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
Southeast Tourism Society go
LEADERSHIP TEAM
2025 OFFICERS
Chair
ROBYN BRIDGES PRESIDENT & CEO AUBURN – OPELIKA TOURISM
Vice Chair
DEBBIE MEIHLS PRESIDENT & CEO NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA VB
Treasurer
BEN BERTHELOT PRESIDENT & CEO LAFAYETTE CVC
Secretary
TIMOTHY BUSH CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
VISIT LAKE CHARLES
Marketing College Provost
SHANNON GRAY CEO/FOUNDER GRAY RESEARCH SOLUTIONS
Immediate Past Chair
KAREN TREVINO PRESIDENT & CEO
NORTH LITTLE ROCK TOURISM
MEREDITH DASILVA VP OF EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
VISIT FLORIDA
GREY BRENNAN DEPUTY DIRECTOR ALABAMA TOURISM DEPARTMENT
DOUG BOURGEOIS
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM
ROCHELLE HICKS DIRECTOR VISIT MISSISSIPPI
MELANIE BEAUCHAMP
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF RURAL TOURISM AND OUTREACH
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
ENNIS SMITH DIRECTOR OF DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF TOURISM
WIT TUTTELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VISIT NORTH CAROLINA
MICHAEL MANGEOT COMMISSIONER
KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
DELANEY THOMAS DIRECTOR OF TOURISM
ARKANSAS TOURISM
LORI SIMMS DEPUTY DIRECTOR MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM
AMY DUFFY CHIEF OF STAFF
SC DEPT. PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM
JONI JOHNSON DIRECTOR, DOMESTIC SALES & MARKETING VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION
From the well known to the unexpected, Missouri is lled with exciting attractions for group travel itineraries. Plan your one-of-a-kind tour with Megan Sheets of Visit Missouri at Megan.Sheets@ded.mo.gov
ANGAD ARTS HOTEL
TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES
FANTASTIC CAVERNS
PERUSING AN EXHIBIT AT THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND CULTURE IN RICHMOND
go SOUTH
BRING
FRIENDS
America’s 250 th Anniversary is a Travel Celebration
BY MAC LACY
Monica Smith is putting Southeast Tourism Society’s resources to work this year to make sure her region capitalizes on America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. She believes her Southeastern states can celebrate the country’s 250-year history as a democracy and drive travel at the same time.
“Virginia began these conversations, and I believe most states in the country now have commissions in place to plan celebrations of this landmark anniversary,” said Smith, president and CEO of Southeast Tourism Society (STS). “Virginia has started its fundraising efforts, and we’ll encourage all our states to do the same. I believe it’s a huge travel opportunity that we all need to emphasize. Our members need to put their plans and dates in place so they can invite visitors to participate.”
Smith knows that some of her organization’s most cherished destinations may still be recovering from massive hurricane damage during this time, and she reaffirmed STS’s commitment to helping destinations receive the resources they need for the task ahead.
“Half our states were seriously impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton last fall,” she said. “Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia were all hit by at least one of these destructive storms. It may be months if not years before some will be able to accommodate vis-
itors as they were accustomed to doing, but all will come back stronger than ever. Groups will have to wait to return in some cases, but we know they’ll be eager to come back when they get the go-ahead.”
STS is known for its educational programming and its collective strength as an advocacy organization. Smith is excited about those efforts in 2025 and how they serve the interests of travel groups.
“Our SMPR Forum and Travel Media Marketplace are two events that benefit members who promote to group travelers,” she said. “Those take place March 18–20 in Peachtree Corners [Georgia] this year. We expect to have 65 or more consumer media delegates there this year to meet with destinations. The SMPR Forum trains member employees how to be better marketers to tourism segments including groups.”
“We’ll be back in Washington, D.C., this year for our Congressional Summit and will give our members the opportunity to raise their voices for issues important to tourism,” she said. “And we are creating a Marketing College alumni program this year. We’re inviting almost 1,400 Marketing College alumni to join us, remotely or in person, to continue career education with us. It should be an exciting homecoming for those who can join us.”
MONICA SMITH
Courtesy Richmond Region Tourism
IN MY LOUISIANA,
EXAMPLE
SHINING AWARDS
Meet a Few of Our Best
Southeast Tourism Society announced the 2024 recipients of its Shining Example Awards, which showcase noteworthy achievements and contributions to the tourism community, at its annual Connections Conference in Auburn, Alabama.
STS presented 15 Shining Example Awards in 2024. Here are a some of the notable winners.
Doug Bourgeois, Louisiana Office of Tourism BEACON AWARD
Doug Bourgeois, assistant secretary at the Louisiana Office of Tourism, received the 2024 Beacon Award, which recognizes an individual who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has advanced the tourism industry.
Bourgeois has worked for the Louisiana Office of Tourism for decades, serving on various travel industry boards and commissions throughout his career. He is noted for his numerous innovations and new ideas, including re-energizing the Louisiana Byways project with new signage, graphics and promotional materials. He also worked with smaller destinations throughout the state to help them participate in co-op marketing projects that would fit their limited budgets. His colleagues note his tenacity, humility, love for Louisiana and support for tourism bureaus.
Anya Turpin, Visit Perry RISING STAR AWARD
visitors guide and introduced a new mobile welcome center, which allowed the community to showcase itself to residents across the state. She is also active in the Georgia Association of CVBs, Destinations International and the Southeast Tourism Society, and volunteers with numerous organizations throughout Perry.
Tennessee Tech University Center for Rural Innovation PARTNERSHIP AWARD
The Rising Star Award recognizes extraordinary performance by a person new to the travel and tourism industry. The 2024 award was presented to Anya Turpin, who began as the executive director of Visit Perry in Perry, Georgia, in 2023.
Described as a “powerhouse leader,” Turpin has made a notable impact in the local tourism community during her short time at Visit Perry. She has spearheaded new visitor experiences, single-handedly created a new
STS presented its Partnership Award, which recognizes effective partnerships within the tourism industry, to the Tennessee Tech University Center for Rural Innovation. The center works in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to pair teams of students with local stakeholders in rural Tennessee communities for collaborative marketing projects.
In this program, students with design and marketing skills work with community members to create new branding materials to capture the essence of their regions. The students and center staff also provide technical assistance, such as graphic design, website building, photography and content creation for tourism-related businesses. Additionally, the center conducts economic impact studies to gauge the success of tourism promotion efforts in rural destinations. Since its launch in 2022, the center has completed 12 destination branding projects and 10 economic impact studies.
In addition to these awards, STS presented its Chairman’s Award to Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group for his many years of contribution to the North Carolina tourism community and the Southeast Tourism Society. The Spirit of STS Award was presented to Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina. Visit Oconee South Carolina was named the Tourism Office of the Year for organizations with a budget under $1 million, and the Louisiana Office of Tourism was named the Tourism Office of the Year for organizations with a budget over $1 million.
BEACON AWARD WINNER DAN BOURGEOIS
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
#VisitMS
The Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to the Savannah, Georgia, and we want you to come with us!
Our friends at Visit Savannah are arranging a familiarization tour of the historic city and its signature attractions, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place July 27–30 and will include a historic district tour, an on-the-water experience and visits to some of the area’s most popular museums and attractions.
You’ll join Kyle Anderson, our VP of sales and marketing, and Rachel Crick, our staff writer, as they explore the area with our Savannah hosts. Highlights of the four-day tour will include:
• Trolley tour — Explore the city’s beautiful garden squares on a narrated open-air trolley tour with an expert guide.
• American Prohibition Museum — Learn the history of Prohibition in Savannah and beyond at this immersive and interactive museum.
• Dolphin tour — Board a boat for an excursion into the Atlantic Ocean to see some of the area’s most friendly aquatic creatures.
• Historic home tour — Experience the beauty and heritage of one of Savannah’s many meticulously preserved historic homes.
• Historic church tour — Appreciate Savannah’s spiritual heritage and architectural beauty at one of its many historic houses of worship.
