ON T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R FAITH-BASED TRAVEL PLANNERS VOL. 19 - NO. 5
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016
WATERFRONT
Wisconsin M I N N E S OTA’ S
TWIN CITIES BUSTLING SUBURBS
ETHNIC H E R I TA G E FAITH-BASED
MEETING GUIDE
G R E A T E R
O N T A R I O
C A L I F O R N I A
e r o l p x e Meet, t c e n n o c and
Greater Ontario is excited to host the Going on Faith Conference in 2016! Greater Ontario region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character that make it Ideal for leisure and business travel. We look forward to welcoming you August 9 – 11 to Ontario, California. The Ontario International Airport lets you y right into the heart of Southern California. Registrations are now being accepted. A state-of-the-art convention center, world class shopping, awe inspiring weather, access to over 6000 guest rooms. All waiting for you when the business day is done. Meet, explore, connect in Greater Ontario, California. For more information on your next meeting experience, visit: discoverontariocalifornia.org/meetings 2000 E. Convention Center Way | Ontario, California 91764 909.937.3000 | 800.455.57.55 | info@ontariocvb.org
DEARBORN COUNTY – SOUTHEAST INDIANA
Twilight Tour Historic Mansions Dinner
Hillforest Victorian House Museum Gather in the double parlors for an elegant catered dinner followed by a tour of the mansion by costumed guides. Home to industrialist and financier Thomas Gaff and his family between 1855 and 1891, the mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
Hotels & Attractions only 5 minutes/1 exit from Creation Museum After a day at the Creation Museum and check-in at your Lawrenceburg hotel, venture down the Ohio River Scenic Byway to dine in historic Aurora’s landmark estates. The evening includes tours of both properties. ($38/person, all inclusive; 2 tours, dinner, dessert buffet; 20 person minimum; Escort & Driver Comps)
Veraestau Historic Site Explore the home and grounds of the estate known for its spectacular view of the Ohio River Valley. Help yourself to coffee or tea and the delightful dessert buffet serving in the formal dining room. Experience Indiana’s architectural history and the historic preservation practiced by generations of two families. Veraestau is operated by Historic Landmark Foundations of Indiana and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ohio River Scenic Byway, Aurora, Indiana
Dearborn County Convention Visitor & Tourism Bureau 320 Walnut Street • Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 • 1-800-322-8198 Contact Dearborn County Group Sales, Sally McWilliams at 812-265-6999 or smcwilliams@visitsoutheastindiana.com
www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com “Like” TOUR Southeast Indiana on Facebook
GOF THE
MAGAZINE [ AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2016 ]
F O R FA I T H - B A S E D T R AV E L
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14
Twin Cities
Waterfront Wisconsin
Minneapolis and Saint Paul make an exciting pair.
Lakes make great backdrops for touring this scenic state.
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Bustling Suburbs
These bedroom communities deserve visits of their own.
DEPA RTMEN TS Columns 6 EDITOR’S NOTES: Travel together, now more than ever
ON THE COVER: The sun rises over the Milwaukee Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
4
Spotlights
News
7 MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT:
9 GROUP GAMES E-BOOK
FAITH-BASED
MEETING GUIDE
28 Youth Conference Destinations 32 Meetings at Monasteries
LiveBeyond
8 BIBLE LANDS TRAVEL SEMINAR: Learn about touring
10 INDUSTRY NEWS
the lands of the Bible at these events in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Mac T. Lacy Founder and Publisher
Brian Jewell Executive Editor
Eliza Myers Online Editor
Charles A. Presley Partner
Herb Sparrow Senior Writer
Christine Clough Copy Editor
Donia Simmons Creative Director
Ashley Ricks Circulation
David Brown Art Director
Stacey Bowman Account Manager
Going On Faith is published bimonthly by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for churches, synagogues and religious organizations. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related companies, may subscribe to Going On Faith by sending a check for $39 for one year to: Going On Faith, Circulation Department, 301 East High Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Phone: (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.
We’d like to be your custom publishing partner. The Group Travel Leader Inc has two decades of expertise in working with industry partners to produce stunning print pieces. We write, design, sell, and mail your finished magazine. You’ll be surprised by how easy and affordable it can be.
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travel together, NOTES N O W more than ever EDITOR’S
I
BRI AN JE W ELL
s it just me or is anyone else ready for this summer to be over? It’s not the heat that bothers me or that school is out. Summer is usually one of my favorite times of year. But the summer of 2016 has been difficult because it feels like the world is about to fall apart. As I write this in mid July, our nation and our world are experiencing a lot of turmoil: the Brexit; terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Turkey, and Nice, France; a failed coup attempt in Turkey. The Zika virus and a Russian doping scandal threaten to taint the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At home, things seem just as bad. We have had more mass shootings in public places. Racial tensions have flared up in American cities and have brought with them widespread protests, as well as some tragic police shootings. And we’re headed into an election season that promises to be a divisive, toxic mess. I’m tired of the bad news. I’m tired of the grief. I’m tired of the yelling, the accusations, the finger-wagging, the lecturing and the anger. I’m tired of feeling beat up every time I open my news feed. My kids are too young to understand anything about current events, and for that I’m grateful. I dread the day when I have to sit down with them and explain the terrible things that are happening in the world around them. And yet, there is hope. In the midst of all this turmoil, my pastor stood onstage last Sunday and told our congregation that “the local church mobilized is the hope of the world.” And he was right. Local churches mobilize in dozens of
different ways, and travel is one of them. The trips that you plan aren’t just fun and fellowship, though they should be both. They are powerful opportunities to build relationships, strengthen faith and reach across cultural and national barriers to build unity. It would be easy to cancel our travel plans and hunker down at home for a while. The world — even America — is an unsettled place, and there’s something attractive about waiting for it all to blow over. But in the face of all our uncertainty, that’s exactly the wrong move. Church group travel presents opportunities to make an impact on the world unlike anything that happens at a Sunday service. The faith-based travel community is one of the most racially and economically diverse in the country and offers a powerful model of how groups of different ethnicities and Christian traditions can work together toward a common good. When church groups travel together, the members grow stronger in relationship with one another. When they travel abroad, they represent the best aspects of American culture, even in places where our nation is often misunderstood. And by visiting even difficult parts of the world, travelers build relationships with foreigners and acquire a global perspective that is irreplaceable. Travel is the best kind of diplomacy. Best of all, when churches travel together, they take the very spirit of the Gospel with them. You are the body of Christ, wherever you go. So please, be encouraged. It may feel like you can’t do much to shape the course of events around you. But when you travel, the hope of the world travels with you.
BRIAN JEWELL [ EDITOR ] brianj@grouptravelleader.com 6
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
SPOT MISSIONS
LIGHT
REBUILDING HAITI The massive earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010 resulted in media coverage that brought images and video of death and devastation to the American public. Most people saw a terrible disaster, but some also saw an opportunity to help. David Vanderpool was among those who traveled to Haiti with the initial relief efforts but, along with his family, decided to stay on after seeing “what an incredibly underserved place” Haiti was. Vanderpool was a trauma surgeon volunteering in disaster-affected areas like Iraq, Ghana and South Africa for more than 20 years. With his wife he founded Mobile Medical Disaster Relief (MMDR) in 2005 to provide emergency medical services after Hurricane Katrina. “We would always stay on in country and help rebuild infrastructure,” Vanderpool said, describing his family’s volunteer experiences But the area made an impact on them when they saw the country’s dramatic need for aid and for the Gospel. Shortly after, MMDR was rebranded as LiveBeyond, and their work began to serve the needs of the Haitian people. Today, LiveBeyond partners with more than 1,000 volunteers each year to support its various programs. At its 63-acre complex in Thomazeau, Haiti, near Portau-Prince, the organization works to “not only benefit people’s lives physically but also spiritually,” said Vanderpool. The organization’s efforts include evangelism; a hospital that treats thousands of patients each year; At Risk, a program that helps Haitians with disabilities; and a demonstration farm where volunteers help teach local farmers improved irrigation and agricultural techniques. Another popular way to help is through the Ke Pou Timoun program, which serves the area’s malnourished children by providing them with meals, education and medical care. Ke Pou Timoun means “heart for children” in Creole.
(LIVEBEYOND)
Photos courtesy LiveBeyond
Volunteers traveling with LiveBeyond can help to build infrastructure and take care of human needs in various cities in Haiti. LIVEBEYOND
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419.956.4077
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www.livebeyond.org going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]
7
GOING ON FAITH TO HOST BIBLE LANDS TRAVEL SEMINARS
Courtesy JTBNA
By Dafna Tal, courtesy GoIsrael.com
Courtesy JTBNA
Courtesy GoIsrael.com
The Going On Faith Bible Lands Travel Seminars will give participants information and inspiration about visiting biblical sites in countries such as Israel and Jordan.
