t t a b l e way to enjoy an afternoon, evening or special occasion

The Michigan Princess is open year-round for private events and opens for public lunch and dinner or special event cruises from May through December Amenities include freshly prepared buffet-style dining, basic beverages, indoor/outdoor seating, entertainment and a f u l l - s e r v i c e c a s h b a r E n t e r t a i n m e n t includes Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, live bands, DJs and more

There are many public cruise dates and p r i v a t e e v e n t r e s e r v a t i o n s a v a i l a b l e T h e always-popular Fall Color Tours begin in Sept e m b e r w i t h a b u f f e t - s t y l e l u n c h e o n a n d entertainment to enjoy along with Lansing’s s e a s o n a l p i c t u r e - p e r f e c t c r i m s o n , o r a n g e and golden foliage on display

P l a n s p e c i a l e v e n t s o n t h e M i c h i g a n Princess year-round Share your vision with the team and they will fully customize your celebration with personalized packages No matter the occasion, guests can experience the beauty of Lansing dockside in Grand River Park and/or cruise on the Grand River. The triple-deck vessel creates a unique backdrop f o r w e d d i n g s , s h o w e r s , p r i v a t e p a r t i e s , fundraisers and corporate meetings During private events, guests can enjoy elegant dining settings and picturesque scenery Meals can be facilitated for up to 250 guests and the full-service cash bar is open with prepaid options available Whether you are planning a b i r t h d a y, r e c e p t i o n , s h o w e r , w e d d i n g ,

Conway Scenic Railroad

anniversary, class reunion, meeting, lunchin, or corporate mixer, give the team a call a n d c o m e s e e w h y e v e r y t h i n g i s b e t t e r o n the water

T h e M i c h i g a n P r i n c e s s h a s s e r v e d t h e G r e a t e r L a n s i n g a r e a f o r m o r e t h a n 3 0 years and continues to emphasize the cust o m e r e x p e r i e n c e S h e o p e r a t e s r a i n o r s h i n e w i t h a f u l l y - e n c l o s e d , c l i m a t e - c o nt r o l l e d e nv i r o n m e n t .

Reservations are available Contact for large group and association discount pricing P a r k i n g i s f r e e i n G r a n d R i v e r P a r k Restrooms are available dockside and on the boat The first level is ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible for passenger convenience Visit online at michiganprincess com or phone (517)627-2154 to book your ride

Rockhill Trolley Museum

Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania

Welcome to the Rockhill Trolley Museum, a “Living History Museum,” the first operating trolley museum in Pennsylvania Hear the “ding, ding” of the trolley bells and the “clickety-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 operating, restoring and maintaining trolleys and telling you history and stories about the troll e y s a n d e l e c t r i c r a i l w a y s Vi s i t t h e s t o r e, pavilion and workshop

Check RockhillTrolley org or phone 814 447-9576

Crawford County, Pennsylvania

Beautiful Crawford County is home to endless activities and diverse amenities Crawford

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Mighigan Princess

Rockhill Trolley Museum

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County, part of the Great Lakes Region, borders Ohio and is conveniently located right off PA I-79, 30 minutes north of Interstate 80, or 30 minutes south of I-90 Enjoy a great multiday trip, approved by the locals

Day 1

S t a r t y o u r d a y o f f i n L i n e s v i l l e “ W h e r e Ducks Walk on the Fish” at Pymatuning State Park’s “The Spillway” Throw bread and watch the frenzy of thousands of carp and ducks fight for the bread. Enjoy the picturesque State Park, and swing into town for Twin Pies Who does not love pie and coffee for breakfast?

The nearby town of Conneaut Lake showcases Conneaut Cellars Winery and Distillery

Enjoy a free tasting and a tour This winery has a large variety of high-quality, awardwinning wines and spirits Take your favorite b o t t l e a n d b o a r d h i s t o r i c B a r b a r a J S t e r nwheeler paddle boat The boat has an open u p p e r d e c k a n d a l o w e r e n c l o s e d r o o m t o view Pennsylvania’s largest glacial lake.

