Going On Faith Summer 2024

NORTHERN

TAKE THE JOURNEY

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus on our half-mile interactive prayer trail.

OUR LADY OF GAUDALUPE PLAZA Put Yourself In Juan Diego’s Shoes.

THE FAMILY PLAZA

A Beautiful New Outdoor Plaza and Gi Shop.

MOSES & MOUNT SINAI Witness Moses Deliver the 10 Commandments.

THE GIFT SHOPPE

A 12,000 SQ. FT Gi Shoppe Featuring Gi s for all Occasions

THE SANCTITY OF LIFE SHRINE In Loving Memory of the Innocent Victims of Abortion.

OUR LADY OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM A 33’ Tall, Serene, Stainless Steel Monument.

THE SUMMIT ROOM Perfect for Any Banquet or Conference Room Needs.

The Ark is just the beginning in this fascinating region.

Discover history and spirituality on a tour through Virginia.

Make a point to visit these iconic American places.

DEPARTMENTS

Columns Conference Spotlights

6 EDITOR’S NOTES: Trend or Transformation?

ON THE COVER:

8 Branson prepares to welcome Going On Faith Conference delegates

Praia do Comilo is one of the most famous beaches in Algarve, Portugal. Photo by Balate Dorin 12 PROFILE: Richard Pickering

27 Treat your group to live shows in theater hotspots throughout the Midwest.

Mac T. Lacy Founder and

Publisher

Charles A. Presley

Partner

Brian Jewell

VP & Executive Editor

Herb Sparrow

Senior Writer

Donia Simmons

Creative Director

Ashley Ricks

Graphic Design/Circulation

Rachel Crick

Writer/Project Coordinator

Rena Baer

Copy Editor

Kyle Anderson

VP of Sales and Marketing

Telisa Reid-Rech

Advertising Sales Manager

Sarah Sechrist

Controller and Office Manager

kyle@grouptravelleader.com

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

EDITOR’S

NOTES

BRIAN JEWELL

IS TRANSFORMATION JUST A TREND?

And just like that, everyone was talking about transformational travel.

In my 20 years in travel journalism, I have seen a fair number of trends come and go, each accompanied by its own stylish buzzwords. There was a time when upscale travel was all the rage. Next, faith travel had a moment in the sun, with many companies and organizations in the industry scrambling to get faith-based initiatives off the ground. Then, as baby boomers became the most coveted demographic in group tourism, people started talking a lot about ideas such as experiential travel, eco-travel, green travel, culinary travel, voluntourism, authentic travel and meaningful travel.

For a year or two, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we had no travel, followed by a couple years of revenge travel. By all accounts, though, that wave has receded. So, it’s natural to wonder what might come next.

The answer, according to many thought leaders in tourism, is transformational travel.

What exactly is transformational travel? Answers may differ slightly from person to person. But at its core, the key idea is that travel has the power to change people. It can help them become more active, improve their mental health, experience personal growth and even heal from traumatic experiences. Increasingly, today’s travelers are searching for trips during which they will not only have fun but also achieve some of these deeper goals. They’re searching for transformation.

That may sound like a tall order or an unrealistic expectation. Sure, you know how to book hotels, charter motorcoaches and plan itineraries. You even know how to entertain your

group as you drive down the road. But do you know how to change someone’s life?

Don’t worry, I have good news. As a church group travel planner, you are probably already leading people in transformational experiences, whether you realize it or not.

In today’s world where loneliness has become an epidemic, taking people on group trips together can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that has made life so miserable for so many. Travel supercharges the relationshipbuilding process, helping people strengthen existing friendships and create new ones. That’s transformational.

But there’s more. Because as a church travel leader, your trips aren’t just building relationships. They’re building community. You’re inviting friends not only on a trip but also to join a faith family on an adventure. When new people find a place to belong on your trips, they’re more likely to find a place to belong in your church as well. That’s transformational.

And finally, your trips have a spiritual impact. Whether you’re taking people to visit biblical sites in faraway lands or simply gathering for prayer or Bible study as part of a long weekend in a neighboring state, you play a part in connecting people to a deeper faith. You’re meeting people’s innermost needs. The things you do in your travel program may reverberate in eternity. That’s transformational.

Will transformational travel end up being a trend that comes and goes like many others? In the general tourism market, perhaps. But for everyone working in faith-based travel, transformation isn’t just a flash in the pan. It’s at the heart of what you do, and it always has been.

The rest of the world is just now catching up.

BRIAN JEWELL | EDITOR | brianj@grouptravelleader.com

BRANSON READIES FOR GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE

BY RACHEL CRICK

The 2024 Going On Faith Conference will take place August 6–8 in Branson, Missouri. The town of roughly 13,000 in the Ozarks is preparing to welcome conference attendees for several days of discussing the faith-based group travel market, networking and exploring the city. The conference will be held at the Hilton Branson Convention Center, which is just across the street from Branson Landing’s plentiful shops, restaurants and entertainment, and a short drive from many of Branson’s other major attractions. The 293-room hotel is a AAA Three Diamond property and features gorgeous views of the river and the surrounding Ozark mountains.

“Branson is so excited to welcome attendees of the Going On Faith Conference,” said Yvonne Long, assistant director of meetings and conventions for the Branson/ Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. “We love our Group Travel Family; they always do a wonderful job for any of the markets they’ve brought in.”

WELCOME TO BRANSON

Branson’s ties to tourism and the faith-based market have been interwoven dating back to the city’s founding in the early 20th century.

“Branson’s tourism started because the minister

Harold Bell Wright wrote ‘The Shepherd of the Hills,’ which is the book about redemption and second chances and the history of the area,” Long said. “When it was published in 1907, it was one of the first books that sold 1 million copies.”

