2024 Go South Tour Planner by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

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2 0 24 T O U R P L A N N E R

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

PLAN YOUR ITINERARY: I N D U S T R Y.T N VA C AT I O N . C O M / T R AV E L - T R A D E

GRACELAND

E R O M S ’ E T H E R S C OV E R T OTHIDS IIS ARKANSAS

OZARK FOLK CENTER MOUNTAIN VIEW

KNIGHTFIRE SEARCY

CLINTON PRESIDENTAIL CENTER, LITTLE ROCK

arkansas.com

With wide open spaces, endless outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenic beauty, Arkansas is the perfect destination for your next group event. Whether you need a small, intimate setting or a venue to accommodate a crowd, you’ll find it here, along with historic sites, authentic southern cuisine, world-class art and more. Check out itineraries and start planning today.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, BENTONVILLE

THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE

ON THE COVER: Fireworks punctuate an evening of Grand Illumination of Colonial Williamsburg during the holidays. Photo by Brian Newson, courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

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Ethnic Heritage

SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY 2024 TOUR PLANNER

Experiential Tours

DISCOVER THE DIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH’S CULTURAL ROOTS.

Southern Holidays

THESE EXPERIENCES MAKE THE SOUTHEAST PERSONAL AND MEMORABLE.

Hand-Crafted Gifts

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THESE MESMERIZING FESTIVALS AND EVENTS.

28 ARTISAN-MADE GOODS SHOWCASE THE SOUL OF THE SOUTH.

PUBLISHED FOR

1425 MARKET BLVD., STE. 530-324 ROSWELL, GA 30076-5624 770-355-4002 SOUTHEASTTOURISM.ORG

Farm-Fresh Flavors

40 AGRITOURISM ENCOUNTERS DELIVER GREAT CULINARY EXPERIENCES.

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P U B L I S H E D BY

NICHE TRAVEL PUBLISHERS 301 EAST HIGH STREET LEXINGTON, KY 40507 GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

FOR ADVERTISING CALL KYLE ANDERSON AT 859-253-0455

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Whether it’s learning about the natural world in Decatur and Gulf Shores, the past and future of space exploration in Huntsville, visiting sights where Rock ‘n Roll hits were made, or the history of the Civil Rights Movement, we can supply you with itineraries for several group tours. Trouble is...deciding which tour to take first. We’ll keep adding to the list, you just keep coming for new adventures. Visit www.alabama.travel To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Shawna Faniel at shawna.faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-353-1907

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Southeast Tourism Society

LEADERSHIP TEAM

2024 OFFICERS Chair KAREN TREVINO PRESIDENT & CEO NORT H L I T T L E RO C K TO URI S M

GREY BRENNAN

MELANIE BEAUCHAMP

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

ALABAMA TOURISM DEPARTMENT

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

MEREDITH DASILVA

ENNIS SMITH

DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT

VISIT FLORIDA

WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF TOURISM

DOUG BOURGEOIS

MICHAEL MANGEOT

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

COMMISSIONER

LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

ROCHELLE HICKS

DELANEY THOMAS

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR OF TOURISM

VISIT MISSISSIPPI

ARKANSAS TOURISM

WIT TUTTELL

LORI SIMMS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

VISIT NORTH CAROLINA

MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM

Vice Chair ROBYN BRIDGES PRESIDENT & CEO AU B U R N – O P E L I K A TO U RI S M

Treasurer DEBBIE MEIHLS PRESIDENT & CEO NE W SM YRN A B E AC H A RE A VB

Secretary BEN BERTHELOT PRESIDENT & CEO L A FAY E T T E CVC

Marketing College Provost SHANNON GRAY CEO/FOUNDER G R AY RES E A RC H S O LU T I O N S

Immediate Past Chair JILL KIDDER PRESIDENT & CEO V ISIT BATO N RO UGE

AMY DUFFY

JONI JOHNSON

CHIEF OF STAFF

DIRECTOR, DOMESTIC SALES & MARKETING

SC DEPT. PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM

VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION

S O U T H E A ST TO U R I S M .O R G 6

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No artificial anything.

Head for next-level adventure in the New River Gorge, America’s newest national park. It’s the hiking, biking, climbing and just-about-anything escape your spirit’s been longing for. WVtourism.com

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

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BRING FRIENDS

By Jerry McCoy, courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Domestic Showcase Kicks Off a Huge Year for Southeast Tourism Society BY MAC LACY

HOL I DAY DECOR AT ION S I N COLON I A L W I L L I A M S B U RG

ost of us who were raised in the South a few decades ago remember piling out of the car at a roadside Stuckey’s for a pecan logroll and a soft drink on our way to the beach. Before there were Buc-ee’s, Cracker Barrels and Howard Johnsons, there were Stuckey’s. Founded in 1937 by W.S. “Sylvester” Stuckey Sr., a Georgia pecan farmer and entrepreneur, the company created roadside stores that were among the South’s best-known tourism landmarks during the 1960s and ’70s. Monica Smith, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, is highlighting this tourism touchstone at the 2024 STS Domestic Showcase, scheduled for March 20–24, when she introduces Stephanie Stuckey as a featured speaker. Stuckey has purchased her family’s iconic brand and is currently introducing a new generation of travelers to its treasured stores. “I first met Stephanie right before the pandemic, and she is an amazing person,” said Smith. “She is a former state legislator in Georgia who has embarked on a fascinating journey to bring her family’s stores back to prominence. She understands

MONICA SMITH

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branding, tourism and marketing. I can’t wait for her to speak to our delegates in Little Rock.” In addition to Stuckey, STS has lined up an impressive roster of speakers for the event, including Advance Travel and Tourism’s senior strategist, Jacqueline Blackwell; Zeke Coleman, vice president of Tourism Economics; and Brian Jewell, The Group Travel Leader’s vice president, executive editor and podcast host. When asked about a few highlights of this year’s event, Smith mentioned the opening evening at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and the closing event at Little Rock’s Robinson Center performing arts complex. She is also excited about a major expansion of media delegates in Little Rock. “We’re expanding our media delegation from 50 to 75,” she said. “We have more destination public relations people who want to come, so we’re inviting more media to accommodate them. We’re also full speed ahead with finding new tour operators to come this year for our marketplace. This will be the 40th Domestic Showcase, so that’s an anniversary worth celebrating.” Two longstanding STS events are also expecting strong turnouts in 2024. Marketing College takes place June 2–7 at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, in June, and STS Connections is scheduled for September 9–11 in Auburn, Alabama, where delegates will visit Auburn University’s new hospitality and culinary arts complex. SOUTHEASTTOURISM.ORG

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SOME STORIES ARE WRITTEN IN BOOKS, OTHERS ARE CREATED ON CANVAS.

From world-renowned horse country to places of legend and lore, give your group experiences that will capture their imaginations.

Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts

kentuckytourism.com

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BRING FRIENDS

By Kirk Jones, courtesy Division of Arkansas Heritage

Thanks to STS, Trevino Never Stops Learning BY MAC LACY

M OS A IC T EM PL A RS CU LT U R A L CEN T ER I N L I T T L E ROCK

aren Trevino is a big believer in continuing education, so it’s fitting she will spend 2024 as the chairperson for the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), one of the travel industry’s best-known creators of educational programming. “I earned a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in tourism,” said Trevino, CEO of North Little Rock Tourism, “and I’ve never missed an opportunity to continue learning about this industry. I’m proud to say I graduated from STS Marketing College in 2023, and I recommend that program to anyone who can attend. “When I became aware that I would chair STS four years ago, I enrolled in Marketing College so I could have that designation before I became chair,” she continued. “The professors there are real-world people who teach from experience. I attended a seminar that Brian Jewell of your company presented on group travel that was very helpful.” Trevino oversees a city of about 75,000 that sits just across the Arkansas River from the state’s capital, Little Rock. She has long considered the city her home after years of travel as an Air Force officer’s child. It’s friendly, she said, and is laced together with Little Rock by several bridges, making the two dynamic partners in hosting travel groups. KAREN TREVINO

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“Our two cities have a trolley system in place that runs every 20 minutes and carries visitors back and forth constantly,” she said. “In North Little Rock, we feature the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, where we have two World War II vessels: the USS Razorback, a submarine; and a fireboat, the USS Hoga, that served at Pearl Harbor. “Our Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is one of the most scenic sites in Arkansas and was used in the classic film ‘Gone with the Wind.’ Most tour groups couple the Old Mill with a visit to Edgemont House, a historic home that showcases the work of home and garden designer Chris H. Olsen.” Trevino considers groups to be very important to North Little Rock. “We host a lot of them,” she said. “It’s not just motorcoaches; it’s also smaller groups that work well in our restaurants. With our Air Force base here, we host a fair number of military reunion groups, too.” It’s going to be a big year for Trevino in more ways than one. STS Domestic Showcase takes place in Little Rock in March while she is chairman, and North Little Rock is directly in the path of the full solar eclipse that occurs a few weeks later, on Monday, April 8. Thousands of eclipse fanatics have set their sights on Arkansas as their prime viewing option. “It’s a huge deal, and we’re excited,” she said. “We’re planning eclipse activities for four days beginning that Thursday. We’ll have a kickoff dinner and band with a NASA physicist as our guest. And we’ll keep going right through the eclipse on Monday with lots of related activities for our visitors.”

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Take your group on a world tour of Mississippi’s musical legacy. For music lovers, there’s no better place to explore the history and future of popular music than Mississippi, “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Here, African and European musical traditions collided and were crafted into a new form of music, the blues, and its rock, gospel, and country offshoots. View a sample itinerary of music museums, attractions, and stages at VisitMississippi.org/MusicTour. #WanderMS

GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi | Cleveland

sts SHINING EX A MPLE

AWARDS

Meet a Few of Our Best

outheast Tourism Society announced the 2023 recipients of its Shining Example Awards, which showcases noteworthy achievements and contributions to the tourism community, at its annual Connections Conference in Jackson, Mississippi. STS presented 13 Shining Example Awards in 2023. Here are a some of the notable winners.