Enjoy lake front dining at Silver Shores Restaurant on beautiful Conneaut Lake

Day 2

Ride the historic Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad across “the Valley that Changed the World ” Enjoy fun Murder Mystery dinners or wine and brew events While they are famous for their fall scenic excursions, any time of

After the THREE-hour train ride, enjoy all that Titusville has to offer

Day 3

Visit the historic Meadville Market House

Built in 1870, this structure is the oldest, continuously operated market in Pennsylvania featuring many local vendors

To u r t h e B a l d w i n R e y n o l d s H o u s e Museum, built in 1843. The Mansion was the q u i n t e s s e n t i a l S o u t h e r n h o m e, l o c a t e d i n N o r t h w e s t e r n P e n n s y l v a n i a w i t h a h u g e national history impact Enjoy a daily tours, dinner theaters, lectures, music and more

U n w i n d a t a n y o f t h e l o c a l r e s t a u r a n t s such as Voodoo Brewery, Riverside Brewing, D a v e n p o r t o r J u l i a n ’s , w h i c h f e a t u r e l i v e music entertainment most nights

For more information including accommodations, events and additional itineraries, g o t o V i s i t C r a w f o r d . o r g o r p h o n e ( 8 1 4 ) 3 3 3 - 1 2 5 8 Tr y d o w n l o a d i n g o u r n e w a p p while on the site

Boothbay

Railway Village Museum

Boothbay, Maine

Step back in time for a peek at Maine and the way life used to be Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind vintage

Crawford County

steam or diesel locomotives, surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a superb collection of more than 60 antique automobiles

Spend a fun-filled day discovering 35 acres of Maine history brought to life. The Boothbay Railway Village Museum features more than two dozen historic buildings and structures, including Boothbay Town Hall (1847), Freeport Station (1911), Thorndike Station (1871) and Spruce Point Chapel (1927)

The Village structures are open for visitors to stroll through and experience real life history Each building is filled with unique collections, some of which are original to the building The Village exhibits surround a fouracre Village Green, offering a scenic place to r e l a x , h a v e a p i c n i c o r f o r c h i l d r e n t o r u n around and play

The extraordinary Model Railroad display is a sight to behold for all ages, with ever growing and intricate detail representing railroading in Maine during the 1950s & 60s housed in a replica of a historic Maine freight station The d i s p l a y f e a t u r e s 6 0 0 f e e t o f t r a c k s a n d turnouts, both standard and narrow gauge, on 3 5 scale mile main line and a 46x 20 layout

The Antique Auto Museum features more than 60 vehicles on display, dating from 1902

1962, illustrating technological advances and engineering feats that helped make cars accessible to the masses The collection also includes vintage gas pumps, oil cans, service manuals, and other automotive ephemera

The Iron Horse Antiques & General Store is located at the museum entrance, featuring

h e i r l o o m s , a r t , g i f t s , t o y s a n d s n a c k s T h e museum is located just 10 minutes from one of Maine's most picturesque Harbor villages, offering endless opportunities for shopping, dining and boating The museum offers special rates for groups, as well as steam shop tours and customized packages

So much more than a spectacular train ride – come explore early village life in Maine and all the unique museum collections.

Galesburg, Illnois

E x p e r i e n c e m o r e – m o r e c r a v e - w o r t h y food, more history, more art and those unexpected adventures crafted just for you

Established in 1835, Galesburg has a rich and explorable history Much of that great history is centered around the railroad indust r y H e a d o v e r t o t h e G a l e s b u r g R a i l r o a d Museum to experience the heart and soul of railroading from 1854 to present day Take a tour of a 1930 Baldwin built 4-6-4 Hudson 3006 locomotive, as well as a complete 1930 caboose While there, make sure to see the full-size granite statue of President Abraham Lincoln located at the Amtrak station adjacent to the museum

Continuing in the “Land of Lincoln,” you can discover the impact President Abraham L i n c o l n h a d o n o u r n a t i o n a n d h i s i m p o r -

Boothbay Railway Village Museum

Galesburg

tance to the history of Galesburg by visiting “ O l d M a i n ” o n t h e K n o x C o l l e g e c a m p u s

On October 7, 1858, Old Main was the sett i n g f o r t h e f i f t h a n d f i n a l L i n c o l n - D o u g l a s D e b a t e T h i s h i s t o r i c a l l a n d m a r k i s t h e o n l y r e m a i n i n g b u i l d i n g f r o m t h e d e b a t e s .

In addition to being part of the “Land of Lincoln,” Galesburg is also part of the Ronald Reagan Trail See the boyhood home of the former President as you visit the historical landmarks that played a vital role in Reagan’s early life in Illinois

Speaking of boyhood homes, make sure y o u t a k e a t o u r o f t h e b i r t h p l a c e o f o u r n a t i v e s o n a n d P u l i t z e r P r i z e w i n n i n g author, Carl Sandburg at the Carl Sandburg S t a t e H i s t o r i c S i t e . W a l k t h r o u g h t h e w o o d e d p a r k a n d g a r d e n w h e r e S a n d b u r g a n d h i s w i f e l i e b e n e a t h “ R e m e m b r a n c e R o c k ” Ta k e t i m e t o a l s o v i s i t G a l e s b u r g ’s public square to see the beautiful statue of C a r l S a n d b u r g a n d N e l l i e t h e G o a t b y a c c l a i m e d a r t i s t L o n n i e S t e w a r t

