The Group Travel Leader February 2023

MUSEUMS ISSUE

Explore – Experience – Enjoy

From the endearing charm of Wisconsin supper clubs to hands-on experiences, we invite you to explore Fond du Lac and the Lake Winnebago Region in Wisconsin. Nestled between Milwaukee and Green Bay, the Lake Winnebago Region has become the mecca for agricultural tourism and a paradise for “foodies” with many family-owned businesses that share a rich history. There’s no shortage of things to see and do!

Ag-Venture – Farm to Fork – Wineries – Distilleries – Amish – Classic Wisconsin Supper Clubs –Rich History – Art Galleries – Mystery – Exclusive Tastings – Shopping – Festivals

• Perfect hub and spoke

• Group friendly restaurants

• Entertainment referral

• Convenient access to interstate

• Hotel accommodation proposals

• Partner referrals & planning

• Step on meet and greet

EDITOR’S MARKS

BY BRIAN JEWELL

I’ve never gone this long without eating meat.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an enthusiastic carnivore. I get excited about going to a Brazilian steakhouse (and make sure to get my money’s worth). I love carbs too, but when all is said and done, a meal just isn’t a meal without a hearty helping of meat.

Over the years, I struggled to understand vegetarians. Animal protein was so central to my diet that I couldn’t imagine a satisfying life without it. Whenever I saw a vegetarian meal served to a dining companion, I almost felt sorry for them.

But as I write this in mid-January, I’m on my sixth straight day without eating meat.

Several years ago, my wife and I got in the habit of taking a few weeks each January to intentionally disconnect from things we tend to overindulge in. In past years, we have stopped eating sweets, given up caffeine or taken breaks from social media. We find the practice helpful in all kinds of ways. And this year, we decided to stop eating meat for a few weeks.

Before we began, I wasn’t at all sure I could do it. I expected to be hungry and miserable the entire time.

Day one the rubber met the road when we took our kids out for our weekly lunch at our favorite local pizza place. Instead of my usual order, I got margherita pizza — just sauce, cheese and basil. I cut a slice, and with some trepidation, took a bite.

It was delicious.

I had eaten versions of that pizza many times but always with sausage or chicken. But this time, the flavors came alive in a new way. The tomato sauce

was deep and spicy. The fresh mozzarella tasted rich and creamy. And the basil seemed to dance on my tongue. Without meat to dominate my palate, I was able to enjoy the other ingredients in a new way.

It took a couple more days to figure out how to fill up on vegetarian meals. But now that I’m almost a week in, it doesn’t feel like a big deal. I’ve been enjoying this adventure in vegetarianism, and I don’t miss meat nearly as much as I thought I would.

I tell this story to illustrate something important — sometimes, change isn’t nearly as difficult as we fear it will be.

During this period of difficulty and disruption in the travel industry, you may be faced with tough decisions about how to run your travel programs. You may find some services or amenities your customers had grown accustomed to haven’t come back yet. Or you might need to make some cuts to reduce costs in this environment of high inflation. Those changes can be understandably nerve wracking. But they shouldn’t cause fear.

Thriving in today’s travel environment requires flexibility, and sometimes flexibility feels like sacrifice. But there’s a good chance those sacrifices won’t hurt as much as you think. In fact, mixing things up might expose you to ideas or opportunities you would have missed otherwise.

By the time you read this, I’ll probably be back to eating meat. But I’ll never be scared of a vegetarian meal again.

In fact, you might just catch me ordering a margherita pizza.

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GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY PROJECTS GROWTH IN 2023

SALEM, Ohio The emergence from COVID-19 has provided new opportunities for the Group Travel Family of Brands, an organization serving 25,000 volunteer planners of leisure travel for church, ethnic and social groups across the country.

“People traveling with an affinity group or friends and family usually look to one person as the travel leader: That is our member,” said Charlie Presley, founder of Group Travel Family of Brands. The organization offers training, networking and destination knowledge through a series of in-person conferences and monthly publications, and continued those services throughout the COVID crisis.

“Our numbers dropped to 25% of pre-COVID, but we did not back down,” Presley said.

That persistence paid off with a return to full force in 2022 and a projected growth of 7-10% in 2023. While travel is an in-person experience and Presley believes in the value of travel conferences, he has also invested in an online vehicle to deliver destination information to the organization’s members.

“Travel planners need new ideas to keep their trips fresh and interesting,” said Presley.

That thought led to the development of Groups on Demand, a 24/7 portal where planners of group travel can view interviews with destinations that welcome travel groups. The site helps groups discover new destinations they may not be aware of, like North Platte, Nebraska; Mason City, Iowa; or Henderson, Nevada.

The Group Travel Family feels that by encouraging people to travel with friends as a group, they are creating a better lifestyle for the millions of travelers on group tours.

“If it were not for our members who volunteer to plan trips, thousands of people would be inactive and isolated,” Presley said. “That makes a difference in life.”

The Group Travel Family practices what it preaches when it comes to offering opportunity in life skills growth and building its staff with a new generation of leaders. Two of its most recent hires are Cassandra Blankenship and Ben Everly, both of whom are new to the travel industry and bring a fresh perspective. Presley said having Blankenship in sales and Everly in operations provides a level of excitement and innovation to the organization. “It’s healthy to listen to new input from outside the box,” he added.

GROUPCOLLECT ADDRESSES TOUR PAYMENT SYSTEMS

SALEM, Ohio — Bud Geissler has recently been named president of GroupCollect, an organization pioneering the payment and operating systems in the group travel industry. Geissler is a 25-year veteran of the travel industry with a focus in the group market.

“Bud is an innovator with an understanding of why people choose group travel and the challenges travel planners face in delivering tour products,” said Charlie Presley of The Group Travel Family of Brands.