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 15.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join us July 27–30 in Savannah!
Join Us for a Trip to Savannah
JULY 27-30, 2025
REGISTRATION CLOSES: MAY 15
You can apply to attend this FAM tour at: GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/SAVANNAH-FAM
If you have any questions, call Kyle at 859-253-0455 or email kyle@grouptravelleader.com.
PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT SAVANNAH
Kyle Anderson
Rachel Crick
Travel planners can enjoy the history and beauty of Savannah during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.
Edge The Water’s
It pays to climb aboard in the sunny Southeast
TBY CYNTHIA BARNES
ravelers are drawn to water wherever they go. Something about the sound of waves lapping on the shore and the sight of the sun reflecting across shimmering waters seems to induce relaxation and enjoyment. A bustling harbor, a serene lake or a perfect swath of sandy beach — if it’s on the water, the air seems fresher, the day brighter and the food tastier.
Bodies of water also provide excellent opportunities for recreation, from adrenaline-charged activities like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and jet skiing to lazy paddling, serene strolls or simply stretching out under the sun. Here are six places across the South where your group can enjoy spectacular waterfront beauty.
Louisiana Northshore
Water, water, everywhere — and there is no shortage of it in the communities of Louisiana’s St. Tammany Parish, on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain.
“You’re never more than 15 minutes away from a source of water when visiting the Northshore,” said Tanya Leader, vice president of sales and service at Visit the Northshore. “We have a variety of rivers, bayous and lakes to enjoy, either from on the land or out on the water.”
In days gone by, the Northshore was the Newport of New Orleans. In the 19th century, wealthy residents escaped the sweltering city by crossing Lake Pontchartrain to St. Tammany Parish. There, they enjoyed fresh air, a leisurely resort atmosphere and the healing waters of Abita Springs.
“It’s been a relaxing getaway since the 1880s,” Leader said. “Today, visitors will find more than 80,000 acres of wildlife preserves, a robust culinary scene, quirky festivals, lively music venues, art galleries and plenty of water activities.”
Groups can explore those 80,000 acres in a variety of ways, such as wandering through nature on boardwalks, hiking trails or by kayak. A motorized boat tour of Honey Island Swamp is a particular favorite, with guests often encountering a wide array of wildlife, including raccoons, alligators, herons, egrets and more. Other outdoor activities include biking along Tammany Trace, Louisiana’s only rails-to-trails conversion; kayaking on Cane Bayou; and holding or hatching a baby alligator at
Courtesy Visit the Northshore
Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery.
It wouldn’t be Louisiana without mouthwatering food, and the Northshore is no exception. Groups may enjoy fine dining at Palmettos on the Bayou in Slidell and Tchefuncte’s in Madisonville, and a beer from Abita Brewing Co. is always refreshing.
While in Abita Springs, don’t forget to grab a sweet treat at Honey’s Snoball Shack. Groups can also drop in at the historic Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall, which is considered the world’s oldest unaltered rural jazz hall.
LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM
Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida, calls itself the place “where life sets sail” and definitely embraces its enviable waterfront location. Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s surrounded on three sides by water and sheltered by Shell Island. A short boat ride whisks visitors to this uninhabited barrier island, where groups can spend the day beachcombing, snorkeling, hiking and fishing.
“People love visiting us because Panama City is where authentic charm meets endless adventure,” said Jennifer Vigil, president and CEO of Destination Panama City. “From our picturesque bayside views to our vibrant neighborhoods, like downtown and Historic St. Andrews, every moment here feels like a unique discovery. It’s a place where culture, cuisine and coastal beauty come together, and that creates unforgettable experiences.”
Settlers of European descent arrived in 1827, and the area became a center for salt production, shipbuilding and sawmills. The communities of St. Andrews, Millville, Harrison, and Floriopolis were incorporated as Panama City in 1909. Groups can learn more about the region’s past at the Bay County History Museum or grab a few pints at the information- and memorabilia-packed History Class Brewing Co. Visitors often stop at Oaks by the Bay Park to say hello to “The Old Sentry,” a majestic live oak that has stood guard over the waterfront for more than 250 years.
Panama City celebrates its vibrant arts and culinary scenes throughout the year. Visitors can admire the 18 works by local and national artists along the Mural Trail and pick up lunch at El Weirdo, a much-beloved local restaurant that serves up an assortment of art along with well-regarded tacos. Groups can soak up permanent vacation vibes at Papa Joe’s Bayside, where food trucks, boat rentals, live music, pickleball and a full bar ensure the party never stops.
DESTINATIONPANAMACITY.COM
FRESH GULF OYSTERS IN PANAMA CITY
Courtesy Wilmington and Beaches
Courtesy Destination Panama City
Three National Parks
Wilmington, North Carolina
Surprisingly under the radar but undeniably appealing, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a must for lovers of history, culture and cuisine — all with waterfront appeal. Each spring, the “Azalea Capital of the World” explodes in a riot of color when 75,000 of these beautiful plants burst into bloom at Airlie Gardens, a Victorian-era coastal garden located on Banks Channel that separates Wilmington from Wrightsville Beach. There are stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Airlie’s freshwater lake, and guided history and birding tours are available.
“Our destination is surrounded by water, with the Cape Fear River to our west, the Atlantic Ocean to our east and the Intracoastal Waterway and salt marshes in between,” said Connie Nelson, communications/public relations director for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our pedestrian-friendly downtown is a National Register Historic District, with more than 200 shops, restaurants, historic homes and guided tours that are all connected by the 1 3/4-mile Wilmington Riverwalk.”
Groups can book excursions with Cape Fear Riverboats, which provides several sightseeing and sunset cruise options along the riverfront. Those with an interest in maritime history will want to explore the decks of the Battleship North Carolina, a legendary World War II ship turned memorial museum, and visitors can travel back in time at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, where the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War was fought.
Just a half-hour drive from the riverfront are three island beaches, each with its own distinctive vibe and group-friendly attractions that include a state aquarium, a vintage boardwalk and two state parks. Groups can savor the sunset at Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach, which boasts a seasonal menu centered around the catch of the day.
WILMINGTONANDBEACHES.COM
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
WILMINGTON’S RIVERWALK
Courtesy Wilmington and Beaches
Mobile, Alabama
History, ecology and a thriving seafood industry come together to make the waterfront in Mobile, Alabama, especially attractive for groups.
“As a native who now gets to promote my city as a destination, I feel like the waterfront of Mobile makes it incredibly intriguing,” said Ashley Rains, senior public relations and communications manager for Visit Mobile. “It’s just such an incredible place, and I love to share it with visitors — especially those who maybe aren’t used to such an abundance of waterfront activities and destinations. I love to show them Mobile Bay; it’s such a unique ecosystem.”
Airboat rides are guaranteed to turn adults into happy children, Rains said.
“We’re gliding through the water, seeing that Mobile skyline, and then someone points out an alligator — or alligator babies,” she said. “Or you see a heron take off from the marsh right next to you, and pelicans start flying with you while you’re on the water. It’s just magical.”
Rains also raved about the “Gulf-to-table” cuisine the city dishes up.
“You can dine at several different places right on our causeway or on the waterfront,” she said. “And the fish you’re enjoying was in the Gulf the day before or maybe that morning. We have chefs that just make the most amazing creations out of really the freshest seafood options available.”
Other attractions include the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which includes not only the park’s namesake battleship — the famed World War II “Heroine of the Pacific” — but also the USS DRUM (SS-228), the oldest American submarine on public display. Groups interested in the unique ecology of the area will want to check out the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, an 81-acre education center with live animals, exhibits, a theater and trails.
Frankfort is #KentuckyDistilled
Waterfront dining options abound, but groups can also enjoy eating on the water, with a dinner river cruise aboard the Perdido Queen. Book live music or a comedy murder mystery cruise for extra fun.
