The Group Travel Leader April 2020

N AT I V E A M E R I C A N I C O N S

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AN ALABAMA SAMPLER

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GOING TO K ANSAS CIT Y

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Travel endures AND SO SHALL

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out here, roots go deeper.

Reaching into the rich, dark soil, that feeds our river, our bayous and our souls, are stories that teach us as much as they haunt u s . H e r e , i t ’s a s e a s y t o f e e l s w e p t a w a y b y the architecture as it is the colorful culture t h a t ’s i n s p i r e d b y t h e v e r y p e o p l e w h o m a k e this place what it is. A place where the mighty M i s s i s s i p p i i s n’ t j u s t a r i v e r , b u t t h e l i f e b l o o d of this historic land, winding its way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and beyond.

go deeper out here | visitnopc.com

Admire Native Art & Artifacts in Oklahoma Oklahoma is a premier destination for groups interested in Indigenous art and artifacts. First stop? Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, where you can visit the 1710 village Diligwa for a taste of authentic Cherokee culture. Next, tour Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville, known for its array of Native American baskets, beads, blankets and art. At the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, view extensive collections of American Indian art, sculptures, rodeo relics and more. Wrap things up by exploring the stunning Spiral Garden and Spirit Forest at Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

Browse attractions, itineraries and more at TravelOK.com/Group.

CONTENTS

GROUP TH E

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CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF GROUP TR AVEL

ON T H E COV E R

COLU M NS

N EWS

6 Editor’s Marks 13 PROFILE:

8 Family Matters 12 Conference Scene

Sandy Price

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A traveler looks out over Roanoke Sound at Nags Head Woods Preserve in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Photo by Ben Herndon.

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Alabama Spotlight

Students Perform Here

VOL 30 | ISSUE 4

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MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS KELLY TYNER

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COASTAL VI RGINIA

CARO LINAS S PECIA L SEC TI ON

History, culture and waterfront scenery beckon groups to this mid-Atlantic destination.

Discover the mountaintop beauty and oceanfront charm of North and South Carolina.

K E LLY T Y N E R 888.253.0455

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Founder and Publisher Partner VP & Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director VP, Sales & Marketing

KYLE ANDERSON ASHLEY RICKS CAROLINE DAVIS

ELIZA MYERS CHRISTINE CLOUGH

kelly@grouptravelleader.com

Director of Advertising Sales Graphic Design & Circulation Executive Assistant, Sales & Marketing Associate Editor Copy Editor

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 2530455 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.

USA Roadtrip

W.C. Handy Festival, Florence/Muscle Shoals

Alabama, the heart and soul of southern USA In north Alabama hear the rhythm and soul that shaped music history in the recording studios of Muscle Shoals then tour the world’s largest space museum at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, where Space Camp is also located.

Montgomery

History is at the center of Alabama with U.S. Civil Rights sites where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., preached and marched in both Birmingham and Montgomery. Those cities also offer the world’s largest motorcycle collection, and America’s country music legend Hank William’s museum and gravesite.

On Alabama’s Gulf Coast, relax on the soft white-sand beaches and swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters in the resort towns of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. Nearby is the historic port city of Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras and a great place to find fresh seafood.

From there, you’re just a 2.5-hour drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach

Alabama is located in the southern region of USA between the cities of New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis and Atlanta.

Nashville Muscle Shoals

Huntsville Birmingham Montgomery Gulf Shores

Mobile

Mardi Gras, Mobile

Contact Rosemary Judkins Sales Manager, Alabama Tourism Department 334.242.4493 rosemary.judkins@tourism.alabama.gov

New Orleans

EDITOR’S MARKS

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BY BRIAN JEWELL

e’re going to make it through this. So will you.

I had another column all lined up and ready to go for this month — it was a cute one about my kids. But as our print date approached in mid-March, it became clear to all of us here at The Group Travel Leader that we should use this space to talk about more substantive things.

Like many of you, I was caught off-guard by how quickly the coronavirus went from a foreign disease to a global pandemic. As I write this, federal, state and local governments are announcing restrictions on public gatherings and ordering blanket closing of bars, restaurants and other public places. Social distancing, a concept most of us had never heard of before, is now at the top of all our minds. Travel, needless to say, has ground to a halt. And things are changing so quickly that, by the time this magazine is printed and delivered to you, the circumstances I’m describing today could seem laughably out of date.

It’s becoming clear that this outbreak is going to cause large-scale disruption across almost every part of the global economy. But unfortunately, travel, tourism and hospitality will be among the hardest hit. There will be plenty of bad news in the coming days. But the news is never all bad. In fact, there is enough good news still to leave us feeling hopeful about the future.

The first bit of good news is that we’re beginning to see a national unity and solidarity that many of us thought we may never witness again. The public at large has come to see the size of the threat clearly. And though nobody enjoys quarantines and

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restrictions, people have accepted their necessity and, by and large, are doing their part to help stop the spread of the disease. None of us knows how long these measures will last. But sooner or later, they will work. One day, the coronavirus won’t be part of our present anymore — it will only be part of our past.

The next bit of good news is that human beings are wired for travel.

It’s in our DNA. Our desire to explore new places, meet new people and see new things is irrepressible. Once the restrictions are lifted and the smoke has cleared, people will still want to travel. In fact, given how severe the restrictions have been, there will probably be a lot of pent-up demand for the travel experiences our industry provides.

The final bit of good news is that humans are inherently social.

We were made to be together, and we’ll always look for ways to do the things we love with people who love them as much as we do. That includes travel. And if you’re a group travel leader, people are going to want to travel with you.

That’s why we’re sending you this magazine today, even if you’ve been stuck at home for weeks. Because one day, you’ll be able to travel again, and we want you to be ready.

So from all of us at The Group Travel Leader, hang in there. Keep your head up. There are brighter days ahead, and we look forward to experiencing them together.

We’re going to make it through this. So will you.

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CUSTOM CONTENT

For a spirited adventure explore Northern Kentucky

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

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or a spirited slice of the Bluegrass State, visit Northern Kentucky, a string of cities and towns along the Kentucky-Ohio border, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Spirits here take many forms, from religious attractions that tell Biblical stories to distilleries that pour their souls into producing bourbon and other distilled spirits.

Reflect on spiritual stories The striking Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, inspired by Paris’s Notre Dame, appeals to both the faithful and to fans of fabulous architecture. Its stony Gothic façade stands in contrast to a soaring interior brightened by two 26-foot diameter rose windows and 80 German-made stained glass windows.

The spiritually minded also come to visit sister attractions, located 40 miles apart. Both the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter tell Biblical stories through lifelike animatronic exhibits, but each also offers a host of other things to see and do. Gardens and a café add enjoyment at the Creation Museum. A wooden ark of Biblical proportions is of course the breathtaking star at the Ark Encounter, but there’s also a massive buffet restaurant, camel rides and a petting zoo, a gift shop, a large theater, a skating rink and a zipline.

Savor sippable spirits For distilled spirits and spirited startup stories, do tours and tastings at three area distilleries. Northern Kentucky is, after all, the northernmost point on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In Newport, New Riff is hanging more and more awards in its steel and glass distillery near the river. What inspired the “Made by Ghosts” slogan at Boone County Distilling, located a mile from Interstate 75? Owners say their whiskey, bourbon and gin reflect the spirits of men who first made bourbon in these parts in the early 1800s.

Farther west, Neely Family Distillery also looks to the past for inspiration. Making moonshine--illegally in those days--kept food on the table for nine generations of this Kentucky family. Now, the 10th and 11th generations are making ‘shine and other spirits with the government’s blessing at their distillery 200 yards from Kentucky Speedway, home to NASCAR’s Quaker State 400. Groups are welcomed to tour the gigantic auto racing facility, and maybe even take a spin in their motorcoach around the 1.5-mile oval.

Experience the spirit of adventure The Ohio River is not only scenic, its banks are packed with adventures. The best way to see what lies along each side is on a BB Riverboats’ tour. Sightseeing, dinner, themed and other cruises leave from a new dock and adjoining event facility. Tour boats paddle past riverfronts vastly remade, with parks and sports stadiums on the Cincinnati side and the Newport Aquarium, Newport on the Levee and hotels on the Kentucky side. In Newport, learn about the underworld spirits who turned the small city into the nation’s first “Las Vegas,” before city fathers ran the gamblers out of town on a Newport Gangster Tour.

Dig into local specialties Get into the spirit of the region by sampling two of its iconic foods. Many local restaurants serve its riff on sausage -- a mashup of pork, spices and oats called goetta -- on burgers, or as a new twist on old favorites like Eggs Benedict or grilled cheese.

Popular chains Gold Star and Skyline Chili deliver Cincinnati chili, a meaty concoction laced with cinnamon that locals like over spaghetti or on a hot dog bun. The region’s German heritage is celebrated daily at Hofbrauhaus, where groups rub elbows at long tables and enjoy brauts, sauerkraut and polkas.

www.meetnky.com

877-659-8474

ERIN HOEBBEL GROUP TOUR MANAGER 859-655-4154 OR 513-307-6343 (CELL) EHOEBBEL@MEETNKY.COM

meetNKY.com

FAMILY M AT T E R S

S E L E C T T R AV E L E R C O N F E R E N C E R E S C H E D U L E D F O R A U G U S T I N W I C H I TA SALEM, Ohio — The 2020 Select Traveler Conference, the national gathering of bank, alumni and chamber of commerce travel directors, has announced that it will reschedule and relocate its event this year to August 19-21 in Wichita, Kansas.

The decision was necessitated by the severe travel restrictions put in place nationally as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

This decision was made after conferring with Visit Cheyenne — the destination marketing organization for Cheyenne, Wyoming, which was scheduled to host the 2020 Select Traveler Conference — as well as Wyoming Tourism and the Little America Hotel.

“I want to thank Domenic Bravo, CEO of Visit Cheyenne and Jim Walter, Visit Cheyenne director of sales and marketing, for having the long-term best interests of the travel industry at heart when they agreed to relocate this year’s event.”

— JO E C APPUZ ZE LLO

All parties involved were professional, insightful and accommodating during the trying circumstances being faced by the travel and meetings industries in the United States. Visit Cheyenne agreed to the conference location change to Wichita based on the improved ability for the Select Traveler Conference to serve its delegates at this time.

“I want to thank Domenic Bravo, CEO of Visit Cheyenne, and Jim Walter, Visit Cheyenne director of sales and marketing, for having the long-term best interests of the travel industry at heart when they

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The Keeper of the Plains honors Native American heritage of Wichita, which will host both Going On Faith Conference and the Select Traveler Conference in August.

Sightseeing tours and social events will provide numerous opportunities for conference delegates to explore Wichita.

