Going On Faith Winter 2018/2019

ON T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R FAITH-BASED TRAVEL PLANNERS VOL. 22 - NO. 1

WINTER 2018/2019

MAKING MEMORIES WITH

YOUTH GROUP TRAVEL WILD ABOUT

DURANGO

KENTUCKY O N A ROLL HEARTLAND

TRAVEL GUIDE

narroway.net

the Broadway of Christian Entertainment

Plan your visit at ArkEncounter.com Williamstown, K Y (south of Cincinnati)

GOF

THE MAGAZINE F O R FA I T H - B A S E D T R AV E L

20

Let’s do Durango

Discover the history and scenic beauty of this Colorado town.

[ WINTER 2018/2019 ]

22 26

Faith-Based Kentucky

Youth Destination

Church groups are flocking to the Bluegrass State.

Consider these sites for your next youth group trip.

DEPARTMENTS Columns 6 EDITOR’S NOTES: Seeing the impossible ON THE COVER: Youth group travelers enjoy sunset around a campfire on the beach in San Diego.

4

Spotlights

HEARTLAND

TRAVEL GUIDE 32 Explore the diverse ethnic heritage attractions of America’s Midwest.

News

8 GRAND RAPIDS: This Michigan city will host the next Going On Faith Conference.

7 DOLLYWOOD announces major new development

12 ONSITE IN JORDAN Follow along on a spectacular site inspection tour.

Mac T. Lacy Founder and Publisher

Herb Sparrow Senior Writer

Eliza Myers Online Editor

Charles A. Presley Partner

Donia Simmons Creative Director

Christine Clough Copy Editor

Brian Jewell Executive Editor

Savannah Osbourn Staff Writer

Kyle Anderson Account Manager

Ashley Ricks Graphic Design/ Circulation

Daniel Jean-Louis Account Manager

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

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

TOGETHER

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FALL 2018

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EDITOR’S

NOTES BRIAN JEWELL

M

SEEING THE IMPOSSIBLE

uch like the ark Noah built in the Bible, the Ark Encounter is a project that should have been impossible.

Opened in Williamstown, Kentucky, in 2016, the Ark Encounter’s main attraction, built to replicate the dimensions of the ark in the biblical account, is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high. It’s one of the largest structures of its kind in the world, and you can’t fully appreciate its enormity until you see it in person.

But size is only one of the Ark Encounter’s marvels. The attraction, which initially cost over $100 million to build, attracted more than 1 million visitors in its first year and, in an impressive feat, matched that figure again in its second year. Organizers expect attendance to top 1 million again in the 2018-2019 season, too.

As a tourism industry insider and a lifelong resident of Kentucky, I’ve been thrilled to see the Ark Encounter succeed on this level.

But my proximity to the project has also given me a front-row seat to just how difficult it can be to accomplish something this large.

First, there were the haters — anti-religion activists who opposed the project at every turn, in some cases going to court to try to keep the Ark from receiving tax incentives. Then, there was the price tag: $100 million is a ton of money to raise, especially for a faith-based organization. And then there was the issue of execution: With so much at stake and so many people watching, the Ark Encounter had no margin for error. They had to do everything right.

Fortunately for the Ark, for travelers and for Kentucky, it all came together. Now, even some opponents of the project admit that it has

been a boon to Kentucky tourism.

Visitors are spending time and money in Williamstown and the surrounding communities, which sit about halfway between Lexington and Cincinnati. These areas didn’t get much in the way of tourism before the Ark opened and, in some cases, had few jobs to offer locals. But the Ark Encounter employs hundreds of workers and contributes millions of dollars a year to the state and local governments through tax revenues.

Perhaps even more impressive than the Ark’s economic impact are the waves it is making in the Kentucky tourism community in general. (You’ll find the Ark, as well as some of our other favorite Kentucky travel experiences, in our article “Larger Than Life” on page 22.)

The attraction garnered international press when it opened and quickly thrust northern Kentucky into the tourism spotlight. The flood of visitors nearly doubled hotel occupancy at properties around the region. And other destinations within a two-hour drive of the Ark, including towns in southern Indiana and Ohio, have reported significant increases in tourism traffic as groups stop to eat, explore and overnight on their way to or from the Ark Encounter.

Seeing the Ark’s path to success reminds me of something I’ve been contemplating a lot lately: Nothing great ever happens without massive amounts of vision, determination, risk and hard work. But for people who are willing to shoulder the burden, ignore the naysayers and pursue their vision, no amount of work will stand in the way.

I hope you’ll get a chance to take a group to the Ark Encounter. It will inspire your travelers in their faith. And it might just inspire you to stand tall and do something that seems impossible.

BRIAN JEWELL [ EDITOR ] brianj@grouptravelleader.com 6

going on faith [ winter 2018/2019 ]

NEWS WORTHY

Courtesy Dollywood

The Wildwood Grove expansion will bring 11 new attractions to Dollywood in 2019.

DOLLYWOOD ANNOUNCES LARGEST EXPANSION IN ITS HISTORY PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee — Dollywood has announced its largest capital investment in its 32-year history with the planned opening of Wildwood Grove in 2019.

The new area, announced in early August by Dollywood namesake Dolly Parton and park officials, will feature 11 new experiences for guests, including six rides such as the suspended family roller coaster The Dragonflier, the 55-foot-tall Wildwood Tree, live entertainment, various indoor and outdoor play areas for families, and a new restaurant.

The total cost for the project is $37 million, meeting the Dollywood Company’s 2013 commitment of $300 million in investments over a 10-year

period four years ahead of schedule.

The Dollywood Company president Craig Ross said Wildwood Grove will be the first expansion of the park’s footprint since Wilderness Pass opened in 2008.

Guests will enter Wildwood Grove through the hollow trunk of a fallen tree. The Wildwood Tree, growing from a cluster of natural rock and boulders and adorned with thousands of butterflies, will serve as the centerpiece of the area and offer a natural platform for performances throughout the day and night.

The new restaurant, Till and Harvest, will feature a selection of Southwest favorites with a Southern twist. www.dollywood.com

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GREAT TIMES

IN

GRAND RAPIDS GOING ON FAITH

CONFERENCE PREVIEW

All photos courtesy Experience Grand Rapids

Groups will find innovative, farm-to-table food at restaurants throughout Grand Rapids, incuding Forty Acres Soul Kitchen.

G

BY DA N DICKSON

rand Rapids may be Michigan’s second-largest city, but the folks at the local convention and visitors bureau seem to think the destination has a little identity problem.

“Our struggle with our city is that people don’t have a perception of us just yet,” said Nichole Steele, the national sales director for Experience Grand Rapids. “So, we are letting people know that we exist and what a great destination we are and why.”

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This city of 200,000 people in western Michigan is eager for visitors to discover all its attributes, beginning with its downtown.

“What people and groups will like about downtown Grand Rapids is its walkability,” said Tom Bennett, vice president of sales and services for the CVB. “It’s clean and safe. Most of our museums and attractions are within walking distance of our downtown convention center and hotels. We have a bunch of new downtown hotels in the works for

2019, too.” Well organized walking tours are available for curious explorers.

The next Going On Faith Conference will take place in Grand Rapids September 4-6. “That time of year — September — will be beautiful and the weather just perfect,” said Bennett.

The city is a popular meeting spot for faith-based groups. Coming in 2019 are such meetings as Connect Faith and the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. Other major recent meetings

THIS EXCITING MICHIGAN CITY WILL HOST THE GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE

Grand Rapids scenes, clockwise from top left: A historic carousel at the Grand Rapids Public Museum; a tasting tour at Ferris Coffee; Fulton Street Farmers Market; Frederik Meijer Sculpture Gardens; Grand Rapids skyline at dusk

have included the Church of the Brethren, the Lutheran Education Association, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and AdventistLaymen’s Services and Industries International. In addition, Grand Rapids is considered one of the centers for Christian publishing.

Historically, Grand Rapids has been known as Furniture City USA thanks to its penchant for manufacturing home furniture. Though that part of the industry has waned, the city is still home to three of

“WHAT PEOPLE AND GROUPS WILL LIKE ABOUT DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS IS ITS WALKABILITY. IT’S CLEAN AND SAFE. MOST OF OUR MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF OUR DOWNTOWN.”

the world’s leading office furniture companies. The city is economically diverse, and the information technology, aviation, automotive and health care sectors are strongly represented in the community.

The city’s largest employer is Spectrum Health, with more than 25,000 employees.

