Going On Faith Fall 2018

ON T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R FAITH-BASED TRAVEL PLANNERS VOL. 21 - NO. 4

FALL 2018

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Historic Wisconsin The past is always present in this Great Lakes state.

Scenic Sarasota

Christmas in the City

This Florida city boasts stunning beaches and distinctive culture.

Celebrate the holidays in these festive destinations.

DEPARTMENTS Columns 6 EDITOR’S NOTES: Learning to love limitations ON THE COVER: The Milky Way sparkles at night over Ireland’s Lough Tay. Photo by Colm Keating

Spotlights Create a Succession Plan

Bill Highsmith

18 INTERNATIONAL:

CONFERENCE COVERAGE 8 Delegates enjoyed education, entertainment and the best of Little Rock at the Going On Faith Conference.

News

14 HOW TO: 16 PROFILE:

GOING ON FAITH

7 VETERANS museum opening in Columbus, Ohio 12 JOIN US ON A FAM IN JORDAN

Emerald Ireland

4

Mac T. Lacy Founder and Publisher

Herb Sparrow Senior Writer

Eliza Myers Online Editor

Charles A. Presley Partner

Donia Simmons Creative Director

Christine Clough Copy Editor

Brian Jewell Executive Editor

Savannah Osbourn Staff Writer

Kyle Anderson Account Manager

Ashley Ricks Graphic Design/ Circulation

Daniel Jean-Louis Account Manager

Going On Faith is published quarterly by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for churches, synagogues and religious organizations. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related companies, may subscribe to Going On Faith by sending a check for $39 for one year to: Going On Faith, Circulation Department, 301 East High Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Phone: (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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EDITOR’S

NOTES BRIAN JEWELL

LEARNING TO LOVE LIMITATIONS

A

re the challenges in your life holding you back or pushing you forward?

I love David Letterman.

From my teenager years until well into my 20s, I would tune in to his late-night show whenever I could, often when I should have been sleeping.

Letterman’s comedy was hilarious but never cheap. He exercised a quick-witted, insightful and sincere sense of humor that nobody else on TV could match.

Those characteristics made Letterman not just a great comedian but also a great interviewer. The most memorable moments on his show came during the interview segments. He had a way of bringing out the best in his guests, giving them a platform to be the funniest or most compelling versions of themselves. With eight minutes of airtime and a few smart questions, he could make the audience love nearly anyone who sat on his couch.

Letterman retired from “The Late Show” in 2015 and took some time off from the entertainment business. Earlier this year, though, he returned to television, hosting a show called “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” on Netflix. This show features long-form interviews with some of the most notable public figures of the day — people like Barack Obama, Tina Fey and George Clooney.

The show should be an interviewer’s dream. Letterman has as much time as he wants with each guest, and episodes frequently run longer than an hour. In this format, he gets to have the long conversations that he never could on late-night TV. I was excited about the show when it debuted. But halfway through the first episode, I came to a surprising realization: It wasn’t working.

Without any time constraints, guests

talked too long, getting bogged down as they went. Letterman asked follow-up questions that led the discussion away from compelling themes and into esoteric details.

There was more time but less humor.

Watching these long interviews, it hit me: Letterman wasn’t a great interviewer in spite of his time constraints; he was a great interviewer because of them. The eight-minute format forced him to focus, stay sharp and get right to the point. He had to help his guests shine quickly because if they didn’t, his viewers would change the channel.

Often, the circumstances that seem to be holding us back are driving us forward.

Once I noticed this on Letterman’s show, I began to see it everywhere. Most creative people do their best work while they’re laboring in obscurity, not after they’ve hit it big. Cash-strapped start-ups find innovative solutions because they have to; once they have money and resources, they seldom display the same creativity.

The principle at work here applies to all of us. As a travel planner, you’re up against a fair number of challenges. You don’t have the time, money or support you would like. Life would be easier if you had more resources at your disposal. But don’t let these constraints hold you back. Your limitations don’t have to stop you from succeeding. They can propel you to success.

The work you do is an important part of your ministry organizations and their missions. Travel can change lives and bring people closer to God and each other. Don’t let your circumstances stop that. The challenges you face could be the root of your greatest success.

Here at Going On Faith, we believe in travel. And we believe in you. So get out there and do your best work, no matter what is standing in your way.

BRIAN JEWELL [ EDITOR ] brianj@grouptravelleader.com

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

NEWS WORTHY

FIRST MUSEUM HONORING AMERICAN VETERANS SET FOR COLUMBUS, OHIO COLUMBUS, Ohio — The National Veterans Memorial and Museum, which is scheduled to open this fall in Columbus, is thought to be the first museum dedicated to the 22 million living veterans throughout the United States.

The 50,000-square-foot distinctively shaped structure with concrete archs will honor the veterans with exhibits not only about their military service but also how serving their country affected their lives.

The exhibits will be based on the four themes of honor, connect, inspire and educate and feature historical and contemporary examples of veterans’ stories.

The exhibit galleries will follow the curve of the building’s concrete rings, which will feature a glass wall, and conclude with an interactive media experience in the heart of the building.

A second-floor mezzanine will feature a Memorial Room to honor those killed in action, while a lower floor will have a rotating exhibition gallery. The museum will also have a Great Hall with views of the Scioto River and space for public events. www.nationalvmm.org

Little Rock and our partners were honored to host the 2018 Going On Faith Conference.

We hope it was a successful meeting and that you made some great memories in the capital city. It was our pleasure to have you in our home, and we look forward to our next partnership.

Thanks for choosing Little Rock. We can’t wait to see you again!

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is surrounded by beautiful landscaping on the banks of the Scioto River in Columbus.

Courtesy National Veterans Memorial and Museum

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]

7

LITTLE ROCK THRILLS

ATTENDEES AT GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE

GOING ON FAITH

CONFERENCE COVERAGE

Clinton Presidential Center Photos by Dan Dickson

BY DA N D I C KSO N

A

bout 135 program directors from churches and religious organizations around the nation met or renewed relationships with travel industry professionals to make the 2018 Going On Faith Conference a success. The gathering inside the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, gave everyone dozens of opportunities to network during two busy marketplace sessions. Those quick one-on-one sessions and social events at the conference often produce tangible future religious group travel.

Bill Highsmith of Tusculum Baptist Church in

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

Nashville, Tennessee, is a Going On Faith Conference regular. “I’ve come here for years and always go away with ideas for places I hadn’t already planned on,” Highsmith said. “We usually follow through on those ideas. We’ve done a lot of business with people here.”

Mac Lacy, a Going On Faith Conference partner, told delegates about Highsmith’s belief in the conference. “Bill told me he won’t plan and release his travel schedule for 2019 until after he comes to this conference,” said Lacy. “That’s how much he learns here. That’s quite an endorsement.”

Other church and program directors had similar goals at Going On Faith. Fran Beckner of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida, wanted solid data. “We want to gather enough information to take back to our people to present exactly what the trip’s goal, vision and purpose are so people will know what travel options are available,” she said.

Dolly Melton of Delight Tours and Travel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, agreed. “I’ve been here before. On this trip I want new ideas for faithbased travel so I can offer them to church groups.”

Janice Jones of J’s-R-Us Travel in Modesto,

Welcome!

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Going On Faith magazines

Sightseeing tours

California, liked the presentations. “The West Coast just doesn’t have as many religious attractions as the Midwest and East, and I want to learn more about them,” she said. “There’s so much that’s interesting.”

