The Group Travel Leader January 2024 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

A P E N N S Y LV A N I A P R I M E R

B L AC K H I L L S B R AVA D O

MUSEUMS FOR EVERY THING

IRREPRESSIBLE

COLORS GATHER IN

Gardens SPRING

ISSUE

go SOUTH

2024 SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY

TOUR PLANNER JANUARY 2024

EXPERIENCE PRESCOTT

One of Arizona’s Most Beautiful & Historic Destinations. Prescott’s perfect weather provides an average temperature of 70 degrees, with four beautiful and distinct seasons, breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows filled with wildlife. It’s a destination for everyone! Visit experienceprescott.com for more details.

explore nebraska like the pioneers did.

okay, maybe not exactly like the pioneers did.

Our ancestors got their ﬁrst glimpses of Nebraska from the rock-hard seats of buckboards, buggies, and Conestoga wagons. They also probably perspired heavily or froze half to death. Thanks to the modern-day motorcoach, today’s travelers enjoy distinct advantages. Luxurious comfort, for example. And by bringing them to Nebraska, you enjoy advantages, too. With everything from frontier trails and unspoiled nature to small-town charm and the lights of the big city, Nebraska has adventures galore. Let us help you plan your next one. Go to www.visitnebraska.com/group travel.

CONTENTS VOL 33 | ISSUE 1

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

Spring brings brilliant blooms to Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia.

SPRING GARDENS

IND IANA SP OT LIG H T

P R IME P E N N S Y LVA N I A

SOUTH

Experiential Tours

K Y LE AN D E R SO N

859.253.0455

Founder and Publisher

MAC T. LACY

CHARLES A. PRESLEY Partner

VP & Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director Graphic Design & Circulation

BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS ASHLEY RICKS

Hand-Crafted Gifts

KYLE ANDERSON BRYCE WILSON RACHEL CRICK SARAH SECHRIST RENA BAER

Farm-Fresh Flavors

kyle@grouptravelleader.com

Director of Sales & Marketing Advertising Account Manager Writer & Project Coordinator Controller Copy Editor

Ethnic Heritage

Southern Holidays

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) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

100 Years For Over

Visitors have found comfort and well-being in our midst: in the waters, the surroundings, the luxury of being cared for.

#MyFrenchLick

812-936-3418 • vflwb.com •

EDITOR’S MARKS

BY BRIAN JEWELL

hat do you do with downtime? Unless you have a trip headed somewhere warm and sunny, chances are your group travel program will be quiet for the next couple months. And though quiet periods aren’t as fun as busy stretches on the road, they can prove invaluable if you learn to make the most of them. There’s a lot of research showing that periods of downtime — unstructured stretches when it feels like you’re not accomplishing anything — are vital for mental health, creativity and long-term productivity. This makes slow periods a great opportunity to spend some time on important activities that don’t necessarily add to the bottom line. Here are four practices I have found helpful for making the most of downtime — in midwinter or any other time it occurs. 1) LEARN SOMETHING NEW When life is busy and business is booming, it’s difficult to make time for learning. So when things slow down a little bit, I love to get intentional about widening my knowledge base. For me, that means taking online courses, sitting in on webinars (or watching webinar replays), listening to podcasts and doing a ton of reading. Staying on top of trends in the travel industry is important, of course, but I expand my learning to include other fields and disciplines too. Learning about other topics builds stronger connections in your brain and helps find ideas you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. 2) UPDATE A SYSTEM We’re living in amazing times. Today’s technology can solve problems and streamline processes to make life less difficult and more profitable, both at work and at home. You already know this, of course,