MOBILE.ORG
Coastal Mississippi
Seven beachfront casino resorts, 62 miles of scenic shoreline and more than 300 years of history make the unique communities of Coastal Mississippi an ideal destination for groups. Located between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama — each about an hour’s drive away — these Mississippi communities are well-positioned to allow for relaxed exploration of the entire Gulf Coast.
“Coastal Mississippi provides a variety of stunning accommodations featuring waterfront views, all complemented
Courtesy Visit Mobile
by our renowned Southern hospitality,” said Zachary Holifield, senior director of sales and business development for Coastal Mississippi. “We have everything from pristine beaches and world-class golf to fresh Gulf seafood and vibrant cultural communities, making us the perfect choice for a memorable waterfront destination.”
The coast is protected by six barrier islands, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Groups may elect to take the ferry to Ship Island, where visitors will find serene beaches perfect for snorkeling or boogie boarding. Also on the island, history buffs can explore Fort Massachusetts, a well-preserved brick fortification that was completed in 1868.
Groups may want to spend some time in Bay St. Louis, a quaint seaside city with downtown art galleries and cute boutiques that consistently tops the state’s “best of” lists. The city of Diamondhead is a golfer’s dream, while Ocean Springs is rapidly becoming known for its award-winning restaurants and art scene.
COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM
Lake Murray Country, South Carolina
Located in the middle of the Palmetto State, the four counties surrounding South Carolina’s Lake Murray are an outdoor recreation paradise that also offers a robust culinary and cultural scene. The counties of Lexington, Newberry, Saluda and Richland — which is home to Columbia, the state capital — are collectively known as Lake Murray Country, which boasts more than 650 miles of shoreline and over 1 million roosting purple birds.
Deemed the “Jewel of South Carolina,” the lake was created between 1927 and 1930 by what was the largest earthen dam in the world at the time. Bomb Island, which is one of 15 islands peeking
A BIRD MIGRATION AT LAKE MURRAY (TOP); BILOXI’S WHITE HOUSE HOTEL (MIDDLE); A SUNSET ON THE MISSISSIPPI COAST (BOTTOM)
By Micah Decker, courtesy Capital City Lake Murray Country RTB
Photos by Eddie Robinson, courtesy Coastal Mississippi
HERITAGE AGRITOURISM NATURE
Begin with a private tour at the historic Edgemont House, owned by home-and-garden celebrity Chris Olsen. Lose yourself in vibrant art and dining in the Argenta Arts District. Then head to Faulkner Lake Orchard to learn how to make jam, capturing the essence of autumn in every jar. As twilight paints the sky, catch a captivating live Americana performance at Argenta Plaza, where the rhythm of the city blends with the summery melodies.
above the lake’s waters, is home to more than 1 million Purple Martins during the month of July. Known as the “Purple Martin Phenomenon,” the spectacle draws birders from around the globe. The lake also provides world-class angling and is considered one of the best freshwater fishing destinations on Earth.
Visitors can take a swing at one of 20 championship golf courses, while history fans take in more than 20 museums and Civil War sites. Art aficionados can tour the Columbia Museum of Art or catch a show at the 1881 Newberry Opera House.
South Carolina is famed for its barbecue, and Shealy’s BBQ in Batesburg-Leesville is a must-stop along the state’s barbecue trail. A landmark since 1969, it’s famed for its buffet that includes smoked meat, fried chicken, home-cooked vegetables, salad and dessert.
LAKEMURRAYCOUNTRY.COM
LAKE MURRAY AT SUNSET
By David Henderson, courtesy
Capital
City Lake Murray Country RTB
WHERE DREAMS MARCHED
A TOUR PLANNER’S GUIDE TO HISTORY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD.
you.
Birmingham’s Civil Rights District has been named a National Monument. Bring your guests to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – a comprehensive telling of the struggle for Civil Rights, Kelly Ingram Park – where protesters and police clashed, and the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four little girls were killed in 1963. Walk where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many other brave men and women stood their ground in the fight for the rights of all Americans. Birmingham’s history is this country’s history. We look forward to sharing it with you.
Florida International Air Show
Named one of North America’s 10 best air shows by USA Today, the Florida International Air Show is a highlight of the year for southwest Florida locals and visitors alike. Launched in 1981, the air show was originally a small affair with a few acts at the Punta Gorda Airport. Celebrating its 44th year in 2025, the air show is now a multiday event with a large variety of acts, interactive displays and many other visitor experiences.
Though the 2024 Florida International Air Show was cancelled due to hurricanes Milton and Helene, the event is scheduled to return November 1–2 this year. Guests can expect a riveting performance by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the world’s most elite exhibition flying squadron. In addition, groups attending the festival can see other pilots demonstrating daring aerial maneuvers in a variety of aircraft. They can also get up-close looks at some historic planes, watch a skydiving routine and more.
Wellness Welcome
Southern places spring from healthful beginnings
DOWNTOWN HOT SPRINGS IS HOME TO BATHHOUSE ROW, WHERE PEOPLE GO TO EXPERIENCE THE TOWN’S HEALING SPRING WATER.
BY RACHEL CRICK
From a mani-pedi at an upscale spa to an immersive walk through a dense forest, wellness means different things to different people. But there are some common threads among the many different wellness experiences travelers seek; they tend to prioritize spending time outdoors, incorporate natural resources like mineral-rich spring water and, above all, facilitate quiet time away from people’s busy lives.
Here are some experiences throughout the Southeast that promise to refresh and relax group travelers.
Bathhouse Row
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
The land for Hot Springs, Arkansas, was set aside by the federal government before there was even a national park system. That’s because of the site’s natural thermal springs, which have long been a selling point. An estimated 700,000 gallons of water per day come up into these thermal springs at 143 degrees.
Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs is a collection of Victorian bathhouses and gardens from the 1890s and early 1900s. Visitors came to Hot Springs to enjoy the benefits of bathing, which was even a treatment prescribed by doctors. While the advent of modern medicine meant a decline for the bathing industry, the bathhouses were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
“The National Park Service has spent a lot of money and a few decades to bring them back up to their grandeur,” said Bill Solleder, director of marketing at Visit Hot Springs. “But the water is why we’ve been coming here for years and years. Some people say there’s healing properties to it.”
Today, one of the most iconic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row is Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, which groups can tour for a look at the bathhouses in their heyday. Other bathhouses have been converted to a brewery and a boutique hotel. Even though some of the bathhouses have changed, a few of them are still available for present-day wellness experiences. The Buckstaff Bathhouse still operates the same way it has since 1912; an attendant guides guests through a hydrotherapy session in a bath filled with 100-degree, mineral-rich spring water. Quapaw Baths
Courtesy Visit Hot Springs
CEREMONY IN THE FORESTS OF SYLVA
and Spa, formerly Quapaw Bathhouse, offers a more modern experience, with large community pools filled with spring water for visitors to relax in. The property also has private baths, a steam room and a café. Both operational bathhouses also offer some traditional spa services, such as facials, manicures and pedicures.
NPS.GOV/HOSP
Forest Bathing
SYLVA, NORTH CAROLINA
To those unfamiliar with the practice, the term “forest bathing” may invoke ideas of lounging in hot springs or swimming in lakes. But the practice itself, increasingly popular in the wellness sphere, doesn’t involve bathing in water. Rather, it’s an immersion of the senses in a natural environment. The practice has roots in Japan and is now gaining popularity in the Western world thanks to its long list of benefits, which include improved creativity and concentration, as well as increased mindfulness and relaxation. The practice has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, and there’s even evidence to suggest it can boost your immunity.
“The main thing people will get out of it is restoration,” said Mark Ellison, founder of Pinnacle Forest Therapy, which takes individuals and groups on guided forest bathing excursions near Sylva and Cashiers, North Carolina. “It’s a way to spend leisurely time in nature being able to tap into scientifically demonstrated health benefits.”