“The economy is doing great here,” said Bennett.

“We have what we call the Medical Mile, just up Michigan Street from downtown. There is a billion dollars’ worth of medical infrastructure and one of

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9

the best children’s hospitals anywhere. Michigan State University has its College of Human Medicine and a scientific research center there.”

DOWNTOWN PRIDE

The heartbeat of downtown Grand Rapids is the DeVos Place Convention Center, where groups of all types gather for business and pleasure. It is right on the picturesque Grand River, and many meeting rooms overlook the waterway. “I have been in the travel industry a long time, and I can tell you DeVos Place is as well-run a convention center as I have seen in the country,” said Bennett, who went on to say that the staff provides excellent customer service when it comes to function space, food and beverage, audiovisual technology and more.

Bennett believes a lot of the delegates attending the Going On Faith conference this summer will wander onto the center’s large patio for breaks and relaxation and to take in the downtown sites. The center’s lobby is also a showplace, and there are many beautiful art pieces spread around the structure.

Vandenberg Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids is home to a major piece of public art created by renowned artist Alexander Calder. It is known as “La Grande Vitesse,” which translates loosely to “grand rapids.” It was the first public artwork in the country to be funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

History abounds just east of downtown in Heritage Hill, considered to be the city’s first neighborhood. There are 1,300 homes there that date back as early as 1848. One of them was designed in 1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright.

MUSEUMS FOR EVERYONE

Grand Rapids is a city of museums, and there are some outstanding ones for visitors to enjoy. Bennett said the second-most-visited attraction in Michigan, after the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, a remarkable 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park. It is known internationally for the quality of its art pieces and beautiful gardens. It features a wonderful Japanese Zen garden.

“This is an absolute can’t-miss-it attraction in our area,” said Bennett.

Right across the river from downtown Grand Rapids is something special for history enthusiasts: the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Ford was raised in Grand Rapids and represented the area in Congress for 25 years before ascending to the presidency in 1974. The museum has both permanent and changing exhibits that highlight the lives of the nation’s 38th president and first lady Betty Ford. The museum grounds are also the couple’s final resting place. The international airport, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, is named after President Ford.

Another museum of note downtown is the Grand Rapids Art Museum, popularly known as the GRAM. There are more than 5,000 works of art inside, ranging from Renaissance pieces to the modern era, so there is always something of interest for museum visitors.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is also in the heart of downtown and contains three floors of exhibits, a planetarium, a carousel, a theater and a cafe. In addition to all that, the city boasts a fun children’s museum to entertain kids who come along on trips to Grand Rapids.

Another smaller museum, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, collects and displays items honoring the lives, history and culture of African and African-American communities.

The performing arts are well represented in Grand Rapids with such venues as the new Civic Theatre, the DeVos Performance Hall, the Van Andel Arena, Royce Auditorium and several more. The Grand Rapids Symphony was founded in 1930. Ballet and opera companies and a chorus also perform for the public.

Professional sports are big in Grand Rapids with baseball, basketball, ice hockey and soccer teams drawing fans to cheer them on.

NEARBY LAKE MICHIGAN

Sixth Street Bridge over the Grand River

Public art at Calder Plaza

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A painting class at Creativity Uncorked

Grand Rapids is fortunate to be just 30 miles or so from the spectacular shores of Lake Michigan and its many unique beach towns. The area is so special that Condé Nast Traveler magazine rated Lake Michigan as one of the top 25 shorelines not just in the U.S. or in North America, but in the world.

The pristine white-sand beaches and the towering sand dunes pull in tourists by the millions from around the nation and the world.

“The beach scene at Lake Michigan is fantastic,” said Bennett. “People visiting Grand Rapids can take a short drive west of the city to the expansive lake and its gorgeous sand and waves. There are a number of beach towns situated there, like Grand Haven, South Haven, Holland — with its Dutch history — and Saugatuck.”

These towns are often described as cute, quaint beach communities with tourists wandering the streets, checking out the activities, shopping and eating in restaurants.

“Everyone in Michigan likes to escape to the water on the weekends,” said Bennett. Many people climb aboard a charter boat for some outstanding fishing on this large Great Lake.

AhNabAwen Park on the Grand River

Dining out in Grand Rapids

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

The DeVos Place Convention Center is connected by climate-controlled skywalks to three major downtown Grand Rapids hotels with a total of 1,200 rooms. All together, the city center area has seven hotels, but not for long. Later this year, five more will be added for a downtown total of about 2,500 guest rooms. Many of the old and new hotels offer banquet and meeting space for groups, as well as theater and classroom areas.

In addition to all the museums in the downtown area, there are dozens of restaurants to enjoy.

“There are so many I can’t begin to tell you about all of them,” Bennett said. “There are probably a hundred within walking distance of the heart of downtown. You can get great sushi, Chinese, Thai and American fare like upscale steakhouses — every type of food. There are great bars, a wine bar, a duelingpianos bar and a lot more.”

Beer is popular in Grand Rapids, as it seems to be everywhere else in the U.S., and it’s become quite a local industry.

“We have about half a dozen breweries that are within walking distance of the convention center,” said the CVB’s Steele. “We have about 50 all together in the metro area. A group may want to visit a brewery and then have a food pairing with it, which has become a very popular activity.” Grand Rapids has many interesting brewery tours, and of course, they include a free tasting. Grand Rapids has competed with other American cities for the title of “Beer City.”

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JORDAN

FAM

Exploring Petra with locals

A camel ride through Wadi Rum

All photos by Savannah Osbourn except where noted

I had no idea what to expect before going, and was astounded at the open and friendly attitude of the Jordanians. I felt as safe and welcome in Jordan as anywhere in the world.”

— DAVID FISH FREE SPIRIT VACATIONS AND EVENTS

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ON SITE IN JORDAN TR AV E L PL AN N E RS E XPLO R E TH E FAITH H ISTO RY AN D CU LTU R A L H E R ITAG E O F TH IS AMA Z I N G CO U NTRY Going on Faith’s Savannah Osbourn in Wadi Rum

By Jen Henriksen

A Roman column in Petra

THERE ARE BUCKET-LIST DESTINATIONS, AND THEN THERE’S JORDAN.

Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is among the world’s most amazing countries. In November, a group of 12 tour operators, church travel planners and other readers of Going On Faith discovered the beauty, culture and hospitality of Jordan during a weeklong familiarization tour hosted by the Jordan Tourism Board.

During the trip, participants discovered some of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Holy Land, from the baptism site of Jesus to the summit of Mount Nebo, where Moses first saw the promised land of Canaan stretching west of the Jordan River.

Tracing the footsteps of Jesus and the prophets, they also encountered remnants of the world’s oldest civilizations, including the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash and the legendary rose-red city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the south, they rode camels and jeeps across the spectacular desert of Wadi Rum, which T.E. Lawrence once described as “vast, echoing and God-like.” Along the way, they discovered handcrafted mosaics, ornate scarves, rich spices and more.

Follow along on this itinerary to plan your own Jordan journey.

Petra’s Monastery

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

The culture, hospitality and the entire experience was amazing and spectacular for me, and the food was very authentic.”

— DAVID ANOKYE CLASSIC TRAVELS

Day

1

A market in Amman

• ARRIVAL IN AMMAN • OVERNIGHT AT PETRA MARRIOTT HOTEL

The travel planners arrived at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman on a late Sunday afternoon, just as the sun began to fade into hazy clouds over the desert. After a smooth exit through customs, the travel planners piled onto a bus and drove three hours south to Wadi Musa, the closest town to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. There, they dined and settled in for the night at the Petra Marriott Hotel.

Day • PETRA

2

Amman’s Four Seasons Hotel

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• OVERNIGHT AT THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL AQABA RED SEA

The next morning, the group set off to see the fabled Rose-Red City of Petra, an ancient civilization carved out of rose-colored rock over 2,000 years ago by Nabatean traders. During its prime between 400 B.C. and 106 A.D., the city thrived as a central trading hub in the Middle East, where caravans transferred incense and myrrh from southwestern Arabia, as well as spices, fabrics and precious stones from India and China.

The route was eventually abandoned around 700 A.D. and faded into legend until its rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Some archaeologists speculate that only 15 percent of the city has been discovered and that the vast majority remains buried and untouched.

Today, Petra is widely recognized as one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on earth, drawing nearly half a million visitors each year. Visitors can follow an easy 2.5-mile trail through the archaeological park to see key landmarks such as the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the Theater, the Great Temple and the Colonnaded Street. Carriages and burros are available for those with limited mobility.

