Going On Faith Spring 2024

VISIT INDIANA’S TOP GROUP DESTINATION

From the authentic and engaging to the quirky and creative, Northern Indiana’s Amish Country offers memory making experiences for groups of all ages and sizes. Wander scenic backroads along the Heritage Trail enjoying the popular Meet the Makers Amish Tours. Learn how to make Cinnamon Rolls from Elaine, ride in Carolyn’s horse drawn buggy, laugh at Laverne’s crazy jokes in his basket shop and go back to school in a one-room-Amish schoolhouse. You’ll have fun and love every minute of these authentic group exclusive experiences in Northern Indiana!

Top off your experience with true Hoosier Hospitality at Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Enjoy delicious Amish-style dining and peaceful carriage rides. Find unique shopping at the Village Shops. Relax in generously-sized guest rooms with complementary deluxe hot breakfast and baggage handling.

See FREE, one-of-a-kind super-sized Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail annually May 30 - September 15.

Scan the QR code with your phone to learn more.

Plan your next group experience at VisitElkhartCounty.com/groups

NOTES EDITOR’S

BRIAN JEWELL

CAN TRAVEL BE WORSHIPFUL?

Sometimes a landscape is more than just a landscape. Sometimes you can almost hear it sing.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the natural universe we inhabit. It can be overwhelming, wild and savage. But it can also be positively majestic. It can fill each of us with both dread and wonder. It can sustain life — or extinguish it. Creation is so much bigger than us, and yet we stand at the center of it.

I don’t think any of us will ever be able to fully grasp the mysteries of the world we live in, but we can gain insights into it. Some of the most intriguing come from the Bible. In addition to giving an account of how it was made, scripture paints a picture of a living, breathing universe that reflects the goodness and power of its maker. The heavens, it says, declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of his hands. All around us, the visible world reflects God’s invisible qualities. And rocks and trees cry out in worship, even when we don’t.

This concept is fascinating to me. If the beauty of creation reveals something about who God is, then the diversity of environments on earth must have many different things to say about him. The landscapes around the place you live might reveal something different than my hometown. Everywhere we go, the things we see can draw us closer to God, each in their own unique way.

I can’t think of a better reason to travel. Exploring the world has always been fun. But I think the Bible tells us that travel can be more than enjoyable. Travel can be spiritual. Even worshipful.

In the travel industry, we have specific ideas about what a “faith-based trip” looks like. It could be a tour of the Holy Land or another destination where events of the Bible took place. In the United States, faith travel often entails visiting one of a handful of destinations where Christian organizations have built impressive museums, theaters or theme parks. But I think almost any trip can be a spiritual experience.

If seeing the beauty of creation helps you know God more, then any place on earth can be a faith travel destination. You don’t have to visit a church or hold a worship service. Sometimes standing silent, captivated by a beautiful landscape, is more powerful than any song you could sing.

From the mountains of Alaska to painted canyons of Arizona and the marshes of Louisiana, America has been blessed with beauty that can speak to the heart of any traveler — and any believer. Emerald seashores, thick forests, arid deserts and expansive grasslands have tales to tell. And for those of us fortunate enough to travel abroad, each country we visit opens its own window into glory.

Many experienced travelers will tell you that no matter how many places they go, their destination wish list keeps getting longer. The more we travel, the more we want to travel. Maybe that’s because travel helps us connect with the divine in ways that few other things can.

All around the world, creation is singing about the glory of God. I don’t know about you, but I want to hear as many of those songs as possible.

BRIAN JEWELL | EDITOR | brianj@grouptravelleader.com

JEWEL OF THE OZARKS

GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE

ATTENDEES

WILL DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF BRANSON

GOING ON FAITH

CONFERENCE FEATURE

BY RACHEL CRICK

Wholesome entertainment, breathtaking natural scenery and a welcoming atmosphere are the basis for great faith-based trips. Branson, Missouri, checks all the boxes. Situated in the Ozark Mountains, this small town leaves a big impression on visitors.

“Branson is this little Midwest town of 12,000 that hosts 10.5 million visitors a year,” said Yvonne Long, assistant director of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Tourism is our only industry, and everything else here exists because of tourism.”

Branson focuses on appealing to guests of all ages with its long list of family-friendly attractions and entertainment. And its striking backdrop of crisp lakes, lush forests and expansive mountains make for an excellent playground.

Branson will host the 2024 Going on Faith Conference, August 6–8, at the Hilton Branson Convention Center. As they meet to network and discuss

developments in faith-based group travel, delegates can look forward to Branson’s abundant charms.

SILVER DOLLAR CITY

One of Branson’s most well-known attractions is Silver Dollar City, a theme park with rides, live entertainment and crafts. The park opened in 1960 and is built around the area’s landmark Marvel Cave, the state’s deepest cave. Marvel Cave was Silver Dollar City’s

All photos courtesy Branson/Lakes Area CVB

The 2024 Sight and Sound Theatres production is “Queen Esther.”

first attraction, and to this day, cave tours take visitors below ground to see the stunning rock formations. Tours last about an hour and are included with admission to Silver Dollar City.

The park itself was built on the foundations of a mining town, and it maintains that look and feel with wooden structures, historic reenactors and the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

“Silver Dollar City has an 1880s, middle-of-thewoods feel to it,” Long said.

“BRANSON IS THIS LITTLE MIDWEST TOWN OF 12,000 THAT HOSTS 10.5 MILLION VISITORS A YEAR. TOURISM IS OUR ONLY INDUSTRY, AND EVERYTHING ELSE HERE EXISTS BECAUSE OF TOURISM.” — YVONNE LONG

Thrill seekers will enjoy the park’s multitude of roller coasters and other amusement rides. On particularly hot summer days, visitors also enjoy hitting the water park to cool off with equally thrilling rides. Or they can float along in the wave pool and lazy river. Groups can also enjoy a dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake departing from Silver Dollar City.

