The Group Travel Leader February 2022 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

FOOTLIGHT FEVER

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Celebrate the gifts of land and sea with epic Virginia Beach adventures the entire group can enjoy safely. With 400 square miles of wide open space, revel in hands-on experiences and unique access to a group tour that’s as safe as it is memorable.

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM/GROUPTOUR

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ArkEncounter.com Williamstown, KY (south of Cincinnati) an attraction of Answers in Genesis

CONTENTS

GROUP TH E

TRAVEL LEADER

CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF GROUP TR AVEL

ON T H E COV E R

COLU M NS

N EWS

6 Editor’s Marks

8 Family Matters 12 ABA Marketplace Returns

Maryland Spotlight

Multigenerational Great Lakes

VOL 31 | ISSUE 2

Young Adult Travel

Young travelers jump off a cliff into Lake Michigan at Cave Point County Park in Door County, Wisconsin. Photo by Elliot Young.

INTER ACTIV E MUSE UMS

Bring your group back to these theaters in 2022.

Go beyond the galleries with these immersive experiences.

K E LLY T Y N E R 888.253.0455 MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS

L I VE T HEAT ER’S CO MEBACK

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

KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON ASHLEY RICKS SARAH SECHRIST CHRISTINE CLOUGH

kelly@grouptravelleader.com

VP, Sales & Marketing Director of Advertising Sales Graphic Design & Circulation Controller 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.

WANT A TRIP THAT ROCK S? GET ROLLING IN OKL AHOMA . Hit the road to a rollicking good time in Oklahoma. Start your 6-day itinerary at Miami’s Coleman Theatre. This architectural masterpiece features a Spanish Revival exterior, Louis XV interior and legendary “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ. Next up, Bricktown in Oklahoma City. This hopping district is lined with bars, restaurants, a gorgeous river walk and the world’s largest banjo collection at the OKC Banjo Museum. Hungry for more? Hit up Ardmore’s Cafe Alley for sizzling rib eyes, prime pork chops or famous Cook Shack Chicken. And don’t miss Tulsa’s Woody Guthrie Center, where you’ll marvel at artwork, notebooks, lyrics and instruments strummed by the father of folk music.

Treat your group to the best of the heartland. Get the full itinerary at TravelOK.com/Group.

EDITOR’S MARKS

BY BRIAN JEWELL

hat would you do if you were trapped on a motorcoach for an entire day? Last month, winter storms made headlines when they pounded parts of the eastern United States, leaving thousands of motorists stranded for prolonged periods. So far, I haven’t heard of any tour groups being caught in these particular traffic nightmares. But a snowstorm isn’t the only cause for a traffic jam, and there are myriad other events and accidents that could leave a motorcoach group stranded for hours at a time. You can’t completely eliminate the possibility of being stuck on a motorcoach for extended periods, but you can take some steps to make sure you’re prepared if it happens. You or your transportation provider should make sure that the following are available on a coach in case of emergency.

1) FOOD AND WATER On most group tours, you’re never more than a few hours away from food. But if you encounter problems on the motorcoach, there’s no telling when you’ll get to eat again. While most people can miss a meal or two without its causing more than some stomach rumbles, travelers with diabetes or other medical conditions could face a dangerous situation if they can’t eat. At the outset of each trip, you should make sure the coach is stocked with snacks and bottled water. 2) TOILET PAPER On a motorcoach, you’re fortunate to have access to an onboard restroom. But if there’s not enough toilet paper, that restroom will become useless during an hours-long delay. When you book a motorcoach, ask the provider if they’ll have enough toilet paper on hand to keep the bathroom supplied

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during a long delay. And when you get on the coach, double-check the supplies, and purchase more before departing if needed. 3) FIRST-AID KIT There’s a good chance your motorcoach has a first-aid kit somewhere on board, but you should always ask ahead of time to make sure, then familiarize yourself with it once you get on board. Check to make sure it has all the necessary supplies, and stock up on more if need be. It’s also smart to have your own small pack of first-aid supplies to carry off the motorcoach while your group is sightseeing. 4) MEDICATIONS Experienced travelers know they should always keep essential medications in their carry-on luggage. But chances are you’ll have some inexperienced travelers in your group from time to time, so you’ll need to remind them how important this is — on airplanes and on motorcoaches. Tell your travelers to keep medications with them in the cabin, as luggage may not be accessible during a bad traffic or weather delay. 5) BACKUP BATTERIES If you encounter a long delay on the road, the phone calls, texts and web browsing necessary to handle the situation can drain your cellphone battery quickly. Motorcoach power outlets may help with this, but not every vehicle has them. And if the driver can’t run the engine, it can’t deliver any electricity. You should keep a fully charged battery pack with you to charge your phone in case it runs low in an emergency.

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WE’RE

MORE THAN JUST PRINT

DIGITAL ADVERTISING + DEDICATED E-BLASTS CUSTOM CONTENT ARTICLES + POLYBAG INSERTS CUSTOM PUBLISHING FOR STATE TOURISM OFFICES, DMOS OR REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ONSITE FAM TOUR PROGRAMS G T L -A DV E R T I S I N G . C O M

K Y L E @ G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M

888.253.0455

K E L LY @ G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M

FAMILY M AT T E R S

G R O U P T R AV E L W I L L R E B U I L D V I TA L R E L AT I O N S H I P S I N 2 0 2 2 SALEM, Ohio — As we enter 2022, the debate Group travel starts by attending events such as the about the safety of travel has raged on for two years American Bus Association Marketplace, the NTA now. While America seems to be split into two Travel Exchange, the Select Traveler Conference, camps on most every conceivable subject these the African American Travel Conference, the Going days, the group travel industry has a tremendous On Faith Conference and Boomers In Groups. The opportunity. This opportunity goes well beyond Group Travel Family of Brands, a national orgatravel and affects the quality of life that human nization that delivers meetings where group travel interaction delivers. planners meet the travel industry, has made the comCHARLIE PRESLEY Group travel is about enjoying sights, savoring mitment to power ahead and operate all seven of its meals, strengthening established friendships and building new conferences in 2022. relationships. The country may be split on many subjects, but “Travel has been impacted the past two years,” said Charlie Presley, hardly anyone disagrees that traveling with friends and family president of the organization. “However, we made the decision to is good for emotional and mental health. continue all of our brand travel conferences, even in 2020 and 2021. The opportunity, then, is to help people get back on track and “We have and will operate travel conferences within the enjoy life through traveling with a group. This publication is read health guidelines set by the state and local governments of the conference location.” monthly by people who understand the value that group travel brings to life, and we have a responsibility to engage the public. Although the debate on safe travel may well continue through Engaging people in group travel begins with exercising rela2022, the travel industry furthering the cause will gather, meet, tionships developed between the travel industry and the travel plan and succeed at travel conferences. In doing so, millions of people choosing to travel with a group will be served. Be part of planner. That’s best accomplished by attending travel conferences designed to bring the two constituencies together. this opportunity by attending the travel conference of your choice.