JANUARY 2024

but if you have been slow to implement new technologies and solutions, it might be because making changes during busy times feels risky. Fortunately, that risk decreases dramatically when things slow down. I always like to use downtime to evaluate my systems and habits and see if there’s an opportunity for an upgrade. And when things get busy again, I’m grateful for the time savings that came from that investment. 3) ASK BIG QUESTIONS During busy periods, your mental energy is focused on executing tasks and getting work done. These productive periods are great, but they can also be so full of urgent needs that you don’t get much time to think about issues of long-term importance. I like to take time during slow periods each year to contemplate bigger questions about work, family and other elements of life. When you have downtime, ask yourself some of the bigger questions about your travel organization, your life goals and other things you don’t think about often enough. 4) MAKE NEW FRIENDS It’s no secret that relationships are the currency of the tourism industry. But when you’re busy traveling, it can be difficult enough to maintain and nurture existing relationships, let alone build new ones. That’s why I love using slow seasons to intentionally build new relationships. I have been consistently surprised by how willing people in the tourism industry are to take my calls when I reach out just for the purpose of making connections. Building new friendships will always make your organization better. And it might just help make your life more fulfilling too.

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

All FAMs are limited to 15 qualified travel planners. You will be responsible for your travel costs to the host city, but all attractions, meals and hotels will be covered while you are on the FAM. To apply for a chance to attend any of these complimentary FAMs, go to www.grouptravelleader.com/FAMs.

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

LOUISIANA FAM:

FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 4 Our friends at the Louisiana Office of Tourism are arranging a

familiarization tour of Lafayette — known as the Hub City — as well as

the smaller towns nearby, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. Experience world-renowned locations like Martin Accordions and the Tabasco Tour and Country Store and much more.

MYRTLE BEACH FAM: APRIL 7-11

Join us in Myrtle Beach for a familiarization tour of the natural wonders

and exciting attractions along the area’s coastline. The tour will take place April 7–11 and will include time in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrell’s Inlet and other communities on the Grand Strand.

SAVANNAH FAM: JULY 28-31

Visit Savannah is hosting our travel planner readers this July for a

familiarization tour to the historic city. Included in the trip will be things like a tour of the Historic First African Baptist Church, a Dolphin Tour and Gospel Dinner Cruise on the Savannah Riverboat and much more. Space is limited so apply for your chance to attend today.

GROUP THE

TRAVEL LEADER

If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Anderson at:

859-253-0455 KYLE@GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

FAMILY M AT T E R S

G R E AT S P O N S O R S H I P S A R E C U R R E N T LY AVA I L A B L E SALEM, Ohio — Travel is back, groups are on the road, and travel planners are attending conferences to find new destinations and tours. The competition to gain travel planner attention at conferences is increasing, and many travel industry members are using conference sponsorships to gain visibility. Creative marketing add-ons make branding impressions on travel planners attending conferences, resulting in an uptick in group bookings. Our readers include travel planners, destinations, hotels, attractions and travel companies. Regardless of which you are, it’s interesting to observe the group travel marketing game being played out at a conference. CONFERENCE EXHIBIT BOOTHS: Exhibit booths are a sure way to boost company visibility at a conference. Travel planners are incentivized to visit the booths during the conference to learn about destinations, services and products.

FLOOR GRAPHICS: A picture is worth 1,000 words, and conference floor graphics make a lasting impression. Floor graphics are highly visible and placed in high-traffic areas for travel planner delegates to see every day. HOTEL KEY CARDS: Hotel key cards have a guaranteed audience and are seen every time a delegate enters a hotel room. Many people hold onto key cards as keepsakes. MEAL FUNCTIONS: Meal function sponsors receive recognition and credit for delivering the most valued social event of any conference: a breakfast, luncheon or dinner. MOBILE APPS: Conferences see as many as 85% of attendees using their mobile apps. The average delegate engages with the mobile app more than 50 times during a conference. Delegates use them throughout the year as address books and delegate registries.

documents. Travel planners report that they use them for years after the conference.