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT WICHITA APRI L 2020

agreed to relocate this year’s event,” said Joe Cappuzzello of the Select Traveler Conference. “It is a truly heartfelt gesture and gracious decision when a visitor bureau agrees to forfeit the ability to showcase their destination for the betterment of the overall travel industry. In true Western fashion, all of us at The Group Travel Family offer a tip-of-the-hat to Visit Cheyenne,” said Cappuzzello.

Visit Wichita agreed to make it possible for the Select Traveler Conference to be held in Wichita by co-locating the event with the 2020 Going On Faith Conference, which takes place there in August.

“Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita, and Moji Rosson, vice president of sales, stepped up to make tough decisions and find the means to accommodate the Select Traveler Conference,” said Charlie Presley, founding partner of the conference.

“Visit Wichita understands tourism and has gone beyond the call of duty to help traveling banks, alumni and chambers of commerce keep their programs operating in these trying circumstances.”

The Select Traveler Conference is America’s only travel event specifically held for these influential travel groups. For more than 25 years, it has offered education, networking, travel buying sessions and peer interaction for these upscale travel planners.

“There is tremendous knowledge and experience shared at this conference, and in light of the current conditions being encountered by the travel industry, that has never been more important,” said Presley.

For information on attending the Select Traveler Conference in Wichita, August 19-21, call 800-628-0993 or e-mail jferguson@grouptravelfamily.com.

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Group Travel

HANDLING CUSTOMER PAYMENTS

essentials

BY BRIAN JEWELL

You probably didn’t decide to become a group travel planner because you love keeping track of people’s payments. But managing transactions is a crucial part of running a successful travel endeavor, and if you don’t get it right, you could cause yourself and your travelers a lot of trouble.

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Business Basic: START WITH DEPOSITS Most experienced travel planners, travel agents and tour operators don’t ask customers to pay the entire cost of a trip at once. Instead, they have clients make a small nonrefundable deposit (usually a few hundred dollars), then pay the balance closer to the date of departure. This offers several benefits: In addition to allowing your customers to spread the cost of their trip over several payments, requiring deposits helps you gauge how many participants you’ll have on a trip several months in advance. It also gives you some operating capital for making reservations or deposits to your suppliers.

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BUILD AN INFRASTRUCTURE The first time you ran a group trip, you probably managed the finances in your own bank account, collecting cash or checks from your travelers and then paying suppliers with your own credit card. As your organization grows, though, this method becomes trickier and exposes you to some liabilities. To protect yourself, you should set up a separate bank account for your business or travel group — don’t mix it with your personal finances. With that account, you can get a dedicated debit or credit card. The bank may also be able to help you set up payment processing so you can accept credit card payments from your customers.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of time and effort you spend managing payments, or even eliminate payments from your workflow altogether. Consider employing some of these strategies to streamline your operations; doing so will allow you to focus more on the parts of travel you enjoy and worry less about the business side.

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Best Practice:

Innovative Idea: ACCEPT PAYMENTS ON YOUR PHONE If you have used a credit card recently to buy something from an independent merchant at an event or a farmers market, you may have seen them swipe your credit card through a small attachment plugged into a smartphone. These gadgets and their associated apps allow even microbusinesses to accept credit card payments in person. They can also be a great way for you to make sales.

When you visit clients or give a presentation about an upcoming trip, you can offer a special price or other incentive to anyone who places a deposit on the trip right then. Then you can use your phone and a payment app to collect those deposits on the spot.

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Pro Tip:

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OUTSOURCE COLLECTIONS If you work with travel partners such as cruise lines and tour companies on most of your trips, there’s a good chance they can take on all the hassles of payment processing for you. These companies already have the in-house infrastructure necessary for accepting payments, and many of them offer those services to you when you book trips through them. They usually give you a customized link to their payment portals so that instead of collecting money from your customers, you can simply send travelers the link, and they can pay their deposits and final balances directly to the supplier.

COLLECT PAYMENTS ONLINE The internet has fundamentally changed the way people buy things, including travel. And the more trips you sell, the more likely you’ll be to encounter people who want to pay for their trips online. In the past few years, some technology companies have created simple, secure ways for small businesses and organizations to process payments directly on their websites. If you already have a website, talk to your site designer about adding payment tools — it’s not as difficult as it sounds — or use a service like Squarespace or Wix to easily create a new site with e-commerce tools built in.

: The 17th presentation in the Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series The presentation of this exhibition in Jackson, Mississippi is sponsored by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.

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MSMUSEUMART.ORG

Edgar Degas (1834-1917), Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, model executed ca. 1880 (cast in 1922). bronze, cloth skirt with tutu and satin hair ribbon, 38.5 x 14.5 x 14.25 in.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, State Operating Fund and the Art Lovers’ Society, 45.22.1. Image © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

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MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM of ART 380 SOUTH LAMAR STREET  DOWNTOWN JACKSON GROUP THE

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CONFERENCE

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TRAVEL SOUTH USA COMPLETES HANDOFF OF DOMESTIC SHOWCASE

BY BRIAN JEWELL BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Travel South USA formally handed off its Domestic Showcase conference to the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) during the 39th annual edition of the event, which took place March 8-11 in Baton Rouge.

The transition has been in the works for more than a year and was first announced at last year’s Domestic Showcase.

“The name Domestic Showcase remains, and the STS staff have spent the last year shadowing us,” said Travel South president and CEO Liz Bittner. “For the rank and file attendee, there will be no noticeable change next year.”

For nearly four decades, Domestic Showcase has been one of Travel South USA’s signature initiatives, bringing tour operators and travel journalists from around the country to meet destination and attraction representatives from 12 Southern states. In recent years, however, Travel South has grown significantly in its international outreach. Bittner said that handing the domestic tour operator event over to STS will allow her team to focus their efforts on the growing inbound travel market.

“We can highlight a lot of second- and third-tier cities that people are excited to go to,” she said. “We want to give them places to stop between Texas and Washington, D.C.” Those promotional efforts will become pivotal as the travel industry deals with the fallout from the coronavirus epidemic. Domestic Showcase took place shortly before widespread travel restrictions and quarantine measures were announced, and during the conference attendees began grappling with the size of the challenge confronting the tourism community.

“We’re in a position to be thinking three moves ahead,” Bittner said. “Our strategy will remain intact. International visitation will come back, and if history is any indication, it will come back with a vengeance. Coronavirus is a short-term hiccup, but that strategy will remain the same.”

STS, which has a long track record of education and advocacy events, will be fully in charge of the next Domestic Showcase, scheduled for February 8-11 in Huntsville, Alabama.

“We are excited to host our first STS Domestic Showcase in Huntsville,” said Monica Smith, president and CEO of STS. “The overall format of Domestic Showcase will remain the same with regards to Marketplace and the scheduled meetings between suppliers, buyers, and journalists.

However, we are working to include both educational sessions and additional networking opportunities for all participants. In addition, we'll be inviting STS members from destinations, attractions, and hotels in both Florida and Washington DC to participate in the event."

Louisville Tourism representatives Travel South USA president Liz Bittner

An evening reception at Houmas House

STS staff, including president Monica Smith (center) An Aretha Franklin tribute artist and Muscle Shoals musicians

The Group Travel Leader’s After Gleaux event PHOTOS COURTESY TSUSA

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PROFILE

Sandy Price OKL AHOMA CITY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

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BY BRIAN JEWELL

hen Sandy Price took a job at the information desk of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1991, she never could have imagined the changes she would see in her city — and her life.

Now the CVB’s vice president of tourism, Price went to college for physical education and biology.

She worked in schools for a short time but decided it wasn’t a good fit.

“I taught and coached for one year,” she said. “I was in a small town and didn’t like the politics. But I loved the interaction with people, and I wanted to be involved with what was going on in a city.

So the info desk at the CVB seemed like a place to be in the inside of things that were happening.”

Price enjoyed the job and was quickly promoted to a tourism sales position. In the decades since, she has witnessed the revitalization of her city firsthand.

“When I started, we had the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and we sold a lot of horse farm tours,” she said. “Then, in the early ’90s, we had some great leadership. They decided that if Oklahoma City didn’t do something else for themselves,

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nobody else was going to fix the problem.”

The leaders’ solution was an innovative idea called Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS). Community leaders worked with residents to identify seven major projects to improve the city, then proposed a one-cent sales tax to fund them. The city’s residents approved the tax in a referendum, and building commenced.

That was in 1993. Since then, the city has renewed the MAPS project three times, and the funds have helped spur the development of a river sports district, canals, a professional sports arena and many other public works. That, in turn, attracted private development, including several notable museums that will be opening this year and next.

“I went from selling the Cowboy Hall of Fame to selling a whole new city,” Price said.

Today, Price travels extensively to spread the word about the new Oklahoma City, including all the major domestic tourism trade shows, as well as an increasing number of international events.

“We do sales projects in English-speaking European countries,” she said. “People from the U.K. and Ireland have been to both coasts, they’ve been to Las Vegas, they’ve been to the Grand Canyon. They’re frequent travelers. So after they’ve been here four or five times, they start moving to the interior and looking for something different. We fit that really well because we’re authentic and easy to travel in.”

When she’s not on the road promoting Oklahoma City, Price spends her free time enjoying the destination she sells. You might find her attending a Thunder basketball game, exploring new breweries or introducing her two grandchildren to the local zoo or science museum.

Today, she’s living a life she couldn’t have imagined when she started working at the information desk.

“Never for one minute did this small-town Oklahoma girl think she would travel the world doing this,” she said. “And I also grew up very shy, so nobody in my hometown could fathom that I’m doing this. But I absolutely love it.”

“I learn so much from what people ask me for. When people ask for things, that tells us what their interests and the new trends are. And we have the opportunity to create a product there might be a demand for.”

—SANDY PRICE

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Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Orlando COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO

Universal Studios Orlando’s performance workshop

SeaWorld San Antonio COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO

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S TA G E Student performing groups in New Orleans can participate in the city’s Mardi Gras heritage on tours and customized experiences.

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COURTESY SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO

Universal Studios Orlando

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STUDENT GROUPS CAN PERFORM I N T H E S E M U S I C A L D E S T I N AT I O N S

BY ELIZA MYERS

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othing captures a child’s attention as quickly as Disney. Student performing groups can join the princes and princesses of Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, by booking one of the company’s many performing arts experiences.

These opportunities for musical students don’t exist only at Cinderella’s castle, but also at cities across the country. Student performance groups, such as choir groups, marching bands and dance teams, can step into the spotlight at many extraordinary venues, such as Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, SeaWorld San Antonio and the streets of New Orleans.

Groups seeking to create memories that last a lifetime should consider these five hot spots for their next performance trip.

COURTESY BY CHRIS GRANGER, CORSAIR DISTILLERY COURTESY NEW ORLEANS AND COMPANY

Orlando, Florida

Students can feel the rush of a cheering crowd when performing for Disney World guests in Orlando, Florida.