If art is your love, a must-see is the Galesburg Community Arts Center – a place where e v e r y o n e c a n c o n n e c t a n d e x p e r i e n c e t h e arts through art-making, appreciation and events If making art is your idea of a great time, then definitely check out Art Defined. There you can create your own work-of-art with pottery, ceramics, canvas and more

T h e r e i s n o s h o r t a g e o f t h i n g s t o d o i n Galesburg, the hardest part is deciding what to do first

Terry Byson Ranch

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Come enjoy a steak or burger fry and the amazing Bison herd

The size of the ranch now is 27,500 acres and stretches into Colorado It is owned by the Thiel family

In 1987, Dan Thiel incorporated under the name of Horseshoe Bison, Inc The company started as a small bison meat distribution and horse trading company The two things on earth

that have always saved Thiel when the chips were down, were and still are, horses and bison

I f y o u n o t i c e t h e l o g o , t h e h o r s e s h o e i s pointing upward This is so the luck does not run out Today Horseshoe Bison operates as a trail ride and train tour operation. The train operates in both Wyoming and Colorado The Terry Town Rail Express is Wyoming's only privately-owned tourist railroad, and operates on standard gauge rail

H o r s e s h o e B i s o n , I n c o p e r a t e s o n t h e Terry Bison Ranch Resort, and this location was the south headquarters for the Warren L i v e s t o c k C o m p a n y T h e 7 X L b r a n d i s s t i l l owned by the Warren Livestock Company

The 7XL stable is the location used by Horseshoe Bison for daily trail rides. History books claim the reason 7XL was chosen as a brand is because the cowboys would often have a big night on the town Legend has it, if the c o w b o y s h a d t o o m u c h t o d r i n k t h e n i g h t before and they accidentally flipped the brand over, it would still read 7XL q

Gaming and Entertainment

Atlantic City

A t l a n t i c C i t y w e l c o m e s o n e a n d a l l t o the seaside destination, where local spirits a r e c o n n e c t e d , a n d t h e c e l e b r a t i o n s a r e u n f o r g e t t a b l e

Nestled between the land and sea, experience Atlantic City’s unique location Located within one-third of the nation’s population, Atlantic City’s convenient location allows for visitors and attendees to travel in the comfort of a car or fly directly to the Atlantic City International Airport, which is within 12 miles of Atlantic City or the Philadelphia International Airport, which is within 60 miles of Atlantic City Once arrived, hop on the Atlantic City Jitney Powered by compressed natural gas, Jitney’s are Atlantic City’s most convenient and affordable mode of transportation With a variety of transportation options, Atlantic City aims to make your next visit easily accessible

Wi t h m o r e t h a n 1 7 , 5 0 0 fi r s t - c l a s s h o t e l rooms, Atlantic City is an exceptional place to lodge Whether in the Marina District or situated on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, a stay at one of the nine casino resorts will guarantee a memorable experi-

ence Along with precise guest services and waterside elegance, each casino resort showcases panoramic views of Atlantic City from every angle

E n h a n c e y o u r A t l a n t i c C i t y e x p e r i e n c e with the support from the Atlantic City community Throughout our eclectic 48 blocks, visitors can discover Atlantic City’s diverse neighborhoods, each rich with art, culture a n d a h i s t o r y o f i t s o w n T h e A t l a n t i c C i t y locals continue to lead in the ever-changing d e s t i n a t i o n w i t h m i s s i o n s t o c e l e b r a t e Atlantic City’s authenticity, which is reflected in locally-owned businesses and culturallyfilled events

F r o m g r o u p - b o n d i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o evening adventures, Atlantic City is ready to celebrate life’s greatest moments with thrilling year-round events and attractions Gather your group and try a throw at Westecunk Axe Throwing for your group to experience the sport of axe throwing in a safe, comfortable and modern open space setting For live entertainment, score front row seats at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall as entertainment’s biggest and most successful acts take the stage End-

less excitement continues at Atlantic City’s casino resorts where nightlife and late-night experiences are always celebrated

Wi t h c o n s t a n t e x c i t e m e n t a n d e n d l e s s entertainment, a variety of services for the ultimate well-being recharge can be found at one of Atlantic City’s world-class spas Treat yourself and your group to the illuminating spa services for a journey of peace and relaxation