H
ave you ever considered taking a church group to visit the lands of the Bible? Are you interested in a chance to win a free trip there yourself? Do you live near Chicago or Washington, D.C.? If so, mark your calendars to attend the new Going On Faith Bible Lands Travel Seminar series in September. The first event series of its kind, the Going On Faith Bible Lands Travel Seminar will feature a panel discussion on travel to the lands of the Bible featuring representatives from Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Turkish Airlines, as well as tour operators that package trips to the region. The panel discussions will be moderated by Going On Faith executive editor Brian Jewell. “Trips to see the biblical sites in Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey should be a fundamental part of any faith-based travel program,” Jewell said. “But
8
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
this part of the world is not without its cultural and historical challenges. We’re going to address both the benefits and the challenges in this discussion, and give church travel planners advice and tools to help them plan trips to the lands of the Bible that their members will never forget.” The seminar is free to attend, and participants will get travel information from each of the sponsoring organizations. At the end of each seminar, one attendee will win a free tour to one of the Bible Land destinations, provided by a participating tour operator and Turkish Airlines, which offers flights from North America to cities throughout the entire region. The seminar series is a unique partnership between Going On Faith and sponsoring organizations, including the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the Jordan Tourism Board North America, the Egypt
Tourism Authority and Turkish Airlines. “Bringing officials from these countries together on to one stage to talk about tourism is significant in its own right,” Jewell said. “In addition to educating church leaders on traveling to biblical destinations, the sponsoring partners and I all look forward to these events contributing to a spirit of cooperation and progress in the Middle East.” The Going On Faith Bible Lands Travel Seminar will take place in Chicago at the DePaul Center on the Loop Campus of DePaul University on Tuesday, September 27. The Washington seminar will be held on Thursday, September 29, at the Washington National Cathedral. Travel planners and church leaders in the Chicago and D.C. areas can find more information and registration details at www.goingonfaith.com/biblelands.
GROUP GAMES E-BOOK
W
NOW AVAILABLE
hen faced with a three-hour motorcoach ride with less than exciting scenery, many group leaders turn to group games to combat their passengers’ boredom. A fun and engaging game can not only pass time but also bond the participants with a memory that would otherwise have been nonexistent. That is why The Group Travel Leader has recently released the Customized Motorcoach Group Games E-Book. “Group games have long been our most popular web content,” said Eliza Myers, online editor of The Group Travel Leader. “Although we offer many types of games on our website, we wanted an easy way for group leaders to print off our customized games and pass them out as needed on a trip.” The magazine’s first games-themed e-book focuses on games custom-made for motorcoach travel. For example, the Counting Cows game keeps participants glued to the
window to count how many of each type of animal they see on a trip. Similarly, Bus Bingo encourages group members to play a scenery-themed bingo game that can be altered for each trip. Other included games involve stick horse racing up the aisles of the bus, determining objects hidden in jars and tossing marshmallows. Each game can come with a tempting prize to add a little fun to the competition. “People love these outside-the-box games because they build camaraderie with other passengers, which can lead to lasting friendships,” said Myers. “That’s what you want on a group tour, because it enhances passengers’ entire travel experience and makes them more likely to
book their next tour with your group.” Group leaders also report enjoying the scenery-themed custom games, since those engage participants in the destination as it goes by. Each game comes with instructions for the group leader and, if needed, any handouts necessary to play the game. Group leaders can simply print off whichever game they think will fit their next trip from the e-book document. The e-book is available as a free download for a limited time at www.grouptravelleader.com/ ebook.
FREE ONLINE!
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NEWS
MASSIVE REPLICA OF NOAH’S ARK
WORTHY
OPENS IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY WILLIAMSTOWN, Kentucky — A massive 510-foot long, 51-foot tall replica of Noah’s Ark, built to specifications mentioned in the Bible, opened to the general public July 7 after two days of previews to supporters at a 40-acre site alongside Interstate 75 in northern Kentucky. Ark Encounter’s 132 exhibit bays and displays on three decks inside the Ark feature pairs of sculpted animals in wooden cages, including dinosaurs, deer and pigs; and displays of blacksmith and carpentry shops and living quarters for Noah
A crowd attended the opening of the Ark Encounter, a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark that features displays and exhibits about the biblical story.
and his family, who are depicted by realistic animatronic figures. Phase one of the $100 million project also includes a lake, a petting zoo, a restaurant, a gift shop, a theater and zip lines. Future plans calls for a pre-flood walled city, a rendition of the Tower of Babel and a firstcentury Middle Eastern village. Ark Encounters was built by Answers in Genesis, which also built the Creation Museum, located 45 minutes away in Petersburg, Kentucky. www.arkencounter.com
Photos courtesy Ark Encounter
THE STRONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY EXPANDS GROUP TOUR PROGRAM ROCHESTER, New York — The Strong National Museum of Play has expanded its group tour programs to offer more behind-the-scenes and interactive opportunities. New group experiences include going behind the scenes in Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, the only yearround indoor butterfly exhibit in upstate New York; exploring play in America by viewing the world’s largest toy, doll and game collection from a curator’s point of view; and enjoying the World Video Game Hall of Fame and a massive video game exhibit where groups can test their skills on rare games such as four-player PacMan and two-player Tetris. The museum recently opened the Toy Halls of Fame exhibit, a cutting-
edge, hands-on space that explores America’s favorite toys. Also on view throughout the museum are displays of some of America’s rarest and most iconic artifacts of play, including the first handmade Monopoly set, Thomas Edison’s talking doll, the first LEGO sets and Barbie No. 1. The Strong offers group-friendly amenities including a bus loop for easy motorcoach pick up and drop off, free motorcoach parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and character greeters upon request. Tour operators looking to book experiences at the Strong should contact Karen Dodson at 585-410-6359 or kdodson@museumofplay.org. www.museumofplay.org
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
Artwork at the new Alaska State Museum Courtesy Alaska State Museum
ALASKA STATE MUSEUM OPENS NEW BUILDING JUNEAU, Alaska — The Alaska State Museum officially opened its new location in Juneau June 6. The new facility combines the museum, state archives and state library into one 118,000-square-foot structure. It was built on the same location as the former state museum, which was torn down in 2014 for construction of the new building. This new state-of-the-art facility houses artifacts and history from throughout the state, with the capability and space for more than 50 years’ worth of future collections. The entrance atrium features an eagle tree and a large detailed map of Alaska in the floor.
Features of the permanent gallery include a Tlingit clan house made of hand-adzed cedar; a walrus-skin Inupiaq umiak, a 34-foot boat whose frame was built in 1920; a segment of the Alaska pipeline; and a single-sail wooden fishing boat known as a Bristol Bay double ender. The new facility also has three galleries for temporary exhibits, a cafe and a store. The second-floor reading room of the library and archives features a tall wood ceiling and large windows overlooking the town and the mountains. www.museums.alaska.gov/ lam/slam.html
BRANSON OPENS NEW ‘OLD’ FERRIS WHEEL BRANSON, Missouri — In late June, the Branson Ferris Wheel began a second career at the Track Family Fun Parks overlooking Branson after being a feature at Chicago’s Navy Pier for 20 years. The newly named Branson Ferris Wheel has a brand-new LED lighting system with 144,000 multi-colored LED lights and a computer program that can display a simple vintage look or a modern energized light show that can be synced to a new sound system. The 150-foot wheel has 40 gondolas that hold up to six passengers each and takes seven-and-a-half minutes per rotation. “They purchased something that came with emotional connections; you can’t get those with a brand new attraction,” said Jeff Seifried, president/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Branson area locals and visitors alike appreciate sentimental stories, and there is no doubt that this Ferris wheel comes with a lot of them.” The Track Family Fun Parks, marking its 35th anniversary, has four Branson locations go-kart tracks, laser tag, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, batting cages and arcades. www.bransontracks.com
Courtesy The Track
After spending 20 years at Navy Pier in Chicago, the newly named Branson Ferris Wheel has been modernized and installed at the Track, a family entertainment complex in Branson, Missouri.
DISCOVER WHAT’S POSSIBLE There’s plenty to discover in Houston. Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria is located in the heart of Uptown Houston, steps away from The Galleria Shopping Center - Houston's #1 tourist attraction. This hotel features rooms that were designed with the traveler in mind. Built-in case goods are used throughout to give rooms a spacious, modern aesthetic feel. The theme is derived from the geological aspect of the oil & gas industry. Steel greys accented by earth tones and turquoise are found throughout. Book by June 30, 2016 and receive complimentary on-site bus parking and guest room for bus driver. Minimum of 10 rooms on peak.