At the park’s Candlelight Processional, high schoolers and other choirs come together to retell the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator. A 50-piece orchestra plays alongside the recruited choirs at this revered Disney holiday tradition.

The park accommodates a wide range of performance groups, with experiences including a dance at Marketplace Stage in Disney Springs and an instrumental ensemble performance marching down the park’s Main Street, U.S.A. Even groups who’ve already seen Disney World will find that performance opportunities abound across Orlando. The energetic city has so many attractions, it’s easy to plan completely different tours from one year to the next. Universal Studios Florida, the Kennedy Space Center and SeaWorld

all combine pure fun with educational and performance options.

Universal’s Stars Performance Program offers chances for groups to dazzle on the stage. Marching bands, concert bands, dance teams and choirs can transition from the spotlight to scream-inducing thrills.

Students can delight visitors at Universal’s Superstar Parade or the Universal CityWalk.

Workshops and music festivals are also available.

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New Orleans

Marching bands can party like it’s Mardi Gras year-round in New Orleans. Students can march in a parade through the iconic French Quarter by working with a coordinator to organize the unforgettable experience.

Music groups can also take advantage of the city’s jazz heritage by performing at a live jazz venue. After the students perform, they can listen to a professional jazz band and arrange a question-and-answer session with the musicians. The Palm Court Jazz Cafe frequently hosts these experiences, which can also include traditional New Orleans cuisine.

A variety of performing groups can entertain aboard the Steamboat Natchez. The historic paddle-wheeler offers a buffet and scenic Mississippi River cruises.

Swing or patriotic music is especially encouraged at the National World War II Museum. Designated

by Congress at the country’s official World War II museum, the site offers venues for performing groups as well as an interactive history experience.

The city’s Tombs by Twilight tours explore famous cemeteries at dusk for a memorable way to educate students on New Orleans’ past.

“Student groups are always looking for something to do after 6 p.m. other than dinner,” said Thu Tran,

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Café du Monde in New Orleans

COURTESY NEW ORLEANS AND COMPANY

A Mardi Gras parade participant

tourism sales account executive for New Orleans and Company. “Our downtown cemetery tours are interesting and heavy in history. The kids love it and don’t know they are getting a history lesson as well. It has a cool factor for the kids who get to see the cemetery in the dark.”

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MD Dept. of Natural Resources

Cleveland

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Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum honors some of the greatest figures in music. And with the city’s Classical Music Rocks package, young visitors get a chance to perform in the museum itself.

Youth already enamored of musicians will love touring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s exhibits, which feature artifacts from famous rockers and interactive displays. The new Garage exhibit allows visitors to pick up real instruments, learn to riff and jam together with a band. Groups can take their musical stylings home after the experience.

Classical Music Rocks also includes a live performance by the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. Founded in 1918, the orchestra is considered one of the country’s top orchestras.

To feel like a professional artist, groups can open for a jazz musician at the Music Box Supper Club.

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The music-themed restaurant allows groups to perform at the venue, then sends participants recorded copies of the performance.

Nearby Cedar Point also regularly welcomes performance groups to mix roller coasters with musical medleys. Groups can time their visits with the Festival of Music at Cedar Point in May for band, orchestra and choral student events.

Students can also perform the national anthem on Progressive Field before the Cleveland Indians take the field.

“We have more than 40 performing opportunities,” said Kristen Jantonio, communications specialist for Destination Cleveland. “We also have a lot of learning components as well. There are different music clinics where groups can learn from the pros at the Cleveland Orchestra or at universities. It’s another way groups can level up their experience.”

For additional itinerary options, groups can also incorporate educational tours at the University Circle’s museums and theater productions at Playhouse Square.

BY CODY YORK, COURTESY DESTINATION CLEVELAND

BY PABLEAUX JOHNSON, COURTESY NEW ORLEANS AND COMPANY

A student performance at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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San Antonio, Texas

Averaging 300 days of sunshine a year, San Antonio nearly always has beautiful weather.

Performing groups can soak up the heritage, history and entertainment of the area while honing their craft with live performance opportunities.

SeaWorld San Antonio has several performance venues that can work for a variety of youth groups.

Bands, choirs and orchestras frequently perform at the park while also including time to enjoy SeaWorld’s ocean animals, water shows and rides.

Marching bands or choirs can perform to a thundering crowd to celebrate the Valero Alamo Bowl during a pep rally, halftime show or water parade down the San Antonio River.

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Groups can also show off their talents at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Planners can book a trip during the Music in the Parks Festival for a planned festival for bands, orchestras and choirs. Packages to the event come with park admission and a meal coupon.

For a relaxing evening, groups can walk a series of tree-lined riverside pathways at the River Walk. Many of the city’s top museums, hotels, restaurants and shops connect along this scenic route.

More history options await at the Alamo and the city’s Spanish colonial missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour

SOUTHEAST INDIANA

Get Your Craft On!

Vintage-Handmade-DIY-Crafts Explore Southeast Indiana on this one-of-a-kind shopping & crafting Day Trip.

Find it, make it - and take it!

Floral Demo at a Greenhouse

Painted Shabby Chic Flower

Pots

V I S I T S A N A N TO N I O.C O M

Anaheim, California

Groups can demonstrate their musical prowess in front of professional clinicians at the Anaheim Heritage Festival. Hosted by WorldStrides in partnership with Disneyland, the May event includes private master-class sessions as an elective for groups participating at the festival competition.

After focusing on their festival performance, groups can let loose at Disneyland Park by jumping on the Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain and other classic attractions. The park hosts an exclusive awards ceremony with Tinker Bell, Merlin and Mickey Mouse.

Disney California Adventure also warrants a stop for popular rides like Toy Story Midway Mania and Grizzly’s River Run. The park is only 10 minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center and the city’s major hotels.

“Anaheim has a campus feel,” said Junior Tauvaa, Visit Anaheim’s chief sales officer. “There are hotels close to the convention center, making it easy for youth groups to take over the entire area.”

More performances occur at Disneyland Park year-round, with several dance, instrumental and vocal options. Those wanting an educational spin to the trip can book a workshop at the park, which offers focuses such as musical theater, acting, costuming, soundtrack creation and puppetry.

“We work with youth groups to create their ideal experience,” said Tauvaa. “We arrange evening hour passes to the parks or stays at the beach. We are centrally located to southern California for groups that want to explore further.”

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Anaheim Convention Center

SeaWorld San Antonio

Soy Candles in Vintage Finds COURTESY VISIT SAN ANTONIO Dearbor

Aurora and Lawrenceburg

n

County

OHIO Indianapolis

INDIANA

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Cincinnati

KENTUCKY

Louisville

Lexington

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

A mariachi band in San Antonio

www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com 800-322-8198

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COURTESY VISIT SAN ANTONIO

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Other historical attractions explain the what.

We also shine a light on the why.

COMING L AT E 2 0 2 0 P HILADEL PHI A , PA To learn more, call 215.309.0316 or visit faithandliberty.org/grouptours.

Handheld lamp guests receive to interact with immersive American history exhibits, giving visitors an experience that’s informed, inspired and personalized like never before.

S TAT E S P O T L I G H T

ALABAMA

“M

y home’s in Alabama, no matter where I lay my head.”

That’s the primary line in a sentimental song by the award-winning country group Alabama, and your group could get just as sentimental about this wildly diverse state, even with just a sampler tour.

Alabama has mountains and lakes in the north, white-sand beaches in the south and history all over, especially civil rights history. It offers waterfalls and rockets, pork barbecue and fried catfish, and songs you know by heart, especially because of the incredible recording heritage in Muscle Shoals — think Aretha Franklin, Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Wilson Pickett, Cat Stevens and that British group called the Rolling Stones.

The state is long and lean, more than 360 miles from north to south, and there are discoveries beyond every curve in the mountains, every intersection in the cities and every bend in a rural highway.

DeSoto State Park shows off the natural beauty of Alabama.

BY JOHN DERSHAM, COURTESY VISITLOOKOUTMOUNTAIN.COM

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ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

B y To m A d k i n s o n

On the deck of the USS Alabama

National WWII Museum

BY TAD DENSON, COURTESY ALABAMA TOURISM

POPULAR DEMAND U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER

Little River Falls

BY JOHN DERSHAM, COURTESY VISITLOOKOUTMOUNTAIN.COM

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville blasts off every year as Alabama’s most visited attraction. It is the world’s largest space museum and comes complete with a Saturn V rocket, which is a National Historic Landmark and one of only three in the world. Tips: Retain a docent for added depth of explanation and budget time to visit the Marshall Space Flight Center.

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

COURTESY ALABAMA TOURISM DEPT.

USS ALABAMA

COURTESY U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER

The USS Alabama is the centerpiece of Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile. The massive ship started World War II in the North Atlantic and at war’s end led the American fleet into Tokyo Bay. The ship was once bound for the scrap heap, but Alabamians saved her for a park that also includes the submarine the USS Drum and a Red-Tail P-51 Mustang, the plane of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Tip: Check on group meals in the wardroom, on the fantail or in the aircraft pavilion.

MOUNTAINS AND WATERFALLS

Many people outside the South don’t realize that northeast Alabama claims the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains. Get an eyeful at Little River Canyon National Preserve — a region of thick forests, sandstone cliffs and powerful waterfalls, such as DeSoto Falls, all 104 feet of it — and Little River Falls. They are two of 14 spread across North Alabama. One exploration route is the threestate Lookout Mountain Parkway, with 93 miles in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

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National Memorial for Peace and Justice

NATIONAL MEMORIAL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

Perhaps the starkest example of our nation’s ugly racial history is the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, often called simply the Lynching Museum.

This chilling six-acre outdoor site is testament to almost 5,000 racial terror lynchings in the U.S. from 1887 to 1950.

There are 800 monuments, one for every county where a lynching occurred.

COURTESY EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

UP AND COMING

Pool at Gulf State Park Lodge

ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO

This Gulf Shores zoo, made famous when 2004’s Hurricane Ivan forced evacuation of all the animals, reopened this spring in a safer and bigger location. It moved four miles inland from the coast and tripled in size to 25 acres to display 600 animals from 199 species. A special element is the Safari Club Restaurant that overlooks the zoo. Your group can listen to monkeys howl and lions roar while enjoying a meal on the veranda.

Barber Motorsports Museum

BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM

This Birmingham-area museum, part of a much larger motorsports facility, was created to preserve the history of motorcycles. New this year is “Adventure Rider,” a permanent exhibit about motorcycles and their owners who take the big challenges, such as rolling from Alaska to Patagonia.

More than 900 of the collection’s 1,600 motorcycles are displayed every day.