Being pampered at one of Atlantic City’s spas is not only a luxury, but a necessity to recharge and enjoy the many energetic events during your Atlantic City experience

K n o w n f o r i t s t h r i v i n g c u l i n a r y s c e n e , Atlantic City welcomes all to explore the city’s famous dining establishments Ranging from celebrity chef restaurants to locally-owned eateries, Atlantic City’s restaurants are well equipped to accommodate special events for l a r g e o r s m a l l g r o u p s , s e r v e d i n u n i q u e s p a c e s W h e n v i s i t i n g A t l a n t i c C i t y, c o m e hungry because the diverse cuisine selections will surely satisfy those tastebuds

Atlantic City awaits your arrival as strides t o c e l e b r a t e a n d l e t l o o s e c o n t i n u e t o l i v e every day in Atlantic City

Atlantic City

The Colony, Texas

Just 20 minutes north of Dallas, nestled along 23 miles of shoreline, you will find a uniquely tranquil getaway complemented by metropolitan luxuries The Colony offers a variety of outdoor excursions, world-class restaurants and lively entertainment you will not find anywhere else in Texas.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Lewisville Lake’s abundance of recreational opportunities Travelers can stretch their legs along miles of shoreline trails or explore the waters on a guided paddleboard tour for a fresh air escape Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches or cast off on a rented party boat for a sunset cruise

While becoming a hub for international restaurants, The Colony’s diverse dining scene offers cuisines for every palate with settings ranging from casual to fine dining Many restaurants in the city feature menus with seasonal specialties crafted from regional produce for a truly local taste Eat your way through dozens of culinary adventures, r a n g i n g f r o m Te x a s s m o k e h o u s e b a r b e c u e t o a u t h e n t i c J a p a n e s e ramen

Grandscape, one of North Texas’ largest entertainment and shopping districts, features a wide variety of retail experiences sure to i m p r e s s S h o p p e r s w i l l b e i n aw e o f t h e m a g n i t u d e o f t h e Wo r l d ’s Largest All Sports Store and Nation’s Largest Home Furnishing Store, both offering more than the names suggest With a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, Wildlife Mountain and more than 80 specialty departments, SCHEELS is a must-see in The Colony Additionally, The Homestead at Grandscape wows with a collection of artisans and boutiques specializing in crafts like leatherwork and candle making

In the evenings, The Colony comes alive with a vivid live music and micro brewing scene Visitors can catch a show at Truck Yard’s honky-tonk stage, party like a rock star at Lava Cantina or feel transported in the intimate lounge at Windmills Grandscape’s expansive indoor-outdoor setting also features high-energy outlets including Andretti Indoor Karting, Puttery and The Lawn, with easily accessible parking and walkability for groups

Plan your next tour with sample itineraries on the Visit The Colony a p p , a v a i l a b l e i n t h e A p p S t o r e a n d G o o g l e P l a y, a n d VisitTheColonyTX com E-mail visitthecolony@thecolonytx gov or phone (972) 624-5253 for more information

Historic White Pines Lodge Mt. Morris, Illinois

W h i t e P i n e s L o d g e i s t h e h i d d e n g e m o f O g l e C o u n t y I f y o u h a v e n e v e r b e e n t o M o u n t M o r r i s , I l l i n o i s , y o u n o w h a v e a n e w r e a s o n t o p l a n a t r i p t h e r e T h e y a r e o p e n i n g f o r t h e s e a s o n o n M a r c h 3 , 2 0 2 3 w i t h d i n i n g , l o d g i n g a n d a f u l l s c h e d u l e o f m u s i c a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t

One of life’s joys is finding a destination like this less than two hours from Chicago Tour groups truly enjoy the high-quality enter-

tainment brought to the stage of the Lodge’s Pines Dinner Theater. Tributes to Gordon Lightfoot and Red Skelton are a few of the tale n t e d s h o w s o n t h e s c h e d u l e R e s e r v a t i o n s a r e n o w b e i n g t a k e n for 2023 Matinees which include a delicious hot lunch buffet

This quaint, 1930s 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 portions and friendly staff Guests enjoy tasty homemade dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner in this treasured

The Colony

Guide: Gaming & Enter tainment

White Pines Lodge

landmark Whether you are stopping by on a motorcoach or for a family outing, wedding r e c e p t i o n , b u s i n e s s r e t r e a t , o r C h r i s t m a s p a r t y, W h i t e P i n e s t a k e s p r i d e i n e n s u r i n g that every guest who steps through the door has a great experience Adjacent to the landmark restaurant is a charming and rustic gift shop filled with jewelry, 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, a walk in the park is a wonderful way to spend a few hours outdoors soaking up the photo-worthy scenes of the season