Stacey Simon, Visit Baton Rouge BEACON AWARD

Stacey Simon, senior vice president of destination experience Visit Baton Rouge in Louisiana, received the 2023 Beacon Award, which recognizes an individual who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has advanced the tourism industry. Simon began her career at Visit Baton Rouge in 1998, making her one of the organization’s longest-serving team members. She has spearheaded numerous community events, including the Parade of Champions, which marked the first time that local marching bands from Louisiana State University and Southern University performed together. She has also volunteered in the leadership of the Baton Rouge Film Commission, the Baton Rouge Events Association and Bayou Country Superfest. In 2022, she helped celebrate Visit Baton Rouge’s 50th anniversary by organizing a mural project representing local culture.

Heather Kouns, North Little Rock Tourism RISING STAR AWARD

BE ACON AWARD WINNER STACE Y SIMON

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Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail, Virginia PARTNERSHIP AWARD

STS presented its Partnership Award, which recognizes effective partnerships within the tourism industry, to the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail in Virginia. The trail is a collaborative effort between the City of Fredericksburg and the University of Mary Washington’s James Farm Multicultural Center. Seeking to showcase Fredericksburg’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, the city and the university developed the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail to tell the area’s stories with care, dignity, respect and trust. They worked together to collect oral histories from Fredericksburg residents who were involved in the Civil Rights Movement; photograph local sites in the community; and build a trail that features two historical markers and four wayside panels detailing the city’s Civil Rights history.

RISING STAR AWARD WINNER HE ATHER KOUNS

In addition to these awards, STS presented its Chairman’s Award to Berkeley Young of Young Strategies for his many years of services as the provost of STS Marketing College. The Spirit of STS Award was presented to Chris Hardman of the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association. And North Little Rock Tourism was named the organization’s Tourism Office of the Year.

PARTNERSHIP AWARD WINNER VICTORIA MAT THEWS, CIT Y OF FREDERICKSBURG

The Rising Star Award recognizes extraordinary performance by a person new to the travel and tourism industry. The 2023 award was presented to Heather Kouns, who began her tourism career as the director of destination projects for North Little Rock Tourism in Arkansas in 2021.

Kouns quickly brought her passion and interpersonal skills to bear for the community, creating a citywide culinary initiative called Setting the Table and planning the Party in the Garden fundraising event, which supports the organization’s community engagement programs. She also helped increase participation in North Little Rock Restaurant Week by 86%, organized North Little Rock Farmers Market Week, and took over operations, strategy and marketing for the Downtown Riverside RV Park, which is owned by North Little Rock Tourism.

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PONY EXPRESS NATIONAL MUSEUM

MISSOURI STAR QUILT COMPANY

SLICED BREAD INNOVATION CENTER

WALT DISNEY HOMETOWN MUSEUM

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME & MUSEUM

CHILLICOTHE ST. JOSEPH

HANNIBAL

HAMILTON

WANDER A STRETCH OF WONDERS.

MARCELINE

From Mark Twain and Walt Disney to the Pony Express and sliced bread, The Way of American Genius along Highway 36 is a celebration of inventions and innovators like only the Show-Me State can offer. For more information, contact Megan Sheets with Visit Missouri at megan.sheets@ded.mo.gov

he Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Savannah, Georgia, and we want you to come with us! Our friends at Visit Savannah are arranging a familiarization tour of this charming and historic waterfront city on the Georgia Coast, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place July 28–31 and will include historic, natural and scenic experiences for attendees. You’ll join our staff writer Rachel Crick and our advertising account manager Bryce Wilson as they explore the area with our Savannah hosts. Highlights of the four-day tour will include:

Join Us for a Trip to Savannah

• A historic trolley tour — Discover Savannah’s history and charm — and meet some of its notable characters — on a hosted driving experience. • A dolphin excursion — Set sail to find pods of Atlantic dolphins playing in the waters off the Georgia coast. • A gospel dinner cruise — Enjoy fine food, live gospel music and beautiful riverfront scenery on a cruise aboard the Savannah Riverboat.

Travel planners can enjoy the history and beauty of Savannah during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

• Historic First African Baptist Church — See the oldest Black church in America and learn about the inspiring enslaved people who built it. • Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum — Learn the stories of the heroic pilots and other airmen who left Savannah to fight in Europe during World War II. Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by Visit Savannah. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region. You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/savannah-fam. Space is limited, and applications close May 1. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us July 28–31 in Savannah!

Rachel Crick

Bryce Wilson P HOTOS COURTE SY VI SI T SAVANNAH

JULY 28-31, 2024 REGISTRATION CLOSES: MAY 1 You can apply to attend this FAM tour at:

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/SAVANNAH-FAM If you have any questions, call Bryce at 859-253-0455 or email bryce@grouptravelleader.com.

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WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Feel the

Excitement EX PERIEN TI A L TOU RS

Everyone’s talking about these Southern sightseeing tours

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BY RACHEL CRICK

he best way to get to know someone is to walk a mile in their shoes; it’s the same for destinations. When traveling, the best way to learn about a place is not with tours that barely skim the surface but with immersive, experiential tours that let you delve into its past and explore its present. The South has plenty of these tours, and they take group travelers everywhere, from the underground mines in West Virginia to the lesser-known waterways of St. Louis. Travelers can meet the sea creatures that inhabit Georgia’s beaches and the specters rumored to haunt the hills of eastern Tennessee. For an unforgettable trip, choose one of these immersive tours that introduce visitors to the secrets of the South.

Tybee Beach Ecology Trips T YB E E ISLA N D, GEORGIA

TO U RS W I T H I N L E T P OI N T PL A N TAT ION S TA B L E S A L LOW G RO U PS TO E X PLOR E WA I T E S IS L A N D ON HORS EB ACK .

f your group needs another excuse to go to coastal Georgia, here’s one: Biogeographically speaking, Tybee Island’s beaches are incredibly interesting, according to Joe Richardson, a former professor of marine science at Savannah State University. That’s because the area’s variety of nearby habitats, from rivers to salt marshes, make for a marine life hotspot. “It really is one of the better beaches up and down the East Coast for being able to find a variety of different animals at any time of the year,” Richardson said. Richardson has been leading ecology trips on the beaches of Tybee Island for 15 years, even after retiring from his 30-year teaching career. He plans the trips around low tide, which varies a little each day, and he brings along shovels and dip nets for the groups to explore the beach. He guides them along the wet sand where the tide has receded, looking for marine life. They’ll also explore the tide pools along a rock jetty at the water’s edge. There’s a lot going on under the sand’s surface that visitors may not know about, even ones who are frequent beachgoers. Richardson helps groups find the animals, identifies them and answers questions about their habitats and behaviors. There’s no telling what they will find on their expeditions, from jellyfish and ghost shrimp to anemones and barnacles.

Courtesy Destination North Myrtle Beach

“As we find animals and things, if they’re alive, we’ll collect them in tanks and get some seawater, so we make our own touch tank out on the beach,” Richardson said. Groups should dress for the beach, and Richardson recommends wearing water shoes so visitors can explore the beach comfortably. Tours last two hours and can accommodate 30-40 guests. T YBEEBEACHECOLOGY.COM

Big Muddy Adventures

JOE R ICH A R DS ON W I T H A S H EEPS H E A D F IS H

ST. LOU IS, M ISSOU RI

f all the ways to explore St. Louis, paddling through its waterways in canoes may be the last thing visitors expect. But Big Muddy Adventures, founded in 2001 by “Muddy” Mike Clark, helps them do just that. This outfitter and tour company takes guests on paddling trips on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and the waterways that wind through the city. “We paddle through parts of St. Louis that you don’t typically see from the water, so there’s a nice dichotomy from the riverfront and natural areas,” said Natalie Rolwes, a guide with Big Muddy Adventures. Trips include everything from short floats on the city’s riverfronts to see its most iconic sights, such as the Gateway Arch, to half-day expeditions on the water surrounding the city. They can even attend multi-day paddling excursions, but the most popular tour lasts four to six hours. North of the city, groups will see the less-inhabited parts of the rivers, including beautiful, uninhabited natural islands, where they can stop to explore or have a meal. On these journeys, they might spot a broad range of the area’s wildlife, from bald eagles to beavers to deer. While the active nature of the tours may seem daunting to some groups, that’s part of the appeal. Roo Yawitz, the current owner of Big Muddy Adventures, said these tours are enjoyable because they involve “getting people outside and being active while also stepping outside of their comfort zone.”

Courtesy Tybee Beach Ecology Trips

V I E W I N G T H E S T. LO U IS A RCH F ROM A C A N OE

2MUDDY.COM

Appalachian GhostWalks Lantern-Led Tours JON E SB OROU GH, TE N N E SSE E

keptics and believers alike will be delighted by Appalachian GhostWalks’ lantern-led tours of Jonesborough, Tennessee. Founded 20 years ago, this tour company leads guests through many cities within the Appalachian region, entertaining them with tales of the paranormal. Jonesborough is Tennessee’s oldCourtesy Big Muddy Adventures

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C A M PI N G A LON G M IS S OU R I ’S WAT ER WAYS

Courtesy Big Muddy Adventures

est city, dating back to 1779. It’s also considered one of the most haunted towns in America. Lantern-led walking tours of the town will take groups to some of its oldest sites, such as the Chester Inn, built in 1797, which operates as a museum today. Tour guides will lead groups of up to 30 around town to give them the history of the buildings and their past residents, as well as stories of alleged hauntings. These tours last roughly three hours, and no two tours are just alike thanks to the countless tales of hauntings in Jonesborough. “Not only can you count on a good storytelling performance, but you also get the real history of the town,” said Stacey Allen McGee, executive director of Appalachian GhostWalks. Far from being macabre or frightening, McGee said these tours reinforce principles of faith and positivity about the afterlife. But that’s not to say these tours are entirely tame. McGee said skeptics sometimes come away with new things to think about after experiencing the unexplainable, from seeing shades being pulled back in unoccupied buildings to hearing disembodied voices. Daring guests will also have opportunities to try their hand at spirit photography. However, even for staunch skeptics, the stories told on these tours are entertaining. “Ghost stories are about the human experience and who we are,” McGee said. “That’s why people are compelled to come and listen to us.” APPALACHIANGHOSTWALKS.COM

“Ghost stories are about the human experience and who we are. That’s why people are compelled to come and listen to us.” — STACEY ALLEN MCGEE, APPALACHIAN GHOST WALKS

A TO U R W I T H A PPA L ACH I A N G HOS T WA L K S

Courtesy Appalachian GhostWalks

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Inlet Point Plantation Stables N O RT H M Y RTL E B E AC H , S O UTH C A ROLIN A

lenty of groups have waded through the surf at Myrtle Beach, but few have explored these breathtaking beaches on horseback. At Inlet Point Plantation Stables, groups get this opportunity, as well as the chance to see the area’s pristine landscape and hear about its storied past. Inlet Point Plantation, a historic plantation in North Myrtle Beach, has a long history involving several famous outlaws and rebels. Once the home of the Confederate Fort Randall, the plantation has ties to both the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. Legend has it the plantation was once host to Billy the Kid and that Blackbeard once stopped on Waites Island, a 1,400-acre private island adjacent to the plantation that straddles the state line between the Carolinas. Groups will hear about all this and more on a horseback tour of the plantation and its surrounding area.