The success of “The Shepherd of the Hills” put Branson on the map and established a booming tourism ecosystem in the city. To this day, tourism is the city’s only major industry, welcoming over 10 million visitors annually. Branson is no stranger to group travel, either. Its attractions, which center around the performing arts, the area’s beautiful natural scenery and an amusement park, are exceedingly family friendly. Guests of all ages

All photos courtesy Branson/Lakes Area CVB

Branson Landing is a popular spot for shopping, dining and entertainment in Branson.

can find things to do, making it a good fit for faith-based travel groups, including youth groups.

“Branson has always had a faith and family basis,” Long said. “We have a lot of faith-based meetings that come in too, as well as tours. So Branson is used to welcoming visitors. It’s all about family, God and country.”

EVENT DETAILS

The Going On Faith Conference features days packed with educational speakers, social events and marketplace sessions where religious tour planners can meet one-on-one with suppliers.

“BRANSON HAS ALWAYS HAD A FAITH AND FAMILY BASIS. WE HAVE A LOT OF FAITH-BASED MEETINGS THAT COME IN TOO, AS WELL AS TOURS. SO BRANSON IS USED TO WELCOMING VISITORS. IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY, GOD AND COUNTRY.”

— YVONNE LONG

The conference will kick off with something sweet: an ice cream social held at the Branson Convention Center. Then on the conference’s opening night, delegates will attend a performance at Sight and Sound Theatres. This year’s production of “Queen Esther” explores the beloved story of Esther from the Old Testament. The theater company is known for its elaborate set design and costumes, as well as its high-quality productions. It’s one of the city’s biggest attractions, drawing millions of audience members each year with its biblically themed productions. Conference attendees are sure to be equally captivated by the performance.

Both days will feature an educational breakfast,

Branson scenes, clockwise from top left: Ziplining at Shepherd of the Hills; Big D’s BBQ Branson; the Hilton Branson Convention Center; Shepherd of the Hills; Branson performers The Duttons

several presentations and speakers, and a marketplace session with six-minute appointments. These marketplace sessions, which feature one-on-one meetings between delegates, foster valuable relationships among industry professionals in the religious tour market.

Karin Aaron, president and CEO of the Green Book Experience, will be the conference’s keynote speaker. Aaron is an experienced tourism professional and a Certified Tourism Ambassador.

Green Book Experience (GBX) is an online platform being introduced this year that serves as a travel guide with information about minority communities that highlights relevant historic and cultural sites and experiences. It was inspired by the “Negro Motorists Green Book,” the book that guided Black travelers to businesses that would welcome them during the Jim Crow era.

“We believe that the power of travel brings people together, and access to arts, history and cultural experiences is the gateway to understanding the African American story,” said Aaron. “The new Green Book Experience embodies the best of travel experiences to connect you to adventures that will intentionally transform our lives.”

EXPLORING BRANSON

On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 7, conference attendees will head out to explore Branson with four sightseeing tours.

The first sightseeing excursion will include a tour of two chapels in Branson.

The second tour will be Branson Duck Tours, which combines land and lakes into one incredible experience. Attendees will enjoy riding on brightly colored amphibious vehicles that take them first through the streets of Branson and then right onto Lake Taneycomo to view the city from the water. Then, attendees will visit the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, which is home to over 250 species of marine animals.

The third sightseeing tour will let attendees revel in the outdoors. Pink Adventure Tours takes visitors through forests and up mountains in bright pink Jeep Wranglers. They’ll get to see the stunning views of Branson’s three lakes and the Ozarks, followed by a thrilling ride on the Runaway Branson Mountain Coaster.

The final sightseeing tour will let attendees experience Immersive Disney Animation, followed by a trip to Beyond the Lens Branson. Each of these interactive attractions promises fun for attendees. The sightseeing tours will be followed by dinner at Chateau on the Lake.

REMEMBERING BILL HIGHSMITH

Bill Highsmith, longtime travel planner for Tusculum Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, died December 3, 2023, at the age of 81. Bill was a longtime reader of The Group Travel Leader Inc’s family of magazines and attended numerous Going On Faith and Select Traveler conferences over the years.

Bill was an intrepid traveler and took his groups to many destinations across the globe. In 2019, just months before COVID shut down international travel, Bill joined Select Traveler magazine for one of our OnSite familiarization trips to Egypt. If anyone epitomized the skills needed to coax friends to see the world, it was Bill.

Karin Aaron

The Green Book Experience website

Lake Taneycomo in autumn

"Now this is what I call inspiration."

- 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:

Richard Pickering, Deputy Executive Director and Senior Historian

COMPANY:

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

HOMETOWN: Braintree, Massachusetts

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE:

Psalm 121:1-2 KJV — “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

FAVORITE DESTINATION:

“Florence, the Uffizi Gallery. ‘The Adoration of the Magi, The Circumcision, and The Ascension of Christ’ triptych by Andrea Mantegna is breathtaking in composition, color and characterization. And it is always a joy watching visitors’ first reactions to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ or ‘Primavera.’ Count how many times you hear ‘It’s Venus on the Half Shell!’ as you stand in front of the canvas.”

HOBBIES:

Pickering enjoys daily early morning writing sessions at Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as MGM movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

‘A Parade of Time’

RICHARD PICKERING

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE PLIMOTH PATUXET MUSEUMS

SBY REBECCA TREON

ome people are blessed to find their calling early in life. Richard Pickering is one of them.

Pickering discovered his passion for history when he was just 6 years old on a visit to the Adams National Historical Park, featuring the home where former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams lived. His curiosity piqued the interest of the museum’s docent, a Miss Harris, who had been the last personal secretary to Brooks Adams, John Adams’ greatgrandson. She took him through the house on a personal tour, giving him unparalleled access to things like the family’s christening gown, the Mende Bible presented to John Quincy Adams by the prisoners of La Amistad, and the chair where John Adams spoke his last words, “Thomas Jefferson still survives,” on July 4, 1826.

