Byways Magazine May 2010

Featuring North America始s Leading Travel Destinations

Traveling South The Great Faces & Places of South Dakota

Taste & Explor Hampton Inn/Woods The Yellow Barn

American Celebration

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Indoor Pool at Hampton Inn

on Parade

doah Caverns The Grottos at Shenan

Thrilling visitors from around the world, Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern in Virginia with elevator service! Explorers of every age and ability will discover an underground world of wonder. With level walkways and no stairs to climb, only the sights are breathtaking. The Family of Attractions includes amazing parade floats and presidential inaugural props at American Celebration on Parade. Delightful antique animated department store window displays on Main Street of Yesteryear. Experience the live indoor beehive and model trains in motion at the Yellow Barn. Four attractions at one low price! Open every day except Dec. 25th. www.shenandoahcaverns.com 2 • Byways

re Shenandoah Hampton Inn & Suites, Woodstock, VA has achieved #1 in Virginia and #5 in the nation, voted by our guests! The Hampton Inn & Suites strives to make each guest feel as comfortable as they can.

Everyone should feel as though this is their home away from home. With an indoor heated pool, 92 rooms (including 30 luxurious suites), wireless Internet, and 32” flat screen TVs, the Hampton Inn/Woodstock is the newest, most exclusive hotel in the Shenandoah Valley. It is located in the quaint, historic town of Woodstock, and central to many of the Valley’s breathtaking and unique attractions, including Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah Caverns and many Civil War Battlefield sites. Located just 15 miles from Bryce Resort, check out the new overnight Bryce Golf Packages from just $99.00 per person, double occupancy. www.hamptoninnwoodstock.com The Seven Bends of the Shenandoah River in Woodstock, Virginia

e wineries Visit the fiv nandoah of the She e Trail.

County Win

Wine Tasting, Caverns, Attractions, Rt. 11 Yard Crawl, and Civil War Battlefields in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia 90 minutes from the Washington Beltway Shenandoah County Tourism 888-367-3965 • www.shenandoahtravel.org Byways • 3

PREVIEW

By Steve Kirchner, Editor & Publisher

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elcome to the latest issue of Byways Magazine. Now in its 27th year of publication, Byways takes pride in showcasing the leading group tour destinations in the United States and Canada. Of course, these same destinations are just as attractive to individual and family travelers as well.

In this issue, we journey south to Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the border State of West Virginia.

In Pensacola, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime beach lovers experience if you take to the sun on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, March through November. That’s when the Navy’s famous precision flying team, The Blue Angels, trains along the beach. You won’t want to miss this exciting event. If you’ve ever experienced a low level military training exercise, you’ll know exactly what I mean. But there’s so much more to do as Pensacola offers an amazing variety of educational and memorable activities for visitors of all ages.

Next we’re off to Arkansas, where you’ll get a taste of the Old and Wild West, especially as it impacted justice and how it was handed out. Learn about the famous hanging Judge Parker, and the U.S. Marshals who rode with Judge Parker to protect the West.

Start your tour at Miss Laura’s Visitors Center in Fort Smith, the first -- and reportedly the only -- former brothel on the National Register of Historic Places.

With a frontier heritage that was memorable, Fort Smith will be the home to the new U.S. Marshals Museum.

Fort Smith looks forward to sharing its past with visitors, and is well-known for its own special brand of hospitality, both Southern and Western style.

Next up is Tennessee, and the Great Smoky Mountains community of Pigeon Forge, traditionally ranked as one of the top motorcoach destinations in North America. And what’s happening here? The 25th anniversary of Dollywood is big, but there’s something else making a big splash this year. Yes, the Titanic has landed in Pigeon Forge. Visitors get to play a part in one of the greatest human dramas of all time.

We covered the Navy in Pensacola, and the Army is not about to be outdone. So a visit to the beautiful Army & Special Ops Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina is next. The history of the US Army Airborne from test platoon in 1940 to present day is here, and visitors are taken on a walk through time, from WWII to the present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The Blue Angels Display

From the military to the countryside of beautiful West Virginia, visit the Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad in Durbin. The railroad began operations in 1997, and has kept growing, bringing its passengers to some of the most spectacular scenery on the eastern side of the Rockies.

Nearby in Elkins, WV is the American Mountain Theater. With a mix of country, bluegrass, gospel, pop and patriotic music, the cast brings an entertainment experience enjoyed by the whole family.

After touring areas in the South, the Great Faces and Beautiful Places of South Dakota are also fascinating.

Here you’ll discover a world of unusual landscapes, Old West history, Native American culture, outdoors adventure and old-fashioned hospitality. South Dakota has some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in North America.

In What’s Happening, Medieval Times gives visitors the Royal Treatment, while they enjoy a venue that is truly an adventure for groups and families. And with nine nationwide locations, you won’t need to go far to be entertained.

When you find a special place with a long history of success and a faithful local following, it’s always fun to write about it. The Southern Kitchen is in our backyard in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We thought you would enjoy the story of Randy Newland and his family, and their 55 years of home-cooked meals.

Finally, this is the 50th anniversary year of Branson’s Silver Dollar City, and that’s worth a story in itself. We bring the story of the Herschend family, and how they have entertained more than 65 million visitors, while expanding their reach well beyond Branson.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Byways.

Volume 27, Issue No. 2, 2010 The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navyʼs famous precision flying aviators, streak past the pristine beaches of Pensacola, Florida. Each Tuesday and Wednesday morning, from March to November, guests can experience the Blue Angels as they practice above the skies of Pensacola.

The story leads the Traveling South coverage. See page 8.