A N A ER I A L V I E W OF A HORS EB ACK TO U R

Photos courtesy Destination North Myrtle Beach

E X PLOR I N G T H E WA I T E S IS L A N D B E ACH E S

Opened in the 1990s, the stables now have about 50 horses, including Tennessee Walkers, Appaloosas and Belgians. Each is well-trained and can be matched with groups based on temperament and riding experience. Groups can pick among a couple private tours on two trails, the one-hour intracoastal waterway trail or the twohour beach ride. The waterway trail is mostly shaded and takes groups through the plantation’s wooded trails and pecan groves and along the water. The beach ride takes groups across a bridge onto Waites Island to ride near the water. Tours can be during the day or at sunset for an even more gorgeous beach ride. Both trails offer the potential to spot wildlife, from a variety of birds to deer and even the occasional bear.

CORBIN LOVES COMPANY Surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Corbin is located in the outdoor adventure mecca of Kentucky, and is the perfect destination for your next group tour. Conveniently located off of I-75 at exit 25 by the shores of the beautiful and pristine Laurel Lake, Corbin is home to the Cumberland Falls, Daniel Boone National Forest, the Original KFC, Sanders Park, and the 7,000 seat Corbin Arena which hosts a variety of entertainment and different shows. Corbin is home to a host of locally owned restaurants who can accommodate large groups and satisfy any pallet. Whether you enjoy history, outdoor adventure or shopping and culinary treats, Corbin, KY can offer a variety of itineraries for your group! We cannot wait to see you … Corbin Loves Company!

INLETPOINTPLANTATION.COM

corbinkytourism.com 606-528-8860

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signature

Events Charleston Sternwheel Regatta C H A RL E STO N, W E ST V I RG I NI A

Courtesy Charleston Sternwheel Regatta

Ozark Bike Guides

t just 13 years old, Nelson Jones had an idea: Could his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, hold a sternwheeler boat race? He broached the question to a family friend who worked in the mayor’s office, and that friend encouraged him to pitch the idea directly to the mayor. He did, and in 1971, the city launched the first Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, and thousands of people showed up to watch the beautiful historic boats sail up the Kanawha River. That event grew into a beloved Charleston tradition. Today, the regatta takes place over four summer days (June 30–July 3 this year). It still features a parade of sternwheelers on the river, of course, but has grown to encompass a variety of other festivities throughout downtown. Attendees can enjoy a carnival, a skate park exhibition, a beer festival, fireworks and music from nationally known performers. This year’s lineup includes Jo Dee Messina, Katie Boytek, Flo Rida and Better Than Ezra.

BE NTO NV I L L E , A RK A NS A S

charlestonregatta.com

ounded in early 2020 by Alex Martens, owner and head guide, Ozark Bike Guides began to accommodate a growing interest in biking in northwestern Arkansas. Martens was managing a retail shop and saw a need for guided tours of the breathtaking trails surrounding Bentonville. Now he and several other guides take groups of up to 20 onto the trails, with one guide per six guests. While the vast forests of the Ozarks are a beautiful backdrop to these tours, groups can see far more than rock bluffs, trees, waterfalls and wildlife. They’ll also come across historic sites, artwork along the trails and may even get to visit a coffee shop in the middle off the woods that is only accessible by bike. There are even city tours of Bentonville on paved bike trails, as well as gravel bike tours. Ozark Bike Guides can help group leaders choose the right trail to accommodate bikers of any skill level. They can even work with groups over multiple days to take them to explore new trails each day during their stay in Bentonville. “There’s so much terrain to ride, you won’t get it all in in one day or one week,” Martens said. “A guide service will make sure you’ll see the trails that are fun and appropriate for you, and that you don’t waste time trying to get to stuff.” There’s no shortage of bike rental shops in town or near the trailheads. For groups with beginners or travelers who are looking for a less strenuous tours, e-bikes are allowed and even encouraged on these tours. Groups should dress in weather-appropriate athletic clothing and with close-toed shoes.

A BIKE TR AIL PHOTO - OP

Courtesy Ozark Bike Guides

OZARKBIKEGUIDES.COM

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UNITE YOUR CREW ON THE USS YORKTOWN

PLAN YOUR GROUP’S VISIT: Call (843) 881-5976 or email groupsales@patriotspoint.org. For more information, visit patriotspoint.org/groups

USS Yorktown | USS Laffey | Vietnam Experience | 26 Military Aircraft

Three National Parks One Incredible Destination

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine B ECK LE Y, W E ST VIRGINIA

ne of the lesser-explored histories in the South is that of the Appalachian coal miners, who lived their lives surrounded by the beauty of the ancient mountain range. These men lived whole lives in coal company camps and towns, working deep within the mountain and raising their families among the company stores, schools and churches. It’s a history worth learning, and there’s no better way to do that than with a tour at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, West Virginia. The crown jewel of a visit to the mine is the Underground Tour, which takes groups 1,500 feet inside the mountain for a 30-minute tour. Groups of up to 30 can ride on a conveyance called a mantrip, which used to transport coal miners. The six-foot-high, 12-foot-wide passages in the mountain are lined with exhibits. Tours are led by retired coal miners, who tell groups about the practices of mining, working conditions, and the daily lives of the miners and their families.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

A N U N DERG RO U N D TO U R AT T H E B ECK L E Y E X H I B I T ION COA L M I N E

Wright Brothers National Memorial

To learn more about our National Parks itinerary and other awesome group adventures, contact Lorrie Love; love@outerbanks.org or 877-629-4386

The Outer Banks OF NORTH CAROLINA

outerbanks.org

Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

TOUR

BIGGER

ArkEncounter.com/groups Williamstown, KY (south of Cincinnati) An attraction of Answers in Genesis

“They’re not just actors reciting a script; each tour guide gives a slightly different tour because he often relates to his own experiences,” said Leslie Baker, director of operations at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. “We stay true to our heritage and culture.” In addition to the Underground Tour, there’s a coal camp, including a company store, which doubles as a museum with authentic artifacts and antiques from the early 20th century. There’s also a shanty, a one-room schoolhouse and a miner’s house for groups to explore. Docents are located in the museum and throughout the property, and they also have a history with coal; many are the wives or kin of former coal miners. “Everybody is there to lend their very authentic voices to the experience,” Baker said.

Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

A COA L C A M P B U I L DI N G AT T H E B ECK L E Y E X H I B I T ION COA L M I N E

BECKLEY.ORG

A Destination that Delivers

GRACIA PINZINO

Group Sales/Services Manager gpinzino@stjomo.com 816-233-6688

Where the Pony Express began, your unforgettable journey awaits Immerse yourself in the rich history of St. Joseph, Missouri, where the legendary Pony Express was born. Walk in the footsteps of brave riders and explore our beautifully preserved architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene.

START YOUR JOURNEY AT STJOMO.COM!

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Sand, sea and a whole lot of history in Virginia Beach BY VICKIE MITCHELL

and and sea draw visitors to Virginia Beach, but a long list of attractions keep them there, says Jim Coggin, tourism sales manager with Visit Virginia Beach. “People come for the beach, the ocean and our boardwalk, but there is so much more,” he says. “You could stay a month and not hit every attraction.”

Memorable and Maritime

Historic sites alone can fill several days, and a number of them are waterfront, including the scenic Cape Henry Lighthouses, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The older of the two, built in 1792, was the nation’s first federally funded public works project (approved by George Washington; overseen by Alexander Hamilton). Those who climb its 191 steps are rewarded with 360-degree views; down below are guided tours and a well-stocked gift shop. Across the road, the 1881 Cape Henry Lighthouse remains in service and is not open to the public. Also worth a stop nearby is First Landing Cross, a monument that marks the Jamestown settlers’ landing in 1607. Despite the many lighthouses, shipwrecks along the Atlantic seaboard were common, so “surf men” were stationed

up and down the coast to save lives. Their important work is celebrated at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum just off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The museum is housed in one of the cottages where surf men lived and worked. Surrounded by modern hotels and shops, the museum seems small, but its collection—like the men who did this difficult work—is mighty and fascinating.

Patriotic

At the Military Aviation Museum, saving lives—as well as the fate of the world during several key points in history—is a focus. Its more than 60 aircraft make up one of the world’s largest collections of flyable World War I and II aircraft. Prearranged tours, led by military veterans, are highly recommended. “The museum does a wonderful job telling the human stories of the men and women and their connection to the aircraft,” says Coggin. Other options include private air shows and lunch or dinner in a hangar with entertainment by the Doorway Singers, known for their USO tribute shows. Tour operators can also buy a flight aboard a World War II plane and award the flight to a tour guest.

Wellness

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment) can be a peaceful and fulfilling way to end a visit to Virginia Beach. Cayce was an early 20th-century psychic whose readings on health and well-being amassed quite a following. A.R.E.’s library includes his 14,000 readings and 80,000 volumes he collected on subjects such as holistic health, ancient civilizations, metaphysics and comparative religious studies. Talks on holistic health and other topics can be arranged, and small groups could also carve out time for massages or other treatments at A.R.E.’s health center and spa. A gift shop sells Cayce healthcare products, gemstones, crystals, Tarot cards, candles, essential oils and other gifts. Given its beachside location, A.R.E. is also a reminder of how the beach and Virginia Beach’s many backstories blend.

visitvirginiabeach.com/group-tour FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: JIM COGGIN TOURISM SALES MANAGER 757-385-6642 JCOGGIN@VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Hearts

and Hands H A N D - CR A FTED GIFTS

Travelers revere Southern craftsmanship

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BY CYNTHIA BARNES

usical instruments, cookware, leather goods, paintings — there’s just something special about handmade objects. Products of a region’s culture and creativity are more than mere souvenirs. They’re a tangible, one-of-a-kind reflection of both the place and the person who created them. Whether purchasing for yourself or as a gift, handmade products are also likely to be crafted with pride and of higher quality both in workmanship and materials. Many crafts are also examples of arts and techniques that are otherwise in danger of being lost to mass production. And purchasing directly from makers supports their livelihood as artists. Here are some can’t-miss Southern destinations where your groups can meet artisans and bring home meaningful mementos.