Ellison can take groups of up to 20 people into the forests of Pinnacle Park, though smaller groups are better because they allow maximum relaxation and focus on the natural world. They’ll walk on the only certified forest therapy trail in the state, which is only one of 20 in the world. These excursions usually last about 2 1/2 hours and consist of a series of invitations to notice their surroundings with their senses. The trails are low impact, and the speed of the walks is slow enough that it’s suitable for groups of all skill levels and ages. The experience ends with a tea ceremony by the creek and a snack, which provides another opportunity to reflect and enjoy nature.
PINNACLEFORESTTHERAPY.COM
Courtesy Pinnacle Forest Therapy
FOREST BATHING WITH PINNACLE FOREST THERAPY
Courtesy Pinnacle Forest Therapy
Events signature
Farm to Fork Ride or Run
HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI
Groups that enjoy food, fitness activities and making a positive impact during their travels will find a chance to combine all three at the Farm to Fork Ride or Run, a dual-race event in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hosted by Extra Table, an organization that fights hunger throughout central Mississippi, the races begin and end under the lights of downtown Hattiesburg.
Scheduled for April 25–26, the Farm to Fork events are different from most other road races. Instead of pushing for the fastest times possible, participating walkers, runners and cyclists are encouraged to slow down and sample farm-fresh Hattiesburg cuisine at numerous culinary “pit stops” along the course. At the finish line, there’s a party with food, music and dancing, which means group members who aren’t up for a workout can still take part in the fun. The races draw about 1,000 participants, and proceeds raised help Extra Table provide meals for Mississippians in need.
St. Joseph Explore
Discover an unforgettable experience rich in American history and heritage as you explore St. Jo’s unique museums, shopping and dining options, thriving arts and music scene, vibrant downtown, and more.
stjomo.com
By Katie Cambell, courtesy Extra Table
The Alluvian Spa
GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI
For a wellness experience in the Mississippi Delta, one of the most obvious choices is The Alluvian Hotel and Spa in Greenwood, Mississippi. The Alluvian, a boutique hotel with 45 guest rooms and five suites, opened in 2003 and occupies the space that was once the Hotel Irving, which operated from 1917 to the 1980s. While the exterior was preserved, the hotel’s sleek, contemporary interior design was inspired by the Delta region. It features elegant finishes and decor and incorporates marble floors, geometric patterns, rich hues and artwork by Mississippi artists throughout its interior. But perhaps what the Alluvian is best known for is its long list of amenities.
Groups can enjoy the property’s 7,000-square-foot spa, where they can choose from a long menu of spa services, such as massages, face and body care, therapeutic baths and hand and foot care. In addition to its spa, a variety of wellness-related experiences are offered at The Alluvian, such as yoga, barre and other fitness classes. These can be held for groups of 12 to 20 people.
The hotel restaurant, Giardina’s, is dedicated to providing nourishing and sophisticated meals that blend Southern and Italian cuisine and honor the culinary traditions of the Delta. Whether diners choose a filet mignon, Gulf shrimp and grits or spinach-stuffed manicotti, groups can choose to dine in two private spaces, one of which opens onto the hotel’s courtyard. Buffets, plated dinners and box lunches are offered. There’s also a Viking Cooking School at the hotel for guests who want to take a cooking class.
“The Alluvian is dedicated to rejuvenating both body and soul,” said general manager Beth Williams. “We have worked with groups to provide full wellness experiences that incorporate sessions at Studio A, services at the spa, healthy dinners at Giardina’s and a relaxing night’s sleep at the hotel.”
THEALLUVIAN.COM
Spas of Berkeley Springs
BERKELEY SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA
Originally called Bath after the English resort town of the same name, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, has always been thought of as a center of healing and wellness due to its natural warm springs, which stay a consistent 74 degrees year round. In addition to its thermal springs, this oasis tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains is a hot spot for healing, holistic medicine and recreational activities that promote wellness.
RELAXATION AT THE ALLUVIAN SPA IN GREENWOOD
Courtesy The Alluvian
Shop works from over 850 Kentucky-based small businesses in one convenient location.
Situated just off of I-75 exit 77, the Kentucky Artisan Center makes the perfect stop for locals and travelers alike.
GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI
FindBeatYour
“It’s such a special place,” said Stephanie Rebant, spokesperson for Travel Berkeley Springs. “When you come here, it’s like time stops, and you can just enjoy the small-town environment and the owner-operated artisan, craftsman and wellness shops.”
Spas draw visitors to Berkeley Springs in droves. The city’s newest spa, Healing Water Spa at Cacapon Resort State Park, offers traditional spa services, such as massages, facials and full body scrubs, all with gorgeous views of the mountains. There’s also Atasia Spa, which combines elements of Asian and Western spa services and features a eucalyptus steam room, a steam and herbal wrap, a whirlpool bath, mud treatments and even Reiki. Renaissance Spa at The Country Inn offers a great view of town in addition to whirlpool baths, full body massages and other spa services. Groups can also enjoy Roman baths and spa experiences in Berkeley Springs State Park, though groups will have to take turns at the Roman bath facilities because they’re fed from natural springs.
Between pampering sessions, groups can take advantage of the hiking and biking trails surrounding the town.
BERKELEYSPRINGS.COM
Elohee Center
SAUTEE NACOOCHEE, GEORGIA
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia, groups will find a retreat center that aims to nurture their souls along with their bodies. This retreat is called Elohee, which means “earth place” in Cherokee. The land was purchased by Andy and Carolyn Bralley for their daughter, Eve Cook, who was suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma at the time and needed a place to rest and recover.
Cook’s cancer went into remission, and her healing journey inspired her family to create the Elohee Center on the 220-acre piece of undeveloped land where Cook had recovered, with the mission
Photos courtesy Travel Berkeley Springs
Nestled in the heart of Historic Bardstown there’s something for every Bourbon fan at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. With a full-service restaurant and bar on-site, multiple tasting rooms and an expanded retail space, groups large and small are invited to raise a glass to the ne art of American Whiskey. For group reservations, please email us at guestservices@heavenhill.com.
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of sharing this spiritual and physical healing with others. The beauty of the land is a big part of what draws people to Elohee. With a 100-foot waterfall, a 400-year-old Hemlock tree, several mountain peaks and plenty of hiking trails, the pristine setting provides a refreshing backdrop for retreats. Elohee Center can host retreats for groups of 10 to 50 participants. They can meet either in Mandala Hall or Forest Studio while staying in the property’s forest cottages. In addition to hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the land, groups can use the center’s practice studios for yoga and meditation. There’s also a spa, a communal tea house, a fire pit and a reflection pond for relaxation.
ELOHEE.ORG
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
LAMPE, MISSOURI
The serenity of the natural world goes handin-hand with wellness, and this is true at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre park in the Ozark Mountains just outside of Branson,
A WATERFALL ON THE GROUNDS OF ELOHEE CENTER
Courtesy Elohee Center
Missouri. The varied terrain includes bluffs, waterfalls, winding creeks and a wide variety of flora and fauna for park visitors to see. The landscape is breathtaking no matter the time of year, making it a wonderful all-seasons stop for groups looking to venture into nature.
The park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for groups. One of the most popular ways to explore the park is on horseback, which visitors can do with a one-hour ride through the park. Wildlife tours let park visitors see the many animals within it, including bison, elk and bald eagles, from an open-air tram, a shuttle van or, for smaller groups, jeeps. On these two-hour excursions, expert guides take groups on a narrated tour of park scenery to the best places to see wildlife while educating them about the animals’ habitats. Additional activities include hiking, biking and fishing.
When they’re finished exploring and rejuvenating in nature, groups can get a bite to eat at the park’s on-site restaurant, Mill and Canyon Grill. There, guests can enjoy waterfall views with lunch.
DOGWOODCANYON.ORG
What can you say about a place like Georgetown, Kentucky? A lot, actually. From our world-famous equine attractions to world-class dining, bourbon, and outdoor recreation, Georgetown is the home of Bluegrass adventure. It’s your kind of place, you just don’t know it yet. That’s Georgetown, Kentucky for ya! Learn more at georgetownky.com 844-863-8600
DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK IN LAMPE
Courtesy Branson/Lakes Area CVB
Learning Lifelong
Young minds awaken in these Southern cities
BY CYNTHIA BARNES
Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” And while that goes for everyone, travel is especially beneficial for young people, who are still finding themselves and opening their eyes to the world around them.