Features

Traveling South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 From Eco, Heartland, Historic and Culinary, Pensacola Bay Area Has Amazing Tours . . . . . 10 Welcome to Historic Fort Smith, Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Whatʼs New in Pigeon Forge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Titanic Launched in Pigeon Forge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Army & Special Ops Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 West Virginiaʼs Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 American Mountain Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Great Faces & Places of South Dakota. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Departments

Byways Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Whatʼs Happening Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Offers the Royal Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Southern Kitchen Serves Virginiaʼs Shenandoah Valley for 55 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Silver Dollar Cityʼs 50th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Coming in future issues of Byways…

Upcoming coverage include The Sesquicentennial: The Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, Iowaʼs tour destinations, a focus on Oklahoma, and Americaʼs Scenic Byways.

Civil War Battlefield at Gains Mill, Richmond, Virginia

Black History Museum, Richmond, Virginia

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motorcoach.com Ozarks’ Kirkwood Tour & Travel Sweet Magnolia Tours Trieloff Tours

The National Reservation Center Charter a motorcoach anywhere in North America 888-733-5287 • nmn@motorcoach.com 6 • Byways

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Traveling South

A member of the NavyĘźs famous Blue Angels flies over the beach at Pensacola, Florida.

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From Eco, Heartland, Historic and Culinary, Pensacola Bay Area Has Amazing Tours

National Naval Aviation Museum

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earning opportunities abound in the Pensacola Bay Area with 52 miles of coastline and 450 years waiting to be explored. With one- to four-day curriculum-based itineraries of educational and memorable activities, youth, seniors or any age group will experience much more than a vacation.

The Pensacola Bay Area has had a strong military presence for centuries. It was home to important forts in the Civil War, and today, all Navy, Marine and Coast Guard aviators start their training in Pensacola, giving it the nickname “Cradle of Naval Aviation.”

The National Naval Aviation Museum, located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, features an impressive display of more than 150 vintage aircraft, a Top Gun F-14 flight simulator, motion-based simulators and an IMAX® theatre. Visitors can see the first plane that crossed the Atlantic and the first that landed on the 10 • Byways

South Pole along with war planes. Inside the museum, visitors stop by the Cubi Bar Café, an exact replica of the famous Cubi Point Officers’ Club in the Western Pacific. Museum admission is free.

Each Tuesday and Wednesday morning, from March to November, guests can experience the world-famous Blue Angels as they practice awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers in the skies above just behind the museum. (Check schedule prior to visit.) The Blue Angels perform shows around the country all season, but they perform twice a year at home in Pensacola.

Crowds in the hundreds of thousands gather on the beach and in boats for the July 10 Pensacola Beach Air Show. On November 12, the Blue Angels perform their last show of the season at NAS Pensacola during the Homecoming Show. Visitors and fans gather on the base for the grand finale.

Historic Tours

Last year, Pensacola celebrated its 450th anniversary, so there is no better time to explore the history of the first European settlement in the United States.

Pensacola treasures its past times. America’s first settlement, Pensacola, was colonized in 1559 by Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna. The flags of five nations have flown over the city in the past four centuries, and their cultural and historic influence remains evident to this day.

Visitors are whisked back in time in Downtown Pensacola’s historic district where they can see furnished homes spanning three centuries, witness guides as they reenact daily Colonial life and step inside Florida’s oldest church, still on its original site. Students interested in archeology can assist the University of West Florida on digs and watch divers bring artifacts to the surface from the second-oldest shipwreck in the country.

Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens are also intriguing sites. The massive brick fortresses served both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War, and later, Fort Pickens housed Apache leader Geronimo.

Students can explore the history of flight at the National Naval Aviation Museum. The world’s third largest air and space museum features 150 vintage aircraft, an IMAX® Theatre and flight simulators for hands-on fun.

Pensacola Beach

Santa Rosa Island to see dolphins, water birds and other wildlife.

Pensacola Festivals

Pensacola could be named the Festival City, since every month of the year residents and visitors find something to celebrate. There are refined events such as the wine and jazz festival and wacky events such as the mullet toss. There are food festivals for seafood, sausage, Heartland Tours bushwackers and crawfish, and there are fitness events Students will experience the area’s Southern roots such as the Double Bridge Run and the St. Patty’s prethrough agricultural tours where they learn about mod- diction race. There are lively parades, whether it’s Mardi ern and green farming methods, pick their own blueber- Gras floats or a decked-out boats. Whatever your style, ries or purchase fresh produce. Groups can also watch there’s a special event for you in the Pensacola Bay Area. bull riding, cow cutting, horse jumping, horseshoeing For more information on educational and just plain and hay harvesting demonstrations. fun offerings in the Pensacola Bay Area, please visit www.TourPensacola.com or call 800-874-1234.

Eco-Tours

The Pensacola Bay Area is home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, the largest tract of protected seashore in the country. National Park rangers lead a variety of free educational programs, from barrier island walks, bird-watching expeditions, stargazing and snorkeling trips on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. For more eco-fun, the Department of Environmental Protection leads visitors on tours of Project GreenShores, a successful habitat restoration project within the Pensacola Bay ecosystem. Participants can spot migratory birds and actually touch and feel shellfish and other wildlife in an educational, hands-on setting.

Lanier Sailing Academy takes groups on educational cruises along Pensacola Bay to learn about the ever-changing coastline. Key Sailing offers special kayaking eco-tours to secluded areas of Byways • 11

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Welcome to Historic Fort Smith, Arkansas

Miss Lauraʼs Visitors Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was the first -- and reportedly the only -- former brothel on the National Register of Historic Places. And itʼs where you will start your tour of Historic Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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ring your groups to Fort Smith, Arkansas to “Live and early frontier jail known as “Hell on the Border” are The History” and get a glimpse of the rough justice housed in the renovated barracks building, which also that characterized the Old West. Embrace and cel- houses the Site’s Visitors Center. Visitors can enjoy an ebrate the Wild West heritage as we live and breathe its interpretation of Native American history in the area past, but also have a reputation for overwhelming visi- and displays highlighting the U.S. Marshals and tors with a special brand of hospitality.... both Southern deputies who rode for Parker to protect the West.

