Going On Faith February March 2016 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

ON T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R FAITH-BASED TRAVEL PLANNERS VOL. VOL. VO L 1199 - NNO. OO.. 2

FEBR FE FEBRUARY/MARCH BRUA UARY UA RY//M RY MAR ARCH CH 22016 CH 0116 016

INDIANA

Pathways

MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS FAITH-BASED

ATTRACTIONS GUIDE

Come experience the story that’s touched so many.

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Visit

the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, and discover how God called a humble farmer’s son to preach the Good News of His love to 215 million people face to face. Retrace his dynamic journey as history comes to life through inspiring multimedia presentations and state-of-the-art exhibits. FREE ADMISSION Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org • 704-401-3200 Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more; email LibraryTours@bgea.org or call 704-401-3270. 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

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 Meet, e ect n n o c d n a

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 to Ontario, California. The Ontario International Airport lets you ďŹ&#x201A;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

GOF THE

MAGAZINE [ FEBRUARY | MARCH 2016 ]

F O R FA I T H - B A S E D T R AV E L

Old Kentucky Home Bardstown is a Bluegrass State gem.

Taste Indiana

Dinner & a Show

Our itinerary highlights the best of Hoosier food.

Visit these dinner theaters for culture and cuisine.

DEPARTMEN TS Columns 5 EDITOR’S NOTES: Finding foodie experiences.

Spotlights

News

10 MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT:

6 MAJOR TRANSFORMATION at the Rockwell in Corning 7 PETERSEN Automotive Museum reopens

Score International

ON THE COVER: Indiana’s Cataract Falls Covered Bridge is seen from below in late evening light. By Kenneth Keifer.

FAITH-BASED

ATTRACTIONS GUIDE

30 Billy Graham Library 31 Christ of the Ozarks & “The Great Passion Play” 32 Creation Museum 33 Holy Land Experience 34 Shrine of The Christ’s Passion 35 Sight & Sound Theatres

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.

EDITOR’S

finding foodie NOTES E XPE RI EN CES BRI AN J E WE L L

ne of the most satisfying things that my friends ever say to me is “You were right — this is delicious!” People who know me well are used to hearing me talk about my latest food find. I love a good meal, and thanks to my professional travels, I frequently get opportunities to branch out and try foods that aren’t common. When I taste something that really rocks my world, I can’t wait to share it with people back home. I’ve been fortunate to stumble onto a number of up-and-coming food trends in places around the country before they reached mass popularity among the culinary crowd. I tried my first plate of chicken and waffles at a small restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, about 10 years ago. The combination of salty, sweet, crunchy and soft made such an impression on me that upon returning home I convinced my church small group that we absolutely had to re-create the dish for our next meal together. And though some people there initially couldn’t wrap their heads around the concept, once they actually tasted the chicken and waffles together, they admitted — it is delicious. I was 22 years old the first time I tried duck, having dinner at a ski resort restaurant in the mountains of Pennsylvania. I had never seen duck on a restaurant menu before, but my host, an adventurous guy only a few years older than me, convinced me that I would love it. He was right: It was rich, succulent, dark and delicious. It seemed as if they served me the entire

bird (as opposed to the smaller portions of duck breast popular in fine-dining establishments today). Duck has since become a staple of many restaurants, and I almost always order it when it is offered. Every time I do, it takes me back to that night in Pennsylvania. Green chili has been a staple of New Mexico’s cuisine for generations but has only recently begun to catch on as a popular flavor in more northern parts of the country. I distinctly remember the time I was in the state and had a plate of green chili enchiladas with a fried egg on top, cooked over-easy so that the yolk oozed out over the rest of the food when I cut into it. (This happened before chefs around the country began putting fried eggs on top of everything.) I was immediately hooked. Today I have the same dish every time I visit my favorite Southwestern restaurant at home, and I love introducing friends to it, too. This is why I’m so excited about this issue’s story on Indiana (“Midwest Fresh,” page 16). For this department in the magazine, I always try to organize a statewide travel itinerary around a certain theme. And I knew almost as soon as I started thinking about Indiana that I wanted to highlight some of its great food experiences. I’ve traveled extensively throughout Indiana and I have been fortunate to have had some great culinary moments during those trips. Each food-related stop that I have included in the article is a place I have visited myself and a food experience I have loved. I hope you and your group will love them, too.

BRIAN JEWELL [ EDITOR ] brianj@grouptravelleader.com

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NEWS WORTHY

Major renovations at the Rockwell Museum will include new Native American galleries.

Thomas Hill, “Yosemite,” circa 1908

CORNING’S THE ROCKWELL UNDERGOING MAJOR TRANSFORMATION CORNING, New York — In conjunction with its 40th anniversary in 2016, the Rockwell is undergoing a top-to-bottom transformation that will shift its focus from the West to the American experience. The transformation will include reinstalling every gallery, creating a new visitor check-in area, revitalizing the museum store and creating a new introductory gallery that explains the museum’s origins. The Rockwell collection comprises American paintings, drawings, works on paper, Native American ethnographic objects, American illustrations, modern and contemporary art, photography, arms and armor and works by Western artists. Some of the changes began last year when the Southwest Lodge, formerly the Remington and Russell Lodge, opened in May dedicated to

Photos courtesy The Rockwell museum

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

the works of the Taos School of Artists, the Santa Fe School and native Pueblo artists. Works by famed Western artists Fredric Remington and Charles Russell are now prominently displayed among other American masterworks on the third floor. Another new gallery features masterworks by historic American artists like Goodwin, Audobon and Rungius that capture the natural beauty of the American landscape. An American Illustrators gallery opened in early January and a Modern and Contemporary gallery in March that includes contemporary Native American art. A Native American gallery and an Iroquois gallery are slated to open in 2017. www.rockwellmuseum.org

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM REOPENS WITH DRAMATIC NEW LOOK LOS ANGELES — The Petersen Automotive Museum has reopened after an extensive $90 million renovation that dramatically changed its exterior and interior. The 22-year-old museum’s former boxy facade in a former department store was replaced with a stainless-steel undulating silver ribbon over a “hot rod” red skin, while the interior renovation added a third floor and 12,000 square feet of gallery space, doubling the museum’s capacity, allowing it to display more than 100 vehicles in 25 galleries. An underground “vault,” which can be toured by reservation, displays an additional 125 to 150 vehicles from the 300-plus pieces in the Petersen collection. The renovation greatly increased the museum’s technology, with interactive touch screens, LED monitors, three-dimensional displays of engines,

Dramatic new exterior architecture is part of the $90 million overhaul of the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Courtesy Pertersen Automotive Museum

large projection walls and 10 driving simulators where visitors can race against virtual professionals or against one another. The ground floor focuses on automotive artistry, the second floor is concerned with industrial engineering, including design and performance, and the third floor chronicles the history of the automobile with an emphasis on the car culture of Southern California. A Hollywood-themed exhibit highlights movie cars

like a 1989 Batmobile, the Aston Martin DB10 featured in the James Bond movie “Spectre” and the 2004 Pontiac Aztek from the TV series “Breaking Bad.” The museum is the Western gateway to the Miracle Mile stretch of Wilshire Boulevard that includes the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Page Museum, La Brea Tar Pits and the future Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. www.petersen.org

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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NATIONAL BLUES MUSEUM SET TO OPEN IN DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS

Courtesy National Blues Museum

Galleries at the National Blues Museum will trace the movement of blues music up the Mississippi River.