An example of Geissler’s leadership will be rolled out at

Select Traveler Conference this March as he invites a dozen GroupCollect tenants to attend the event held in Branson, Missouri, as guests of the company. Geissler views this as an effort to build group travel knowledge with his current trip leaders and demonstrate the GroupCollect commitment to the future of the market.

Many of you recognize Bud for his onstage rap skills, which you can witness firsthand at Select Traveler Conference. Visit GroupCollect at groupcollect.com and register to attend Select Traveler Conference at 800-628-0993 or selecttravelerconf.com

BEN EVERLY

CASSANDRA BLANKENSHIP

BIRMINGHAM TO HOST AATC BREAKFAST

SALEM, Ohio — One of America’s top destinations will be inviting travel groups to visit when the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau takes its message to delegates at the African American Travel Conference (AATConf) April 3–5. The Birmingham CVB will be hosting a breakfast meeting to inform delegates of the many new and exciting points of interest for their groups in Birmingham.

“We are so honored to have Birmingham at AATConf; they are a leader in group tourism and will enlighten our delegates on a great destination,” said the conference’s general manager, Jennifer Ferguson.

Birmingham has recently been named one of the “Top 22 Places To Go” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Sara Hamlin, vice-president of tourism at the Birmingham CVB, is an industry veteran who cut her teeth in the group travel market. Her direction in Birmingham helped the city develop tourism tools including Five Days in Birmingham, a suggested itinerary for groups, as well as individuals, visiting the area.

If you would like to experience the Birmingham message, please contact Cassandra Blankenship at 800-628-0993 or visit aatconline.com

COURTESY BIRMINGHAM CVB

16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, two civil rights landmarks in Birmingham.

The Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Savannah, Georgia, and we want you to come with us!

Our friends at Visit Savannah are arranging a familiarization tour of the scenic and historic waterfront city, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place July 30 through August 2 and will include the city’s famous garden squares, legendary Southern cuisine, historic sites, natural attractions, museums and more.

You’ll join our advertising account manager Bryce Wilson and a professional travel writer as they explore the area with our Savannah hosts.

Highlights of the four-day tour will include the following:

• City Trolley Tour — Get to know the beautiful squares and historic buildings of Savannah on an open-air trolley.

• Savannah Riverboat — Enjoy dinner, live gospel music and unparalleled views of the city on a riverboat cruise.

• Paula Deen’s Creek House — Dine at one of the restaurants established by the celebrity chef who got her start in Savannah.

• Captain Derek’s Dolphin Tour — Venture into the Atlantic to see dolphins and other sea creatures that make their home in the area.

• Savannah Theater — Catch a live show at one of the city’s most popular group tour destinations.

Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by Visit Savannah. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region.

You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/savannah-fam. Space is limited, and applications close May 1.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us July 30–August 2 in Savannah!

Join Us for a Trip to Savannah

Travel planners can enjoy the beautiful scenery and fascinating history of Savannah during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader’s

JULY 30–AUGUST 2

REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 1

You can apply to attend this FAM tour at GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/SAVANNAH-FAM

If you have any questions, call Bryce at 859-253-0455. WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT SAVANNAH

Bryce Wilson (bottom left).

Groups can learn about the lives of some of their favorite performers at musicians’ homes and museums, such as the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa.

COURTESY PAISLEY PARK

Prince’s Paisley Park

Loretta Lynn Homeplace

THESE SITES CELEBRATE MUSICAL GENIUS

BY RACHEL CRICK

The soundtrack of American life is populated with trailblazing musical icons across many genres. From singer-songwriters who paved the way for new political movements to rock ’n’ roll legends who set stages and hearts ablaze, these extraordinary musicians left their mark on American culture and the music of today.

Because of their lasting influence, it’s no wonder travelers flock to the museums that celebrate the lives and crafts of timeless performers. These museums, often found in places of significance to each artist, give travelers the chance to discover the spirit that drove some of their favorite musicians.

Paisley Park MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Paisley Park was once the personal estate and recording studio of Prince, the Minneapolis-born musician who skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s and ’90s with hits such as “Little Red Corvette” and “Purple Rain.” The talented artist was as renowned for his larger-than-life personality as he was for his wide vocal range and signature style. He worked ceaselessly on his music, produced his own albums and played most of the instruments in each song, creating tracks with influences of pop, funk and rock.

Following the artist’s death in 2016, Paisley Park was turned into a museum and concert venue, just as Prince intended. The 65,000-square-foot complex was built in 1987 and rests on nine acres in Chanhassen, a suburb outside of Minneapolis. Inside the museum, groups will find exhibits dedicated to Prince’s influence on both the music and fashion industry, including an exhibit featuring over 300 pairs of Prince’s custom shoes. They can view other Prince memorabilia, such as his outfits, cars and motorcycles, as well as photos and footage of Prince during performances and interviews throughout his life.

PAISLEYPARK.COM

Elvis Presley’s Graceland MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

The King of Rock ’n’ Roll needs little introduction, which is what makes Graceland one of the top attractions in Elvis Presley’s hometown of Memphis. After his famously provocative performance at the Overton Park Shell, Presley’s status was cemented as both an impressive performer and a heartthrob. His music, which combined a strong back beat with a blend of country and blues, was as much of a revolution within the music industry as his dancing was to the public.

Presley purchased Graceland in 1957, and it opened to the public as a museum in 1982, five years after his death. Groups can take audio tours of the Graceland Mansion, which has 23 rooms and over 17,000 square feet. In addition to the original nearly 14-acre estate, a 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex, known as Elvis Presley’s Memphis, has been added to the Graceland experience. This complex includes museums where visitors will find exhibits dedicated to Presley’s awards, records, stage outfits, movie memorabilia, custom jets and automobiles. Multiple group-friendly restaurants are located throughout the complex. Vernon’s Smokehouse offers authentic Memphis barbecue, while Gladys’ Diner, a 1950s-themed diner, serves up classic diner fare.