After an exhilarating morning and afternoon of exploring the prehistoric city, the group traveled two hours south to the port city of Aqaba.

THE TREASURY Just beyond the Petra Archaeological Park entrance, visitors can follow the main path into a narrow passageway between the towering sandstone walls of the Siq, a beautiful gorge of pink, red and white rock. At the end of the passage, the rock walls open to reveal the colossal facade of al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, a 131-foot-tall edifice that cuts deep into the rose-hued rock face of the cliff.

THE MONASTERY The main trail concludes at the Basin Restaurant, where groups can stop for lunch before heading back to the entrance. However, if visitors have time, they can continue past the restaurant and climb a series of stone steps up to the imposing rupestrian sanctuary of Jabal ad-Dayr, or the Monastery, a monument that rivals the Treasury in both size and surrounding scenery. This route offers some of the most impressive panoramic views of the Wadi Musa Valley and Royal Tombs, and most travelers will find it well worth the effort.

The Treasury at Petra

Day • WADI RUM

3

• OVERNIGHT AT KEMPINSKI HOTEL ISHTAR DEAD SEA

Nestled along the banks of the Red Sea, Aqaba is a colorful huband-spoke destination near popular attractions like Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Before leaving, several members of the group opted for an early-morning swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, from which they could see the city of Eliat on the opposite shore in Israel.

Next, the group traveled an hour east to the vast desert expanse of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon. This otherworldly red-rock wilderness has set the stage for several notable films over the years, including “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Martian,” “Prometheus,” “Rogue One” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” The group learned that a crew was also on-site shooting footage for a new “Star Wars” movie during their visit.

Later that afternoon, the group settled back onto the bus for a four-hour drive north to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, where they closed out their evening with a lavish feast at the hotel’s Ashur Pizza and Grill Restaurant.

Lunch at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

The view from Mount Nebo

JEEP TOUR After a quick stop to the Wadi Rum Visitors Center, the travel planners climbed into three trucks with cushioned, open-air seating in the back and took off across the desert. During the ride, they took in the otherworldly landscape, which features a stark contrast between the towering red-rock formations and the flat, sweeping surface of the desert floor. At one point, the vehicles pulled over so visitors could trek up a steep sand dune for a breathtaking view of the desert.

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 15

LUNCH AT BEDOUIN CAMP AND CAMEL RIDE Around noon, the jeeps arrived at Sun City Camp, a small desert encampment with traditional Bedouin tents as well as a selection of “Martian Domes” where guests could stay overnight. All the accommodations were equipped with private bathrooms and showers, hot water and 24-hour electricity. Though the schedule did not allow for an overnight visit, the group enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch in a spacious domed restaurant, followed by a caravan-style camel ride through the desert.

Walking into Petra, the first glimpse of the Treasury between the high rock walls of the entrance to the city was the most memorable for me.”

— JEN HENRIKSEN MISSION: ADVENTURING

Day • DEAD SEA

Exploring Wadi Rum

Bathing in mud at the Dead Sea

A 700-year-old olive tree at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

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4

• • • •

BAPTISM SITE OF JESUS JORDAN JEWEL ART AND MOSAIC PANORAMA RESTAURANT OVERNIGHT AT THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL ISHTAR DEAD SEA

With a full day of scheduled activities ahead, many members of the group woke up around sunrise on Wednesday for a quick swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and one of the world’s most famous salt lakes. The dense salinity of the lake provides natural buoyancy, allowing swimmers to bob like corks in the water. Many guests also opted to coat their arms and legs in some of the lake’s mineral-rich black mud.

The first stop of the day was Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus stepped into the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. Because of military restrictions, this sacred site was completely closed off from public viewing until the 1994 Peace Treaty between Israel and Jordan, which finally allowed archaeologists to excavate the area. These efforts led to one discovery after another, from historic churches to baptism pools and caves used by monks, confirming many of the descriptions of the site recorded by early Christian pilgrims.

After perusing this beautiful area along the Jordan River, the group stopped by a prominent mosaic factory and shop called Jordan Jewel and then concluded the afternoon with a late lunch at Panorama Restaurant before returning to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. BAPTISM SITE AT BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN Considered by many to be the birthplace of Christianity, the Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan marks the site of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, making it one of the most venerated landmarks in the Holy Land. Though the Jordan River no longer runs through the site because of the Israeli government’s decision to divert the flow during the mid-20th century, visitors can still see the foundation stones of several early churches that were built over the spot between 500 and 700 A.D. Just a short distance from this area, hundreds of pilgrims gather on the east and west banks of the Jordan River to get baptized or dip their feet in the water.

An artisan at Jordan Jewel

JORDAN JEWEL Along the route from Madaba to Mount Nebo, Jordan Jewel is one of the region’s most famous mosaic factories and shops. The shop supports hundreds of local families, including many employees with disabilities. Visitors can watch the artisans at work as they carefully cut colorful natural stones and place the pieces over sketched designs to create exquisite mosaic illustrations, tables, vases and more.

Day • MOUNT NEBO

5

• MADABA • OVERNIGHT AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN AMMAN

The following day, the visitors traveled to the summit of Siyagha on Mount Nebo, the site where scholars believe the prophet Moses first saw the “land of milk and honey” that God promised to the Israelites. Siyagha provides a sweeping view of western Jordan and the Holy Land, from the biblical plains of Moab to the mountains of Judea and the Qumran area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. On a clear day, visitors can even make out Bethlehem, the Herodian Fortress of Herodium, the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

Next, they drove back down the mountain to Madaba, also known as the City of Mosaics. Throughout its colorful history, Madaba has passed from the rulership of the Israelites to the Nabateans of Petra and, later, the Romans of the Byzantine Empire. A thriving Christian community eventually found its home in the city, leading to the construction of many beautiful churches throughout the region.

While exploring the city, the group visited the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, which houses a stunning mosaic map of the Middle East, and then stopped for an authentic Jordanian meal at the Food Basket, a cozy house that has been converted into a restaurant.

MEMORIAL OF MOSES One of Mount Nebo’s most significant peaks, Siyagha marks the site where Moses first surveyed the land of Canaan to the west of the Jordan River shortly before his death. In 1932, Franciscan monks purchased the property from local Bedouins and carefully excavated the churches, tombs and other archaeological items left by early Christian pilgrims over the years. The large number of mosaics uncovered within these structures have proven instrumental to the study of Byzantine-Omayyad art.

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE In 1884, a group of Greek Orthodox Christians unearthed an exquisite mosaic map of Syria, Palestine and Egypt while preparing to build their new St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Madaba.

Archaeologists later verified the piece as the oldest map of Palestine and the Holy Land in existence. Representing only a third of the map’s original size, the 30-square-meter fragments were integrated into the design of the new church as part of the flooring.

The view from Panorama Restaurant

Experiencing Jesus’ baptism site on the Jordan River

One of my favorite moments was at the Jordan River when almost our whole group entered the Jordan River together. This was definitely a powerful moment that we all shared together.” — KEVIN BUTLER, AMERICAN NATION BANK

Greek Orthodox Church of St. George

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Day

6

• JERASH • CITY MARKET IN AMMAN • DINNER AT THE WILD JORDAN CENTER • OVERNIGHT AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN AMMAN

For the final excursion of the week, the group journeyed an hour north of Amman to the ancient city of Jerash, also known as the Pompeii of the Middle East. Historically called Gerasa, the city contains an extensive collection of Roman ruins on the west side of the valley, adjacent to the modern portion of Jerash on the east side.

Although Gerasa was not mentioned in the Bible by name, it was one of the 10 cities of the Decapolis that Jesus visited during his ministry.

After returning to Amman, the group ventured into the downtown area to browse some of the fresh spices, coffee beans and other goods in the market stalls. That evening, they brought the incredible adventure to a close with dinner at the Wild Jordan Center, which overlooks the old city of Amman, the Citadel and the Raghadan Flagpole at the royal Raghadan Palace.

Greco-Roman ruins at Gerasa

GRECO-ROMAN RUINS OF GERASA Groups could wander for hours through the Greco-Roman ruins of Gerasa, one of the world’s most ancient cities. Among the highlights are two amphitheaters, an expansive oval colonnade, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.

A traditional Jordanian meal

DOWNTOWN MARKET IN AMMAN After a week of sampling rich foods, spices and sauces all over the country, the group could not leave without picking up some culinary goods for the road. Browsing the crowded market shops in downtown, they saw cinnamon sticks the size of batons, heaps of colorful spices like saffron and sumac, locally made chocolates, loose-leaf teas and much more.