Student trips offer a taste of independence and a wealth of learning opportunities. Here are six places in the Southeast that will give youth groups a rewarding and memorable trip.
Williamsburg, Virginia
For a look at the earliest American history, it’s hard to top Williamsburg, Virginia.
“Ultimately, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the birthplace of America,” said Julia Smyth-Young, chief sales officer for Visit Williamsburg. “We’re home to the first permanent English settlement, and we are an iconic essential American destination. As we approach 2026, the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s a fantastic time for students to come and really appreciate and understand our nation’s.”
Smyth-Young cited the area’s many attractions.
“There’s so much to see and do — from Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the U.S., to the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown,” she said.
In addition to battlefields and museums, there’s plenty of other fun to be had. Williamsburg is home to Busch Gardens. The 422-acre European-themed amusement park is open year-round and offers a range of thrilling rides, including 10 roller coasters, as well as animal shows and beautiful gardens.
Smyth-Young stressed the area’s suitability for youth.
“It’s affordable,” she said, “and for students especially, there is a real safety component. Even though we are so historically rooted, Williamsburg is built and based on hospitality and tourism. Kids are the main attraction when they come here, whether it’s to perform or to learn or just to explore and discover. Within the community, there are generations of innkeepers and restaurateurs and hospitality workers that receive these kids and are so delighted to see them and welcome them. So, it’s a very special place.”
VISITWILLIAMSBURG.COM
Courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach
A STUDENT PADDLING EXCURSION IN WILLIAMSBURG
Birmingham, Alabama
As the largest city in Alabama — though a relatively young one, since it was founded after the Civil War — Birmingham has plenty of sophistication. In the 1960s, the city was ground zero for the Civil Rights Movement, where protesters endured vicious beatings, police dogs, fire hoses and bombings, including the infamous 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, which killed four young girls. Today, that painful history is honored in the Birmingham Civil Rights District, which is now a National Historic Landmark.
“Birmingham offers an inspiring and educational experience for youth travelers,” said Sara Hamlin, vice president of tourism at the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its bright, vibrant cultural experiences, it’s really a great destination. The city provides a unique blend of history in innovation and entertainment for young people — a place where they can connect with the past while being inspired to help shape the future.”
In addition to its rich Civil Rights history, Birmingham has much to offer. Musical luminaries like Nat King Cole are celebrated in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, which is located in the historic Carver Theatre. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame honors athletic legends, such as Olympian Jesse Owens, boxer Joe Louis and University of Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
Birmingham is also home to Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in the nation. Opened in 1910, it was the home of the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons for decades. Both Willie Mays and star pitcher Leroy “Satchel” Paige played for the Black Barons.
BIRMINGHAMAL.ORG
Memphis, Tennessee
At its heart, Memphis is about music.
The Tennessee city on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River has seen plenty of turmoil since its founding in 1819: the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel. But two things have remained constant: the slow roll of the mighty river and the sweet rhythms of the city’s songs, which have influenced music around the world. Rhythm and blues, rock, gospel and soul — these genres and more call Memphis home. “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy came to the clubs on Beale Street in 1909. He was followed by B.B. King, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and a kid from Mississippi named Elvis Presley.
While Elvis’s Graceland is the most famous music history attraction in the area, Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul
Courtesy Visit Williamsburg
KELLY INGRAM PARK AND 16TH STREET
BAPTIST CHURCH IN BIRMINGHAM
Courtesy Birmingham CVB
Museum are all worth visiting to learn about other parts of the Memphis music story.
To engage with the river, Memphis Tourism’s director of public relations Lauren Berry recommends getting youth groups into canoes.
“Mississippi River Expeditions offers half- or fullday experiences in 10-person Voyageur canoes,” she said. “The guide really offers a history of the Mississippi River through stories.”
Berry also thinks visitors shouldn’t miss the famous (and free) “duck walk” at the opulent Peabody Hotel, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel or Bass Pro Shops in the Memphis Pyramid.
MEMPHISTRAVEL.COM
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach’s 60-mile strand of sun and fun on the South Carolina coast certainly epitomizes the ideal American beach destination. “The Grand Strand” is practically made for student trips, with abundant and affordable lodging choices,
Here, every ticket is a front row seat to Elvis’ lasting legacy. With gold records from floor to ceiling, private planes fit for a king, iconic jumpsuits, personal mementos, incredible music experiences, and so much more – you’re gonna hunka hunka burnin’ love it.
A HISTORIC MEMPHIS
SODA SHOP
By Andrea Zucker, courtesy Memphis Tourism
amusement parks and a classic beachfront arcade. The area also hosts many sports tournaments, as well as dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, band and chorus competitions, and boasts numerous venues with performance opportunities for student groups.
Budding biologists and nature lovers will soak up the sights, sounds and science on a saltwater marsh ecotour while exploring Murrells Inlet. The two-hour journey through the pristine estuary allows students to engage with crabs, snails, jellyfish and other wildlife.
Give the group a bird’s-eye view of the entire area from SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, which circles riders almost 200 feet above the downtown and oceanfront. For hands-on learning, WonderWorks is a science-focused indoor amusement park that combines education and entertainment.
In addition to offering group performance opportunities, Alabama Theatre, The Carolina Opry Theater and Legends in Concert lead technical tours and performance workshops.
VISITMYRTLEBEACH.COM
Charlotte, North Carolina
Whether they’re diving into STEM at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, exploring the NASCAR Hall of Fame or discovering resilience and innovation at the Levine Museum of the New South, young travelers have no shortage of places to explore in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nicknamed “the Queen City” in honor of Charlotte, wife of King George III, this North Carolina city offers students four-season opportunities for recreation and education. Groups can head downtown for a selfie with “The Firebird,” an 18-foot-tall sculpture outside the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, part of the Levine Center for the Arts. The giant bird is the work of French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle. Covered with 7,500 mirrored tiles, it’s affectionately nicknamed the “Disco Chicken.”
Near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the new 105,000-square-foot Sullenberger Aviation Museum offers immersive learning experiences like flight simulators, interactive exhibits, STEM education programs and storytelling about the Carolinas’ past, present and future in aviation. The reimagined facility honors Captain C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, pilot of the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” flight, which was heading from New York to Charlotte.
Moving from air to water, the 1,300-acre U.S. National Whitewater Center has more than 30 activities, including whitewater rafting, zip lines, ropes courses, climbing, yoga, stand-up paddleboarding and more than 40 miles of trails. The NASCAR Hall of Fame offers more than just speed; interactive sessions give students hands-on activities to discover how math problem-solving skills apply to racing.
CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM
“THE FIREBIRD” AT CHARLOTTE’S BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Courtesy Charlotte RVA
YOUNG FRIENDS ON BEALE STREET
By Creation Studios, courtesy Memphis Tourism
Northern Kentucky
Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the cities of northern Kentucky have plenty of attractions for students to explore. From history to science and recreation, it’s an affordable destination filled with possibilities.
Students can dive into an underwater adventure at the Newport Aquarium. Named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Aquariums, it’s home to thousands of fascinating aquatic creatures, including sharks, eels and seahorses. Students can stroke a shark or a stingray in the touch tanks; marvel at the vibrant colors and diverse life forms in the 60,000-gallon walk-through coral reef tunnel; and walk the Shark Bridge, a thrilling rope bridge suspended just inches above a tank full of sharks. A special one-hour tour takes students behind the scenes, where they get an inside look at the aquarium’s animal enrichment and care programs, see the complex machinery that keeps millions of gallons of water running and learn about conservation efforts to protect the ocean’s fragile ecosystems.
Almost everyone enjoys a leisurely boat ride, and student groups will be no exception while aboard a
sightseeing or dinner cruise with BB Riverboats. Operating on the Ohio River for more than 40 years, the climate-controlled paddle wheelers offer great city views, interesting river lore and exceptional photo opportunities.