That encounter set Pickering on a career path that brought him to the Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

“My parents and Miss Harris are how I ended up doing this work, and there are times that you can see a child just light up and you realize, ‘Oh, wow, I’m his Miss Harris,’” Pickering said. “We’re here to capture the imagination, to connect people

TRAVEL TIPS

TIP 1

Sip your morning coffee quietly. Often, the overheard conversation points you in the direction of local favorites for dining, shopping or the performing arts. You might also learn what to avoid!

TIP 2

Some people say, “Stop and smell the roses.” I say, “Stop and try the local chocolates.”

TIP 3

Truly see your servers, thank your servers and tip your servers.

of all ages with the past and understand that we’re on a continuum of history. We have received the world from others as we are making the world others will receive. So how do you help people understand they stand in a parade of time where we’re all connected to each other?”

Pickering visited the Plimoth Patuxet Museums many times in his youth, starting with a requisite third-grade field trip from his home in nearby Braintree, Massachusetts. When he was 23, a friend convinced him to interview for a job as a pilgrim historical reenactor. He then went to graduate school at the College of William and Mary, came back and worked in roles as a research associate, director of special projects and director of education. He then attended the University of Connecticut for more graduate work and returned again in 2009 as the museum’s deputy executive director.

“I’ve been with this museum on and off for the past 40 years,” he said.

Faith has played a role in Pickering’s work at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum since the beginning. Before his first interview at the museum, he overheard some of the other reenactors chatting and was inspired, instantly knowing what he could bring to the program.

“One of them said, ‘Do you ever talk about religion with our guests?’ and the uniform response was, ‘No, that’s terrifying,’” said Pickering. “I thought, ‘Oh, now I know what I can contribute,’ because their staff are unfamiliar with or frightened to talk about one of the key motivations that brought the pilgrims to New England.”

Pickering had been a Sunday school teacher since he was about 15. His own father was raised in a military family that attended many different churches according to where they were based at the time. Pickering describes his own religious education as ecumenical — his parents encouraged their children to attend services at many different churches to form their own opinions.

“They wanted us to know about the faith experience and to be informed about our own beliefs and to understand the beliefs of others,” he said. “They didn’t want us living in ignorance of other people’s traditions. So I knew how I could help people understand the experience of the Pilgrims and talk about it from an informed position.”

Today, Pickering helps visitors understand that the contemporary Christian experience is different from the 17th century Christian experience, largely because of advancements in the sciences and archaeological discoveries that have allowed for more modern interpretations of the Bible. The Plimoth Patuxet Museum is preparing to release 14 short films funded by the Lilly Endowment that explore different aspects of the pilgrims’ experience including part of their worship practices.

“Our faith-based travelers are interested in this because their group can have deeper conversations,” he said. “It all depends on the individual and the quality of their inner life. Some people are deeply affected by a visit to the museum, and for others, it’s the beginning of exploring the role of religion in American history.”

MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA

Rockets, world-class attractions, culinary offerings to satisfy any appetite, a thriving arts and entertainment culture, sweet tea, and hospitable Southern charm isn’t all we are known for. Our rich history, museums, scenic views, and tours and trails are ready for you to explore in Huntsville, Alabama.

* Discover More in Rocket City

Our Foundations of Faith Trail showcases 15 places of worship, each over 100 years old, still holding services.

Richard Pickering at Plimoth Patuxet Museums

SNAP TRAVEL SHOT

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

Situated along the mighty Ohio River, the cities of northern Kentucky share the spotlight with Cincinnati, offering a delightful variety of activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike.

The area has four stops along the Kentucky Faith Trail, a self-guided trail that leads visitors though 11 of state’s religious attractions, highlighting places, landscapes and architecture. In Williamstown, you’ll find Noah’s Ark brought to life at the Ark Encounter. The largest wood-framed timber structure in the world, the ark stands seven stories high and is 510 feet long. Besides the ark itself, the encounter includes a carousel, children’s zoo and playground, and dining. Camel rides and ziplining are also available.

In Petersburg, the Creation Museum is housed in a state-of-the-art 75,000-squarefoot facility and features exhibits including a

realistic Garden of Eden, a 4D special effects theater, a petting zoo and botanical gardens. Another stop on the Faith Trail is the Cathedral Basilica, a mini replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Groups of 10 or more can arrange for guided tours in the cathedral. Only a half mile away, the Mother of God Church has breathtaking stained-glass windows and beautifully painted artwork throughout the building.

“Here in northern Kentucky, we like to say that the South literally begins at our front door,” said Amanda Johannemann, director of destination marketing and communications for Meet NKY. “We welcome groups to enjoy small-town warmth and hospitality alongside the big city amenities and attractions that Cincinnati has to offer, just a bridge walk across the Ohio River.”

“HERE IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY, WE LIKE TO SAY THAT THE SOUTH LITERALLY BEGINS AT OUR FRONT DOOR. WE WELCOME GROUPS TO ENJOY SMALL-TOWN WARMTH AND HOSPITALITY ALONGSIDE THE BIG CITY AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS THAT CINCINNATI HAS TO OFFER, JUST A BRIDGE WALK ACROSS THE OHIO RIVER.” —

All photos courtesy Meet NKY except where noted

The botanical gardens at the Creation Museum give travelers space to enjoy nature and ponder what they have learned in the museum’s exhibits.

The Ark Encounter

AMANDA JOHANNEMANN MEET NKY

NEWPORT AQUARIUM

Sharks, seahorses and “mermaids” (graceful ladies swimming in mermaid costumes), along with thousands of other aquatic creatures, are all on display at the Newport Aquarium, just across the river from Cincinnati. Named as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Aquariums, the facility will delight visitors of all ages with touch tanks, a shipwreck exhibit (complete with eels), a 60,000-gallon walk-through coral reef tunnel and the first-in-theworld Shark Bridge, where visitors can walk on a rope bridge just inches above a tank full of sharks.