Brenda Hartman of Trinity Travelers in Norman, Oklahoma, spotted one attraction she’ll try. “We’re looking for new trips we haven’t done before to make customers happy,” she said. “We saw the presentation on Christ’s Passion and will try to add that to our itinerary in 2019.”

Travel industry representatives pitched their ideas to planners.

“I want to see if there’s interest in our hotel,” said Roger Workman of the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel in Utah.

“It is right next to Temple Square, the most-visited tourist attraction in Utah and also home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We’re next to the most famous and elaborate genealogy research library.

People come from all over the world to research families.”

Ken Smith of Gateway Tours in Ocala, Florida, enjoyed the marketplace. “We’ve spent 27 years in the motorcoach business,” he said. “The religious

market is something we’re after and devote a good part of our business to that.”

Big or small, it didn’t matter. Tourism professionals emphasized that they wanted travelers.

“We are a smaller destination that many people aren’t familiar with,” said Monica Hall of the Abingdon, Virginia, Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We’re in the southwest corner of Virginia. Many think of Virginia as D.C. or Virginia Beach, but we offer the Appalachian Mountains.”

Several destination representatives liked what they saw. “I’m a first-timer,” said Alison Hutchinson of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I heard from other CVB partners in northeast Wisconsin who attended and made good connections. I’ve networked and met new people. Many buyers are from outlying areas, so I want to bring them to our part of the Midwest.”

Donna Klempnow of the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Tennessee was productive. “This is our first Going On Faith show,” she said. “We’re impressed. It’s bigger than we thought. We’ve got some great leads and will go home and do follow-ups.”

SPEAKERS INFORM AND DELIGHT

Veteran speaker Johnny Campbell gave the keynote address. Nicknamed “The Transition Man,” Campbell tried to help delegates adjust to the transitions in their professional lives.

“My purpose here is to serve people who sell travel so they don’t give up,” Campbell said. “I want to give something to these givers. Sometimes, these givers need to be encouraged so they can help travelers see all of the wonderful opportunities out there.”

Oberammergau 2020 is getting a lot of attention, and Rachelle Stoutt of Globus urged delegates to get their groups committed. “Globus has worked with the Oberammergau presentations since 1950,” said Stoutt. “We have premium seating right on the floor.

We will also have a Globus office right in the town to facilitate all the details.”

One of the fastest-growing cruise lines in the world is MSC Cruises, and Wayne Peyreau was at the podium to promote the line. “We are, seasonally, in the Mediterranean, northern Europe, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, South America and the south-

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ]

9

Globus breakfast

Ark Encounter breakfast

ern Caribbean,” said Peyreau. “Now we have product in North America. We are breaking into this market, and we are being very aggressive.”

Jim Edwards told the audience that Collette is celebrating a milestone.

“We’re a debt-free, family-owned American travel company celebrating our 100th year in business,” he said. “We offer travel to all seven continents with 200 different itineraries. We are an award-winning tour operator with a very recognized brand.”

A presentation by Paul Anderson of the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Indiana, seemed to stir something in delegates, who expressed much interest in it. “It’s quite a place, with 18 scenes with life-size bronze sculptures along a winding pathway,” said Anderson. “Everything was made to look like the Holy Land. Original music reflects each scene. With a touch of a button, you’ll hear a narration about it. It is a learning experience.”

Another notable religious experience is at Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in northern Kentucky. “You are going to experience the Bible in a way that you have never experienced it before,” said representative Eddie Lutz. “You may think of having read about Noah’s Ark since you were a kid, but when you stand next to this one, it brings the Bible to life.”

Greg Nahmens of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) urged delegates to “Look Before You Book” by investigating motor carriers they might hire through the FMCSA website. “You get up-to-the-day information on their insurance, operating authority, safety fitness rating and violations,” said Nahmens.

A marketplace chat

Mayor Stodola at MSC Cruises luncheon

Ice cream!

TOURS AND EVENTS SHOWCASE LITTLE ROCK

The conference’s opening-night activity was dinner at the Clinton Presidential Center. Delegates toured the library before enjoying dinner in the event hall.

Several trips around Little Rock were offered the next afternoon. The most popular was a civil rights tour that included a stop at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the scene of the 1957 showdown between segregationists and nine African-American high school students who, with the help of federal troops, were enrolled at the all-white school.

“The presidential library was amazing and very nicely laid out with beautiful

Marketplace activities

Television coverage

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

architecture,” said Toby Word of the Chesapeake, Virginia, Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It showed the historic aspects of the great things President Clinton did. Obviously, they are very proud of him here in Arkansas. The civil rights tour was also wonderful. I was very impressed.”

Alan Small of the Radisson Fort Worth was enthusiastic. “The Clinton Center dinner was great,” he said. “That was the best pork chop I’ve ever eaten. The library was inspiring and showed many things Clinton did that may have been forgotten. As for the high school site, that just tugs at your heartstrings when you see it in real life.”

LOOKING AHEAD

The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau made the most of its exposure to the faith-based travel audience.

“How many of you are first-timers in our wonderful city?” asked Gretchen Hall, the CVB’s president and CEO. “That’s a lot of hands up. Nice. I love it.”

Jessica Ledbetter, also of the CVB, said first-timers can learn about the city and take that information back to their hometowns. “One thing we hear, especially at this conference, is how people are surprised by Little Rock,” she said.

“They didn’t know about it. So to bring in hundreds of tour operators and travel planners at one time is great. You just have to get them here, and the city sells itself.”

Mark Stodola, Little Rock’s mayor, took time to welcome delegates. “We open our arms to travelers and tour operators,” he said. “The people you represent in the religious market are important. They’re friends and neighbors and people you love. You not only worship with them but share stories. We want to be sure you have wonderful stories to share about Little Rock.”

Grand Rapids, Michigan, will host the 2019 Going On Faith Conference.

“Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city,” said Dave Nitkiewicz from Experience Grand Rapids. “I say to all: Come check it out. We have the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. You can plan extra days to go out to the Lake Michigan shore. There will be lots for groups to do while staying at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on the river downtown.” www.gofconference.com

“ONE THING WE HEAR, ESPECIALLY AT THIS CONFERENCE, IS HOW PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED BY LITTLE ROCK. THEY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT IT. SO TO BRING IN HUNDREDS OF TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL PLANNERS AT ONE TIME IS GREAT. YOU JUST HAVE TO GET THEM HERE, AND THE CITY SELLS ITSELF.” — JESSICA LEDBETTER

Video interviews

Buddies

Civil rights sculpture

Back on the bus

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 11

JOIN US FOR A TRIP TO JORDAN IN NOVEMBER

Going On Faith writer Savannah Osbourn (below) will join travel planners on a familiarization tour in Jordan this November.

Photos courtesy Jordan Tourism Board

H

ave you always wanted to experience the amazing attractions and biblical sites in Jordan? Are you looking for ways to learn more about trip possibilities in Jordan and have a great time doing it? Do you have a few days to see Jordan firsthand in November?

If so, we have just the opportunity for you.

The Jordan Tourism Board is inviting up to 20 of our travel planner readers to enjoy an eight-day site inspection trip covering the most significant sites in the country, November 11-17. Qualified travel planners will be guests of the Jordan Tourism Board and will enjoy visiting sites such as Petra, Bethany Beyond the Jordan baptism site and many more biblical history attractions.

The cost of this familiarization tour is $400, which covers round-trip international air travel from Chicago.

“Join Going On Faith for this fun and educational site inspection trip to experience the best of Jordan,”

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

said publisher Mac Lacy. “Our staff writer Savannah Osbourn will accompany the Jordanian hosts on this trip and will be sharing her travel experiences with everyone in attendance.