Kentucky Artisan Center B E RE A, K E N TU CK Y

E BEL LUERS E ROOM TTRHAV C A N FAT INT DH E A M ER IC AFN WON DER U LJA HZZ ANM D -US CREU A FMT ED E SETOF HE W L EGACY OF L IAVDE E ICON T EM T SI, NSUOM H ICH A R E M M US N K ATNASRATSISCI T ,YAT ’S 1T8HTEH BY R EICS IIDEN TS N DT UCK V I N EY JA R IC T. KAEN A RZZ T ISDIS A NTCEN T ER .

erea College was founded by abolitionists in 1855 to serve needy students from the Appalachian Mountains. The city of Berea is now Kentucky’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital, supporting and showcasing the work of artists who call Kentucky “home.” This arts heritage — including traditional crafts like wood turning, broom-making and ironwork — is celebrated at the Kentucky Artisan Center, where creations from artists throughout the Bluegrass State are on display and available for purchase. “We are Kentucky’s largest retailer of Kentucky-made fine art and craft,” said the center’s executive director, Todd Finley. “We have over 850 Kentucky artisans who make a variety of products, from hand-blown glass to handcrafted wood items. We have blacksmiths, all kinds of metal workers, jewelers, lots of craftsmen in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and they are spread across Kentucky’s entire 120 counties. And we’re happy to put that artwork in front of about 300,000 visitors every year.” The center has 14 motorcoach parking spots and can accommodate several hundred visitors at once.

Courtesy Kentucky Artisan Center

K EN T UCK Y A R T IS A N CEN T ER I N B ER E A

The Artisan Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, including homemade ice cream. Downtown Berea also boasts a walkable old town arts district with numerous galleries, studios, restaurants and boutiques. In College Square, crafts created by Berea College students are also for sale, and a stroll through the sculpture garden in Fee Glade Park offers a quiet and scenic spot for artistic contemplation.

Courtesy Kentucky Artisan Center

KENTUCKYARTISANCENTER.KY.GOV S PI N N I N G YA R N F ROM WOOL AT A N T IQ U E A L L E Y

Antique Alley W E ST M ON ROE , LOU ISIAN A

estled on the banks of the Ouachita River and Bayou DeSiard in north Louisiana, the twin cities of Monroe-West Monroe ooze Delta charm and hospitality, making for a picture-perfect Southern getaway. While the surrounding hardwood forests and marshes are known for duck hunting, the beautifully restored storefronts of West Monroe’s historic downtown, which includes Antique Alley, provide some of the best treasure hunting in the South. “Antique Alley is located in the historic district of downtown West Monroe, and we’re also a cultural district,” said Karen Laban, president of the Antique Alley Merchants Association. “We have more than 80 different businesses with antique stores, boutiques and specialty

“Antique Alley is located in the historic district of downtown West Monroe.” — K AREN LABAN, ANTIQUE ALLEY MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

Courtesy Antique Alley

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shops, and restaurants. We also do downtown gallery crawls and special events. We’re happy to accommodate groups and work with the convention and visitors bureau to be able to plan the best experience.” Don’t miss the eclectic original art and garden at Courtyard on Cotton (which also has an event space for groups). Travelers can pick up locally made lotions, potions, and goats’ milk soaps while browsing Antiques and Treasures Galore, which also has a lovely assortment of artisanal wooden housewares, including charcuterie boards. And pie, divinity and other treats — plus excellent coffee — can be found at Sweet Loves Bakery. Go on a Heron Hunt: Local artists have created 100 heron sculptures that are positioned throughout Ouachita Parish. Heron hunting works up an appetite, and the Delta is known for its catfish. Try the Catfish DeSiard at The Waterfront Grill, which can accommodate up to 50 in its private dining room. Served on a bed of shrimp, this delicious dish features a grilled catfish filet topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, mushrooms, green onions and a crispy layer of parmesan cheese. ANTIQUEALLEYSHOPS.ORG

Lodge Museum of Cast Iron P IT TSB U RG, TE N N E SSE E

T H E WOR L D ’S L A RG E S T C A S T- I RON S K I L L E T AT T H E LODG E M US EU M OF C A S T I RON Photos courtesy Lodge

ou may already have one or more of their wares in your kitchen, but the Lodge Museum of Cast Iron in South Pittsburg is a mustsee on any tour of Tennessee. Opened in 2022, the new museum has rapidly become a destination for cast iron aficionados and lovers of history, food and culture. Visitors can learn how cast iron has been made by the Lodge family since 1896 and explore interactive displays created in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance on the culture and versatility of cast iron and Southern food. Vistors can also walk through the foundry process and experience what it’s like to make cast iron — including the chance to operate an electromagnet that collects the ingredients needed to make a skillet. “We have a store in with the museum,” said Angela Stephens, who helps manage the museum. “You can do the store first, but the museum starts off with how it’s made. It shows you the process of what goes in the skillets, how they’re made and how they’re pressed together for their designs, and the heating and the seasoning.

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There’s an area with our founder Joseph Lodge’s history and his journey to Tennessee. We also have a kiosk where people can pick out what recipes they might want, and we’ll send them by email.” Of course, the real draws are the giant skillets. Groups can take pictures with the World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet, which measures more than 18 feet from handle to handle, weighs 14,360 pounds and can reputedly handle 650 eggs. Then they can enjoy breakfast at the Big Bad Breakfast Cafe. LODGECASTIRON.COM/MUSEUM

North Carolina Pottery Center S EAG ROV E , NO RTH C A RO L I NA

N OR T H C A ROL I N A P OT T ERY CEN T ER I N S E AG ROV E

ig into North Carolina, and you will find clay. And nestled in the countryside, one of the largest concentrations of working potters in the country are working that clay into beautiful pieces of decorative and functional art. The quaint coastal town of Seagrove is located in the southeastern part of the state, between New Bern and Wilmington, and is home to the North Carolina Pottery Center.

Courtesy NC Pottery

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Events Double Decker Arts Festival OX FO RD, MI S S I S S I P P I

ince the city of Oxford imported an old double-decker bus from England in 1994, the vehicle has become a sort of symbol for this quirky, artsy college town in Mississippi. A few years later, a group of locals staged some musical performances downtown, and the Double Decker Arts Festival was born. Celebrating its 27th annual edition in 2024, the festival draws crowds of more than 60,000 people to Oxford’s Courthouse Square and will be held April 26-27. Things will kick off on Friday with art demonstrations around the square, followed by headliner entertainment in the evening. On Saturday, festivalgoers can browse work by 100 exhibiting artists and enjoy food from more than 20 local vendors. There’s also a packed program of musicians on Saturday. The musical lineup will be announced in February; past editions have included a mix of country, pop, rock, blues and jazz acts.

doubledeckerfestival.com

Courtesy Double Decker Arts Festival

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Open Daily 9am - 6pm Shop works from over

850 Kentucky-based artists and small businesses

200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403 Learn more at kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

“Our mission here is sharing North Carolina’s clay stories past and present,” said executive director Lindsey Lambert. “We do that so that folks will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the history, heritage and ongoing tradition of pottery-making in North Carolina. That’s really important, because we have hundreds of potters spread across the state. So we try to educate people about them and get them pointed in the direction of those potters; in particular, the local Seagrove area. There are more than 50 different pottery shops and over 100 different potters. We’re one of the highest concentrations of potters in the United States, outside of perhaps the Navajo nation.” In addition to information on the art and gorgeous items for sale, the center does a series of rotating exhibits, including a recent one on the wood-fired potters of the state. (Wood-firing is among the most revered and evocative of all pottery traditions.) There are also classes, workshops and lectures on this unique and precious tradition. In the area surrounding the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” visitors will find vineyards, breweries, cozy inns, museums and, of course, pottery.

CR A F TS M EN ’S G U I L D OF M IS S IS S I PPI I N R I DG EL A N D

Courtesy Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi

NCPOTTERYCENTER.ORG

Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi RIDGE LAN D, MISSISSIPPI

“M

akers with a mission” is the motto of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in regional crafts. The guild has two retail galleries and offers a number of classes taught by master crafters, along with a children’s summer camp that promotes the creative arts. “The craftsmen’s guild has been creating handmade crafts for 50 years as of November,” said executive director Betsy Ross. “We have over 260 participating craftsmen currently who are members of the guild, all of whom make their own crafts. This year we welcome back our magnolia woodturners along with blacksmiths of the Mississippi Forge Council. Potters, weavers — all those folks are making handmade crafts this year.” Nestled off the lovely Natchez Trace Parkway, the 20,000-square-foot Bill Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland features a spacious retail gallery and welcomes groups of all sizes.

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G N I H T E M ! O e S l b O a T r o P Mem

ARGENTA ARTS DISTRICT

Dining - With several local restaurants and brewries in the Argenta Arts district you’re sure to find something you love!

Argenta Arts District

Arts - Multiple art galleries, local theaters, and music venues make Argenta the best place to celebrate your love of the arts.

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Entertainment - With regular events like the Argenta Vibe Music Series and Dogtown Throwdown and seasonal events like Northern Lights Holiday Festival, there is alway something happening!

HISTORIC PARK HILL Edgemont House - A historic Spanish Colonial Revival style home restored by Chris H. Olsen, an award winning home and garden designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. Old Mill - An authentic reproduction of a grist mill, this structure is the only building remaining from Gone With The Wind and the largest collection of art by Dionicio Rodriguez.

ST. JOSEPH CENTER OF ARKANSAS Old Mill

Historic Building Tour - St. Joseph’s served is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the best agritourism locations in central Arkansas, with classes, animals and gardens. Local Farmer’s Market - With a wide selection of locally sourced goods you can bring a piece of Arkansas with you back home.