For older students considering career options, plan a day with Gateway Community and Technical College and Northern Kentucky University. The six-hour guided tours offer immersive simulations across several disciplines, including AI, cybersecurity and varying medical fields, and students can engage with cutting-edge technologies.
MEETNKY.COM
A SHARK EXHIBIT AT NEWPORT AQUARIUM
Courtesy Meet NKY
YOUR VOYAGE AWAITS
Add an unforgettable destination to your tour. Prepare for a thrilling adventure through biblical history at our life-size Noah’s Ark, located just south of Cincinnati.
Battle Below the Clouds
Many travelers know Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a great place to walk nature trails and take in sweeping views of nearby states. But for one day each spring, the serene setting becomes a battleground where barbecue teams compete for a good cause. Known as the “friendliest barbecue competition in the South,” Battle Below the Clouds is a contest between amateur pitmasters, who compete to win prizes and raise money for a Chattanooga nonprofit called Lana’s Love Foundation. Teams compete in numerous categories, including pork butt, pork ribs and chicken wings. The event is free to the public, and attendees get to sample smoked meats from each team and vote for their favorites in the Jim Brewer People’s Choice Award. In addition to the barbecue, groups can enjoy live music, food trucks, local beer and more. This year’s competition will take place May 3.
Time flies when you visit the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia. Explore the Museum’s vast and iconic collection, and you’ll feel like you’ve earned your wings. Free admission, guided tours, and bus parking.
With the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean as its backyard, Virginia Beach is a favorite destination for groups looking to share experiences within a vibrant coastal community. Beautiful beaches, inland waterways and nature parks offer outdoor adventures from hiking to kayaking, while attractions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Military Aviation Museum provide opportunities for learning.
A thriving arts and entertainment scene as well as culinary specialties that showcase fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce add to the charm of Virginia Beach, where memorable moments can happen during a sunset cruise, along the Boardwalk or simply gathering around the table. In Virginia Beach, you’ll find everything you need for an adventure filled with laughter, learning and lasting memories.
The Perfect Gift
Browsing is an art in America’s South
Courtesy TN Dept. of Tourism Dev.
EBY CYNTHIA BARNES
verybody loves souvenirs.
Travelers are always on the hunt for a special retail find, from one-of-akind items handmade by local artisans to “can you believe it?!” bargains that they just can’t score at home. More than merely buying, the experience of shopping while on vacation is a great way for travelers to immerse themselves in an area’s culture. There’s always an adventure to be found when exploring bustling markets, browsing boutiques or haggling for treasure in a local bazaar.
The South boasts an abundance of great shopping opportunities, including neighborhoods and districts filled with quirky boutiques and sprawling developments where shoppers can find almost anything their hearts desire. No matter what your travelers are in the market for, these six places should be at the top of their shopping lists .
Country Club Plaza
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Opened in 1923, Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, is considered the nation’s first planned large outdoor shopping center and the first to accommodate shoppers who arrived by automobile. Inspired by the city of Seville, Spain, Country Club Plaza is 55 acres of romantic Andalusian architecture — including a half-sized replica of Seville’s Giralda Tower — along with art, statues and fountains. Carriage rides are popular, and huge crowds turn out for the annual holiday lighting, when hundreds of thousands of lights illuminate the ornate towers and red-tiled roofs.
“You could spend your whole day on the plaza — shopping, eating, having a drink and checking out the art,” said Makenzie Wolters, communications director for Visit KC.
One of Wolter’s favorites is The Granfalloon Restaurant and Bar, a casual establishment that’s been serving sports fans (and some famous athletes) since 1977. Visitors wanting a taste of Kansas City’s legendary barbecue scene will want to head to Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, which has been hickory smoking briskets, burnt ends and more since 1957.
“From a visual standpoint, the Plaza is massive and very beautiful to look at year-round,” Wolters said. “And there are great shopping options, everything from really
By MMGY, courtesy Visit KC
luxurious upscale national brands to local brands that you won’t find anywhere else.”
Some local favorites include Charlie Hustle and the Made in KC Marketplace. VISITKC.COM
Historic Granville
GRANVILLE, TENNESSEE
Perched on the banks of the Cumberland River, Granville, Tennessee, is a step back in time. It’s only open Wednesdays through Saturdays, but this tiny town about 90 minutes east of Nashville is worth working into your shopping schedule. While actor Andy Griffith drew inspiration from his childhood home in North Carolina to create the fictional town of Mayberry, Granville — the birthplace of former U.S. Senator Albert Gore Sr. — is a Mayberry kind of town.
Groups should start their visits with $7 tickets purchased from the T.B. Sutton General Store, which gives them access to the town’s museums and attractions. The store has been a landmark in Granville since the 1800s, and visitors can purchase overalls, nostalgic toys and unique handmade items. At the store, groups can also enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream cone or a hearty “meat and three” lunch in the converted feed room, which accommodates groups of up to 55 by reservation. On Saturday nights, home-cooked country dinners and live bluegrass music make for a memorable evening.
Other attractions include Pioneer Village, where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. Travelers can purchase pottery, handwoven baskets and other local crafts at the Granville Artisans’ Gallery or browse quilting supplies while savoring freshly baked pies at Aunt Bee’s Farmhouse Quilt Shop and Bakery, which is adjacent to the Quilt and Textile Museum.
Tour organizers will want to check the town’s calendar for special events, such as the Mayberry Dinner Theater, where local actors re-create episodes from “The Andy Griffith Show,” as well as ghost walks and numerous seasonal festivals.
GRANVILLETN.COM
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA IN KANSAS CITY
By D. Mitchell, courtesy Visit KC
Old Town
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Just minutes from Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria is a nationally designated historic district on Virginia’s Potomac River waterfront. The picturesque district—particularly the King Street Mile—is a top destination for shopping in the region. In 2024, Alexandria was voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. and one of The South’s Best Cities by Southern Living.
“We have more than 100 independently owned boutiques, plus some national favorites,” said Claire Mouledoux, senior VP of communications for Visit Alexandria. “It’s very walkable, and there’s also the free King Street trolley, where you can hop on and off with all of your finds from many of the locally owned shops.”
Shoppers can find something chic at An American in Paris, a European-style boutique featuring emerging designers and bespoke pieces, or pick up something preppy at The Lucky Knot, for brands like Vineyard Vines, Vera Bradley, Jude Connally and Lilly Pulitzer. For something
Explore. Discover. Savor.
Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown offer the perfect blend of historic sites, outdoor adventure, and entertainment for your next trip. Immerse yourself in America’s rich heritage with one-of-akind living history museums, abundant recreational opportunities, farm-to-table cuisine, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more. Embark on a journey through time, taste, and adventure in Williamsburg.
ALEXANDRIA’S HISTORIC KING STREET SHOPPING DISTRICT
By K. Summerer, courtesy Visit Alexandria
special, take groups to Shop Made in VA, showcasing the talents of Virginia designers, artists and makers.
Old Town Alexandria has a vibrant dining scene, with new waterfront restaurants such as BARCA Pier and Wine Bar and Ada’s on the River, as well as charming historic spots like Virtue Feed and Grain and Il Porto Ristorante. Groups will enjoy interactive pizza-making dinners at Mia’s Italian Kitchen, or they can master mixology with a cocktail-making class at The Study at Morrison House.
In addition to shopping, group travelers can enjoy a variety of unique tours. Numerous walking tours showcase Old Town’s Colonial architecture, brick-lined streets and cobblestone alleys. Travelers can get their steps in during historic daytime strolls, evening ghost tours, Black history tours and seasonal outings.
River cruises from the Alexandria City Marina showcase the sights of D.C.’s iconic monuments during a Monuments Sightseeing Tour. Travelers can also venture beyond Old Town for a brewery tour at Port City Brewing Co. or Lost Boy Cider.