Make your first stop a tour of Miss Laura’s Visitor and Western style.

Early frontier history did some of its hardest living Center, an old restored brothel listed on the National right here in this small river town, leaving its mark and Register of Historic Places. Then enjoy the five Fort making Fort Smith a living memorial to both the rough Smith museums, including the Fort Smith Museum of ‘n tumble and more genteel sides of our frontier heritage. History, the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, the Clayton The scrappy border town of Fort Smith grew up House, the Darby House and the Fort Smith Art Center. around the area’s first frontier fort, established in 1817 to Ride an authentic electric trolley, in one of the same cars promote peace between warring Indian tribes of the Osage and Cherokee. Remains of the first fort Old Fort Days Rodeo, Fort Smith Parsons Arena lie within the Fort Smith National Historic Site perched on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River. At this site, you can stop and learn about the history of the Trail of Tears and find out about the Civil War in Arkansas.

You can take a step back in time on the very spot overlooking the Arkansas River where the first military outpost was built in 1817. On the grounds nearby is a replica of the famed Fort Smith gallows where 80 men were ordered hanged by Hanging Judge Parker. The fully restored courtroom of Judge Parker

rThe drive to Fort Smith is spectacular through Northwest Arkansas.

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Fort Smith National Historic Site

that transported folks around town at the turn of the century. Take a nostalgic journey on a a trolley bus, or discover the beautiful restored homes and buildings lining the streets of the 22-block Belle Grove Historic District, which reflects an architectural span of 130 years.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to see rail-

roads in the 19th century? Now you can experience it first-hand on a vintage train excursion on Fort Smith’s A & M Scenic Railway, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Boston Mountains.

The second largest city in Arkansas, historic Fort Smith can provide your group with several days of activities. Many of the museums and attractions reflect rich

Drawing of the U.S. Marshalʼs Museum

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Fort Smithʼs A & M Scenic Railway, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Boston Mountains.

“old west” heritage, making it a perfect destination for of Arkansas, the Arkansas River borders Fort Smith on your group, whether they are seniors, students, or church the west and north and the beautiful Ozark and groups.

Ouachita Mountain ranges surround the area. Located In Fort Smith, the future is in the past, and residents on I-40 (East/West), and I-540/Hwy. 71 (North/South), are anxious to share the many stories that have helped Fort Smith is accessible by motorcoach; or the beautiful shape that world. Key events in the history of the United Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) offers convenient States judicial system were at the forefront of the origi- regional jet service with direct connections to Atlanta, nal Fort, with holding court for the Federal Government Dallas/Fort Worth, and Memphis. in the Western District of Arkansas just before the turn For group travel information, contact the Fort Smith of the century. Visitors can experience that history first Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-637-1477; email hand at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. tourism@fortsmith.org or go to www.fortsmith.org.

The contributions of the U.S. Marshals Service will be Fort Smith....Where the West was Fun! brought to the forefront at the Elvis received his famous Army haircut at Fort Chaffee. exciting tourism experience in the next few years when the the U.S. Marshals Museum opens in Fort Smith.

The facility will educate and entertain as it spotlights the entire 220-year history of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency on the very spot where much of the most dangerous Marshals Service history took place.

Fort Smith historic attractions for all ages also include antique downtown amusement park rides and the museums at the former Fort Chaffee army base, including the site of Elvis Presley’s famous first Army buzz cut, “the haircut heard ‘round the world.”

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Whatʼs New in Pigeon Forge

The Old Mill, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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silver anniversary for a top-rated theme park and the grand opening of an ocean liner – something you might not expect in the Great Smoky Mountains – top the list of what’s new in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Dollywood, of course, is the theme park with the big anniversary, and Titanic Pigeon Forge, a $25 million museum/attraction, is the ocean liner. Dollywood jumped into its 25th season of mountain fun on March 27, and Titanic Pigeon Forge set sail in early April.

the dessert baker. The restaurant also will feature a small bakeshop. It will include three dining rooms that can be reserved for meetings and private events. Opening is planned for June.

Slick Rock Racer at Dollywoodʼs Splash Country Dollywood’s Splash Country water park is adding Slick Rock Racer, a multi-lane mat slide, for the 2010 season. Slick Rock Racer spans 300 feet and features four water-drenched lanes. Positioned belly down on mats, Titanic Pigeon Forge each rider travels head first on channels that include an In a tourist town full of attractions, the Titanic initial dip to build speed. Multiple bumps along the Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge may take the prize length of the slide allow riders to gain additional for the most unexpected. Against the backdrop of the momentum that propels them to the finish. The new Great Smoky Mountains is a replica of the ill-fated ship attraction can accommodate approximately 600 guests known the world over. an hour.

Titanic Pigeon Forge opened in early April to share Slick Rock Racer joins Dollywood’s Splash Country’s the story of the ship, its one voyage and its 2,208 pas- more than 30 water adventure slides including The sengers and crew. The museum attraction displays hun- Butterfly, Mountain Scream, Mountain Twist and the dreds of priceless Titanic artifacts in more than 20 galleries on two decks that will also contain exact replicas of the “Grand Staircase,” a first-class suite, a thirdclass cabin and the bridge. Interactive experiences include touching an iceberg, getting into a lifeboat and feeling the chill of 28-degree water. There’s a special area called Tot-Titanic for children 8 and younger.