Edgemont House St. Joseph Center

NORTHLITTLEROCK.ORG

A satellite gallery is located at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, just across the Pearl River from Jackson, the state capital. Shoppers will find everything from traditional crafts like hand-pieced quilts and Choctaw baskets to modern offerings such as fused glass, jewelry and metal sculptures. For a taste of the classic riverboat era, groups will enjoy a meal at Cock of the Walk, overlooking the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, a recreational haven for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding and sailing. MSCRAFTS.ORG

Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery

Courtesy Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery

M OU NTA I N V I E W, A RK A NS A S

A VA S E AT T H E A R K A N S A S CR A F T G U I L D A N D GA L L ERY

he historic town of Mountain View is known as the Folk Music Capital of the World, and its vibrant arts scene is just as renowned. Nestled in the rugged Ozark Mountains and surrounded by rivers, the scenic city is approximately a two-hour drive from Little Rock.

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At the heart of America’s inland waterways, you’ll find a sophisticated rivertown that inspires. Paducah, Kentucky, is a confluence of cultural heritage and creativity where art is a way of life. Celebrating 10 years as a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is a destination for those who crave rich, authentic cultural experiences!

Signature EXPERIENCES Immerse yourself in history, art and culture through unique experiences created exclusively for groups. Plan your experience at Paducah.travel

1-800-PADUCAH

Courtesy Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery

The state’s largest craft cooperative, the Arkansas Craft Guild, is headquartered on Main Street in the historic downtown. Originally founded as the Ozark Foothills Handicraft Guild, the guild’s aim was to provide income in the economically depressed mountain region. “We work on a consignment basis here at the gallery,” said secretary-treasurer Sue Lukens. “And we probably have about 90 of our members who have work in here. It has to be made in Arkansas and has to be original and handmade. So we have pottery and jewelry and lots of wood and art, not just crafts.” Mountain View and the surrounding area offers stunning scenery and a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities. Groups will love the traditional fare and atmosphere at the Skillet Restaurant at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where large windows in the glass-enclosed, natural cedar and stone dining room overlook a butterfly garden, wildlife feeding stations and a water garden, where visitors may spot birds, raccoons, foxes or even a bear.

A R K A N S A S CR A F T G U I L D A N D GA L L ERY I N M O U N TA I N V I E W

ARK ANSASCRAFTGUILD.ORG

THE HUB OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Springdale is your gateway to the Natural State, where family fun and adventure await every explorer. 38

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TOU R P L A NNER EXPLORESPRINGDALE.COM | 1-800-972-7261

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Native Nourishment AGR I T OU R ISM

Homegrown flavors flourish in the South

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BY RACHEL CRICK

ig flavors grow from Southern soil. The South is known for its hearty dishes and an array of signature cuisines. The region’s warm climate is key for producing a diverse bounty of crops, from collard greens to sweet potatoes to peaches, while its mix of cultural heritage has produced distinct farming and culinary techniques. Each state has something new to add to the palette, from tangy barbecue to sweet fruits to spicy Cajun seasoning. Agritourism encounters throughout the Southeast make the connection between the product and the processes behind it, letting visitors experience firsthand the hard work that delivers food from the farm to their forks. On these delightful agritourism experiences, groups will enjoy delicious food with a side of education as they discover the forces at work behind Southern cuisine.

The Market at Pepper Place B IRM IN GHA M , A LABAM A

B EE S COL L EC T N EC TA R A N D P OL L EN F ROM L AV EN DER A S I T B LOOM S AT W H I T E OA K L AV EN DER FA R M .

irmingham is one of the top foodie destinations in the country, and in the heart of the city, groups will find The Market at Pepper Place. First held in the summer of 2000, this market has become a well-loved addition to the city. It grew from just seven tents of vendors to the current crowd of 85 to 120 vendors. The market is the largest producer-only farmers market in Alabama; this means everything sold there must be grown or made in the state. “It’s an easy way to get a diverse snapshot of produce that’s grown and the food that’s made, eaten and enjoyed,” said Leigh Sloss-Corra, executive director of The Market at Pepper Place. “You get a sense of the full diversity and fabric of our culture in one visit.” In addition to the dozens of tents with fresh produce, baked goods and handmade home products, the market has two stages for live music and live cooking demonstrations on weekends from May to October. At these demonstrations, local chefs prepare a quick and tasty meal for an audience of market-goers using ingredients that can be found at the market.

Courtesy White Oak Lavender Farm

“For visitors, it’s an incredible opportunity to have direct contact with the people who are producing the food you’re eating,” Sloss-Corra said. Groups visiting the market can look around on their own or request a tour in advance. The market takes a short break for the holiday season, but otherwise is open on weekends every year, rain or shine. Visiting during the warmer months guarantees a bustling market; on peak weekends, it’s visited by as many as 10,000 people. Parking is free, and groups can also explore the surrounding shops and restaurants.

A V EN DOR ’S W I DE A R R AY OF PRODUCE

PEPPERPLACEMARKET.COM

“For visitors, it’s an incredible opportunity to have direct contact with the people who are producing the food you’re eating.”

Courtesy The Market at Pepper Place

— LEIGH SLOSS - CORR A , THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE

S EL L I N G F LOW ERS AT T H E M A R K E T Courtesy The Market at Pepper Place

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Coastal Tide Excursions B RU N SW ICK , GEORGIA

A PR E S EN TAT ION ON M A R I N E L I F E

T H E L A DY JA N E ’S F IS H I N G N E T

he Lady Jane, a retired commercial shrimping boat, isn’t quite done with its sea voyages yet. For the past 16 summers, it has taken passengers off the Georgia coastline for an educational tour that teaches them about the ecosystem and commercial shrimping. The boat trawls for marine life several times throughout the voyage and brings what’s caught to the surface for passengers to learn about, take pictures of and even touch before releasing it back into the water. “When you’re out on the boat, you’re going to have an opportunity to see and handle and look at things you’d never see unless you were on a shrimp boat,” said Cameron Ako, captain of the Lady Jane. Ako said cruise passengers learn about the importance of the local ecosystem. “A lot of people don’t realize how important Georgia’s coastline is to sustaining sea life from Maine to Florida.” In addition to learning about the marine life and the shrimping industry, groups can request a low country boil to enjoy during their voyage. This traditional meal is a combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, onions and seasoning, boiled together for a mouthwatering, hearty meal that’s a staple of the Southeastern coast. It’s usually served buffet-style as soon as they leave the dock, and groups can also request fruits and vegetables, chips and dips or other appetizers to go with their meal. If they want a cocktail or brew on the water to go with their meal, they can bring their own on board. To make sure groups have plenty of room to enjoy their meal, Ako recommends limiting group size to 3035 passengers. Voyages last about two hours. SHRIMPCRUISE.COM

A COA S TA L T I DE E XCU RS ION S M E A L

Photos courtesy Coastal Tide Excursions

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Chaney’s Dairy Barn B OW LIN G GRE E N , K ENTUC KY MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA

Out-of-this-world Group Tours! Huntsville, Alabama offers group tours lots of exciting options. From art to history, and even outer space, the Rocket City is a fun and unique place for your group tour participants!

1-800-Space-4-U | huntsville.org

vid Food Network watchers may recognize Bowling Green’s Chaney’s Dairy Barn from season two of Guy Fieri’s hit show “All-American Road Trip.” Fieri stopped at the dairy farm for a tour and some farm-fresh ice cream, making it a recognizable culinary stop in Kentucky. The Kentucky dairy farm has evolved to survive and meet consumer demands. Carl Chaney, owner and fourth generation farmer, said his great-great-grandfather began farming the land in 1888. Chaney’s father began milking cows on the farm in 1940, and in 2003, Chaney and his wife decided to add agritourism and ice cream making to the farm’s resume. “The first year we had about 3,500 people who came in for tours, from school tours, motorcoaches, church groups,” said Carl Chaney, owner and fourth-generation farmer of Chaney’s Dairy Barn. “This year we’re going to bring in 15,000-plus.” In 2016, the Chaneys added a robot to do the milking, and groups can now choose from guided and self-guided tours to learn about the technological innovations in the dairy industry. They can begin in a climate-controlled room with bleachers to watch the cows being milked. They’ll watch an informational video and a screen that identifies which cow is being milked. Groups can also go to the overlook, where they can see the cows from a bird’s eye view. “They’re able to see where their milk comes from, and they can follow it from the cow to the cone,” Chaney said. Chaney’s Dairy Barn is still improving its tourism offerings; by June, the farm is slated to add an additional 10,000 square feet, including a designated group-dining space and a viewing area for the ice cream-making process. Chaney’s currently offers 32 ice cream flavors and has a restaurant where groups can grab a bite after their tour. CHANEYSDAIRYBARN.COM

A S COOP OF HOM EM A DE ICE CR E A M AT CH A N E Y ’S DA I RY B A R N

HuntsvilleCVB VisitHuntsvilleAL 44 Go2HuntsvilleAL

Courtesy Chaney’s Dairy Barn

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Events International Cherry Blossom Festival M ACO N, G EO RG I A

n 1949, William Fickling found something surprising in his Macon, Georgia, backyard — a Yoshino cherry tree. While this variety of tree is common in Japan and had been notably imported to the Washington, D.C., area, it was rare in Georgia. Fickling quickly learned to propagate the trees and began planting them around Macon. Today, more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees can be found around the city, and the community celebrates them each spring with the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Since its inception in 1982, the festival has grown to become a powerhouse event. The celebration takes place March 15–24 this year and features not only innumerable pink blooms but also pageants, balls and other revelry. Nationally known musicians perform on both Saturdays of the festival. The 2024 edition will feature country band Parmalee, as well as Bryce Leatherwood, who became famous after winning the television singing competition “The Voice.”

cherryblossom.com

Courtesy Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival

Stay for the fun.

Get Your Beer Cheese Trail Digital Passport!