COURTESY BARBER MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

COURTESY ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

COURTESY MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND STUDIO

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O V E R N I G H T S E N S AT I O N S LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK

It was 14 years between Hurricane Ivan’s destruction of the first Lodge at Gulf State Park and the opening of its sparkling low-rise replacement in 2018. It was worth waiting for the 350-room property, a Hilton Hotel affiliate with two miles of beachfront in the middle of a 6,150-acre park. Enjoy the lodge and the beach, and check out the park for pier fishing, bicycling, kayaking and nature walks.

MARRIOTT SHOALS HOTEL AND SPA

COURTESY GULF STATE PARK LODGE

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This 199-room property overlooking the Tennessee River in Florence captures the spirit of the amazing variety of music created at the Fame Recording Studios and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. The studios and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame are major group attractions. All music you hear in the hotel has connections to Muscle Shoals, and Swampers Bar and Grille is a minimuseum itself, as well as a performance venue. Get a great view of the Tennessee River from the revolving 360 Grille.

A beer flight at Marriott Shoals COURTESY MARRIOTT SHOALS

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MEMORABLE MEALS

PHOTOS COURTESY PIZITZ FOOD HALL

PIZITZ FOOD HALL

Birmingham old-timers knew Pizitz as a classic department store; younger folks know it as a vibrant food hall occupying a major portion of a downtown landmark. Turn your group loose to explore the 14 food stalls for a culinary trip around the world.

Choices include Eli’s Jerusalem Grill, which serves shawarma, falafel and kabobs; Pho Pho Vietnamese; Mo:Mo:, which serves Nepalese dumplings and more; and Ono Poke and Silver Kati, which serve Indian street food. The Birmingham Candy Company has carryout goodies for the coach.

CAMPUS 805 Pizitz Food Hall’s interior A dish at Pizitz Food Hall

Campus 805 in Huntsville may be the ultimate in adaptive-use restoration. What better fate for a 1950s-vintage high school than to become two breweries, a ballroom, music venues, a pinball joint, a participatory art studio, an axe-throwing club and a collection of restaurants, including a sushi place and a coffee “studio.” There’s even a nondenominational church service on Sundays. It’s always recess at Campus 805.

NASA Visitor Center

Yellowhammer Brewing in Huntsville Middendorf’s in Slidell COURTESY HUNTSVILLE CVB

See the world’s largest collection of space artifacts and explore the fascinating future of space travel!

Looking to stay a bit longer? Sign up for an inspiring experience at Space Camp! Two- to six-day Camps are available for all ages: children, families, adults and corporate groups.

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Huntsville, Alabama • (800) 637-7223 www.rocketcenter.com

A L A B A M A .T R AV E L

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A movement started

SIXTY YEARS AGO IS STILL MOVING PEOPLE TODAY.

The stories of the Civil Rights Movement that are found at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are at once both solemn and celebratory. From the lessons of our past to the hopes for tomorrow, we’re serving up one meaningful experience to groups from all over. Right here at The Dinner Table of the South. inbirmingham.com/GTL3 | 800 - 458 - 8085

GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton, Virginia, is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States.

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BEACHES, BAYS AND WATERWAYS V I RG I NI A’S COA ST L I N E O F F E R S H I STORIC TOWN S A ND V I B R A NT C I T I E S

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BY JILL GLEESON

hile offering some of the best beaches in the United States, Virginia’s shoreline is more than the sum of its wonderful waters.

Whether groups can’t wait to dip their toes into the fabled Chesapeake or mighty Atlantic, or would rather stay high and dry, this special slice of the state provides plenty to do.

That includes exploring 400 years of American history, admiring examples of the nation’s military might, enjoying pristine natural areas and, of course, sampling some seriously good seafood.

Read on for the best cities where groups can do all that and much more in coastal Virginia.

N E W PORT N E WS The Old Dominion’s coast is rich with historic towns sure to fascinate groups, and that includes Newport News, Virginia, so named for Christopher Newport, the captain of the largest of the Virginia Company ships that brought settlers to the Americas in 1607. As he voyaged back and forth between the continents, Newport would inevitably be asked upon his return, “What’s the news, Captain Newport?”

Eventually, the phrase was shortened to simply Newport News.

Today, Newport News honors that history with the Mariners’ Museum and Park, one of the world’s largest maritime museums. “It covers everything maritime, going all the way back to Leif Erikson and the Vikings,” said Barb Kleiss, group marketing manager for Newport News Tourism. “It’s a huge museum, and the really neat thing about it is that it’s a dollar admission. If a group goes through the museum without a docent, it’s a dollar. But even if they want to have a guided tour and do some behind-the-scenes things, it’s still very inexpensive.”

Other outstanding Newport News attractions include the Virginia Living Museum, which features a zoo, an aquarium and a planetarium and, like the Mariners’ Museum, books special after-hours dinners for groups. The Virginia

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Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin War Museum offers artifacts such as pieces of the Berlin Wall and the World Trade Center, and a letter with Hitler’s signature. “I call it my hidden gem because, driving by, no one would guess what’s inside,” Kleiss said.

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H A M P TON There’s no doubt about it, according to Hampton Convention and Visitors Bureau group sales manager Bruce Newton: The Chesapeake Bay, which surrounds the city to the north and east, and Hampton Roads Harbor, which borders it to the south, combine to make Hampton, Virginia, special.

“We have bridges and tunnels and water everywhere you look,” he said, “so groups particularly like our scenic views. We also have over 100 attractions between all the cities that make up Coastal Virginia/Hampton Roads.”

Of course, there are stellar attractions within Hampton city limits, including the Virginia Air and Space Center, the official visitor center for the NASA Langley Research Center. Groups can tour the exhibits, including all four space capsules, with docents who are often retired Air Force pilots or former NASA engineers. Or, if getting out on the water appeals, the 65-foot Miss Hampton II offers a three-hour guided tour and can also be rented for private group events.

Groups should be sure to head to the 14,000-squarefoot Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center, slated to open this spring. It tells the stories of North America’s first landing of enslaved Africans, which took place at the fort in 1619, and the contraband slaves, who received emancipation at Union-held military posts during the Civil War.

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Doumar’s is known for inventing the waffle cone, and then the group will get to experience making one on Doumar’s original machine and go into the diner for ice cream.”

Culture-minded groups will want to visit the glass-blowing studio at the Chrysler Museum of Art for a demonstration, but, as Hopper noted, “One of our biggest attractions is the Battleship Wisconsin. She’s the last battleship of the Iowa class, the largest ever built. Groups can do a main-deck tour or a hardhat tour of the areas down below.”

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C H E SA PE A K E

Home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk, Virginia, is packed with attractions groups will love, but they’ll probably want to start with the big guns. Groups visiting Naval Station Norfolk experience a 45-minute tour from enlisted personnel, who will show them how the base functions as a working city, with everything from fast-food restaurants to a hospital. Should groups want to see it from the water, both the Spirit of Norfolk and Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises offer tours; the American Rover, a tall ship, hosts harbor and sunset cruises.

Groups might also want to get hands-on at Doumar’s Barbecue.

“Doumar’s is a ’50s-style diner/restaurant,” said Melissa Hopper, associate director of tour and travel for Visit Norfolk. “They get on the motorcoach and talk about why

Tucked away on Marker 12 of the Intracoastal Atlantic Waterway, Chesapeake, Virginia, is a paradise for outdoors-loving groups. From guided birding to tree tours and “owl prowls,” this tranquil city offers plenty of fun in the sun and under the stars, too, with nighttime sky watching.

“We have the darkest skies in the area because we’re not really built up,” said Chesapeake Convention and Visitors Bureau sales manager Jo Slack. “So we offer star watching at Northwest River Park with professional astronomers.

That’s a fun thing for groups because it’s very different.”

According to Slack, the CVB is happy to set up events as varied for groups as fly-fishing lessons in Elizabeth River Park or a guided crossing of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge. An engineering wonder taller than the Brooklyn Bridge, it affords spectacular views of the water.

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After groups have worked up an appetite, they can head to Wicker’s Crab Pot Seafood where, along with the catch of the day, they’ll be treated to tales from the owner, a fourth-generation waterman.

Groups also won’t want to miss the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways History Museum and Visitor Center. Opening this summer, it will explore the historic 1775 conflict that drove the British out of Virginia and led to the Virginia Convention’s adoption of the first public declaration of independence.

Doumar’s in Norfolk

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COURTESY VISIT NORFOLK

Mariners’ Museum in Newport News

V I RGI N I A BE AC H Sure, Virginia Beach, Virginia, is best known for its sandy, sunny, surf-laden landscape. But though it boasts three beach areas and an iconic 3.5-mile-long boardwalk, the city nonetheless offers much more than beautiful shoreline.

“I think the thing that’s so surprising about Virginia Beach is the wide variety of attractions and culinary options that are available,” said Jim Coggin, Virginia Beach

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Convention and Visitors Bureau’s tourism sales manager. “While we love our beaches, we want groups to know there’s so much more to do here.”

That includes walking 191 steps to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792 and boasting beautiful views. Group members who’d rather stay earthbound can commemorate the spot next to the lighthouse where the first permanent English settlers came ashore in 1607: the First Landing Cross. There are tales of shipwrecks and ghosts to discover at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum and 800,000 gallons of displays at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. In 2022, the institution will debut a new clinic where groups will be able to watch veterinarians tend to marine animals.

“We’ve also got some great restaurants, like Rockafeller’s,” Coggin said. “We’re known for our oysters in Virginia, so they’ll do oyster pairings and talk about the history of oysters in Virginia and how they’re harvested. Groups love it.”

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Seafood at Chesapeake

COURTESY CHESAPEAKE CVB

Sunset at Chincoteague

COURTESY CHINCOTEAGUE COC

A stone’s throw from each other off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the Chincoteague and Assateague islands offer more than just wild ponies. Home to both the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and a national seashore, uninhabited Assateague is also blessed with bucolic nature trails and a pristine public beach that’s wonderful for sunbathing, shelling and surf fishing. There are plenty of other critters that call Assateague home too, including 300 species of waterfowl and white-tailed deer.

“It’s very relaxing and peaceful here,” said Evelyn Shotwell, executive director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce.

“You can enjoy the beach all day long and then come back over to Chincoteague to stay and enjoy our shopping, art galleries and restaurants. Don’s is a good choice for a group meal. He grows his own oysters and clams, and he gives group tours of his aqua farms. So, you can see how the clams and oysters are raised, and that’s the food you eat that night.”

Chincoteague Step Through Time Tours, a guided downtown walking tour, is coming to the town this summer, but step-on guides can be booked now for motorcoach groups headed to Assateague for a look at the ponies.

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ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

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TAKE YOUR LESSONS TO NEW HEIGHTS

BRING YOUR GROUP TOUR TO LIFE. By land, air, and sea, there’s no shortage of ways for your group to have an epic adventure. Enjoy uncommon access to nature’s wonders and unforgettable hands-on educational experiences in Virginia Beach.