ST. LOUIS — The National Blues Museum, which will explore and preserve the historic significance of the blues as the foundation of American music and celebrate the musicians who created it, will open April 2 in a restored historic building in downtown St. Louis. The $14 million museum will lead visitors through various blues styles and trace its history and influence on American music from the Mississippi Delta through St. Louis to Chicago, and its ultimate expansion across the United States and internationally. The museum will include more than 16,000 square feet of interactive technology and artifact-driven exhibits, a 150-seat performance area, special event space and classrooms. As part of the interactive experience, visitors will be able to create their own blues riff during their visit, adding to the riff on touch screens as they proceed through the museum, ending up with a copy they can email to themselves. The museum is located at 6th and Washington Avenue in the Mercantile Exchange District in walking distance of the Gateway Arch. www.nationalbluesmuseum.org

DISNEYLAND TO BUILD STAR WARS-THEMED AREA

State-of-the-Art Theater

tupelo.net

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

ANAHEIM, California — Disneyland Park has revealed plans for a new 14-acre Star Wars-themed land, part of a recently announced $1 billion investment back into the park. Disney’s single largest themed expansion to date, the Star Wars-themed land will be located in the current Big Thunder Ranch area. The two signature attractions will be a battle experience and an adventure aboard the Millennium Falcon space ship. To get ready for the upcoming Star Wars-themed land, several new interactive entertainment experiences have arrived in Tomorrowland. Star Wars Launch Bay is an interactive exhibit space in the newly named Tomorrowland Expo Center; Star Wars: Path of the Jedi is a cinematic overview of the Star Wars saga; and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue takes visitors to one of the locations from the latest film in the Star Wars saga, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” www.disneyland.disney.go.com

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM DEBUTS UPGRADED IMAX LASER THEATER CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee — The Tennessee Aquarium debuted its upgraded Imax 3D theater Feb. 1 that has the only Imax with Laser system in the Southeast according to aquarium officials. The $1.2 million upgrade features a new laser projection system that replaces the former 70mm film format, a new six-story screen and new 12 channel audio system with speakers in the ceiling for the first time. The theater was closed for four weeks while the new system was installed. “We’re looking forward to offering our guests a much more immersive experience,” said Don Walker, the aquarium’s director of guest services. “The Imax with Laser system showed us something we hadn’t seen before. This system fills the screen with amazingly crisp, bright and colorful images.” Because of its location in “Gig-City,” Aquarium officials can combine hi-speed Internet connectivity with the power of laser projection to host live events. “We will explore opportunities to offer live screenings of sporting events, concerts and realtime educational programs with scientists around the world,” said Walker. www.tnaqua.org

Workers install the screen for the Tennessee Aquarium’s new Imax with Laser system.

Courtesy Tennessee Aquarium

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SPOT MISSIONS

LIGHT

S C O R E I N T E R N AT I O N A L In 1984, Ron Bishop was a successful basketball coach at Tennessee Temple University, a Christian school then based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After winning a national championship that year, though, he decided to leave the coaching world and start the ministry that had been growing in his heart: Score International. In those early years, the focus of the organization was taking American sports teams overseas, where they would engage in friendly competitions with local athletes and, along the way, share the Gospel. And while sports-based outreach is still an important part of Scoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations, today the ministry is a full-fledged domestic and international missions organization with trip opportunities for church groups of every age, interest and ability. Many church groups are interested in taking international mission trips, and Score has relationships with missionaries and churches on the ground in seven countries throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Through Score, groups can travel to the Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Brazil, Argentina and other nations. Once they arrive, they will participate in a six- or seven-day program that has been customized to fit the specific ages, skills and interests of the group. Groups that want to work with children will often help churches with vacation bible schools or work in orphan care. Evangelistic opportunities include school assemblies and street outreach. Score can also arrange activities focused on specific needs, such as clean water projects in remote villages or anti-human-trafficking ministries. Score International has also expanded into numerous domestic mission fields, including impoverished areas of Appalachia and inner cities in some of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest urban centers. Groups can help run sports camps in these areas or participate in largescale festivals designed to bring the Gospel to whole communities.

Photos courtesy Score International

Score International arranges faith-based competition trips for sports teams, as well as traditional mission trips for church groups. Score International

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

423.894.7111

www.scoreintl.org

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TRAVEL

SNAPSHOT The historic mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park is, perhaps, Bardstown’s most iconic attraction.

QUINTESSENTIAL KENTUCKY BARDSTOWN E

ven on cloudy days, the sun shines bright

buildings that are listed on the National Register of

The park is also home to “The Stephen Foster

on Bardstown, a picturesque Bluegrass

Historic Places, and many of them now serve as

Story,” one of the country’s most famous outdoor

town that would make any visitor feel they

restaurants, inns, shops and other establishments

dramas. Running for 10 weeks each summer, this

that serve visitors.

musical commemorates the life and career of

have found a Kentucky home.

Though most places of this size around the

Among Bardstown’s chief attractions is My Old

Foster, America’s first professional composer,

country have relatively little to offer in terms of

Kentucky Home State Park. This urban park pre-

and deals with the issues of slavery and race,

tourism, Bardstown and its 12,000 residents pres-

serves Federal Hill, a farm owned by a prominent

which he saw firsthand at Federal Hill.

ent enough activities to pack a church group’s

local family that was immortalized by American

Performances take place in an on-site amphithe-

itinerary for a couple of days. Located roughly

songwriter Stephen Foster in his classic “My Old

ater and feature a cast of 50 professional actors

halfway between Lexington and Louisville, the

Kentucky Home, Good Night.” Groups can tour the

and singers who wear colorful, dazzling costumes,

town typifies the state’s culture in ways both his-

mansion with expert costumed guides to see the

a hallmark of the show.

toric and modern, making a stop in Bardstown an

large collection of original family furnishings on

Beyond historical experiences, groups have a

essential part of any Kentucky tour.

display and hear stories of life at the farm. This

wide range of available activities when spending

Settled in 1780, Bardstown is the second-oldest

year, the park is also introducing a number of

time in Bardstown. The area is home to an active

city in the state, and evidence of this history can

interactive programs for tour groups, which can

monastery, a basilica, a scenic dinner train, sev-

be seen all around. The town boasts more than 200

include culinary demonstrations.

eral museums and numerous bourbon distilleries.