GRACELAND.COM

Loretta Lynn’s Home

VAN LEAR, KENTUCKY

Known for hits such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” Loretta Lynn was a prolific country singer and songwriter often called “the Queen of Country Music.” Born the second of eight children, Lynn lived in the coal mining town of Butcher Hollow. She was married at 15 and a mother to four children by the time she rose to stardom in 1960. Her status as a woman and a mother from rural

An exhibit at Elvis Presley’s Graceland MUSEUMS

Appalachia who advanced into the music industry was almost unheard of, but it was also one of her defining strengths as a songwriter. Lynn’s songs often touched on the joys and sorrows of those in the region, particularly women in its communities.

Loretta Lynn’s Homeplace, the one-room log cabin where she was born, is a testament to her modest beginnings and the way of life that inspired her music. The tour of Lynn’s homeplace begins at Webb’s General Store, once a coal mining camp store that is now a grocery store where visitors can learn about the Butcher Hollow of Lynn’s childhood and purchase keepsakes and snacks.

TOURPIKECOUNTY.COM

Woody Guthrie Center

TULSA, OKLAHOMA

Woody Guthrie, the Oklahoma native whose music ignited a spark of political and social change in the American public, wrote powerful folk songs like “This Land is Your Land” and inspired generations of artists to come. The singer-songwriter used music to express his perspectives on American culture, social issues and activism.

At the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, which opened in 2013, groups learn about not only his expansive musical portfolio but also his legacy in activism. The center features an archive of 10,000 artifacts and exhibits dedicated to Guthrie, such as a documentary film about Guthrie’s life, his guitar, his journals and some of his original song lyrics. Groups can also view rotating exhibits that explore and celebrate other artists and musical movements aligned with Guthrie’s guiding principles.

WOODYGUTHRIECENTER.ORG

Louis Armstrong House Museum

QUEENS, NEW YORK

Louis Armstrong, the pivotal jazz musician behind the hit ballad “What a Wonderful World,” emerged from humble beginnings in New Orleans to become a standout trumpeter and vocalist in Chicago, and later, New York. From band member to front man in his own band, Louis Armstrong broke barriers during an important time in the civil rights era. His talent made him a household name, and he toured internationally through much of the mid-1900s.

Eventually, Armstrong settled down in the Corona neighborhood of Queens in a home groups can tour today. Collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum include Armstrong’s personal recordings,

scrapbooks and photographs; some instruments and instrument cases; and materials donated by fans and collectors alike. The house still contains much of the furniture and décor left behind after Armstrong’s death, giving visitors insight into the way this extraordinary musician and activist lived.

LOUISARMSTRONGHOUSE.COM

The Big House Museum

MACON, GEORGIA

One of the pioneering sounds of Southern rock, the Allman Brothers Band was formed in 1969 in Jacksonville, Florida. They relocated to Macon, Georgia, shortly afterward, and began to produce music with a unique blend of jazz, blues, country and rock. Hits released by the band include familiar tracks like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Midnight Rider.”

For three years in the early 1970s, the Allman Brothers Band and their families lived in a large Tudor-style home in Macon dubbed “the Big House.” Today, this 18-room home is a museum where groups can walk in the steps of the band and where they will find a large collection of memorabilia. Groups can tour the home’s many rooms, some of which still contain original furniture from the time the band lived there. Each room features a selection of different instruments, outfits, posters and some of the band’s handwritten song lyrics.

THEBIGHOUSEMUSEUM.COM

Mississippi John Hurt Museum AVALON, MISSISSIPPI

John Smith Hurt, better known throughout his life as Mississippi John Hurt, was a blues singer and guitarist who grew up in the small town of Avalon, Mississippi. He taught himself to play the guitar at an early age and soon became known for his three-finger guitar picking. For much of his life, Hurt performed

Exploring Loretta Lynn’s Homeplace in rural Kentucky

The Big House Museum in Macon

COURTESY THE BIG HOUSE MUSEUM

Louis Armstrong’s trumpet

at small venues or local gatherings while he worked as a farmer and raised a large family. His music was rediscovered during the American folk music revival in the 1960s. Hurt spent the last few years of his life performing and recording music and was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

The three-room shack where Hurt lived and raised his family is now the site of the Mississippi John Hurt Museum. The tiny tin-roof wooden structure was moved from its original plot just down the road. Groups can visit the home, which is filled with donated items and memorabilia.

MISSISSIPPIJOHNHURTFOUNDATION.ORG/ MUSEUM

Buddy Holly Center LUBBOCK, TEXAS

Charles Holley, better known as Buddy Holly, was born in Lubbock, Texas, during the Great Depression. During his short career, which spanned the 1950s, Holly’s stints as a solo artist and as the front man in multiple groups had an influence on rock ’n’ roll on par with that of Elvis Presley. Holly opened for Presley on multiple occasions. His hit “That’ll Be The Day” was a breakthrough and cemented his status in the music industry shortly before his untimely death cut his burgeoning career short.

Groups will find the world’s most extensive collection of artifacts related to Buddy Holly and exploring his legacy at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. Holly’s guitar, personal record collection and signature glasses, recovered from the wreckage of the plane crash that took his life, can be found among the exhibits. The center also explores Holly’s rise to fame and the lasting effect he had on the music industry.

BUDDYHOLLYCENTER.ORG

COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

An exhibit at Elvis Presley’s Graceland

COURTESY ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES

Louis Armstrong House Museum

WISCONSIN

By Kevin Osbourn

Wteam — the Green Bay Packers — is owned by the fans. It is one of the few places where fish fries occur every Friday, and even when temperatures drop, the fun does not stop. The state offers snowmobile trails, ice fishing, the arts, casinos, resorts, scenic hikes and unforgettable adventures all year long, including cruises on the Great Lakes and excursions to ice caves on Apostle Island. It boasts more than 15,000 lakes and untold varieties of beers, cheeses, brats and wines. And those are just a few reasons why groups love to visit and residents hate to leave.