NEWPORTAQUARIUM.COM

NEWPORT ON THE LEVEE

Following your visit to Newport Aquarium, stay and spend time at Newport on the Levee for shopping, entertainment and dining. The newly opened Galley on the Levee is a food hall experience featuring locally owned, thoughtfully curated restaurant concepts and a signature bar experience. It spills out into Bridgeview Box Park, a laid-back, outdoor shipping container park with riverfront and skyline views.

NEWPORTONTHELEVEE.COM

BEHRINGER-CRAWFORD MUSEUM

Journey to the top of Covington’s Devou Park for a unique experience at the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Set among rolling hills with breathtaking views of the Ohio River, Cincinnati and Covington, the museum features exhibitions on natural history, American history and the region’s iconic railway system.

BCMUSEUM.ORG

BB RIVERBOATS

The Ohio River is the lifeblood of the region, and there’s no more enjoyable way to experience this mighty waterway than on a leisurely riverboat cruise. BB Riverboats has been plying the waters since 1979. Groups can enjoy delicious buffets featuring locally sourced specialties and savory Kentucky hot browns in ornate Victorian surroundings on the opulent Belle of Cincinnati. The riverboat has three climate-controlled decks, and an open-air upper viewing deck offering sweeping views of the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky skylines. Cruises run throughout the year rain or shine, are handicap accessible and welcome guests of all ages.

BBRIVERBOATS.COM

BB Riverboats

Newport Aquarium

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Newport on the Levee

Courtesy Behringer-Crawford Muesum

Behringer-Crawford Museum

STATE A OF FAITH

OF FOUNDERS & FAITH

HISTORY AND SPIRITUALITY CONVERGE IN VIRGINIA

Courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies’ Assoc.

Courtesy St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum

By Cameron Davidson, courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies’ Assoc.

Clockwise from top: The entrance of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate; a Mount Vernon historic interpreter; exploring St. Luke’s Historic Church in Smithfield

BY JILL GLEESON

For groups looking to explore the places where America’s earliest history and her spirituality intersect, nowhere in the country is as chock full of compelling and inspiring examples as Virginia.

Some of the nation’s oldest devotional spaces remain standing tall and proud in Old Dominion, a stirring testament to the importance faith played in the lives of the settlers who made this land home. And both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, two Founding Fathers for whom freedom of religion was paramount, were born and lived throughout their lives in the commonwealth. Travel planners can string together visits to their homes and several of Virginia’s most historic churches for a pilgrimage that any patriotic American is sure to enjoy.

This itinerary travels the length of Virginia, beginning at Mount Vernon, just outside of Washington, D.C., which offers several major airports and an extensive highway system, making it an excellent entry point for group visitors. It then continues to Charlottesville and Richmond, before heading farther southeast to Jamestown. The tour ends in the little burg of Smithfield. From there, groups can fly out of Norfolk International Airport, just 35 miles away. Leaders should plan on four nights for this trip, adding another one or two if they would like to take advantage of additional attractions along the way.

By Aniesia Williams, courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies’ Assoc.

George Washington’s grave at Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON

HIGHLIGHT | WASHINGTON’S HOMEPLACE

There’s so much to see and do at Mount Vernon that it’s a good idea to plan for groups to spend an entire morning or afternoon there. George Washington’s estate includes not only the expansive 18th century mansion, which features 21 rooms, but also multiple historic outbuildings, four gardens, a four-acre farm tended by costumed interpreters, functioning reconstructions of Washington’s grist mill and distillery, Washington’s tomb and two museums. Groups will want to refuel at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, where with advanced notice, they can dine with actors portraying figures like Martha Washington.

Leaders should note that Mount Vernon’s Education Center, featuring relics such as a shard from George Washington’s pew, will be shuttered through 2025 for an extensive rebuild. However, late this summer Mount Vernon will unveil a much-anticipated Religious Freedom specialty tour. The nation’s first president proved his devotion to this principle by worshipping with different denominations during the Revolutionary War, as well as giving thanks to a common deity.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Located just 15 miles north of Mount Vernon, Washington, D.C., is home to the eight-floor Museum of the Bible. Immersive, interactive exhibits boasting thousands of artifacts, manuscripts on loan from the Vatican and a virtual reality look at biblical lands are just some of the wonders that await.

MORE INFO | mountvernon.org

CHARLOTTESVILLE

HIGHLIGHT | JEFFERSON’S SHOWPLACE

Known for authoring the Declaration of Independence and serving as the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson was equally proud of penning the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. One of the most important documents in U.S. religious history, it guarantees the right of Virginians to worship as they choose without interference from the government. Jefferson selected this achievement as one of three to be listed on his headstone. Groups can visit at his gravesite at Monticello in Charlottesville, located two-and-a-half hours southwest of Mount Vernon. The home also features 29 stunning works of art with biblical subjects, including the painting of Salome “Bearing the Head of St. John the Baptist,” which hangs in the parlor. Jefferson spent some four decades designing and refining his beloved Monticello. Today, the property includes the spectacular 33-room house; meticulously landscaped grounds, including flower and vegetable gardens; a visitor center with engaging exhibits about the man and his accomplishments; and an on-site café where groups can grab a bite. Leaders may want to arrange a special tour of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, offering unique preservation display gardens and a nursery.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Like Monticello, the University of Virginia was designed by Jefferson, and like Monticello it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leaders can book a historical tour of the campus, said to be one of the world’s most beautiful, with the University Guide Service.

MORE INFO | visitcharlottesville.org

A historic garden at Mount Vernon

Inside the mansion at Mount Vernon

Photos courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon

A theater experience in the Mount Vernon museum

RICHMOND HIGHLIGHT | THE SPEECH THAT BIRTHED A NATION

A little more than an hour southeast of Charlottesville is Richmond, Virginia’s historic capital city. It was here, inside stately St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry gave his legendary “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. Henry delivered the address on March 23, 1775, during the Second Virginia Convention, a gathering of some 100 Colonial leaders that included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. His passionate words helped inspire colonists to take up arms against British tyranny, and it was just 27 days later that the American Revolution’s first shots sounded at Lexington and Concord.