PHONE CHARGER STATIONS: Phone charging stations have become a must for every delegate. Placed on the marketplace floor, they deliver great marketing, brand awareness and that much-appreciated charge. PRESENTATION INTRODUCTIONS: Yes, even the introduction of the next speaker is a marketing impression. Being recognized at appointments is priceless. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Being first to welcome every delegate as the official registration sponsor has a lasting effect. Travel planners discover destinations or company services. SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING: The conference information delegates see daily on social media helps them maneuver the day and make tour destination choices. STEPPING STONES: Stepping stones are directional floor stickers that show delegates the way from the hotel lobby to the conference center. They sometimes have a logo attached to remind groups to visit a sponsor’s destination. BOOTH DROPS: Every wonder how those little trinkets and brochures show up on the buyer booths overnight? It’s because a seller wants to make a good impression at the beginning of day. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Ferguson at 800-628-0993. See our 2024 schedule on the inside back cover!

NAME BADGES: Everyone looks at name badges, and they see sponsor logos every time. Name tags also get taken home as souvenirs, extending the sponsor’s marketing effectiveness. CONFERENCE PADFOLIOS: Delegates carry these binders every day to hold their appointment book and other conference

JANUARY 2024

Conference meal sponsorships provide high visibility to travel planners attending the event.

PLANNERS MAY REGISTER NOW FOR SELECT TRAVELER CONFERENCE FAM

CO U RTESY C H ATAQUA CO. V IS ITORS BU R EAU

Participants will enjoy Chautaqua’s wine country on a familiarization tour preceding the Select Traveler Conference. SALEM, Ohio — US Tours is inviting readers to enjoy a familiarization trip to Chautauqua County and Jamestown, New York. The trip will include the National Comedy Center, Lake Erie Wine Country and the world-renowned Chautauqua Institute. Lodging will be included at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake. The offer is free of charge to group travel planners who attend Select Traveler Conference. “US Tours is a leading operator of group travel programs geared to help travel planners find great destinations,” said Jennifer Ferguson of The Group Travel Family. The Chautauqua FAM Tour takesplace March 15–17, 2024, and includes the Dunkirk Lighthouse, Grape Discovery Center and Southern Tier Brewery. US Tours has also included a visit to Jamestown, New York, hometown of the late Lucille Ball. The behind-the-scenes tour will feature the Lucy Desi Museum and a private Lucy-themed city tour. Space on the tour is limited, so please contact Cassandra Blankenship at 800-6280993 or cblankenship@grouptravelfamily. com to register or learn more.

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

e k a Sh THE

House of the Seven Gables

BLAHS

Spring blooms at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

COURTE SY WI NTERTHUR

Philbrook Museum of Art

COURTE SY P HI LB ROOK MUSE UM OF ART

COURTESY BY FR ANK GVI R SI ACE T WI , COURT NSTON ESY SALEM HOUSE OF T HE SEVEN GAB LES

Flowers in front of the Winterthur mansion

BY B OB LE I TC H, COURT ESY W IN T ERT HUR

Chicago Botanic Garden

A Winterthur flowerbox COU RTESY WINTERT HUR

Springtime at the Philbrook

Biltmore’s Walled Garden

CO URT E SY PH IL BRO O K M U S E U M O F A RT

JANUARY 2024

A Chicago garden discovery COURTESY CHI CAG O B OTANI C GARD E N

COURTESY CHI CAG O B OTAN IC GARD EN

Daffodils blooming at the Chicago Botanic Garden

SPRING

COU RTESY C H ICAGO BOTA NIC GA R DEN

ISSUE

THESE GARDENS SEND W I N T E R PA C K I N G BY CLAIRE HANNUM

ach spring, gardens come to life with more than just blossoms. For botanic gardens across the country, spring is also the season to celebrate top-ofthe-line events, exhibits and cultural

programming. Breathtaking blooms are a thing of wonder, and they’re even better when paired with the world-class programming offered at these eight popular gardens.