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going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]
TRAVEL
SNAPSHOT “Spoonbridge and Cherry” is the most recognizable piece of artwork in the sculpture garden at Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center.
by GA B I LO GA N
‘MIDWESTERN COOL’ TWIN CITIES
T
Courtesy Walker Art Center
hough the twin cities of Minneapolis and St.
nations for years and a steady increase in overall
top attractions, but also to go beyond the typical
Paul, Minnesota, are the second-largest
visitor numbers, which reached a record 31.6 mil-
tour framework, such as learning improv comedy
metropolitan area in the Midwest after
lion in 2015.
hands-on from Brave New Workshop, the oldest
Chicago, they couldn’t feel more different than the
“We think the experiential side of things is some-
comedy theater in the country. At the Midtown
Windy City. Due to their location on the banks of
thing people are really looking for — a little special
Global Market in Minneapolis, visitors learn about
the Mississippi River, the area’s abundance of
experience that is memorable and best to share on
the ethnic groups that are changing the face of the
lakes and parks give the Twin Cities a laid-back
social media,” said Kristen Montag, communication
Midwest today as they tour the market; they hear
vibe that makes you easily forget you’re in a city
and public relations manager for the Meet
the stories of the entrepreneurs who immigrated to
— until you walk into one of their world-class
Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Association.
America and opened groceries and food stands
cultural attractions.
In 2013, Minneapolis launched its signature experi-
specializing in their home cuisine. In the Northeast
Dubbed by some the new “capital of Midwestern
ence program, which features prepackaged experi-
Minneapolis Arts District, groups have the opportu-
cool,” the Twin Cities have reaped the benefits of a
ences at cultural, dining and outdoor attractions
nity to go inside an artist’s warehouse through the
rising interest in experiential, hands-on cultural
around the city that give groups exclusive behind-
Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, where they
travel. A major locavore cuisine movement both in
the-scenes experiences.
can learn how to blow glass and can bring home
the cities and their surrounding agricultural areas
The Twin Cities signature experiences aim not
has led to double-digit James Beard Award nomi-
only to show groups an in-depth look at the cities’
their own piece of the bustling new district.
Debbie’s Snowballs
Como Conservatory
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
Mill City Musuem By Dan Anderson, courtesy Como Regional Park
Courtesy Mill City Museum
Guthrie Theater
[ GUTHRIE THEATER ] One of the country’s most renowned theaters, the Guthrie Theater was founded in 1963 to be the antithesis of Broadway: low on flash and superficial themes, heavy on lauded works of literature and artistic expression. Today, the company produces a nine-show season complemented by lectures, concerts and other events in a striking cantilevered building that extends out over the river. The 90-minute signature experience at the Guthrie goes beyond the usual public architecture tour. Interactive workshops allow groups to learn from one of the theater’s professional coaches how to maximize their presence on the main stage and in their own lives, or dive into the world of stage combat. WWW.GUTHRIETHEATER.ORG
[ COMO REGIONAL PARK ] By Mark Vancleave
Walker Art Center
Since 1891, Como Regional Park has served as the recreation hub for St. Paul and the surrounding area with amenities that reach far beyond the typical barbecue pits and walking trails. The Twin Cities are known for having some of the top park systems in the United States, but St. Paul’s Como Regional Park, surrounding Lake Como, includes attractions as varied as a historic streetcar station, an amusement park, and both miniature golf and a full 18-hole course. The park’s biggest draws are its conservatory, which features everything from tropical to bonsai collections, and its zoo, home to denizens of the Galapagos, the Amazon and the Arctic. Groups can enjoy a signature experience before the site opens to the public and feed the polar bears and giraffes as they meet the zookeepers. WWW.STPAUL.GOV
[ WALKER ART CENTER ]
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Como Regional Park
Focused on contemporary art in all media, from visual arts exhibitions to dance performances to a more-than 40-piece sculpture garden, the Walker Art Center features a groundbreaking contemporary wing designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron. The campus is now undergoing a renovation, with the new grand entrance set to open in the fall of this year and the extensive sculpture garden renovation debuting in summer 2017. The Walker Art Center also offers a signature experience with a member of its curatorial team in which groups can learn about the decisions that go into curating a collection before having their creating their own work of art in the center’s art lab. WWW.WALKERART.ORG
[ MILL CITY MUSEUM ] Though flour seems to be a bland, mundane item, in the right circumstances, flour dust can be explosive, and shortly after the Washburn A Mill opened on the banks of the Mississippi as the world’s largest flour mill, a dust explosion wiped it and several other nearby mills out, leaving a modern ruin that the city has turned into an homage to its milling history. The museum offers a variety of tours for groups, both of its own facility and along the historic, railroad and hydroelectric power routes on the riverfront. Admission to the museum also includes access to the ninth-floor observation deck overlooking St. Anthony Falls. WWW.MILLCITYMUSEUM.ORG By Dan Anderson, courtesy Como Regional Park
going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]
STATE O F
F A I T H
By Tate Bunker, courtesy Visit Milwaukee
WATERFRONT
Courtesy Greater Green Bay CVB
Wisconsin THIS STATE’S SOUTHEASTERN SHORES OFFER GREAT GROUP EXPERIENCES
Clockwise from top: boat cruises on Lake Geneva; going on faith [ august | september 2016 ] Milwaukee; Green Bay; and Door County kolaches By Ryan Bensheimer, courtesy Visit Lake Geneva
Courtesy Door Co. VB
#2 #3
# 1 MILWAUKEE ]
[ DESTINATION
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B RI A N JE WE LL
M AD I SO N
#5
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L A KE G E N EVA
he soul of Wisconsin can be found on its waterfronts. Few other states in the Midwest enjoy the kind of natural beauty and peaceful settings that come from Wisconsin’s rich and varied waterfronts. The state enjoys its position alongside two of the Great Lakes — Michigan and Superior — and visitors get stunning views of both at various cities and towns along the coastlines. Smaller lakes throughout the state lend waterfront charm to inland destinations as well. For some of the best experiences that Wisconsin has to offer, take your group on a trip to these five waterfront destinations in the southeastern part of the state. This itinerary begins in Milwaukee and then follows the shore of Lake Michigan north to the scenic Door County peninsula and back down to Green Bay. From there, it continues south to the state capital, Madison, which is situated between two lakes, before ending in the charming resort town of Lake Geneva. From there, it’s a short trip back to Milwaukee to head home.
GermanFest brings authentic food and music to downtown Milwaukee.
Courtesy Visit Milwaukee
HIGHLIGHT | LAKEFRONT FUN
The long and beautiful shore of Lake Michigan is the defining characteristic of downtown Milwaukee, and it presents a number of ways for visiting groups to enjoy the water and the views. Groups that visit the city should take advantage of the numerous ways to get out on the lake. Edelweiss Cruises offers a number of sightseeing and entertainment cruises on the lake and the Milwaukee River, including dinner cruises, city skyline cruises, brunch cruises and themed outings such as pirate cruises and murder mystery excursions. Another company, the Milwaukee Boat Line, operates narrated history and architecture cruises, as well as live music cruises and other excursions. The Lake Michigan shore is also home to some of the city’s best visitor attractions, among them the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World Wisconsin. There are several beautiful parks and public beaches on the lakeshore as well. W H I L E Y O U ’ R E T H E R E : During the summer, Milwaukee hosts some of the country’s largest outdoor festivals. Plan your trip to coincide with the food, live music and cultural performances during Summerfest, German Fest or Irish Fest, the world’s largest Irish heritage event. MORE
INFO
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WWW.VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG
# 2 DOOR COUNTY ]
[ DESTINATION
HIGHLIGHT | SCENERY DEFINED
Driving a couple of hours north of Milwaukee will bring Wisconsin travelers to Door County, the state’s long peninsula jutting out into the lake. Vacationers from throughout the Midwest have long treasured Door County for its small-town charm and gorgeous scenery — it is brilliant in the fall — and groups from all over the country will enjoy its laid-back vibe and rustic natural beauty. The small towns up and down the peninsula feature bed-andbreakfasts, boutique shops, wineries and more visitor favorites. But the area’s best feature is its natural scenery. Visitors can discover some of the best views of Lake Michigan and its small islands from lookout points in Peninsula State Park or take in miles of sandy formations from atop the observation tower at Whitefish Dunes State Park. And at Cave Point Park, visitors can kayak into sea caves carved out by the lake’s crashing waves. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: About seven miles off the northern tip of the Door County Peninsula, Washington Island is inhabited by about 650 people and is accessible only by boat. Groups can take a ferry ride over and then hop on the Cherry Train tram for a tour of the island and encounters with some of its fascinating residents. MORE
INFO
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WWW.DOORCOUNTY.COM
going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]
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HIGHLIGHT | TITLE TOWN
Livin’ It Up All Season Long!