BEFORE BOOKING A MOTORCOACH, DO THIS SALEM, Ohio — The beginning of the year is a busy season for travel planners, as people make it a goal to get out of the house do and see more — which often means traveling. Travelers don’t need to wait for the warmer months to book a getaway; quick trips to busy ski towns or mountain resorts can make for a perfect winter weekend that everyone can enjoy. Or, if your clients have their sights set on a summer locale that brings the heat, talk with them about hiking through canyons or visiting the desert for an out-ofthe-ordinary adventure. A great way to achieve travel goals this year is to create a destination bucket list and start planning now! Something else to suggest to your clients is motorcoach travel. It can provide a fun, relaxing and affordable travel option to nearly any destination in the country. But passenger safety is the most important thing to keep in mind when booking a coach. Your clients come to you for help planning an unforgettable

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vacation, and it’s also up to you to “Look Before You Book” to ensure you’re booking with a safe and reputable bus company. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a Bus Safety Search tool to help you do the research. In a few steps, you can view any bus company’s safety history, including safety rating and operating authority status, by inputting the company’s name or U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Learn how to review and understand the company’s safety indicators, which are called BASICs for short, along with the symbols and categories. Traveling anywhere can be a fun and memorable way to start a new year, especially when traveling by bus. Remember to “Look Before You Book” and make passenger safety a top priority. Find more information on bus safety, and printable safety resources for your travelers at fmcsa.dot.gov/travelplanner.

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he Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and we want you to come with us! Our friends at the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau are arranging a familiarization tour of the destination, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place May 1-4 and will include visits to natural attractions, museums, theaters and other popular group sites in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding coastal communities. You’ll join Brian Jewell, our VP and executive editor, and Kelly Tyner, our VP of sales and marketing, as they explore the area with our Myrtle Beach hosts. Highlights of the four-day tour will include:

Join Us for a Trip to Myrtle Beach Travel planners can enjoy the natural beauty and abundant entertainment options of the Myrtle Beach area during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

• Live entertainment — Catch shows featuring talented singers, dancers and comedians at several of the Grand Strand’s iconic theaters. • Fresh seafood — Enjoy the bounty of freshcaught fish and other delicacies served at one of the area’s many seafood buffets. • Brookgreen gardens — Discover beautiful botanical and classic works of art in this beloved sculpture garden just outside the city. • Gullah Geechee heritage — Experience the culture and history of the area’s Gullah Geechee community, one of the country’s most distinctive African American groups. • Abundant shopping — Find deals on popular brands and one-of-a-kind items at Myrtle Beach’s variety of retail developments and outlet malls. Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region. You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/mbfam. Space is limited, and applications close March 7. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us May 1-4 in Myrtle Beach!

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Kelly Tyner

Brian Jewell PHOTOS COURTESY MYRTLE BEACH AREA CVB

MAY 1-4, 2022 REGISTRATION CLOSES: MARCH 7 You can apply to attend this FAM tour at:

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/MBFAM If you have any questions, call Kelly at 888-253-0455.

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

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MYRTLE BEACH AREA CVB 60 MILES OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER Myrtle Beach is where groups can reconnect and let loose with endless fun. With 60 miles of sandy beaches, amusement parks, live music and more, your group is going to have an unforgettable time. Get connected with our team to start planning your next gathering at The Beach.

VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups

CONFERENCE

SCENE

ABA WELCOMES 1,800 AT IN-PERSON MARKETPLACE BY BRIAN JEWELL

Kentucky tourism representatives on the Marketplace floor

ABA president and CEO Peter Pantuso PHOTOS COURTESY ABA

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Some 1,800 tourism professionals attended the American Bus Association’s Marketplace, January 8–11 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. The event marked ABA’s first major in-person meeting in two years and is the largest post-lockdown gathering of the tourism industry to date. ABA president and CEO Peter Pantuso said the attendance was lower than normal but that there was a palpable enthusiasm among those in attendance. “The 1,850 people we had register is a little smaller than normal — we’re normally about 3,000,” he said. “But I’m really pleased with the number, and I get the sense from people that they’re thrilled to be here.” Though many people who often attended the conference in the past were not at this year’s event, there was a noticeable contingent of delegates attending for the first time. “The number of first-time attendees is off the charts this year,” Pantuso said. “A lot of people in the group travel business lost their jobs, so the manager or director of sales is now

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doing it because they didn’t have the resources to bring someone in. Or there are brand-new people who have picked up the job who are new to that position. A lot of those positions that went away are starting to be filled.” Labor and staffing issues were among chief topics of discussion during the conference, as many delegates in attendance reported continued challenges in recruiting and retaining frontline service workers. Motorcoach drivers are among the most sought-after employees in the industry, already in high demand before the pandemic and now even more difficult to find. ABA addressed the driver shortage in educational sessions and offered a number of resources to help coach companies fill open roles, including some put together by the association’s Women in Buses Council. “The Driving Force program that Women in Buses did is really at the top of the list,” Pantuso said. “It’s a really well-thought-out program for how you can bring people in. Ads and videos are part of that package, so it’s a real one-stop shop for companies struggling to hire people.” Pantuso said Women in Buses is working

to create standardized training programs for on-boarding new drivers. The association also spent time bringing attendees up to speed on its lobbying efforts in Washington. Though motorcoaches weren’t included in the initial CARES Act of 2020, the industry got some pandemic relief with the passage of the $2 billion CERTS Act in 2021. That number was about 20 percent of ABA’s target, so the association is now working to try to secure billions more in additional congressional spending. “In 2022, we have a lot of momentum for getting more money for the industry,” Pantuso said. “We’re working with Senator Ben Cardin, who is on the Small Business Committee, on something that would hopefully provide some more relief. I think there’s a real opportunity to get some money there.” The 2022 Marketplace came amid the omicron wave, as the highly infectious but less virulent strain of the COVID virus caused high case numbers worldwide. But Pantuso said it was important for the association to hold its meeting anyway. “We’re an industry that wants people to get out and travel, so we ought to be leading by example,” he said. “We also want to be safe, so the vaccine or testing requirement was another part of the decision. We said, ‘we’re coming hell or high water,’ and I’ couldn’t be happier that we did.”