Plan your group’s Live the Life Adventure at VisitVirginiaBeach.com/GroupTour.

D E S T I N AT I O N

KANSAS CITY SOUNDS M U S I C FA N S W I L L F I N D P L E N T Y T O LOV E O N B OT H S I D E S O F T H E B O R D E R

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BY JILL GLEESON

t’s late, far past the witching hour in this slightly worn room tucked inside what may be the most celebrated building in all of Kansas City, Missouri. It may not look like it, but this joint has played host to the greatest jazz players of all time, including Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Once home to the African American

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Residents of this lively Midwestern metropolis, which kisses the Kansas state border, might still be singing the praises of their Super Bowl-winning Chiefs, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as proud of their city’s musical heritage. After all, together with starry-eyed visitors, they keep more than 40 fabulous music venues bopping, including the Green Lady Lounge, which groups will love. Sleek and glamorous with red velvet walls, it offers no-cover live jazz seven nights a week.

It’s so successful that its owners opened Black Dolphin, which specializes in other musical genres, like R&B, next door.

It’s been said that though jazz was born in New Orleans, it grew up in Kansas City. As such, it’s not a bad idea for groups to begin their musical exploration of the city at the American Jazz Museum.

“We’re located within the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, a predominantly African American community,” said Karen Griffin, the museum’s director of community

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Musicians Union Local 627, what’s now known as the Mutual Musicians Foundation still serves up some of the best jazz in the world.

It’s undeniably magical but far from the only spot in the brother burgs of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, where music-minded groups can go. The Kansas Citys offer group travelers plenty of reasons to stay tuned.

outreach and public programs. “Along with the museum, we have the Black Archives of Mid-America, the Mutual Musicians Foundation and the Negro League Baseball Museum. So why not come to this community and get an understanding of the history here? Visiting the museum gives you the opportunity to learn not only about jazz, but also about segregation and African Americans in the music business and how they inspired people.”

Groups can take a tour led by Griffin and stick around and see live music four nights a week in the Blue Room Jazz Club, attached to the museum. But according to Toni Alexander, communications manager for Visit KC, there’s more to hear than jazz in KCMO. “Groups can’t come into the city without seeing a performance at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts,” she said. “The symphony and the opera both perform there.

The building is gorgeous — it was designed by Moshe Safdie, who designed the Sydney Opera House and Crystal Bridges.”

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The Green Lady Lounge brings live jazz to Kansas City seven nights a week.

Providence Medical Center Amphitheater COURTESY VISIT KANSAS CITY KS

Live music in Kansas City, Missouri

BY BRIAN PAULETTE, VISIT KC

BY BRANDON CUMMINS

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS Kansas City, Missouri’s namesake neighbor is no slouch when it comes to providing a range of music-themed attractions and activities for groups, according to Maila Yang, marketing and communications manager for the Kansas City Kansas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Kansas City, Kansas, is a leading tourist location in the state of Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area and makes a great location for a hub-and-spoke tour,” she said. “We have a great history of musicians and pay tribute to them in many different art forms found throughout our community.”

That includes murals, sculptures and medallions showcasing famous Kansans at Legends Outlets Kansas City where, along with indulging in some retail therapy, groups can learn about celebrated Kansas musicians such as Lester Young, Julia Lee and Count Basie. Afterward, groups will want to pay homage to two of the best and brightest by stopping by the Charlie Parker Memorial, which honors the iconic saxophonist who was born in the city, before heading for a peek at Memorial Hall. Still a concert and sports venue, it was the last place Patsy Cline played before she was killed in a plane crash March 5, 1963.

Small groups of around 10 that are serious music aficionados will want to stop by

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the Piano Technicians Guild Foundation Jack Wyatt Museum.

“It consists of tools piano technicians use, as well as a piano collection,” said Shawn Bruce, who handles sales and marketing for the guild. “There are some oddball pieces, some historically significant pieces, and of course the treasure of our collection is the Chickering piano that was onstage in Ford’s Theater the night Lincoln was assassinated. It’s a pretty specialized collection, but anyone who’s a piano player or musician or is just interested in musical instruments will really enjoy it.”

Groups who want to take in some live music can listen while they dine at Frontier Steakhouse, which has room for any size group and presents bands on the weekend, and the Mason Jar, which offers live performances and has large group menus available. The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway boasts weekend entertainment, as well as 2,000 slot machines, 52 table games and a 12-table poker room.

“For an outdoor music experience, groups will enjoy attending a concert at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater,” Yang said.

“This open-air venue has provided fans great experiences and treasured memories for over 30 years. It’s hosted everyone from cover bands to Motley Crue and Tim McGraw.”

V I S I T K A N S A S C I T Y K S .C O M

your Adventure Begins at visitkansasCitykS.com 800.264.1563

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HERITAGE THROUGH ART THESE MUSEUMS SHOWC ASE N AT I V E A M E R I C A N H I S TO RY A N D C R E AT I V I T Y

The Heard Museum in Phoenix features 11 exhibit galleries full of Native American art.

COURTESY HEARD MUSEUM

BY ELIZA MYERS

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T

he term artist historically didn’t exist in many Native American languages. But those cultures still highly prized art by valuing the workmanship and designs of useful items created by everyday artisans.

Though Native American cultures vary vastly from tribe to tribe, many have continued their heritage through art. Today’s Native American artworks range in topic from traditions and customs to modern reflections on life as a human being.

Groups can admire the work of exemplary Native American artists at these six museums that promote contemporary native art.

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A Heard Museum demonstration

Five Civilized Tribes Museum COURTESY FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES MUSEUM

FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES MUSEUM MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA Traci Rabbit tries to represent the way it feels to be female. The Native American artist depicts women who are fiercely dignified, yet gentle and passionate. Rabbit is among the artists celebrated at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The museum examines the history and contemporary lives of the groups that became known as the Five Civilized Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek and Seminole. These tribes were forcibly removed from their land and sent to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears.

The museum’s exhibits remember this tragic period as well as the contributions made by members of the five tribes.

Exhibits on the tribal members’ lives, history and culture are downstairs; upstairs highlights artifacts mixed in from rotating contemporary art and the museum’s permanent collection of 800 items of traditional Native American art.

Artists displayed in the museum create work coveted by museums and private collectors alike, such as Benjamin Harjo Jr., the Picasso of Native American art. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of Jerome Tiger originals, including “Stickballer,” his only major sculpture.

Each year, the museum hosts art competitions for tribal members in painting, pottery, gourd art, sculpture and more. Guests can see the top competitors from the previous competitions.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1870 museum building has previously served as the house of the superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes, an orphanage and a dance hall.

Museum Favorite: Visitors can buy art directly from Native American artists at the Art Under the Oaks market.

Held on the museum grounds each April, the event draws artists from all five tribes to showcase their wares along with traditional singing and dancing.

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COURTESY HEARD MUSEUM

HEARD MUSEUM PHOENIX The Hopi tribe used carved wooden figures called kachina dolls to teach young girls about the immortal beings they believed served as messengers between humans and the spirit world. Historic and modern kachina dolls are on display at the Heard Museum.

The museum works to advance Native American art with 11 exhibit galleries. Focused on the art and traditions of the Southwest, the collection ranges from 500 B.C. to the present.

Founded in 1929, the museum started small and grew over the years to amass one of the country’s most formidable collections of Native American art. In the exhibits, first-person perspectives, such as “Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories,” help tell stories from the area’s tribes. The emotional exhibit uses multimedia stations to tell stories about the controversial practice of removing children from their homes and placing them in boarding schools.

About 200,000 visitors a year learn about the myriad cultures and artwork of Southwestern tribes. After touring the galleries, guests can grab a Southwest-inspired meal at the Courtyard Cafe or relax in the museum’s outdoor gardens.

Museum Favorite: The Heard Museum Shop offers traditional and contemporary Native American-made artwork: Authentic pottery, paintings, sculptures and kachina dolls are available. The museum also features the smaller Books and More store for souvenirs, gift items and reading materials on native art and culture.

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Iroquois Indian Museum

Iroquois Indian Museum decorative basket Modern art from Iroquois Indian Museum PHOTOS COURTESY IROQUOIS INDIAN MUSEUM

IROQUOIS INDIAN MUSEUM HOWES CAVE, NEW YORK

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DESTINATION Plan your vacation to Chickasaw Country, one of Oklahoma’s best kept secrets, for an authentic local experience filled with nature, shopping, culture and cuisine; we promise we’re worth the trip.

According to Iroquois tradition, a woman once fell from the cloud world and ended up creating the planet Earth.

Groups can hear the Iroquois tribe’s fascinating creation story and admire its cultural contributions at the Iroquois Indian Museum.

When a group arrives, an Iroquois cultural educator welcomes them and introduces the group to the Iroquois tribe. These guides often share personal experiences about growing up, maintaining Iroquois traditions and their own responsibilities as elders.

Far from staying in the past, the museum explains how the past helps shape its creative present. The main-floor exhibits begin with the archaeology of the Schoharie Valley and an orientation film of the role of art in the tribe today.

Contemporary Iroquois art exhibits rotate, since only a small percentage of the museum’s collection is on display at one time. In April, the museum will release a thought-provoking art exhibit called “Identity/Identify,” with Iroquois artists exploring tribal designations.

The museum presents art from all six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora.

Among the acclaimed pieces is the haunting “Three Sisters” series of antler sculptures by Stanley Hill Sr., and the intricate “Pope Basket” by Mary Adams.

Museum Favorite: Groups can attempt their own piece of Native American art to take home with a traditional cornhusk craft. The museum also offers beadwork and pottery programs for nearly all ages. The Tools of the Hunt experience engages groups with examples of early Iroquois technology.

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The art begins before visitors walk through the front doors of the National Museum of the American Indian.

Designed by Native American architects, the museum’s architecture mimics rock formations with its curvilinear structure and limestone material.

Inside, the museum’s collection represents more than 12,000 years of history across 1,200 indigenous cultures from the Americas. The modern and contemporary art collection shows the versatile creativity of different tribes.

Groups also understand the historical context for modern Native American art by viewing the museum’s Native American objects, photographs and media. Permanent exhibits examine indigenous religions, ceremonies and contemporary struggles.

The museum’s exhibit “Return to a Native Place: Algonquian People of the Chesapeake” focuses on local Native American traditions. Ceremonial objects, maps and displays paint a picture of the Native Americans prevalent in the D.C. area.

Gallery tours reveal the museum’s background and its current exhibition items. Public tours can be combined with daily screenings of “Who We Are,” an introductory film about the museum, for a comprehensive visit.