-XO\ 6HSW
6HSW 2FW
1RY 'HF
2ă’…ă’‚ (ă’ˆă‘§ă‘łă’„ă‘łă‘¸ă‘ą 6ă‘Šă‘Ľă’ƒă‘šă‘¸ MAMMA MIA! BEAUTY AND THE BEAST SOUTH PACIFIC BACK TO THE 50’S CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES ELVIS LIVES MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Coming back down the Door County peninsula, travelers will pass through the city of Green Bay, located on the Lake Michigan bay of the same name. Green Bay will be forever linked to the Packers, its pro football team that is deeply intertwined with community life and culture. The team’s stadium at Lambeau Field is the most recognizable landmark in town and, after extensive renovations and expansions that were completed this year, offers a variety of visitor experiences. Groups can start their football-themed visits with a stop at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, where they will learn about the famed team’s history, including their winning the first Super Bowl, and see artifacts from famous players. After that, an official tour of the stadium takes them onto the field and into restricted areas such as locker rooms and luxury suites. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Faith-based groups will enjoy visiting a number of special churches and shrines around the Green Bay area. These include St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Museum, St. Norbert Abbey and Our Lady of Good Help Shrine, the only official Marian shrine in the country. MORE
INFO
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WWW.GREENBAY.COM
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HIGHLIGHT | TWIN LAKES
Superb Musicals | Memorable Dining Family Hospitality | Spectacular Shops 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 _ ZZZ ÂżUHVLGHWKHDWUH FRP going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
You may not think of waterfront when you think of Madison, a city known better as the state capital and the home of the University of Wisconsin. But Madison sits between two small lakes — Mendota and Monona — that offer a number of exciting experiences for visitors. On Lake Mendota, the waterfront area is known as Mendota Terrace and features a number of attractions. The terrace is known for its many shops and restaurants, as well as a popular summer concert series at the lakeside bandstand. Outfitters at the terrace offer a number of ways to get out on the water and enjoy the lake, including kayak and paddleboard rentals. Another kind of experience awaits on the shore of Lake Monona. Monona Terrace, the city’s convention center, was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and many groups stop by for tours that highlight the unique art, architecture and history of the building. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: As a famously progressive college town located near fertile agricultural areas, Madison enjoys a burgeoning food scene that rivals many bigger cities around the country. Foodies can dine at any of the many local farm-to-table restaurants around town or take sample dishes from several with Madison Food Explorers or Madison Eats food tours. MORE
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Lambeau Field
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# 5 LAKE GENEVA ]
HIGHLIGHT | LAKEFRONT LUXURY
Courtesy Green Bay Packers
Madison’s Memorial Union Pier
The small town of Lake Geneva makes a big impact on visitors. Located about 80 miles northwest of Chicago, this town on the bank of Geneva Lake became a popular summer destination for wealthy residents of the Windy City, many of whom built lavish vacation homes on the lakeshore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The best way for groups to get to know the historic and modern luxury of the area is by taking a sightseeing cruise on the lake. The cruises give passengers up-close views of the beautiful homes along the shore and relate stories about the wealthy families that built them. During the summertime, groups can cruise on one of the boats that deliver mail to the lakefront homes and watch as young mail carriers jump back and forth from the moving boat to the docks in front of each house to deliver the mail. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Just a 45-minute drive from Lake Geneva is Fort Atkinson, best known as home to the Fireside Dinner Theatre. Billed as the state’s most-visited group attraction, this theater features performances in the round by professional actors, plus delicious food, souvenir shops and more.
Courtesy Greater Madison CVB
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THERE’S A JUDITH IN EVERY GROUP. She’s happy to join in, but she wants options. Luckily for you ® and Judith, “The Waterpark Capital of the World! ” is a crowd-pleaser. With countless group and individual activities from live shows to scenic boat rides, Wisconsin Dells will keep the Judith in your group smiling – something everyone can get behind. Contact one of our destination specialists for complimentary planning assistance.
MeetInTheDells.com | sales@wisdells.com | (800) 223-3557 By Richard Nowitz, courtesy San Antonio CVB
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Suburbs in the Spotlight SOME GREA T EXPERIENCES AT A R E F O U N D J U SST T OUTSIDE OF BIG CITIES by
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ou might not think a suburban destination would offer motor speedway races, hands-on biblical herb classes or worldrenowned national parks. But some suburbs dispel preconceived notions of sleepy towns with thriving communities, intriguing attractions and vibrant cultures. These bustling suburbs allow faithbased groups to save money on major cities’ downtown hotels while preventing the thumb-twiddling boredom that is sometimes associated with the ’burbs. Many church groups will also enjoy the family atmospheres of these five suburban destinations that replace city nightlife with historic downtowns and outdoor parks. Create your next hub-and-spoke tour around one of these suburban locations for both their proximity to major city attractions and the impressive entertainment available right next door. Mount Tamalpais is a scenic retreat for people spending time around San Francisco.
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
Courtesy Marin CVB
[ GAHANNA , OHIO ] Travelers can enjoy the heavenly scents of lavender, rosemary and hyssop while learning about these herbs’ spiritual roots in a Sacred Herbs of the Bible class in Gahanna, Ohio. Deemed the “Herb Capital of Ohio” by the state Legislature in 1972, the town offers both sweet-smelling gardens and access to the busyness of Columbus. Gahanna has embraced its herbal identity with the 2012 creation of the Herbal Trail, which showcases the town’s herbal shopping venues, herb gardens, ecolearning options and wellness points of interest. “The Herbal Trail has 40 different businesses, attractions and gardens we can pull from and create itineraries specific to a group’s needs,” said Mary Szymkowiak, communications and tourism manager for the Gahanna Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Not only are you not paying for parking here, but we also have hotel partners that really understand groups and their needs.” Hotels can organize complimentary gift bags of local herbal products for groups as well as shuttle service to many of the Herbal Trail stops. Many attractions in the area are walkable, such as the city’s Creekside District, which features trails past waterfalls and herb gardens. The Ohio Herb Education Center connects visitors with the history of herbs with workshops that inform; they also provide a hands-on project that participants can take home. Groups can choose from class topics such as biblical herbs, cooking with herbs and brewing herbal teas. The Gahanna CVB will also orchestrate a visit with a local farm, such as Shepherd’s Corner Farm. This 160-acre ecological mission run by the Dominican Sisters of the Peace welcomes tours of the farm’s sustainable produce, animals, a meditation trail and a labyrinth. www.visitgahanna.com
Photos courtesy Visit Gahana
Groups can pick fresh herbs and taste handmade food products in Gahanna, the “Herb Capital of Ohio.”
[ CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ] Fans can grab the wheel of a 600-horsepower NASCAR racecar for an adrenaline rush they will always remember at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Cabarrus County. The track’s driving experiences allow participants to zoom around the legendary speedway with a professional driver at speeds of up to 165 miles per hour. The excitement doesn’t end there in Cabarrus County, which lives up to its tagline of “Where Racing Lives.” Just minutes from Charlotte, the North Carolina suburb thrives on its racing heritage as well as its other attractions. “We like to say that we have small-town charm with big-city adventure,” said Julie Hinson, communications manager for the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There is definitely an energy to Cabarrus County. Even outside of motor sports, there is a lot to see and do that still keeps that energy up.” Whether diehard NASCAR fans or not, most visitors stop by the 1960 Charlotte Motor Speedway for a driving school experience, a racing event or a behind-thescenes tour of the 140,000-seat facility. Within a 50-mile radius of Charlotte Motor Speedway, groups can tour almost every driver’s racing shop, since Race Shop Tours allows groups to get up close to the everyday lives of the racing community. Sport enthusiasts also enjoy visiting Dale Earnhardt’s hometown of Kannapolis, which features the Dale Trail and Dale Earnhardt Plaza. However, one of the most popular visitor attractions in the state that lies in Cabarrus County has little to do with cars. The Concord Mills Mall features more than 200 stores, among them retail outlets, restaurants and interactive stores like Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the Sea Life Aquarium. www.visitcabarrus.com
Sea Life Aquarium outside Charlotte
Charlotte Motor Speedway is in Cabarrus County. Photos courtesy Cabarrus Co. CVB
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Photos courtesy Marin CVB
Marin sights, left to right: Muir Woods; Point Reyes; Mount Tamalpais
[ MARIETTA, GEORGIA ] Though many visitors may not feel connected to the Hollywood depiction of the South in thoroughly modern Atlanta, they will experience the charm and grace they expect in nearby Marietta. With six historic districts and attractions such as the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, the town wins the admiration of locals and visitors alike. “Our main square is our jewel,” said Sarah Sloan, marketing and public relations coordinator for the Marietta Visitors Bureau. “It is a beautiful square with shops, restaurants and museums. Every weekend, we have our farmers market, where we shut down one street in the square and 50 or 60 vendors will set up shop. You can get some great local Marietta products there.” One of the most visited spots along the square is the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, which houses the original Bengaline honeymoon gown worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara. Film fans can also wander past several of Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of her novel, an educational display dedicated to the African American cast members and other original promotional materials from the beloved movie. Groups can sit back and enjoy quality theater performances in Marietta at a local musical production at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. The Strand, a 1935 movie house, hosts traveling productions as well as concerts, musicals and screenings of classic films with live organ accompaniment. Guests should always check Marietta’s calendar to see what event will correspond with their visit. “We have fantastic festivals,” said Sloan. “Chalktoberfest is one where local chalk artists paint the streets. We also have a Friday concert series during the summer. There is always something happening in Marietta.” www.mariettasquare.com
[ MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA ] Just one famous bridge away from San Francisco, Marin County offers the unusual ability to stand inside a forested national park wilderness located just minutes from one of the country’s largest cities. Almost 85 percent of the suburban destination’s land has been protected from development through federal parkland and zoning.