Constructed in 1741, St. John’s is Richmond’s oldest church. Groups can enjoy 35-minute private tours that typically include a discussion of not only the church and its cemetery but also Virginia Revolutionary War history, life in Colonial Virginia and Henry’s life and legacy. Private reenactments of the Second Virginia Convention are also available, with professional actors portraying nine delegates who engage in the debates leading up to Patrick Henry’s immortal declaration. St. John’s Visitor Center, featuring educational wall panels about the church, Colonial government and more, is also well worth a stop.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: One of the country’s largest comprehensive art museums, the free Virginia Museum of Fine Arts boasts holdings of nearly 50,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years. Highlights include a superb collection of American art and a wide array of religious works from cultures around the world.

A slave cabin at Monticello

Courtesy Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Courtesy Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Courtesy Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

By James Staddon

Courtesy VA 250

A Patrick Henry interpreter at Historic St. John’s Church in Richmond

Monticello and the Charlottesville countryside

Historic St. John’s Church in Richmond

JAMESTOWN

HIGHLIGHT | AMERICA STARTED HERE

The first English settlement in North America, Jamestown was founded in 1607, when 104 colonists landed on the shores of what would become Virginia. Groups can explore the stories of their everyday lives and extraordinary sacrifices at Historic Jamestowne, tucked away an hour southeast of Richmond. The attraction, which sits on an island just outside Williamsburg, is the site of the original fort and settlement. It includes everything from active archaeological digs to the Archaearium museum, featuring a fascinating array of excavated religious artifacts. The rosary beads, crucifixes and medallions of Catholic saints exhibited there prove that settlers practiced a variety of religions at Jamestown, though the Church of England was the established faith.

Guided tours and programs open to groups can include living history interpreters and the chance to chat with archaeologists as they excavate the Jamestown ruins. Tours usually include stops at religious sites, including the remains of the first substantial church built at Jamestown, where Pocahontas famously married John Rolfe in 1614; a 17th-century brick church tower and cemetery; and the 1907 brick Memorial Church. If time permits, Jamestown Settlement — an excellent living history museum that approaches the same subject from a different angle — is just five minutes away.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Speaking of living history museums, the world’s largest is a must for any group visiting Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg encompasses 301 acres offering 89 historic buildings, including four taverns, a wealth of working tradespeople and two showstopping art museums. Plenty of special group packages are available, too.

A Native American interpreter at Historic Jamestown

Courtesy St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum

Courtesy Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation

Courtesy Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation

Courtesy Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation Courtesy St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum

The Jamestown Rediscovery excavation

St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum

Historic Jamestown’s re-created Memorial Church

Touring St. Luke’s Historic Church

SMITHFIELD HIGHLIGHT | OLD DOMINION’S OLDEST CHURCH

A 43-acre National Historical Landmark and National Patriotic Shrine, St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum is a quick 60-minute drive southeast from Williamsburg, in the charming little town of Smithfield. The single-room brick building, believed to have been completed about 1685, is Virginia’s oldest church. Representing a rare example of Artisan Mannerism design — an eclectic if not downright offbeat type of 17th-century English architecture — St. Luke’s features everything from Romanesque to Gothic and Jacobean elements. While most of the original exterior remains, preservation campaigns in the 1890s and 1950s altered much of the interior.

Nonetheless, some artifacts remain, including a 17th-century communion table, a credence table and chancel chairs. Groups can see them on a private, 45-minute tour, which details St. Luke’s origins as an Anglican church and eventual conversion in the 19th century to an Episcopal house of worship. Other topics covered range from Colonial religious practices to an exploration of how this experience led the country’s founders to incorporate freedom of religion and separation of church and state into the U.S. Constitution.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Groups can stretch their legs and get another dose of history at the 208-acre Windsor Castle Park. It features not only woodland trails and plenty of scenic spots overlooking the Pagan River but also the park’s namesake, a manor house that dates to 1725.

MORE INFO | genuinesmithfieldva.com

Courtesy St. Luke’s Historic Church and Museum

The St. Luke’s interior

LAND OF DISCOVERY

PORTUGAL OFFERS A TAPESTRY OF HISTORY, SCENERY AND FAITH

ABY CYNTHIA BARNES

captivating destination for those seeking history, adventure, culinary delights and natural beauty, Portugal beckons travelers with a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Nestled on the western edge of Europe, Portugal boasts a diverse tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.

The country’s storied past is evidenced in its wellpreserved medieval towns, where visitors can wander cobblestone streets, tour ancient castles and gasp at grandiose palaces. From the Moorish influences of the Algarve to the maritime legacy of Lisbon’s Age of Discovery, every corner of Portugal bursts with tales of conquest, exploration and faith.

Nature enthusiasts will find breathtaking scenery, from dramatic cliffs of the Algarve coastline to stunning vineyards in the Douro Valley. Outdoor adventures abound, from legendary surfing along the Atlantic coast to hiking through the lush forests in Madeira or exploring the rugged volcanic terrain of the Azores archipelago.

A warm climate and welcoming locals create an inviting atmosphere for travelers. Whether strolling through charming town squares, savoring a glass of wine and a plate of seafood while overlooking the sea, or basking in the sun on one of its pristine beaches, Portugal promises visitors unforgettable adventure.

Courtesy Algarve Tourism Bureau

Lagos’ Ponta de Piedade is one of the most scenic spots in Portugal.