In addition to rides, the park is an entertainment hub with live shows and concerts performed yearround. Shows include everything from Bluegrass and

Branson scenes, clockwise from top left: Table Rock Lake; Titanic Museum Attraction; a roller coaster at Silver Dollar City; a Silver Dollar City artisan

folk bands to musical theater and from stand-up comedy shows to trained animal acts. Travelers who visit during the many festivals and events held at Silver Dollar City will get to enjoy additional live entertainment.

Another distinct feature of Silver Dollar City is its demonstrating craftsmen. These artisans, often appearing in period clothing, teach visitors their distinct crafts and demonstrate the process of making goods such as furniture, handblown glass, candles and lye soap. They can also see candy and taffy being made or watch blacksmiths and millworkers ply their trades.

A HUB FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Beyond Silver Dollar City, Branson’s live entertainment scene is expansive. With 40 theaters and 110 shows, any group will be sure to find a production that suits them.

“Theaters are good for all age groups,” Long said. “We have everything from Elvis tributes to magicians to acrobats to country music to anthems of rock.”

Branson is home to several dinner shows. These include Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Hughes Brothers Theatre dinner show and Shepherd of the Hills, among others.

The large variety of other shows includes traditional musical revues, clean comedy shows, murder mystery shows, tribute artists and more.

Another huge draw for groups in Branson is Sight and Sound Theatres, the wildly popular Biblical-themed theater company first founded in Lancaster Pennsylvania in 1976. The Branson location opened in 2008 and has been astounding audiences with high quality shows ever since. These shows, which dramatize Bible stories, use live animals, intricate sets and costumes, and plenty of technical elements for maximum entertainment.

These productions rotate seasonally, so visitors can see new shows each time they come to Branson. The 2024 production is “Queen Esther,” and next year’s production will be “Daniel.” They also show Christmas productions during the holiday season.

Theater isn’t the only entertainment groups will find in Branson. It’s home to the Titanic Museum Attraction, showcasing artifacts from and exhibits surrounding the Titanic that continue to fascinate visitors. They can also visit the city’s Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and the Branson Ferris Wheel.

“SINCE WE ARE IN OZARK MOUNTAIN COUNTRY, EVERYTHING HAS BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AROUND IT. IT’S NOT LAID OUT LIKE A CITY. IT FOLLOWS THE RIDGES OF THE MOUNTAINS AND THE VALLEYS, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOWN.”

— YVONNE LONG

A cottage in Silver Dollar City

Ziplining in Branson

Cruising on Showboat Branson Belle

BEAUTY OF THE OZARKS

If Branson’s theme park, theater productions and attractions weren’t enough to impress travelers, the region’s oldest attraction is one of its most worthwhile. The Ozark Mountains provide travelers with yearround opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. Not to mention, you can see their beauty no matter where you are in Branson.

“Since we are in Ozark Mountain country, everything has beautiful scenery around it,” Long said. “It’s not laid out like a city. It follows the ridges of the mountains and the valleys, even when you’re in the middle of the town.”

In addition to Marvel Cave, Branson has plenty of interesting terrain to discover. It also has three lakes: Table Rock Lake, renowned for its water recreation and bass fishing; Bull Shoals Lake, a fishing hotspot; and Lake Taneycomo, next to the Branson Landing boardwalk. Groups can explore the lakes with sightseeing cruises, kayaks or tubing.

Travelers who prefer to stay on land will find many choices for enjoying the great outdoors in Branson. They can explore the lush forests of the Ozarks on many hiking and biking trials, as well as horseback riding excursions. There are also several scenic overlooks, which are especially beautiful in autumn.

“We have lots of great state parks, trails, and everything from BMX trails to walking trails to one that is called the waterfall trail,” Long said. “We are the cave state, so we have three caves that are very close that people can tour.”

There are even several opportunities for adventurous groups to take canopy tours and ziplining excursions in Branson. They can also get a great view of interesting wildlife at one of the city’s many wildlife sanctuaries. These sanctuaries house everything from animals native to the region to exotic wildlife, such as tigers.

Silver Dollar City train

EATING IN BRANSON

From its historic downtown district to the beautiful mountain surroundings, Branson has more than its share of great dining options for groups. Branson’s food scene is famous for combining Midwestern flavors with Southern comfort food, and it offers everything from fine dining to varied ethnic cuisines to casual places for a quick bite.

Serving steaks, burgers and seafood, among other American cuisine, Black Oak Grill is located in the historic downtown and Branson Landing area. It’s open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and its dining room is great for large and small parties.

Billy Gail’s serves breakfast for dinner, with massive pancakes and other breakfast items on offer all day. Another top choice for groups is Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano, which serves family-style Italian favorites, including brick-oven pizzas and traditional pasta dishes.

For classic country cooking, visitors have plenty of options in Branson. There’s the Grand Country Buffet, which serves comfort foods like homemade biscuits and pot roast. There’s also Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, offering favorites like fried catfish and chicken and waffles.

Branson’s long list of restaurants also includes many cafes and dessert shops to give visitors their pick of sweet treats and warm drinks. A visit to Hurts Donuts, open all day, will satisfy any sweet tooth, thanks to its massive doughnuts and doughnut milkshakes. Cakes-n-Creams 50’s Diner, which recreates a typical 1950s eatery, serves sugary snacks and ice cream, as well as other diner delicacies.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers both confections and a show, with all their sweets being made in full view of the customers. It produces over 300 chocolates and candies and is a great place for groups to stop for edible souvenirs or a snack break.

A good cup of coffee can be found at any of Branson’s cafes, including Hollister Coffee Company, Sugar Leaf Bakery, Café and Espresso, and White River Coffee Company.

Branson in autumn

A meal at Black Oak Grill

Aerial adventures in Branson

"Let's come together over something we can believe in."

- Vacation

There’s nothing conventional about a convention in Branson. From Broadway style to southern gospel live shows to walkable, waterfront convention facilities, modern hotels, and unique venues, Branson, MO has the ideal setting for your group. Your next meeting place should be as uplifting as the people you’re bringing together. Learn more at ExploreBranson.com

FAITH FACES TRAVEL of

NAME:

Marilyn Smits

COMPANY:

Smits Travel

HOMETOWN:

Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE:

Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

FAVORITE DESTINATION:

Smits loves to travel anywhere on Cape Cod — it was the first trip she ever led, back in 2015 with a turnout of almost 100 guests.