By Jill Blue
Marietta offers public parks, boutique shopping and live theater near Atlanta.
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ] Photos courtesy Marietta VB
This outdoor wonderland has become such a city escape that the area has been dubbed the San Francisco Bay Area’s park. “It is very unique to have such a rural area so close to a big city,” said Christine Bohlke, sales and marketing director for the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are known for outdoor adventure. There are no new commercial buildings on the beaches, which is one reason why they are so beautiful. It’s very different from southern California.” Even the weather is a reason to stay in Marin County instead of the nearby metropolis, since Mount Tamalpais holds back San Francisco’s famous fog, and temperatures average about 15 degrees higher than those across the Bay. Visitors to Marin County can enjoy the warmer temperatures while choosing which scenery they would prefer, including ancient redwood forests and undeveloped seashore. The Muir Woods National Monument is a nature lover’s favorite for its 1,000-yearold giant redwood trees. Groups can marvel at these massive 260-foot-high redwoods while viewing interpretive displays or on a guided program with a park ranger. Tours also run through Point Reyes National Seashore’s wilderness sanctuary and Angel Island State Park’s historic immigration station. After indulging in the area’s natural wonders, groups can enjoy some culinary delights at local shops offering artisan cheeses, fresh oysters and other agricultural products. www.visitmarin.org
By Anthony Sinagoga, courtesy Bucks Co. CVB
[ BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ] A 44-room concrete castle called the Fonthill Museum stands out among Pennsylvania’s rolling hillside, but it also tells the compelling story behind one By Bob Krist, courtesy Bucks Co. CVB of America’s creative geniuses: Henry Mercer. This artist influenced not only tile Top: a gallery in New Hope near Philadelphia Bottom: Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County. making, but also the entire area of Bucks County. Located just outside Philadelphia, the region has embraced Mercer’s legacy with sites dedicated to his artistic contributions and has also promoted other local artists. The result is a county full of historic towns and artist colonies that attract visitors looking for more than just a cheap hotel rate. Art galleries, local shops, more than 30 restaurants and other historic sites can keep groups engaged in the area for days. The Fonthill Museum in Doylestown is one of the most celebrated attractions in the area, since Mercer built and lived in it. Guests can tour the castle’s interior filled with Mercer’s personal collection of ornate handmade tiles, more than 6,000 books and other interesting artifacts. Doylestown also welcomes guests to the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, and the Mercer Museum, which showcases Mercer’s extensive collection of historic tools from early Americans. New Hope is another town that stands out in Bucks County for its walkable downtown filled with art galleries, eclectic shops and views along the Delaware Canal. Planners can set groups loose in New Hope’s Peddler’s Village, which We’re not just any small town. We’re the Bourbon Capital of the World® as well as the most beautiful houses 65 specialty stores on 42 acres of landscaped garsmall town in America, according to Rand McNally dens and brick walkways. and USA Today. Since 1770, spiritual seekers have While in town, groups will also often jump on the New journeyed to Kentucky’s Holy Land. Whether you visit the home of Trappist Monks or the oldest Catholic Hope and Ivyland Railroad for a 45-minute ride through cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains, you’re www.visitbardstown.com Bucks County’s picturesque countryside. sure to stand amazed in the presence of Bardstown’s 800.638.4877 www.visitbuckscounty.com centuries-old religious heritage.
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Capitals of Culture
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merica is often called the Land of Opportunity and has attracted cultures from around the globe dating back to its pre-
Colonial days. Since that time, numerous immigrant communities have established their own cultural enclaves across the country, each offering its own unique international flavor and flair. Following are four distinctive ethnic destinations to add to your group travel itinerary — no passport required.
by
LYS A ALLMAN-BALDWIN
A toy at Red Barn Studio in Lindsborg
Photos courtesy Lindsborg CVB By Jim Turner
Big Red is an iconic landmark in the Dutch town of Holland, Michigan.
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By Josh Davis, courtesy Holland VB Courtesy Jordan Tourism Board
T H E S E D E ST I N AT I O N S B OA ST BRILLIANT ETHNIC IDENTITIES
Lindsborg’s Coronado Heights
By Jim Turner
Lindsborg’s Lucia Festival
[ LINDSBORG, KANSAS ] What do Handel’s “Messiah,” International Waffle Day and St. Lucia have in common? Lindsborg, Kansas. Located approximately 195 miles from Kansas City and 230 miles from Oklahoma City, Lindsborg — population 3,500 — is widely recognized as “Little Sweden, USA.” Founded in 1869 by Swedish immigrants, Lindsborg has lovingly preserved its rich heritage and culture, making it a wonderful tourism destination. “Lindsborg is one of the better known tourism destinations in Kansas, and it happened purely by accident,” said Holly Lofton, director of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In the late 1800s, many people came here from across the country for the Messiah Festival of the Arts, arriving by the railroad that stopped here before car travel became available.” Today, the 136-year-old, 10-day festival, held in conjunction with Holy Week, encompasses theater performances and visual arts experiences, and its namesake is the longest running performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in North America. Group activities include tours to sites and attractions like the Höglund Dugout, an example of an early Scandinavian home built below ground. Historic structures in town include the Swedish Pavilion and the Old Roller Mills, named among the “The Eight Wonders of Kansas,” the only fully restored wooden roller mill in the country. Traditional Swedish fare awaits in the walkable downtown area. The aptly named Swedish Crown Restaurant serves delicious Swedish and American dishes with an unusual twist, and the Swedish Country Inn offers a Swedish breakfast buffet. Take home a bit of Sweden, like tasty herring or Swedish meatballs, at places like Anderson Butik. Courtyard Bakery and Gallery features authentic Swedish baked goods and pastries. And Hemslöjd — Swedish for “handicraft” — sells a variety of Scandinavian gifts, including the popular traditional Swedish Dala Horses. Annual celebrations include the St. Lucia Festival, a winter solstice tribute to the Italian saint who brought light and sustenance to Sweden’s suffering people, and Våffeldagen (International Waffle Day) in March. Svensk Hyllningsfest, held in October in odd-numbered years, is Lindsborg’s largest festival; it is highlighted by traditional dances, music and a full Swedish smorgasbord that feeds 700 people. www.lindsborgcity.org
going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 23 By Jim Richardson
[ MIAMI’S LITTLE HAVANA , FLORIDA ] Don’t be fooled by the diminutive in the name Little Havana. This Cuban gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean is big on history and authentic experiences, making it one of the most distinctive heritage tourism destinations in the country. Dating back to the 1930s, the area has always been a melting pot of Hispanic and Latin cultures: Cubans fleeing from social, economic and political strife in Cuba, as well as immigrants from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, among others. Together, they have created a vibrant multicultural landscape bursting with energy and tradition at every turn. The main drag, extending almost two miles in the heart of Miami, is Calle Ocho (Southwest Eighth Street). It and its connecting side streets are peppered with insightful monuments, imaginative murals, historic attractions, captivating music and warm, welcoming people. For example, you’ll find a 16-foot-long bronze raised map of Cuba, statues of the Virgin Mary and the Eternal Torch of Brigade 2506, which pays tribute to the lives lost in the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba. “Although Little Havana is in the U.S., it feels like walking in a very different culture and place,” said Connie Kinnard, vice president of multicultural tourism and development for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors enjoy a very walkable, authentic experience here, from the shops where they roll premium handmade cigars in the traditional fashion to watching domino games and competitions at Domino Park to enjoying a Cuban coffee to places like Hoy Como Ayer [Today Like Yesterday] Bar and Lounge for great live entertainment, food and dancing.” On the culinary front, locally owned places like Azúcar Ice Cream Company; El Cristo Restaurant and Catering, which serves CubanAmerican cuisine; and the Spanish-inspired Casa Juancho offer dishes made from Abuela’s (Grandma’s) recipes with a modern twist. Miami area denizens and visitors flock to the immensely popular Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) the last Friday of each month to enjoy talented street performers, live music, salsa lessons, art gallery exhibits and more. Be sure to meander along the Latin Walk of Fame of Little Havana, which honors Latino entertainers, artists, and personalities including Celia Cruz, Julio Iglesias, Olga Guillot, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, Pedro Vargas and Thalia. www.miamiandbeaches.com