The National Tile Museum in Lisbon

Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa

By Fernando Guerra

A treetop walk at Fundação de Serralves in Porto

ESSENTIAL DESTINATIONS

LAGOS

A fascinating and historic city situated on the western coastline of the picturesque Algarve region, Lagos enchants visitors with its walled Old City, unique sandstone cliff formations and fine golden beaches. A water tour along the wild and rugged coastline is a must, and the area surrounding the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse is a prime spot for spotting large numbers of butterflies and birds.

Groups will also enjoy strolling through the cobblestoned city center, admiring the beautiful Antonio Church and exploring the 17th century Bandiera Fort. Golfers will want to make their way to some of the best courses in the country, including Onyria Palmares, ranked as one of Europe’s top 50 courses.

LISBON

No tour of Portugal would be complete without a few days in its capital, and Lisbon will never disappoint. São Jorge Castle offers spectacular views, while the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the seafaring nation’s maritime legacy. Portugal is famed for the beauty and intricacy of its decorative ceramic tiles, and five centuries of artistry are on display at the National Azulejo Museum. A visit to the Time Out Market Lisboa is a must for foodies. Visitors can eat their way through everything from classic charcuterie to offerings from the country’s most famous chefs and more than 50 culinary dishes designed to please every palate.

PORTO

The past and future intersect along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal in the happening cultural hub of Porto. After visiting the art museum and strolling the park at the Fundação de Serralves, groups can take to the treetops on the elevated walkway that stretches over the property. Other popular activities include climbing the grand winding staircase and exploring the offerings at the magical Livraria Lello, one of the most famous and beautiful bookstores in the world. And the Ribeira do Porto, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, offers historic charm and gorgeous river views.

FAITH HIGHLIGHTS: In 1917, three shepherd children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the Portuguese town of Fatima, and now the area has become one of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima attracts millions of pilgrims every year, especially on May 13 and October 13, the anniversaries of the apparitions.

HISTORIC EXPERIENCE: For a true trip into the past, explore the ruins of Conímbriga. One of the largest Roman settlements in the country, it offers a glimpse of urban life in the Rome empire. History and archeology buffs will find well-preserved ruins, including thermal baths and homes with gorgeous mosaics, along with a fascinating museum.

SIGNATURE FLAVOR: Bacalhau à brás makes use of the country’s sparklingly fresh seafood and is often considered the national dish. The comfort food treat is made with shredded bacalhau (salted cod), potatoes and chopped onions that are mixed with a bit of scrambled egg, then topped with black olives and parsley.

JUST FOR FUN : Attend a live Fado performance for a fun and unforgettable experience. Fado is Portugal traditional music, and the soulful sounds express the beauty of Portuguese culture. The haunting melodies and poignant lyrics are accompanied by beautiful classical guitar, the songs telling tales of love, loss and exploration.

Livraria Lello, Porto’s most famous bookstore

Lisbon’s Belem Tower

Courtesy Turismo de Lisboa

Courtesy Porto CVB

AMERICAN LANDMARKS

ATHESE ICONIC SITES SHOULD BE ON EVERY TRAVELER’S RADAR

merican history is a tapestry of enthralling stories, many commemorated by landmarks dotted across the country.

Adding these places to a group itinerary brings the past to life and checks off travel bucket list items left and right. These are some of the sites where American history unfolded, where feats of engineering were achieved and where American icons, both heroes and villains, lived and died.

Here are five geographical features, buildings and monuments across the United States that tell travelers great stories.

By Scott Sawyer, courtesy NPS

Courtesy Lake Mead Cruses

Night tours of Alcatraz Island are a popular tour option for groups.

A cruise on Lake Mead

BY RACHEL CRICK

Courtesy Elvis Presley Enterprises Courtesy Ford’s Theatre

Lincoln statue

Graceland Mansion

FORD’S THEATRE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife were enjoying a performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. During the last act of the play, John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer, snuck into the president’s box and shot Lincoln before jumping down onto the stage below and yelling “sic semper tyrannis,” or “thus always to tyrants.” Lincoln died from his wounds the following morning at the Petersen House across the street. It’s a story many Americans know, but a visit to Ford’s Theatre brings history to life.

“They definitely will get a full experience of who Lincoln was as a person and a statesman, as well as what was happening in the U.S. to cause this assassination,” said Heather Williams, group sales manager at Ford’s Theatre. “To see the theater and be in a space that is very conceptual to most people is very moving.”

The theater, which was restored as a historic site and working theater in the 1960s, is located in downtown D.C., close to the National Mall and many other museums at the heart of the American story. It’s as much a museum as it is a theater and admits groups of all sizes every 30 minutes for a self-guided experience. The presidential box is staged to look like it did the night of Lincoln’s assassination. Groups can also hear a short presentation from a park ranger (the theater is a National Historic Site) or watch a short play. Afterward, groups can head to the Petersen House to see where Lincoln died.

Since Ford’s is still a working theater, groups can see performances there. fords.org

GRACELAND

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Behind gates adorned with musical notes sits the stately, sprawling Graceland mansion. Music legend Elvis Presley bought the home in 1957. The walls of Graceland saw the rest of Presley’s life play out, from recording parts of two albums there to starting a family to his death in 1977. The iconic singer was known as the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” and his contributions as both a musician and cultural phenomenon have lasted generations. Today, groups can tour Graceland for a dose of nostalgia and a tribute to the King.

“You walk in through the same doors he brought baby Lisa Marie home through,” said Alicia Dean, marketing promotions and events specialist at Elvis Presley Enterprises. “You’re taking a step back in time and truly walking in his footsteps. The home is definitely unique and special because Elvis lived there, but it’s a pilgrimage to so many people, from Elvis fans to music lovers and people who love history.”

In addition to the original mansion, Graceland is now part of a campus that includes the Elvis Presley Memphis Entertainment Complex and a hotel. Groups can tour the mansion, see Presley’s automobiles and private jets, and peruse museum exhibits detailing Presley’s life and career. Tours of Graceland are offered with a variety of different packages, with an ultimate VIP experience (including a private tour guide and other add-ons) available for groups of up to 12.