I had a locket on my arm holding the ashes of my son Christoph Dyer, who had recently passed away unexpectedly. I sprinkled my son’s ashes at that location and also in the Jordan River. My son was faith filled, and at that moment I knew that his soul was at peace.”

— CRYSTAL DYER GONE AGAIN TRAVEL AND TOURS

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Day • DEPARTURE FROM AMMAN

7

After a fascinating week in Jordan, the group returned to the Queen Alia International Airport on Saturday morning to journey back to the U.S. With so many new memories, experiences and friends to carry home, the travelers left knowing they had only scraped the surface of Jordan’s rich history and culture.

JORDAN TOURISM BOARD NORTH AMERICA Z I NA A M M A R I 87 7-733- 5 673 W W W. M YJ O R DA NJ O U R N E Y.CO M If you are interested in hosting a FAM for readers of The Group Travel Leader, call Kelly Tyner at 888.253.0455.

.

Bethany Beyond the

Jordan “I baptize with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.” - The Gospel of John 1:26-28

Learn more about Holy Jordan and pilgrimages to Jordan at HolyJordan.com.

MyJordanJourney

@VisitJordan_NA

MyJordanJourney

@visitjordan

TRAVEL

SNAP SHOT

DURANGO, COLORADO

BY BRIA N JEWEL L

By Scott D.W. Smith

S

Top: The Historic Strater Hotel is the centerpiece of picturesque downtown Durango.

Middle: Mesa Verde National Park Bottom: A Durango trail ride

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triking natural beauty and ancient human history come together in the mountains of southwest Colorado.

In Durango and the surrounding La Plata County, groups can enjoy the scenery of the San Juan mountain range while learning about the indigenous people who have lived in the area for centuries.

“A big attraction for us is Mesa Verde National Park,” said Marsha Wilson, sales manager at the Durango Area Tourism Office. “It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the ancestral pueblo.”

Some 4,000 archaeological sites can be found within Mesa Verde National Park, which was the first U.S. national park set aside to preserve the work of humans.

Since around 1 A.D., the land preserved by the park was the home of the Anasazi people, the ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians, who eventually built impressive homes into the sides of the area’s cliffs.

The Anasazi abandoned the area by around 1300, but the homes they carved for themselves in the sides of the cliffs are remarkably well preserved. Today, visitors can take up-close tours of the cliff dwellings, in addition to admiring the high-desert mesas and wildlife in the park.

The most iconic of the sites, now called

All photos courtesy Durango Area Tourism Office

Cliff Palace, is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Groups can take photos and see the impressive site from the outside or venture into rocks with a guide.

In other areas surrounding Durango, groups can take advantage of numerous opportunities to enjoy the wide-open landscape that makes this area of the country so memorable.

“You have river rafting, hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and Jeep tours,” Wilson said. “We also have several lakes close by with lots of different water activities. And there’s lots of biking, too. We’re definitely the mountain bike racing capital of the world.”

Adventure seekers can book Jeep tours into the aspens and old mining towns around Durango or take rafting and floating trips on the Animas River, which runs right through downtown. From downtown hotels, visitors are just steps away from a number of trailheads for scenic hiking, and outfitters can teach travelers to flyfish in the river as well. During the winter, groups can venture out on snowmobiles, dog sleds or sleighs.

In addition to enjoying the national park and the outdoor recreation in the mountains, church groups touring the Durango area should plan to visit these other attractions.

DURANGO AND SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD One of the most popular activities for groups traveling in the area is a train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which connects Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton 45 miles away. The railroad was founded in 1881 to haul silver ore between the two towns and now serves as a tourist train. At different points during the three-and-a-half-hour journey, passengers will find themselves cutting through narrow rock passages and hugging the edges of cliffs 400 feet above the floor of the Animas River canyon. As the train climbs from Durango to Silverton, the landscape begins to change, and visitors may spot elk, bear and bighorn sheep among the aspen and pine trees.

WWW.DURANGOTRAIN.COM

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

By Patrick Shehan

SOUTHERN UTE MUSEUM Durango and the surrounding territory are on the ancestral lands of the Southern Ute band of Native Americans, and visitors can learn about the tribe’s rich history at the Southern Ute Museum.

The museum tells the story of the tribe through the memories and perspectives of tribal members, who range from youth to elders. Native plants and symbolic architecture represent the connection of the Southern Ute people to the land, and exhibits throughout the galleries use artifacts, photos and immersive multimedia to depict the past and present customs and traditions of Colorado’s longest continuous residents. Highlights include a re-created tepee, a schoolroom and a Southern Ute cabin.

WWW.SOUTHERNUTEMUSEUM.ORG

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Set against the backdrop of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, downtown Durango is scenic and historic. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Districts and is brimming with Old West heritage, much of it on display in the facades of original 19th-century buildings. On historic Main Avenue, groups can enjoy sites such as the Historic Strater Hotel, which features ragtime piano performances in the Diamond Belle Saloon. Visitors will also find numerous art galleries, boutiques and local restaurants and several breweries, wineries and distilleries in the walkable downtown district. The area hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including the popular Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering each October.

WWW.DURANGO.ORG

Southern Ute Museum

By Daniel Rhode

Skiing at Purgatory Resort

PURGATORY RESORT About a half-hour’s drive north of Durango, Purgatory Resort offers four-seasons fun for visiting groups. Carved by glacial activity thousands of years ago, the mountains surrounding the resort offer great terrain for all sorts of activities. In the winter, the property is a popular spot for ski and snowboarding excursions. In the summer, the same terrain is excellent for biking, hiking and mountain coaster rides. Groups will also find plenty of indoor amenities at the resort, including 10 food-and-drink establishments and a dozen retail offerings. Special group accommodations make the resort a popular destination for camps and retreats.

WWW.PURGATORYRESORT.COM

By Scott D.W. Smith

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 21

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STATE OF FAITH

LARGER THAN

LIFE K E N T U CKY’ S M A RQUE E AT TRACTIONS SCORE BIG WITH CHURCH GR O U P S Courtesy Answers in Genesis

Clockwise from top: The Ark Encounter; a biscuit-making experience at My Old Kentucky Home State Park; Lexington’s Thoroughbred Park

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going on faith [ winter 2018/2019 ] Courtesy VisitLEX

Courtesy KY State Parks

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HIGHLIGHT | INCREDIBLE ARK

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or church travel groups, there may be no better place to visit in 2019 than Kentucky.

Home to two of the country’s most significant faith-based attractions — the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum — as well as a significant Catholic heritage and one of the country’s largest Shaker communities, Kentucky has become a bucket-list destination for many Christian travelers. And the state’s appeal extends beyond its faith bona fides: Groups that tour Kentucky will enjoy equestrian heritage, exciting performing arts and genuine Southern charm.

This itinerary starts in northern Kentucky and then heads south to Lexington, Harrodsburg and Bardstown. It ends in Louisville. From there, groups can then easily return to their starting point or continue on west toward destinations in Indiana.

You should plan at least five days and four nights to experience the best of these Kentucky communities. Adding a couple of extra days will give you time to enjoy the best of Kentucky with plenty of leisure time along the way.

A Lexington horse farm

Courtesy VisitLEX

Northern Kentucky, which comprises the cities and the surrounding countryside along the Ohio River, has been a darling of the faith-based travel world for some time. In 2007, the Creation Museum opened in the town of Petersburg, giving visitors a thorough, scientific and engaging look at the origins of the universe as described in the Bible. Then in 2016, the organization behind the Creation Museum, Answers in Genesis, opened a massive new attraction — the Ark Encounter.

Designed as a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark, the Ark Encounter is huge: 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high. Inside, exhibits detail the way the ark would have been built to accommodate humans and thousands of animals. They also give a look into the way that Noah and his family would have lived and worked on board the ark.

Many groups spending time in northern Kentucky visit both the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Since each museum has a number of extra experiences and attractions on-site, planners should allow plenty of time for each and not try to package both visits in one day.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The city of Newport sits on the banks of the Ohio River overlooking the Cincinnati skyline and offers an array of activities for groups. Newport on the Levee is a popular destination with an aquarium and numerous shopping and dining spots.

Many groups also enjoy sightseeing cruises with BB Riverboats.