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

All photos courtesy Visit Bardstown

by B R IA N JEWELL

“The Stephen Foster Story”

Costumed guides at My Old Kentucky Home State Park

[ CATHOLIC HERITAGE ] A statue at Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Basilica of St. Joseph Proto Cathedral

Catholic heritage runs deep in Bardstown, where the first diocese of the West was established in 1808 and oversaw territory stretching from Chicago to New Orleans. Today, groups can tour the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, which was constructed in the middle of the wilderness in 1818. Tours highlight the art and architecture of the building and give visitors an overview of the area’s Catholic history. About 12 miles outside of town, the Abbey of Gethsemani is a working monastic community that is open for visitors. Tour groups can stop at the visitors center to learn about the work of the monks who live there. A gift shop sells bourbon fudge, fruitcake and cheese made on-site, as well as other handmade items from monasteries around the world. The abbey also has a retreat center for groups interested in an extended program of prayer and meditation. WWW.MONKS.ORG

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

[ MY OLD KENTUCKY DINNER TRAIN ] Bardstown sits surrounded by the hills and woodlands of Kentucky’s bluegrass country, and one of the best ways to experience the landscape is aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Departing from a historic depot near the center of Bardstown, this excursion combines the best of fine dining and natural sightseeing. The dinner train consists of a pair of dining cars from the 1940s with a kitchen car in between. Trips take place during lunch and dinnertime and last two to two and a half hours. In addition to three- or four-course meals, passengers get a narrated ride through Bernheim Forest and the historic grounds of the Jim Beam distillery. WWW.KYDINNERTRAIN.COM

Photo credit: Bruno Vega

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Civil War Museum

[ CIVIL WAR MUSEUM ] Considered by many enthusiasts to be among the most important museums of its kind in the country, Bardstown’s Civil War Museum houses Kentucky’s largest collection of Civil War artifacts. The museum focuses specifically on the western theater of the war and, in addition to weapons, uniforms and other military items, includes displays that deal with the cultural and political forces at work in the United States during the time of the Civil War. The museum is part of a complex that also includes the Women’s Museum of the Civil War, one of the only national museums to focus on the role of women in the war, as well as the War Memorial of MidAmerica and a pioneer village with about a dozen historic structures. WWW.CIVIL-WAR-MUSEUM.ORG

[ BOURBON CENTRAL ] If your group is open to learning about and sampling bourbon, there is no better place than Bardstown to learn about Kentucky’s native spirit. The town is near the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail and has a number of distilleries large and small. Groups can take tours of the small, family-owned Willett Distillery or walk through the large, industrial Barton 1792 Distillery for an in-depth look at the bourbon production process, as well as take part in tastings at both locations. Groups should also make time to visit the Bourbon Heritage Center at the Heaven Hill Distillery. This museum gives guests a comprehensive look at the history of bourbon in Kentucky and includes a tasting experience inside a room designed to look like the inside of a bourbon barrel. High-end connoisseur tastings are also available. WWW.VISITBARDSTOWN.COM

RESEARCHING

Historic downtown

your TRIP

VISIT BARDSTOWN 800-638-4877 www.visitbardstown.com

We’re not just any small town. We’re Bardstown, KY— the Bourbon Capital of the World® and the most beautiful small town in America, according to Rand McNally and USA Today. Whether you visit the Abbey of Gethsemani, Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, or the pictured Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, you’re sure to stand inspired in Bardstown, KY—the small town with big escapes.

www.visitbardstown.com 800.638.4877

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 15

STATE O F

F A I T H

MIDWEST

FRESH Top: Traders Point Creamery offers organic ice cream in Indianapolis. Bottom: A group dines in an Amish home near Elkhart.

Courtesy Visit Indy

Courtesy Elkhart Co. CVB

#5 SOU TH B E ND

CULINARY DELIGHTS

A MI SH CO U NT RY

INDIANA

AWAIT GROUPS TOURING INDIANA

B R IA N JE W EL L

f you’re not excited about the food in Indiana, you obviously haven’t spent enough time there. With a long history as an agricultural state and a cultural heritage that is surprisingly diverse, it should come as no surprise that Indiana offers multiple opportunities for fresh, local and eclectic dining experiences. And while you’ll likely want to do other things while you’re in the state like visiting museums or exploring the outdoors, you’ll have to eat along the way. So why not make Indiana’s food part of a memorable group experience? This tour is designed to engage the food lovers in your group as you make your way through the Hoosier State. If you’re flying, you can arrive in Louisville, Kentucky, and then cross into southern Indiana before heading north to Jeffersonville, Nashville, Indianapolis, Elkhart County and South Bend. The bare minimum time required for this tour is five days. To give yourself more time to explore along the way, plan for seven days from start to finish.

#3 IN DI A NA PO L I S

#2 NA S HVI L LE

#1 J E FF E RSO NV IL LE

Schimpff’s Confectionary makes traditional candies in a historic store.

# 1 JEFFERSONVILLE ]

[ DESTIN ATION

HIGHLIGHT | OLD-SCHOOL CANDY

On the southern edge of Indiana, just across the Ohio river from Louisville, Jeffersonville is a pleasant town with a cute main street and old-fashioned feel. One of the most popular stops for groups touring the area is Schimpff’s Confectionary and Candy Museum, which is famous throughout the region for its history and handmade treats. Schimpff’s has been open for business in the same location since 1891, when it was founded by a father-son team of candy-makers from Germany. Today, it is still configured as a 1950s-era soda fountain, and employees make numerous traditional candies from scratch. Groups can watch demonstrations of how favorites such as turtles, hard candy fish and cinnamon red hots are made. After sampling some of the goods, they can browse the on-site candy museum, which features old-fashioned candy jars and cases, antique candy-making equipment and descriptions of the company’s history. W H I L E Y O U ’ R E T H E R E : Numerous wineries, breweries and orchards throughout the area make great stops for groups that are interested in food and drink. There are also interesting restaurants and historic attractions in some of the neighboring towns, including Clarksville, Sellersburg and New Albany. MORE

INFO

WWW.SUNNYSIDEOFLOUISVILLE.ORG

Courtesy Clark-Floyd CTB

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 17

[ DESTINATION

# 22

NASHVILLE ]