VISITALEXANDRIA.COM
Pinnacle Hills Promenade
ROGERS, ARKANSAS
If shopping big national brands and even bigger bargains excites your group, they’ll enjoy a trip to Rogers in northwest Arkansas. Pinnacle Hills Promenade, an open-air mall, draws shoppers from the entire region, said J. R. Shaw, executive director of Destination Rogers.
“Pinnacle Hills has become a regional destination for overnights for group tours, and for day trips as well,” he said. “We get business from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and even north Texas. We’ve seen girls’ shopping trips that also take advantage of the culinary and everything else that’s here. Downtown Rogers also has a kind of funky authentic downtown shopping district, in addition to the national brands at Pinnacle Hills.”
In addition to a plethora of nationally known retailers, including White House Black Market, Coach, Sephora, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, LEGO and Western goods specialist Tecovas, the 152-acre site boasts a 12-screen cineplex and numerous restaurants, including tasty Mexican food and margaritas from Local Lime. And Blue Zoo, a handson, interactive aquarium with sharks, clownfish, seahorses and angelfish, will thrill kids of all ages.
The neighboring area has its shopping attractions, as well. Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss Bass Pro Shops and A.G. Russell Knives showroom. Sports fans will soon have something to cheer about because USL soccer team Ozark United FC plans to construct a new, 5,000-seat stadium just north of the mall.
DESTINATIONROGERS.COM
PINNACLE HILLS PROMENADE IN ROGERS
Courtesy Destination Rogers
In Louisiana’s River Parishes uniquely flavorful aromas delight the senses from the gumbo pots and smokehouses along the Andouille Trail to the woody, curling smoke rising along the Mississippi River during the holiday celebrations of
Make adventure your destination in the waterways of New Orleans Swamp Country where you can fish the Catfish Capital of the Universe, hike on boardwalks raised over marshy swamplands, or kick back and enjoy a guided bayou boat tour. Our history, both real and unvarnished, is felt in the landmark homes of Country and the museums along the 1811 Slave Revolt Trail and authentic experiences.
With our wide array of beautiful meeting spaces, flexible itinerary customization, and lagniappe such as multilingual tour leads, group travel is made easy in Louisiana’s River Parishes.
Let Willma Harvey, CTP, CTIS customize the perfect trip for your group.
willma@lariverparishes.com | 985-359-2783
Little Five Points ATLANTA
You don’t have to be a hippie (or even hip) to enjoy Little Five Points, Atlanta’s most eclectic shopping district, filled with art galleries, funky shops, independent bookstores, restaurants and theaters. The neighborhood is as colorful as the tie-dye clothing that you can still find in stores like The Clothing Warehouse and Psycho Sisters, just two of the many fun and free-spirited retail destinations in the vibrant and bohemian district.
Music lovers will find their groove at shops like Criminal Records, which has a genre-spanning selection of vinyl offerings — along with a curated collection of comic books — as well as Moods Music and Wax ‘N’ Facts, where visitors may luck into finding a rare album.
Unsurprisingly, this creative community boasts an eclectic array of street art, with expressive murals and quirky installations waiting to be discovered. For biker and car memorabilia, sassy wait staff and brilliant burgers, visitors can step through the 30-foottall, folk art skull that leads into The Vortex, a 21-andup neighborhood staple.
For something more serene, groups can explore the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Set on 35 beautifully landscaped acres, the center has a Japanese garden, two small lakes and great views of the city’s skylines. Inside, the state-of-theart museum traces the lives of the 39th president and his wife, Rosalynn Carter.
DISCOVERATLANTA.COM
Downtown
PONCHATOULA, LOUISIANA
Ponchatoula, Louisiana, the self-proclaimed “Strawberry Capital of the World,” is also a berry — um, very — sweet place to indulge in a little shopping. Also known as “America’s Antique City,” the city’s downtown historic district is chock-full of antique stores housed in buildings that are antiques themselves, along with locally owned boutiques, specialty shops and retail stores.
Located less than an hour north of New Orleans in Tangipahoa Parish, Ponchatoula is “very much a strolling city,” according to Emily Matise, director of
A LITTLE FIVE POINTS FESTIVAL (TOP); SHOPS IN ATLANTA’S LITTLE FIVE POINTS (MIDDLE AND BOTTOM)
Courtesy ACVB
By Gene Phillips, courtesy ACVB
By Gene Phillips, courtesy ACVB
Explore Our New Icons Exhibit
sales for the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a town of only about 7,500 people, but it’s got all sorts of antique shops and boutiques and cafes.”
Downtown favorites include Roussel’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, which has been serving locals and visitors for more than 40 years. Located in the 1895 train depot, Ponchatoula Country Market is a nonprofit that provides a place for locals to display and sell handmade, homegrown and collectible items, including handcarved beeswax candles, local honey and canned and baked goods. After a day of shopping, groups can enjoy fresh seafood, prime steaks and live music at Roux and Brew, located in a 120-year-old building in downtown.
To learn more about Ponchatoula’s history, visit the Collinswood School Museum. Located downtown in an 1883 one-room schoolhouse, the free museum showcases antique quilts and furnishings, Native American artifacts, a pictorial and a history of the local cypress industry.
While in the area, wildlife lovers will want to visit the Global Wildlife Center, a 900-acre wildlife preserve.
DOWNTOWNPONCHATOULA.COM
SHOPS IN DOWNTOWN PONCHATOULA
Photos by Stinky Mud Photography, courtesy Tangi Tourism
Handcrafted bourbon, graceful Saddlebred horses, and iconic Southern comfort food perfected by Colonel Sanders himself. Designer shopping and luxurious places to stay. Close to the city without being in the city and full of small town charm. Paired with authentic Southern hospitality, it’s easy to see why ShelbyKY is known as Your Bourbon Destination® and the Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World.
In other words, ShelbyKY is everything you love about Kentucky.
ShelbyKY has the best of Kentucky. Discover Your Bourbon Destination® • visitshelbyky.com
Well Aging
These Southern destinations grow cooler by the year
HBY RACHEL CRICK
istoric destinations are timeless for groups.
With their intricate architecture, ties to celebrated figures and monuments to pivotal events past, these cities and regions come with built-in charms. They each have a story to tell, but their entertainment value isn’t all rooted in the past. Today, they’re thriving cities that combine a sense of reverence for history with vibrant amenities for travelers visiting them in the present.
These historic Southeastern destinations will impress more than just your group’s history buffs.
Louisville, Kentucky
Founded in 1778 and named for King Louis of France to show gratitude for his assistance in the Revolutionary War, Louisville, Kentucky, sits on the Ohio River. Boats needed somewhere to dock, thanks to a series of nearby waterfalls that disrupted safe passage along the river, and thus Louisville was born.
Groups can enjoy the river aboard the 1914 Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. It runs almost year-round with its sister boat, doing daily dining and sightseeing cruises with spectacular city views. On land, the city has several museums with guided tour experiences, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, an iconic part of the cityscape with its 120-foot-tall baseball bat sculpture leaning against the building; the Frazier History Museum, which features unique Kentucky exhibits; and the Kentucky Derby Museum adjacent to Churchill Downs, which can provide track tours and an inside look at the state’s most famous sport.
Bourbon also plays a major role in the city’s history. Groups can explore Whiskey Row, with its cast-iron storefronts and multiple tasting rooms. Mealtimes are made easy thanks to Louisville’s nearly 2,000 restaurants, which range from karaoke spots to fine dining prepared by James Beard Award winners. Visitors can try the famous Kentucky Hot Brown, a decadent, open-faced sandwich synonymous with Kentucky, at The Brown Hotel.
“Louisville has done a really good job of preserving our history,” said Rosanne Mastin, communications and public affairs manager for Louisville Tourism. “You really can see and feel the history from walking down the street.”
GOTOLOUISVILLE.COM
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH IN RICHMOND IS WHERE PATRICK HENRY UTTERED THE FAMOUS WORDS, “GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!”