MORE INFO | www.meetnky.com

2 LEXINGTON HIGHLIGHT | HORSE CAPITAL About 35 miles south of the Ark Encounter is Lexington, a midsize city that sits in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. It’s also in the middle of Kentucky’s famed horse country and bills itself as the Horse Capital of the World.

Visitors can experience Kentucky’s equestrian heritage at numerous attractions around Lexington. Most groups start at the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,200-acre facility that includes numerous museums and interactive experiences. Visitors can meet retired racehorses that live at the park, learn about the history of horses around the world at the Parade of Breeds and take horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the property. A series of special events also take place at the Horse Park throughout the year.

In addition to visiting the Horse Park, groups can also tour horse farms in the region, where they’ll learn about horse breeding, or take behind-the-scenes tours at Keeneland Race Course, one of the most elegant and historic horse-racing tracks in the country.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: In the middle of Lexington’s horse country is the Kentucky Castle, a full-scale, European-style castle with a fascinating backstory. After sitting unfinished and empty for decades, the castle now serves as a boutique hotel, restaurant and event venue. Tours of the castle showcase the opulent architecture and tell the unique origin story.

MORE INFO | www.visitlex.com going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 23

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HIGHLIGHT | A SHAKER SETTLEMENT

HIGHLIGHT | MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME

Another half-hour drive south from Lexington will bring groups to Harrodsburg, a picturesque, historic example of a small Kentucky town. But it’s not just Main Street that people come to visit: Harrodsburg is famous throughout the country as the home to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

Established in the early 1800s, Shaker Village is America’s largest restored Shaker community. This distinctive religious group thrived at Pleasant Hill for decades, practicing a form of Christianity that forbade romantic relationships and emphasized enthusiastic, physical worship. Groups visiting Shaker Village can see some of the 34 restored buildings on the site and experience Shaker music with performances from interpreters. The village has on-site lodging in historic buildings, as well as a restaurant that serves farm-fresh Kentucky cuisine.

Many groups pair their visit to Shaker Village with a sightseeing cruise on the Kentucky River aboard the stern-wheeler Dixie Belle.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Experience history of another kind at the Beaumont Inn, which was built in 1845 as a girls’ school. Today, the fifth generation of the original family operates the inn and restaurant, which offers traditional Kentucky fare such as “yellow-legged” fried chicken, corn pudding and country ham.

About an hour’s drive west of Harrodsburg, groups will find Bardstown, one of the jewels of Kentucky.

Among Bardstown’s chief attractions is My Old Kentucky Home State Park. This park preserves Federal Hill, a farm owned by a prominent local family that was immortalized by American songwriter Stephen Foster in his classic “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night.” Groups can tour the mansion with expert costumed guides to see the large collection of original family furnishings on display and hear stories of life at the farm.

The park is also home to “The Stephen Foster Story,” one of the country’s most famous outdoor dramas. This classic summer musical, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, commemorates the life and career of Foster and deals with the issues of slavery and race that he saw firsthand at Federal Hill. Performances take place in an on-site amphitheater and feature a cast of 50 professional actors and singers.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The Bardstown area has several notable Catholic heritage sites that are featured on the Kentucky Holy Land Trail. Sites include the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, which was the first Catholic church west of the Alleghany Mountains, and the Abbey of Gethsemani, where groups can visit an active Trappist monastery.

MORE INFO | www.harrodsburgky.com

MORE INFO | www.visitbardstown.com

Make Ashland the Heart Of Your KY Spiritual Adventure Compliment Kentucky’s growing line-up of faith-based tourism attractions with Ashland’s authentic small town faith legacy.

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Music Heritage

“The Stephen Foster Story” outdoor musical

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On the Country Music Highway Weekly Gospel & Christian Music Concerts •

Entertainment

EXPERIENCE ~

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The Paramount Arts Center Highlands Museum & Discovery Center •

Ashland’s Historic Tour

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Historic Churches & Floodwall Mural •

Inspirational Places

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Riverfront Park & Central Park Convenient for tour groups right off I-64 in the Tri-state area.

VisitAshlandKy.com 800.377.6249

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Old Fort Harrod State Park

A Landmark Destination — The Historic Centre, The Farm & The Preserve

Costumed artisans, seasonal outdoor theatre, fort, museum & gift shop

• Beaumont Inn—Classic KY Cuisine • Award-winning Downtown with Unique Shopping/Dining • Year-round arts, cultural & music events www.HarrodsburgKY.com • 800-355-9192

By Andy Henderson Photography, courtesy Visit Bardstown

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5 LOUISVILLE HIGHLIGHT | MUSEUM ROW About 40 miles northwest of Bardstown, Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and is home to many of its finest cultural institutions. In addition to taking in the city’s historic neighborhoods, groups should take some time to peruse Louisville’s Main Street, which has taken on the name Museum Row. There are seven museums and cultural institutions on Museum Row, each showcasing different aspects of the city’s history. The Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum is an icon of the city; it features a 120-foot-tall baseball bat leaning against the side of the historic building. And groups can learn about another sports legend and local hero, Muhammad Ali, at the Muhammad Ali Center, an interactive museum that showcases media, artifacts and stories from Ali’s inspiring life.

Groups visiting Museum Row can easily split up for each member to visit the attractions they find most interesting. The Frazier History Museum features a fascinating historical collection of arms, armor and other artifacts, and the KMAC Museum is the state’s premier modern art museum. Travelers looking to learn more about the area’s bourbon heritage will find an immersive multimedia tour at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Louisville is perhaps best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, and groups can learn all about the storied horse race at Churchill Downs and the accompanying Kentucky Derby Museum. The museum showcases the history and pageantry of the famous race, and tours of the grandstands and track at Churchill Downs give visitors an up-close look at the legendary racecourse.

MORE INFO | www.gotolouisville.com

Louisville’s Museum Row

Horse racing at Churchill Downs

Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum

Photos courtesy Louisville Tourism

Fall in Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

An interpreter weaving at Shaker Village Courtesy VisitLEX

Courtesy Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 25

YO U T H

G RO U P

FAVORITES

B Y SAV AN N AH OS BOU RN

T H E S E DE S T IN AT ION S ARE IDEAL FOR Y OUNG CHURCH TRAVE L E R S

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Courtesy ThisIsCleveland.com

An elegant seafood dish in Charleston

CourtesyCity Charleston Area CVB St. Louis’ fanciful Museum

The Liberty Bell

Sunset in Pigeon Forge

Courtesy Visit Pigeon Forge

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Courtesy Philadelphia CVB

here are many factors that define a great youth destination, from affordability to family-friendly attractions and walkable downtowns.

Travel planners looking for a reputable venue to host their next youth conference or retreat should consider these five prominent cities that frequently welcome family and youth travelers.

Courtesy Explore St. Louis

Above: Students discover thrilling phenomena at Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center.

[ PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE ] Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, draws more than 10 million visitors each year as one of America’s most beloved family destinations. This charming mountain retreat is home to a diverse range of attractions and entertainment, from beautiful trails and waterfalls in the national park to award-winning museums, dinner shows and restaurants.

“We have so much to offer our youth,” said Joy McNealy, senior sales manager at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “We host outstanding youth conferences at the LeConte Center throughout the year, and while they’re here attending the conferences, they can visit Dollywood, dinner attractions and shows.”

Since the Smokies are within driving distance of 75 percent of the country’s population, it is no wonder why so many youth organizations gravitate to the city. Event planners can take advantage of the state-of-the-art, 232,000-squarefoot LeConte Center overlooking Little Pigeon River, and attendees can easily explore the surrounding area through the city trolley system, which makes more than 100 stops in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg.

During the colder months of the year, groups can escape the elements at indoor attractions like the Titanic Museum, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, WonderWorks, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena, and the new Pigeon Forge Snow, an indoor snowboarding and tubing facility. Pigeon Forge also offers performance opportunities for student groups at local theaters and annual events like the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade, which attracts student bands from all over the country. www.mypigeonforge.com [ ST. LOUIS ] Established on the banks of the Mississippi River during the age of western expansion, St. Louis is famous for its lively music venues, mouthwatering barbecue and towering riverfront landmark, the Gateway Arch.

“We’re known for the three b’s: baseball, blues and barbecue,” said Anthony Paraino, director of communications at Explore St. Louis. “Kids love to come here because St. Louis is a very historic town, and you can learn while you’re having fun.”

Built in 1963 as the largest man-made monument in the country, the Gateway Arch is an iconic attraction for St. Louis visitors. Also known as the Gateway to the West, the 630-foot, stainless-steel arch pays homage to the western expansion of the United States. Groups can ride an elevator up 63 stories to see the incredible view at the top overlooking the city and the Mississippi River.