HOBBIES:

When she’s not globetrotting, Smits enjoys reading, knitting and spending time with her family.

Faith as an Anchor

MARILYN SMITS

SMITS TRAVEL

IBY REBECCA TREON

f the ideal second act existed, it might be what Marilyn Smits has been doing for the past decade — traveling the world and guiding her contemporaries to amazing destinations.

A resident of one of the many Highlands Communities in the Menomonee Falls area — residences for people over 55 years of age — Smits inherited her role as the community’s travel coordinator from the person who had previously arranged annual excursions. Smits was already the leader of the over65 group at her church, which organized travel and activities for its members. That made her the ideal candidate for the job.

“Instead of doing one trip a year, I started doing monthly trips,” said Smits. “My predecessor only worked within a couple of the Highlands Communities, and I work with 12 of them. I’ve expanded it a lot since 2015, which is when I did my first trip — bringing 92 people to Cape Cod.”

Smits’ strategy for finding interested participants is a no-brainer — she simply visits any of the dozen Highlands communities twice a year and gives trip talks to let residents know what the upcoming excursions are.

“I get all the people I need for the trips — word of mouth is huge for me,” she said. “People who don’t live in one of the Highlands Communities are put into my database and get a postcard letting them know the dates of the trip talks so they can attend one in their area. About half of the 1,000 people in my database don’t live in the Highlands Communities.”

Smits plans her trips about a year in advance, outlining the details of what sights, experiences and meals will be included in each trip. She takes a number of day trips to regional attractions and also plans trips around the country and even internationally. This coming year, she’ll be coordinating her first mystery trip.

“We have a trip to the Ark [Encounter] and Creation Museum scheduled, with 71 people on two buses,” she said. “We have day trips a couple of times a month to go see a musical like ‘A Christmas Carol’ and then to eat at a famous German restaurant in Milwaukee afterward. We plan to go and see Shen Yun and then go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant. We have two different 10-day trips to Maine planned during the summer. We are planning trips to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, and we’re planning our first trip to Ireland.”

Smits says some of her favorite destinations have been day

trips to quirky locales like the Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, or the campus of Epic, a software company based in Madison that has a treehouse, a carousel and a replica of the Emerald City from “The Wizard of Oz,” among many other things to see. Smits’ previous career was in information technology, and though she did a fair amount of business travel, she’s glad that at this stage in her life she has the opportunity to travel as a career.

“I have always loved to travel as a hobby,” she said. “My first big trip was when I was 18. I had an aunt who loved to travel, and later, my husband and I would take road trips whenever we could.”

Through every stage of Smits’ life, her faith has been her anchor. She has been part of the Christian Reformed Church since she was a child. Smits believes being raised with such a solid foundation in a community where everyone truly cared about one another was a huge influence on her life. One of the most important parts of her faith is inclusion.

“When my husband and I got married, we decided it was very important to talk to everyone — that’s something that is very dear to me personally,” said Smits. “I’m very aware of not being cliquey. I make it a point to talk to everyone. I’m very aware of being inclusive.”

Marylin Smits (right) gathers with her family on a special occasion.

Pictured: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to explore the preservation of the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration and education.

SNAP TRAVEL SHOT

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

BY JILL GEESON`

Stretching across the gentle hills and verdant farmlands of southcentral Pennsylvania, Lancaster welcomes faith-based groups with a landscape as tranquil as it is lovely.

There’s an undeniable peace to be found here, reflective not only of the county’s topography but also its origins. Like the commonwealth as a whole, the area has long embraced practitioners of a wide variety of religions, including the communities of Amish and Mennonite Anabaptists for which it is best known.

According to Joel Cliff, director of communications and advocacy for Discover Lancaster, it is both the county’s vibrant religious heritage and its current tradition of worship that make it so appealing to those interested in the spiritual side of travel.

“We have places where you can truly touch the past,” he said. “But we also have theatrical attractions that are no less heartfelt. Faith is part of our past yet also a part of our daily living today, and that makes us a natural and inspirational destination for faith-based groups.”

Groups might want to begin their Lancaster adventure in beautiful Lititz, founded by the

Moravians in 1756 and still home to the Lititz Moravian Museum and Archives. They can learn about the pre-Luther Protestant sect with a guided visit that includes a tour of the 18th-century church and exhibits of everything from rare musical instruments to Revolutionary War relics. The monastic Ephrata Cloister was established even earlier — in 1732. It went into decline after a few decades, but the Protestant settlement’s remaining buildings enjoy National Historic Landmark status and are also open for tours.

When groups are ready to sit back and enjoy a show, Sight and Sound Theatre presents Bible stories on a massive, 300-foot stage with professional casts, state-of-theart lighting and sound, and sky-high sets. Look for the hotly anticipated new production “Daniel” to run through year’s end. Meanwhile, the Biblical Tabernacle Experience, located on the Mennonite Life campus, immerses groups in a rousing, 35-minute multimedia presentation detailing the historic construction of Moses’s Tabernacle in the Wilderness.

But these soul-stirring institutions are not all Lancaster offers. Cliff recommends visits to the following attractions as well.

By Dean Smith, courtesy Lititz Moravian Congregation

Dating to 1756, the Moravian Museum and Archive gives Lancaster visitors an introduction to the area’s distinctive spiritual heritage.

Courtesy DiscoverLancaster.com

Courtesy Tourism Media

Ephrata Cloister

Biblical Tabernacle Experience

AMISH FARM AND HOUSE

No visit to Lancaster would be complete without a chance to learn about the area inhabitants who so famously reject modern conveniences, living simple lives focused on faith and family. The country’s first Amish attraction, Amish Farm and House provides an authentic look at the “Plain People” with a variety of customizable tours for groups. The two-hour visits can include a look at an 1805 Amish farmhouse, an Amish buggy ride or hayride, and a presentation at the property’s one-room schoolhouse. Step-on guide service is also available, and the BBQ Barn serves Amish-made meals from April through October.