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 the lodge Natural beauty abounds with miles of hiking trails that crisscross over bubbling streams and along moss-covered limestone b l u f f s T h i s l o v e l y d e s t i n a t i o n i s i d e a l f o r relaxation, romantic escapes, family outings, corporate retreats, wedding receptions and weekend getaways Be sure to visit at Christmastime, when you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit with Santa and more

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

Presidential Location

Pe r c h e d a t o p a h i l l w i t h s w e e p i n g views of the southland, the Ronald R e a g a n P r e s i d e n t i a l L i b r a r y a n d

Museum is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations Open since 1991, the galleries were designed to bring history

to life Where else in California can visitors walk onboard an actual Air Force One aircraft t h a t fl e w s e v e n U S p r e s i d e n t s , t o u c h a n

OVER 700 POWERFUL, ORIGINAL ARTIFACTS

Opening March 24, 2023 - Sellouts Expected

Group tickets can be purchased at visitorservices@reaganfoundation.org

Tickets include admission into the Reagan Museum and Air Force One Pavilion

Exhibit made possible thanks to presenting underwriter Ambassador Gordon Sondland

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation

authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, see a fullsize replica of the White House Oval Office or lay a hand on a real steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center after 9-11?

Visitors may also enjoy the Library’s outdoor grounds, where you can stroll through

a replica of the White House Rose Garden or t h e W h i t e H o u s e We s t L a w n , o r p a y y o u r r e s p e c t s a t P r e s i d e n t a n d M r s R e a g a n ’s Memorial Site

From Air Force One to historic photos and video to interactive games to exquisite land-

scaped grounds, the Reagan Library is sure t o b e a f u n , e n t e r t a i n i n g a n d e d u c a t i o n a l experience for everyone, of every age, in your group

In addition, the Reagan Library features many world-class traveling exhibits In 2023,

the Reagan Library is hosting Auschwitz: Not Long Ago Not Far Away – an extraordinary collection of more than 700 original artifacts of immense historic and human value which w e r e d i r e c t w i t n e s s e s o f t h e h o r r o r s o f Auschwitz and the Holocaust. These objects serve as the guiding thread of a rigorous and moving account on the history of the German Nazi camp Auschwitz and its dwellers, both victims and perpetrators For more information view ReaganLibrary com/Auschwitz

No book, no podcast, nor history lesson can prepare you for the impact and power this extraordinary collection of artifacts holds

“For the Holocaust deniers and doubters, t h i s e x h i b i t i s a s t a r k r e m i n d e r t h a t t r u t h cannot be compromised but must be faced head on and defended in every generation ”

David Lenga, Auschwitz Survivor

T h i s e x h i b i t i o n o p e n s a t t h e R e a g a n Library on March 24, 2023 This is the only location on the West Coast to house this exhib i t i o n G r o u p s o f 2 5 o r m o r e r e c e i v e $ 5

o f f p e r t i c k e t To b o o k p l e a s e e - m a i l visitorservices@reaganfoundation org q

&KHJNOKFPJOLKGPM1F8OHKNGHPJAON8@APJAM #JEP(ONK1P"LCCM/P ON5P$HFMNCL,P!%E 'ON84HPLG9PFALOJMOHPBMCFN5MEP 0;I7D-I7??:2P P6LO6*JOLKGOK9MENO@ BBBEJOLKGOK9MENO@

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• Railroads

• Restaurants

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• Museums

Zoos and Gar dens

Zoo Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia

One of Atlanta’s oldest cultural institutions, Zoo Atlanta, is located in historic Grant Park, with easy access to the city’s fine dining, a c c o m m o d a t i o n s a n d o t h e r d o w n t o w n attractions The Zoo hosts more than 1,000 animals from around the world, including a wide variety of birds, primates, big cats and large mammals such as African elephants, giraffes and southern white rhinos. Guests can also have a hands-on animal experience with goats and sheep in the petting zoo

Notably, Zoo Atlanta presents a rare example to see giant pandas in the U S , and this species represents the Zoo’s most significant investment in wildlife conservation The Zoo also features one of North America’s largest populations of great apes, including gorillas and orangutans Zoo Atlanta is home to the

U S headquarters of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International in support of their work for gorillas and human communities in Africa In addition to these and other conservation efforts, Zoo Atlanta donates 25 cents of every general admission to programs for wildlife t h r o u g h Q u a r t e r s f o r C o n s e r v a t i o n Vi s i t zooatlanta org/conservation for a full list of conservation projects and partnerships