HIGHLIGHT | FRIED BISCUITS

It may not be as famous as its namesake city in Tennessee, but the village of Nashville, Indiana, has a distinctive culinary claim to fame: fried biscuits. Surrounded by the scenic Brown County State Park, Nashville is an idyllic woodland village, full of quaint shops and artists’ studios. Among the most beloved institutions in town is the Nashville House, a restaurant founded in 1859. Visitors will find all sorts of Midwestern favorites there, but the restaurant is most famous for its fried biscuits, a treat that adds a decadent touch to traditional country food. The biscuits are served piping hot and accompanied by apple butter, which is made on-site using apples sourced from the surrounding area. After enjoying the biscuits, fried chicken and locally cured ham, groups can take some time to browse the old country store at the Nashville House or even stay overnight in the adjacent Seasons Lodge. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Groups spending time in Nashville should plan to visit Brown County State Park. At more than 15,000 acres, it is the largest state park in Indiana and welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Options range from scenic drives to guided hikes, horseback rides and more adventurous activities. Overnight accommodations are available in park lodges. MORE

INFO

WWW.BROWNCOUNTY.COM

[ DESTINATION

# 3 INDIANAPOLIS ]

HIGHLIGHT | WORLD-CLASS CREAMERY

Indianapolis is the political and cultural capital of Indiana, and there is no shortage of great dining spots for groups to enjoy around town. Among the most exciting experiences, though, is a visit to Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, just outside the city limits. Traders Point has been operating as a dairy farm and a farm store for years and has been producing organic dairy products and farm-tofork food since before it was trendy. Groups that visit the farm can see the pastures where cattle graze, get an up-close look at the milking operation and learn about how the farmers pasteurize the milk and make cheese. The best part, though, is the tasting: Visitors can sample the delicious milk, yogurt cheeses and other dairy products that are made on-site and purchase some of their favorites to take home at the farm store. Traders Point’s dairy bar and restaurant also offer fresh dairy treats and prepared meals, making an ideal place for a group lunch. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Indianapolis has enough first-class cultural institutions to keep visitors busy for days. In addition to visiting the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a museum stop and a track tour, groups should be sure to check in at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and tour its Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens. MORE

INFO

WWW.VISITINDY.COM

Traders Point Creamery

Fried biscuits at the Nashville House

A Traders Point cheese plate Courtesy Brown Co. CVB

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

Photos courtesy Visit Indy

[ DESTINATION

# 4 AMISH COUNTRY ]

HIGHLIGHT | AMISH HOME MEALS

Driving several hours northeast of Indianapolis brings groups to Elkhart County, also known as the Amish Country of northern Indiana. Home to one of the nation’s largest Amish populations, the area offers visitors a variety of ways to learn about this fascinating culture. Perhaps the best way to do so is by having a meal in an Amish home. Though many Amish people keep a distance from the “English,” or non-Amish, the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed relationships with several Amish families in the area that are happy to share their traditions with visitors. Working with the CVB, groups can arrange to have a meal with one of these families in their home. In addition to dining on traditional Amish foods such as haystack breakfast and shoofly pie that are prepared in kitchens specially modified to work without electricity, groups get to learn about the lifestyles and traditions of their Amish hosts. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Quilting is an important cultural tradition in northern Indiana, and local businesses have integrated historical quilt patterns into colorful gardens planted throughout the town. There are 19 quilt gardens in the area with more than 1 million blooms, as well as 21 quilt murals painted on buildings. MORE

INFO

WWW.AMISHCOUNTRY.ORG

[ DESTINATION

SOUTH BEND ]

HIGHLIGHT | FOODIE TRAIL

As home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend enjoys a vibrant food and beverage culture. So when groups arrive in town to see the Golden Dome and other Fighting Irish landmarks, they also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culinary scene on the South Bend Foodie Trail. Developed in cooperation with the editors of Midwest Living magazine, the foodie trail consists of 10 restaurants in South Bend and nearby towns. Visitors who travel the trail will find a mix of college town favorites, innovative gastropubs, classic Indiana cuisine and international outposts. LaSalle Grill serves chophouse cuisine in the lobby of the former 1868 St. Joseph Hotel. Waitresses wear dirndls at Moser’s Austrian Cafe, where diners can sample a variety of traditional Old World foods. Other favorites include French pastries at West End Bakery and creative Japanese fusion food at Zing. Some restaurants on the trail may have limited availability for groups, so travel planners should coordinate their visits with the South Bend Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: For travelers who enjoy classic cars and Americana, a visit to the Studebaker National Museum is a must while in South Bend. This museum takes guests through more than a century and a half of automobile history and features dozens of rare Studebakers, considered some of the most beautiful cars ever made in America. MORE

Quilt gardens in Amish Country

INFO

WWW.VISITSOUTHBEND.COM

Asian steak in South Bend Courtesy Elkhart Co. CVB

Courtesy Visit South Bend Mishawaka

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 19

ANIMAL ADVENTURES THESE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS M A K E T R AV E L M E M O R I E S

by MO LLY PHI LLI PS

ven for adults, visiting a zoo is a bit of a surreal experience. Animals that previously lived only on the pages of “The Swiss Family Robinson,” a picture book, or a biology text from high school stare out from their enclosures directly at visitors, so close that the curious can smell, see and, sometimes, even touch them. What few people know is that it’s not just big-name zoos in big cities that are preserving these species and making them available for the general public to experience. There are many animal sanctuaries tucked away in outof-the-way places in the United States that let groups see the wild up close. These smaller, private institutions often provide even more intimate encounters than the larger zoos do. Some educational, some adventurous and all incredible, the following five animal parks provide experiences that transcend the average zoo visit and will delight groups of any age and size.