An exhibit at Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Museum showcases the evolution of America’s favorite motorcycle.

POPULAR DEMAND

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM

Celebrating the magic of H-D motorcycles, the HarleyDavidson Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations, featuring an unrivaled collection of bikes, stores offering cool memorabilia, two floors of exhibits, demonstration rides and delicious dining. The museum is the perfect place to learn why bikers love the sight and the distinctive sound of a V-twin Harley motor. The museum is situated on 20 beautiful acres with the Menomonee River on three sides. Its MOTOR Bar and Restaurant offers not just food but also live blues music, local craft brews and fun spaces for groups.

LAMBEAU FIELD

The home of the Green Bay Packers is much more than a football stadium. In addition to explaining the storied history of football in the NFL’s smallest city, Lambeau Field hosts international entertainers from Paul McCartney to Kenny Chesney and boasts facilities to host any meeting. On tours of Lambeau, guides provide entertaining stories explaining the Packers winning history and the reverence fans hold for the team. The stadium is open year-round for everything from ice skating to snow tubing. Groups can also dine at the stadium’s 46 Below Bistro, named for the Packers’ remarkable win in the arctic cold of the 1967 Ice Bowl.

MIDWEST CIVIL WAR MUSEUM

Focusing on the War between the States from the perspective of the Midwest, the Civil War Museum in Kenosha highlights the impact and contributions of seven states that sent 1 million men to serve in the Union army. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin not only contributed their sons but also shipped food and raw materials that were instrumental to preserving the Union. History lovers can explore the dramatic impact the war had on the region before, during and after the conflict.

Harley-Davidson Museum

Kenosha’s Midwest Civil War Museum

Footballs in Packers Hall of Fame induction room

A Vince Lombardi statue at Lambeau Field in Green Bay

The Lambeau Field turf

UP AND COMING

FARM WISCONSIN DISCOVERY CENTER

South of Green Bay near the shore of Lake Michigan, the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc is an educational gem. The barnshaped museum contains a birthing barn where visitors watch cows giving birth. Guests also enjoy interactive exhibits about the fabulous diversity of cheeses, smoked meats, sausages, beef, poultry, bacon, seasonings, sauces and dry rubs produced in Wisconsin. There is a café offering locally sourced options for breakfast and lunch and a store with cheese, wine and farm-themed gifts. The discovery center also offers tours of a nearby dairy.

INTERNATIONAL CRANE FOUNDATION

The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo has improved its trails, expanded the gift shop and enhanced its visitor experience. Cranes rank among the most endangered birds, with 10 species threatened. Tours to see the spectacular cranes and learn about the foundation’s global conservation efforts occur from May to October. At another Wisconsin attraction providing artistic representations of birds, the Leigh Yawkey Art Museum in Wausau is best known for its annual “Birds in Art” exhibition, which opens the first Saturday after Labor Day.

MUSEUM OF GLASS

The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah holds the largest collection of glass paperweights in the world, along with a collection of Germanic glass, contemporary sculptures and art glass from the late Victorian era. Built on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, the museum offers spectacular views and a marvelous collection of glass buttons; a glass studio where professional artists teach classes; and a gift shop selling Christmas ornaments, jewelry and gifts created by glass artists from around the world.

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

HEIDEL HOUSE

Heidel House, a historic and group-friendly hotel on Green Lake, recently opened its remodeled facilities and conference center. Among the improvements are a new lobby, renovated guest rooms, banquet rooms and pools, along with dining options at the Oakwood Restaurant and Waves Pub and Grill. The property has direct access to nearby golf courses and provides easy ways to enjoy a day on the lake, unwind and have family fun with a live performance at the Thrasher Opera House, shopping at the Princeton Flea Market and other attractions.

CHALET LANDHAUS INN

The Chalet Landhaus in New Glarus offers the relaxing charm of the Swiss countryside, festivals and Scandinavian folk traditions. Guests enjoy the town’s chalet-style architecture and its many specialty shops. The hotel is close to Sugar River Bike Trail, the National Historic Cheesemaking Center and Museum, and other attractions. There are whirlpool suites, family suites, standard rooms, and a restaurant offering Swiss and American dishes, and the conference room can be used for meetings, training or holiday parties.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

German food at Kegel’s Inn

MEMORABLE MEALS

KEGEL’S INN

To enjoy authentic German food in a fun atmosphere and historic building, Kegel’s Inn in Milwaukee’s West Allis neighborhood is the place to go. Kegel’s is one of the state’s best places to enjoy a Friday night fish fry in an atmosphere featuring handpainted murals, original leaded glass windows and the heavy wooden beams, which together create an authentic German ambiance. The menu offers Old World cuisine from schnitzel to roast pork shanks.

AL JOHNSON’S

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik in Sister Bay has long been famous for visitors to Door County because of its log building, sod roof and a distinctive display of animals: live goats grazing on the grass roof. It is also one of the most visited restaurants in the Midwest because of its Swedish pancakes, Gravlax salmon filets, Christmas ham, cakes, Swedish meatballs and other delicious food. Guests can shop the Butik for clogs, Scandinavian clothing and more.

A goat on the grass roof at Al Johnson’s

Beautiful ocean views make Cape Cod one of the most popular vacation destinations in Massachusetts.

NEW ENGLAND NUCLEUS

MAJESTIC MASSACHUSETTS IS AN ATLANTIC ANCHOR

BY ALYSE TATUM

Although it’s one of the smallest states in the country, Massachusetts is big on fun for visitors. The state is filled with activities, culture, scenery, history and much more. From art colonies to historic landmarks and beaches, group travel planners will find activities to engage all their customers in one of the nation’s oldest states. Come along to explore the small but mighty state of Massachusetts and uncover some of its hidden gems.