AMISHFARMANDHOUSE.COM

KETTLE KITCHEN VILLAGE

The perfect spot to give groups time on their own, Kitchen Kettle Village boasts more than 40 shops and restaurants set within in a charming little neighborhood made for strolling. The heart of the attraction is the family-run kitchen, where shoofly pie (a sweet molasses crumb dessert), pepper jam and other local favorites are available for sampling. Other boutiques sell locally made, handcrafted furniture and goods, like quilts, primitive candles, braided rugs, artwork and much more. Group packages, which can be customized and may include a meal and special offers from shops, are available.

KITCHENKETTLE.COM

DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE

For theater-loving groups, Sight and Sound isn’t the only game in town — Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has been presenting high-quality productions of new and classic Broadway shows for four decades. Depending on the day of the week, meal options include a plated dinner, a buffet and an “enhanced” buffet with prime rib. The 320-seat venue, which greets 150,000 guests annually, also gives leaders the choice of an add-on experience for their groups that features a welcome from a cast member upon arrival at the theater, autographed programs, an after-show Q&A and an onstage group photo.

DUTCHAPPLE.COM

LANDIS VALLEY VILLAGE AND FARM MUSEUM

An interactive living history museum, Landis Valley Village interprets two centuries of Pennsylvania German heritage beginning in the mid-1700s. Ranging over 100 acres on a former homestead and rural crossroads village, it features dozens of structures original to the site, relocated historic buildings and new facilities. They host a breathtaking array of artifacts, as well demonstrations of traditional skills ranging from blacksmithing to weaving by costumed interpreters. Travel planners can choose from a variety of customized and speciality guided tours, with a huge assortment of add-ons like make-and-take craft activities, food tastings and wagon rides.

LANDISVALLEYMUSEUM.ORG

Landis Valley Village

Kitchen Kettle Village

Amish Farm and House

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Courtesy Amish Farm and House

Courtesy Kitchen Kettle Village

Courtesy Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Courtesy Landis Valley Village

SAY BONJOUR

QUEBEC OFFERS TRAVELERS A TASTE OF EUROPE IN NORTH AMERICA

By Jean-Francois Frenette

By Gaelle Leroyer

By Cahterine Dube

CBY DIANNA BOCCO

anada’s Quebec province, the largest by area and rich in history, is woven from the fabric of French heritage and the diverse cultures of the First Nations, crafting a distinct and lively cultural tapestry. From the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, resonating with the allure of ancient Europe, to the untamed wilderness of the northern territories, Quebec captivates and enthralls.

Quebec’s landscape is a dramatic collage of deep forests, sprawling tundra and majestic rivers, home to an array of wildlife including the elusive Canadian lynx, the majestic moose and the iconic snowy owl. The province’s national parks, like the breathtaking Gaspésie and the serene Jacques-Cartier, offer sanctuary not just for wildlife but

also for the human spirit seeking solace and adventure.

The soul of Quebec, however, lies in its people and their “joie de vivre.” Celebrations of music, art, and gastronomy, like the vibrant Quebec Winter Carnival and the internationally acclaimed Montreal Jazz Festival, showcase the province’s love for life.

The province’s commitment to preserving its Francophone culture, while also celebrating its multicultural makeup, makes it a unique destination for groups looking for an unmatched diversity of experiences.

All photos courtesy Quebec Tourism Ministry

The Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is both a historic site and a pilgrimage destination in the province of Quebec.

Rock formations off the coast of Quebec

Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

ESSENTIAL DESTINATIONS

QUEBEC CITY

From its charming boutiques to its picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is a blend of history and romance. The Old Quebec area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the heart and soul of the city, with its historic architecture, cobblestone streets and the iconic Château Frontenac. Peek into the past at the Plains of Abraham, the site of pivotal battles that shaped Canada (and now a sprawling park hosting concerts and cultural events) or wander through the Petit Champlain district, where the quaint streets are lined with artisan shops and cozy eateries.

MONTREAL

Montreal is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its diverse culture and arts scene. This charm extends to its world-class museums like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Biodome, where art and nature are showcased side by side. The city is also famous for its festivals, food (you must try the bagels and poutine!) and the beautiful Mount Royal Park, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. Montreal’s soul is best explored through its eclectic neighborhoods — whether it’s the lively atmosphere of the Jean-Talon and Atwater markets or the buzzing Mile End district with its hip coffee shops, vintage boutiques and vibrant music scene.

THE GASPÉ PENINSULA (GASPÉSIE)

This northeastern nook of Quebec is a dream destination for those who love the great outdoors. Here the mountains meet the sea, offering breathtaking landscapes, rugged cliffs and charming coastal villages. The highlight is the Percé Rock, an impressive rock formation emerging dramatically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the peninsula’s quaint villages, traditional Quebecois culture is not just preserved but vibrantly alive. The art of weaving woolen crafts and the age-old tradition of smoking herring continue, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Nature enthusiasts will also love Forillon National Park, a haven for hiking, wildlife viewing and kayaking.

FAITH HIGHLIGHTS: Set along the picturesque shores of the Saint Lawrence River, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in North America. Dedicated to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, the shrine is known for its miraculous healings, and many pilgrims visit to seek Saint Anne’s intercession. The basilica itself is a marvel filled with beautiful mosaics, stained glass and sculptures.

HISTORIC EXPERIENCE: Located just outside Montreal, Îledes-Moulins in Terrebonne is one of Quebec’s most significant industrial and rural heritage sites. Nestled along the Mille Îles River, this historic gem offers a glimpse into the lives of early Quebec settlers with its preserved mills, ancestral homes and bakeries from the 18th century. Groups can join guided tours and various cultural activities.

SIGNATURE FLAVOR: Poutine, Quebec’s beloved dish, combines crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds or smoked meats, and velvety gravy into the ultimate comfort food. Created in the 1950s, this culinary staple has inspired countless variations across Quebec, each offering a unique taste of the province’s rich culinary heritage. From the traditional recipe to creative renditions featuring luxurious lobster, Poutine can be enjoyed as a late-night snack or a main course.