An evening event at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers

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APPLY TODAY FOR THE FAMS YOU’D LIKE TO ATTEND!

Are you looking for new ideas in your old favorites or a new destination for your group to enjoy? Register for one of our 2022 FAMs to learn about these great destinations from the local experts. These FAMs are open to tour operators and group leaders with active travel clubs. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the destination. All other expenses including hotel accommodations, meals and admissions will be covered by our CVB hosts.

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

COASTAL MISSISSIPPI APRIL 10-13 Join us in Coastal Mississippi April 10-13, 2022, where you’ll get to tour Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis and other seaside towns in the Coastal Mississippi Region. Registration closes February 18 so go to www.grouptravelleader.com/COASTAL-MS-FAM to register for the chance to attend this FAM and learn more about our region.

MYRTLE BEACH MAY 1-4 Join us in Myrtle Beach May 1-4, 2022, where you’ll get to explore our beautiful beach, see a live show at one of our theaters and tour popular attractions. Registration closes March 7 so go to www.grouptravelleader.com/MBFAM to register for the chance to attend this FAM and learn more about our city.

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If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Tyner at:

888-253-0455 KELLY@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

Group Travel

essentials IAN KYNOR

AT T R A C T I N G Y O U N G P R O F E S S I O N A L S T O G R O U P T R AV E L BY BRIAN JEWELL

For decades, group travel has been popular primarily among two demographics: students under 18 and adults over 55. Young professionals have traditionally made up only a tiny segment of the group tour sector. And while the responsibilities of work and parenting factor largely into this, the phenomenon is also due in part to a perception problem among younger travelers, who often believe tours won’t be a good fit for their travel tastes. There are some companies that target the young professional demographic, though, including Contiki Tours, which specializes in trips for travelers ages 18-35. The Group Travel Leader recently spoke with Ian Kynor, director of business development for Contiki’s parent company The Travel Corporation, about how Contiki is building its group business among young travelers and how a new generation of tour passenger is embracing group travel. Here are highlights from that conversation.

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Tell us about the role Contiki plays in the group travel marketplace. Contiki ran its first trip in 1962, and it was student-led. Since then, Contiki has remined true to that. It’s run specifically for 18-35-year-olds. Now we operate more than 400 itineraries on every continent except Antarctica. We have offices in the U.S., South Africa, Honk Kong, Australia and other places, so there’s a wide footprint of where our travelers originate from.

Most of your travelers join pre-scheduled departures as individuals. Are you finding any preformed groups of young professionals who want to travel together? The core of our business remains solo travelers, but we’re putting a lot of emphasis and infrastructure behind how we can attract and support more affinity groups. We’ve seen a lot of growth in that.

Where are those affinity groups coming from? The greatest increase is in the educational space. That could be university study abroad but, more specifically, it’s alumni travel. And there are a lot of people who want our expertise with young alumni. Alumni are a very strong part of affinity travel, but the core market has really always been 65-plus. But the number of associations that have a young alumni program presents an opportunity for us to lead.

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It’s a lot easier to engage those young alumni when they’re fresh and recently graduated. They’re still very connected to the community. And travel speaks to people at a personal and emotional level. So, to get young alumni engaged in the travel program keeps them in the alumni community. It’s much simpler than losing them for a decade or two and then trying to bring them back.

how high up the benefit of traveling with a group was. It was meeting new people from a diverse perspective and traveling with a group.

How do those younger people feel about group travel? Is it difficult to convince them to go on a group tour?

How important is diversity to that group benefit?

Historically, we’ve not really leaned into the group aspect. We’ve always had groups traveling on coaches, but we didn’t promote that aspect. That started to change for us two to three years ago. We started to get feedback about the groups in our post-trip surveys, and we saw that community was forming organically from the travel. Groups come together on the trip, then they remain together and remain in touch. You have some people who go on reunion trips and try to get a lot of people together on another Contiki trip. One traveler described herself as an introvert who kept to herself for the first few days on a trip. But at the end, she stood up and said that when she first joined the trip, everyone was a stranger. A few days into the trip, everyone became friends. And now at the end of the trip, everyone is family.

Do you see a growing interest in group experiences among your core demographic? Absolutely. In 2018, we commissioned a significant research study. One of the major takeaways was about the message that resonated the most with the people we surveyed and the benefits that stood out to them. What surprised us some was

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In past marketing, we may not have focused so much on the inclusiveness of that larger group. But starting this year, we’re really going to emphasize the ‘travel together’ component of it.

That’s where the benefit really comes in. Sharing travel experiences with other people becomes significant, because you’re seeing the destination from a variety of viewpoints. You might have individuals who are people of color, indigenous or identify as LGBTQ. The way they experience a destination is different from you. You get to feel all that. You get to have that experience, and then the shared experience allows you to have real conversations over a dinner or a drink. We’re recognizing the need to really promote diversity. That will be in all our marketing and imagery so that people of diverse backgrounds feel like the travel experience is for them and not exclusionary.

How would you advise a young travel lover to try to recruit friends to join them on a group tour?

You don’t need to sell the trip to your friends. Instead, just talk to them about what you’re excited about. Where do you want to go? What culture do you want to immerse yourself in? What speaks to you? If you’re excited about where you’re going and the experiences you’re going to have, all you have to do is share that excitement with your friend group. Your passion is going to be contagious. And that’s enough.

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s ’ y a l P The

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THING COURTESY LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

Live theater experiences, clockwise from top: a new production at the La Jolla Playhouse; “Grease” at The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Wisconsin; an outdoor event at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square COURTESY PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

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COURTESY THE FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE

The Albert Theatre at the Goodman in Chicago COURTESY GOODMAN THEATRE

TA K E YO U R G R O U P T O A T H E AT E R I N 2 0 2 2

BY BRIAN JEWELL

t festivals, in amphitheaters, over dinner and under the lights, stages across the country are set for a year of live performances. The tradition of live theater has been a strong part of America’s travel landscape for generations. And though pandemic-induced restrictions caused performing arts organizations to shut down for much of 2020, many restarted sometime during 2021. And nearly all are anticipating full schedules — and perhaps full houses — in 2022. If your group enjoys classic musicals, original plays, outdoor dramas or even the works of Shakespeare, here’s an overview of some of the theatrical opportunities awaiting them this year and beyond.