THE BERKSHIRES

In the west of Massachusetts is Berkshire County, often referred to as the Berkshires. This county is made up of 30 towns and two cities. Though it is most widely known for outdoor adventures, the Berkshires has a very strong cultural scene as well.

“What sets the Berkshires apart from other travel destinations is the combination of access to outdoor recreation and to see world class shows, go play and dance, and see the largest contemporary museum in the country,” said Lindsey Schmid, senior vice president of tourism and marketing for 1Berkshire. “There’s a variety of activities for any traveler.”

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts is located in Adams, Massachusetts. Visitors can view myriad rotating exhibits along with permanent pieces by artists from around the world.

ArtWeek Berkshires, a 10-day festival celebrating all forms of art all across Berkshire County, made its post-pandemic return in September 2022. The fete comprised over 100 events, including open studios, live performances, poetry readings, painting demos and gallery openings.

For travelers who love outdoor activities like hiking, this region is definitely the ideal destination. Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington has one of the area’s easiest trails with a breathtaking 59-foot split waterfall at the end. However, this is a very popular, high traffic site. Trekkers could also opt for the less known Hoosac Range near North Adams, which has trails with gorgeous sunset views

and hikes that range from easy to hard.

“More main hiking trails were overused during the pandemic,” Schmid said. “So we suggest to travelers that some of our smaller, less known trails could be visited more.”

BERKSHIRES.ORG

BOSTON

Formerly dubbed the “Athens of America,” Boston is an East Coast metropolis with innumerable activities, events and eateries.

The city is a sports powerhouse. Its five professional teams — the Celtics (basketball), Bruins (hockey), Red Sox (baseball), Patriots (football) and Revolution (soccer) — have all won national championships within the past decade.

Aside from athletics, Boston is also lauded in the culinary world for some of its staple dishes. Travelers can head to Mr. Dooley’s for authentic Boston baked beans. They can also weigh in on the citywide debate about who makes the best cannoli by trying the treats at both Modern Pastry and Mike’s Pastry. For something more upscale, Menton, located in the Four Point neighborhood, may be more fitting. Many people speculate that this modern fine dining eatery would be a Michelin star restaurant if there were a Michelin guide for Boston.

Naturally, no group should visit Boston without visiting Griffin’s Wharf, the site of the historic Boston Tea Party in 1773. This event is cited as the first major act of rebellion by colonists toward Great Britain, which eventually led to the formation of the United States.

MEETBOSTON.COM

PLYMOUTH

One cannot mention Plymouth without also mentioning Plymouth Rock, one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the United States. It is known worldwide as the landing point for the pilgrims in 1620, though seeing it in person may be a bit underwhelming.

“The significance of Plymouth Rock is more impactful than the actual site,” said Brian Logan, director of communications for See Plymouth. “While the National Monument to the Forefathers is as grand as it is important. At 81-feet tall, it’s the largest granite monument in the United States.”

Designed by Boston sculptor Hammatt Billings, the National Monument to the Forefathers shows human figures representing the virtues of faith, morality, education, law and liberty.

Like most regions in Massachusetts, Plymouth County includes many communities: 26 towns and the city of Plymouth. Starting at the Plymouth Visitor Center, groups can take a self-guided tour using Action Tour Guide, a virtual guide using audio, maps and a book, to lead themselves through the city while stopping at sites like a Mayflower replica, Plymouth Rock and a statue of Chief Massasoit, where they will learn about the true relationship between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe.

“We also have a great free mobile app called See Plymouth,” Logan said. “It’s available for your Apple or Android phone, and it can be used to make planning your trip even easier.”

SEEPLYMOUTH.COM

A statue of Chief Massasoit in Plymouth

COURTESY SEE PLYMOUTH

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in the Berkshires

The Mayflower II

COURTESY SEE PLYMOUTH

GLOUCESTER

Gloucester is a city known for its natural beauty, breathtaking beaches and fresh seafood like lobster, scallops and especially tuna, thanks to the show “Wicked Tuna,” which is filmed there.

Travelers can take in the sparkling views of Smith Cove while dining at the Studio, a seafood restaurant in the Rocky Neck neighborhood. In addition to dining by the sea, visitors can also explore the open waters on schooners, cruise ships, charter boats or even go whale watching. Experts say the best time to visit for whale watching is between May and October.

This year also marks a major milestone for Gloucester, as the city brings in its 400th anniversary. Special events will be scheduled throughout the year in anticipation and observation.

“We’re celebrating it as 400-plus years to also acknowledge the Indigenous people who were here before the settlement,” said Tess McColgan, executive director of Discover Gloucester.

Aside from maritime attractions, Gloucester also has many things to do on land, including visiting Halibut Point

State Park; spending time in Rocky Neck, an active art colony with artists using their homes as galleries; or going downtown and shopping on Main Street, where Generous Gardeners, a nonprofit organization, maintains the plants year-round.

“Discover Gloucester also has a “Plan Your Visit” tool, which is an itinerary planner for before you come or while you’re already here,” McColgan said. “The itinerary you create can be shared with your entire group. It also gives trip inspiration, or you can create your own from scratch.”

DISCOVERGLOUCESTER.COM

CAPE COD

Cape Cod is located at the southernmost point of New England. It has 15 towns, as well as the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and can only be reached by the Sagamore Bridge or Bourne Bridge. The cape is home to 52 harbors and occupies 559 miles of coastline. It is also home to over 130 beaches ranging from family friendly to a surfer’s paradise.

“The views crossing into the cape are breathtaking, and the water has healing powers,” said Patti Lloyd, senior vice president of sales at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. “We’re very conscious of how the water is treated and used to keep it pure.”