Courtesy Richmond Region Tourism
Richmond, Virginia
History buffs will have no shortage of tour stops in Richmond, Virginia, from Gilded Age mansions and Civil War battlefields to preserved Colonial-era settlements and beyond.
“Richmond has a breadth and depth of American history that you don’t find many other places,” said Carla Murray, director of marketing communications for Richmond Region Tourism. “It has 400 years of history, starting with Henricus, the state’s second oldest settlement in 1611. Then there’s Revolutionary War history, Civil War history and a rich Black history in the Richmond region. It covers the entire American experience.”
Richmond preserves this extensive history with its large collection of museums, from staples like the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to institutions with cult followings, like The Poe Museum, with the largest collection of artifacts from gothic poet and author Edgar Allan Poe. For living history experiences, groups can head to Henricus Historical Park, which stages reenactments, performances and educational programs. St. John’s Church also conducts reenactments of Patrick Henry’s 1775 speech when he famously said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” More on Henry can be found at Scotchtown, the historic home where he lived from 1771 to 1778.
Both 2025 and 2026 are exceptional years to take tour groups through Richmond, as the state gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
VISITRICHMONDVA.COM
Hannibal, Missouri
On the banks of the Mississippi, about 100 miles north of St. Louis, the port city of Hannibal, Missouri, was founded in the early 19th century. It’s best known for some of its most famous former residents. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known to the world by his pseudonym Mark Twain, grew up there. Much of his inspiration for his most famous works came from Hannibal.
“Hannibal is a place where you can do a lot of exploring and write your own story,” said Trevor McDonald, sales manager at the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There are things to explore on your own, like beautiful parks and our recently renovated riverfront.”
Groups can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in the city’s historic district. The museum complex includes the boyhood home, the home across the street belonging to his childhood sweetheart, his father’s
FALLS OF THE OHIO
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER
MUSEUM AND FACTORY
Courtesy Louisville Tourism
Courtesy Louisville Tourism
law office and a museum building, among others. The museum’s galleries contain two original Norman Rockwell paintings. There’s also the Mark Twain Dinette on property where groups can grab a meal.
But the city doesn’t stop there in paying homage to Twain. The Mark Twain Riverboat features daily sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises during the year’s warmer months. The Mark Twain Cave Complex, which Twain explored as a boy, offers guided tours as well.
Twain is not the city’s only famous former resident. Hannibal was the birthplace of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, noted for her heroism during the Titanic tragedy, as well as her political involvement, activism and philanthropy. Brown’s home appears as it may have during her childhood and is open for tours.
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Lafayette, Louisiana
When the British expelled French settlers from their home in Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia), the settlers ended up in a region in Louisiana inhabited by several Indigenous tribes as well as Spanish settlers. They introduced their French culture, from the French language to Catholicism, into the mix and later became known as Cajuns. Lafayette is at the heart of this cultural medley.
“It’s a great arts and culture scene,” said Eugenie Mitchell, vice president of tourism sales at the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission. “You can see the
Taking place in the streets around the historic downtown square in Forsythe, Georgia, the Forsythia Festival is a two-day celebration of all things spring. The 2025 edition of the weekend event is scheduled for March 8–9.
Hosted by the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, the festival is an effort supported by many local businesses and volunteers. Throughout the weekend, events include a 5K run, live music on a community stage and a pancake breakfast served by a local Boy Scout troop. But the centerpiece of the festival is its arts and craft fair, which draws some 20,000 visitors over the course of the weekend. More than 100 artisans and crafters exhibit at the fair, which makes it a great place for travelers to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. Other festival favorites include a car show, a block party and a “food truck frenzy.”
Courtesy Richmond Region Tourism
Courtesy Hannibal CVB
HANNIBAL’S MARK TWAIN RIVERBOAT
vibrancy, and the people are very welcoming when you visit. It’s a culture like no other. You’re seeing and doing things you don’t in other parts of the country.”
Music is at the heart of Cajun culture. Groups can experience this when in Lafayette with Soko Music, a collaborative musical presentation between Yvette Landry and Jourdan Thibodeaux. It combines storytelling with live music and can be held in English or French.
Another favorite is Vermilionville, the living history museum that tells the story of the Acadians, Creoles and Native Americans. Interpreters can take groups through the preserved village for a lesson in history, demonstrations of art forms such as quilting and, if they’re lucky, a musical performance. For more living history, LARC’s Acadian Village is another great stop.
Another authentically Louisiana treat is a visit to Avery Island, the only place in the world where Tabasco hot sauces are bottled. They can tour a museum to learn about the iconic condiment’s history, see the property where the peppers are farmed and look inside the factory for a peek at its production.
Louisiana’s food scene is legendary, and Lafayette is no exception. Randol’s has Southern comfort food and is a live music venue with a dance floor for learning the two-step. Acadian Superette is a great lunch stop for frozen meats and sandwiches near downtown, and The Cajun Table offers authentic Louisiana fare.
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Upper Arkansas Delta
The Arkansas Delta comprises 15 counties along the eastern border of the state, which means groups have plenty of tour stops to choose from. This region is packed with plenty of history detailing everything from the Blues to the Civil War.
One of the Arkansas cities in the region, Helena, features a downtown corridor with historic architecture, art and the Delta Cultural Center, which offers tours for groups. The cultural center is the site of the longest-running daily American radio broadcast, King Biscuit Time, which features blues performances. Helena is also home to the iconic King Biscuit Blues Festival, held in early October each year.
“We are among some of the oldest settlements in the area,” said Helen Halbert, executive director of the Helena Advertising and Promotion Commission. “We still have a lot of cool architecture in our downtown corridor. We also try to capitalize on the fact that we have musical roots here.”
The musical roots in the region include musical legend Johnny Cash’s childhood
MUSEUM PROPERTIES AT HANNIBAL’S MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME AND MUSEUM
Courtesy Hannibal CVB
home. About two hours north of Helena, it’s now an Arkansas State University Heritage Site known as the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home. The Historic Dyess Colony was a federal agricultural resettlement community for farmers on the heels of the Great Depression. Cash’s family moved into the Dyess Colony, and the colony eventually inspired some of Cash’s songs. Groups can tour Cash’s boyhood home and the rest of the colony. The tour begins with a brief documentary then takes groups from building to building to see exhibits about Cash and the colony’s history.
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Charleston, West Virginia
First founded as Charles Town in the late 18th century, Charleston, West Virginia, contains a wealth of historic attractions mixed with a vibrant, contemporary cultural scene. This charming river city is the state’s capital, complete with a gleaming, golddomed Capitol building in the heart of its downtown.
By Tim Mueller, courtesy Lafayette CVC
Courtesy Helena A&P Commission
From history, architecture and cultural attractions to shopping, dining and exciting events, Columbus has you covered. Plan your Columbus adventure today.
Spring Pilgrimage: April 1-13 | Tales from the Crypt: April 2, 4, 9, 11 | Catfish in the Alley: April 11-12
The West Virginia State Capitol was built in the 1930s, and the complex also includes the governor’s mansion, the Culture Center and the West Virginia State Museum. Groups can arrange guided tours of these attractions to learn about Charleston’s history, from its prominence in the salt industry to its role in the Civil War. In 1862, the Union Army was defeated in Charleston by the Confederates. The city was then occupied by Confederate soldiers for nearly two months before they moved on, depleting the area of many of its natural resources. Several Civil War-era buildings have been preserved and are part of a trail system with markers for sites related to the war.
Because the city sits at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers and is surrounded by lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains, there are plenty of recreational activities in Charleston. From enjoying active pursuits like kayaking and white water rafting to relaxing on the city’s riverfronts, every group has opportunities to enjoy Charleston’s surrounding nature.
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Springdale is your gateway to the Natural State, where family fun and adventure await every explorer.
Courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Tourism
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ARKANSAS / PRESENTS
Wander world-class museums. Hike breathtaking trails. Explore charming, historic downtowns. Come see why Arkansas is no ordinary destination for group travel — plan a trip today at Arkansas.com/group-travel.