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library WI NTE RTH U R , D E L AWA R E

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Winterthur, Delaware, was the childhood home of Henry Francis du Pont until he opened it to the public in 1951. Winterthur’s main house contains 90,000 pieces of American decorative arts, and the property boasts 1,000 acres, as well as a 60-acre garden. “Winterthur really is a spring garden,” said Reggie Lynch, director of interpretation and engagement at Winterthur. “You see all the different color palettes from the early spring low growth plants all the way through to the really dramatic magnolias and azaleas and peonies.” Winterthur will kick spring off with its House of Style event in March, which will offer lectures, workshops and demonstrations on design. Winterthur will also hold its annual Daffodil Day, named after one of its biggest blooms, with tours and family-friendly activities. In April, Winterthur will host a wine-tasting event called Sip Among the Blooms, which invites guests to explore the garden with a glass in hand. In May, Winterthur will hold a Mother’s Day concert featuring chamber music played by members of the Kennett Symphony. W I N T E R T H U R .O R G

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens SA N MA R I N O, C A LI FO R N IA

“The Huntington Library is an amazing three-inone cultural institution,” said Kristin Voss, director of membership and visitor services at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. “We have a research library, an art museum and our botanic gardens.” The Huntington’s book collection spans from the 11th century to the present. The property is also home to a collection of fine art, and of course, its 130-acre expanse of 16 themed gardens. “We’ve been having really lovely rains in winters, which have been giving us some super blooms in the spring,” Voss said. “So our rose garden is really thriving. It is an absolute must-see.” The Huntington will hold several unique art exhibitions this spring, including screen prints by R.B. Kitaj, WPA-era paintings, and 17th- and 18th-century approaches to Chinese paintings. H U N T I N G TO N .O R G

Philbrook Museum of Art TU LSA , O K L A H O MA

Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum of Art, once the home of an Oklahoma entrepreneur, is now a massive museum with over 16,000 pieces of art, as well as formal gardens that come alive each spring. “A lot of our native plants and trees bloom in the spring,” said Sheila Kanotz, director of horticulture at the Philbrook. The Philbrook’s spring events begin with Art In Bloom, a display of creations by local floral designers. Then comes the Philbrook Wine Experience, a benefit weekend featuring wine walks, tastings and din-

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

The home and gardens at Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum of Art

ner. In late May, Lager Land arrives with a tasting of local Oklahoma lagers, live music and local art. The Philbrook also offers a series of family-friendly spring events including nature walks, horticulturist Q&As, meditation, glimpses of the garden’s friendly cat and an annual native plant sale. P H I L B R O O K .O R G

Long wood Gardens

K E N N E T T SQ UA R E , PE N N SY LVA N IA

House of the Seven Gables SA LE M, M A S SAC H U S E T T S

The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts, is known for inspiring the 1851 novel of the same name — and for being a beautifully preserved slice of history. The 1668 mansion is full of fascinating architectural quirks and design secrets for visitors to uncover. “The compliment we hear the most is about the secret staircase in the mansion,” said Julia Wacker, marketing and communications manager at the house. “The entrance is hidden on the first floor, and it winds all the way up to the attic. Many of our guests don’t know about it beforehand, and the reveal always gets a big gasp.” The house is also lauded for its charming Colonial revival garden, which features roses, boxwoods, lilacs, geraniums, a stunning wisteria arbor and many other blooms. 7G A B L E S .O R G

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, was purchased over a century ago by entrepreneur Pierre S. du Pont, just before a lumber company planned to cut down its trees. “He decided to purchase what is now Longwood Gardens out of what he called a moment of insanity to save the trees,” said Jourdan Cole, Longwood’s public relations manager. “And that has clearly bloomed and grown into so much more. We still have some of those historic trees on the property that our guests can see today.” Today, Longwood is a much-loved fixture of the Philadelphia area, and spring is its finest season. “We have more than 200,000 tulips and other seasonal blooms that come up in this patchwork of color,” Cole said. Longwood will celebrate the season with performances by organist Steven Patchel and musicians the Manchester Collective, as well as gardening and composting workshops. LO N G WO O D G A R D E N S .O R G

Missouri Botanical Garden

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ST. LO U I S, M I S SO U R I BY TOM IN RCROCC I, COURT ESY MO BOTA N ICAL GA RDE N