The museum and surrounding grounds recently underwent a $380 million renovation, unveiling new exhibits and other interactive features. One of the projects involved building pedestrian access from downtown St. Louis to the Gateway Arch and Mississippi riverfront.

“It really transformed the entire visitor experience,” said Paraino. “We always like to call the Arch the front door to St. Louis.”

Young visitors will find various forms of entertainment throughout the Gateway City, which hosts the largest collection of free attractions in the country outside of Washington, D.C. Some of these highlights include the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Zoo. One distinct attraction that groups will not want to miss is the City Museum, a 600,000-square-foot playground for all ages built inside a former shoe factory. This eccentric funhouse is constructed almost entirely of found objects, including old chimneys, salvaged bridge parts, construction cranes and two abandoned planes. www.explorestlouis.com

The St. Louis Arch and renovated grounds

Courtesy Explore St. Louis

A Benjamin Franklin interpreter at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall

A student band performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Courtesy Destination Cleveland

By Tim Hawk, courtesy Philadelphia CVB

[ PHILADELPHIA ] Celebrated as the birthplace of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Philadelphia provides a vibrant, historic setting for student trips. Visitors can trace the footsteps of the nation’s forefathers to treasured attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, or delve deeper into history at some of the city’s world-class museums. Among these acclaimed institutions are the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Museum of American Jewish History and the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the first major museum in the country dedicated to showcasing the heritage and culture of African-Americans.

As travelers wander the colorful streets, they will also discover a thriving arts scene and culinary culture throughout the city, from the beautiful shops and fine-dining restaurants around Rittenhouse Square to the Old City Arts District along the riverfront, which features more than 30 art galleries and 80 eateries.

“The ambiance of the city is quite unique for a Northeastern city. It’s a very dynamic, evolving destination,” said Jim DePhilippo, group tourism manager at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

One immersive experience that young groups often enjoy is a special tour called Independence After Hours, which begins with an 18th-century-inspired dinner at City Tavern restaurant. Afterward, participants are led to Independence Hall, where they watch and listen as costumed actors discuss the Declaration of Independence from the perspectives of notable figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. www.discoverphl.com [ CLEVELAND ] One of Ohio’s most dynamic destinations, the city of Cleveland developed along Lake Erie at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, leading it to flourish as a going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 27

Biking San Diego

By Chris Keeney, courtesy sandiego.org

La Jolla Torrey Pines State park

By Joanne DiBona, courtesy sandiego.org

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major manufacturing crossroads around the start of the 20th century. By 1920, it was the fifth-largest city in America. Today, visitors will find a beautiful spread of parks, restaurants, public art and performing-arts venues throughout the area, in addition to affordable hotels and dining.

“We’re large enough to generate that big-city excitement but small enough to make it easy to get around, said Kristen Jantonio, communications specialist at Destination Cleveland.

Cleveland is also home to the world’s only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Cleveland’s ties to the genre trace back to Cleveland radio deejay Alan Freed, who first coined the phrase “rock and roll” in 1951. Overlooking the shoreline of Lake Erie, the impressive seven-story museum explores rock history, culture and impact through interactive exhibits, videos, memorabilia and more.

Adjacent to the Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center provides another interactive educational opportunity for students, where they can learn about science, technology, engineering and math — the STEM sciences — through hands-on exhibits and activities.

Theater lovers will feel right at home in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, the second-largest performing-arts complex in the country after Lincoln Center in New York City. Showcasing Broadway, comedy, dance, concerts, family shows and more, these award-winning playhouses often work with student groups to organize events, workshops and classes.

For faith-based groups, Destination Cleveland can help planners organize a custom itinerary around the city that highlights religious sites such as the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Museum of Divine Statues. www.thisiscleveland.com [ SAN DIEGO ] Spanning more than 70 miles of sunny coastline along the Pacific Ocean, San Diego features some of the state’s most picturesque locations for outdoor recreation, from surfing and stand-up paddleboarding in the sea to mountain biking and hiking in the mountainous peaks surrounding the city. San Diego also acts as the home base for nationally recognized theme parks like SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Legoland California and the worldfamous San Diego Zoo. “There are so many different activities you can do here, and that’s what really sets us apart from other destinations,” said Candice Eley, director of communications at the San Diego Tourism Authority. “There’s not just one thing that stands out, like entertainment in Las Vegas or theme parks in Southern California. We cater to everyone’s tastes.”

In Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, young travelers can relish culture and nature in one splendid location. Beyond the property’s lush grounds, fountains and gardens are 17 museums that highlight a range of subjects, from dinosaurs to space travel and automobiles.

Groups can explore some of the city’s lovely historic buildings and boutique shops in Old Town San Diego. Because it was the first settlement in California, Old Town is often referred to as the Birthplace of California, and travelers can learn about early state history as they visit significant sites such as the Heritage Park Victorian Village, El Campo Santo Cemetery, the Cosmopolitan Hotel and the Whaley House, a historic residence deemed the most haunted house in America by the Travel Channel. wwww.sandiego.org

ANIMAL

B Y EL IZA MY ERS

ENCOUNTERS

Z O O S A N D A QUA RIUM S OFFER AMAZING INTERACTIONS FOR GR O U P S

A playful polar bear entertains guests at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

By Graham S. Jones, courtesy Columbus Zoo

Virginia Aquarium offers boat expeditions into Chesapeake Bay.

Courtesy Virginia Aquarium

Programs at Wild Adventures allow visitors to feed alligators and other animals.

Courtesy Wild Adventures

W

ith formidable jaws strong enough to break the bones of any animal, the alligator munching on dinner is a memorable sight. Groups will see these prehistoric creatures in action by tossing them food for a safe thrill at Wild Adventures Theme Park’s new interactive exhibit.

Zoos and aquariums across the country offer groups similar interactive experiences, some not available to the general public.

Faith-based groups can dine on a leisurely breakfast while watching zebras frolic at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Those interested in an educational experience can learn how to give a 500-pound sea turtle an exam at the National Aquarium.

Other aquariums offer optional add-on excursions, such as a boat tour with the Virginia Aquarium to hunt for some the interesting species in the wild. Whether your church sends a youth group, a senior group or a group comprising all ages, these zoos and aquariums will weave in hands-on activities that will make their wildlife-watching trip unforgettable. going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 29

[ WILD ADVENTURES THEME PARK ] VALDOSTA, GEORGIA Though alligators can float deceptively still in the water, they can also lunge at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour when motivated. Groups can witness these fast and strong animals while feeding them at Wild Adventures Theme Park’s Discovery Outpost in Valdosta, Georgia.

The new addition to the zoological theme park will open in March. Visitors can walk among these giant reptiles at the expansion’s Alligator Alley exhibit, home to dozens of alligators. Daily zoological talks, an alligator-themed show and a netted bridge hanging directly over the alligator habitat provide ways to examine these ancient creatures up close.

“Groups can arrange to toss the alligator food into the exhibit and watch while they eat it,” said Adam Floyd, public relations manager for Wild Adventures Theme Park. “From time to time, visitors can even have a chance to touch a smaller alligator in a controlled environment.”

Discovery Outpost will also add to the site’s amusement park rides, such as the spinning Turtle Twist ride.

Elsewhere in the park, groups can imagine themselves in the African savannah on the Safari Train. The ride runs through two open-range exhibits, where passengers can enjoy the intimacy of viewing water buffalo, antelopes, rhinoceroses and other animals with nothing between them and the wild animals.

The Safari Petting Zoo and the Birdhouse connect guests with some of the zoo’s most adorable exotic creatures. The Birdhouse’s parakeets, zebra finches and Lady Amherst pheasants fly and even land on people’s shoulders inside the 7,000-square-foot venue.

Besides enjoying the animal attractions, groups can ride eight roller coasters, soak themselves at the Splash Island water park or watch a Christian concert at the theme park. www.wildadventures.com [ VIRGINIA AQUARIUM ] VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA The unusually bright colors and odd shapes of aquatic life found in the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach can make these marine animals seem otherworldly.

But on the aquarium’s Ocean Collections boat ride, guests discover that these fascinating creatures live just minutes away.

The 75-minute cruise gives passengers the opportunity to observe local fish and marine invertebrates up close in the boat. Passengers might discover seahorses, stingrays, blue crabs and keyhole urchins on a typical day. After examining them and explaining facts about each species, guides release the creatures back into the ocean.