“Savannah will be highlighting the trip in real time on social media and will write an article on this tour for publication in Going On Faith magazine,” said Lacy.

“Tour participants will have the opportunity to share their impressions and experiences about Jordan with Savannah and meet some wonderful Jordanian hosts.

It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

All accommodations, sightseeing, transportation and meals are included once participants arrive in Jordan. The $400 fee includes flights from Chicago to Amman and back. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Chicago O’Hare Airport.

This readership event and site inspection tour is limited to 20 qualified travel planners. Applicants will complete a brief travel profile that will be used by the Jordan Tourism Board North America staff to select attendees.

To submit your travel profile and request a spot on this exciting trip, go to www.grouptravelleader. com/2018-jordan-fam and fill out your profile online.

To inquire by phone or to ask a question, call us tollfree at 888-253-0455 and ask for Kelly.

Registration for this complimentary site inspection trip in Jordan closes September 28, so don’t delay.

Join Going on Faith and Jordan Tourism Board for a wonderful trip November 11-17.

KNOW

HOW

HOW TO C R E AT E A S U CC E S S I O N P L A N

T

BY BRIAN JEWELL

he mission of your church travel program is important.

So important, in fact, that it should outlast you.

Your travel program isn’t just a group of friends who enjoy taking trips together. Because you represent the ministry and mission of your church, the work you do is important and has lasting value. If you run a thriving travel program for your religious organization, you’re playing a part in building community and changing lives. And that work should go on even after you’re not able to continue.

Unfortunately, too many great travel programs fizzle out when the principal leader decides to take a step back. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If life responsibilities, health or other factors curtail your personal travel, your legacy can continue with a great new leader.

Here are 10 tips to help you create a succession plan that will keep your church travel group thriving.

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1)

START YEARS IN ADVANCE. In any organization, leadership transitions work best when succession planning begins well in advance. Finding the right candidate to take over your travel program could require a significant amount of time, and training that person will take even more time. So when possible, you should start planning your exit two to three years in advance of when you would like it to happen. And even if you don’t plan to quit soon, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case life requires you to step back unexpectedly.

2)

GET INPUT FROM KEY STAKEHOLDERS. Chances are you have an assistant, a minister or some group members who travel with you frequently. These people are the most likely to be unsettled by a quick leadership transition or an unexpected closing of your program. So when you begin thinking about succession planning, have some discreet conversations with these key stakeholders. Get their input on the future of the program and ask if they have any candidates in mind to take the reins once you step down.

3)

LOOK FOR YOUTH. One of the keys to a thriving travel program is consistency, having an established leader at the helm for years at a time. To this end, it’s optimal to look for a new leader who can take the program for the next five to 10 years after you transition.

If your group consists mostly of seniors, look for someone who has recently retired to take over. In addition to having a lot of energy, these younger leaders will also prove attractive to new travelers from your congregation or community.

4)

RECRUIT FOR CULTURE. The most important element in maintaining a healthy group dynamic isn’t talent, authority or experience. It’s culture. And leadership changes can have a dramatic impact on an organization’s culture. So when you’re recruiting a new leader, you should look for culture first: Does the candidate get along well with your travelers? Is she fun to be with?

Does he embody the mission of your ministry? If a candidate is a great cultural fit, you can teach her what she needs to know about travel. If she doesn’t fit the culture though, she likely won’t last.

5)

GET THEM ON THE ROAD. Culture is important, but travel experience is also vital in leading a church travel ministry. There’s a chance that the best candidate for a leadership role is already among your group’s regular travelers. If not, you’ll need to bring some outside candidates into the fold and get them some travel experience. Arrange for them to come on several trips over the course of a year to familiarize themselves with group travel and to get to know your members. You’ll find out quickly if they’re a poor fit.

6)

Tour

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SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE. Once you have found the right candidate to take your place as a group leader, it’s time to start teaching him how to do your job. This will involve a lot of nuts-and-bolts conversations about how to identify destinations, work with tour operators and keep things organized. But you should also share your best sources of information and inspiration. Pass down copies of this magazine and encourage him to subscribe. And if you attend travel conferences or other tourism events, bring the candidate along to a few.

7)

LET HER RUN SOME TRIPS. After the leader-in-training has learned the basics of tourism, she should get some hands-on-experience by planning and leading some trips of her own. You should supervise the trainee’s work, offering advice and input where you can. And be sure to go on the trips yourself to give additional feedback or solve complicated problems when necessary. In addition to giving the new leader valuable experience, this will help your travelers get used to the idea of traveling with her.

8)

COMMUNICATE CLEARLY TO YOUR GROUP. If you have found a new leader, trained him and given him responsibility in your program, it’s time to start telling your travelers exactly what’s going on. Some members may feel nervous or uneasy about the idea of traveling with anyone besides you. You can allay their fears by outlining the succession process clearly and assuring them that the new leader will be a great fit. If possible, make this announcement several months or a year before you step down. And make yourself available to anyone who has questions or concerns.

9)

CONNECT WITH CHURCH LEADERSHIP. Since your travel program is part of the overall ministry of your church, it’s a good idea to make sure the church’s leaders are aware of your transition plan. If they haven’t met before, introduce your new travel coordinator to the pastor or leader who oversees your area of ministry. Make sure your replacement understands that the pastors are there as a support and a resource. And see to it that church leaders know when you’re stepping away so they don’t continue to come to you with questions or ideas.

10)

STAY INVOLVED AND AVAILABLE. No matter how well you have planned your transition, your replacement will probably encounter some unforeseen challenges and have some unexpected questions. So support the program you love by staying involved and make yourself available to your successor as much as possible. Even if you can’t go on trips anymore, you can provide a lot of wisdom and encouragement to the person who picks up your mantle. And you might enjoy participating in the group’s activities and shorter trips without the responsibility of planning them.

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going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 15

FACES

of FAITH

Fifty Years of Faith Travel

TRAVEL

BILL HIGHSMITH

[ TUSCULUM HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH ]

BY A SH L E Y R I CK S

Y

TRAVEL PROGRAM: Bill Highsmith plans travel for the Tripping Ministry, the travel program for Tusculum Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

He also invites members of the local community to join trips.

outh group travel, senior retreats, mission trips, day trips and outreach programs — it’s hard to believe one man can plan them all, but Bill Highsmith has done it.

Highsmith has been planning travel for the Tusculum Hills Baptist Church in Nashville for 27 years, but his career in travel started over 50 years ago at his previous congregation. Highsmith was working with a high school boys’ organization through the church and wanted to treat them to a trip, something they’d never done as a group. The trip was such a success that traveling together became a regular occurrence for the group, with trips growing to include other members of the congregation.

By the time Highsmith moved and began working with the Tusculum Hills congregation, he was a deft planner. At Tusculum Hills, he began working with the senior adults and planned his first “big trip” to Hawaii in 1995. Now the church’s Tripping Ministry has become a valuable part of the work at that congregation, edifying members of the congregation and bringing in members of the community.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: Philippians 4:19 NKJV “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

HOMETOWN: Highsmith was born in Springfield, Tennessee, and has lived most of his life in or around Nashville.

FAVORITE DESTINATION: Highsmith said his favorite international destination is Europe, remembering a 13-day trip across eight countries he did with the church group. In the United States, his favorite is the historic area around Williamsburg, Virginia; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C.

TRAVEL TIPS TIP 1 Plan well. Know everything there is to know about where you’re going and what you’re going to do to avoid any hiccups.

TIP 2 Know your travelers and plan trips based on what they want to do rather than just ones you think look enjoyable.

