discoverstcharles.com Hackley & Hume Historic Site / Lakeshore Museum Center

New York State Capitol

Albany

The New York State Capitol sits atop Albany’s State Street hill and has served as the seat of government since the 1880s. The building resembles a French chateau but includes many architectural styles as it took five architects and 32 years to complete. Guided tours, which last 45 minutes, can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases and carvings. 518-474-2418, empirestateplaza.ny.gov

Nearby: The New York State Capitol is part of the Empire State Plaza, a 98acre complex of several state government buildings and convention centers. The plaza offers fountains, an observation deck, year-round events, a museum, farmers market, parks, shops, theaters, fine art and much more.

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Minnesota State Capitol

St. Paul

One of the Midwest’s most spectacular buildings, the Minnesota State Capitol features a towering white marble dome (the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world), fluted columns, graceful arches and commanding statuary. A popular element on the roof of the building is a gold sculpture group titled The Progress of the State, but referred to as the Quadriga (the Latin word for a four-horse chariot). Groups can even visit the Quadriga during guided tours, weather permitting. Other tour highlights include seeing government chambers and hearing stories about the capitol’s history, art and architecture. Themed tours also are available and include Capitol Art and Artists, Capitol Civil War Tour, Capitol Builders Tour and Voice of the People: Your Role in Government. 651-259-3003, mnhs.org/capitol/activities/groups

Nearby: The Minnesota State Capitol is part of the State Capitol Mall, which includes 18 acres of green space. Known as “Minnesota’s Front Lawn,” the mall features monuments, memorials and works of art.

1 TICKET. 3 HISTORIC SITES.

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Festivals and celebrations

History and magic infuse these special events

By Lisa Waterman Gray

For more than a century, North America’s largest and oldest festivals and celebrations have drawn enthusiastic crowds. Whether the backdrop is a classic Western landscape, ripe grape vines or blooming blossoms, these events satisfy a wide variety of interests. View hundreds of hot air balloons flying simultaneously at the world’s largest ballooning festival or see magnificent floats from inaugurations and holiday celebrations. Revel in military-inspired entertainment or admire papier-mâché figures. No matter which destination or event your group chooses, enjoy the celebration.

ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

GrapeFest

Grapevine, Texas

September 2022 marks the 36th Annual GrapeFest ® - A Texas Wine Experience. A People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic; a Barossa Valley, Australia Wine Experience; a Napa Valley, California Wine Experience; plus a champagne terrace, as well as wine and brew pavilions, are just a few activities. A GrapeStomp and a Champagne Cork Shoot-Off continue the theme. Enjoy four days of nonstop live entertainment, too. Additional activities have included tennis and pickleball competitions, a Peace Circle Dedication and a photographic war memorial called Remembering our Fallen. Your wine-loving group will adore this event. 800-457-6338, grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest

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Calgary Stampede

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

This popular festival has taken place every July for more than a century, with a goal to “preserve and celebrate our western heritage, culture and community spirit.” Military personnel participated in war-era events and the first Calgary Stampede Queen was crowned in 1946. By 1961, the 23,000-acre Calgary Stampede Ranch became a home for rodeo stock, and the city approved a 100-year lease of the ever-evolving Stampede Park in 2007. Today, bucking chutes, a raucous rodeo arena and heart-pounding chuck wagon races create exciting activities for all Stampede fans. Your group will enjoy a true Western experience. 403-261-0101, calgarystampede.com

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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The world’s largest hot air balloon event, the first Albuquerque Balloon Festival occurred in 1972. The 50th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will draw more than 750,000 people, across nine days. Seas of balloons depart from Balloon Fiesta Park beside Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, thanks to “The Albuquerque Box” — a local cycle of wind currents that facilitates ballooning. Evening “Balloon Glows” and sunrise Mass Ascensions delight onlookers as do musical, dance and other performances plus fireworks. For optimal views with delicious food, premium parking, courtesy shuttles and outdoor seating, purchase tickets for your group at The Gondola Club. 505-821-1000, balloonfiesta.com

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