Guests receive a boarding pass bearing the name of a real Titanic passenger or crew member. At tour’s end, each guest will learn at the Memorial Wall the fate of the passenger or crew member named on the boarding pass. www.TitanicPigeonForge.com Adventure Mountain at Dollywood Part of Dollywood’s celebration of its 25th season is Adventure Mountain, a two-acre expanse of 140 interactive elements laid out in four courses. Adventure Mountain will challenge visitors to navigate rope trails, net ladders, swinging bridges, flying islands, pulleys, moving beams and a tire traverse. Those who take on the biggest challenges will find themselves 90 feet above the park’s Wilderness Pass pathway.

Adventure Mountain, designed exclusively for Dollywood, includes Camp Teachittoomee, an area specifically for guests 42 inches and under. Camp Teachittoomee is ADA accessible. The Dollywood season began March 27. www.Dollywood.com The Partridge & Pear at Christmas Place The Incredible Christmas Place, the year-round Christmas emporium that expanded its scope with the 145-room Inn at Christmas Place in 2007, is adding a restaurant, the Partridge & Pear at Christmas Place.

The restaurant, which promises a gourmet flair in the evening, also will serve lunch. The chef is Aaron Ward, and one of his special touches is retaining his mother as

Dolly Parton will help celebrate Dollywoodʼs anniversary.

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70-foot-tall Fire Tower Falls, Tennessee’s tallest twin speed slides. The 35-acre water park operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Travel Channel has recognized it twice as one of America’s top ten water parks.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Miracle Theater The Miracle Theater is adding a lavish production of the Broadway hit “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” for the 2010 season. It opened in February and will be joined by the theater’s original production, “The Miracle,” in March.

“Joseph,” of course, is a comical telling of the story of Joseph, his jealous brothers and one extremely loud garment. It’s a tale that spans musical styles from calypso to rock to disco to country. This Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice hit has been an audience favorite for more than 35 years.

WonderWorks Popular magician Terry Evanswood, the youngest illusionist to perform at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle, brings his skills in sleight-of-hand tricks, comedy and audience interaction to the 300-seat Imagination Theater at WonderWorks. The first of his more than 400 “Wonder of Magic” shows in 2010 was March 1.

Most of Evanswood’s performances will be matinees, and the “Hoot ‘n’ Holler” dinner show remains the featured evening production. Evanswood’s personal collection memorabilia from the world of magic will be showcased in the WonderWorks lobby.

Smith Family Dinner Theater The Smith Family Dinner Theater is expanding its seating to 500 with the addition of a balcony. The primary show features country, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll and gospel songs delivered through the family harmonies and comedy of Charlie, Jim and Charlie Bob Smith.

Country artist T.G. Sheppard performs on selected dates, and “Blast from the Past” is set for numerous matinee and evening performances. “Blast from the Past” features songs from the 50s and tributes to “Grease” and Elvis Presley.

New Magician — and a Monkey — at Magic Beyond Belief Theater Sean-Paul the Magic Man, his telepathic wife Juliane and Frankie the Monkey are the stars of a new production at the Magic Beyond Belief Theater on the Parkway. Sean-Paul’s act includes his magic, quick-witted comedy, Frankie’s mind reading skills and “guest appearances” from birds, tigers and serval cats. The show combines sleight-of-hand tricks and large-scale illusions.

Sean-Paul was captivated by magic at age 8, and he performed his first show at age 11.

Titanic Launched in Pigeon Forge

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ens of thousands came out to the April launch of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The new Titanic Museum Attraction had a star-studded weekend-long Grand Opening hosted by Regis Philbin. The event also featured numerous descendants and family members of those on board the Titanic and included a christening of the ship by Captain Edward J. Smith. More than 20,000 guests from all parts of the nation visited the attraction during its opening weekend.

Titanic Museum Attraction is a half-scale, permanent, three-deck recreation of the Titanic. The museum houses 20 galleries to display nearly 400 authentic, priceless Titanic artifacts that were either carried from the ship and into lifeboats by passengers and crew, or were found afloat soon after the sinking and quickly salvaged by rescue boats.

Inside the Titanic Museum Attraction, visitors find full-size recreations (built to actual Titanic blueprints) of Third-Class quarters, a First-Class suite, dining rooms and – the museum’s centerpiece – a $1 million exact reproduction of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase.

The First-Class suite in the Titanic Museum Attraction, which is dedicated to Isidor and Ida Straus who co-owned Macy’s Department Stores, was also the cabin used in James Cameron’s blockbuster movie “Titanic” as Rose’s suite.

In addition to being a world-class museum in the truest sense of the word, Titanic Museum Attraction is also highly interactive and offers a hands-on experience for children, teenagers and adults. The ship is anchored in water to create the illusion of Titanic at sea, and a two-hour self-guided tour gives guests the sensation of sailing on the original ship’s 1912 maiden voyage.

Individual cell-phone-sized audio players guide guests along a narrated 90-minute tour of the Titanic Museum Attraction with its 20 galleries on two decks and priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic’s passengers or crew.

Upon entry, each guest receives a boarding pass bearing the name of an actual Titanic passenger or crew member whose fate is revealed on the Memorial Wall at tour end. Get ready to play a part in one of the greatest human dramas of all time. Along the way, powerful emotions surface as guests: •Walk Titanic’s Grand Staircase •Touch the frozen surface of an “iceberg” •Feel the chill of that fateful “Starry Night” •Study some of the largest, most detailed Titanic models ever built •Grip the ship’s wheel and follow the Captain’s commands •Tour world-class galleries and the rare historical artifacts they hold Byways • 21

Pigeon Forge is located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

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•Sit in a Titanic lifeboat and listen to actual survivors tell their stories •Send an SOS from the Marconi Wireless Room •Test their balance while standing on mini-decks built to show the ever-steeper slope of Titanic as she sank •Watch children eight years and younger explore the special interactive Tot-Titanic Play-and-Learn Room •Dive to Titanic’s wreck site via spectacular underwater camera footage The Titanic Museum Attraction – which is conveniently located to all areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville – is now open every day from 9:00am until 9:00pm ET. Tickets are available online at or by calling 1-800-381-7670.