TIP 3

HOBBIES: Highsmith loves gardening; he grows both flowers and vegetables.

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Know what price range your core group of travelers will respond to.

Highsmith also helps plan annual mission trips for the congregation, partnering with groups throughout the world. Last year, he partnered with the Crow Nation to plan a mission trip to Atlanta. He also has an eight-year partnership that brings church members on mission trips to Barbados.

Highsmith has found success recruiting new travelers by using a sign-up sheet placed at the local community center’s information counter. He said his group will often include travelers from other denominations because of this outreach method. Despite differences in ideology, the travel program has become a “ministry of wellbeing” for the interdenominational group, with many of these community members becoming repeat travelers.

Another way Highsmith builds interest in his trips is with a mailing to all his past travelers and by holding an annual information meeting each fall. At the meeting, he announces all the trips the group is booking for the upcoming year. He said he plans it for September or October so he can use the helpful information he gains by attending the Going On Faith Conference each August.

Bill Highsmith has taken groups to the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate and Mackinac Island.

Photos courtesy Bill Highsmith

OF CHRIST IMAGES MARCH 22, 2018 – JANUARY 5, 2019

BIBLE MUSEUM • COCA-COLA MUSEUM HISTORIC HOME • GARDENS

MONROE, LOUISIANA 318-387-5281 • bmuseum.org

PASSPORT

STAMPS INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

IRELAND

A couple overlooks the Cliffs of Moher on the stunning Irish coast.

All photos courtesy Tourism Ireland

Glendalough Monastic Site

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

BY ELIZA MYERS

D

riving down a road in Ireland, you are likely to encounter ruins of a historic monastery or a castle with sheep casually grazing nearby. The frequent juxtaposition of the ancient with daily life in Ireland illustrates the close connection between the Emerald Isle and its past. Faith-based groups with a love of history, nature and pilgrimage sites will revel in Ireland’s bountiful supply of each.

Ireland’s inhabitants converted to Christianity after St. Patrick and other missionaries came to spread the faith during the fifth century. Today, church groups can follow the footsteps of St. Patrick across Ireland, examine medieval bibles, climb a holy mountain and stand

where villagers reported religious apparitions in 1879.

Ireland’s long history with Anglican and Catholic worshipers led to the construction of many revered churches over the years, with Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral among the most visited. The western coast’s charming towns and breathtaking scenery encourage many tourists to explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to admire some of the route’s most celebrated views. Ancient monasteries and churches line the popular Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula.

Even without the religious sites, visitors often feel the power of God simply by gazing at the country’s dramatic rocky coastlines and verdant green landscapes.

TO P AT T RA C T ION S

FOR CHURCH GROUPS • LEGEND OF ST. PATRICK — Known as the Apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Churches, the Anglican Communion and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Patrick lived a fascinating life. According to legend, Irish pirates captured him at 16 years old. After his eventual escape, he returned to Ireland as a celebrated missionary.

MUST-DO: Listen to live music in a traditional Irish pub. Visitors not only come for the toe-tapping tunes but also delight in sipping a pint of beer, dining on fish and chips, and chatting with friendly locals.

MUST-TASTE: Start each day with a traditional Irish breakfast consisting of tea, bacon, pork sausages, fried eggs, black pudding, toast and fried tomatoes.

• TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN AND THE BOOK OF KELLS — Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin boasts several famed Irish authors, including Jonathan Swift, as former students. The college also contains a display area for the Book of Kells and other ancient texts. Celtic monks transcribed the Book of Kells’ illuminated manuscripts of the four Gospels around A.D. 800.

• GLENDALOUGH MONASTIC SITE — St. Kevin, a hermit priest, founded a medieval monastic settlement in Glendalough in the sixth century.

Today, groups can learn about the site’s reputation as a haven for scholars and see the haunting beauty of the monastery’s architectural remain • KNOCK SHRINE — A small parish church community in northwest Ireland changed forever in 1879 when a group of people, whose ages ranged from 5 to 75, claimed to have seen apparitions of Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. More than 1.5 million pilgrims visit the shrine annually.

BRING IT HOME: Purchase a traditional Aran sweater, a pair of gloves or a scarf. These knitted souvenirs are sold in shops across Ireland as a stylish way to stay warm.

PHOTO OP: With dark rocks jetting 700 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher earn their place as one of the most spectacular views in all of Ireland.

• CLONMACNOISE — An ancient monastic site in central Ireland, Clonmacnoise paints a picture of early Christian life in Ireland with the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers and a large collections of early Christian gravestone slabs. A visitors center offers exhibits on the history of the site and how it changed through the centuries.

• CROAGH PATRICK — Though its religious significance dates to the pagans, Croagh Patrick became a Christian holy site when St. Patrick fasted at the peak of the mountain for 40 days in A.D. 441. Groups can drive to the visitor’s center before joining the 1 million annual pilgrims who follow a footpath to the summit.

RESEARCHI N G Y O U R TR I P www.ireland.com Croagh Patrick

Clonmacnoise Graveyard in County Offaly

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A

STATE OF FAITH

LAND OF

LEGENDS WA L K IN T HE F OOT S T E P S OF GIANTS ON THIS TOUR IN WISCONS I N

By Savannah Osbourn

Wisconsin experiences, clockwise from top: visiting Lambeau Field; touring Milwaukee’s Basilica St. Josaphat; exploring the HH Bennett Studio in Wisconsin Dells.

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ] Courtesy Wisconsin Dells VCB

Courtesy Visit Milwaukee

1 GREEN BAY HIGHLIGHT | LAMBEAU FIELD

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No trip to “Packer Town” would be complete without a visit to Lambeau Field, the historic home of the Green Bay Packers.

Founded in 1919, the Green Bay Packers has been in continuous operation with the same name in the same location longer than any other NFL franchise. It is also the only publicly owned, not-for-profit professional football team in the country, boasting over 360,000 shareholders.

Groups can experience the prestige and history of Lambeau Field during one of the daily stadium tours that take visitors through exclusive areas such as the players tunnel and premium seating sections. In 2003, the stadium completed a stunning six-level atrium, transforming the facility into a year-round tourist destination. Visitors there can pick up a Packers jersey or a foam cheese hat in the Green Bay Packers Pro Shop, walk through the Packers Hall of Fame or grab a bite to eat at the 1919 Kitchen and Tap restaurant.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Title Town is a beautiful new 45-acre development just across the street from Lambeau Field. It encompasses the AAA four-diamond Lodge Kohler, the Hinterland Restaurant and Brewery and the 46 Below bistro, along with a full-scale football field, a winter skating rink, a tubing hill and a public playground.

MORE INFO | www.greenbay.com

rom football greats to innovative artists and masters of illusion, Wisconsin is a land of legends.

Travelers may know Wisconsin for its breathtaking outdoors and savory cheese products, but there is much more to discover in “America’s Dairyland.”

When groups visit some of the state’s unique historic sites, they will begin to uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped Wisconsin’s character and culture over the years, making it the rich destination it is today.

The following itinerary takes groups to five dynamic cities across the state, beginning in Green Bay and concluding in Milwaukee.

Groups can complete the trip in five days, with less than two hours of driving between each destination.

Museum at the Castle in Fox Cities

Courtesy Fox Cities CVB

2 APPLETON H I G H L I G H T | HISTORY MUSEUM AT THE CASTLE Appleton is the cultural center of the Fox Cities, a conglomerate of 19 communities nestled along the Fox River. Groups can learn about some of the region’s most fascinating historic components at the Museum at the Castle, a small but excellent museum that is inside a former Masonic temple.