Cape Cod is great for escaping the daily woes and just enjoying nature. The attractions are also entertaining for all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich features 42 classic American automobiles, the oldest being an 1899 Winton Motor Carriage. In the gardens, visitors can find several “bee hotels” for solitary bees. The hotels are to keep the bees fed so they can in turn help pollinate the gardens and organically keep unwanted insects away.

For even more flower power, groups can plan their Cape Cod visits to coincide with the Hydrangea Festival July 7–16, where the area’s signature pink, blue and white hydrangeas will be on full display. Private tours of homeowners’ gardens, lectures and workshops can also be expected.

The National Seashore offers more than 43,000 acres of beaches, woods, ponds, and hiking and biking trails, with close to 40 miles of Atlantic shoreline. Groups will also be delighted to see lighthouses, cultural landscapes and wild cranberry bogs along the way.

“Don’t just take a day trip,” Lloyd said enthusiastically. “Spend many days. We like to say Cape Cod is a short trip to far away. There are so many things to do. You can’t fit it all into one day.”

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Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester

Dinner at Menton in Boston

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Main magic

SLOW DOWN IN ONE OF INDIANA’S SMALL TOWNS

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

Small towns in Indiana offer unique culinary and creative experiences, boutique shops and handicrafts, and a hefty dose of history and culture. Groups wanting to experience the state’s smalltown charm should put these five destinations at the top of their lists.

Nappanee

In the heart of northern Indiana’s Amish country, Nappanee makes a great base for learning more about the Amish people and culture, and learning to unplug and embrace a slower pace. Downtown Nappanee is very walkable, and visitors will enjoy a variety of cuisines as well as boutique shops. Coppes Commons, a repurposed factory building that now houses shops, restaurants and event space, is a favorite group destination. It offers upcycled products, handmade fabric art and fabric stores, ice cream and a deli.

The Nappanee Center houses the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection, which tells the story of Nappanee through permanent and rotating exhibits. Main attractions include the new Grant Family Gallery, which features the work of Amish folk artist Emma Schrock, who painted scenes of rural and home life in the Amish community. There also is a tribute to six nationally known cartoonists who called the area home.

From late May to mid-September, the center features a well-maintained quilt garden that is part of the area’s famed Quilt Garden Trail. Visitors to the area can visit 17 quilt gardens, including ones in Nappanee, Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Wakarusa. The Barns at Nappanee offer visitors a more personal experience with the Amish culture. Groups can tour an Amish homestead on the grounds, take a buggy ride, shop handmade goods made by

An Amish farm in Nappanee

Many groups land in Nashville because they want to experience the 16,000-acre Brown County State Park, which offers 20 miles of tree-lined roads, hiking and mountain biking trails, horseback riding and a nature center. Groups can book private tours of the park through the nature center.

local artisans or take in a theatrical performance at the Round Barn Theatre. Another popular activity is a family-style Threshers Dinner at the FarmTable restaurant, which offers traditional Amish fare.

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Nashville

The quaint central Indiana village of Nashville features more than 200 shops, art galleries and restaurants, and is surrounded by a beautiful state park. Brown County’s arts scene permeates Nashville’s downtown with studios, galleries, classes and workshops, and public art pieces are scattered around town. Many groups land in Nashville because they want to experience the 16,000-acre Brown County State Park, which offers 20 miles of tree-lined roads, hiking and mountain biking trails, horseback riding and a nature center. Groups can book private tours of the park through the nature center.

Peak visitation to the area arrives during the summer months and extends through leaf peeping season in the fall, with Hesitation Point and other great overlooks a big draw. More adventurous groups can book guided paddleboarding or kayaking tours or take a self-guided backroads art studio tour, where they can see art being created and purchase original works directly from the artists.

The nearby Village of Story is a charming stop. The town was founded in 1851 and has since been transformed into The Story Inn, Indiana’s oldest country inn, with 14 rooms and cottages, and a gourmet restaurant and bar that is housed in the former general store. The bar and a renovated barn host live music and monthly comedy shows.

Visitors can climb 928 feet to the top of Browning Mountain for breathtaking views of the area, especially during autumn, when the leaves are changing color.

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Holiday decor at Nappanee’s Ruthmere Mansion

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Amish children in Nappanee

Brown County’s Artist Colony Inn

Brown County State Park offers 16,000 acres of unspoiled woodland near the town of Nashville.

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Corydon

In southern Indiana, the state’s first capitol city, Corydon, is rich in history that dates back before Indiana applied for statehood. Groups wanting to learn more about the area should visit Corydon Capitol State Historic Site to tour the original state capitol building, which was in use from 1816 to 1825, before the state capitol was moved to Indianapolis. Governor William Hendricks’ headquarters and home is also worth a stop. The two-story Federal-style brick building was completed in 1917.

The Battle of Corydon Historic Site commemorates the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana, when 450 members of the Harrison County Home Guard tried to delay Confederate troops from marching through the southern part of the state. The park features a memorial, an original cabin from the era and historical markers describing the events of July 9, 1863.

The Harrison County Discovery Center is a great stop to learn more about state and local history through interactive and hands-on exhibits, and experience the Battle of Corydon through a 360-degree movie.

Zimmerman Art Glass, which is downtown within walking distance of the visitor center and capitol, is a family-owned business offering glass-making demonstrations from start to finish. It is surrounded by antique stores, coffee shops, candy stores and boutiques.

Groups that like to gamble will want to visit Caesars Southern Indiana Casino, and outdoors lovers will want to visit three natural caves in the area: Indiana Caverns, with its Bat Chaser aerial coaster; Marengo Cave, which is a historic landmark; and Squire Boone Caverns and Zipline Adventures, which offers Indiana’s longest zipline. THISISINDIANA.ORG

Bloomington

Near the center of the state, Bloomington is not only a university town — the University of Indiana Bloomington calls the area home — but it also is situated on the largest inland lake in Indiana, Lake Monroe. Centrally located between Chicago; Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; and Columbus, Ohio; the town is an ideal getaway from just about anywhere in the country.