Museum Favorite: Fry bread and corn “totopos” keep the foodies coming to the Mitsitam Native Food Cafe. The acclaimed restaurant serves indigenous cuisines of the Americas at five regional-food stations.

First Americans Museum

N AT I O N A L M U S E U M O F T H E AMERICAN INDIAN WASHINGTON, D.C.

THE MODERN FRONTIER

AMERICANINDIAN.SI.EDU

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

COURTESY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

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Explore dwellings in the new Intertribal Village now open at the National Cowboy Museum or discover the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations when the First Americans Museum 37 opens in Spring 2021.

EITELJORG MUSEUM INDIANAPOLIS Travelers might not expect Southwestern pueblo architecture in the Midwest, but there are a lot of surprises in store at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. The museum explores Western art with a focus on Native American art, history and culture.

The only Midwest museum that focuses on both Native American and Western art, the Eiteljorg boasts both an extensive permanent collection and a partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, which provides greater access to rare works.

Tours lead groups through exhibits of art and cultural objects that represent the native peoples of Indiana and beyond. Contemporary and traditional art feature native beadwork, glasswork, textiles, pottery and mixed media from many tribes.

The museum also offers contemporary pieces from the wider Western tradition, with works by T.C. Cannon, Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Groups can include a Western-style meal at the Museum Cafe. The Frank and Katrina Basile Museum store sells native art, jewelry, books and other items.

Museum Favorite: Groups that visit after spring 2022 will see the results of a major renovation of the Eiteljorg

A Pueblo jar at the Eiteljorg Museum PHOTOS COURTESY EITELJORG MUSEUM

Museum’s second-floor Native American art galleries.

Though the second floor’s exhibits will temporarily close in spring 2021, when they reopen, guests will see an exhibit space that provides a more complete picture of Native American art in the Great Lakes region. During the renovation, the native artwork will be incorporated into other parts of the museum.

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An Eiteljorg Museum totem pole

TO GETAWAY GET THE MOST FOR YOUR GROUP

For more information on incentives for you and your group or to book your group, call toll free 1-877-778-8138 email: CheMotorcoachTm@caesars.com

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The Institute of American Indian Arts’ Museum of Contemporary Native Arts COURTESY INDIAN INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INDIAN ARTS

INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS’ MUSEUM OF C O N T E M P O R A R Y N AT I V E A R T S SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) began gathering an art collection out of a student honors program.

With the help of outside donors and artists, the collection continued to grow until the number of pieces necessitated a

museum in 1972. Twenty years later, the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts moved to downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, inside a renovated 1922 Pueblo Revival-style building.

The museum stewards 7,500 artworks in various media.

The modern art gallery hosts rotating exhibits such as “Experimental Expression: Printmaking,” which runs through July 2021. The exhibit showcases the diversity of expression in contemporary Chickasaw art.

Another current exhibit, “Live Long and Prosper: Indigenous Futurism in Contemporary Native Art,” runs through July. This science-fiction-themed exhibit highlights the use of cosmology and science as part of tribal history and life.

Groups can tour these and other fascinating exhibits for a deeper understanding of each gallery. Prominent artists on display include Tony Abeyta, George Morrison and Truman Lowe.

The IAIA is the only higher-learning institution dedicated to contemporary Native American art.

Museum Favorite: Run by the museum, the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden allows groups to explore 80 works by renowned sculptor Allan Houser. The 15-acre site sits 25 minutes from Santa Fe amid panoramic mountain vistas.

I A I A . E D U/ M O C N A

Ikpomambo micha pomamba' ki'yo The Chickasaw people have always had a strong culture and joyful spirit, and today both are shared with the world at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.

We invite you to experience the beauty, warmth and vibrancy of our unique culture through immersive exhibits, delicious cuisine, a traditional 1700s era village and so much more.

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THE CAROLINA SHORELINE BOASTS HISTORY AND SCENERY B Y PA U L A AV E N G L A D Y C H

Cape Lookout

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rom pristine white sand beaches and historic Civil War forts to the Gullah culture of former slaves who made the area home, the North and South Carolina coastlines have much to offer group visitors. Here are some of the top coastal destinations in the Carolinas that offer a wonderful mix of nature and history.

Beau for t , Nor t h Ca rol i n a

COURTESY CRYSTAL COAST TOURISM AUTHORITY

The third-oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort is part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast that includes Atlantic Beach and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Groups love to visit the area because of its historic past and its location on the water. Maritime buffs know that Beaufort is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, repository of artifacts from Blackbeard’s pirate ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, which foundered three miles off the coast. The museum holds more than 300 restored artifacts from the wreck, including cannons and the bones of livestock.

The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center is a working wooden boatbuilding facility where groups can take tours and where they can watch boatbuilding demonstrations.

Groups can take a narrated double-decker bus tour through a 12-block area of preserved historic buildings that date back to the early 1700s.

They also can visit the Beaufort Historic Site, a two-acre complex that includes an old jail, a courthouse, historic homes and an apothecary.

Groups that want to incorporate the water should take the ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore, 56 miles of protected beaches with a herd of wild horses. It also is home to the black-and-white diamond Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Depending on the season, groups can arrange to climb the lighthouse. Kayak tours of the Rachel Carson Reserve, directly across Taylor’s Creek from Beaufort, are a must. The reserve includes four small islands and another herd of wild horses.

C RYS TA LC OA S T N C .O R G / R E G I O N / B E AU FO R T

Roanoke River in Edenton

A Colonial teapot in Edenton

Hungry Town Tours in Beaufort An Edenton trolley tour

COURTESY CRYSTAL COAST TOURISM AUTHORITY PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT EDENTON

Edent on , Nor t h Ca rol i n a

A charming waterfront town, Edenton was a major port in Colonial times and was the capital of the colony of North Carolina from 1722 to 1743. To get a feel for the historic town, groups can take a guided trolley tour that gives an overview of what Edenton had to offer residents and visitors in years past. The tour takes groups through the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, the 1758 Cupola House and the James Iredell Site.

The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center is a great place for visitors to gather information and learn about Penelope Barker and the 51 women who were part of the Edenton Tea Party, a group that signed a resolution to stop buying tea from England.

Edenton was also part of the maritime Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape the South to gain their freedom. To take advantage of Edenton’s waterfront location, small groups can book passage on the Liber-Tea, a small passenger boat that gives visitors a look at Edenton’s past from the water. Because the boats are small, groups can split up. While one part of the group is taking the boat cruise, others can be taking a trolley tour, touring historic homes or shopping in Edenton’s beautiful downtown. The area is walkable and is home to shops you don’t see elsewhere, said Nancy Nicholls, tourism director for Visit Edenton.

Wild horses roam the beaches of Beaufort, North Carolina.

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Edenton was part of the maritime COURTESY CRYSTAL COAST TOURISM AUTHORITY

Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape the South to gain their freedom.

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MYRTLE BEACH OCEANFRONT

The UlTimaTe GroUp Therapy.

Highly ranked by TripAdvisor.com. “Best in Hospitality” by Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association.

Featuring 6 oceanfront pools (with hot tubs and

My r t le Bea ch , Sout h Ca rol i n a

Known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach and its 60 miles of sandy beaches comprise 14 communities along the South Carolina coast. The area is known for its oceanfront boardwalk and large SkyWheel, and its numerous championship golf courses and miniature golf courses.

Groups can take advantage of the water by renting Jet Skis or taking a sunset cruise along the Interacoastal Waterway. The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach offers cooking classes and demonstrations, and wine tastings are available at the Duplin Winery. Myrtle Beach is also home to some premier attractions, including the country’s largest collection of American

heated pools), fitness center, and complimentary Hampton “On the House” hot breakfast buffet.

1801 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 www.Hampton.com or call 1-800-HAMPTON

Sunset in Myrtle Beach

Brookgreen Gardens PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT MYRTLE BEACH

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"In the northern end of Myrtle Beach, Calabashstyle cuisine is popular, with traditional lightly

imagination run wild.

breaded seafood. In comparison, the southern end of Myrtle Beach offers low country cuisine."

— BO B HAR R I S

figurative sculpture at Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park, with its beach and wetlands that are home to sea turtles, alligators and numerous bird species.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show are additional ways groups can experience the coastline of Myrtle Beach.

“Groups often flock to Myrtle Beach to experience the abundance of seafood offerings,” said Bob Harris, executive vice president of sales at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Murrells Inlet, for example, is a historic fishing village that’s widely known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. In the northern end of Myrtle Beach, Calabash-style cuisine is popular, with traditional lightly breaded seafood. In comparison, the southern end of Myrtle Beach offers low country cuisine with local ingredients such as stone-ground grits, shrimp, blue crab and grouper.”

Carolina Food Tours offers guided excursions that take groups to up to four restaurants while talking about the history of the area.

Known as North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks, the Crystal Coast has inspired world renowned authors such as Nicholas Sparks and Kristy Harvey. Let us inspire you with help planning events, selecting outstanding accommodations and making your experience our top priority. We’ll make sure everything is perfect so you can focus on making memories, enjoying our beautiful beaches, unique activities and natural beauty.

Call us at 1-888-891-0021 or email groups@CrystalCoastNC.org

North Carolina’s

southern outer banks

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Sunset in Charleston

H i lt on Hea d , Sout h Ca rol i n a

With 12 miles of pristine beaches and 60-plus miles of leisure trails, Hilton Head is one of the top island destinations in the United States.

Biking, hiking and golf are big on Hilton Head. Hilton Head is also a culinary destination, with more than 300 restaurants.

Groups can take advantage of the water by booking a guided kayak excursion or a stand-up paddleboard lesson. History buffs get their fix at the Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum at the historic Honey Horn Plantation. The museum tells the story of Hilton Head Island, including its natural history and how the island came to be.

Hilton Head is also the home of Mitchelville, the first self-governed town of freed slaves. Founded in 1862, the town was home to thousands of former slaves who flocked to the island after it fell to Union forces in 1861. An archaeological dig in Mitchelville found the remnants of homes, wells and garbage pits and recovered more than 20,000 artifacts.

“Gullah culture lives on through many sites and people on Hilton Head Island,” said Charlie Clark, vice president of communication at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

In Bluffton, visitors learn about the town’s pre-Civil War history at the Heyward House, a summer home built by enslaved people in 1841 for a local plantation owner. It sits in the heart of Bluffton’s National Register Historic District and is one of eight antebellum homes in the area. Groups also can browse the Old Town’s many boutiques and eclectic art galleries.