The exhibit “AKA Houdini” focuses on legendary illusionist and stunt performer Harry Houdini, who spent several years of his childhood in Appleton. In “Play: Golden Age of Toys,” visitors can browse whimsical displays and interactive toy stations that showcase Appleton’s historic toy industry.

The museum also houses an exceptional traveling exhibition called “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” which will remain on display until January 2019.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: One of Appleton’s most notable sites is the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, a Queen Anne-style residence that claims national significance as the first house in the United States with an Edison Electric System and a hydroelectric power station.

MORE INFO | www.foxcities.org

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MADISON

HIGHLIGHT | H.H. BENNETT STUDIO

HIGHLIGHT | WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL

Named after the Dells of the Wisconsin River, a scenic five-mile gorge with unusual sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons, the city of Wisconsin Dells was made famous by landscape photographer H.H. Bennett, who popularized outdoor photography at a time when most professionals in his field preferred to work within the confines of a studio.

Today, visitors can tour Bennett’s 1875 studio in downtown to learn about his long-standing legacy and influence. One of his most notable contributions was the invention of the stop-action camera shutter, which revolutionized the world of photography. Groups can also learn about the evolution of camera technology through the hands-on exhibits, and they can pick up a handmade Bennett print from the gift shop.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Known as the Water Park Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells is home to the world’s largest concentration of indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as the largest water park in America. There are also various other amusements in the area, including boat tours and musical revues.

In downtown Madison on an isthmus created by Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, the Wisconsin State Capitol is one of the state’s mostprized historic landmarks.

It was originally built in 1837, but a subsequent fire led to the construction of a larger capitol in 1917. Last year, the Wisconsin State Capitol celebrated its 100th anniversary. Visitors of all ages will be enthralled by the majesty of the Beaux Arts-style structure, which stands just three feet and one-half inch shorter than the national Capitol in Washington, D.C. Featuring an exterior facade of White Bethel Vermont granite, the Wisconsin State Capitol dome is the only granite dome in the United States and one of the largest domes in the world. During the summer, groups can visit the lower observation deck that encircles the outer dome. Free tours are offered daily.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the award-winning Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which encompasses 16 acres of outdoor display gardens as well as a tropical conservatory.

MORE INFO | www.wisdells.com

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MORE INFO | www.visitmadison.com

5 MILWAUKEE H I G H L I G H T | PABST MANSION Overlooking Lake Michigan’s western shore, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and the fifth-largest city in the midwestern United States.

For a glimpse into America’s Gilded Age, groups can stop by the Pabst Mansion, one of the most significant architectural landmarks in the city.

Built in 1892 by Capt. Frederick and Maria Pabst, the Flemish-Renaissance-style home features 37 rooms, 12 baths and 14 fireplaces.

The Pabst Mansion later became the center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee for more than 67 years. The beautiful home was nearly torn down in 1975 to pave the way for a hotel parking lot, but it was ultimately preserved and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors can choose from several behind-thescenes tours to see the mansion’s stunning interior features and learn about its rich history.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The HarleyDavidson Museum pays homage to the HarleyDavidson motorcycle brand, which holds its roots in Milwaukee. The museum houses an extensive collection of motorcycles, memorabilia and interactive activities, making it a popular stop for visitors of all ages.

MORE INFO | www.visitmilwaukee.org

START PLANNING.

The Fox Cities offer convenience, versatility and venues for every type of meeting. An array of exceptional dining options, 3,200+ hotel rooms and group activities, along with our walkable downtown areas will complete your experience.

Milwaukee’s Pabst Mansion

NEW in 2018 — Fox Cities Exhibition Center (38,000 sq. ft. facility)

Plus Wisconsin’s Best Shopping!

Courtesy Visit Milwaukee

The state capitol in Madison

FoxCities.org/meeting Contact Amy Karas at akaras@foxcities.org or 800. 236.6338 Courtesy Greater Madison CVB

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BY B RI A N J E W E L L

TRAVEL

SNAP SHOT

SARASOTA, FLORIDA

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ordering two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, America has no shortage of beach destinations. And although all travelers have their own favorites, many seem partial to Siesta Key, a barrier island just off Sarasota, Florida.

“We have been voted the No. 1 beach in the country by Dr. Beach and Trip Advisor three or four times in the last 10 years,” said Kelli Funkhouser, group sales manager at Visit Sarasota County.

The beauty of the white-sand beach and the year-round warmth make Sarasota a popular vacation destination.

For groups that travel to the area, though, there’s much more to do than just sunbathing. Sarasota has diverse historic, cultural and ecological attractions to complement its sun and scenery.

“One of our main claims to fame is the Ringling Museum of Art,” Funkhouser said. “It was founded by John Ringling from the Ringling Brothers circus. He had a winter home here, with an extensive Top: Siesta Key near Sarasota is considered one of the finest beaches in the United States.

Center: Ringling Museum of Art Bottom: The grounds of the former Ringling estate

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All photos courtesy Visit Sarasota County

collection of artwork. So the museum has a lot of galleries dedicated to his art collection.”

Ringling willed the property to the state of Florida, so the museum is now the state’s official museum of art, with a collection of more than 10,000 objects.

Visitors will find 21 galleries showcasing hundreds of European paintings in addition to antiquities from Cyprus. The museum also has sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs and decorative art from Asia and the Americas.

In addition to the art galleries, the museum complex includes a number of other experiences for groups.

“Ringling’s house is there, so you can tour his winter home,” Funkhouser said.

“And there’s a circus museum, which talks about the heritage of the circus.

There’s also a miniature replica circus.

Every piece was made by hand. It’s pretty amazing.”

While at the Ringling, groups should plan some free time to take in bay front views and 1,000-year-old banyan trees in the rose garden, which was planted by Ringling’s wife.

After walking the beach and exploring the art museum, groups can choose from several other exciting activities for the rest of their time in Sarasota.

Siesta Key

BIG CAT HABITAT AND GULF COAST SANCTUARY In 1987, a local Sarasota woman opened a sanctuary to care for exotic animals. Today, her small labor of love has grown into the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, which is home to more than 150 animals. The habitat is open to the public, giving visitors the opportunity to see lions, bears, tortoises and a variety of primates and tropical birds.

In addition to seeing the animal habitats, groups can arrange for some special programming and experiences. These can include the “Parrots in Paradise” show or “Big Cat Encounters,” in which animal experts educate visitors about the lives of lions and other large animals.

WWW.BIGCATHABITAT.ORG

SARASOTA CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM In 1953, two brothers who loved working on old cars decided that Sarasota needed a car museum.

So they opened a facility to showcase some of their collection of classic automobiles. Today, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is the second-oldest continuously operating car museum in the country. Visitors will see more than 75 automobiles, including a collection of Rolls Royce cars that belonged to Ringling, Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes Benz.

Groups can arrange docent-led tours of the museum and engage the staff in educational conversations about automobile history and industry issues and solutions.

WWW.SARASOTACARMUSEUM.ORG

Myakka River State Park

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK A short distance inland from the beach, Myakka River State Park preserves a 58-square-mile tract of prairies, hammocks, pinelands and wetlands. The Myakka River flows through the park, which also includes Upper Myakka Lake, where visitors can watch wildlife from a boardwalk and take a treetop stroll along a canopy walkway.

Groups visiting the park often take wildlife tours aboard the Myakka Maiden or the Gator Gal. Tours feature lots of alligators, which are most active during the winter, as well as dozens of species of birds and other creatures. The park also offers a tram safari into its backcountry.