Dinner Theaters

Offering both meals and entertainment, dinner theaters check multiple boxes for travel planners and have been a longtime staple of group tours. Dinner theaters can be found in destinations large and small around the country. In Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, the Fireside Dinner Theatre touts itself as the state’s most-visited group tour attraction. Originally started as a restaurant, the theater features first-rate food served in a dining room before guests move to the auditorium for a performance in the round. The theater employs professional actors recruited from across the country. Its 2022 season includes “The Sound of Music,” “What Happens in Vegas,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Grease,” as well as a number of concerts and holiday productions. Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis is another year-round theater featuring professional actors. The performance lineup features a mix of classic musical fare such as “Hello Dolly”; newer favorites such as “Kinky Boots” and “The Addams Family”; and lighthearted productions like “Shear

Madness” and “The Honky Tonk Angels.” Lunch and dinner menus change to match the themes of the shows onstage, but they always feature the theater’s signature hand-carved roast beef. Many groups traveling in the Washington and Baltimore metro areas make time to take in a show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland. The company was founded in 1979 by Toby Orenstein, a director and theater educator. Since its inception, Toby’s has produced more than 200 shows, with cast members doubling as meal servers before shows and during intermissions. The 2022-2023 schedule includes “Spamalot,” “The SpongeBob Musical,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Something Rotten.” The Dutch Apple Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, stands in stark contrast to the simplicity of the Amish communities in the area known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Though groups travel to the area to learn about Amish culture, many enjoy an afternoon or evening of glitzy Broadway-style shows at the theater, which has been in operation since 1987. The 2022 lineup includes “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Rock of Ages,” “Chicago” and “Saturday Night Fever.”

A Fireside dinner

COURTESY THE FIRESIDE

Under the pyramid at the Fireside COURTESY THE FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE

Entering the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre COURTESY BEEF & BOARDS

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Outdoor Dramas

Outdoor drama is a summertime tradition in America. With expansive stages capable of holding dozens of actors and live animals, these shows specialize in telling grand stories of legendary characters. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, Kentucky, “The Stephen Foster Story” introduces audiences to Stephen Foster, the great 19th-century American songwriter. Foster wrote the song “My Old Kentucky Home” about his time at the Bardstown estate. Though the show has been a Kentucky tradition for decades, it returned from hiatus in 2021 with an all-new script that more thoroughly examines the historic experience of Black Americans. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are depicted in epic fashion at “The Great Passion Play” in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The play is performed on a 550-foot-wide stage on a mountain near the city in an amphitheater that can accommodate up to 4,100 guests. The production company includes hundreds of actors and dozens of live animals. Thrice-weekly performances begin in late May and run through October.

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“The Medora Musical” in North Dakota COURTESY THE MEDORA MUSICAL

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Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater “The Stephen Foster Story” in Bardstown

The Goodman Theatre marquee in downtown Chicago

COURTESY GUTHRIE THEATER

“In the Flood” at the Goodman Theatre

COURTESY THE STEPHEN FOSTER STORY

BY CRAIG SCHWARTZ, COURTESY GOODMAN THEATRE

COURTESY GOODMAN THEATRE

“BEST NEW MUSEUM” USA IN THE COUNTRY TODAY Laugh All Day in our Two Museums in Comedy’s Hometown - JAMESTOWN, NY!

Join Us in 2022 for our Two New Exhibits Celebrating

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JOHNNY CARSON & CARL REINER

19 R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M Learn more at ComedyCenter.org or emailG EGaleazzo@comedycenter.org

Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland

COURTESY PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

The badlands surrounding Medora, North Dakota, provide the backdrop for “The Medora Musical.” This Western-inspired production celebrates the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt, who fell in love with Medora during a formative time in his life. The show features patriotic music, horses and fireworks and takes place daily from June to September. In August 1857, about 115 English settlers arrived on what is now the island of Roanoke, North Carolina, and attempted to set up a community there. Three years later, the settlers and their settlement were gone without a trace. “The Lost Colony” introduces the story to travelers visiting the Outer Banks area. Complete with Native American dances, epic battle scenes and other elements produced by a cast and crew of more than 120, the play was first staged in 1937 and is the country’s longest-running outdoor drama.

Regional Theaters

In several cities across the country, major venues are home to both touring Broadway performances and local theater companies. These regional theaters

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offer high-quality productions and are often highlights of group visits to their destinations. In downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Playhouse Square is the country’s largest performing arts facility outside New York. The complex features 11 performances spaces, and several are historic theaters that have been meticulously restored. Touring Broadway performances set up at Playhouse Square, often for extended runs. The venue is also home to the Cleveland Playhouse, the country’s first regional theater company, the Great Lakes Theater and the Cleveland Ballet. Another prominent regional theater is Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Since 1925, the Goodman has produced both classic and contemporary works. Located inside the Loop, the Goodman is the city’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater and has received a special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater. Remaining shows for the 202122 schedule include “Gem of the Ocean,” “The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci” and a new play called “Good Night, Oscar.” Founded in 1963, Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater has become one of the foremost cultural institutions in the Twin Cities. The architecturally stunning facility, on the banks of the Mississippi River, has a three-sided 1,100-seat auditorium, as well as a more traditional 700-seat theater and a black-box space. The 2021-22 season included a mix of new plays and classics such as “A Christmas Carol,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The Tempest.” New productions step into the spotlight at the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, California. The theater has launched numerous shows that have gone on to win Tony Awards and other accolades. The organization’s 2022-23 season will feature pop musical “Lempicka”; a World War II-inspired drama, “Here There Are Blueberries”; and the world premiere of the comedy “Mother Russia.”

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BROA DWAY UPDATE

ike most theaters in other parts of the country, the 41 theaters in New York City’s Broadway district are open for visitors, albeit with stringent vaccine and masking requirements. Photos of shuttered Broadway theaters were among some of the most iconic images early in the pandemic. The city’s theaters went dark in March 2020 and remained closed for 18 months. The reopening in September 2021 was a highly publicized but difficult undertaking, as producers, actors, musicians, technicians and others had to essentially remount productions after such an extended downtime. The reopening proved a remarkable success. Today, there are shows in all of the district’s theaters. By the end of 2021, more than 2,000 performances took place and were attended by more than 2 million theater fans. Although some shows canceled performances because of cast and staff shortages during the omicron wave in December and January, theater operators are proceeding with their 2022 schedules. All Broadway theaters will require guests over 12 years old to show proof of vaccination through at least the end of February. Guests are also required to wear masks inside the theaters. Groups that venture to Broadway this year can catch longtime favorites such as “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Chicago,” as well as more recent hits such as “Hamilton” and “Come From Away.” Several highly anticipated shows are set to debut this year as well, including “The Music Man” with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.