A cub frolics at Bear Country USA in South Dakota

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

Courtesy South Dakota Dept. of Tourism

[ THE WILDS ] CUMBERLAND, OHIO Ohio might be the last place you would expect to find zebras in the United States. However, zebras are just one of the many exotic animals The Wilds, a sanctuary for animals in southeastern Ohio, houses on its 10,000 acres of protected land. The center was started with two primary goals: to serve as a greenhouse of sorts for scientific discovery and as a microscope through which the public could see extraordinary wildlife. What might be even more surprising than the reserve’s location is its origin. The 10,000 acres were once used for strip mining — a taboo environmental practice — and belonged to the American Electric Power Company. “The Wilds started through a donation from AEP, and then the Columbus Zoo became a partner in 2001,” said Jen Wilson, director of communications for the Columbus Zoo. “Today we’ve got rhinos, giraffes, zebras, bison, camels. You name it — it’s at The Wilds.” Other than its size, what makes The Wilds so different from its zoo parent in Columbus? “It’s entirely different,” said Wilson. “First of all, we have mixed species living together, which you often don’t see in a zoo. Also, you are experiencing them through a guided tour in a vehicle that is immersed inside the exhibit; you feel much more a part of it.” The Wilds also offers yurt-style and cabin-style lodging right on its grounds, so groups can stay overnight in the wild. Waking up and looking out over the veranda across the preserve’s acres of river valley, they just might forget they’re in America’s heartland and not the African wilderness. The park is open daily from May to September and during weekends in October. www.thewilds.columbuszoo.org [ WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ] ELLIJAY, GEORGIA The Wildlife Sanctuary in Ellijay, Georgia, did not start out as a tourist destination. The 30-acre facility functions more like a safe house for abandoned, distressed, injured or otherwise incapacitated wild animals native to the surrounding Georgian woodlands. “Our goal is to release every animal that we receive into our care back into the wild, into their natural habitats,” said Lynn Kaiser, the center’s volunteer secretary. “However, some are not releasable, and so those we get permits to keep, and those are the ones people can come see.” Some of these “unreleasable” animals include black bear twins that were raised from cubs at the center after being orphaned, hawks, possums and squirrels. Fourteen years ago, the center became an official nonprofit and began opening up to the public to educate groups about the wildlife in their own backyards. Today, groups can schedule a private tour of the facilities for $8 to $10 per person, depending on group size. There is also an amphitheater on the property where educational presentations on the various animals are given. Kaiser said the center is closed to groups on Saturdays, but Sundays are a popular day to visit. Contact the center to arrange a group tour and to learn about the programming schedule. www.thewildlifesanctuary.com [ BEAR COUNTRY USA ] RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA “My husband was a dentist — and an entrepreneur,” said Pauline Casey. That man, Dennis Casey, became her business partner, too, when the pair founded Bear Country USA in 1972 with a little more than a dozen animals and 200 acres of privately held land situated at the gateway to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The location, along with the Caseys’ passion and hard work, quickly made the business profitable, with many

Visitors see animals both domestic and exotic roaming free at the Wilds in Ohio. Photos by Graham S. Jones, courtesy Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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Dozens of bears and other animals live at Bear County USA, where visitors can interact with cubs. Photos courtesy South Dakota Dept. of Tourism

Photos courtesy South Dakota Dept. of Tourism

tourists stopping on their way to the famous monument to marvel at the Casey’s menagerie of wildlife. Dennis Casey passed away in 2000, but his wife, son and other members of the family have carried on his legacy and still work at the park today. Over the years, the Caseys’ animals reproduced, and the family acquired numerous creatures from zoos, bringing the grand total of animals now living at the reserve well into the hundreds. The collection includes black bears, mountain lions, wolves, deer, elk and other species indigenous to North America. Many of the animals roam freely throughout the vast enclosure of the park, cohabitating with one another. The more carnivorous ones, such as the mountain lion, have large, separate enclosures where guests can view them safely. “We receive about 300 motorcoaches every summer,” said Casey. “When groups come, we provide them with a step-on tour guide who will drive with them through the park, pointing out animals and talking about the park. They are usually college students, and they are very popular.” What else is popular at Bear Country USA? At the area of the park known as Babyland, there are almost always baby bear cubs being raised. During February of every year at what is known as Cubfest, guests can also touch the bear cubs while they are held by staff members. The park is open from May through Thanksgiving. www.bearcountryusa.com [ DEERWOOD RANCH ] LARAMIE, WYOMING It’s fairly easy to understand why rare animals such as pandas or rhinos need protecting. But horses? When it comes to wild horses, also known as mustangs, the answer is resoundingly yes — they do. “There is incredible hostility toward the wild horses of the U.S. from cattle ranchers who lose large parts of their grazing land to them,” said Jana Wilson, co-operator of the Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary. The parcel of 3,500 acres that makes up Deerwood was once used exclusively for cattle ranching by both Wilson and her husband, Rich, until one day they saw an ad in the paper placed by the Bureau of Land Management. The department was seeking a place to shelter mustangs being displaced by ranchers. The Wilsons answered the ad, and two years later, after navigating lots of government red tape, the eco-sanctuary was born. Today, more than 300 wild horses roam the Wilsons’ lands, protected by federal sanctions. The Wilsons offer private tours, group tours and public tours of the herds; on the tours, the horse lover and nature lover alike can experience both in one breathtaking visit. “We call them horse safaris,” said Wilson. “We absolutely love tours.” All of the horses are geldings, and though occasionally, some are adopted by qualified handlers, most are too wild to ever be ridden or tamed. Wilson said the creatures have personalities that vary widely; some of the horses approach vehicles and people with ease, and others tend to shy away. No matter what, guests are guaranteed to have an unforgettable encounter with these creatures. www.deerwoodranchwildhorseecosanctuary.com

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

Courtesy Deerwood Ranch

Deerwood Ranch has more than 300 wild horses on 3,500 acres in Wyoming.

[ BILLIE SWAMP SAFARI ] CLEWISTON, FLORIDA Located in the heart of Florida’s swampland, the Billie Swamp Safari offers much more to adventurers than just a look at the state’s famous alligators. Groups that visit will see plenty of those, but the park is also home to zebras, water buffalo, wolves and even capybaras, a giant member of the rodent family from South America. The climate is perfect for a host of wildlife, as well as tourists. “We are only closed on Christmas,” said Melissa Sherman, promotional coordinator for the Billie Swamp Safari. In case the promise of sunshine and beautiful creatures isn’t convincing enough, Sherman said admission to the park is free. “There are some extras, such as the shows and petting zoo that have a small admission price, but most features of the park are free to see,” said Sherman. At the petting zoo, guests can see pygmy goats, deer, cows, horses and more. Sherman mentioned the small-critter show and the snake show; contact the park for seasonal dates and times. She also mentioned another great way to see the swamp. “Definitely our swamp buggy tour,” said Sherman. On these tours for up to about 25 people, guests of the park are taken on a canopy-top all-terrain vehicle through the surrounding everglades. Gator sightings are common, of course, with some lucky adventurers even seeing black bears or a famous Florida black panther. Groups can dine at the park at the Swamp Water Café, and if they require overnight accommodations, there’s no better way to be immersed in the Seminole landscape than to stay in one of the park’s native-style chickees. These small, thatched-roof buildings are perfect for groups; the largest sleeps 14 people. www.billieswamp.com

Photos courtesy Billie Swamp Safari

Groups visiting Billie Swamp Safari can enjoy wildlife demonstrations and airboat swamp tours.

INSIDE THE

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MIND D I S C O V E R W H AT M A K E S T H E S E S I X T Y P E S O F T R AV E L E R S “ T R I P ” !

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W W W. G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M / E B O O K

DINNER AND A SHOW L I V E T H E AT E R A N D G R E AT F O O D W E R E M A D E F O R E AC H OT H E R

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a holiday hit at the Fireside Dinner Theatre.

hen the Fireside Restaurant hosted a local theater production that needed a place to perform, the owner, Dick Klopcic, fell quickly and completely in love with theater. His enthusiasm for the art form compelled him to take a risk and transform his popular restaurant into a professional dinner theater, which has brought joy The passion Klopcic felt for theater is the same fervor that has induced so many others to create these entertainment experiences. Dinner theaters strive to offer

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

by EL IZ A MYER S

Courtesy the Fireside Dinner Theatre

customers the thrill of the theater, the rich flavors of high-quality cuisine and the ease of enjoying everything under one roof. hopes to build an intimate experience sometimes lacking in huge theater venues. Choosing Broadway musicals both new and old keeps these productions timeless and sought-after by church groups. An all-inclusive evening of dining and escaping into the world of musical theater will leave faith-based groups with a warm memory of an experience they will want to repeat many times over.