WWW.FLORIDASTATEPARKS.ORG/PARK/MYAKKA-RIVER Amish pastry in Pinecraft

PINECRAFT You may never have heard of an Amish snowbird, but you’re likely to see them if you visit Sarasota during the winter. The city’s Pinecraft community is home to a large population of Amish and Mennonite retirees during the cold-weather months, and a growing number are making Pinecraft their permanent residence. Those citizens have set up Amish farmers markets, furniture stores and restaurants that groups often enjoy visiting.

For a taste of Amish culture, many groups have lunch or dinner at Der Dutchman Restaurant, which features traditional Amish recipes, as well as a gift shop and bakery that sells homemade desserts and pies.

WWW.VISITSARASOTA.COM

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THE NIGHTS BEFORE

B Y ELI ZA BETH HEY

C H R I ST M A S

T HE HOL IDAYS S PARKLE IN THESE FESTIVE DESTINATION S

Frankenmuth celebrates with Bavarian holiday traditions.

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Pigeon Forge’s Smoky Mountain Wheel Courtesy Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism

Grand Illumination in Williamsburg Courtesy 100 Miles of Lights

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Courtesy Frankenmuth CVB

hristmas is a wonderful time to travel. Faithbased groups can celebrate and reflect on God’s goodness in these destinations, which epitomize the joy of the holidays.

An Ozark Mountain Christmas delights visitors to Branson, Missouri, with miles of twinkling lights, Christmas parades, theatrical extravaganzas and even roller coasters. Seven Virginia cities celebrate with numerous events during 100 Miles of Lights, which takes place from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, caters to groups throughout the year with familystyle attractions, and the holidays are no exception. Add in the temperate climate, and groups can enjoy time outdoors too.

One of the country’s longest holiday celebrations takes place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where the Smoky Mountain Winterfest stretches from early November through February.

And in Michigan, Frankenmuth’s Bavarian charm is sure to be memorable, especially during the holidays.

Snow tubing in Pigeon Forge

[ OZARK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS ] BRANSON, MISSOURI An Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson celebrates the holidays with more than 150 outdoor Christmas trees, plus lavish holiday decor in the city’s theaters and attractions. There’s no better way to kick off the season than by attending Branson’s 70th annual Adoration Parade on December 2. Dozens of elaborate floats and marching bands parade through downtown during this long-standing tradition, which is focused solely on the true meaning of Christmas. The evening concludes with the lighting of a giant Nativity scene on Mount Branson that overlooks downtown.

Silver Dollar City transforms into An Old Time Christmas with more than 6 million lights and a five-story musical Christmas tree in the park’s central square. The light and sound show “Christmas on Main Street” takes place several times each evening. Not to be missed are the Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade and two holiday productions, including “A Dickens Christmas Carol.” New last year, Christmas in Midtown features animated LED light displays on park buildings.

Entertainment is always a draw in Branson. The Branson Showboat Belle dinner theater cruise entertains groups with a holiday show on the water. Returning for 2018, “The Andy Williams Ozark Mountain Christmas Show” will feature the Lennon Sisters and host Jimmy Osmond on select dates. “The Prophecy: A TransSiberian Orchestra Style Show!” will be performed in the style of the TransSiberian Orchestra for an evening of holiday rock. Sight and Sound Theatre treats groups to the large-scale theatrical performance of “Samson.”

For drive-through displays, head to Branson’s Gift of Lights, which features more than 300 displays that combine music, Christmas carols and animation. The Promised Land Zoo’s new Let There Be Lights features dozens of LED displays, a living Nativity, a petting zoo and Christmas movies. At the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, your group can enjoy the two-and-a-half-mile Trail of Lights. www.explorebranson.com [ 100 MILES OF LIGHTS ] VIRGINIA Seven Virginia cities — Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach — glow with Christmas festivities during 100 Miles of Lights. Lighted boat parades, city illuminations, festivals, living-history re-enactments, caroling, music and dance are among the many activities throughout the region. Dining events and shopping round out a group visit.

Holiday parades in Williamsburg, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach feature floats, marching bands, clowns, horses and, of course, Santa. Portsmouth’s “Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Collection” exhibit features Victorian scenes of animated skaters and carolers, an enchanted forest, a candy store and a bakery. Celebration in Lights, Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light show, boasts more than 1 million lights in hundreds of displays that create fanciful scenes along a two-mile drive through Newport News Park. Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination features three spectacular fireworks shows.

“Each city of the seven cities has its own holiday event schedule, and so there’s a lot of variety for groups,” said Rebecca Cutchins, media relations manager for Newport News Tourism. “Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, groups can catch numerous holiday events in one or all seven cities.”

Decked out for the holidays, historic homes open their doors. Groups can tour Richmond’s lavishly decorated Maymont Mansion or see the elegance of a mid 19th-century Christmas at the Lee Hall Mansion and the 1861 decorations at Endview Plantation, both in Newport News. For a nautical light show, a festive flotilla of vessels participates in the Downtown Hampton lighted boat parade. www.100milesoflights.com

Courtesy Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism

The Bretts perform a Christmas show in Branson

Courtesy Branson/Lakes Area CVB

A BAVARIAN CHRISTMAS

Nestled between Flint and Saginaw, there’s a slice of Bavaria in the heart of Michigan. At the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth, four generations of the Zehnder family have kept traditions alive. The inn features four indoor pools, including an adults-only pool, a water park and an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. Nightly holiday entertainment features entertainers and performers from across the country.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a Michigan landmark. Entrees include traditional German dishes such as blue cabbage, beef rolls and Frankenmuth’s family-style chicken dinner. An accordion player strolls among the tables and plays German music. Dinner shows throughout the year feature murder mysteries, performers who impersonate singers such as Michael Bublé and dueling pianos.

On Main Street, more than 100 shops re-create the feel of a Bavarian village. The Glockenspiel Tower houses a 35-bell carillon. When the clock sounds, figurines emerge to depict the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Driving through Christmas Lane, which is illuminated nightly, groups arrive at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, touted as the world’s largest Christmas store. Stretching one-and-a-half football fields, it stocks every kind of holiday gift and trim imaginable. The store personalizes ornaments that can be available for pickup within a few hours. Bronner’s Silent Night Chapel is an exact replica of the original in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.

“In addition to celebrating Christmas year-round, groups will find numerous outdoor activities and museums to round out their itinerary,” said Ashley Smith, communications manager for the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitors Bureau.

WWW.FRANKENMUTH.ORG

Nights of A Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach

Courtesy Myrtle Beach Area CVB

Our 2019 Season Something for everyone!

Dec 31 - Feb 17

May 30 - July14

Feb 21 - Apr 7

July 18 - Sept 1

Apr 11 - May 26

Sept 5 - Oct 27

Oct 31 - Dec 22

Superb Musicals | Memorable Dining Family Hospitality | Spectacular Shops 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 800-477-9505 | www.firesidetheatre.com 28

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[ MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA ] In Myrtle Beach, the holidays get underway the first week of November and don’t slow down until the end of December. Holiday FantaSea, a free event for motorcoach groups, takes place November 6 and 13. Giveaways include two $250 Tanger Outlet gift cards and approximately 50 door prizes. Everyone receives a welcome bag and refreshments. An Elvis Presley impersonator emcees the event, and the Carolina Master Chorale, an award-winning high school group, performs carols at Beach Church.

“Groups come for the holiday shows in our seven live theaters, but the added bonus is our mild temperatures during November and December,” said Sandy Haines, group tour sales manager for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In November, we average 69 degrees, and December averages 60 degrees.”

There’s plenty of holiday entertainment, including matinee performances.