H I LTO N H E A D I S L A N D.O R G

A Hilton Head lighthouse

Cycling in Hilton Head

Folly Beach PHOTOS COURTESY EXPLORE CHARLESTON

Ch a rlest on , Sout h Ca rol i n a

Charleston is celebrating its 350th anniversary this year. One of the best-preserved historic cities in the United States, it was one of only three walled cities built in North America. The first shots of the Civil War were fired upon federal troops at Fort Sumter, one of the forts situated in Charleston Harbor. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square sits on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf, where thousands of enslaved Africans were brought into the U.S. The site interprets the causes of the Civil War. Groups also like to tour the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, home to the USS Yorktown CV-10, an aircraft carrier built during World War II that also served during the Vietnam War. And at the South Carolina Aquarium and its Sea Turtle Care Center, visitors can see sick and injured sea turtles being rehabilitated for release back into the wild.

Two house museums are worth a visit: the Aiken-Rhett House, which tells the tale of Gov. William Aiken Jr. and the slaves that maintained his house and property, and the Nathaniel Russell House, which shows how the mercantile elite lived during the late Colonial and early Federal period of South Carolina.

“It is always great to start by either taking a walking tour or carriage tour of the historic district,” said Doug Warner, director of media relations for Explore Charleston. “It is a great way in an hour and a half to get the lay of the land so you can pick up on what of interest you want to go back and do deeper.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY HILTON HEAD ISLAND VCB

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MyrtleBeachGroups.com 800.488.8998

Fresh Itineraries | Diverse Accommodation | Live Entertainment | History & Nature Coastal Carolina Cuisine | Incredible Shopping | Southern Hospitality

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nland destinations in the Carolinas have one thing in common: They are an outdoors lover’s paradise.

From the rivers and natural areas of Columbia, South Carolina, to the cities and towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains, group visitors are immersed in the area’s Revolutionary War past and its promising future.

Colu m bia , Sout h Ca rol i n a

Robert Mills House

COURTESY EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC

Columbia isn’t on the coast, but it is surrounded by water. Three rivers converge in downtown Columbia, making it a hub of water recreation, like kayaking, tubing, boating and fishing.

Columbia “has the biggest metropolitan city feel of any town in South Carolina, but the city is surrounded by nature,” said Dayna Cantelmi, communications specialist for Experience Columbia, SC. Lake Murray is close by, and the area is home to South Carolina’s only national park — Congaree National Park— the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland forest remaining in the southeastern United States.

Group visitors love to explore not only the area’s rich natural preserves but its history.

Historic Columbia manages four historic house museums: the Robert Mills House, the Hampton-Preston Mansion, the Mann-Simons Cottage and the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. It offers home tours, group garden tours, walking and bus tours, and self-guided neighborhood tours for groups that want to get a good taste of Columbia’s past.

The Riverbanks Zoo is another popular group attraction. It is home to 2,000 animals, with enclosures that were designed to reflect their natural habitats as closely as possible, Cantelmi said. The zoo offers behind-the-scenes encounters with penguins and sea lions and has a zip-line course that is great for groups.

The capital of South Carolina, Columbia is in the center of the state and easy to reach. The city has “taken a lot of care in redeveloping the downtown area,” Cantelmi said. “There are a lot of neighborhood districts with their own unique identity and vibe.”

E X P E R I E N C E C O LU M B I A S C .C O M

COURTESY EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

Biltmore Estate COURTESY EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

Riverbanks Zoo

Asheville Art Museum

Congaree National Park

BY BRETT FLASHNICK, COURTESY EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC

COURTESY EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC

COURTESY EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

A shev i l le, Nor t h Ca rol i n a

Asheville, North Carolina, is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is well known for its beautiful mountain views and outdoor experiences. It has nearly 1 million acres of protected wilderness and thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails.

Many group travelers seek out Asheville for wellness activities like forest bathing, a meditative experience among the trees, or guided yoga hikes, said Carli Adams, group communications and services manager for Explore Asheville.

A well-known arts destination, Asheville has more than 300 working artists in its River Arts District and many art galleries downtown.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is another top attraction. The scenic byway travels 450 miles.

“There are five access points in the area to reach this scenic drive with awesome vistas,” Adams said. The Folk Arts Center is on the parkway as well and celebrates local crafts.

One of the top attractions in Asheville is the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, a former home of the Vanderbilt family that features amazing formal gardens and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Asheville has built up its brewery and culinary scenes over the past few years. It has more than 50 craft breweries and 13 James Beard-nominated chefs. Groups can sign up for brewery or culinary tours of Asheville.

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North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway

Columbia “has the biggest metropolitan city feel of any town in South Carolina, but the city is surrounded by nature.”

— DAY NA C ANTE LM I

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Caesars Head State Park

Greenv i l le, Sout h Ca rol i n a

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville, South Carolina, celebrates not only its great outdoor landscapes but also its cultural amenities.

“Greenville is on the cusp right now,” said Taryn Scher, spokeswoman for Visit Greenville SC. “It is very buzzworthy.”

For the past three years, the city has had James Beard nominations. “Before that it was never on that list,” Scher said. “It has hit its stride as far as a food destination.”

Unlike much of the South, Greenville has four seasons, including beautiful fall foliage. It also has plenty of hiking and biking trails and a chance to enjoy the surrounding lakes. With numerous theaters, including one that attracts Broadway touring shows, as well as wonderful museums and many art galleries, there’s plenty of cultural attractions.

Greenville is the headquarters of both BMW and Michelin North America, so those companies have brought with them an international influence. Groups can tour the BMW plant and watch how the cars are built. BMW also has a performance driving school where groups can take lessons one day and then drive the BMWs manufactured at the plant on a wet track, a dry track, an obstacle course and a timed course. History tours, driving and walking tours, and architectural and culinary tours are also available.

“People come here with either preconceptions about the South or no expectations of Greenville,” Scher said. “They don’t know what to expect. They get here and are blown away by how much there is to do.”

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MICHAEL

BY BY ALYSSA HEI,GIBBONS COURTESY LAKE CO. COC

Museum and Gallery at Bob Jones University

A street market at Greenville PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT GREENVILLE SC

BY CHELSEY ASHFORD

Three National Parks One Incredible Destination

Wright Brothers National Memorial

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Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

For group adventures, contact Lorrie Love; love@outerbanks.org, or call 877-629-4386 APRI L 2020

AmericasFirstBeach.com

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Outer Banks

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Ch a rlott e, Nor t h Ca rol i n a

Billy Graham Library

Home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Billy Graham Library and the largest man-made whitewater park in the U.S., Charlotte, North Carolina, has something for everyone.

Groups that visit have many options for tours. One of the most popular is the NASCAR Racing Insider’s Tour, which takes groups through the NASCAR Hall of Fame, for lunch at the Pit Stop Cafe and to nearby racing shops and attractions. They get exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.

Tour companies in the area offer bus tours, Segway tours, walking tours, bicycle and eAssist bicycle tours. Groups can get a feel for the history of the place by touring mansions and sampling the local cuisine. The Billy Graham Hometown Tour takes groups through Billy Graham’s library, where he grew up and where he started his crusades.

“There are so many different ways to see Charlotte and walk away with a different perspective,” said Chacara Harvin, travel trade marketing manager for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens offers a garden tour and wine tasting. Groups learn about the different plants while tasting wines from the region. And even if your group is not going to kayak the rapids at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, groups can come watch others participate in these high-adventure sports. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May to September, the center hosts River Jam, live musical performances with beer and good food.

C H A R LOT T E S G OTA LOT.C O M

COURTESY CHARLOTTE REGIONAL VISITORS AUTHORITY

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Tweetsie Railroad

Boone, Nor t h Ca rol i n a

Named for the legendary Daniel Boone, who used to have a hunting camp in the area, Boone, North Carolina, is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is the highest town with a population of more than 10,000 people east of the Mississippi River. Groups love the cool climate and the friendly, down-to-earth people, as well as the authentic Appalachian Mountains culture.

The outdoors has huge appeal for groups, as Boone sits along the highest points of the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Deep Gap and Blowing Rock areas. Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is nearby. It features the Mile-High Swinging Bridge; the Nature Museum; animal habitats, including elk, otter, eagle, cougar and black bear; a restaurant; and souvenir shops.

Boone is home to “Horn in the West,” an outdoor Revolutionary War drama that is celebrating its 69th season in 2020.

Boone’s Crab Orchard Falls COURTESY BOONE WATAUGA COUNTY TOURISM

EXTENSIVE RAW BAR

DELICIOUS FRESH SEAFOOD

170 ITEM SEAFOOD BUFFET

Only 3 miles from Alabama Theater & 7 miles from Broadway At The Beach SUCCULENT PRIME RIB

For more adventurous groups, High Gravity Adventures is a zip-line and adventure park. Next door, the Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s first family theme park, features two antique narrow-gauge locomotives, shops, stage performances, eateries and amusement rides.

Boone is also home to “Horn in the West,” an outdoor Revolutionary War drama that is celebrating its 69th season in 2020. The play tells the story of the pioneers who settled in the Blue Ridge wilderness with the help of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and their Cherokee allies. Before seeing the show, groups can visit the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum next door, which has preserved 18th- and 19th-century cabins that highlight different aspects of life in the backcountry.

B O O N E C V B .C O M

9597 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach South Carolina 50

APRI L 2020

843.839.2292

GiantCrab.com

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here’s nowhere else quite like the Billy Graham Library. The interactive Journey of Faith tour is a trip through history for all ages. See how God’s love changed millions as you experience inspiring videos, photo galleries, and memorabilia.

Explore Billy Graham’s childhood home, stroll the peaceful Memorial Prayer Garden, relax over lunch and specialty coffees, or shop the Christian bookstore.

An extraordinary journey starts here.

GROUP TOURS GRAHAM FAMILY HOMEPLACE

“#1 thing to do in Charlotte”

LTY LUNCH, SPECIA ERTS SS COFFEES, & DE

“They were all amazed at the majesty of God.”

—LUKE 9:43, NKJV

Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org • 704-401-3200 • Reservations required for groups of 10 or more; email LibraryTours@bgea.org or call 704-401-3270. • 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Franklin Graham, President ©2019 BGEA

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Groups can combine voluntourism with coastal fun in Panama City Beach.

T H E S E B E A C H D E S T I N AT I O N S ARE ESSENTIAL STOPS O N A S U N S H I N E S TAT E T O U R

BY ROBIN ROENKER

S

un, surf and sand: There’s nothing simpler than the recipe for an ideal beach day.

But what sets a great beach destination apart from the rest is its ability to offer a wide array of activities beyond the shore for groups to enjoy.

While the beach is, of course, the star at these five Florida cities, you’ll quickly realize there’s plenty more to see and do while you’re there.

PA NA M A C I T Y BE AC H Known for its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and its distinctive, emerald green waters, Panama City Beach averages 320 days of sun annually — making it a fantastic destination for beach lovers.

Groups can enjoy the area’s crystal-clear waters by taking a dolphin tour, a chartered fishing trip or a sunset cruise excursion. “If you don’t get out on our water, you’re missing out on some of the magic of Panama City Beach,” said Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “Even just renting a pontoon boat and tooling around in St. Andrews Bay is really a neat experience.”