[ THE FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE ] FORT ATKINSON, WISCONSIN When Klopcic constructed a pyramid-shaped restaurant with a fireplace at its center in 1964, many were skeptical of its success. “We started as a pyramid restaurant sitting in the middle of a cornfield,” said Jean Flynn, box office and sales manager for the Fireside Dinner Theatre. “You can’t get more of an original story than that. I grew up not far from here. Fireside was my birthday treat, so to work here is amazing and so much fun.” Now transformed into a 652-seat theater, a three-level dining room and a shopping hub, the complex produces about seven shows a year. The Actors’ Equity Association member hires professional actors from across the country to participate in the theater’s classical and modern Broadway musicals, live band shows and occasional comedies. In alternating years, the theater produces “A Fireside Christmas,” which has remained one of its most wellattended shows, even showing up among the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events. Unlike many dinner theaters, the Fireside separates the theater from the spacious dining area. Guests enjoy plated meals for all but two of the shows, which are buffets. “Since the restaurant was started first, our emphasis on food is important,” said Flynn. “We have our own bakery here, so everything is fresh and made from the finest ingredients. Our Wisconsin hospitality shows here, so everyone is treated like they are coming into a large home that seats hundreds of people.” www.firesidetheatre.com

Photos courtesy the Fireside Dinner Theatre

Left: The signature flame sculpture welcomes groups to the Fireside Dinner Theatre. Right: Fireside’s professional cast performs “42nd Street.”

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[ CANDLELIGHT DINNER PLAYHOUSE ] JOHNSTOWN, COLORADO Visitors’ taste buds introduce them to the upcoming Candlelight Dinner Playhouse show with menu items such as Hello Dolly Bars and Big Apple Cinnamon Roll, chosen for the currently playing “Hello, Dolly!” production. The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is Colorado’s largest professional dinner theater with year-round offerings of Broadway musicals. “We tailor make our menu for each show so it is themed with the musical happening on stage,” said Don Berlin, director of marketing for the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. “For example, we’re just opening ‘Hello, Dolly!,’ so the Courtesy Candlelight Dinner Playhouse menu is inspired by turn-of-the-century New York. There is a new menu each time.” Servers bring audience members’ food selections to them before the show, with prime rib as one of the specialty items on every menu. Appetizers and desserts can also supplement the standard ticket of soup, salad and entree. Now in its eighth season, the dinner theater presents Broadway musicals such as “South Pacific” and “The Wizard of Oz” and a yearly holiday musical. The 400seat, two-level theater was designed so that every seat Courtesy Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre would have a great view of the stage. Top: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is a favorite among church groups in Colorado. Religious groups often attend the holiday show and Bottom: “Million Dollar Quartet” at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre many of the other American musical theater productions throughout the year. “Church groups are one of our biggest demographics,” said Berlin. “We were built for the entire group experience. That includes every detail, from the moment you are greeted at the door to the food, costumes, sets and everything.” www.coloradocandlelight.com [ BEEF AND BOARDS DINNER THEATRE ] INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA First-, second- and third-generation customers have returned to Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre each year since it opened in 1973. The dinner theater entertains more than 155,000 patrons annually. Its name originated from the popular handcarved roast beef served before the performances, and “boards” refers to the stage of a theater. The family-owned establishment attracts return business from all types of groups with its selection of eight yearly shows that range from straight comedies to family-style musicals and targeted faith-based productions. “We’ve established a rhythm of a faith-based comedy in the summer,” said spokesperson Patricia Rettig. “We’ve done ‘Smoke on the Mountain,’ ‘Church Basement Ladies’ and ‘Nunsense.’ We’ve established those faith-based shows, so church groups expect that from us.” Beef and Boards starts every year with a comedy and wraps up yearly with its original “Beef and Boards Christmas.” All their musical productions feature a live orchestra, which adds to the production quality of the Actors’ Equity Association member. The dinner theater features a buffet that changes with every show but includes staples such as chicken, fish, potatoes, pasta, vegetables and its signature roast beef carved at the end of the buffet station. Audience members can also savor the entertainment venue’s gourmet desserts. “Typically, we have a cheesecake, sugar-free options, a variety of cakes and ice cream cake that is quite indulgent and very good,” said Rettig. “Most wait until intermission so they have more room to enjoy dessert with coffee. It’s a nice way to set yourself up for the second act and finish up the evening.” www.beefandboards.com

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

Courtesy Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre

Beef and Boards scenes, left to right: salad bar; “Church Basement Ladies”; Chef Odell

[ DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE ] LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA On a night 30 years ago in a Denny’s restaurant, Tom and Debbie Prather used a paper napkin to map out their vision for opening their own dinner theater. That napkin plan became a reality soon after when they opened the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in 1987. “They took out a loan for the dinner theater they planned to pay back in two or three years,” said Denise Trupe, general manager and national marketing director for the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. “They paid it off in six months. So it was very successful from the beginning.” This January, the family-owned dinner theater underwent an extensive renovation that updated the decor of the lobby, the lighting fixtures and the theater wall coverings and expanded the space between tables. The Prather family also announced menu changes, such as carved entrees for matinee performances, Sunday brunch items and a Thursday a la carte menu for those who prefer a restaurant experience to a buffet. The 370-seat theater hosts classic musicals and contemporary hits with a live orchestra and a cast and crew selected from major cities such as New York and Chicago. The site’s staff works with church group leaders who frequently tour the Lancaster area to ensure that they choose the perfect show for their faith-based group. “We have recently put ratings on our shows,” said Trupe. “We don’t want a group to come and not have a positive experience because they are not comfortable. We want to give them as much information as we can prior to booking.” Groups can add the Broadway Bound workshop program for a little more interactive fun before dinner. The dinner theater offers a variety of topics for the instructional experience, such as Theatre Idol, Improv Olympics and Musical Theatre 101. www.dutchapple.com

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Photos courtesy Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Toby’s Dinner Theater scenes, clockwise from left: “Annie”; theater in the round; “The Sound of Music”