“Ocean Collection is extremely popular,” said Matthew Klepeisz, public relations manager for the Virginia Aquarium. “It’s a fun boat trip where we drag a net behind the boat and then take a look at what we’ve got in it. It gives people an opportunity to learn about the animals that are found right in our backyard.

The neat thing about these trips is that the diversity of wildlife changes with the seasons.”

Guests can scour the water for dolphins or whales on seasonal boat trips with the Virginia Aquarium. Passengers might also see eagles, seabirds and sea turtles along the way.

Inside the aquarium, visitors can interact with horseshoe crabs, sea stars and whelks at the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium’s touch pool. Other hands-on displays throughout the aquarium showcase aquatic life from the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Sand Tiger Sharks, loggerhead turtles, Komodo dragons and other fresh and seawater creatures fill the 800,000 gallons of aquarium exhibits.

Groups can attach a film at the National Geographic 3D Theater for a visually impressive experience. www.virginiaaquarium.com 30

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Guests can feed giraffes at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

Henry Doorly Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors program lets guests touch a variety of creatures.

Courtesy Henry Doorly Zoo

[ COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM ] COLUMBUS, OHIO With coffee in one hand and a fork in the other, groups can observe zebras, gazelles and antelopes beginning their day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Breakfast at the Mapori Restaurant begins the zoo’s new Wasafiri Adventure for unobstructed views of the Heart of Africa exhibit.

The Wasafiri Adventure package also includes an exclusive giraffe feeding, a private animal encounter and reserved seats for the Cheetah Run. The Cheetah Run features cheetahs and other wild cats demonstrating their speed and agility in a controlled setting. Guests that had previously only seen the cats sleeping at the zoo will witness the capabilities of these animals at the keeper-run show.

The Wildlife Encounter Tour goes behind these scenes at either the Animal Health Center, Manatee Coast or Discovery Reef for glimpses into the challenging work behind maintaining the 400-acre zoo. At the Animal Health Center, visitors learn how the zoo’s veterinary staff handles animals with various illnesses, such as a tiger with a toothache or a snake with a cold.

“You can come in the morning and have interactions with keepers and animals all day,” said Thom Blair, director of sales for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

“There are a lot of experiences you can do on your own. There are keeper talks and exhibits that allow guests close access to the animals.”

One such exhibit includes the Lorikeet Garden, where visitors can feed a cup of nectar to rainbow lorikeets. Groups can also view the wildlife on a train circling the North America exhibits, a tram through the Polar Frontier and a boat ride around the Islands of Southeast Asia exhibit.

The zoo houses more than 7,000 animals, with exhibits divided into the regions of the world. The Zoombezi Bay water park and the Jungle Jack’s Landing Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens amusement park offer theme park additions to the zoo’s nature experience. www.columbuszoo.org

The Wildlife Encounter tour at the Columbus Zoo shows guests how zookeepers care for animals, such as the exotic eyelash viper.

By Graham S. Jones, courtesy Columbus Zoo

[ NATIONAL AQUARIUM ] BALTIMORE Most people feel the texture of a jellyfish only when they encounter its sting while swimming in the ocean. But at the National Aquarium’s Living Seashore exhibit, guests can touch a jellyfish at one of the aquarium’s touch pools without the risk of being stung. Groups can also touch an Atlantic stingray, a horseshoe crab and a clearnose skate as they float by.

“We want to teach people how to better care for the animals at the beach,” said Nora Campbell, director of sales for the National Aquarium.

“The touch tables teach you how to play at the beach without harming the animals. It is our newest exhibit.”

The aquarium consists of five floors of exhibits that mimic tropical rain forests, the Australian outback and an Atlantic coral reef, among others.

With more than 2 million gallons of water, the aquarium is the largest tourism attraction in Maryland.

“We have over 20,000 animals and award-winning habitats,” said Campbell. “You can go around the world in two to three hours. And we don’t just have fish, but tamarin monkeys and reptiles as well.”

The aquarium’s 4D Immersion Theater re-creates the sensations of wind and scent to supplement the visual experience. Other exclusive tours relate fascinating stories about taking care of the aquarium’s many creatures. The Insider’s Tour, Reef Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Dolphin Discovery Behind-the-Scenes lead groups to staff-only areas with chances to see some animals up close. The Icky, Creepy, Slimy, Cool Tour introduces visitors to some of the aquarium’s most bizarre species and how staff members care for these less cuddly creatures.

Youth groups looking for memorable overnight accommodations can

arrange a Sleepover Immersion Program to say both good night and good morning to all the aquarium’s aquatic animals. Participants bring only a sleeping bag and a pillow to spend one-on-one time with dolphins, sharks and other exotic creatures after an included dinner. www.aqua.org [ OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM ] OMAHA, NEBRASKA Play with African pygmy goats, hold parakeets in the palm of your hand and watch the feeding of 300 free-flying bats at Omaha, Nebraska’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Originally established as the Riverview Park Zoo in 1894, the zoo was named “world’s best zoo” by TripAdvisor in 2014.

Among its claims to fame are the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and the largest glazed geodesic dome in the world. The zoo’s re-created rain forest, aquarium and large indoor desert also delight visitors.

Groups can feel like they’ve stepped into a wild bird habitat at the free-flight, fouracre Simmons Aviary. Flamingos, spoonbills and egrets live throughout the exhibit. For a more intimate experience, in the new Budgie Encounter, parakeets fly overhead, land on visitors’ heads and eat from participating visitors’ hands.

The zoo also includes other interactive exhibits, such as a petting zoo, a giraffefeeding experience, a touch pool and a bird show that demonstrates bird flights from hawks, macaws and guinea fowl. Groups also enjoy sitting back and watching the ostriches, cheetahs, lions and other wildlife go by while they ride on the Skyfari, an aerial tram that runs over the African exhibits. The Omaha Zoo Railroad runs on a 2.5-mile track for a more thorough viewing of the entire zoo.

Optional Backstage Experiences shake up the zoo tour with chances to see shark feedings, the swamp exhibits with their lights on and the feeding of 300 bats. www.omahazoo.com

Noah in Traditional and Contemporary Art & Stations of the Cross Biedenharn Museum and Gardens Monroe, Louisiana March 28, 2019 — January 18, 2020

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 31

Plus, Biedenharn Bible Collection, Coca-Cola Museum, Historic Home, and Gardens. bmuseum.org or 319-387-5281 318-387-5281

HEARTLAND

TRAVEL GUIDE

AN INTERNATIONAL

Architecture in Pella celebrates the town’s Dutch heritage.

T

GROUPS WILL FIND A WORLD OF CULTURES ON DISPLAY IN AMERICA’S HEARTLAND

BY ELIZABETH HEY

hroughout our nation’s history, Europeans who settled communities in the Midwest brought their culture, art, cuisine and architecture as they forged a new life for themselves. Those communities have continued to pass down their heritage.

Today, thanks to their diligence, your group can partake in traditions from around the globe without leaving the continent.

Next year, the charming Swedish town of Lindsborg, Kansas, will celebrate its 150th anniversary; the celebration will begin New Year’s Eve and will continue throughout 2019. Spring tulips and architecture reminiscent of the Netherlands charm visitors in Pella, Iowa. Throughout the state, Nebraska’s small towns celebrate their Czech and Swedish heritages with festivals, food and fun. Amidst rolling hills, farmland and pastures, the Swiss-inspired town of New Glarus, Wisconsin, rolls out the welcome mat. And visitors can explore German heritage in the charming town of Hermann in Missouri’s own Rhineland.

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Swedish dancers in Lindsborg Courtesy Lindsborg CVB

LEGACY

March. Reminiscent of small inns found throughout Sweden, it boasts Swedish decor and imported furniture. Included with an overnight stay is the inn’s Swedish breakfast buffet.

Lindsborg claims the nation’s longest-running, continual performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” now in its 138th year. On Easter Sunday, soloists from all over the globe participate. Choir members practice for 11 weeks, some driving from as far as three hours away.

On Palm Sunday, groups can take in a related musical performance. During Holy Week, various musical performances and installations celebrate the arts.

“The ‘Messiah’ is a beautiful piece that offered the area’s Swedish immigrants a sense of community and relief from the drudgery of life on the plains,” said Lofton. “Today, Handel’s masterpiece is sung by more than 350 voices, and the choir has performed it in venues such as Carnegie Hall.” www.visitlindsborg.com

PELLA, IOWA

Courtesy Pella CVB

By Q. Farley, courtesy NE Tourism Comm.