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

MARYLAND

rom rugged mountains of its western reaches to sandy dunes on the Atlantic Coast and rolling salt marshes around the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is home to dozens of exploration-worthy wild spaces, for which it earned the moniker America in Miniature. Maryland is also a cultural cornucopia with Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and Southern influences. And as one of the original colonies, the Chesapeake Bay State has played a unique role in centuries of American history. Feeling overwhelmed? Read on for some fantastic ideas sure to deliver a great trip to Maryland.

Historic interpreters welcome visitors to Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. COURTESY NPS

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ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

By Kati Hyer

U.S. Naval Academy COURTESY U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

National WWII Museum

An aerial view of Fort McHenry COURTESY NPS

POPULAR DEMAND FORT MCHENRY

After burning Washington in the War of 1812, the British set their sights on Baltimore. The world’s most powerful navy rained down artillery fire on Fort McHenry for 25 hours. But once the smoke cleared, the fort and the flag still stood, inspiring the Star-Spangled Banner’s immortal lyrics. Today, Fort McHenry is the National Park Service’s only Historic Shrine. In addition to exploring the site and its visitors center, groups can participate in raising and lowering the fort’s flag. Call ahead for details.

Fort McHenry

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THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

COURTESY CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

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The U.S. Naval Academy, with its storied history, impressive architecture and location in the Colonial Annapolis Historic District, is worth a visit by itself, but make sure to get there before 12 p.m. A morning arrival will ensure that your group doesn’t miss the highly anticipated Noon Formation, where 1,200 midshipmen present themselves for muster. Although the Noon Formation is more pageantry than practicality, the energy is palpable. With crisp, well-orchestrated coordination and music by the U.S. Naval Band and bagpipers, it’s a show you won’t soon forget.

CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM

The Chesapeake Bay formed Maryland’s commercial heartbeat for centuries. That history, along with the bay’s unique environment and culture, were the driving factors behind the 1966 creation of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The museum includes a water campus, with a dozen working historic boats in its fleet. Vessels transport visitors back to multiple eras, from a 1909 crab dredger to a working replica of John Smith’s 1608 shallop. Plan for self-guided tours, river cruises and time to explore the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, a screw-pile lighthouse that once lit the way for ships navigating the dangerous Hooper Strait.

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BY STEVEN BADGER, COURTESY NPS

UP AND COMING

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Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

THE 2022 BICENTENNIAL OF HARRIET TUBMAN’S BIRTH

Harriet Tubman knew the marshlands of Maryland well. Here she grew up, escaped slavery and later led 70 other slaves to freedom through journeys fraught with danger. Today, visitors can explore these same wetlands and 45 stops of interest thanks to the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway. At the heart of the byway is the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitors Center in Church Creek. This year, the National Park Service will celebrate the bicentennial of Tubman’s birth with live events in March and the unveiling and dedication of a new permanent statue in September.

BY ADAM RINEHART, COURTESY WESTERN MD SCENIC RAILROAD

Annapolis Maritime Museum

The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s waterfront grounds

WESTERN MARYLAND SCENIC RAILWAY’S 1309 STEAM ENGINE

Silhouetted by rugged Allegheny mountains, western Maryland feels more Appalachian than Mid-Atlantic. There is no better way to experience this side of Maryland than by rail. Want to make that outdoor expedition special? Take the 1309, the Western Maryland Scenic Railway’s completely restored steam engine and the largest compound articulated steam locomotive in service in the world. Built in 1949 to pull coal, the engine retired in 1956 and hadn’t been under steam again until 2020. When restoration is finished later this year, travelers will enjoy modern entertainment through onboard dinner theater, murder mysteries and more.

ANNAPOLIS MARITIME MUSEUM’S NEW CRUISES ON SKIPJACK, THE WILMA LEE

You can’t think about Maryland without envisaging heaping plates of fresh seafood and its picturesque skipjack boats dotting the shoreline. Skipjacks are a quintessential symbol of the

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Maryland way of life. Just a short time ago, a restored skipjack christened the Wilma Lee became a prized local treasure at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The Wilma Lee dredged oysters for six decades before retiring. After a full restoration, tour groups and museum visitors can now step foot on this floating listing of the National Register of Historic Places.

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Wildset Hotel

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O V E R N I G H T S E N S AT I O N S

Dining options at Rod ’n’ Reel Resort

ROD ’N’ REEL RESORT

Once a humble marina restaurant, the Rod ’N’ Reel Resort is now a glamorous bayside fixture in the town of Chesapeake Beach. The self-styled charter fishing capital of Maryland has offered fishing expeditions since the ’40s and boasts the largest fleet on the bay. After a day of hauling in trout, bass and bluefish, refresh at any of the resort’s on-site offerings. Dine at any of the resort’s four restaurants, stroll through its two marinas, enjoy live entertainment on the boardwalk or just relax in the resort’s accommodating rooms or spa, all right on the bay.

WILDSET HOTEL

A crafty ruse is said to have saved the coastal residents of St. Michaels from the British during the War of 1812. Town residents darkened their homes and hung lanterns in the uninhabited woods a safe distance away. The lanterns fooled the British who, from the evening darkness, fired upon the trees instead of the town. The Wildset Hotel is named for the Marylanders who outsmarted the British that day. Today, the historic coastal hotel accommodates guests with a modern Eastern Shore atmosphere in 34 chic rooms in three connected historic St. Michaels houses.

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A room at the Wildset COURTESY ROD ‘N’ REEL RESORT

COURTESY WILDSET HOTEL

MEMORABLE MEALS CARRIAGE HOUSE INN

Once a grain warehouse, then a broom factory and later a bus depot, the historic Carriage House Inn’s fourth reincarnation is as a fine-dining establishment. The restaurant features classic Maryland dining in quaint Emmitsburg, nestled in the Catoctin Mountains foothills. If you want a taste of the state’s famous seafood, try the Carriage House Inn’s jumbo lump crab cakes or cream of crab soup. The Carriage House Inn is located just outside the charming Emmitsburg Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture.