[ TOBY ’S DINNER THEATRE ] COLUMBIA , MARYLAND If the actor playing Tevye looks suspiciously familiar in a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, that is not your imagination. Servers for the dinner theater double as actors for an immersive evening of dinner and a show. “We are one of the few theaters where the actors are also your servers,” said Cheryl Clemens-Everidge, director of group sales for Toby’s Dinner Theater. “It’s a very personable experience. It’s great to be so close and actually be able to interact with the people involved in the musical.” Groups will see all the actors fairly close no matter who serves them, as the 300-seat venue places guests no more than 30 feet from the stage in a theater-in-the-round configuration. Now in its 37th season, Toby’s Dinner Theatre features five or six Broadway musicals with a live orchestra each year. The spring and summer shows tend to focus on more family-oriented plays, such as “Peter Pan.” Occasionally, the site also chooses a religious-themed production, such as “Sister Act.” Patrons feast on a seven-entree buffet, a salad bar and a make-your-own-sundae bar. Many church groups incorporate Toby’s Dinner Theatre into their tours surrounding the Washington, D.C., region. “Maryland has a very religious history,” said Clemens-Everidge. “Christian tours do a lot of business in the D.C. area. If the group is going to Gettysburg or up through Philly, then we are in a nice central spot for them. A lot of tours stop here.” www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

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ATTRACTIONS

GUIDE by KER EN HA MEL

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 29 Courtesy Billy Graham Library

B I L LY G R A H A M

LIBRARY CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Courtesy Billy Graham Library

ore than 1 million visitors have now walked through the large, cross-shaped entrance to the Billy Graham Library for an interactive multimedia tour through his life and ministry. The self-guided Journey of Faith covers more than 70 years of Graham’s history, from preaching to his cows as a young man on a North Carolina dairy farm to reaching millions across the world. “It’s a good mix of world history, U.S. history and the personal lives of the Grahams,” said Sonya Johnson, spokeswoman for the library. “People really enjoy seeing their personal effects.” Visitors especially like hearing about Graham’s relationship with his late wife, Ruth. Her hand-stitched wedding dress and veil, her personal Bible and an especially sweet note from Graham are favorites. Each piece of memorabilia serves as a launching pad for a great story. A pair of handguns on display tell the story of New York gang members who turned their guns in and gave their lives to Christ at a crusade. Graham’s decision card shows his early devotion to the Lord. After touring the library, groups can visit Graham’s boyhood home, which was moved from its original spot and restored on the library grounds. Since Graham family members volunteer from time to time, visitors sometimes get firsthand stories. The most peaceful spot on the grounds is the memorial prayer garden beside the burial sites for Ruth Graham and other members of the early crusades. “What I’ve heard is that people get a real sense of peace on the property,” Johnson said. 30

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SPECIAL FOR GROUPS: Regular admission is free, but exclusive guided tours are available for groups. Guides delve deeper into Graham’s history, and a special tour of his boyhood home and the headquarters for his ministry is included. The $11 tour also includes lunch at the Graham Brothers’ Dairy Bar, a playful nod to the pastor’s roots. For groups that choose the self-guided option, the grounds are designed to give space for rest and reflection. There’s seating throughout the Journey of Faith, as well as porch-front rockers and benches in the prayer garden.

NEARBY FUN: As Charlotte, North Carolina, is Graham’s hometown, groups can head from the library to 12 more historic spots from his life, including the church where he first preached. Many groups also like to catch dinner at NarroWay Theatre in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The Christian dinner theater features large-scale original shows with themed meals to match.

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& CHRIST

‘ T H E G R E AT PA S S I O N P L AY ’

of the

OZARKS

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

SPECIAL FOR GROUPS: Unique to “The Great Passion Play” is the opportunity for group members who have already seen the performance to appear as extras alongside the 170 other actors and animals. Up to 20 group members can apply. “I get with the group about an hour before the play, get them into wardrobe and make sure they know where to go,” Butler said. “That’s not something you typically get to do.”

NEARBY FUN: Nestled in the woods just outside Eureka Springs is an architectural wonder and one of the most beautiful modern chapels in the world. Thorncrown Chapel is constructed with wood and has 425 windows and more than 6,000 square feet of glass. It sits atop 100 tons of native stone. The free stop is a must for groups. The best way to see Eureka Springs is on a historic tram tour that stops at the 1886 Crescent Hotel as well as one of the 1,200 springs in the area. Coincidentally, several former “Passion Play” actors serve as tour guides. Also fun for groups is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 450-acre big-cat refuge that gets visitors up close to tigers, lions, leopards and cougars that have been rescued from all over the nation.

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www.greatpassionplay.org

Courtesy The Great Passion Play

or nearly five decades, a large company of actors has performed “The Great Passion Play” under the stars of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October. The two-hour performance begins with the resurrection of Lazarus and ends when Jesus disappears in a cloud of smoke into the night sky above the 4,000-seat amphitheater. “We’re always asking, ‘How can we make the character and person of Jesus reach out and grab people?’” said Kent Butler, who plays the role of Jesus. “By the time Jesus disappears in the cloud, everyone is on their feet.” Before the play, groups are invited to take the Holy Land Tour, a three-hour guided tour through a replica of the East Jerusalem gate and marketplace to exhibits like Moses’ wilderness tabernacle, the Nativity and the upper room. Actors interact with groups along the way, including in a scene where Jesus walks on water. Groups can also spend time in the Bible Museum and the Sacred Arts Museum. Overlooking the park is Christ of the Ozarks, built in 1966. The 67-foot-high memorial to Jesus has outstretched arms and seven-footlong hands. It’s the ninth-tallest statue in the United States.

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CREATION

MUSEUM PETERSBURG, KENTUCKY

SPECIAL FOR GROUPS: Because the museum is such a group destination, organizers have devoted an entire department to assisting group tours. Looy also likes to remind travel planners that each ticket is good for two days. “Most groups spend a minimum of four hours in the museum,” Looy said, adding that the full experience may take several hours more. Courtesy Creation Museum

o Christian attraction demands more national attention than the Creation Museum, which explains the origin of the universe based on the biblical creation narrative. Because of its worldview, the cutting-edge museum is the only experience of its kind in the world. “The No. 1 comment we get is that our museum exceeds expectations,” said museum co-founder Mark Looy. “Even our detractors, who don’t believe, say this is the best-looking, most high-tech museum they’ve ever visited.” More than 160 exhibits bring the Bible to life with animatronics and videos. In addition to biblical scenes like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the museum houses a two-story dinosaur exhibit with one of the best-preserved Allosaurus skeletons in the world. Other important stops within the museum include the planetarium; a special-effects theater that immerses viewers in the experience with rumbling seats, wind, water, smoke and flashes of lighting; and an insect collection that focuses on the world’s most spectacular species. Outdoors is a collection of gardens that includes a Japanese garden, a bog, a rain forest and waterfalls. The gardens connect to a petting zoo full of unusual hybrid species, as well as the largest zip-line course in the Midwest. This July, the museum is launching its biggest, boldest exhibit yet: a life-size replica of Noah’s ark, being built on a separate location, 45 minutes from the museum. Many years in the making, the Ark Encounter is expected to receive millions of visitors within a year of its opening. 32

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NEARBY FUN: Since the museum is in a suburb of Cincinnati, groups are just minutes from several major stops. The Newport Aquarium, on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, showcases more than 7,000 aquatic creatures from all over the world in a million gallons of water. In Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, rated as one of the nation’s top zoos, is a favorite with groups. The lesser-known Cincinnati Art Museum, with free admission and group tours, packs an exceptional selection of art into a manageable space.