Groups can eat at any of the four restaurants on-site to try some of Presley’s favorite foods and even stay at the hotel for the ultimate Graceland experience. graceland.com

HOOVER DAM BOULDER CITY, NEVADA

Constructed in the 1930s by damming the Colorado River at the Black Canyon, the Hoover Dam was considered an astonishing feat of engineering. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest dam in the world at 726 feet. The dam took five years and the combined workforce of six construction companies to build, and the concrete is still curing to this day. Constructing the dam was dangerous work, and about 100 workers died building it. Lake Mead, created by the dam, is one of the largest reservoirs in the world and provides power, irrigation water and flood control for the region. The dam is still impressive to behold today, and because of its storied history and its impact on the region, it remains a highly visited tourist attraction.

Groups can experience the dam with an official tour from the Bureau of Reclamation. They can see the historic tunnels and ride an elevator to the top, and even view the river from inside the dam. These tours are offered daily on a firstcome, first-served basis and frequently sell out, so arriving early is recommended.

As an alternative, visitors can explore the dam from the water with a tour operator such as Lake Mead Cruises. Viewing the dam from the sparkling blue waters of Lake Mead onboard the Desert Princess, a three-level paddle-wheeler, is an exceedingly popular way to experience the dam and its surrounding scenery. Brunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises are offered.

No matter which tour a group takes, a visit to the Hoover Dam promises a glimpse at its impressive architecture and the beauty of the Southwest.

usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam

Exterior of Ford’s Theatre

Photos courtesy Ford’s Theatre

A park ranger talk at Ford’s Theatre

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL

BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA

Just 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore, visitors to the Black Hills of South Dakota will find Crazy Horse Memorial carved into the side of a mountain. This massive monument is still a work in progress, but that doesn’t make it any less worth the journey. The memorial honors Crazy Horse, a famous Oglala Lakota war leader who played a key part in fighting against the U.S. government in the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand.

Crazy Horse was killed by the U.S. military while resisting imprisonment in 1877, and his name became synonymous with the plight of Indigenous people and striving to preserve traditions of Native American life. Plans to build the memorial were in the works as early as the 1930s, when Oglala Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear contacted renowned sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to build a monument to Native Americans. Though Ziolkowski died in 1982, work on the monument continues. The finished product will depict Crazy Horse riding a horse emerging from the mountain’s stone and is slated to be 641 feet by 568 feet.

After stopping at the welcome center, which has three museums detailing the story behind the memorial and its carving, groups can ride up the mountain to stand next to the completed face of the Crazy Horse carving. It measures 87.5 feet tall, approximately 27 feet taller than the heads on Mount Rushmore. Groups can also stop at Laughing Water restaurant, which serves Indigenous fare, such as Indian Tacos. A visit to Crazy Horse Memorial helps fund the ongoing project. crazyhorsememorial.org

ALCATRAZ ISLAND

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Just over a mile offshore in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is a 22-acre island famous for once housing a maximum-security federal prison. Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary operated as a prison from 1934 to 1963. With its list of notorious and particularly unruly prisoners (including Al Capone) and its setting on an island only accessible by boat and surrounded by frigid, violent waters, it captured Americans’ imaginations and was deemed “inescapable.” However, 14 separate escape attempts were made at various times, and three prisoners who attempted to escape were never officially found.

Today, Alcatraz Island is a major tourist attraction in the San Francisco area, drawing about 1.5 million visitors annually. It’s operated by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Ferries to the island leave every half hour from the mainland, and tours of the island are primarily self-guided, with audio narration in multiple languages available to accompany the tour.

Exhibits throughout the ruins of the prison let groups walk in the footsteps of its past inmates and educate them about the country’s prison system.

nps.gov/alca

Courtesy NPS

Courtesy Lake Mead Cruises

The Desert Princess on Lake Mead

Courtesy SF Travel

Courtesy Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Courtesy Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

Courtesy SF Travel

Crazy Horse Memorial

Looking into Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

Alcatraz Island at sunset

A ferry to Alcatraz Island

SHOWTIME IN THE HEARTLAND

SBY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

ome of America’s best live theater destinations are in the Midwest.

Cities large and small in the heartland region offer live theater experiences for groups that rival buzzworthy Broadway musicals, producing some of the finest sketch, improv and standup comedy in the world. Several smaller community and dinner theaters offer new plays and local renditions of worldwide favorites.

Groups that enjoy a good show should include some of these theatrical destinations on their next tours in the Midwest.

The Goodman Theater, Chicago’s oldest non-profit performing arts venue, is one of several theaters in the Loop district.

By Roger Mastroianni, courtesy Destination Cleveland

Cleveland’s Karamu House

CHICAGO

Chicago has one of the most robust theater scenes in the country, with plenty of live theater and comedy options for visiting groups to choose from. The city’s theater district features more than 250 theaters, five Tony Award-winning theater companies, diverse neighborhood theaters and one of the country’s best known comedy scenes.

Downtown Chicago’s Loop is where visitors will find lavish theatres such as CIBC Theatre, which opened as a vaudeville theater in 1906; the James M. Nederlander Theatre, a movie palace from the early 1900s; and Cadillac Palace Theatre, an ornate venue that was inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest not-for-profit venue, offers classic and contemporary works.

Several independent theaters figure prominently in Chicago’s neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park’s Steppenwolf Theatre, which is known for producing new works. Shakespeare lovers will want to put the Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier on their itinerary.

Some of the country’s top comedians, including Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Stephen Colbert, got their start at Second City. Down the street from The Second City Theater is Zanies, one of America’s most famous stand-up comedy clubs.