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Miami’s Little Havana Courtesy Greater Miami CVB
Handmade cheese aging in Pella Courtesy Pella CVB
A Cuban coffee in Miami
Courtesy Greater Miami CVB
[ PELLA , IOWA ] Located in America’s Heartland just 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, Pella is “America’s Dutch Treasure.” Established in 1847 by Dutch immigrants, Pella is a close-knit, rural community with approximately 10,300 people. Start your exploration at the Scholte House Museum, named after founder Dominie Hendrik Pieter Scholte, which features original antiques, furnishings, paintings and other artifacts. Frontiersman Wyatt Earp, of “Gunfight at the OK Corral” fame, lived the first 13 years of his life here. His story is told at the Earp House by costumed re-enactors. Pella’s iconic landmark is the Vermeer Mill. Reportedly the largest working grain mill in the United States, its special grain flour is used to bake specialties like the traditional Dutch letters — flaky, almond-filled pastries shaped like an “S.” The Mill sits next to the Historical Village Complex, a miniature Dutch Village made up of 100-plus structures that replicates villages in Holland. Tantalizing authentic Dutch smoked meats like jerky and bratwurst are sold at Ulrich’s Meat Market, and In’t Veld’s Meat Market and Opa’s Deli invites groups to enjoy staples like the traditional Double Dutch, made with Pella’s famous bologna or dried beef, and Gouda cheese, served hot or cold on a raisin bread bun. On the popular working farm tour of Frisian Farms Cheese Shop, you’ll see production of its artisan aged and flavored Gouda cheeses, like the classic Dutch Komijnekaas, made with cumin, sun-dried tomato and garlic. According to Jill Vandevoort, director of the Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pella Tulip Time is one of the best times to visit. “Held the first Thursday through Saturday of May, Pella Tulip Time attracts over 150,000 visitors from across the country to enjoy our distinctive cultural heritage and community pride,” Vandevoort said. “We have authentic Dutch folk dances, two daily parades and floats some say could be entered into the [Pasadena] Rose Parade. The whole festival really comes together because of our shared community values.” Annual events include the Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest in June and the Herfst Feest (Harvest Fest) in September. Next year, in a nod to the famous outdoor Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Pella will hold its inaugural Kerstmarkt of Pella. The event highlights Pella’s wealth of Dutch history and heritage, and will feature arts and crafts, gifts, culinary specialties, an ice-skating rink and other activities. www.pella.org
Painting wooden shoes in Holland
By Dan Irving, courtesy Holland VB
going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 25
A dancer demonstrates traditional steps at Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland. Courtesy Holland CVB
[ HOLLAND, MICHIGAN ] Nestled along the shores of Lake Macatawa 150 miles from Chicago and 170 miles from Detroit, Holland, a city of 34,000, also exudes the authentic flavor and flair of the Netherlands. Its largest event is the annual Tulip Time Festival. This eight-day celebration begins the first Saturday in May and features parades, traditional klompen (wooden shoe) dancing, an arts and crafts fair, carnival rides, concerts and more. The centerpiece is the breathtaking sea of millions of magnificent, brilliantly hued tulips adorning nearly every area of town, earning it accolades including “Best Small Town Festival” and “2016 Best Flower Festival.” “One of Holland’s defining moments is when our 260-year-old Historic DeZwaan Windmill was brought over from the Netherlands 51 years ago,” said Sally Hallan Laukitis, executive director of the Holland Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It was totally reconstructed, is 125 feet tall from the ground to the blades and given to us with the understanding that it would stay as a working grinding mill. Visitors can take a tour up to the fifth floor, where the grindstones and gears are located.” The structure sits adjacent to the Windmill Island Gardens, 36 picturesque acres of manicured gardens, canals, an antique hand-carved and painted wooden horse carousel and the DeZoete Haan Fudge Shop. Groups can embark upon a Dutch Touch tour to experience the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory, the only production Delftware — traditional blue-and-white porcelain pottery — factory in the United States; the Holland Bowl Mill, among only a handful of wooden bowl mills left in the country; and hands-on cooking classes at Nelis’ Dutch Village. Holland’s walkable downtown features dozens of inviting shops, galleries and eateries. Among them is Candleology, with 100-plus fragrance options to make custom-scented soy candles, room diffusers, soaps and other items. New Holland Brewery offers brewery and distillery tours, and Alpenrose Restaurant and Café serves tantalizing American and Bavarian specialties. Fresh Dutch pastries and deli items are sold in its adjoining bakery. Don’t miss sampling the Saucjizeneroobje, a flaky pastry filled with sausage, or delicacies such as Dutch pea soup and Speculaas, spiced cookies usually formed in the shape of a windmill. One of Holland’s most popular group activities is a dinner cruise aboard the Holland Princess. While sailing along Lake Macatawa, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Big Red, the Dutch architecture lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan. www.holland.org
Photo credit: Bruno Vega
With more than 2.5 million travelers visiting Peru’s 11 World Heritage Sites each year, it comes as no surprise that the country’s $168 million annual tourism revenue is on the rise. That’s why in 2011, Tourism Cares selected Peru for a sustainable tourism initiative that engaged peers from both the North American and Peruvian tourism industries to make an impact through volunteering and distributing $80,000 in grant funding.
THIS LLAMA IS VALUED AT $168 MILLION.
Join a growing roster of industry-leading companies committed to preserving the places we love and depend on.
Visit TourismCares.org to see how your company can help make global sustainable tourism a reality.
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Courtesy Golden Isles CVB
PUBLISHED BY GOING ON FAITH AND SMALL MARKET MEETINGS
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Boat tours highlight the natural formations along the river in Wisconsin Dells. Courtesy Wisconsin Dells VCB
THESE DESTINATIONS ARE IDEAL FOR YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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BY RACHEL C A RTER
or church youth group travel and events, planners need destinations that meet a very specific set of criteria. The destination needs to be affordable so families can fit it into their budgets; it needs to be accessible to youth groups that are busing or driving in; it needs to be safe enough that parents are willing to send their kids there. But, above all, it needs to offer enough fun to attract tweens and teens. These destinations are consistent favorites for faith-based youth conferences because they appeal to parents, pastors, planners and, most important, kids.
WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN Wisconsin Dells is known as “the water park capital of the world,” but with the Wisconsin River and plenty of lakes, the city has its fair share of water activities besides wave pools and water slides. The Dells’ manmade and Mother Nature-provided attractions, combined with its wholesome feel, make it a perennial favorite for youth groups. “Young people love Wisconsin Dells,” said Tifani Jones, director of sales for the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau. “They’re excited to come to a youth retreat [here], and the organization can leverage that to increase attendance.”