Groups can sample kolach pastries at Czech bakeries in Wilber, Nebraska.

LINDSBORG, KANSAS

Courtesy Lindsborg CVB

Lindsborg nurtures its creative community of 60 working artists and nine public working studios and galleries. Next year during the town’s sesquicentennial, 36 newly created Dala horses will be displayed throughout Lindsborg in addition to the more than 50 pieces of public art that now decorate street corners, neighborhoods and building facades. On the Bethany College campus, the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery showcases Sandzén’s artwork and offers tours of his former studio. And the Small World Gallery showcases National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson.

“We’re happy to customize a tour for any size of group and length of time, ranging from several hours to three days,” said Holly Lofton, director of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Itineraries can focus on culture, art, history, photography or the outdoors.”

After a complete remodel this winter, the Swedish Country Inn will reopen in

Pella transports groups to the Netherlands on its brick streets lined with narrow European storefronts and galleries. Shops sell intricate Dutch lace, handpainted delftware and more. In warm weather, patio dining is in full swing along the canal. Groups can tour the 150-year-old Scholte house museum and gardens, home of Pella’s founder. Restoration of the Scholte house and gardens will be completed by midsummer, and several windmills have also undergone face-lifts.

The first full weekend in May, Tulip Time coincides with Pella’s beautiful blooms. Daily afternoon and lighted evening parades feature elaborate floats, marching bands and residents in authentic Dutch costume.

Demonstrations, performances, a craft and vendor fair, and quilt and flower shows round out events.

“Tulip Time is our busiest celebration,” said director Jill Vandevoort at the Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau. “But if groups really want to see our community and enjoy the beautiful tulips and architecture, late April is also an excellent time to come.”

A Dala horse in Lindsborg

Courtesy Lindsborg CVB

going on faith [ goingonfaith.com ] 33

Tour SOUTHEAST INDIANA

RiveR Town Spend a day along the Ohio River Scenic Byway and explore historic Aurora. Follow an urban arts trail with your artist guide, tour landmark mansions, enjoy a “Linens & Luxury” luncheon and visit a small brewery with a big history.

“Wonderful experience, Top-notch service!”

- CB&S Bank Shining Stars, Russellville, AL

“Windows of Aurora” Hillforest Victorian House Museum

OHIO Indianapolis

INDIANA

1

Cincinnati

KENTUCKY

Louisville

Second in popularity to Tulip Time is the Christmas Tour of Homes. This year, Pella will host its first Christmas market, the Kerstmarkt. This market will mimic those in the Netherlands, serving dishes like Gouda cheese, hot spiced cider, Dutch spice cookies and oliebollen, which is a doughnutlike deep fried bread. Shoppers can purchase unique gifts and take photos with Sinterklaas.

“We researched markets in the Netherlands and around our region, and we’re coordinating with other regional Christmas markets to create a Midwestern Christmas market itinerary,” said Vandevoort. “Our market will be held in open-air huts on Molengracht Plaza, somewhat like those at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket open-air market.” www.visitpella.com

VERDIGRE, NEBRASKA “Nebraska has a wide variety of fun events and destinations where groups can celebrate the different cultures represented in the state,” said Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director John Ricks.

Kolach Days in the town of Verdigre, in Nebraska’s northwestern corner, takes place the second weekend of June. Kolaches, yeast dough pastries with fruit fillings that originated in eastern Europe, are a favorite Czech and Slovak des“When groups stop for lunch sert. Verdigre’s Czech heritage comes to life during the festival with the crowning of the or dinner at the restaurant, Kolach King and Queen, a kolach-eating contest and more. After Sunday’s Grand Parade, they can arrange for a Swiss groups can dance the polka at the Royal Ball entertainment package or delve into Czech heritage at the Verdigre Heritage Museum complex and gristmill. featuring a Swiss group who Also held the third weekend in June, the Swedish Midsommar Festival takes place on the yodels, plays the Alp horns town square in Stromsburg, the “Swede Capital and performs Swiss singing.” of Nebraska.” Founded in 1872, Stromsburg traces its roots to Sweden, and the town takes its name after a neighborhood in the town of SUSIE WEISS Ockelbo. During the festival on Friday and DIRECTOR OF THE NEW GLARUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Saturday evenings, A Taste of Sweden serves up locally made Swedish meatballs, rye bread and ostkaka, a cheesecakelike dessert topped with lingonberries. Saturday morning, the breakfast serves Swedish pancakes. In addition to enjoying the Swedish fare, groups can learn about Viking life from the Skjaldborg Vikings reenactors, enjoy Swedish dancing, watch the parade featuring “Stromsburg Past and Present” and check out Sunday’s annual car show.

The official “Czech Capital of the USA,” Wilbur lies 36 miles southwest of Lincoln. In August, its annual Czech Days celebrates polka and kolaches. Prefestival activities include a beer garden and free dance at Hotel Wilber.

Czech music, food, arts and dancing are featured throughout the weekend. www.visitnebraska.com

Lexington

South of I-74 & west of I-275, 20 minutes west of Cincinnati

www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com 800-322-8198

HERMANN, MISSOURI Eighty miles west of St. Louis lies the quaint town of Hermann. When German immigrants settled in Missouri more than a century ago,

Czech Days in Wilber

By E. Stenbakken, courtesy NE Tourism Comm.

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they brought their passion for winemaking with them.

Almost half of Hermann’s 150 historic buildings offer lodging as bed-andbreakfasts, inns and guesthouses. They range from cozy and historic to luxurious.

Late spring into early summer, the region’s gardens burst into full bloom, and avid gardeners will find it a lovely time to visit. Groups can tour the Deutschheim State Historic Site, an early German-American settlement of restored 1840s and 1850s buildings with furnishings reflective of Missouri’s midcentury German families.

“Groups can take a 90-minute tram tour narrated by docents in full costume throughout the Living History Farm’s 200 acres, and they also have a wonderful gift shop,” said Kay Schwinke, group tour coordinator for the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce. “A tour highlight is the Settlement Village with restored 1850s homes.”

Hermann held its first Weinfest in the fall of 1848, a tradition that continues today on the first four weekends in October. On those weekends, downtown’s Hermannhof Festhalle resembles an authentic German hall, featuring German bands and bratwursts from locally owned Swiss Meats. Outdoor patios and gardens beckon with live music and al fresco dining.

Stone Hill Winery sits atop one of the world’s largest labyrinths of underground cellars and offers in-depth tours. In 1873, the winery won the first of eight World’s Fair gold medals in Vienna. Today, the on-site Vintage Restaurant, located in a restored horse barn, features Old World dishes such as onion tarts, slow-cooked sauerbraten and pan-fried schnitzel. www.visithermann.com

Swiss fondue in New Glarus

Carving wooden shoes in Pella

Courtesy RRHOF

Courtesy New Glarus COC

Pella’s Scholte Gardens

NEW GLARUS, WISCONSIN Step into Swiss heritage in New Glarus, dubbed America’s “Little Switzerland.”

A steady stream of Swiss immigrants has sustained the community’s SwissGerman language, folk traditions and music since 1845.

Adding to the picturesque architecture, flower boxes filled with blooms grace many of the buildings in the historic downtown.

Authentic cuisine created by Swiss-trained chefs at the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant features dishes such as Cheese Fondue à la Neuchatel, Beef Fondue Bourguignonne and Rösti Potatoes. Friday and Saturday evenings, live polka music entertains diners.

“When groups stop for lunch or dinner at the restaurant, they can arrange for a Swiss entertainment package featuring a Swiss group who yodels, plays the Alp horns and performs Swiss singing,” said Susie Weiss, director of the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce. “Before or after the meal, a costumed, step-on guide can lead a tour highlighting our town’s history and culture, which also stops at our Swiss Historical Village Museum.”

Groups will want to leave time for browsing several blocks of unique shops that stock imported gifts. More than 100 years old, the New Glarus Bakery creates scrumptious treats worth a stop. Visitors can rent bikes at the chamber office for cycling the Sugar River Bike Trail, an abandoned railroad line that spans 24 miles with 14 trestle bridges that cross over the Sugar River and its tributaries.

“My favorite time of year is Oktoberfest in September, when the leaves are changing and the air is cooling down,” said Weiss. “There’s live music and dancing and good food, including brats made from our two meat markets in town.” www.swisstown.com

Courtesy Pella CVB

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