Chicago’s theater scene also includes the Belmont Theatre District, Edgewater Theatre District and an extensive Storefront theater experience. Storefront theater takes place in old storefronts, churches or former movie houses. Groups can check out offbeat premieres at Red Orchid Theatre.

choosechicago.com

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Cleveland, Ohio, has deep roots in performing arts history as the home of Cleveland Play House, the first professional regional theatre in the country, and Karamu House, the oldest African American theater company in the nation. Group travelers can experience a wide variety of productions that take place throughout the region with a mix of touring productions and locally produced shows.

Playhouse Square is the country’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City, according to Gordon Taylor III, chief sales officer at Destination Cleveland. The facility encompasses 10 stages in a one-block radius and hosts more than 1,000 performances annually, including Broadway shows, concerts, ballets and comedy events. The opulent theater complex includes five historic venues that have been restored to their former 1920s grandeur and a huge outdoor chandelier to guide visitors to their next performance.

Cleveland Play House produces more than 500 performances every year, and Great Lakes Theater is a classic theater company in Playhouse Square’s reno-

By Kayla Lupean, courtesy Destination Cleveland

Courtesy The Fireside

“Black Nativity” at Karamu House, Cleveland’s historic Black theater

A performance of “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” at the Fireside Theatre

Courtesy Playhouse Square

Courtesy Choose Chicago

Courtesy Destination Cleveland

The historic Connor Palace Theater at Playhouse Square

Cleveland’s Playhouse Square

The Nederlander Theatre in Chicago

vated Hanna Theatre. It boasts alums such as Tom Hanks and Arthur Lithgow.

Karamu House, on Cleveland’s east side, has a rich history and distinguished African American alumni, including former Cleveland resident Langston Hughes.

Cleveland Public Theater in the Gordon Square Arts District is a local hub for progressive theater, modern dance and edgy opera submitted by both regional and national artists.

At Playhouse Square, many shows in the KeyBank Broadway Series include a pre-show Broadway Buzz session where groups can learn about the production. Backstage tours are also offered throughout the year.

thisiscleveland.com

FORT ATKINSON, WISCONSIN

Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, has earned its place among the heavyweights of Midwest theater thanks to one organization — the Fireside Theatre.

The Fireside got its start as a restaurant in 1964. A theater was added in 1978 because the owner wanted to give its patrons a reason to return. The theater was built in the round, offering all 665 seats an unobstructed view of the stage. Seats are no more than nine rows away from the stage, and because the restaurant is separate from the theater, patrons are never inconvenienced by servers walking back and forth in front of them during the show.

The restaurant, which can seat 1,000, serves elaborate meals and can easily accommodate large groups. It offers three entrees to choose from before every production, and group rates were lowered after COVID to make the theater more attractive to group travelers. Group rates apply to any group of 13 or more.

The theater is a union facility, meaning it only works with members of Actors’ Equity Association.

“It puts us on a quality level of national tours and other big regional theaters,” said marketing manager Julie Nordeen.

The company produces Broadway musicals that are no longer on Broadway. Its most recent shows include “Jersey Boys,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Nunsense,” “Matilda,” and “Rocky the Musical.”

The theater runs seven shows a week, Thursday through Sunday, including matinees. It also produces Christian concerts four times a year.

firesidetheatre.com

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Kansas City’s robust theater scene offers groups a choice of intimate community theater shows and touring Broadway musicals. The Music Hall, inside the city’s Art Deco Municipal Auditorium downtown, can seat 2,363 guests. The facil-

Courtesy Choose Chicago Courtesy The Fireside

Courtesy Choose Chicago

Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre

Fun at ComedySportz in Chicago

A dining room at The Fireside in Fort Atkinson

Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium Courtesy Visit KC

ity has always attracted first-runs of touring Broadway musicals. It also presents visiting symphony orchestras, opera and ballet companies.

The Unicorn Theatre brings in diverse new productions that have never before been seen on stage in Kansas City or the immediate region. It selects thoughtprovoking shows about the world and social issues. Many Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays had their premieres at the Unicorn. The Coterie Theater at Crown Center is nationally recognized as one of the best children’s and family-friendly theaters in the country. It also acts as a performing arts lab for new family musicals.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a hub for live entertainment in the city, including the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, concerts and Broadway stage productions. The center offers discounts for groups of 10 or more.

The Starlight Theatre is an outdoor theater that presents Broadway shows, concerts and movies for 8,000 people. The theater can customize group experiences by adding on a tour of the venue, group dining and talkbacks.

visitkc.com

QUAD CITIES

IOWA AND ILLINOIS

The Quad Cities region of Iowa and Illinois boasts a vibrant theater scene, with a diversity of venues from local community theaters and professional dinner theaters to ballet performances and Broadway productions. Groups visiting the region can easily add live entertainment to their agenda, and many theaters in the area readily accommodate large groups and offer group sales packages.

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, which opened in Rock Island, Illinois, in 1921, is the longest-running family-owned dinner theater in the U.S. The Playhouse can host groups of 12 to 334 in its beautifully restored historic theater and offers several dinner entrees to choose from to enjoy during the show.

The Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, which is a short walk from the Mississippi River, is in the former 1926 RKO Orpheum Theater and features a gold-leaf ceiling, crystal light fixtures, and beautiful details in ebony, walnut, and marble. The theater offers Broadway shows, celebrity headliners and comedians.

Davenport’s Capitol Theatre, which recently underwent a $24 million restoration, offers many types of events, including films, theatrical performances, lectures and concerts. G.I.T. Improv stages live improvisational comedy shows once a month at The Black Box Theatre in Moline, Illinois. The Playcrafter’s Barn Theatre in Moline offers both live theater and comedy shows, and Skellington Manor in Rock Island offers murder mystery dinners and escape rooms.

visitquadcities.com

Courtesy Visit Quad Cities

Courtesy Visit KC

Adler Theatre in the Quad Cities

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City

A performance at the Adler

Kansas City’s Midland Theatre

Courtesy Visit KC

The Kansas City Ballet performing “The Nutcracker”

Courtesy Visit KC

Courtesy Visit Quad Cities