Exploring Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden dates back to 1859 and is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the U.S. “It’s located right in the heart of St. Louis,” said Catherine Martin, senior public information officer at the garden. “It’s a beloved institution in the community.” In April, the garden will host Sake and Sakura, a sake sampling event timed to the blooming of the property’s collection of cherry trees. May brings Grapes in the Garden, a wine tasting with live music and over 250 types of wine, and Chinese Culture Days, which feature authentic Chinese cuisine, dancing, art, music and martial arts. M I S S O U R I B OTA N I C A LG A R D E N .O R G

COURTESY P HI LB ROOK MU SEUM OF ART

A springtime bloom at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens

Portland Japanese Garden

BY JONATHAN LEY, COURTESY PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN

COURT ESY LONGWOOD GARD ENS

COURT ESY HUNT INGTON LIB R ARY

A field of flowers at Longwood Gardens

Gardens at the House of the Seven Gables

PO RTL A N D, O R EGO N

Chicago Botanic Garden G LE N CO E , I LLI N O I S

The Chicago Botanic Garden is often praised as one of the best in the world. “Every year, more than 1 million people visit the garden’s 28 gardens and four natural areas, situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands,” said Julie McCaffrey, manager of public relations at the garden. Each April, the garden opens its Grand Tram Tour, a 35-minute narrated experience. In May, the Model Railroad Garden opens for the season, featuring 19 model trains surrounded by more than 300 varieties of plants. May also marks the annual reopening of Butterflies and Blooms, a beautifully immersive butterfly habitat.

A waterfall and flowers at Portland Japanese Gardens

Inside the historic home at the Huntington Library

COURTESY HUNTINGTON LIBRARY

JA PA N E S E G A R D E N .O R G

BY RAY PFORTNER, COURTESY PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDENS

BY FRANK GRACE, COURTESY HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES

Like many other gardens of its kind, the Portland Japanese Garden was proposed in the late 1950s to rebuild cultural connection in a shaky post-war era. “Portland civic leaders rallied together with the idea,” said Will Lerner, communications specialist at the garden. “It would not only help reestablish economic ties but cultural ones as well and provide a place of peace and serenity for the Oregon community. The garden was designed with the intention to explain Japanese culture to an audience that was unfamiliar with it.” The garden first opened in 1967 and has been a Portland treasure ever since. Unlike many Western-style gardens that opt for a variety of floral colors, about 75% of this garden is a rich green. “Spring at the Japanese Garden represents many different hues and shades of green,” Lerner said. Of course, spring still brings bright pops of color from blooms like azaleas and rhododendrons.

C H I C AG O B OTA N I C .O R G

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

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

INDIANA

By Carrie McLaren

nown as the home of fast cars and basketball stars, Indiana also prides itself on its deep ties to presidential history, unique dining experiences and exclusive artistic opportunities. From Indianapolis to South Bend and Shipshewana at the northern end of the state and small towns like Seymour and Lincoln City in the south, there is no shortage of Midwest hospitality in Indiana. Take a look at what awaits group travelers in the Hoosier State.

Groups can take rides around the famous racetrack, and explore the soon-to-reopen museum, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

COURT ESY VISIT IN DY

JANUARY 2024

Kissing the bricks on an Indianapolis Motor Speedway tour National WWII Indianapolis MotorMuseum Speedway Museum

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

CO URTE SY I N OFFI CE OF TOURI SM D E VELOP MENT

COURT ESY VISIT INDY

COURT ESY VISIT IN DY

POPULAR DEMAND INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY MUSEUM

With more than 55,000 artifacts and over 300 vehicles, it is easy to see why the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum welcomes more than 140,000 visitors each year. The speedway is one of the oldest motorsports facilities in the world, but the museum is currently closed until mid-2025 while it undergoes a massive $89 million renovation. Don’t fret, race fans: Track tours are still available, with a variety of tours including “Kiss the Bricks” and “View from the Top,” where guests can admire the view from the speedway’s iconic Pagoda.