JUST FOR FUN : Nothing says Quebec like a whale-watching adventure in the majestic Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, where the vast, open waters become a stage for the breathtaking ballet of whales. From the gentle giants of the deep to the playful dolphins and curious seals, this experience is a great way to connect visitors with the awe-inspiring beauty of the local marine life.

By Stephen Poulin

Old Port Montreal

Place Jacques-Cartier in Montreal

By Loic Romer

SOUTHERN CITY

CHARM YOUR TRAVELERS IN THESE DOWNTOWN DESTINATIONS

FBY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

rom popular cities to small villages, Southern downtowns are overflowing with charm.

Perfectly preserved 19th century downtowns full of antebellum homes, historic storefronts, bricklined streets and historic landmarks are spread throughout the South and are well worth a visit.

Here are five noteworthy downtowns where group travelers can get a true sense of what it was like to live in the South during a period that redefined what it meant to be an American.

Hikers look down on historic downtown Harpers Ferry.

Courtesy Charleston CVB

A historic home in downtown Charleston

CENTERS

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Historic downtown Charleston is lined with pastel-colored antebellum homes, garden paths, parks, narrow alleys and cobblestone streets. The quaint area is packed with shops, restaurants and historic sites, especially the French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery overlooks Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Group visitors will want to tour Fort Sumter National Monument/Fort Moultrie and spend a day at Charleston City Market, one of the country’s oldest public markets, which is home to more than 300 boutique shops selling everything from local art to antiques. Charleston’s newest museum, the International African American Museum tells the stories of how Africans and African Americans have shaped the world through their labor, resistance and ingenuity.

Groups can tour three local plantations: Boone Hall, Magnolia and Charleston Tea Garden. And Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum/USS Yorktown makes for a fun day out. Several historic homes in Charleston are open for tours, including Heyward-Washington, Joseph Manigault, Aiken-Rhett, EdmonstonAlston, and Nathaniel Russell.

There are several walking tours available downtown, including history, culinary, Black history, and ghost tours. Charleston is also known for its carriage tours, which will take visitors past antebellum mansions, historic landmarks and beautiful parks. More adventurous groups can book Charleston Harbor Tours aboard the 84-foot, three-masted, wooden Schooner Pride. The tour takes groups past Civil War landmarks, barrier islands and the second-longest cable-stay bridge in North America. Charleston Bicycle Tours will take groups through historic downtown, over the Arthur Ravenal Jr. Bridge and past the USS Yorktown, salt marshes and beaches.

charlestoncvb.com

JONESBOROUGH, TENNESSEE

Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, is tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s known for its storytelling heritage, history, unique shopping and dining. For more than 200 years, the town’s merchants have offered wares from

around the world and locally made items, including nostalgic candy at The Lollipop Shop, unique art at Mill Spring Makers Market, and holiday-themed items at Noelle Gifts and Décor. Visitors can grab a cup of coffee or sample local spirits from Tennessee Hills Distillery, which is in an 1840s house used to store salt during the Civil War era.

A self-guided walking tour brochure is available that will take groups past shops and restaurants while learning about the town’s architecture and the history of the people who once lived and worked downtown. Groups can enjoy dinner at the International Storytelling Center, a one-of-a-kind venue that offers an opportunity to learn about the art behind homespun tales.

Group visitors can dive into the town’s history through a tour with the Heritage Alliance. Guides share the history of the town, its people and the lives they built. Travelers can explore the beautifully preserved Main Street where famous people like Daniel Boone, Andrew Jackson and Davey Crockett once walked, or visit the Chuckey Depot Museum at Jonesborough, a restored turn-of-the-century railroad depot that tells the story of the railroad’s impact on small rural communities.

jonesborough.com

DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA

Dahlonega’s historic public square is lined with brick sidewalks and features 19th century buildings filled with shops, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues. The downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the South’s most quaint and active town centers. The city is known for its gold rush history. In 1928, Dahlonega was flooded with miners after it was discovered to have the largest gold deposits east of the Mississippi River.

Groups can visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum

Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB

Courtesy Charleston CVB

Courtesy Town of Jonesborough

Courtesy Charleston CVB

A Charleston streetscape

Main Street Café in Jonesborough

Boone Hall in Charleston

State Historic Site, which is in the town square, to learn about the area’s mining past. The museum is in a historic courthouse that originally served as the courthouse for Lumpkin County from 1836 to 1965. Visitors can visit the judge’s chambers and view rare coins and gold nuggets.

To learn more about the town, groups can take the Dahlonega History Tour, which features stories of the individuals who were integral in making Dahlonega what it is today, including Colonel William Pierce Price Jr., who founded the University of North Georgia.

The Historic Smith House Inn has ample space for large groups and offers family-style country foods. The downtown square also has two confectionaries, Paul Thomas Chocolates and The Fudge Factory. A short drive away, visitors can enjoy Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo and North Georgia Wildlife Park. The Dahlonega Butterfly Farm is open seasonally and allows visitors to get up close to butterflies in a tropical greenhouse. Red Oak Lavender Farm is one of the largest lavender farms in Georgia, with over 4,000 plants.

dahlonega.org

HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA

Harpers Ferry and neighboring Bolivar have walkable historic downtowns with distinctive shops and a variety of cafes and restaurants. Harpers Ferry and the surrounding county are steeped in Civil War history. Its most famous attraction, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, preserves the U.S. Armory and Arsenal held by John Brown and his supporters for three days in 1859. Brown, an abolitionist, wanted to get his hands on the estimated 100,000 firearms stored in the federal arsenal to arm the slaves to foment a rebellion. On Oct. 18, 1859, he led 18 men into the town of Harpers Ferry, but he overestimated the support he would receive, and his rebellion was quickly dispelled.

Groups can take a ranger-guided tour of the armory and arsenal or trace John Brown’s Trail, which follows Brown from his planning of the raid through his incarceration and hanging. Storer College, which is part of the national historical park, is a historically Black college that operated from 1867 to 1955 and is where the precursor to the NAACP got its start.