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V I N E YA R DS AT T ER R AVOX W I N ERY

Courtesy TerraVox Winery

TerraVox Winery K A N SAS CIT Y, M ISSOU RI

orget Cabernet and Bordeaux — have you ever tasted a Cloeta, Wetumka or Albanian? The odds are, you haven’t because these wines are made from grapes indigenous to North America rather than the popular European varietals widely known today. Surprisingly, these interesting varietals can be found in Kansas City, Missouri, at TerraVox Winery. “We specialize in North American varietals,” said Michael Regan, sales and marketing coordinator at TerraVox Winery. “They’re really unique and rare varietals you don’t see a lot around the world. We’re bringing back the varietals that don’t have much of a voice.” Many of these grape species were lost to time and to Prohibition before the winery opened in 1996. It was created to record America’s forgotten grape culture and to bring American grapes back into the wine scene. Owner and proprietor Jerry Eisterhold collected seeds from around the country in a decades-long quest to cultivate a mix of worthy American wines. “We see ourselves as a living museum rather than a standard winery,” Regan said. “Because the grapes here don’t really exist in many other places in the world.” Groups can take a 90-minute tour of this Missouri winery to learn about the life cycle of grapes and the process of winemaking. They’ll be led through the vineyard to see the baby vines and mature vines of any in-season varietals. Then they’ll see the equipment where the grapes are processed, from the crushing and destemming to the aging and storing. Tours can be followed by tastings in the winery’s tasting room, overlooking the vineyard. Groups can try a flight of wine to round out their immersive winery tour. TERRAVOX.WINE

with a capital S. Baton Rouge isn’t just another Louisiana city, we’re Louisiana’s Capital City. It’s where soul and spirit collide, resulting in a music scene that’s so much more than music – it’s an authentic look at life in Louisiana.

Catch a show at VisitBatonRouge.com

Jeter Mountain Farm HE N D E RS O NV I L L E , NO RTH C AROLIN A

icking apples surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains is an experience worthy of every autumn bucket list. At Jeter Mountain Farm, groups can check that off and more. On 400 acres outside of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Jeter Mountain Farm is more than just an apple orchard — it’s an experience. “Our orchard is just a little bit different,” said Kelsey Hunsader of Jeter Mountain Farm. “You get to come to the farm, start with a coffee, head out to the fields for you-pick, come back for lunch and cider, then end the day shopping.” The farm is open each July through October, and each month brings a varied and bountiful harvest. Blueberries, flowers, blackberries and peaches can be found in July, while a variety of apples begin to ripen in August and the remaining months. Groups can ride to the fields in a tractor-pulled wagon to pick whatever’s in season before returning to enjoy the farm’s other amenities.

A T R AC TOR R I DE TO T H E ORCH A R D Photos courtesy Jeter Mountain Farm

J E T ER M O U N TA I N FA R M ’S H A R D CI DER

The farm’s food truck, 1813 Smokehouse, serves pulled pork — smoked for 20 hours at the farm — enhanced by a secret family barbecue sauce recipe made with apples and honey from the farm. Groups can enjoy their lunch with some traditional Southern sides and a pint of hard cider made fresh at the farm’s Hard Cider Taproom. The taproom produces six hard ciders made from the farm’s apples, and groups can even watch it being made. For a sweet treat and a pick-me-up, the farm’s bakery serves warm apple cider doughnuts and hand pies, and the coffee house offers hot and iced drinks made with locally roasted coffee beans. To add to their bounty, groups can head to the farm’s 6,000-square-foot market for a souvenir such as baking mixes, apple butter or candles. Visitors should be mindful of the farm’s hours, which change seasonally.

sT Y sH P

Call us at 504-617-1006 or go to VisitKenner.us for more information.

JETERMOUNTAINFARM.COM

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Coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast makes putting your phone on silent easy. Amusement parks, sports events, historical museums, national parks, and so much more. The fun never ends. So, it’s a no-brainer. Take the plunge, join us here on the Coast and have some fun for fun’s sake. Start planning your adventure today at coastalmississippi.com.

F I EL DS OF L AV EN DER AT W H I T E OA K L AV EN DER FA R M

White Oak Lavender Farm HA RRISON B U RG, VIRGINIA

Courtesy White Oak Lavender Farm

here are few sights or smells as lovely as a lavender field in bloom. These rows of purple flowers also produce culinary delights, as the powers of lavender are increasingly being recognized in the kitchen. But one of lavender’s greatest benefits is its ability to soothe anxiety and calm the body. That’s what makes White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg, Virginia, one of the best destinations for groups. “We consider ourselves a destination venue for visitors to our area,” said Julie Haushalter, CEO of White Oak Lavender Farm. “It’s been our mission to help reduce stress and encourage healthy practices.” Opened in 2008, the farm has an ever-growing list of ways to use lavender, from culinary to medicinal. Farm tours are available during the summer on weekends; and during June, July and September, when the lavender is blooming, groups can pick it themselves. They can walk through the farm’s gardens, which have QR codes for educational tidbits about the farm’s processes. Here, they’ll learn about the drying barn, the lavender distilling process and the farm’s history. The property also includes the Purple Wolf Vineyard, which opened in 2015 and produces 12 still and two sparkling wines. Tastings are available as an add-on to farm tours; groups can sample wines, wine slushies, draft beer or the farm’s hard ciders. Other add-ons include animal encounters, where groups can visit the farm’s goats, sheep and miniature horses. Groups can take classes on topics ranging from winemaking to making lavender lemonade. They can round out a visit with a trip to the farm’s gift shop, which sells over 100 products made from the farm’s lavender, including coffee, cookies, jams and spices. WHITEOAKLAVENDER.COM

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Get away from it all to

Kentucky State Parks

Whether for 20 or 400, we will help you find the perfect environment. Take advantage of knowledgeable interpreters at one of our 17 state resort parks for a personalized tour or hike during your visit to discover what makes Kentucky so unforgettable.

Speak to a group sales professional to learn more about Kentucky State Park opportunities: paige.thompson@ky.gov or call 502-892-3343. parks.ky.gov/meetings-weddings #kystateparks

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Eclectic Cultures

E T H N IC H E R I TAG E

The Southeast embraces many worlds

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BY CYNTHIA BARNES

he South’s ethnic heritage is as diverse as its geography. Just as the land encompasses the oldest mountains on the continent and the vast alluvial lowlands of the Mississippi Delta, so too are its people filled with a similar rich diversity. From the indigenous tribes that first populated the country to the waves of successive immigrants, the South still pulses with an eclectic mix of cultures. Here are six places throughout the region where visitors can interact and engage with its rich ethnic history.

Chahta Immi Cultural Center P HILADE LP HIA, M ISSISSIP P I

G RO U PS C A N L E A R N A B O U T T H E S IG N I F IC A N CE OF R EL IG ION I N G U L L A H CU LT U R E AT H IS TOR IC CH U RCH E S I N H I LTON H E A D.

egend has it that the Choctaw people emerged from the “Mother Mound,” a flattopped earthen platform called Nanih Waiya. Located about 15 miles northeast of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Nanih Waiya, which means “leaning hill,” is 25 feet high, 618 feet long and 140 feet wide. It is the heart of what was once the wealthy and powerful Choctaw Nation, which stretched across the central southern United States from western Alabama through Mississippi and into Louisiana. The Choctaw were the first nation to be forcibly removed westward along the Trail of Tears, and the majority still live in Oklahoma. In 1945, those who had refused to leave, facing decades of intimidation and retaliation, formed the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the only federally recognized American Indian tribe in Mississippi. Today, the Mississippi reservation consists of about 10,000 people living in eight communities on roughly 35,000 acres. The history and heritage of the proud nation are on display in Philadelphia, at the Chahta Immi Cultural Center. “‘Chahta’ means ‘Choctaw,’ and ‘immi’ means ‘life ways,’” said Martha Spencer, the center’s coordinator. “The cultural center was developed to showcase and provide cultural education through our exhibits on the Choctaw art forms. We have a multimedia presentation and a historical timeline that goes from prehistory all the way up to today.”

Courtesy Visit Hilton Head

Historically, the Choctaw were famed for tempered clay pottery, often polished and etched with designs, along with intricate woven basketry, beadwork, dolls, drums and quilting. Opened in 2013, the center has displays as well as workshops focusing on Choctaw art forms including crafts, dancing and music. The center can accommodate up to 100 visitors, and private tours are available. CHOCTAW.ORG

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

A CH A H TA I M M I CU LT U R A L CEN T ER GA L L ERY

RICHM ON D, VIRGIN IA

Photos courtesy Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

A B A S K E T- W E AV I N G DEM ON S T R AT ION AT CH A H TA I M M I CU LT U R A L CEN T ER

n August 1619, Virginia’s first Africans landed at Point Comfort, on the southern tip of the Virginia peninsula, aboard the English ship White Lion. About 20 people were sold, with some transported to Jamestown to be sold again. The story of these individuals and the Black people who came after them is illustrated in the state’s capital at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA). The castle-like structure, built by Black craftsmen in 1885 to house the arms of a Black militia unit, is the oldest armory in Virginia. Near the entrance, a life-size statue of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Howard Lee Baugh greets visitors.

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Events Baton Rouge Blues Festival BATON RO U G E , LO UI S I A NA

hough other Southern destinations get most of the headlines related to blues music, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made its own signature contribution to the genre with the development of the “swamp blues.” This movement emerged in the city in the 1950s thanks to a Baton Rouge record producer who distributed work of local artists to influencers in Nashville and, eventually, around the world. Today, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival promotes, preserves and advances the swamp blues music and culture indigenous to the city. The festival originated in 1981 and was first held on the campus of Southern University, Baton Rouge’s historically Black college. Today, the free festival takes place over a long weekend (April 19–21 this year) in venues downtown. Local blues musicians, as well as nationally known headliners, perform on multiple stages, and the music is accompanied by vendors, artists, kids activities and other festivities.

brblues.org

Courtesy Baton Rouge Blues Festival

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B L ACK H IS TORY M US EU M A N D CU LT U R A L CEN T ER OF V I RG I N I A

“We were founded in 1981 and focus on the stories that inspire, by telling untold stories of African American history,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of BHMVA. On the ground floor, the museum’s permanent interactive digital displays trace the history of Black people in America from slavery through the Civil Rights era. In the café, visitors will find a mock-up of the lunch counter where the “Richmond 34” — Black students from Virginia Union University — were arrested after a 1960 sit-in protest against the “whites-only” policy. Upstairs, a series of rotating exhibits are on display. “Our current temporary exhibit is art-based,” said Warren. “‘The Art of Freedom II’ focuses on what freedom means to Virginia-born and raised artists. So you can see a visual expression of what freedom means to our selected artists.” The BHMVA is self-guided; but when arranged in advance, guided tours for groups of up to 50 are available. BLACKHISTORYMUSEUM.ORG

Courtesy Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

Deutschheim State Historic Site HE RM A N N , M ISSOU RI

DEU TS CH H EI M S TAT E H IS TOR IC S I T E

he rolling hills at the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri rivers reminded scouts from the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia of the Rhine Valley, prompting them to choose 11,000 acres at the spot for a new city in the “Far West” that could and would be “German in every particular” and named “Hermann” in honor of Hermann der Cherusker, a Germanic leader who defeated three Roman legions in 9 A.D. The first 17 settlers, including women and children, arrived in December 1837, fighting to make a home in the harsh and hilly wilderness. Hundreds of German tradespeople, artisans and farmers soon followed. By 1842, Hermann became the county seat of Gasconade, and five years later, Michael Poeschel opened Hermann’s first commercial winery on a hill overlooking the town. By 1900, Stone Hill Winery was the second largest in the country, earning gold medals at World’s Fair wine competitions around the globe. Tourists flocked from St. Louis by steamboat and train to enjoy the town’s wines and Old World ambiance.