LINCOLN BOYHOOD NATIONAL MEMORIAL

In Lincoln City, history buffs won’t want to miss visiting the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. A bronze casting of sill logs and fireplace hearthstones now serves as a memorial to the cabin the Lincoln family began building in 1829 and that young Abe called home for 14 years. A re-created 1820s pioneer farm serves as a living history site with rangers educating visitors on what life was like during Lincoln’s life in Indiana. The Pioneer Cemetery is the final resting place for Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln.

NCAA HALL OF CHAMPIONS

NCAA Hall of Champions

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) calls Indianapolis home, and the NCAA Hall of Champions recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes. Showcasing all 24 collegiate sports, this hands-on museum features interactive exhibits, sports simulators and more. Group offerings at the Hall of Champions include guided tours, scavenger hunts, welcome introductions and self-guided tours, along with group dining options at the adjacent Hall of Champions Conference Center.

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SPRING

ISSUE

UP AND COMING HOOSIER VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM

INDIANA BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME

Indiana and basketball make a great team. Visitors to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle can learn state history while exploring legendary individuals and memorabilia. Visitors see the jerseys, trophies and pendants from schools throughout the Hoosier State. Interactive activities include trying to hit a buzzer beater shot and recording your own playby-play radio call. At interactive kiosks, visitors can search for statistics by player’s name, school and year.

Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, home of the Bob Ross Experience COURTE SY MI NNESTRI STA MUSE UM AND GARD E NS

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

MINNETRISTA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

The Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie is home to the Bob Ross Experience, where visitors can explore original artworks of this creative television icon. Groups can visit the home where Ross filmed “The Joy of Painting,” which is now on the grounds of the museum. Painting workshops are available for groups, during which visitors can create their own artwork with guidance from experienced Certified Ross Instructors.

JANUARY 2024

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

CO URTE SY IN OF F IC E OF TOUR ISM D EVE LOP ME NT

Get ready for a ride at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson. Visitors can choose from steam train or diesel engine excursions with trains departing the museum station numerous times each day. During the round-trip excursion, groups can learn about the history of locomotives and enjoy the scenery of farm country in northern Indiana. Before or after the train ride, visitors can explore the stationary passenger cars, cabooses and freight cars — a treat for railroad fans. Charter train rides are available for groups throughout the year, even when the museum is closed.

O V E R N I G H T S E N S AT I O N S WEST BADEN SPRINGS HOTEL

At the French Lick Resort, located in the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana, the West Baden Springs Hotel welcomes groups to stay and admire its six-story, free-span dome, reaching 200 feet and once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The property is home to 243 luxury guest rooms and suites, including balcony rooms facing inside the breathtaking atrium. As one of three hotels located at the French Lick Resort, the West Baden Springs Hotel opened to guests in 1902 and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The resort offers tours of the West Baden Springs Hotel and other properties, including tours that focus on history and a behind-the-scenes experience that shows guests places not open to the general public.

West Baden Springs Hotel COURTE SY I N OFFI CE OF TOURI SM D EVE LOP ME NT

OFF THE BEATEN PATH CULTURE TRAIL UNIQUE SHOPPING HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES AMISH HOME-STYLE COOKING STEP-ON-GUIDES GROUP-FRIENDLY LODGING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BOOK THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST FLEA MARKET! A 2023 WINNER OF ABA BEST OF THE BEST!

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

HOTEL CARMICHAEL

Just north of Indianapolis in Carmel, the new Hotel Carmichael puts guests steps away from Carmel City Center and The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, adjacent to the Greenway portion of the historic Monon Trail path and in the heart of the Carmel Arts and Design District. With 122 guest rooms and suites, the property takes a nod from its art and design neighbors, with a contemporary feel inspired in part by the work of 18th century architect Robert Adam. The property also features Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, a live entertainment venue created in partnership with Michael Feinstein, a two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy award-winning musician. Since opening in August 2020, the Hotel Carmichael has quickly become a popular destination for groups and those looking to soak up the arts in Carmel.