WELLWOOD The Wellwood

The Wellwood Club on the waterfront in Charlestown was once a hunting lodge for the Washington and Philadelphia well-to-do. Locals claim the Wellwood has the best food for upscale or casual dining. That’s because the Wellwood has two dining options under one roof. The Wellwood Restaurant offers sumptuous Maryland seafood in an elegant dining experience. For a relaxed vibe, the River Shack embodies the traditional pub-style Maryland crab shack. Each dining experience offers views of Maryland’s North East River, coupling river scenery with steamed crabs all year long. VISITMARYLAND.ORG

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D E S T I N AT I O N

COME AS YOU ARE A L L A G E S A R E W E L C O M E AT T H E S E G R E AT L A K E S FAV O R I T E S

B Y K AT I H Y E R

he Great Lakes were made for multigenerational trips. In sun or snow, Great Lakes destinations will tempt group travelers with their signature Midwest kindness. Whether you’re looking for big-city attractions in Chicago or Duluth, Wisconsin; smaller-town feels in Sandusky, Ohio; rural rejuvenation in Door County, Wisconsin; or a variety show in Michigan’s Petoskey area, these shoreline destinations will bring a smile to travelers young and young at heart all year long.

DOOR COU N T Y, W ISCONSI N For a breath of fresh air — and a taste of fresh cherries — take on Door County. Jokingly referred to as the thumb of the state for its geographic similarity to the digit on a mittened hand, Door County is a long and mostly rural peninsula. With 300 miles of shoreline on Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the west and Lake Michigan to the east, groups can explore inland, shoreline and on-the-water history and natural landscapes. Family groups can start with a hike through any of the county’s numerous state parks and natural areas. The county is packed with short and long trails of varying levels of accessibility, and small kids will be drawn to the Ridges Sanctuary’s new interactive nature center. For live entertainment in the great outdoors, get tickets to a Northern Sky Theater show at Peninsula State Park. These family-friendly comedies involve the audience and leave everyone in stitches. “It’s a wonderful group evening,” Door County’s Laura Bradley said. When the weather’s fine, explore the waters surrounding the peninsula on a guided scenic boat tour. Plus, what better way is there to learn about Wisconsin’s maritime history than on a glass-bottom kayak viewing underwater shipwrecks? On the county’s west side, the Baileys Harbor lighthouse is one of the county’s 11 breathtaking historic lighthouses. Here, groups can tour the living quarters. Or they can traverse the county to explore the Maritime Tower in

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A family searches for fossilized coral on a Lake Michigan beach in Petoskey.

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Sturgeon Bay, where sweeping vistas of the water and the city await. Downtown Sturgeon Bay has become walkable, and visitors can familiarize themselves on foot and enjoy crossing its three bridges. And the cherry on top of any trip to Door County is the one you pick yourself. Cherries thrive in Door County thanks to its location and soil quality. Cherry-picking season runs from the end of July to early August. D O O R C O U N T Y.C O M

SA N DUSK Y, OH IO Buckle up for a thrilling ride in Sandusky, Ohio, home of exhilarating theme parks, attractions for all ages and a historic downtown waterfront. Sandusky is synonymous with world-renowned Cedar Point, the nation’s second-oldest amusement park. Water surrounds the park and vacation resort on three sides, so riders are treated to 360-degree views of Lake Erie as they brave roller coasters like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force. Many multigenerational groups also spend time at the Kalahari Resort, which holds the title of largest indoor water park resort in the Midwest, or the Great Wolf Lodge, which is geared especially toward families with small children. Groups can spend some time exploring away from the resorts by hopping on a ferry to explore South Bass Island or Kelleys Island, two distinctive Ohio islands in Lake Erie. And although some ferries can transport cars, most people opt to zip around exploring via golf cart. South Bass Island is home to Put-in-Bay and is packed with quaint mom-and-pop hotels, restaurants, family attractions and a national park aspect: Perry’s Monument. If you’re unfamiliar with the Battle of Lake Erie, make Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial your first stop. Kelleys Island, by contrast, is larger and less developed. Outdoor pursuits and natural history draw visitors to this Sandusky island. That’s because it’s home to the largest example of glacial grooves in the country. Kayaking, watercrafting and fishing are the most attractive pursuits on Kelleys Island. Back in Sandusky proper, the beautifully refurbished, revitalized and remade downtown welcomes visitors. The Jackson Street pier is the waterfront gathering area, where groups enjoy the sunset, taste ice cream and enjoy refreshments. The indoor shopping area The Marketplace features arcades, axe throwing, a craft beer bar and a free children’s museum based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Maritime Museum features hands-on displays of Lake Erie history from boat building to pirates to ice harvesting. And the Merry-Go-Round Museum is

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Admiring the Chicago skyline from atop Skydeck BY RAVENSTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC, COURTESY CHOOSE CHICAGO

a nostalgia-inducing downtown fixture. The working carousel horses from theme parks all over often make visitors say, “I remember that from the park when I was a child.” S H O R E S A N D I S L A N D S .C O M

PE TOSK E Y A R E A , M IC H IG A N “Right here, I found one!” One of the first things people want to do in Petoskey, Michigan, is hunt for a local treasure: Petoskey stones. For little kids, searching for the fossilized coral is akin to participating in an “I Spy” book. Visitors spend hours walking the beach, navigating the rocks and searching for the stones. This simple yet satisfying entertainment is available and attractive all year long, unless the beach is snow-covered and frozen, according to Diane Dakins of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. Petoskey is nestled in Little Traverse Bay, an inlet of Lake Michigan, on the northern end of the state. Dakins described resort community Petoskey as a hub-and-spokes destination. “Petoskey is a great place to stay and do a weeklong vacation and have something different to experience every day,” she said. “View the elk, check out the castle in Charlevoix, see Earl Young homes or visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes.” Opposite Petoskey is Harbor Bay. Recently, the Little Traverse Bay Ferry began servicing trips between the two.

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Kayaking in Duluth COURTESY VISIT DULUTH

Sandusky’s Merry-GoRound Museum

Door County cherries. BY JOHN NIENHUIS, COURTESY DESTINATION DOOR CO.