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HOLY

LAND

EXPERIENCE ORLANDO, FLORIDA

SPECIAL FOR GROUPS: It’s important for group planners to connect with the Holy Team to craft a perfect itinerary, but once in the park, groups are on their own. “Two ministers greet them, give them information and tips for the day, then let them loose on their schedule,” Wilcox said.

NEARBY FUN: The Holy Land Experience staff suggests a few Orlando stops outside the obvious Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Within a short distance from the Holy Land is the Wycliffe Discovery Center, an interactive museum that shows the Bible’s preservation through the ages. Also good for groups is the inexpensive Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition, which weaves an inspirational faith message into one of the saddest stories in history.

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Courtesy Holy Land Experience

ministry of Trinity Broadcasting Network, the Holy Land Experience runs with the same energy and enthusiasm characteristic of the television network. The 15-acre theme park impressively renders Jerusalem of Jesus’ day with several exhibits focusing on biblical scenes including the city’s street market, Herod’s temple, the empty tomb and the Dead Sea Scrolls caves. Most park employees are in period costume, and Roman soldiers march through the streets. Whether at exhibits or in the park’s elaborate auditoriums, live drama and song are a big part of the draw. The passion drama is a crowd favorite because Jesus, played by an ordained minister, regularly lays hands on people in the crowd and prays over them. The minister and actor who plays Jesus in the “Holy Communion” experience also takes time to pray over guests. And actors walk around the park and offer prayer and encouragement throughout the day. “Staff will offer to pray for you; they’ll ask if you want prayer or offer to talk,” said Jane Wilcox, one of the park’s operation managers. “You’re not just going around an exhibit; you’re not trudging through a theme park; interaction and real prayer and inspiration are offered wherever you’re at. It’s like being in a living church.” Between shows, groups have several options. The Christus Gardens features a collection of wax figures that bring key biblical events to life. A walk through the Scriptorium for Biblical Antiquities presents the entire history of the Bible, from when it was first written until today. The Holy Land Experience also boasts the largest indoor replica of first-century Jerusalem. going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 33

SHRINE OF THE CHRIST’S

PASSION S T. J O H N , I N D I A N A

Courtesy Shrine of the Christ’s Passion

ust 30 miles from Chicago, a large plot of Indiana farmland has been transformed into one of the most unusual prayer trails in the world. The Shrine of the Christ’s Passion is a half-mile path studded with 40 life-size bronze sculptures that depict Christ’s journey from the Last Supper through his ascension. Crowd favorites include the Last Supper, a depiction of Jesus being nailed to the cross, the tomb and — the ultimate favorite — his ascension. “People walk around the corner and gasp in awe,” said Paul Anderson, general manager of the shrine. “After seeing the brutalization by Roman soldiers and Mount Calvary, the Ascension is very moving.” The path is meticulously landscaped to resemble the Holy Land and lined with speakers playing original scores composed by two young Chicago musicians. Each scene includes a listening station with a recording about its historical significance, followed by a short meditation. “It touches people’s hearts,” Anderson said. “They walk this path and leave wanting to walk a better path from now on.” The shrine is expanding beyond the original trail. This spring, organizers will unveil a bronze statue of Moses holding the Ten Commandments above Mount Sinai. Though not to scale, the mountain reaches nearly 60 feet. This newest scene is in addition to a sanctity-of-life memorial and a 33-foot-tall statue of Mary.

going on faith [ february | march 2016 ]

SPECIAL FOR GROUPS: The shrine is free thanks to a multimillion-dollar donation from the Indiana couple who created it, but groups that want to support the shrine can head to the gift shop, which has gained a reputation of its own. All proceeds go to support the ministry. The newest section of the gift shop will include a large conference room. Groups often request a meeting space for pastors or guide leaders to speak after the tour. That room will be open and available for rental by late spring.

NEARBY FUN: Downtown Chicago is an hour away, but groups that want to stay out of the big city have several other options. Fair Oaks Farms, a 45-minute drive away, is one of the largest dairy farm tours in the nation. In addition to learning about the production of milks and cheeses, visitors have a front-row seat to watch calves being born. Within 20 minutes of the shrine is the Albanese candy factory, which offers the only gummy bear production tour in the United States. Also close is the Indiana Dunes, with 15 miles of beaches.

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SIGHT AND SOUND

THEATRES LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA AND BRANSON, MISSOURI

SPECIAL FOR GROUPS: Several groups return to Sight and Sound for each new production because the large venues fit any size. At each location, the 300-foot-wide stage wraps around three sides of the audience, and sets are built to huge proportions. There’s not a bad seat in the house.

NEARBY FUN: Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster is also a great stop for groups interested in discovering the Amish and Mennonite lifestyles. The county is known for its Amish tours and dinner shows. Branson, on the other hand, could be a multiday stop with its many attractions. Silver Dollar City is an American crafts theme park with rides and several artisans who create anything from glassware to candy. The Titanic Museum Attraction is a replica of the famous ship that offers hands-on experiences like walking the grand staircase and touching an iceberg. If groups are still in the mood for theater, the Showboat Branson Belle hosts dinner and a show as it floats up and down Table Rock Lake.

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www.sight-sound.com

Courtesy Sight and Sound Theatres

ith two locations, Sight and Sound Theatres has earned a reputation as America’s foremost faith-based theater company, producing Broadway-quality musicals that tell stories from the Bible on a grand scale. “Samson” premieres at the Lancaster location in March, and directors say it’s the most complex production in Sight and Sound history. “Moses” opens the same month in Branson. Both productions include original music and state-of-the-art costuming, sets, lighting and stage direction. “We believe that we are called to bring the Gospel to life, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” said Maria Tennison, director of marketing and show design at Sight and Sound. “There’s no lack of research and prayer that goes into these stories. As soon as we feel called to one, it’s a three-year process until it sees the stage. It’s not a small feat.” Because nearly a million people experience the epic stories of the Bible through Sight and Sound each year, producers say it’s their responsibility to get the stories right. Through “Samson” and “Moses,” the team hopes viewers get an intimate view of men who made mistakes yet accomplished God’s will in the end. “The stories we are bringing to stage have eternal impact,” Tennison said. “It’s not just a good story; it’s entertainment that can change people’s lives.”

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