Those on the prowl for unique gifts and one-of-a-kind finds will want to tour the dozen locally owned shops along the city’s Décor by the Shore trail. After getting a “passport” stamped at all 12 stops, visitors can pick up a prize at the city’s Visitor Information Center.

There’s also an opportunity to do some good while you’re there. Recently, Rowe and his staff began working with groups to schedule sea oat replanting excursions or Habitat for Humanity volunteer experiences at nearby Mexico Beach, which was hit hard by Hurricane Michael in 2018, to help restore the beachfront.

“It’s a unique beach-destination activity, and it’s also a great way for people to give back,” Rowe said of the new voluntourism program, which has been dubbed “Stay It Forward.”

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A Fort Lauderdale hotel

Tweetsie Railroad

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Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

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Coconuts restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale's coastline COURTESY GREATER LAUDERDALE CVB

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Sarasota's Circus Art Conservatory

When it’s time to unwind, Panama City Beach is home to more than 20 special events each year, from Mardi Gras celebrations and wine and craft beer tastings to motorcycle rallies and music festivals.

Each April, the city’s Seabreeze Jazz Festival, now in its 22nd year and voted one of the nation’s best, brings in top jazz artists from across the country to perform at Pier Park Amphitheater.

For kids at heart, the Pirates of the High Seas Fest, held each October on Columbus Day weekend, is a best bet. The event includes a parade and a pirate invasion, live music concerts, a massive balloon drop and multiple fireworks displays.

“Beaches have different vibes, but here it’s all about fun,” Rowe said.

V I S I T PA N A M AC I T Y B E AC H .C O M

SA R A SOTA In addition to its world-class beaches, Sarasota is also home to a distinctive cultural history, thanks in part to its role as the former summer home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

The circus spirit is still alive and well in the city, as evidenced by attractions such as the Circus Arts Conservatory, which offers opportunities to enjoy professional circus performances; you can also book fun group activities such as aerial silks classes and trapeze classes, among others.

Groups can also tour the opulent Ca’ d’Zan mansion, the Venetian-inspired former home of John and Mabel Ringling, as well as the vast collections of art and cultural treasures on display at the Ringling Museum of Art and the Ringling Circus Museum, both on the estate grounds.

“The Ringling is a wonderful stop for groups,” said Britney Guertin, communications and content manager for Visit Sarasota County. “In addition to the museums, it’s 66 acres, so there is a beautiful outdoor aspect to it, including a wonderful rose garden; and the one-of-a-kind mansion sits right on Sarasota Bay.” For nature lovers, the city’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens features 15 acres filled with beautiful and rare tropical plants, and its Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is home to more than 150 rescued animals: lions, tigers, bears, primates and more.

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Paddleboarding in Sarasota COURTESY VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY

ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

Sarasota Bay offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking along the local waterways and natural mangrove forests.

“Our mangroves are incredible,” Guertin said. “It’s like discovering something new — a hidden oasis.”

Groups can also book walking tours to explore the city’s historic center and its rich culinary scene. Meanwhile, stylesavvy shoppers will feel right at home browsing the luxury boutiques that line famed St. Armands Circle.

V I S I T S A R A S OTA .C O M

DAY TONA Daytona offers a convenient hub for exploring all that the central Florida Atlantic coast has to offer, from historic St. Augustine, roughly an hour’s drive to the north, to one-of-akind NASA exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center, an hour’s drive to the south.

Driving inland, visitors to Daytona Beach can also easily make the trek to Orlando’s theme parks in just under an hour.

But there’s so much to do in Daytona itself, you may never feel the need to leave.

For starters, groups can opt for a variety of guided tours of the famed Daytona International Speedway, ranging from a 30-minute basic tour to a three-hour behind-the-scenes VIP experience perfect for the most die-hard NASCAR fans.

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Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

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“You get to see Victory Lane,” said Kate Holcomb, director of communications for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “You get to experience the excitement of the banked curves. Plus, every tour includes access to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. It includes cars, boats, airplanes, motorcycles and even Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Blue Bird, which set a land speed record in 1935.”

One Daytona, a bustling dining and entertainment district near the speedway, offers ample shopping options. Unique finds also abound at the eclectic boutiques that fill Daytona’s historic downtown district.

Daytona is also home to a rich array of arts and cultural attractions, including the nearby Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest. At the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences, groups will enjoy seeing preeminent exhibits of American, Floridian and Cuban art, plus restored railroad cars and antique automobiles, a planetarium, a children’s museum and the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in Florida.

Baseball fans can catch the city’s minor league team, the Tortugas, in a game at Daytona’s Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Built in 1914, it’s the fourth-oldest ballpark still used in professional baseball and the site where the legendary barrier-breaker Jackie Robinson played his first professional game.

“For people who love baseball, it’s kind of a bucket-list place to go,” Holcomb said.

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FORT M Y E R S Fort Myers is a shell lover’s paradise. It boasts an abundance of pristine shells on its beaches, as well as unusual shell-based attractions. Groups will enjoy the Shell Factory, which bills itself as the world’s largest shell store, and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on nearby Sanibel Island, the only museum in the country devoted solely to shells and mollusks.

“We are the best shelling destination in the world,” said Francesca Donlan, communications director for the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Birding enthusiasts also flock to the area to view the amazing variety of waterfowl, herons, egrets and other shorebirds that migrate through or make their home in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

The refuge is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, with several special events planned throughout the year.

“It’s a true playground for migrating birds and other wildlife,” Donlan said.

History buffs will want to make time to visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. As their names imply, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered as neighbors in Fort Myers, and their residences, gardens and laboratories, as well as a museum dedicated to their careers and inventions, are open to public tours Each September, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest brings in some of the country’s best songwriters, who perform in small seaside venues while sharing the stories and inspirations behind beloved hits.

In March, both the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins make Fort Myers their home for spring training, allowing fans an opportunity to see their favorite major leaguers in action, in a more intimate, accessible setting.

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A great egret in Fort Myers

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FORT L AU DE R DA L E Fort Lauderdale features roughly 300 miles of inland waterways, earning it the nickname the Venice of America.

There’s perhaps no better way to explore the city’s vast waterways and area attractions than by taking a ride on a water taxi.

“The water taxi service runs throughout greater Fort Lauderdale, with stops along the Interacoastal Waterway, several state parks and other attractions,” said JoNell Modys, senior executive of marketing and communications for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“There are stops with access to great waterfront dining. So, not only is it a very efficient way to get around, it’s also a really fun boat ride.”

Groups can call ahead and coordinate shuttle service pickup via boats that can accommodate up to 200 people, Modys said.

Shooters Waterfront Restaurant, which is accessible by water taxi, is a top pick for group dining, since it offers fantastic views of the water plus a menu that likely suits everyone, whether they’re after salads, sushi, seafood or steak.

From Fort Lauderdale, it’s also easy to get a taste of the Everglades, since the metropolitan area’s westernmost edge extends to that famed ecosystem. Companies such as Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass Recreation Park offer group tour experiences by airboat, allowing visitors to experience the Everglades and its varied animal inhabitants, from alligators to birds and more, firsthand.

Animal lovers should also make time to visit the city’s 60-acre Flamingo Gardens. Though flamingos may be the namesake star at this botanical gardens and animal sanctuary, it’s also home to the largest collection of native Florida wildlife anywhere, with bobcats, bears, alligators, eagles, panthers and more.

For a leisurely stroll, consider the city’s Riverwalk, which follows the New River downtown and connects sites along the thriving downtown Riverwalk Entertainment District, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Nova Southeastern University Museum of Art and the city’s Museum of Discovery and Science, which is fun for all ages.

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broaden your agenda Your group has many different interests. Delight them all with the unforgettable experiences at Panama City Beach – everything from dolphin tours and eclectic shopping to championship golf and local seaside delicacies. Our group travel team will help you plan the perfect event. Make your next gathering one they’ll remember. Make it yours at Panama City Beach.

Plan now VisitPanamaCityBeach.com/groups

Staff Sound-off

WHERE HAVE YOU TRAVELED ON YOUR OWN THAT YOU’D LOVE TO TAKE FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS?

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PUBLISHER MAC LACY

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING SALES KYLE ANDERSON

’d like to take my family to Lafayette, Louisiana. I was there about five years ago on a writers trip with Travel South USA, and I’ve told them about it ever since. We had lots of fried things for dinner at Randol’s, a local institution, and danced there to a zydeco band. Then we hit another local icon, the Blue Moon Saloon, and listened to the Zydeco Alligators play live on the back porch for a couple more hours. I love that music and the carefree places it speaks of. Lafayette has to be my answer here because my family has heard me say we need to go for several years.

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went to a little Greek Island off the coast of Turkey called Ikaria a few years ago when I was in college.

It was so cool to see their laid-back lifestyle, and the scenery there was incredible. It was an amazing time, and I would highly recommend it.

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR DONIA SIMMONS

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VP & EXECUTIVE EDITOR BRIAN JEWELL

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SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT CAROLINE DAVIS

went to Charleston, South Carolina, last year for a bachelorette party, and it was my first time visiting. Oh. My. Goodness. I instantly fell in love. I would love to take another trip soon with a few college friends that have never been. They clearly don’t know what they are missing. The city is so charming and elegant, but there is also so much to do. One of my favorite cities for sure.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN & CIRCULATION

y husband, Graham, and I have both been to South Dakota, just not together. Whenever we talk about places we want to return to, it’s always at the top of the list.

anibel and Captiva islands in Florida are definitely at the top of that list. As a young girl I traveled there with my grandparents. It was a very special trip for me and the first time I ever saw the ocean. The warm, clear waters and the beaches covered with seashells were almost magical to me at that age. I would love to return with my children and spend the days shelling on the beach, like I did with my Memom. fter 16 years in tourism, my list of favorite destinations has gotten pretty long. But the place I’m most anxious to bring my family to is Alaska. The scenery there is stunning, unlike any other place in the United States, and there are so many thrilling ways to get out and enjoy it.

I have a preschooler at home, so we’re still several years away from a trip like that. But when the time comes, I’ll be more than excited.

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VP, SALES & MARKETING KELLY TYNER

was in Oregon several years ago for a conference and drove over to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to do a dune buggy tour. The ever-shifting sand creates hills that can be several hundred feet high, so when you fly over the top and slide sideways down the sides of these hills you get the sensation of being on a roller coaster. Best part of all are the spectacular views of the ocean from the top though. I’d love to take my kids back to see the beauty of Oregon and experience the fun of a dune buggy ride on the coast.

ASHLEY RICKS

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New Date: August 19 - 21, 2020 Wichita, Kansas

New Date: November 6 - 8, 2020 Gwinnett County, Georgia

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