Cedar Bay Entertainment, which owns and operates Titanic Museum Attraction, is a privately owned entertainment and development company headquartered in Branson, Missouri, the site of Cedar Bay’s first Titanic Museum Attraction. Since its April 2006 grand opening, it has welcomed more than 2 million guests.

Pigeon Forge Visitor information Tucked away in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is the affordable family vacation destination offering something for everyone. Come see us at the new Pigeon Forge Welcome Center located at 1950 Parkway. The state-

of-the-art Welcome Center is constructed in the original style of our local mountain architecture. Designed to better serve our visitors, the 5,400 square-foot structure includes an open visitor area, and a theater room.

Most importantly, the new layout provides easy access to all of the information you’ll need to get the most out of Pigeon Forge.

Begin your Pigeon Forge family vacation here with great shopping, delicious dining, live entertainment and action-packed Parkway attractions. Make Pigeon Forge your family vacation destination.

Details about all aspects of Pigeon Forge are available online at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-251-9100.

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Army & Special Ops Museum Fayetteville, NC

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Learn the story of the US Army Airborne from test platoon in 1940 to the present day.

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The Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum he Airborne & Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville is the only facility that tells the comprehensive history of the US Army Airborne from test platoon in 1940 to present day. The nine-year-old, 59,000 square foot building is the only US Army museum not located on an army base. It is located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, less than 5 minutes from I-95, the main north/south corridor on the East Coast.

The 5,000 square foot lobby features an exhibit of two fully deployed parachutes – one representing an original, 1940s-era paratrooper, and a modern day paratrooper.

The lobby also houses a memorial to the 73 individuals who received the Congressional Medal of Honor while assigned to an airborne or special operations unit.

Upon entering the museum galleries, visitors are taken on a walk through time, starting with the Test Platoon. Life-size dioramas, an array of artifacts (including planes and tanks), pictures, posters and multi-media exhibits take visitors through WWII, Korean War, The Cold War, and Vietnam War to today’s operations in

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Iraq and Afghanistan. Among other things, visitors will hear paratroopers readying for their first jump circa 1942, walk through a French village, see a plane overhead and walk between sand dunes in Iraq.

In addition to the museum galleries, the Airborne & Special Operations Museum offers the Pitch, Roll & Yaw Motion Simulator that puts visitors through the paces of modern special operations training and a Vista Scope large screen theater that shows “Descending from the Clouds.”

Admission to the museum galleries are free; there is a $4 charge to see the movie and $5 to ride the simulator ($8 for both). Group discounts are offered and ample bus parking is available. The museum is accessible to all. www.AsomF.org.

Following a visit to the museum, consider having lunch at the 79-acre Cape Fear Botanical Garden; visiting the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex which houses the remains of the Fayetteville arsenal; or traveling to Fort Bragg for lunch and a tour of the reservation. Known throughout its history for its cultural diversity and military presence, today the Fayetteville area stands testament to its proud past. www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com

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West Virginiaʼs Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

The Cheat Mountain Salamander

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he trains of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad transport you into some of the most beautiful scenery east of the Rockies. The four unique trains roll through deep canyons, featuring narrow passages beside sheer rock walls, with vivid views of unspoiled mountains. Along the way, travel beside three scenic cascading rivers, climb to over 4,000 feet in elevation, burrow under the mighty Cheat Mountain (via an 1,800 foot tunnel featuring an “S” curve of the track inside), and negotiate the two sharpest mainline railroad curves in the United States!

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HISTORY The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad started its operations in Durbin, West Virginia in 1997 with a short 4-mile round-trip on a section of abandoned tracks in the Greenbrier Valley watershed, a scenic part of the West Virginia Mountains. Since that time, the company has expanded to operate not only an extended trip in Durbin, but three other passenger excursion trains out of Elkins, West Virginia on the West Virginia Central Railroad. In 1999, the first passenger excursion since 1959 passed through the towns of Belington and Elkins. The last passenger train in 1959 stopped at the Elkins Station.

In 2001, the company acquired the prized steam locomotive, Climax #3, to be the new star of the Durbin Rocket excursion in Durbin. The completely restored Climax is only one of three operating in the world today. The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad is no stranger to unique locomotives. A very rare original diesel locomotive, Western Maryland original BL2 #82, is used on the New Tygart Flyer and Cheat Mountain Salamander excursions. This locomotive is The Mountain Explorer Dinner Train

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The New Tygart Flyer

one of only two operating, and one of only seven still left intact today.

GROUP ADVENTURES When visiting the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, there are a variety of adventures to choose between, from a 9-hour all-day excursion to the old logging town of Spruce on the Cheat Mountain Salamander to a 2-hour relaxing ride on the Durbin

The Durbin Rocket

Rocket along the Greenbrier River in the Monongahela National Forest. Four-course fine dining on board the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train allows you to sit back and relax as you dine traveling through the beautiful scenery of the West Virginia mountains.

Groups (large or small) traveling via motorcoach have the unique opportunity to experience a package that includes two different trains, two included meals and evening entertainment at the American Mountain Theater – all in one fun-filled day. Groups can choose from a four-hour train with lunch, or a dinner train with a four-course meal served en route. Whether staying in the area for one day or multiple days, there’s plenty of group excitement to explore in the beauty of West Virginia aboard the scenic mountain rails!

To learn more about the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, or about package lodging, dining, and entertainment options, call 877-MTN-RAIL or visit www.MountainRail.com.