Harpers Ferry is also known for its beautiful scenery. The Potomac and Shenandoah rivers both run through the town, and groups can spend a day on the water with standup paddleboards or book a raft or float trip. The Appalachian Trail runs right through Harpers Ferry, and groups can hike along the historic towpath along the C&O Canal. Ghost tours are also offered downtown.

wherealmostheavenbegins.com

COVINGTON, KENTUCKY

Across the Ohio river from Cincinnati, Covington, Kentucky, is divided into several trendy neighborhoods full of unique shops, street art, restaurants, bourbon bars and craft breweries. The Madison District, or downtown Covington, wends from Madison Avenue to the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a Catholic cathedral modeled on Notre Dame in Paris. Groups can tour the interior of the church, with its stained-glass windows imported from Germany.

Like other districts in Covington, Madison features craft breweries, restaurants and three stops on the B-Line, northern Kentucky’s self-guided bourbon trail.

Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB

Courtesy Discover Dahlonega

Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB

Courtesy Discover Dahlonega

Courtesy Jefferson Co. CVB

Courtesy GA Dept. of Econ. Dev.

Downtown Harpers Ferry

Picnic Café in downtown Dahlonega

Dahlonega Butterfly Farm

Food at Dahlonega’s Smith House

A scenic hike in Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Inspire your group with the nationally recognized attractions of Northern Kentucky. Plan your trip today at kentuckytourism.com

Roebling Point is at the foot of the Roebling Suspension Bridge that connects Covington with Cincinnati. It is a foodie paradise, with ice cream shops, Molly Malone’s Irish pub, Smoke Justis, and Covington Yard, an outdoor gathering place ringed with shipping-container restaurants and a full-service bar.

Mainstrasse Village is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Covington. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places because it has one of the densest collections of 19th century architecture in the U.S. and is just a few blocks from the riverfront hotels and convention center.

The Goose Girl Fountain is in the heart of Mainstrasse, and the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower entertains with a carillon and working glockenspiel. Five times a day, from April through November, mechanical figures of the Pied Piper and the children following him emerge from the top of the tower. meetnky.com

Photos courtesy Meet NKY

Covington’s Roebling Bridge Shrimp and grits at

A Covington charcuterie spread Mainstrasse Village in downtown Covington

Real Louisiana food goes beyond Cajun and Creole - it’s got a little bit of everything. And if real Louisiana food is what you’re looking for, you won’t find fare with that kind of flair anywhere other than Baton Rouge – Louisiana’s Capital City.

VisitBatonRouge.com/Restaurants

NATURE AND

TREAT YOUR GROUP TO RELAXING FUN AT THESE SOUTHERN RESORTS

TBY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

he South’s signature resorts are more than just places to sleep.

Groups traveling through the region will find a plethora of properties in spectacular settings, from the Ozark Mountains and the Gulf Coast to the rugged forests of West Virginia, that offer a chance to relax, play a round of golf or tennis, explore nature, get a deep tissue massage or float along a lazy river.

Consider a stay at one of these distinctive properties to add a touch of fun and luxury on your group’s next trip through the South.

The Resort at Glade Springs offers travelers a serene retreat surrounded by West Virginia mountains.

Courtesy The Resort at Glade Springs

Dining at the Resort at Glade Springs

NURTURE

THE RESORT AT GLADE SPRINGS DANIELS, WEST VIRGINIA

The Resort at Glade Springs is in a gated community in Daniels, West Virginia, only a short drive from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, one of the state’s most popular attractions.

The 200-room resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by prolific golf course architect George Cobb, that is considered one of the best courses in West Virginia. Two other championship golf courses are nearby and accessible to resort guests.

Groups can book time at the Cobb course and even host a tournament, depending on the size of the group. Spa Orange offers a full range of spa and beauty treatments, including massages, facials, cupping therapy, body wraps and aromatherapy. And during the winter months, guests can take a shuttle to nearby Winterplace Ski Area.

The resort has tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an eightlane bowling alley, an arcade, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and an escape room designed by resort staff. There are four on-site restaurants, including a sports bar and a café.

During the holidays, Glade Springs offers different special events. In October, the resort features a haunted attraction called Fright Night. And in December, the resort celebrates with a Holiday Lights Trail, an immersive walk-through experience that includes a snowball fight area, gourmet hot chocolate and cookies. The resort can also organize excursions to the national park.

Groups can book traditional lodge rooms or multi-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens.

gladesprings.com

GRAND HOTEL GOLF RESORT AND SPA POINT CLEAR, ALABAMA

Situated on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is in the scenic coastal community of Point Clear, overlooking Mobile Bay. Groups visiting the resort can play 36 holes of golf on the Dogwood and Azalea courses,

which feature rolling fairways and tight greens, lakes, streams and stands of mature trees. The courses were renovated under the direction of the Robert Trent Jones Trail team and offer championship layouts.

The resort is also known for its 20,000-square-foot, full-service spa. During the week, the spa offers day passes that allow guests access to the steam rooms, sauna, whirlpools, relaxation room, indoor pool and fitness center.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy playing tennis or pickleball on the property or spending the day splashing around in the large outdoor pool, zooming down the waterslide or relaxing in the lazy river. The resort offers pickleball lessons and clinics. Croquet is also a popular pastime at the resort, which began offering the sport in the 1940s. Now, guests can play on two championship Six Wicket Golf Croquet lawns at the Lakewood Club.

The resort has several dining options, from a poolside grill to the Grand Hall, which features a classic breakfast menu and extensive Sunday brunch. Bayside Grill offers cuisine made from ingredients sourced from local farms and the resort’s Estate Garden, while the 1847 bar offers crafted cocktails, wines and local libations. Southern Roots offers farm-to-table fare.

marriott.com

GRANDOVER RESORT AND SPA GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

Grandover Resort and Spa is located on 1,500 acres just outside Greensboro. The 244-room resort, which opened in 1999, underwent a major renovation and rebranding starting in 2017. Since then, every part of the resort has received either a full renovation or a major refresh.