Beyond its robust animal collection, Zoo A t l a n t a h o s t s a n e x c i t i n g l i n e u p o f s p e c i a l events, from family opportunities for people of all ages to over-21 beer, wine and cocktail events

Zoo Atlanta loves hosting groups Groups of 15, up to a maximum of 50 paying guests, may receive a discounted group rate Special group rates are available for advance bookings, which can be arranged up to a year in advance To receive a group rate, one person

must pay for the entire party, and the group is required to enter the Zoo together

The Zoo looks forward to welcoming your group to experience conservation in action Visit zooatlanta org to plan your group’s visit today

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a world-renowned botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan Ranked by Art Newspaper as the top 45th most-visited art museum in the world, this international destination features bountiful gardens and more than 200 permanent collection works – indoors and outdoors Meijer Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, nature or gardening The park is open

Zoo Atlanta

year-round and is accessible to visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities

The 158-acre, fully accessible main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930sera farm garden; an eight-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture and a 1,900-seat outdoor Amphitheater Garden, s h o w c a s i n g a n e c l e c t i c m i x o f w o r l drenowned touring musicians each summer The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally-acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Michele Oka Donor, Beverly Pepper, Jaume

Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE and Ai Weiwei, among others Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhi-

Visit Us For A Breath of Fresh Air And A Blooming Delightful Experience!

Come enjoy the beauty of 30 acres of stunning gardens, sparkling fountains, peaceful meadows and wooded trails. Experience the colorful wonder of the William H. Williamson III Orchid Conservatory. Explore Lost Hollow Children’s Garden – for the young and young at heart. And, be sure to visit our gift shop for beautifully unique treasures before you leave!

bitions have hosted shows by Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Laura Ford, Richard Hunt, Rebecca Louise Law, Pablo Picasso, George Segal and others

Self-guided and docent-led tours are available for groups of 10 or more who also enjoy discounted admission A narrated outdoor tram tour runs seasonally, March through December Plan at least a few hours for visiting, to tour and to enjoy the James & Shirley Balk Café and the DeVos - Keeler Gift Shop q

Frederik Meijer Bent of Mind by Tony Cragg

Photo by Michael Moran

Roswell, Georgia

Greek Revival architecture in the country It is also listed as one of Atlanta’s 50 Most Beautiful Homes Barrington Hall has the only antebellum garden in metro Atlanta that is open to the public

Bulloch Hall, the home where Mittie Bulloch grew up, is another one of the Metro area’s most-recognized historic houses Here, she met a young man from the prominent Roosevelt family of New York and captured his heart. In this home, the couple wed at Christmas time in 1853 This was the union that produced U S President Teddy R o o s e v e l t T h e c o u p l e ’s o t h e r s o n , E l l i o t t , f a t h e r e d E l e a n o r, w h o became the wife of Franklin and served as our nation’s most beloved First Lady On the reconstructed service grounds are slave cabins and a carriage house One of the cabins showcases living quarters and exhibits that provide opportunities to explore and recognize the role of African Americans in the history of Roswell This exhibit is dedicated to their legacy

We l c o m e t o R o s w e l l , G e o r g i a – a t o w n s u r r o u n d e d b y nature and steeped in history. Roswell King’s decision to build a mill in an otherwise vacant part of the world led to a place connected to the Civil War, United States Presidents and an architect that designed much of Atlanta See it all through our guided and walking tours

Barrington Hall is the home of Barrington King, son of Roswell King, the founder of Roswell Built on the highest point overlooking the town, this home is recognized as one of the finest examples of

Smith Plantation is the home of Archibald Smith who traveled to Roswell in 1845 with his wife, children and 30 slaves They built their home on a 300+ acre plantation. Tragedy struck when Smith’s eldest son, Willie, was killed during the Civil War Smith Plantation is filled with the family’s original artifacts It is complete with a parson’s room and 10 original outbuildings, among them slave quarters and a spring house

These three homes are open to the public and offer guided and self-guided tours Visit visitroswellga com to learn more q

My n a m e i s N i c o l e A s p e s i I a m a ninth grade student at Indian Land High School in Lancaster, South Carolina In the coming issues of BUS T O U R S M AG A Z I N E , I w i l l b e i n t r o d u c i n g y o u t o p l a c e s t h a t w o u l d m a k e g r e a t s t u d e n t t r i p s .