Courtesy Wisconsin Dells VCB
Four water park resorts are major players in the meetings market: Wilderness Resort, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Chula Vista Resort and Great Wolf Lodge. All four have indoor water parks here, making the Dells a year-round destination. Wilderness Resort features three properties with nearly 1,200 lodging units and the 56,000-square-foot Glacier Canyon Conference Center. The 750-room Kalahari resort has 100,000 square feet of flexible convention space, and Chula Vista Resort has 641 sleeping rooms and 200,000 square feet of event space, including the Wisconsin Dells Sports Center. Great Wolf Lodge has more than 400 guest suites and 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. As a major tourist destination, the Dells features a huge number of activities: The Dells Lumberjack Show or duck boat tours, the classic Tommy Bartlett Show and the new Knuckleheads Trampoline Park are just a few. Many times, youth group leaders will “ask for that educational component,” Jones said. Groups can pair a visit to the historic studio of H.H. Bennett, the photographer whose nature photos helped make the Dells a popular vacation spot in the late 1800s, with a cruise on Dells Boat Tours, which stops at the famous Stand Rock and other-worldly Witches Gulch. The International Crane Foundation draws visitors from around the globe as the only place to see all 15 of the world’s crane species. www.wisdells.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home base to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic Committee and Focus on the Family, so it’s no surprise the city has a reputation as a safe, wholesome community. But its proximity to Denver and abundant opportunities to experience the Great Outdoors also help make it a draw for faith-based youth groups. Although the Broadmoor World Arena is one of Colorado Springs’ largest venues, with 7,343 fixed seats and 19,500 square feet of floor space, it may be a bit much for some youth conferences in terms of both budget and space. But the Broadmoor World Arena Youth and Community Assistance Fund helps nonprofit and other qualifying organizations rent space at the arena, the adjoining ice hall and the 2,000seat Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts auditorium in downtown. Downtown is also popular for youth conferences because it’s “very walkable, and there’s a lot to do,” said Chelsy Offutt, director of communications for the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a nice central place.” In downtown, the partners who transformed the Mining Exchange building into a hotel are renovating all 292 rooms and the 27,500 square feet of event space at The Antlers. A few miles south, Hotel Elegante Conference and Event Center, with 500 guest rooms and 48,500 square feet of function space, is both easy on the budget and close to attractions, Offutt said. Cheyenne Mountain Resort has 316 guest rooms and 40,000 square feet for events, and the 309-room Colorado Springs Marriott offers 24,000 square feet of meeting space. A new Great Wolf Lodge is slated to open in December with 311 suites and a 65,000-square-foot indoor water park that will be “the first indoor water park in the state of Colorado,” Offutt said. The hotel will also have a 20,000-square-foot conference center. Glen Eyrie Castle, the former estate of Colorado Springs’ founder, sits one mile north of the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center and is now owned by the Navigators, a Christian ministry. Groups can tour, meet and stay at the castle, which also has an on-site challenge course. www.visitcos.com Above: Chula Vista Resort is home to one of Wisconsin Dells’ many water parks. Below: The chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs is an inspiring sight for young visitors.
going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 29 By J. Rachel Spencer/U.S. Air Force, courtesy VisitCOS.com
“ We’re inspired to make every faith-based event a memorable experience and your standard for events to follow.”
Courtesy Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism
LeeAnn Pollock, Sales Manager Grand Wayne Convention Center
See for yourself @
grandwayne.com
Fort Wayne, Indiana 260.426.4100
Courtesy Myrtle Beach Area CVB
Above: Many youth group gatherings take place in Pigeon Forge. Below: Broadway At the Beach is an ideal place to let students roam free in Myrtle Beach.
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Everything you desire. More than you expect. • 225,000 sf. of versatile space with convention & expo hall, two ballrooms, 18 meeting rooms, intuitive floor plans, extensive pre-function areas • Carpeted, climate-controlled rooms • Free set-up • On-site AV, Event management, Catering • High tech Productivity Suite • 500 attached guest rooms and attached covered parking • High performance WiFi • Easy access and move-in • Downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, with more dining and more doing!
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a quintessential beach town that draws plenty of faith-based youth groups “because our destination is already family friendly and economical,” said Mikki Walls, meeting and convention sales manager for Branson CVB the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, adding,Courtesy “It’s the kind of business we want, and vice versa; we’re the kind of destination they want.” With 60 miles of oceanfront real estate on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach “is everything outdoors, which appeals to kids,” Walls said. But the city also offers a slew of restaurants and attractions that kids like. Broadway at the Beach is home to WonderWorks, Ripley’s Aquarium, a water park, a wax museum, a mirror maze, a movie theater, a zip line and more. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is popular for larger conferences, with 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and the attached 400-room Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel, which has additional function space. Just behind it, the 100,000-square-foot Myrtle Beach Sports Center opened in March 2015; the center can accommodate nearly any kind of indoor sport, as well as concerts, expos and trade shows. The convention center, sports complex and Broadway at the Beach are all in the same area, roughly three blocks from the ocean. Myrtle Beach has a slew of oceanfront resorts and more than 400 hotels with conference space and entertainment options. The Vacation Myrtle Beach group, comprising 14 oceanfront resort hotels, is investing to improve and enhance its properties, as is Brittain Resorts and Hotels, with 13 beachfront condo hotels and resorts. Teens also love to shop at Barefoot Landing and Tanger Outlets, explore Brookgreen Gardens, hang out on the boardwalk and promenade, ride the SkyWheel and check out Family Kingdom Amusement Park. www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE Many people have first visited Pigeon Forge with their church youth group, and now their children are returning for religious conference and faith-based youth events. “We’ve been a very popular family vacation destination for over 30 years,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, “so a lot of parents of these children are familiar with this destination.” Before the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge even opened in 2013, the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association booked dates for three events, and “wanted those three sets of dates from ‘now until the second coming of Christ’ — that was actually how it was written in his first contracts,” Downey said. The 232,000-squarefoot LeConte Center is popular for religious youth events and can host groups of from 1,500 to 12,000 people. A city ordinance prohibits the center from booking smaller events to avoid pilfering business from local hotels and venues, such as Music Road Resort Hotel, with 20,000 square feet of function space; MainStay Suites, with a 10,000-square-foot conference center; and the Smokey Mountain Convention Center, for up to 1,000 people. Pigeon Forge has more than 80 attractions — SkyWheel, a wax museum, water parks, WonderWorks and Wonders of Flight — and something new opens every year: new hotels, new attractions and new restaurants. Dollywood’s 300-room DreamMore Resort opened late last summer, and Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure dinner theater show debuted in May. A 112-room Hilton Garden Inn opened in June, and the 178-room Black Fox Lodge is under construction. A new 137-room Courtyard by Marriott is slated to open this summer near the Pigeon Forge Community Center, which is popular for overnight lock-ins with its basketball and volleyball courts, bowling alley and pool. TopJump indoor trampoline park, new this spring, is also a popular spot. www.mypigeonforge.com
ORLANDO, FLORIDA Orlando, Florida, is home to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” and is also known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” but that’s only part of the reason the city routinely lands among planners’ top destinations for youth group conferences. With 100-plus attractions, 5,000 restaurants and more than 118,000 guest rooms, 5,100 of which are directly connected to the Orange County Convention Center, there’s something to fit every budget, according to Visit Orlando. The Orange County Convention Center is a massive complex that covers 7 million square feet; it has more than 2 million feet of exhibition space, 74 meeting rooms and 232 breakout rooms. Universal Orlando opened its fifth hotel in July. The new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort adds 1,000 guest rooms and will have 115,000 square feet of function space, bringing Universal’s total meeting and convention space to 300,000 square feet. Other popular options for youth groups are the Rosen Centre Hotel, with 1,334 guest rooms and 150,000 square feet of meeting space, and the 1,417-room Hilton Orlando, with 236,000 square feet of function space that includes 50,000 square feet of event lawns, plazas and gardens. In addition to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, youth groups can visit the Holy Land Experience, a 15-acre “living, biblical museum and park that brings the world of the Bible to life.” Using actors and exhibits, the park re-creates sites and scenes of the Bible, among them the Great Temple, a Jerusalem street market, Jesus’ birthplace and his tomb. At the Wycliffe Discovery Center, groups can take guided tours and sign up for programs to learn about translating the Bible. www.visitorlando.com
PE AC E & PE RS PECT I V E
The ornate decorations at the shrine of St. Mary-of-theWoods in Indiana took more than 20 years to complete. Courtesy Sisters of Providence
MONASTERIES AND CONVENTS O F F E R C O N T E M P L AT I V E MEETING OPPORTUNITIES
T
BY R ACHEL C ART ER he word “retreat” can be a verb meaning to withdraw or to abandon, usually in a time of distress, or it can be a noun that means a haven or a sanctuary. For those on retreat at monasteries and convents, the word can carry both meanings: escaping from the blaring, buzzing, busyness of the world to a place that offers refuge. Groups that want to gather at a monastery or a convent can do so for a day visit, an overnight stay or a multiday retreat, and spend hours communing with God, nature and one another. Many of the communities emphasize hospitality to visitors, stewardship of the Earth and respect for all living creatures, and those values carry over to meetings there. “When people drive through our gates, they often say there’s a peace 32
going on faith [ august | september 2016 ]
that comes over them,” said Sister Paula Damiano of the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Wood, adding, “I think that’s what people are looking for in our world today more than anything — peace.”
SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE OF ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA When St. Mother Theodore Guerin was canonized in 2006, the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, northwest of Terre Haute, Indiana, were told they needed to build a permanent shrine for their founder. The shrine opened in October 2014, and “that’s when we began to see so many people coming for tours, workshops and retreats,” Damiano said. The sisters welcomed 5,000 visitors last year. The sisters offer both guided
MONASTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CONYERS, GEORGIA
individual and group tours. Groups that come for day visits or meetings at the Providence Spirituality and Conference Center usually want the entire tour, Damiano said, which includes the shrine, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the White Violet Center. The shrine is sort of a mini museum. Visitors make their way through several rooms with exhibits and artifacts to tell the story of St. Guerin, a French-American who founded the order in 1840 as well as many schools. The shrine’s chapel houses St. Guerin’s remains. From the laying of the cornerstone in 1886 to its consecration in 1907, the ornate limestone church took more than 20 years to complete. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel features an 8,000-pound altar carved from a single piece of marble. At the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, visitors can volunteer, attend educational workshops, take cooking classes and meet the sisters’ herd of alpacas. The community can accommodate up to 400 people for daylong meetings or conferences. In the conference center, groups of 400 can use the O’Shaughnessy Dining Room with its tall, arched windows and barrel-vaulted ceiling, the site of the community’s weekly Sunday brunch buffet that’s open to the public. The center also has a 1,100-square-foot conference room, a lobby area and a nearby 500-square-foot cabinlike lodge. For overnight stays, the guesthouse can host 18 people in private rooms or three small, lakefront hermitages that are made of recycled, sustainable materials. www.spsmw.org
The Cistercian monks, better known as the Trappists, at Monastery of the Holy Spirit live in a cloistered community, but that doesn’t mean the monastery is closed to visitors. Quite the opposite: The monastery built a visitor center for the 80,000plus visitors it receives every year, said Brother Callistus. Although guests may not see many monks in the public areas during a day visit or an overnight retreat, they can worship, sing and pray with them several times a day at the Abbey Church. The 17,000-square-foot Heritage Center opened in 2011 and houses the visitor center, a historic barn and the Refectory Café, as well as the Abbey Garden Center, where guests can see the bonsai collection, and the Abbey Gift Shop, where they can buy some of the monks’ handiwork, which includes fudge, fruitcakes, cookies and stained-glass pieces. There’s also a courtyard, a memorial plaza and a prayer walk. When visitors first arrive, they watch a 20-minute video “of what it’s all about that puts it all in context,” Callistus said, and can also explore interactive exhibits and displays. Groups of up to 100 people can also use the center’s conference room. “It’s a place for many folks, especially faith-based groups of all denominations,” Callistus said. The monastery’s retreat house can accommodate up to 40 people for overnight stays. Private, guided group retreats can be arranged to focus on topics such as prayer, Scripture, spirituality and meditation. Much of the monastery’s 2,300 acres is protected by conservation easements, but guests can picnic by a lake, read a book under a tree and explore nature trails, including the paved hiking-biking Rockdale River Trail, which starts at the monastery entrance and wends through the woods to the bridge over the South River. Visitors can also stroll through one of the monastery’s most popular offerings: Honey Creek Woodlands, a natural burial ground. www.trappist.net
HOLY WISDOM MONASTERY MIDDLETON, WISCONSIN
Courtesy Holy Wisdom Monastery
The Rule of Benedict states, “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.” At Holy Wisdom Monastery, home of the Benedictine Women of Madison, the motto is “All are welcome” — regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion. “One of the most important aspects of the Holy Wisdom Monastery are the Benedictine values we work and live by while we’re here,” said Amanda Conway, guest services coordinator. Those values include hospitality, community, stewardship and service, among others. The monastery sits on 130 acres in Middleton, Wisconsin, directly across Lake Mendota from Madison. There, the sisters have worked to restore prairie land, dredged a lake to create wildlife habitat and built nature trails — they have four ranging from 0.2 miles to two miles. And they will add more trails in 2018 to provide more access to the property’s wooded areas. Two main buildings are available to guests. When the monastery was completed in 2009, it was the greenest building in the nation; it is completely powered by solar energy. The Retreat and Guest House is a converted former women’s school dormitory that can now accommodate 25 overnight guests. The two buildings have a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces, the largest of which is the monastery’s 4,400-square-foot light-filled assembly room for up to 300 people; in addition, the guest dining room can seat 150. The retreat house’s 1,480-square-foot Garden Room is connected to a private garden area for attendees to use. The monastery also provides meals, and the sisters can arrange both spiritual and environmental programs for visiting groups. www.benedictinewomen.org Holy Wisdom Monastery in Wisconsin offers a variety of indoor meting spaces and outdoor walking paths.
going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 33 Courtesy Holy Wisdom Monastery
MERCY CENTER BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA Last spring, Pope Francis surprised many Catholics by announcing a Holy Year of Mercy, saying at the time, “Mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.” The jubilee started in December and will end November 16 this year on the Feast of Christ the King. The Year of Mercy has special significance for the Sisters of Mercy in Burlingame, California, just 15 miles south of San Francisco, because mercy is their core mission. The Sisters of Mercy run the 40-acre Mercy Center, where visitors will find a chapel, a conference and retreat center, a bookstore and gift shop, and a labyrinth and meditation garden. The center has 11 meeting rooms for groups ranging in size from four to 250 people in the 2,500-square-foot Sequoia Room. Groups that want to arrange overnight stays and multiday retreats may use the 90 private, single-occupancy bedrooms, although the center can help make arrangements with local hotels for larger groups. Part of the Sisters’ mission is to live environmentally and ecologically conscious lives, and their food reflects that. The center uses seasonal local produce from area growers and vendors. Meals are served three times a day, and the main guest dining room can seat 130 people. Visitors can wander paths that wind through the wooded grounds as well as walk the labyrinth, which is open during the day for those seeking meditation and contemplation. The jagged stone at the center is meant to remind visitors of the stone pillar Jacob erected at the spot where he dreamed of heaven. Every other month, Mercy Center’s rotating art exhibit features regional artists and their original works that showcase their spiritual engagement. www.mercy-center.org
Courtesy Abbey of Gethsemani
Kentucky’s Abbey of Gethsemani holds daily mass.
ABBEY OF GETHSEMANI BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY The Abbey of Gethsemani, about 12 miles south of Bardstown, Kentucky, is the oldest monastery still operating in the United States. As such, it’s considered the mother of all the nation’s monasteries belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, better known as the Trappists. The abbey has received guests since its founding in 1848 and continues to do so today. At the Welcome Center, visitors can watch a film and explore an exhibit about Gethsemani’s monastic life. There’s also a shop where guests can buy gifts, books and a selection of products made by the monks at the abbey, including a variety of fudges, fruitcakes, jellies and preserves. Because the monks live a cloistered life, many areas are closed to the public to maintain the monks’ separation from the world, and no tours are provided of the monastery or the grounds. However, about 1,200 acres are open to the public for walks and hikes, and visitors can get maps of the nature trails at the Welcome Center. In addition to private rooms at the main retreat house, some rooms in the monastery are available to male guests year-round. Reservations are restricted to women during two weekday and two weekend retreats a month. www.monks.org
Experience where New Orleans goes to meet and unwind!
Reserve a peaceful retreat from the bustling big city. Just a beat from New Orleans, experience Kenner, Jefferson’s largest city and home to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. In Kenner, our 75,000 square foot Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center and over 2,000 of the parish’s 7,500 hotel rooms are ready to host your group. Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Call 504.731.7083 Toll Free 1.877.572.7474 VisitKennerLA.com
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going on faith [ august | september 2016 ] Courtesy Golden Isles CVB
Hold your group’s next conference or ministry event in the beautiful surroundings of Billy Graham’s retreat center in Asheville, North Carolina. The Cove’s gracious accommodations, distinctive facilities, exceptional service, and responsive staff help provide an ideal, distractionfree atmosphere as your group seeks the leading of the Holy Spirit through the application of God’s Word. Our year-round facility rests on 1,200 secluded acres of rich forest, woodland streams, and hiking trails. Book your event today—visit TheCove.org or call 1-800-950-2092. A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
©2016 BGEA
458-Seat and 119-Seat Auditoriums 14 Additional Meeting and Breakout Rooms Warm and Inviting Guest Rooms Complete Audio and Visual Capabilities Delicious Cuisine • Excellent Service 24-Hour Complimentary Beverages
2017 Centennial Celebration 100th Anniversary of the Our Lady of Fatima Apparitions
Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal
Join us on our Pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes with Barcelona tour for this historic centennial celebration in honor of the glorious day May 13, 1917. This was the day Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima. Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal
Altar at Fatima
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