Before COVID, the resort specialized in conferences and events, but during the pandemic, it shifted its

Courtesy The Resort at Glade Springs

Photos courtesy The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa The Grand Hotel lobby A lakefront pool at the Grand Hotel

focus to the leisure market. Now, the staff happily caters to both crowds. It is a major golf destination with two 18-hole golf courses designed by David Graham and Gary Panks. The Golf Academy at Grandover helps guests of all ages improve their golf swing and mental focus, offering personal, group and corporate group instruction, half day clinics and family fun golf instruction.

The resort’s spa offers massages, reflexology, facials, manicures and pedicures, aromatherapy, heat therapy, foot scrubs, waxing and dry brushing.

An art gallery on-site celebrates North Carolina artists and features paintings, mixed media, watercolor, metalworks and photography, along with handcrafted jewelry, woodworking, sculpture and pottery. Groups can also enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools. During the summer months, guests can enjoy weekly water aerobics classes. There is a fitness center and yoga studio, tennis, sand volleyball, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Café Expresso offers arcade games, tabletop shuffleboard and billiards. For a more upscale dining experience, groups can try DiValletta Restaurant.

grandoverresort.com

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI

Margaritaville Resort Biloxi overlooks Deer Island and the Mississippi Sound. The property has 373 guest rooms and plenty of dining and entertainment options to keep its guests occupied. The resort’s 55,000-square-foot Escape family entertainment center is the largest in Mississippi, offering more than 250 arcade games, like Super Mario Kart; life-size Pac-Man; Skee Ball and air hockey; a 48-foot volcano rock wall; the Sky Trail Ropes Course, which has 14 sky obstacles to climb; the Sky Rail zip line; and the Sky Tykes ropes course for kids.

Escape also has Maxflight, a full-motion, cockpit-size theme park loaded with 18 simulations, from undersea adventures to a wild aerial dogfight controlled with a joystick. The facility also has six lanes of mini-bowling, where groups can play a traditional game, unique mini-games or customized competitions.

Paradise Pier is the resort’s latest offering, with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and other amusement park rides, refreshments and wonderful views of the Mississippi Sound and Gulf Coast.

The resort has a rooftop water playground with a 450-foot lazy river, a lounge pool, water slides and giant flip-flops that allow guests to hop across the pool. There is a water ropes course and a swim-up bar. The resort has plenty of dining options, from a coffee shop and snack shack to a pizza parlor, Margaritaville Café and an outlet of Doe’s Eat Place, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that offers freshly cut steaks.

margaritavilleresortbiloxi.com

CRESCENT HOTEL AND SPA EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the historic Crescent Hotel and Spa was built as a luxury retreat for wealthy travelers in 1886. The governor of Arkansas at the time knew the area needed a grand resort hotel to cater to the many travelers headed to Eureka Springs to tap into the area’s reputation as a healing retreat.

The property hasn’t always been a hotel. In fact, it served as a college for women and a cancer clinic for a time before being converted back into a hotel in 1946. The resort was bought in 1997 by a couple determined to preserve the historic structure.

Courtesy Margaritaville Resort

Courtesy Grandover Resort

Courtesy Margaritaville Resort

Courtesy Grandover Resort

Courtesy Margaritaville Resort

Courtesy Grandover Resort

A ride at Margaritaville Resort and Family Entertainment Center in Biloxi

Grandover Resort in Greensboro

The Grandover Resort spa

The art gallery at Grandover Resort

Rock climbing at Margaritaville

Margaritaville’s Paradise Pier

WHER E

The building now features Victorian color schemes, hand-stenciled walls and historical furnishings with all the modern conveniences.

In 2008, four two-bedroom treetop cottages were added to the hotel’s 15-acre mountaintop property. A new glass-enclosed conservatory was added for hosting events, and the New Moon Spa was added to the garden level of the hotel.

Groups staying at the resort can play family games on the back porch, enjoy the spa fitness room, or explore a nature trail and cave on the property. The hotel also offers a Crescent Hotel history tour, ghost tour and self-guided scavenger hunt. The Frisco Sporting Club offers hatchet throwing, yard games and live music.

The hotel has several dining options, including the Crystal Dining Room for breakfast or La Cena or Italian dinner. Skybar Gourmet Pizza also serves wings and calzones with stunning views, and Top of the Crest, the hotel’s rooftop bar, has a selection of drinks and desserts.

crescent-hotel.com

Photos courtesy Crescent Hotel and Spa

The Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs

The Crescent Hotel pool

A group dining experience at the Crescent Hotel

What Happened Here Changed the World.

After Rosa Parks’s arrest on December 1, 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger, more than 5,000 people gathered at Holt Street Baptist Church on December 5, 1955 to listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver a compelling speech promoting nonviolent protest strategies. This event marked the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most successful boycotts in history. It was also at this location and on this day that Rev. King was named president of the newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA).

For information contact: Shawna.Faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or call 334.353.1907

THESE HISTORIC CHURCHES TRACE A HERITAGE OF FAITH

TBY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

he contours of the South have been shaped by its inhabitants’ faith.

Religious heritage runs through the region’s history like thread through tapestry. Travelers can learn about the influence of faith in the area by visiting some of the South’s most storied churches. Some were founded before the United States was born, and others have deep ties to Civil War figures, U.S. presidents and the Civil Rights Movement.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis stands at the center of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter.

Courtesy Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

SANCTUARIES

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. LOUIS NEW ORLEANS

St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most-recognized buildings in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The current church was constructed in the 1850s, but the first church in this location was built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France. The Great New Orleans Fire in 1794 destroyed the church, and it wasn’t until the 1800s that a new church was completed.

Andrew Jackson visited the cathedral in 1840 when an oration was given in his honor. He had triumphed over the British 25 years earlier, and a monument to him was built in the square. In 1847, Zachary Taylor, a hero of the Mexican War, attended a service at the church. After the service, he rode his battle horse through the streets of the city to the St. Charles Hotel.