High Falls of the Cheat Mountain

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American Mountain Theater

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T

ucked in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains, you’ll find something that you might not expect. In the town of Elkins, West Virginia, music and laughter can be found each night at the American Mountain Theater, West Virginia’s only “Branson style,” music and comedy variety show. The cast will bring you an entertainment experience that you’ll want to see again and again! The live Premier 2Hour Show features a mix of country, gospel, bluegrass, pop and patriotic music that will keep you tapping your toes and clapping along. The entertainment rounds out with the supremely popular comedic impersonations that will have you laughing your whole trip home.

The American Mountain Theater believes in providing entertainment for the whole family, so the shows are always G-rated and suitable for all ages. “We believe in taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride at every performance, hitting all the highs and lows – giving you goose-bumps along the way,” says owner and producer Kenny Sexton. The performers bring years of experience and outstanding talent to the stage creating an entertainment experience like no other. The fantastic entertainment provided at the

American Mountain Theater makes it the “Hottest show ticket between New York and Nashville!” says Bob Cline of US Tours.

In addition to their Premier 2-hour show, AMT also offers a 1-hour History of American Music Show (on select dates), the very popular Christmas Spectacular in November and December, and a Summer Southern Gospel Concert Series, featuring the top names in Southern Gospel music.

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Take advantage of AMT’s vacation packaging servicA basic two-night package starts at $241 per person. es and pair AMT’s “Freshest Sound in the Mountains” For more information call 800-943-3670 or visit with a scenic train ride, lodging, and unique dining www.americanmountaintheater.com. experiences and you have the perfect mountain getaway.

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The Great Faces & Places of South Dakota

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You won't want to be in a rush when you drive the Needles Highway. As part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, the Needles Highway stretches 14 miles through granite structures and pine covered mountains.

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ajestic mountain carvings, rolling prairies, skypiercing granite peaks, glittering lakes, lofty river bluffs and endless wide-open spaces greet visitors to South Dakota, the land of Great Faces and Great Places. Discover a world of unusual landscapes, Old West history, Native American culture, outdoors adventure and old-fashioned hospitality.

South Dakota is home to America’s Shrine of Democracy – Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The majestic 60-foot faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln gaze out over South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest. Experience spectacular views, walk the half-mile Presidential Trail and visit impressive Lincoln Borglum Museum. Crazy Horse Memorial, located 17 miles from Mount Rushmore, is a sculpture in progress; and when completed, it will be the world’s largest mountain carving.

Besides world-class visitor attractions, the 1.2-millionacre Black Hills National Forest offers endless opportunities for fun including rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping and stunning scenic drives. Enjoy mountain meadows, deep canyons, cascading trout streams and clear, clean lakes.

The 70-mile Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway winds and turns through some of the Black Hills most stunning scenery. This byway leads you through granite tunnels, around hairpin turns, over pigtail bridges and offers awe-inspiring views of slender granite pinnacles.

Note: sharp curves with height and width restrictions.

Stop along Needles Highway

The 244,000-acre Badlands National Park

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Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Service Scenic Byway follows Spearfish Creek through cascading waterfalls.

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Witness nature at its best as you travel the Wildlife For additional information, contact South Dakota Loop State Scenic Byway in Custer State Park. View Tourism at www.TravelSD.com or 605-773-3301. open grasslands dotted with prairie dogs, rolling hills For group tour information, contact: speckled with pine trees and one of the world’s largest Vicky Engelhaupt, Trade Sales Representative publicly-owned buffalo herds. The 71,000-acre park is South Dakota Office of Tourism also home to bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coy711 East Wells Avenue ote, birds and the wild begging burros.

Pierre, SD 57501 Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Service 605-773-3301 Scenic Byway follows Spearfish Creek through breath605-773-5657 Fax taking scenery of giant Black Hills spruce, tall canyon vicky.engelhaupt@state.sd.us walls and cascading waterfalls. www.TourSDakota.com or www.TravelSD.com Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway cuts through the middle of the 244,000-acre Badlands National Park.

Millions of years of wind and water erosion have carved steep cliffs, saw-edged spires and colorful grassy-topped buttes which form a strange and beautiful landscape that tells the story of earth’s history.

South Dakota’s cultural roots unfold as you travel along the Native American Scenic Byway. The historic trail follows the Missouri River into the heart of the Great Sioux Nation. This route offers views of buffalo, bottomlands and river bluffs.

Head to northeastern South Dakota and explore the Glacial Lakes Scenic Byway. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, Sica Hollow State Park and numerous other state Get up close and personal parks and recreation areas are located along this route.

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One of the worldʼs largest publicly-owned buffalo herds is found in South Dakota.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

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Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Offers Travelers the Royal Treatment

H

g n i n e p p a H s ’ t a h W

ear ye, hear ye! His Royal Highness, King Phillipe, beckons all travelers to journey back in time at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.

Medieval Times is celebrating its 27-year reign in North America. Its founders first launched their unique idea for an 11th century-style dinner attraction on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1973. This imaginative new entertainment spot was inspired by the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to watch knights compete on horseback.

With nine locations nationwide, including four in the South, and both matinee and evening show options, a visit to Medieval Times fits into nearly every traveler’s itinerary. Medieval Times’ newest castle, located in North Atlanta, is a favorite for tour groups, as well as individual travelers, as the castle offers the latest in modern-day comforts, paired with the company’s most authentic portrayal of eons passed.

There’s nothing archaic about planning a group visit to Medieval Times. A Sales Manager works with planners to customize each event to fit the needs of their groups, including pre-pulling seats, accommodating bus drivers, and informing planners of sample itineraries.

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Sales Managers also assist planners with honoring special group members, arranging a pre-show reception, or leaving each guest with a special memento of their time at the castle. In addition, discounted rates apply to groups of 15 or more.

Regardless of the location visited, guests will be treated like royalty while experiencing a live two-hour tour-

nament and four-course feast fit for a king. Guests of all ages are awe-struck by Medieval Times’ newest show, which is an age-old tale of good versus evil.