A Petoskey ferry

pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to the Great Lakes Aquarium, which focuses on freshwater species, children’s touch tanks and interactive activities. Just across from the aquarium is the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, with magnificent displays of historic locomotives and themed events and activities all year long. Duluth is impressively compact, bordered on all sides by green spaces: state natural wildlife areas, state parks and, of course, Lake Superior. For those seeking outdoor adventure, waterfalls, hiking and cross-country skiing are all available at a moment’s notice. “You can walk out the door, and in just a few blocks, you can be on a connected trail,” Sue Mageau of Visit Duluth said. “The green spaces are connected all through town.” And while many destinations around the Great Lakes close for the harsher winter months, not so in Duluth; the town embraces winter. One of the only ski hills in the state is Steer Mountain in Spirit Mountain Recreation Area. Right on the shore of Lake Superior, 15 minutes from downtown, the area is a great destination for groups, with attractions like mini golf and an alpine coaster in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. V I S I T D U LU T H .C O M

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Groups can enjoy breakfast locally in Petoskey; take the ferry to Harbor Springs for shopping, lunch and a trip to the Harbor Springs Museum; then head back to Bay Harbor for splendid views of the water and Petoskey. On another day, families can take the ferry to Mackinac Island, a cherished Michigan state park, where visitors get around by foot, horse or snowmobile. Alternatively, head into the state from Petoskey to Walloon Lake, a pretty natural area between Petoskey and Boyne City, and where Ernest Hemingway spent his first 22 years. Groups can enjoy guided ghost and Hemingway tours around the lake. P E TO S K E YA R E A .C O M

DU LU T H , M I N N E SOTA Dubbed “San Francisco of the North,” Duluth, Minnesota, is extremely walkable, celebrates life on the water and embraces its famous frozen winters. The city is famous for its livability, more than 100 green spaces and architecturally breathtaking downtown. The Great Lakes city’s foremost attraction is the Lake Walk. Many groups start at Canal Park, Duluth’s playground, where visitors can enjoy locally brewed beers, watch tall ships in the harbor and witness the 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge, a defining feature of the city’s skyline and the oldest functioning lift bridge and port in the nation. Once you’ve had your fill watching picturesque boats

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C H IC AG O Just exploring the Windy City on foot is enough to satisfy, if not exhaust, most visitors, with its unique architecture, historic markers and enthralling, entertaining public art installments, parks, and waterfront spaces sprinkled throughout. But Chicago is especially tempting for multigenerational trips, as there is something for everyone just around each corner. Attractions are close to each other, allowing families to efficiently use their time and energy, according to Naomi Hattori of Choose Chicago. Groups can start on a high by hiking up to one of the city’s famous observatories. 360 Chicago or Skydeck Chicago will help you get your bearings and provide an excellent group picture with the skyline in the background. Aside from the major must-dos in downtown, like visiting “the Bean,” Millennium Park’s famous reflective art installment, try exploring some of the hidden gems in one of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, such as Old Town. For history buffs and city buffs alike, a trip to the Chicago History Museum will impress. Plus, the museum is within walking distance of the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the only free zoos in a major city. Weather permitting, a trip to Chicago is unfinished without a visit to North Avenue Beach. Grab drinks and snacks at Castaways, a cruise ship seemingly buried in the sand, to rest your feet and enjoy taking in the views of Lake Michigan. C H O O S E C H I C AG O.C O M

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PLEASE TOUCH

SOME MUSEUMS ARE MORE DO THAN DON’T

An Indianapolis Children’s Museum scientist digs for fossils to display in the museum’s Dinosphere.

BY TOM ADKINSON

COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

ll museums are not created equal. Some are quite good, if not notable. Some are little more than dry, dusty repositories of miscellaneous stuff. A few, however, set a high bar for interest and even direct involvement. “Please touch” is the guiding light at some of the best. Here’s a collection of five that let you do everything from change a race car tire to be a basketball broadcaster, from walk inside a tornado to experience a World War II submarine mission. The collection is dotted around the country. Let’s go east to west.

ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

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The NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Pit Crew Experience A Utah Beach landing craft at the National World War II Museum

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N A S C A R H A L L O F FA M E CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA You don’t have to know the first thing about stock car racing to take the checkered flag at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, if you do an online search for “Thunder Road and Robert Mitchum,” you’ll learn the historical connection between today’s wildly popular sport and mid-1900s Appalachian moonshine runners. That will explain a phrase you’ll see at the Hall of Fame: “In the beginning, there wasn’t just a need for speed, there was a need for shine.” The 278-seat High Octane Theater offers an immersive experience. Its 12-minute movie tells NASCAR’s story from its start on the beach and asphalt of Daytona, Florida, and offers background on its moonshine history. Glory Road, the museum’s huge exhibit of 18 historic race cars on a banked track, is another major attraction. Visitors learn about six generations of NASCAR premium series cars, starting with the 1952 No. 2 Hudson Hornet driven by Marshall Teague. The Hudson Motor Company was the first manufacturer in NASCAR history to support a racing team. Nearby, you can get behind the wheel and zoom around a track yourself. OK, you’re in racing simulators, but the experience is excitingly realistic. The simulators’ racecourse matches each week’s NASCAR race during the season. More involvement is at the Pit Crew Challenge: Jack up a car, change a tire with a real air gun, fill the fuel tank. Your competitive spirit will emerge. N A S C A R H A L L .C O M

COURTESY NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

N AT I O N A L W O R L D W A R I I M U S E U M NEW ORLEANS Throughout the past two decades, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans has simultaneously told the overarching story of the war that changed the world while also focusing on wartime realities and individuals’ experiences. Visits start in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, the complex’s first component, which includes the museum’s original D-Day exhibit; a re-created 1940s train station that invites you to follow new recruits on their way to war; and the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, which tells the war’s story on the homefront. Actor Tom Hanks was the executive producer of a special attraction that puts you in the middle of the action around the world. It is “Beyond All Boundaries,” a production in the Solomon Victory Theater that is a journey through the whole war. Hanks describes it as “an immersive, 4-D, cinematic journey, in multi-layered environments with panoramic theatrical special effects.” Even more personal is “Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience.” This attraction places you aboard the most successful submarine of World War II for its fifth and final war patrol. Twenty-seven visitors are on each patrol, and each represents a specific Tang crewmember. Many will be called upon to perform specific tasks. At the end, you learn whether you survived. The museum’s multibuilding campus continues to expand: New in 2020 was the 280-room Higgins Hotel. And major exhibitions add reasons for return visits, making it easy to devote several hours to a group’s visit. N AT I O N A LW W 2 M U S E U M .O R G