Courtesy MO Dept. of Natural Resources

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M OS A IC T EM PL A RS CU LT U R A L CEN T ER

Anti-German sentiment during World War I — and then Prohibition — plunged the city into an economic depression, but the wine industry began reviving in the 1960s. Today, an area of five blocks from the Missouri River to Fifth Street is designated as a national historic district comprising 360 buildings that were established between 1838 and 1910. The oldest of these buildings can be toured at the Deutschheim State Historic Site located at 109 West Second St. This site includes the 1848 Pommer-Gentner House and the 1845 Strehly House. “The Pommer family made piano fortes, violins and guitars,” said site supervisor Lori Cody. “They had a lot of money and a strong business in Philadelphia. But they wanted to become a part of this community. “In the Strehly House, they printed the first German newspaper west of the Mississippi. Eduard Muehl was the editor and was known for his anti-slavery views. He serialized ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ and anticipated the divisive effect of slavery on national life. And so he was predicting the Civil War 10 years before it actually happened.”

By Kirk Jones, courtesy Division of Arkansas Heritage

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center LIT TLE ROC K, AR K ANSAS

he Mosaic Templars of America was an independent African American fraternal organization founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1883 to provide mutual aid to the Black community. This included offering illness, death and burial insurance to African Americans at a time when white insurers refused to treat Black customers equally. Later, those services expanded to include a building and loan association, a state hospital and nursing school, and a newspaper. The four-story neoclassical National Grand Temple was to be the home of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, but a 2005 fire destroyed the grand downtown landmark. A new building was constructed on the site and opened in 2008. The center presents exhibits interpreting Arkansas’ Black history from 1870 to the present and just reopened after a $3.5 million renovation of the gallery space. “Our mission is to preserve, interpret and celebrate Arkansas’ African American history,” said Brian Rogers, adult education interpretive specialist at the center. “This museum matters. African American history and Arkansas history are intertwined. They’re two sides of the same coin. And in order to get a full understanding of Arkansas history and American history, you have to know African American history, as well.” Permanent exhibits include the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, a 360-degree theater with a video showcasing the Black experience in Arkansas, and City Within a City, highlighting the West Ninth Street business district, which served the needs of the Black community.

MOSTATEPARKS.COM

Frankfort is #KentuckyDistilled

ARK ANSASHERITAGE.COM/ MOSAIC -TEMPLARS CULTURAL - CENTER 300 Saint Clair St., Suite 102 Frankfort, KY 40601

@VisitFrankfortKY

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Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park LAFAYE T TE , LOU ISIA N A

he Attakapas were the earliest residents of the great coastal plain stretching north from the Gulf of Mexico. They were joined by Cajuns — French Canadians driven by the British from the captured French colony of Acadia (now Nova Scotia) — who settled there in 1763. The French called their settlement Vermilionville, after the bayou that runs through it, but renamed it to honor General Lafayette in 1884. Seven original area homes dating from circa 1790 to 1880, along with several reproductions of period buildings, make up Vermilionville, a 23-acre historic park along the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. The village illustrates Acadian, Creole, African American and Native American cultures in the region from the 16th and 17th centuries. “Everything about Cajun culture and its love of life — that joie de vivre — can be found at Vermilion,” said Charlie Whinham, public information officer with the Louisiana Office of Tourism. “It’s a wonderful living museum. You can take a guided tour, you can learn how to cook like a Cajun, you can get some dance lessons — all along with learning some wonderful history and a bit more about Cajun life.” Costumed artisans demonstrate traditional arts, including spinning, weaving and fiddle playing. In the Healer’s Garden, visitors can see, smell and touch a collection of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes for more than two centuries. Kayak and canoe rentals are available to explore the paddle trails along Bayou Vermilion. In the cafe, diners can feast on local dishes such as catfish courtbouillon and jambalaya. BAYOUVERMILIONDISTRICT.ORG/VERMILIONVILLE

Photos courtesy Explore Louisiana

A H IS TOR IC B U I L DI N G (TOP) A N D AU T H EN T IC C A J U N FOOD (B OT TOM) AT V ER M I L ION V I L L E L I V I N G H IS TORY M US EU M A N D FOL K L I F E PA R K

Gullah Heritage Trail Tours HI LTO N H E A D, S O U TH C A RO L I N A

outh Carolina’s Lowcountry and Sea Islands have been home to the Gullah people for more than three centuries, beginning when enslaved Africans, primarily from West Africa, were forcibly transported to work on the region’s rice, indigo and cotton plantations. They created the only distinctly African creole language in the U.S. and had a powerful influence on traditional Southern vocabulary and cuisine. (If you’ve ever had fried okra or shrimp and grits, you’ve enjoyed Gullah food.) Due to their relative isolation, the Gullah people have been able to sustain their distinctive culture, arts, crafts, foodways, music and language into the present day. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours takes visitors beyond the glitz and golf of Hilton Head to explore the history

H IS TOR IC S I T E S ON S O U T H C A ROL I N A’S G U L L A H H ER I TAG E T R A I L Courtesy Visit Hilton Head

Courtesy Heritage Library

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History is more than a timeline—it is a thread woven through all of our lives. Pick up that thread at the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Explore and experience the moments, movements, and milestones that continue to shape our world. Plan your visit today at twomississippimuseums.com.

A G RO U P E X PLOR AT ION W I T H G U L L A H H ER I TAG E TOU RS Courtesy Gullah Heritage Tours

and culture of the descendants of those first Africans. The Campbell family are “binyas,” natives of the island with a long island ancestry. (Nonnatives and newcomers are referred to as “cumyahs.”) They have operated Gullah Heritage Trail Tours since 1996. It’s truly a family affair, with Campbells of all ages acting as ticket takers, bus drivers, tour guides and marketing specialists. “We take people around the old neighborhoods on Hilton Head,” said manager Irvin Campbell. “And we tell them about how we live or how we grew up in these neighborhoods. We share the culture with visitors. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour tour on a bus narrated by us, we who grew up here. And so it’s an authentic tour, and we’re getting great reviews.” Stops along the tour include the tabby ruins at the historic Baynard Plantation, the old Debarkation Point (before the bridge connected Hilton Head to the mainland), a one-room schoolhouse and historic Gullah family compounds. GULLAHERITAGE.COM

Georgetown, Kentucky

Georgetown, the heart of Kentucky’s horse scene, offers pure small town charm, history and horse-centric fun including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, & plenty of horsepower at Toyota’s largest facility in the world. It’s the ultimate spot for groups wanting to ride into Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. Nearby attractions: Ark Encounter, Creation Museum & Keeneland

Plan your groups getaway at

www.georgetownky.com/groups | 844.863.8600 20 24 S O UT HEAST TOU RI SM SOCI ET Y TOU R P L A NNER 19 hotels + over 80 Restaurants Right Off 64 + 75 INTERSTATE

INTERSTATE

ROUP

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FO R E V E R

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We’re shaped by water, and after a visit, your group will be too. Contact us at Groups@CrystalCoastNC.org or 888-891-0021 to plan your trip today. CrystalCoastNC.org

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

A Southern

Season S O U T H E R N H O L I DAYS

Celebrate the holidays in these magnificent settings

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BY KATI HYER

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … Well, the halls may not be decked with boughs of anything at this very moment, but when travel planners dream up ideal trips for November and December, they find plenty of holiday fun in the Southeast. From the Gulf Coast to Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, the destinations on this shortlist will help groups celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in spectacular ways.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill HA RRODSB U RG, K E N TU CK Y

EL EGA N T DECOR AT ION S A N D DIS T I N C T I V E H IS TOR IC A RCH I T EC T U R E COM E TOG E T H ER DU R I N G T H E HOL I DAYS AT S H A K ER V I L L AG E OF PL E A S A N T H I L L .

n Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, peacefulness is a tangible gift to visiting groups. The Harrodsburg, Kentucky, site preserves one of the nation’s largest Shaker settlements. And come December, it becomes a beautiful, holiday village. “Sitting around the fire, singing carols together, being among the beautiful historic buildings here, walking around the scenic landscape — it’s a balm for the soul,” said Bill Rankin, vice president of public programming and marketing. With natural greenery gracing the ledges, red ribbons festooning the fences and luminaries glowing in the windows, the village becomes just the right backdrop to get in the mood of the season. Groups can familiarize themselves with the Shaker way of preparing for Christmas through hands-on activities like creating greenery decorations, making reed stars or taking cookie decorating classes. Illuminated Evenings are the programmatic star on the village’s metaphorical Christmas tree. “When you come to an Illuminated Evening, and you have your hot cider or chocolate and you’re listening to a choir in the 1820 meeting house, walking out by the firepits and roasting marshmallows, taking a candlelit walk as you learn a little bit about how the Shakers celebrated Christmas in these huge historic homes, and culminating in caroling around our Christmas tree out on the lawn, I can’t think of a more family-friendly setting that I have ever been to for the holiday season,” Rankin said. SHAKERVILLAGEKY.ORG

Courtesy Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens M OB ILE , ALA BA M A

alter Bellingrath purchased a fishing camp to relax, per his doctor’s orders, in 1917. That property would develop over the course of his lifetime into the Bellingrath Gardens and Home and its Magic Christmas in Lights, one of Mobile’s local treasures and now a Southern Christmas destination illuminated in 3 million LED lights.. “It really gets you excited for the holidays,” said Bellingrath’s Cassidy Smith. “The combination of the gardens and the holidays brings so much joy to your heart and makes you feel like a little kid.“ Magic Christmas in Lights, from late November to early January, consistently rated one of the South’s best botanical light displays, is a walking tour that takes about an hour to complete. Plan to arrive midday to see the property’s sprawling gardens and the exterior of the estate in the daylight. Tour guides will educate groups on the Bellingrath family as they explore the property. Plus, one of the guides on staff is the grandson of Mr. Bellingrath’s physician. “He’s a walking encyclopedia and actually won best local historian in Mobile this year,” Smith said. “I had a ton of people telling me how it was a beautiful experience and they had so much fun,” Smith said. “People spend their anniversaries here and get engaged here. It really is a ‘fun for all’ kind of experience. Kids can run around and wear off their energy; adults can relax and take a stroll. If you’re a nature enthusiast you get the best of both worlds. If you just love the holidays, it’s a great thing to do outdoors.”