The legend of a kingdom threatened by treachery but ultimately strengthened by courage thunders into the Grand Ceremonial Arena. While Medieval Times’ new show has all the lance-splintering action and equestrian pageantry guests look forward to, this season there’s a whole new element — a Princess’s love for a handsome, gallant knight, and a riveting confrontation between a turncoat warrior and a surprise defender of the crown.

Medieval Times. Medieval Times is a royally convenient and memorable option for all travelers and a mustsee for anyone visiting the Atlanta area.

Medieval Times Entertainment opened its first North American Castle in Kissimmee, FL, in 1983. Now regarded as North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction, more than 40 million guests have experienced Medieval Times at Castles in Buena Park, CA, Schaumburg, IL, Hanover, MD, Lyndhurst, NJ, Myrtle Beach, SC, Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA and Toronto, ON, Canada.

Medieval Times is online at MedievalTimes.com and reachable at 1-888-WE-JOUST (888-935-6878).

The Green Knight

An unexpected event in the final minutes of the show rocks the crowd and brings them to their feet in a deafening wave of thunderous cheers. During evening shows, the fun continues post-show with various options per location including dancing and socializing in the Hall of Arms and a behind-the-scenes look at the stars of Medieval Times’ show, the horses.

As Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has grown in popularity internationally, some things haven’t changed, like a commitment to the accuracy of weapons and costumes. But other aspects have changed.The characters and storyline of the show evolve every few years, keeping &S%P!#%M";*T# & S%P!#%M";*T# the experience fresh and exciting for gen:Q(S!QS# :Q (S!QS# erations to come. )S "&")U# )S"&")U# For the first time in history, Medieval 5(:*"PU# 5(:*"PU# Times, Georgia is offering a VIP Stable PSQUQ&(!)# PSQUQ&(!)# Tour, allowing guests to take an up close ) PSS!#M;:(!S::# )PSS!#M;:(!S::# and personal look at the luxurious life of V#O "PS# V#O"PS# the king’s horses.

General Manager Jonathan Rico, com!"#$%&'(!)## O"*"PQ"%Q5# O "*"PQ"%Q5# mented, “The talent of our horses leaves *+,-.#/01234# # # R% P'(!)# R%P'(!)# audiences in awe and inspires interest 5+6#07+0-8#09#:;<=6,22>8#?-0@#098#A+,-9>3#?B-+,CB#60-?#+D#EF#@12>.#+D## 5+ 6#07+0-8#09#:;<=6,22>8#?-0@#098#A+,-9>3#?B-+,CB#60-?#+D#EF#@12>.#+D## regarding the training, history and lives of ,98>-C-+,98#60..0C>G03.#7>9>0?B#?B>#H1?3#+D#&+,1.I122>J#'>9?,HK3L##M>H0,.># ,9 8>-C-+,98#60..0C>G03.#7>9>0?B#?B>#H1?3#+D#&+,1.I122>J#'>9?,HK3L##M>H0,.># the stallions. Our hope is that the VIP 3 3+,#G122#-18>#098#9>I>-#G02KJ#?B1.#?+,-#1.#H+9I>91>9?#D+-#>I>-3+9>4##N198#+,?#GB3# +,#G122#-18>#098#9>I>-#G02KJ#?B1.#?+,-#1.#H+9I>91>9?#D+-#>I>-3+9>4##N198#+,?#GB3# Stable Tour will provide an opportunity ?B1.#H0I>-9#G0.#K>6?#+9>#+D#?B>#71CC>.?#.>H->?.#19#?B>#;91?>8#:?0?>.4## ?B1 .#H0I>-9#G0.#K>6?#+9>#+D#?B>#71CC>.?#.>H->?.#19#?B>#;91?>8#:?0?>.4## for guests to learn, meet, and take an insider’s peek into the horses’ lives as perform&& && ?@ !"#$%&'""()*+$& & > & = = ers.” & < ;<B> =>A The popularity of Medieval Times > E I& @ADA? GEH Dinner & Tournament, the nation’s #1 ?

C = C@ F C dinner attraction, mirrors that of the Atlanta area, which is one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. Both individuals and tour buses enjoy free parking at the Georgia castle, and several area hotels offer shuttle service to and from ,,,-./01231..4546787349:-8/5& & Byways • 45

Southern Kitchen Serves Virginiaʼs Shenandoah Valley for 55 Years

Southern Fried ʻChicken is just one of the specialties.

in-law, Randy and Rebecca Newland. Lloyd was an astute businessman and community leader. Natives of Shenandoah County, Lloyd and Ruby lived in Washington, DC during World War II and worked at the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Alexandria, VA. Returning to the Shenandoah Valley, Lloyd opened a machine shop, developed a cinder block business, a contracting firm, and sold and constructed homes. He fore-

Y

ou’ll find alot of the locals att he Southern Kitchen in New Market, Virginia. They say that’s important, because there’s an old saying in travel -- follow the locals and you find the best food in town.

In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the Southern Kitchen has been serving hometown folks and visitors alike for more than 55 years.

Most think it’s the home cooking and welcome atmosphere that keeps them coming back.

Founded in 1955 by Lloyd and Ruby Newland, the restaurant continues under the You can still sit at the counter at love and dedication of their son and daughter- Southern Kitchen.

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saw the opportunity for a restaurant in New Market and a meeting facility, and built and opened the Southern Kitchen in exactly 30 days!

Ruby was an everyday presence at the restaurant and the menu was based on her original recipes.

Randy and Rebecca purchased the restaurant in 2005 and have carried on the family tradition established by his parents. Randy grew up in the restaurant and along with Rebecca manages the overall operation, and is seen daily greeting customers and visitors.