At the Carolina Opry Theater, “The Christmas Show of the South” will enjoy its 33rd season this year. The theater transforms into a winter wonderland for a musical celebration; Moses Braxton returns with his smooth baritone alongside three other talented performers. “Motor City Musical — Motown Tribute Show,” journeys though the history of Motown and Christmas melodies at the GTS Theatre. And the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show retells “A Christmas Carol” with swashbuckling action, live animals, battles and acrobatics above an indoor lagoon.

Historic Brookgreen Gardens glows in December during Nights of a Thousand Candles, when more than 4,500 hand-lit candles and countless lights sparkle throughout the grounds. Groups can stroll the paths with a warm cup of cider, enjoy carolers and hear the many diverse sounds of holiday music ranging from a brass quintet, a jazz band and a concert pianist. www.visitmyrtlebeach.com [ SMOKY MOUNTAIN WINTERFEST CELEBRATION ] PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE When the switch flips November 6, 5 million holiday lights will illuminate Pigeon Forge for the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration.

“Many of the light displays tell a story or have a variety of themes that range from a salute to the military to the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ and tributes to the city’s Smoky Mountain heritage,” said Joy McNealy, senior sales manager for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “The whole city is decked out for Christmas, and groups will find plenty of accommodations, from large cabins to hotels, all beautifully decorated for the holidays.”

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas includes performances of “O Holy Night,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Appalachian Christmas.” Each evening, the Parade of Many Colors spreads holiday cheer with floats and interactive characters.

There are more than a dozen theaters in the area, and each celebrates Christmas in its own unique style. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede boasts a 60-foot-tall decorated tree, and the equestrian competition turns into a friendly rivalry between the North Pole and the South Pole. “Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry” delivers an entertainment extravaganza, with a live Nativity scene and angels flying overhead. The Hatfield McCoy Dinner Feud produces the popular “A Christmas Disaster,” filled with singing, dancing and comedy.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at their new workshop at the Island in Pigeon Forge. Shoppers will find that the Incredible Christmas Place store lives up to its reputation as the nation’s second-busiest Christmas retailer. New this year, groups can head to the Pigeon Forge Snow facility for snow tubing indoors on real snow — the first of its kind in the nation. www.mypigeonforge.com

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Re-enactors depict the daily life of Pilgrim settlers at Plimouth Plantation.

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Courtesy Plimouth Plantation

B Y K R I S T Y A L PERT

o history book can compete with your five senses.

Living-history sites offer the rare chance to step into the pages of history and experience the sights, smells and sounds of the nation’s past in a way that textbooks and historical records will never be able to do.

History has a way of shaping people’s beliefs and perspectives, and seeing those historic scenes played out through costumed interpreters and hands-on demonstrations can be a path toward deeper understanding of the nation’s core values.

From exploring the nation’s original First Baptist Church to experiencing community through an interactive sewing circle, seeing is believing at these amazing living-history sites across the country.

GROUPS MEET ICONS OF TH E PA S T AT THESE LIVING HISTORY S I T E S [ COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG ] WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA The dream of American freedom was but a whisper along the streets when the colony of Virginia was first being settled. It wasn’t until 1699 that the village of Williamsburg was declared the capital of Colonial Virginia, marking the beginning of some of the nation’s most formative years. Between 1699 and 1780, Williamsburg was the center of all the action as America was taking shape, acting as the backdrop as ideas like freedom of religion, self-government and individual liberty were forming.

Eventually, the capital moved farther north, but the dreams and history remained in Williamsburg. In 1926, the Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. brought the village back to life by restoring and preserving the Colonial town’s historic buildings. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living-history museum, recapturing revolutionary America of the 18th century.

“Guests can actually meet the men and women who played a firsthand role in creating the founding principles of the nation we treasure,” said Joseph Straw, public relations manager for Colonial Williamsburg.

Top experiences for church groups include Colonial Williamsburg’s historic trades and living-history sites, where costumed tradespeople share their tools and techniques for making a living during the Colonial times. Visitors also enjoy the two world-class art museChristian courtesy Sandefined Diego Tourism Authority ums and the face-to-face interaction withBythe men Martinez, and women who the nation.

Groups can meet familiar founders like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, or other nation builders like the Rev. Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved and later-free Baptist minister who established the city’s African Church. Now known as the First Baptist Church, it still stands in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg. www.colonialwilliamsburg.com [ OLD COWTOWN MUSEUM ] WICHITA, KANSAS Visitors to the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, Kansas, don’t take a step back in time; they take a giant leap into a world of rowdy cowboys, friendly farmers and handy homesteaders going about their everyday lives in the mid-1800s Midwestern cattle town. As if frozen in time, this living-history museum welcomes guests with costumed interpreters going about their tasks in this working village, acting out what life was like between 1865 and 1880 off the Chisholm Trail in Kansas.

Old Cowtown, which opened to visitors in 1955, is today one of the oldest open-air history museums in the Midwest. The site consists of 23 acres, and its dirt roads guide the way past the town’s 54 historic and re-created buildings, so walking shoes are advised for guests looking to get the most out of the experience “It’s a very family-friendly place with hands-on activities and animals, and many places for children and adults to explore together,” said Jacky Goerzen, museum director. “We are a place of conversation starters, a place where people across generations can have conversations about how life was and how life in their own past was lived.”

The museum is full of exhibits and experiences that appeal to a wide variety of tastes and interests. Popular crafts demonstrations include blacksmithing, carpentry, typesetting and dressmaking. Groups of all ages can try their hand at horseshoes and some 1870s schoolyard games, or they can sit at the saloon to enjoy an old-fashioned sarsaparilla. www.oldcowtown.org

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Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg

[ CONNER PRAIRIE ] FISHERS, INDIANA Time has a way of slowing down at Conner Prairie, where each day offers the simple pleasures of prairie living, from tending to animals and gardening to creating pottery and cooking. Conner Prairie has been open to the public since pharmaceutical mogul and philanthropist Eli Lilly purchased the old Conner house, near Indianapolis, in 1934.

The house had stood on the site since 1823, the year William Conner built the grand structure on a hill overlooking a flood plain. The house served as home for Conner, his wife Elizabeth and their 10 children. Conner went on to become a major landowner, statesman and wealthy businessman. His home would become one of early America’s great historic sites.

In 1970, the second phase of the Conner home began when renowned folklorist Henry Glassie offered to help create a living-history museum. Costumed staff would act and talk as though they were living in the mid-1800s. The town comes to life each day with interactive experiences: Guests can help build a working windmill or explore the history of manned flight at the 1859 Balloon Voyage, which gives them a 370-foot shift in perspective as they hover over the prairie in a tethered balloon.

“When you walk through our grounds and enter Prairietown, you fully immerse yourself in a 19th-century village and interact with routines of life in Indiana in 1836,” said Christine DeJoy, director of public affairs for Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana. “It’s an unforgettable experience that you will remember for years to come.” www.connerprairie.org

Courtesy Conner Prairie

Top: Colonial Williamsburg Bottom: River Crossing at Conner Prairie near Indianapolis

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

[ PLIMOTH PLANTATION ] PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS It was a cold day in December when the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock back in 1620. As the pilgrims disembarked, they did so with a sense of purpose to build a better life for themselves and their children. Their aim was to begin a colony where they would be free to worship in the way they wanted. The New World offered the chance at a new beginning.