As a student, I understand that finding the balance between fun and learning is crucial t o a n a m a z i n g fi e l d t r i p I h a v e d i s c ov e r e d two beautiful, educational places in my home state of South Carolina These locations are perfect for student bus tours

The Columbia Museum of Art is filled with fascinating pieces that will captivate young a n d o l d S t u d e n t s h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o c o n n e c t t h e a r t w o r k t o t h e i r c l a s s w o r k Ancient, Renaissance and modern time periods are just some of the historical ages represented in their fine exhibits, so kids will be a b l e t o s e e t h e m a s t e r p i e c e s t h a t r e l a t e t o what they have been learning throughout the year in many subjects but particularly their social studies classes School tours will last an hour with the opportunity to add on an exciting “hands-on” session where students

Student Tour Locations

can create their own art to take home The friendly staff also runs scavenger hunts and summer camps Resource guides and other infromation are available under “Educators” at columbianmuseum org

by Nicole Aspesi

The South Carolina State Museum is also perfect for students It can be both fun and memorable while also providing an educat i o n a l e x p e r i e n c e T h i s m u s e u m c o n t a i n s four floors covering art, tech, science, cultural and natural history It has a p l a n e t a r i u m t h a t o f f e r s shows throughout the day which are breathtaking and t h r i l l i n g a s y o u l o o k u p t o s e e t h e p l a n t s a n d s t a r s The history sections allow k i d s t o “ s t e p i n s i d e t h e past ” Among other things there is a recreated general s t o r e a n d s c h o o l a n d a n actual train Students will experience many awesome things they will not want to s t o p t a l k i n g a b o u t G o t o scmuseum org/education for more information

B o t h p l a c e s a l l o w f o r individual customization If you have any questions, em a i l m a n a g e m e n t @ b u smag com q

Columbia Museum of Art

South Carolina State Museum

20 T ips ( Things) To Kno w About Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus (CVBs)

by Paulette Isoldi

History

1 Milton J Carmichael was a reporter for the Detroit Journal Each morning he would look out his office window and see lots of businessmen going to work He thought if he could get more of them to visit, the city could rake in a lot of money He felt conventions would be the answer

2. Milton went around the country promoting Detroit and soon that convention business he longed for became a reality In 1896 a b u i l d i n g w a s e r e c t e d t o s u p p o r t h i s i d e a Unlike some people who want their work to be exclusive, he wanted to share his with others and this would lead to the International Association of Convention Bureaus

3 . B e t w e e n 1 9 0 4 a n d 1 9 1 0 , C l e v e l a n d , Atlantic City, Denver, St Louis, Louisville and Los Angeles each built their own

4. It was not until the 1980s that the idea was extended to include tourism for the people, and visitor centers began to spring up Up to that point, if you were planning trips, you did it all on your own With few cell phones and fewer cell sites particularly on the road, working without a CVB was a nightmare

5 . T h a n k g o o d n e s s t h e y h a v e b e c o m e widespread in the past 25 to 30 years and life h a s b e c o m e a l o t e a s e r f o r t h e t r a v e l / t o u r industry

6 . N o w t h e b u r e a u s s e r v i c e b o t h s e gments of travel As BUS TOURS MAGAZINE, our emphasis is on the touring

Background

7. Be aware that CVBs are known by a lot of different names including but not limited to D e s t i n a t i o n M a n a g e m e n t O r g a n i z a t i o n s ( D M O s ) , To u r i s t B u r e a u s a n d I n f o r m a t i o n Centers

8. As of the writing of this article, there are 424 convention and visitor bureaus in the United States

9. Their basic goal is to market tourism to a particular area so tourism and tourism dollars follow

1 0 . S o m e C V B s i n t h e U S n o w h a v e tourism marketing budgets greater than their respective state governments and that of the US Travel and Tourism Administration They are non-profit and get their funds form a variety of sources – the main one being public funding The most common of these is a hotel/motel tax However, some also use local grant money and many offer membership options to like industry companies such as hotels/motels, attractions, entertainment venues, shopping centers and restaurants In some cases lottery and casino gaming money taxes are used.

What They Do

11. The size and range of marketing activities vary greatly activities vary greatly depending on their mission statement The ultimate goal of all is to bring in as many tourism dollars as possible and thus provide economic growth for the area involved They offer help to not only the traveling public and journalists, but also

tour companies, buses, reunion groups, schools and anyone who needs their services

12. However, depending on how each is f u n d e d , h o w m u c h t h e y c a n o f f e r v a r i e s greatly An example: If you do mainly day trips and the CVB is funded by the hotel/motel tax, they can not give you as much help as an operator who does overnights “Heads on beds” is their motto

What You Can Expect

13. As with most things in life, there are some CVBs that are worth their weight in gold They go above and beyond the call of duty to help This could be because of the personnel and/or because that is what they are allowed to do Setting up individual site inspections of a n a r e a i s a c a s e i n p o i n t S o m e C V B s h e l p y o u p l a n t h e t r i p a n d m i g h t e v e n t a k e y o u around once you get to the area Others are only allowed to give you leads and you must do the planning and siting yourself