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INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM INDIANAPOLIS The name is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, but its exhibits, attractions and activities appeal to all ages. How could it not, since it is the world’s largest children’s museum at 815,700 square feet and Indiana’s top nonsports attraction? Among its must-see and all-ages attractions are “Fireworks of Glass,” a 43-foot-tall tower of 4,800 pieces of blown glass, the work of the famous Dale Chihuly; “National Geographic Treasures of the Earth,” re-creations of three archaeological sites — a pharaoh’s tomb, China’s terra cotta soldiers and a ship Captain Kidd commandeered; and “Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World,” where you are a small visitor in a land of giants. Perhaps the most compelling exhibit that appeals to adults is “The Power of Children: Making a Difference.” Through the use of live theater and real artifacts, you can become immersed in the lives of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White and Malala Yousafzal. Their stories — of trying to survive the Holocaust, enduring the trauma of integrating a segregated New Orleans school in 1960, overcoming the prejudice against early AIDS patients and standing up for the rights of girls to be educated in the face of Taliban repression — are powerful and memorable, regardless of your age. For a total change of pace, zoom into “Beyond Spaceship Earth,” an immersive, three-part experience that takes you into space to see how the International Space Station works. No training is required.

Hands-on activities at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City PHOTOS COURTESY COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE

“IT’S A DYNAMIC PLACE. WHEN YOU ARE HERE, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GOING TO PICK UP A BASKETBALL.” — CELESTE LUPERCIO, COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE

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Indianapolis Children’s Museum’s Dinosphere

“The Power of Children” at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

PHOTOS COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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E X P L O R AT O R I U M SAN FRANCISCO

COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI “The College Basketball Experience is a hall of fame that is very different,” said Celeste Lupercio, the attraction’s senior director of sales, marketing and events. “It’s a dynamic place. When you are here, you are absolutely going to pick up a basketball.” She’s right on the money because the word “experience” is the key aspect of a destination that celebrates the excitement of college basketball. In addition to the memorable and enlightening Hall of Fame displays about stellar players and inspirational coaches are opportunities to pick up a basketball and show your stuff. You can feel the pressure of competition at “Beat the Clock,” where you’re on the spot to make a game-winning shot before the buzzer sounds. Another test of concentration is “Step to the Line,” where your challenge is to make as many consecutive free throws as you can in a set amount of time. If you feel particularly agile, you will gravitate to “Slam Dunk,” where you can impress your fans. It’s easier than you may think because there are five dunking courts with baskets at different heights, starting at 7 feet. A different skill is required at another attraction. It’s an ESPNU broadcast desk where you channel your inner sportscaster to call highlights of an actual NCAA basketball game. That’s a task far more difficult that it sounds, but it can be riotously funny and memory-making.

Physicist, college professor, high school science teacher, Manhattan Project scientist and advocate of lifelong learning Frank Oppenheimer was the creator of the Exploratorium along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. While teaching at the University of Colorado, he developed a “library of experiments” so his students could explore scientific phenomena at their own pace. Outside the classroom, he was alarmed by the public’s shortcomings in scientific knowledge, and that led to development of a science museum like no other. It’s a San Francisco treat. Instead of docents, the Exploratorium has “explainers,” young people who are trained and supported by staff scientists and educators to help you enjoy and learn from more than 650 interactive exhibits that fill 75,000 square feet of exhibition space. Visitors can walk into an enclosure and get the sense of a whirling tornado, sit in a bronze disc 8 feet in diameter and hear the whisper of a similarly situated friend 80 feet away, use a bicycle wheel to feel how a gyroscope works or make funny faces while viewing themselves in a gigantic mirror developed not for an amusement arcade but as a key element in flight simulators to train airplane pilots. “Here you learn science by doing,” said Avi Martin of the Exploratorium’s communications staff. “Every exhibit we put on the floor involves you. Do them and see what you learn. There’s no guided path. Follow your curiosity.” E X P LO R ATO R I U M . E D U

Learning about gyros at the Exploratorium

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The Exploratorium’s “Recollections” exhibit

PHOTOS COURTESY EXPLORATORIUM

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Staff Sound-off

IF YOU COULD TAKE ONLY ONE TRIP THIS YEAR, WOULD YOU GO SOMEWHERE NEW OR SOMEWHERE FAMILIAR?

PUBLISHER MAC LACY

would go somewhere new. I owe my youngest son a trip to Croatia for earning his MBA. I’ll go with that. But I must be honest — after our recent trip to Iceland in November, I have told both my sons and their spouses/significant others that we will go to Iceland during a summer to enjoy its remarkable outdoor majesty in temperate weather. So put me down for Croatia with an asterisk.

GRAPHIC DESIGN & CIRCULATION ASHLEY RICKS

CONTROLLER SARAH SECHRIST

ew! We are over the Atlantic, so we are heading to white sands in the Gulf of Mexico — Fort Walton and Destin, Florida. I haven’t been there since I was a kid. We want to take kids somewhere historic where we can drive and enjoy hiking and getting outdoors.

efinitely somewhere new! My husband and I have never been to Las Vegas, so we decided to ‘elope’ for our 10th wedding anniversary this year and renew our vows — with Elvis.

VP & EXECUTIVE EDITOR BRIAN JEWELL

f I could only take one personal trip this year, it would be someplace familiar to me but new to my kids. We have plans with extended family to spend a week this summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. To me, that’s one of the most gorgeous parts of the eastern United States, and I can’t wait to take the family hiking in the mountains. The kids are going to love it.

f it were only one trip, it would be somewhere new. I always like seeing new places, so I’d have to find an awesome trip for the year. DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING SALES

VP, SALES & MARKETING

KYLE ANDERSON

KELLY TYNER

e are going somewhere new! My family will be spending a week this spring exploring Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks. It’s a pretty aggressive itinerary, but we’re excited to be able to hike in each of these uniquely different and gorgeous parks!

EDITOR’ S NOTE Welcome to Staff Sound-Off, the monthly column where our staff members answer questions about their travel practices and preferences. We hope you enjoy these tips. If you have a question you’d like to see us answer, send it to me and it may appear in a future issue. BRIANJ@GROUPTR AVELLEADER .COM

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REDISCOVER ATLANTIC CITY

The Story Continues Excitement awaits in Atlantic City, including miles of sandy beaches, our world-famous Boardwalk and the thrilling Steel Pier. Enjoy tax-free shopping, award-winning dining, live entertainment and other great attractions. Here you can experience the ultimate getaway and create a lifetime of memories.

Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-318-6097 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced.

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