It was their faith, courage and sense of unity that laid the foundation for the country, and their legacy lives on to this day. Today, Plimoth Plantation showcases how they lived when they arrived with modest timber-framed houses, heritage breeds of cattle and even actors portraying the early settlers dressed in the style of the times and interacting with their Wampanoag neighbors. It’s not that time has stood still on this historic site; it’s the original vision of archaeologist Henry Hornblower II that has been brought to life through an interactive living-history museum.

The village opened in 1947 and has grown to include a 17th-century English Village, a reproduction of the Mayflower ship, a Wampanoag homesite, a visitors center, a craft center, a cinema, a working gristmill and a selection of heritage breed animals.

“The faith of the Pilgrims is a source of inspiration for so many church groups who visit Plimoth Plantation,” said Kate Sheehan, associate director, media relations and marketing for Plimoth Plantation. “Visitors can interact with William Brewster [the colony’s spiritual leader], ask the residents about practicing their faith in a new land or perhaps attend a sermon in the Fort Meetinghouse.” www.plimoth.org Courtesy Old Cowtown Museum

Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum

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going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 31

SOUTHWEST

HISTORY GUIDE

STORIES OF THE

Visitors see the ceremonial spikes that completed the transcontinental railroad at Utah’s Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Courtesy NPS

GROUPS DISCOVER HISTORY AT THESE LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

W

BY ELIZABETH HEY

ith attractions such as Native American pueblos, railroad history, architectural icons and construction feats, America’s Southwest offers groups something to suit everyone’s interests.

Groups interested in the arts, architecture or the environment will find Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West a fascinating stop in the Phoenix area.

If your group is interested in touring New Mexico’s pueblos, it makes sense to start at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

Mountainous beauty surrounds Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Broadmoor, one of the most historic resort properties in the West. In 2019, the Golden Spike National Historic Site will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, which made travel possible from coast to coast.

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going on faith [ fall 2018 ]

Traditional pueblo stew at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Courtesy IPCC

SOUTHWEST

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen West near Phoenix

TALIESIN WEST SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

By Foskett Creative, courtesy FLW Foundation

Creative inspiration can be found at every turn at Taliesin West in north Scottsdale, Arizona. Wright’s stunning winter retreat served as his architectural laboratory from 1937 until his death in 1959. Built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, it offers a glimpse into his personal life.

Wright’s meandering, one-story home snuggled into the desert landscape showcases his dedication to creating buildings in sync with their surroundings.

Wright visited Arizona in 1927 when he was asked to consult on the design for the Arizona Biltmore Hotel and, in 1937, bought land to build his winter residence. Typical of many of Wright’s buildings, each nook and cranny of Taliesin West has a story and a reason for being.

The popular Insights tour highlights Wright’s private quarters and living room, his drafting studio and more. Tours can be custom tailored for prearranged groups of 15 or more. Groups should allow time for the well-stocked bookstore, which is continually filled with new gift items and focuses on the arts.

“Groups really enjoy coming to see something very different than what they might think of as Frank Lloyd Wright,” said Donna Yeaw, public access manager for Taliesin West. “This was his laboratory, which was never finished and is still

A dance performance at Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Courtesy IPCC

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being worked on today. The buildings are continually being tweaked to express Wright’s designs to the 100,000-plus guests who visit each year.” www.franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west

INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Owned and operated by the 19 Indian pueblos of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center gives visitors an overview of the state’s Native American legacy and snapshots of numerous cultural events. Six thematic areas explore Pueblo history, beliefs and daily life.

On the weekends, traditional dances are held in the center’s plaza area. The Pueblo Harvest cafe serves a fusion of Native and Southwestern food with traditional Pueblo ingredients. Groups can dine on the outdoor patio, where pizzas are baked in a Pueblo horno oven, and order Native pies, cookies and bread baked daily.

“In November 2017, the cafe launched new lunch and dinner menus featuring precontact options, which are made with indigenous ingredients of the Native Americans before any outside cultures influenced their cuisine,” said Brenna Moore, public relations and communications manager for Visit Albuquerque.

Unique to New Mexico, the 19 pueblos each operate their own government but share a common prehistory and culture. More than a dozen near Albuquerque still practice their rich heritage and invite visitors into their communities. The Acoma Sky City Pueblo, atop a 365-foot sandstone mesa and 45 minutes west of Albuquerque, offers year-round tours, a cultural center, a gift shop and a museum. The Laguna Pueblo, on route to Acoma, was settled in 1450 and comprises six major villages. The Jemez Pueblo, in the mountains 55 miles northwest of Albuquerque, has been occupied since the 16th century and is known for its pottery, sculpture, basketry, embroidery, moccasins and jewelry. www.visitalbuquerque.org

GOLDEN SPIKE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE PROMONTORY SUMMIT, UTAH On May 9-10, 2019, the Golden Spike National Historic Site will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike during the Spike 150 event. Festivities will feature the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony, dance, art installations and tours of the Spiral Jetty, an earthwork sculpture constructed in 1970 by American sculptor Robert Smithson.

The historic site encompasses a 15-mile stretch of the original transcontinental railroad. In a remote valley on the north end of the Great Salt Lake, the last spike was driven into place within 100 yards of the visitors center.

“You get a deep sense of place at Golden Spike and, with no other buildings in sight, it’s easy to picture what it was like 150 years ago when the first transcontinental railroad was completed and what it meant for our nation,” said Emily Moench, spokesperson for the Utah Office of Tourism.

Daily demonstrations showcase fully functioning replicas of Jupiter and No. 119, the steam locomotives that met at Promontory Summit in 1869. Volunteers re-enact the Driving of the Last Spike Site ceremony. A 1.5-mile trail showcases building techniques of the railroad, and ranger-led hikes are offered on Sundays during the summer.

Among the five films offered at the visitors center, 21-minute “Golden Spike” gives an overview of the transcontinental railroad. Another popular film, “Andrew J. Russell, A Visual Historian,” details the life and work of the photographer commissioned to document the railroad’s construction during the 1860s. www.nps.gov/gosp

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THE BROADMOOR COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO It’s the perfect recipe for recharging: picturesque mountains, outdoor activities and fabulous dining at the Broadmoor.

Resting at the foot of the Rockies on 5,000 acres with Cheyenne Mountain as a backdrop, this Colorado Springs resort has pampered guests since 1918. It is the longest-running AAA FiveDiamond resort on the planet. Guests at the Broadmoor will find European decor, art and fresh flowers, along with attentive service, gourmet cuisine and casual fare, world-class golf, hiking and tennis.

The Broadmoor’s luxurious spa has 36 treatment rooms. Its first golf course, designed by golf legends Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1918 and has hosted numerous tournaments. The U.S. Senior Open was played at the resort this past June and will return in 2025.

For adventurous groups, nearby Seven Falls offers two hiking trails and zip-line tours that soar over a natural granite arch, steep drops and jagged cliffs. Approximately one mile from the property, it’s the only waterfall in Colorado that has earned a spot on National Geographic’s list of great international waterfalls. The falls can be viewed from the base or by climbing 224 stairs to the top. The 1858 Food Truck and Restaurant 1858 are open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Complimentary shuttle service is offered from the resort.

“Seven Falls is this iconic Colorado attraction, and many call it the ‘grandest mile of scenery in Colorado,’” said Sally Spaulding, spokesperson for the Broadmoor. “There aren’t many postcard-worthy waterfalls in Colorado like Seven Falls.

It’s the perfect place to spend the day.”. www.broadmoor.com

Wildflowers at Golden Spike National Historic Site

Courtesy NPS

A hydrotherapy shower in the spa at the Broadmoor

Hiking Seven Falls at the Broadmoor in Colorado

By Elizabeth Hey

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 35 Courtesy the Broadmoor

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