H IS TOR IC DECOR AT K EN T UCK Y ’S S H A K ER V I L L AG E OF PL E A S A N T H I L L

Courtesy Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

BELLINGRATH.ORG

Oglebay Resort’s Festival of Lights W HE E LIN G, W E ST VIRGIN IA

M AG IC CH R IS T M A S I N L IG H TS AT B EL L I N G R AT H GA R DEN S I N M OB I L E

n hour southwest of Pittsburgh — yet still south of the Mason-Dixon line — is Wheeling, West Virginia, home to a much-loved Festival of Lights at the Oglebay Resort. Here the holiday season is welcomed earlier than any other destination on this list. Its Festival of Lights begins in early November and spans a full two months. This municipal park is a state jewel spanning 2,000 acres and packs in all the quintessential light-show attractions in one evening. Groups can explore the entire property via this sixmile drive-through light show. For a fun group experience,

By Justin Hartley, courtesy Bellingrath Gardens

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park the motorcoach and ride the resort’s trolley instead. The route meanders through the park, starting with two dozen light features in Oglebay’s Good Zoo. Hop off at one of the zoo stops to enjoy photos with Santa, a laser light show or a ride on the Winter Express. Deeper into the zoo is a winter carnival built for the more adventurous. This attraction features an ice rink, a climbing wall and other activities like a decorated tree trail. Hop back on the trolley to view the light features on Schenk Lake, where synchronized music and lights are on full display. After all, what’s a light display without the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Led Zeppelin? The fun for all ages continues at the Wilson Lodge, where another dozen dazzling light features and activities like Christmas movies, elf scavenger hunts, character performances take place. OGLEBAY.COM/LIGHTS

F E S T I VA L OF L IG H TS AT OG L EB AY R E S OR T I N W E S T V I RG I N I A Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

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Natchitoches Christmas Festival N ATCHITOCHE S, LOU ISIAN A

ouisiana’s oldest settlement is not only the location where the hit movie “Steel Magnolias” was shot, but it’s also home to one of America’s earliest and most treasured holiday light displays. “The annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival is one of the oldest holiday celebrations in the country,” said Arlene Gould, executive director of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. The festival dates back to the invention of the two-watt lightbulb and a set piece welded by a city worker. The set

Events Fall for Greenville G R EE NV I L L E , S O U T H CA RO L I NA

hile other destinations in more northern climes spend October celebrating autumn color, Greenville, South Carolina, takes a different tack. Since its peak foliage doesn’t come until later in the year, the city instead highlights its impressive food and beverage culture with Fall for Greenville, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023. Food lovers will want to bring big appetites and plenty of culinary curiosity. The festival features local chefs and restauranteurs offering more than 250 dishes, ranging from Jamaican and Greek food to tacos and South Carolina barbecue. Small plates range in price from $3-$5. There is also plenty of beer on tap from many breweries around the region, as well as more than 80 musical performances on five stages. In 2024, the long-weekend festival will kick off with an evening concert on Thursday, October 10, then continue with day-and-night fun through Sunday, October 13.

fallforgreenville.net

Courtesy Fall for Greenville

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pieces became popular, and the city added more each year. “Today we have over 100 designs and set pieces that were welded by the city workers that are all custom,” Gould said. “They’re set along Cane River Lake. They reflect in the water so it’s really pretty.” Visitors can take in the Christmas displays from the weekend before Thanksgiving until Epiphany. Gould recommends exploring on foot. “We suggest walking through the National Historic Landmark District,” she said. “We have unique shopping and wonderful restaurants, and there are normally several programs. They’ve had choirs. We have an amphitheater. And there are fireworks every Saturday night. A lot of people have shared that it’s like magic. People get here and they feel like they’re walking in a Hallmark movie, and I remind them: This is the real thing.” In addition to the set pieces, there are more than 300,000 lights. Saturdays are ticketed. Groups electing to lodge nearby can look into the Chateau Saint Denis, an 80-room downtown hotel with complimentary motorcoach parking.

HOL I DAY DECOR I N N ATCH I TOCH E S

Courtesy Natchitoches.com

NATCHITOCHESCHRISTMAS.COM

Tour life with the Lowcountry tides. No Crowds A Quiet Downtown Unique Shopping & Dining Meet the coastal town that will transform your next tour: Beaufort, SC. With over 70 historic sights to see, a walkable downtown, unique Gullah-Geechee heritage and fresh-caught cuisine, Beaufort is the charming Southern destination motorcoach groups can’t stop talking about.

Ljeﬀries@beaufortsc.org | 843.525.8526

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GROUP TOUR? BRING IT TO In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, your group has no shortage of activities to help them reconnect and bond. There are 60 miles of beaches, engaging group tour itineraries, more than 2,000 restaurants, botanical gardens, plus live theater and music every night of the week, just to scratch the surface. There’s no better place to get together than The Beach.

60 miles of beaches and endless off-beach activities.

From resorts to villas – ideal accommodations to suit any group.

MyrtleBeach.com/groups Scan to plan your event.

SIGHTS ABOVE

S PEEDWAY CH R IS T M A S AT CH A R LOT T E M OTOR S PEEDWAY

Group FunBELOW Courtesy Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway CON CORD, N ORTH CA ROLIN A

errymakers, start your engines. North Carolina’s Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms into a wonderland for the holidays. “This show is for people who love NASCAR, people who aren’t familiar with NASCAR, people who are fans of Christmas lights and fans of Christmas music. It’s perfect for anybody in the holiday season,” said Samantha Waddell, communications manager for the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Speedway Christmas, now in its 15th season, invites visitors to make the days bright on the famous oval with a four-mile drive-through course bathed in the glimmering, twinkling glow of 5 million lights. And it’s worth returning the following year, as each season boasts a unique theme. “This year is Santa’s Beach Party, so a big chunk of our displays are Santa with reindeer playing in the sand, playing volleyball,” Waddell said. “And then everyone loves the choreographed lights. We have a beautiful lights-to-music section. Dial your radio to a certain channel, and the music and lights will dance together as you drive the course.” Want even more reason to rev those engines? Speedway organizers cram every square inch of the concourse with Christmas activities. “There are different themes throughout the concourse,” Waddell said. “We have a Winter Wonderland, a Candyland, and we’ll send you to space and to Santa’s workshop. You can get craft drinks and craft ice cream. You can meet Santa. And we have fun mazes for kids to run through. You can go to Victory Lane and take pictures on the 360 camera. So many things will keep the magic of the holiday season front and center as you walk through here.” Speedway Christmas runs from the week before Thanksgiving until the first week of January. Reach out to group sales to inquire about group pricing. For a unique group dining experience during Speedway Christmas, plan to eat at the Speedway Club, the motorsports complex’s on-site restaurant. Reservations are encouraged.

Embark on a journey

that combines history, architecture, and breathtaking views.

Elevate your visit to St. Louis with a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Plan a unique excursion and experience panoramic views from 630 feet, guaranteed to make memories that reach new heights.

Experience the city’s charm from a unique perspective. Embrace the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Surround yourself with the stunning skyline and historical landmarks on a variety of cruises perfect for your group.

Email or call our sales team

to book your group! groupsales@gatewayarch.com 314.923.3080

CHARLOTTEMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM

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M A K I N G OR A N G E P U DDI N G I N A COLON I A L W I L L I A M S B U RG K I TCH EN

Holidays at Colonial Williamsburg WI LLI A MS B URG , V I RG I NI A

olonial Williamsburg is so utterly packed with the hustle and bustle of 1700s Christmastide from November to January that the town publishes a 42-page magazine detailing all the hour-by-hour activities available to visitors. “There’s a lot to do in Colonial Williamsburg,” said Brittany Rice, director of sales at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. “The great thing about Colonial Williamsburg is it tells the true story of America — and it’s everybody’s story, not just one version of history. Williamsburg is magical during the holidays. “We kick off the holiday season the day following Thanksgiving, where we do the lighting of Williamsburg,” Rice said. “We have a variety of different evening programs and shows and specialty seasonal menus in the hotels and historic taverns.”

By Brian Newson

G I N G ER B R E A D COOK I E S AT W I L L I A M S B U RG ’S R A L EIG H TAV ER N B A K ERY

Photos courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

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A N I N T ER PR E T ER L IG H T I N G CR E S S E TS AT COLON I A L W I L L I A M S B U RG

Programming runs the gamut, from music by ensembles like choirs, bell ringers or the Williamsburg Symphony to performances and guided tours with 18th-century characters and demonstrations of life in the not-so-distant past. On three consecutive Saturdays in December, a dazzling fireworks display fills the evening sky above the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol. These “Grand Illumination”’ weekend events are some of the highlights of the festival season. For many years, Grand Illumination took place just one day during the holiday season, but organizers learned to pivot during the pandemic and now showcase the Grand Illumination on multiple weekends. Tickets are required in the historic area; overnight stays at one of the town’s five resorts include the entry fee. Some activities, like carriage rides and flint-lock musket classes, have additional costs.

By David M. Doody, courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

COLONIALWILLIAMSBURG.ORG

There is no better place to live the legacy of the king than at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. The place where Elvis hung his jumpsuits and gold records. A place so wild it has a jungle room, jet, and a 450-room guest house. It’s the only building that Elvis never left and the place where his legacy lives forever.

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