The atmosphere remains reminiscent of the 1950s diner look complete with roomy booths, tables, the original soda fountain, a jukebox and wall jukes, murals depicting the local Endless Caverns and the New Market Battlefield Museum, as well as mounted deer heads. These all combine to The Banquet Room seats over 100 people. make “the kitchen” a local icon. It also offers a 100-seat banquet room for special events.

A tribute to the success of the Southern kitchen is the staff, many of them having been in the restaurant for more than 20 years. Juanita Durrett was there on day one, and still works two days a week helping to prepare such favorites as her delicious pies and award-winning peanut soup. So famous, in fact, that USA Today named it one of the top 25 recipes in the world!

Southern Kitchen Randy says the dedicated employees are the backbone of the business and Home Cooking Since 1955 share in the Newlands’ pride of carrying on a family hometown tradition.

Close to Bryce Resort, Shenandoah Caverns In a time when fast food franchisees are the norm, the Southern Kitchen & New Market Battlefield remains an American classic serving wholesome, homemade food. True New Market, Virginia I-81 Exit favorites are “Lloyd’s fried chicken,” vegetable soup which is Ruby’s Steaks • Seafood • Chicken • Breakfast original recipe, and country ham.

540-740-3514 Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, 9576 S. Congress Street Open 7 Days a Week the menu offers something for 7 am - 9 pm every taste.

Come by and meet your hosts, To arrange your visit to the Randy & Rebecca Newland Southern Kitchen, call 540-7403514. The restaurant is open 7 days a week, from 7:00am to 9:00pm.

Owner Randy Newland greets guests.

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Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America.

Byways is emailed to more 9000 tour operators, 21,000 travel agencies and 100,000 frequent travelers through the internet. Subscriptions are complimentary.

Byways’ distribution also includes 4000+ motorcoach companies, tour operators, travel agents, bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners, and meeting planners. For advertising rates, editorial deadlines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine, P.O. 1088, Mount Jackson, VA 22842. Telephone 540-4773202. Fax 540-477-3858. ©Copyright 2010 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form without express written permission of the publisher.

Editor and Publisher Stephen M. Kirchner

Advertising Director 1.800.469.0062 540.477.3202 Fax 540.477.3858 Internet: www.motorcoach.com/byways Blog: http://bywaysmagazine.wordpress.com Email: byways@motorcoach.com

Advertisers Index American Mountain Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Byways Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fort Smith, AR Convention & Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Iowa Group Travel Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Louisville Mega Cavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . motorcoach.com/National Reservation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shenandoah County, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hampton Inn, Woodstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shenandoah County Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Southern Kitchen Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ilver Dollar City launched its 50th year in 2010, celebrating with a year-long party, a new $7 million ride, special birthday events, top names in entertainment, new shows for each of its six world-class festivals, and a $50,000 prize giveaway. Themed “Take Time To Celebrate,” 2010 marks the park’s biggest event year ever.

More than 65 million guests have visited Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri in the past five decades, so focus is also on appreciating golden memories of the past, such as a new park opening show reminiscent of early years, an online memorabilia search and showcase, change to be given in coin dollars, craftsmen reunions and the presentation of the top country hits of 50 years for the evening show.

When the Herschend family opened Silver Dollar City May 1, 1960 atop the famed Marvel Cave, the park featured a town square, a demonstrating blacksmith, a general store and ice cream parlor, and a crew of 17 “citizens” who ran the shops and performed the street shows.

Guests numbered about 125,000 that first year.

The park now entertains two million guests annually, covering more than 100 acres and featuring 100 craftsmen, 30 rides and attractions, six world-class festivals, and dozens of theaters and restaurants, claiming the title “The Home of American Craftsmanship”.

New Ride, Festivals & Event Highlights The new $7 million ride Tom & Huck’s RiverBlastAmerica’s Biggest Water Battle, a super-soaking water raft ride themed around the adventures of fun-loving, mischief-makers Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn opened recently. Raft riders, armed with water soakers, navigate the Mighty White River, battling raft-to-raft and raft-toshore, dodging even more streams of water from sharp shooters ashore. A friendly warning -- you will get wet!

The 50th celebration went global with World-Fest opening in April, presenting the all-new production “Fiery Fiddles,” featuring the world’s only soaring strings aerialist.

The celebration heats up in summer during America’s largest kids’ festival, KidsFest, June through August, where the new ride adventure Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast

Silver Dollar Cityʼs 50th Anniversary takes top billing, along with a major new stunt dog show and appearances by kid-favorite costumed characters including SpongeBob & Patrick, Shaggy & Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Backyardigans.

For the National Harvest Festival, in recognition as the Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City will host the Craft in America Exhibit, created exclusively for SDC. The exhibit is from the creators of the highly-awarded PBS documentary series featuring unique American artists, such as the 50 who will choose their finest works for the exhibit. Additionally, renowned artisans previously featured at SDC will return in a special craftsmen’s reunion showcase.

Also in the fall, the season-long Take Time To Celebrate Sweepstakes will culminate in the give-away of $50,000 in prizes.

An Old Time Christmas, the heralded holiday lighting event with more than 4 million lights, a 5-story special effects Christmas tree, a light parade and the Broadwaycaliber show “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” will end the season with a glorious celebration and special events to mark the park’s brightest season and the birthday year finale.

“The Herschend family built Silver Dollar City’s business and reputation based upon providing guests fun, memorable experiences as well as taking care of our employees. That’s as true today as it was 50 years ago,” said Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City General Manager.

Silver Dollar City is open through December 30, 2010. For information, call 800-831-4FUN or visit www.silverdollarcity.com.

The internationally-awarded Branson, Missouri theme park is the original property of what is now the largest family-owned theme park corporation in the America, Herschend Family Entertainment, with 21 properties in nine states.

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