COURT ESY HOT EL CARM IC HAEL

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

Hotel Carmichael

COURTE SY SC HN ITZELB AN K

German cuisine at Schnitzelbank

MEMORABLE MEALS SCHNITZELBANK

Get ready for schnitzel, sauerkraut and plenty of brews at Schnitzelbank in Jasper. Here, lederhosen are optional, and every day is Oktoberfest. The restaurant has been serving up German favorites since 1961, and popular dishes on the menu include goulash paired with spätzle noodles, wiener schnitzel, and bockwurst served with fries and sauerkraut. Don’t miss the giant Bavarian pretzels served with hot mustard and beer cheese. Schnitzelbank allows groups to reserve the DeutscherVerein Room offering buffet and family-style dinners.

A Schnitzelbank beer tasting

COURTESY SCHNI TZE LB ANK

JANUARY 2024

BLUE GATE RESTAURANT

Visitors to Shipshewana can experience the simple ways of Amish culture and a guarantee that no one leaves hungry. The Blue Gate Restaurant features buffet-style dining with a variety of scratch-made entrees, side dishes, and pies and pastries made fresh at the adjacent Blue Gate Bakery. Traditional specialties include Amish beef and noodles and the Amish country sampler, featuring pressure-fried chicken, homestyle meatloaf and roast beef. The Blue Gate Restaurant can also arrange special group dining and entertainment packages with the Blue Gate Theatre.

Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana COU RTESY BLUE GATE RE STAUR ANT

VISITINDIANA.COM

T S E B IS a n ia d In n r Southe

! d n e i r F a h t i w d e r a Sh ead for custom Contact Todd R 0-8082 ies at (812) 28 group itinerar oIN.com. or Todd@G oS

@GoSoIN JEFFERSONVILLE

CLARKSVILLE

NEW ALBANY

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

CHARLESTOWN

Groups visiting the Penn Museum in Philadelphia can see some of more than 1 million antiquities, including the largest sphinx in the Western Hemisphere.

JANUARY 2024

D E S T I N AT I O N

PENNSYLVANIA PRIMER S TA R T I N P H I L LY AND GO FROM THERE

BY JILL GLEESON

ituated about halfway between New York and D.C., Philadelphia is a natural stopping point for groups traveling up and down the East Coast. But this world-class city, and the charming communities that surround it, are worth a trip all their own. Philadelphia, of course, is a prime destination so steeped in history it was selected as the country’s very first World Heritage City in 2015. Count on needing at least a few days to explore the adventures that beckon in Pennsylvania’s crown jewel before moving on to the smaller gems that sparkle so brightly nearby: Brandywine Valley, Valley Forge and Lancaster. All offer their own rich historical, cultural and natural treasures sure to captivate every group member.

PH I L A DE L PH I A Our nation’s birthplace, the City of Brotherly Love famously boasts oodles of historical goodies, but no other attraction tells the tale of the War of Independence like the Museum of the American Revolution. The collection, which began more than a century ago with the original tent from which George Washington commanded the Continental Army, now features thousands of other equally stirring relics, artwork and documents. The museum is group-friendly, too. “They’ll let groups come in before they open, and they’ve even created evening activities for groups around some of their special exhibits,” said Annie Jirapatnakul, global tourism sales and services manager for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jirapatnakul also recommends leaders make space in the itinerary for stops at the three-floor Penn Museum, on the University of Pennsylvania campus, and the Barnes Foundation, which is off the Ben Franklin Parkway near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The former plays host to more than a million priceless antiquities from around the globe, including the largest sphinx in the Western Hemisphere. Leaders can choose from a wide range of special

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experiences for their groups, from learning to write Sumerian to after-hours dining. Meanwhile, the Barnes Foundation, which Jirapatnakul believes many tour operators might not be aware of, was once the private art collection of wealthy drug developer Alfred C. Barnes. “It includes some of the world’s most important impressionist, post-impressionist and modern paintings,” she said. “It currently doesn’t travel, so the only place you can see it all together is in Philadelphia. I really recommend the guided group tours, because the docents are so passionate about art and Dr. Barnes and his story.” Before heading out of the city, groups might want to swing by the preserved ruins of Eastern State Penitentiary, where notorious criminals such as gangster Al Capone once bunked. Nowadays, it offers guided tours for groups looking for a unique experience they can’t find anywhere else. D I S C OV E R P H L .C O M