14. Some CVBs will supply you with a VIP attraction book for a site The first time I used o n e w a s i n t h e m i d - 8 0 s t h r o u g h t h e Va l l e y Forge CVB It had just been printed and my company was the test case Since then, I have used them in many other places We actually d e v e l o p e d o n e f o r R o c k H i l l / Yo r k C o u n t y, South Carolina

15. Beware of the fact that some CVBs do n o t k n o w t h e i r p r o d u c t C a s e i n p o i n t i s a weekend student trip I took to a major eastern coast city many years ago I did not have time

to site the hotel, there was no Internet, and I had to rely on the expertise of the tourism bureau What a mistake We had been touring the entire day and pulled up to the hotel late at night where we were scheduled to have a buffet dinner and then to bed for a busy next day When we approached the hotel, no lights were on When I entered the lobby, I knew something was wrong on seeing bars in front of the check-in desk It seems we were stayi n g a h i g h c r i m e a r e a N e e d l e s s t o s a y t h e dinner buffet was a joke – we ended up sending out for pizzas – and the rooms were intere s t i n g A f t e r t e l l i n g t h e h o t e l t o k e e p t h e breakfast I had planned for, we went to a fast food place and had a great time the rest of the day. That Monday when I called to complain, the CVB had no idea what I was talking about and could not have cared less This, of course, was a bureau I would not work with again, and in the future, groups who wanted to go there were talked out of it However, that was definitely an exception – most give their all to make you come to their region

16. CVBs give the best FAM trips

17. CVBs may provide your group with individual maps, brochures and little gifts, especially if you are staying overnight. They also can help you with itineraries – some prepackaged and some individual to your needs They can help you with timing and optimal times to go to their regions They can provide leads and contact info for any places you are going to visit

18. However, let us warn you, just as so many places now have problems with personnel so do some CVBs I never remember pre-COVID getting a voicemail when I called one of them. That has changed. Less money, the inability to find good people or even just breathing bodies has led to a longer lead time for responses for some This is a reality of today’s world and very rarely the fault of the C V B B e p a t i e n t a n d t h e y w i l l r e s p o n d a s soon as they can

1 9 . H o w e v e r, i t i s a l l w o r t h i t b e c a u s e according to the latest statistics form the US Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, tourism

revenues in the U S have increased to $10,110 million a year That is a lot of money

Final Recommendations

20 We just want to end with something you need to know. For many years we used the CVBs and their expertise When we got b a c k f r o m a t r i p , w e s e n t a t h a n k y o u b u t never really went any farther than that – until we worked as a receptive for a CVB and reali z e d t h a t w i t h o u t f e e d b a c k – t h e m o r e t h e b e t t e r – t h e y m i g h t g e t l e s s f u n d i n g T h e y need to justify their jobs Therefore, when we base a trip on the help of a CVB, we come back and write a detailed report on any or all of the following: number of people, rooms used and number of nights, attractions visited, entertainment seen, restaurants eaten at, places where the people shopped, gaming casinos stopped at, etc It is well worth the time and effort to do this

The following Web sites should help you concerning CVBs:

• T h e 5 0 S t a t e V i s i t o r ’s B u r e a u s –www detailorientedtraveler com/50-statevisitors

• The US CVB Directory/Cvent Destination Guide – www cvent com/rfp/us-cvbdirectory-84666a30191e

Special thanks to Maureen Powers of Visit Detroit for her expertise on the early history of CVBs

In future issues of the magazine we will be spotlighting CVBs that truly are noteworthy If you would like to recommend one, email me at paul-marc@verizon net with reasons why you think they should be included

I f y o u r C V B i s c h o s e n b e c a u s e o f y o u , y o u will win a $25 gift certificate

I e n c o u r a g e y o u r f e e d b a c k o n t h i s and any future articles. Highly welcomed are suggestions on topics you would like t o s e e c o v e r e d , a n d l o c a t i o n s t h a t w e l c o m e b u s t o u r s . P l e a s e e - m a i l paul-marc@verizon net q

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• Crawford County CVB

page 7

• Detroit Princess Riverboats

page 23

• Galesburg Tourism & Visitor’s Bureau

page 9

• Minnesota Transportation Museum

page 15

• Outlets of Mississippi

page 12

• Owatonna Area COC & Tourism

page 15

• Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation

page 13

• Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center

page 18

• Visit Roswell

page 19

9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064 Mar ch/April, 2023