Outdoor recreation abounds, with Monroe and two other recreational lakes offering kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and other water sports. Indiana’s only national forest, Hoosier National Forest, surrounds the town, offering opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.

The city, which considers itself an artistic haven, has more than 350 restaurants and locally owned shops. Live music is offered everywhere, and visitors looking to experience art and culture can visit the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, as well as the Lilly Library, a rare book and manuscript library that includes the first printed edition of “The Canterbury Tales,” a New Testament of the Gutenberg Bible and George Washington’s letter accepting

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Zimmerman Art Glass in Corydon

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Exploring Squire Boone Caverns

Touring historic Corydon

Bloomington is known for its famous Salem Limestone, which was used to build many of the nation’s most famous buildings.

the office of president of the U.S. Bloomington is known for its famous Salem Limestone, which was used to build many of the nation’s most famous buildings, including 27 state capitols, the Lincoln Memorial and the Empire State Building. As they journey along the self-guided Indiana Limestone Heritage Trail, visitors can learn how and where the limestone was quarried and how it was used throughout history. One stop on the trail, Bluespring Caverns Park in Bedford, offers boat tours of the caverns on America’s longest navigable underground river.

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VISIT INDIANA’S TOP GROUP DESTINATION

Step into the heart of Amish Country and experience true Hoosier Hospitality at Das Dutchman Essenhaus.

- family-style dining

- unique shopping at the Village Shops

BY JAMES BROSHER, COURTESY VISIT BLOOMINGTON

- peaceful carriage rides

- generously-sized guest rooms

- deluxe hot breakfast

- baggage handling

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

Meet the Makers offering hand crafted baskets, noodles, buggies, pottery, soap and more. Food lovers feast on gourmet burgers, Victorian Teas, family style meals and dine at a “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” hotspot. Add a local step-on guide for themed backroads tours and customized activity planning.

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The Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University in Bloomington

New Harmony

Founded in 1814 in the southwest corner of the state, New Harmony was an experiment in utopian and communal living that was founded by Johann Georg Rapp and his Harmonie Society, separatists from the German Lutheran Church who were awaiting the second coming of Christ. When that didn’t occur on schedule, many of Rapp’s followers moved to Pennsylvania to establish a new town called Economy. The town was then sold to Scottish industrialist Robert Owen, who had a different view of utopia, believing that all people are created equal, everyone has an equal right to education, children should be protected from forced labor, and women should be able to vote.

The town still attracts artists, musicians and intellectuals. Situated on the Wabash River, New Harmony has many historic buildings that date back to the time of the colony’s founding. The Roofless Church is world renowned, and the city is known for its labyrinths. The most famous is the Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden, which is a replica of one that was built at Chartres Cathedral in the 12th century. Harmonist Labyrinth is more traditional, with

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT NEW HARMONY

The Cathedral Labyrinth in New Harmony

New Harmony’s Harmonist Labyrinth

Founded in 1814 in the southwest corner of the state, New Harmony was an experiment in utopian and communal living.

manicured hedges planted in concentric circles.

New Harmony is known for its many festivals, including the Firefly Festival, which celebrates the millions of sparkly fireflies that appear annually during a two-month window. The Atheneum Visitor Center offers tours daily between March and the end of October and features exhibits, a gift shop and movie about the founding of New Harmony.

There’s Always More To Explore!

Shipshewana, Indiana is a beautiful town known for Amish culture rich in tradition. Awaken your senses to a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of this quaint town through cultural experiences and exploring the locally owned shops. Enjoy our unique Off the Beaten Path tour of the countryside as you discover handcrafted shops and treasures. Plan to take a buggy ride and feast on an Amish family-style meal. Experience exciting attractions such as musicals, the Midwest’s largest flea market, and live performances. Offering special group exclusive CVB services and Step on Guides.

CONTACT JUDY MCCONNELL TODAY!

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New Harmony’s Roofless Church

Thrall’s Opera House

Only Ohio

THE BUCKEYE STATE BOASTS WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

Ohio’s museums resonate far beyond the boundaries of the Buckeye State. These signature institutions are a must for group travelers, highlighting topics from rock ’n’ roll to the Underground Railroad, the history of professional football, the U.S. Air Force and firsthand accounts from military veterans.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum CLEVELAND

Cleveland is home to the only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the world, making it a much sought-after international tourist destination. The museum’s mission is to engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock music. It does that using its exhibits and award-winning educational programs for students of all ages.

Every year the hall of fame honors a new class of inductees, including a museum exhibit telling their stories. Other exhibits touch upon how music has been an important voice in the civil rights, women’s rights and green movements.

Visitors who walk into The Garage exhibit feel as if they are at the beginning of their own musical journey, learning how to play a few chords on a guitar, a few riffs on a bass or some hip beats on a drum. The Jam Room is for more experienced musicians to show what they can do. Musical visitors can jam with the house band that plays in the exhibit daily.

The museum offers many fun experiences for group visitors, such as a self-guided scavenger hunt through the museum where they must attempt to answer 20 questions from the artifacts on display in 30 minutes. Voice Your Choice is an activity where audience members get to make their case for who should next be inducted into the hall of fame. Rock and Roll Jeopardy is a gameshow where contestants, drawn from the pool of visitors, get to show off their rock ’n’ roll knowledge. ROCKHALL.COM

BY TY GREENLESS, COURTESY NMUSAF BY ANGELA LEDYARD, COURTESY ROCK & ROLL HOF

Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force DAYTON

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force dates to 1923, when it opened to the public in an aircraft hangar at the edge of McCook Field near downtown Dayton. The museum’s collection began with World War I airplanes and equipment from the U.S. and foreign governments but has grown to include more than 360 aerospace vehicles, missiles and thousands of aviation artifacts now on display at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Groups can take a self-guided tour or organize programming that focuses on certain aspects of Air Force history.