The most important visitor to the cathedral was Pope John Paul II, who came in 1987. Shortly after his visit, the cathedral was upgraded to a basilica.

The basilica features a towering center spire and two smaller spires. A statue of Jesus dominates the St. Anthony Garden at the rear of the church. At night, lights project the statue’s shadow onto the cathedral. The interior is open for self-guided tours when not in use for mass and other religious functions. The stained-glass windows and paintings in the church are well worth a visit, as is the Rococo-style gilded altar. stlouiscathedral.org

THE CATHEDRAL OF ALL SOULS ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Consecrated in 1896, the Cathedral of All Souls was built at the request of railroad tycoon George Vanderbilt, who had decided to make the mountains of North Carolina his permanent home. His first order of business was to build an Episcopal church as the focal point of Biltmore Village, the community associated with his elaborate Biltmore estate.

The church was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who is known as the dean of American architecture. He designed the 1902 entrance façade and Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; many Fifth Avenue mansions; and the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. He also designed Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate near Asheville and

his summer cottages in Newport, Rhode Island.

The cathedral’s pulpit, lectern, high altar, bishop’s chair, chancel furniture, pews and kneeling cushions are all original. The octagonal building behind the chancel apse and ambulatory holds robing rooms for the choir. It was not part of the church’s original design but was added shortly after the building was consecrated.

Out of the six churches Hunt designed, only the Cathedral of All Souls remains. Groups can schedule docent-led tours that highlight the architecture, original furnishings, and beautiful opalescent art glass and clear mouth-blown leaded glass windows, or take a history-focused tour to learn more about the church’s beginnings.

allsoulscathedral.org

CHRIST CHURCH ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

Christ Church was designed by Colonel James Wren, a descendant of Sir Christopher Wren, the architect behind London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, in the Georgian style. The historical Episcopal church, which was completed in 1773, counted George Washington and Robert E. Lee among its noteworthy parishioners. Washington was one of the first to purchase a box pew at the church when they were sold to the highest bidders. He purchased his box pew for £36.10, or $6,700 in 2023 dollars, to help pay for the last stage of the church’s construction.

Washington worshipped there until he received his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775. After the Revolutionary War and after his presidency, he attended services at the church anytime he was in Alexandria. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill worshipped at Christ Church on New Year’s Day 1942 as part of a National Day of Prayer after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

Courtesy Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Courtesy Christ Church Alexandria

Courtesy Cathedral of All Souls Courtesy Christ Church Alexandria

George Washington’s pew at Christ Church Alexandria The Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville

Christ Church Alexandria

Discover More in Rocket City MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA

Groups can take a tour of the church to see George Washington’s pew as well as markers attached to it commemorating the historic 1942 visit. Robert E. Lee’s pew is also marked with a brass plate.

The church features a pulpit shaped like a top-heavy wine glass, which was installed during an 1890s restoration of the church. Ten Commandments tablets are displayed to the right of the pulpit, and the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s Creed and the Golden Rule are displayed to the left.

historicchristchurch.org

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

First Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1845 and is one of the oldest Black congregations in Arkansas. It was founded by Reverend Wilson Brown, a slave who had attended the community’s Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock. He was able to start his own congregation with help from white members of that church. The current Gothic Revival church was built in 1882 and has been at the center of the Civil Rights Movement since the 1890s.

In 1891, more than 600 African Americans gathered at the church to protest the state’s Separate Coach Law, which required racial separation in passenger cars and train station waiting rooms. They marched from the church to the Old State House to fight against laws that denied Black people their constitutional rights. In May 1958, Martin Luther King Jr. came to Little Rock to attend Ernest Green’s graduation ceremony from Central High School. Green was the first African American to graduate from the school. King came back to Little Rock in 1963 to give First Missionary Baptist Church’s 118th anniversary sermon. That was four months before he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Travelers can visit the church as part of the Little Rock Historic Church Tour, developed by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, to highlight 20 of the city’s oldest churches from many denominations.

littlerock.com

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. AUGUSTINE ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is America’s oldest Catholic parish, dating back to the founding of St. Augustine by the Spanish in 1565. The Spanish landed at the site on the feast day of Saint Augustine of Hippo, so the new settlement was named San Agustin. They held a mass there and quickly built a church.

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Photos courtesy Little Rock CVB

First Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock

Experience it for yourself.

Bring your group to see a powerful story of hope unfold at the Billy Graham Library. Together, you can explore engaging multimedia presentations, displays, photos, and memorabilia. Come discover how God used a dairy farmer’s son to tell the world about His love—and see for yourself how this never-changing message changes everything.

Los Angeles Crusade display at the Billy Graham Library

During a war between the Spanish and English in 1585, the city of St. Augustine was captured by Sir Francis Drake and burned to the ground, including the church. It was quickly rebuilt, but several incarnations of the church were destroyed over the years. After the English gave Florida back to Spain in 1784, Spanish royalty requested that a new church be built. It was completed in 1797 in the Spanish Mission style.

The cathedral features bell gables, wooden beams and clay roof tiles. It got a much-needed facelift in 1966, and, in 1976, Pope Paul VI raised the cathedral to minor basilica status.

Groups interested in learning more about the church and its history can take a self-guided tour or a behind-the-scenes tour that brings visitors into areas of the building that are not traditionally open to the public. Tour stops include the choir loft, sacristy, confessional, baptistery and chapel. Visitors can learn about the church’s 400-year history and the paintings and stained-glass windows in the chapel or take a peek at the cathedral’s very own relic, a bone fragment of St. Augustine encased in a golden bust of the saint.

thefirstparish.org

Courtesy FloridasHistoricCoast.com

Courtesy Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

A tower at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Blessing of the Fleet in St. Augustine

Find inspiration where the past is present.

Build your next tour around a visit to the stunning 13,000-square-foot Hills & Dales Estate, with faith-inspired gardens featuring topiary boxwoods designed to read “God is Love.” And afterward, tour the Biblical History Center where you’ll be immersed in stories of the Bible brought to life. Plan your journey today at VisitLaGrange.com Be