Exhibits include the Early Years Gallery, which covers the history of flight from the Wright brothers and their first attempts at building

BY TY GREENLESS, COURTESY

an aircraft up to the 1940s. There are also galleries dedicated to World War II, the Korean War, Southeast Asia War and Cold War. The Missile Gallery details the Air Force’s key role in strategic nuclear deterrence, while the Space Gallery features NASA’s first Crew Compartment Trainer, which was used to train space shuttle astronauts.

The Presidential Gallery is home to 10 historical aircraft that served U.S. presidents through the years and allows visitors to walk through four of them, including planes used by Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Truman, as well as the Air Force One plane that served eight presidents from Kennedy to Clinton. Along with more than 19 acres of indoor exhibits, the museum has a Memorial Park and an outdoor Air Park, which displays aircraft and a World War II control tower.

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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center CINCINNATI

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati doesn’t just tell the story of African American history, the Civil War or slavery. Its galleries trace the history of slavery in the U.S. from the 1600s through the end of the Civil War, discuss the founding of the United States and the creation of the Declaration of Independence, and explore the abolition movement, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments.

The museum’s exhibits hold incredible artifacts that belonged to important figures in the African American fight for freedom. An immersive theater presents a film called “Brothers of the Borderland” that re-creates what it would have been like for a group of people trying to escape slavery, including the sights and sounds, which heighten the sense of danger and fear.

An exhibit called Invisible: Slavery Today explores modern slavery in the forms of human trafficking, slave labor and sex slavery around the world.

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A 1950s plane at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

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An exhibit at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The iconic entrance plaza at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Travelers can admire hundreds of historic aircraft, such as this Douglas A-1H Skyraider, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton.

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The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force dates to 1923, when it opened to the public in an aircraft hangar in Dayton.

Where Adventure & History Await

One of the most powerful exhibits is an authentic slave pen that was recovered less than 50 miles away in Kentucky. Guests can walk inside the wooden structure and see the tight quarters and the iron rings where slaves would have been shackled. Groups can organize a docent-led tour of the museum, which is in downtown Cincinnati, right on the banks of the Ohio River.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame

CANTON

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton celebrates more than a century of professional football in the United States, beginning

BY FARSHID ASSASSI, COURTESY NURFC

The Harriet Tubman Theater at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center entrance

More than buggies

with the American Professional Football Association, which was founded in 1920, and extending to the National Football League of the present.

The 120,000-square-foot museum, which opened in 1963, has been renovated many times and includes numerous exhibits. The rotunda offers many artifacts, pop culture, milestones and moments from professional football. The museum doesn’t just touch on the lives of players inducted into the hall of fame but tells the stories of all professional football teams.

The Super Bowl gallery chronicles the history of the Super Bowl and displays the Vince Lombardi trophy and replica rings from every championship game. The theater showcases the most recent football season leading up to the Super Bowl. Downstairs galleries feature interactive exhibits that relay the stories of what happened to many of the sport’s most famous players after they retired from the game, including players who went on to become polititians and a Supreme Court justice.

Groups can take a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibits or book an insiders tour led by trained docents who talk about what is on display and give them access to some behind-the-scenes areas. The museum can personalize these tours to groups; for instance, if a group loves the Indianapolis Colts, the guide will highlight artifacts and stories from the museum collections that relate to that team. PROFOOTBALLHOF.COM

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio’s Amish Country. Get your Amish Country Ohio Map & Visitors Guide online at visitamishcountry.com or call us at 330-674-3975 SCAN FOR GUIDE

PHOTOS COURTESY PRO FOOTBALL HOF

A Pro Football Hall of Fame gallery

Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame

Shopping, Food & Brews, Places to Stay, and more. Living life simply. Holmes County & beyond.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum COLUMBUS

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum, which opened in Columbus in 2018, is different from other veterans’ museums in that it honors all veterans from all eras and service branches — from the Revolutionary War to the present.

The Journey of a Veteran exhibition takes visitors through the lives of 23 veterans, from the time they were conscripted or enlisted in the military and swore their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution through training and the different jobs each one performed as part of their military service. Multimedia presentations throughout allow

visitors to hear these people’s stories in their own words.

Visitors can learn about a woman who dressed up as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War, a ploy that wasn’t discovered until she was shot. They can also find out how many U.S. presidents served in the military and discover other politicians who served and contributed to our nation’s history, including former Senator John Glenn and Senator Tammy Duckworth. The museum changes out its traveling exhibitions frequently.

Along with telling the stories of veterans, the museum hosts monthly programming to help veterans and their families. It also offers in-person programs, like exercise classes, to promote resilience and wellness. Many of the museum’s docents are veterans themselves, so they bring their own experiences to bear when speaking with groups that visit. Visitors have a chance to support veterans by shopping at the museum’s Vetrepreneur shop, which sells items made by veterans, including hats, T-shirts and soap.

Many of the museum’s docents are veterans themselves, so they bring their own experiences to bear when speaking with groups that visit.

An exhibit at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus

PHOTOS COURTESY NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

One of several veterans who lead tours at the museum

An outdoor memorial honoring fallen soldiers

For the full itinerary and more inspiration for group outings, visit TravelOK.com/Group.

Know any music history buffs? Oklahoma will resonate! Catch a show at Cain’s Ballroom, dubbed the “Carnegie Hall of Western Swing” and “Home of Bob Wills.” Then, head to the Campbell Hotel. Each room pays tribute to a noteworthy Oklahoman, including Leon Russell, who coined the “Tulsa Sound” genre. Luckily, it’s only four minutes from Ike’s Chili House, Tulsa’s oldest restaurant. Their chili is so tasty, even Martha Stewart has sung its praises! End things on a high note at the Bob Dylan Center, where you can explore 100,000+ artifacts — from handwritten manuscripts to unreleased recordings.