B R A N DY W I N E VA L L E Y Tucked away within the lush greenspace of southern Chester County, Brandywine Valley is just a 60-minute drive from Philadelphia but a world apart from its bustling environs. The area is best known for Longwood Gardens, a 1,000-plus-acre botanical splendor that welcomes groups with guided tours. This fall, the attraction will cut the ribbon on its massive, much-anticipated expansion, Longwood Reimagined, which includes the new West Conservatory, a 32,000-square-foot marvel that will seemingly float on water. Big doings are also underway at the Brandywine Museum of Art, home to a stellar assemblage of work from iconic American painter Andrew Wyeth; his father, illustrator N.C. Wyeth; and his son, Jamie.

Longwood Gardens, the jewel of Brandywine Valley

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BY BECCA MATH IAS, COU RTESY C H ESTER COU NT Y ’S B R ANDY WI NE VALLEY

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BY CARLOS ALEJAND RO, COURTESY CHE STER COUNT Y ’S B R ANDY WI NE VALLEY

“There’s now a curator in charge of Andrew Wyeth assets,” said Nina Kelly, director of marketing and communications for Chester County Tourism. “Having this gentleman means that there are really great eyes on how Andy’s work is preserved and presented, so his exhibition area at the museum has been very lively, with exciting new exhibitions.” The institution, which offers seasonal artist studio visits, guided collection tours and on-site dining, will debut “Every Leaf and Twig: Andrew Wyeth’s Botanical Imagination” in February. Running into September, it will present 40 watercolors and drawings, most never before seen by the public. In October, the Brandywine opens “The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick,” an exhibit of work by the influential artist known for his sculptural furniture. Groups of up 16 people may also want to visit the Wharton Esherick Museum, a National Historic Landmark for Architecture that includes the artist’s hand-built studio. According to Kelly, groups shouldn’t miss one of the area’s lesser-known pleasures, the Antique Ice Tool Museum. Open seasonally, the attraction is set within “this fantastically renovated, historic bank barn,” Kelly said. “It really covers the history of the ice trade in America, which influenced the settlement of the entire nation, because as the country moved west, provisions had to go with them, and only so much could happen without a cooling agent. It’s a fascinating place.” B R A N DY W I N E VA L L E Y.C O M

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Andrew Wyeth Studio in Brandywine Valley

George Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge National Historical Park

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Eastern State Pennitentiary

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To the north of Brandywine Valley unspools Montgomery County’s Valley Forge area, home to the not-to-missed Valley Forge National Historical Park. Groups can enjoy seasonal re-enactments, hop-on guide service and a newly renovated visitor center at the park, which marks the location of the 1777-78 winter encampment of General George Washington’s Continental Army. “If it weren’t for what took place at Valley Forge, the American army might not have come together, and we could be having a whole different conversation right now,” said Scott Higgins, director of sales for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. Just down the road from the park is the King of Prussia Mall, where tour operators might wish to give groups time on their own to browse the wares — after all, Pennsylvania offers tax-free clothing and shoe purchases. “With about 450 stores, it’s one of the largest malls in the U.S. shopping-wise, but there are also great culinary offerings,” Higgins said. “It was recently announced that Eataly [an Italian restaurant and marketplace] will be opening a location there.

Tour, Taste & Explore

Chester County, Pennsylvania

Chester County Tourism

Tour the heart of America’s Garden Capital, less than an hour drive from Philadelphia. A breathtaking expansion to Longwood Gardens, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience will debut in Fall of 2024. Kennett Square

23 G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M BrandywineValley.com/Groups

L A NC A S T E R The New Church in Bryn Athyn Historic District

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Picturesque farmland in Lancaster

John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove

BY F R E D GR E CO, CO U RTE SY D IS COV E RL A NCASTER .COM

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There are only a handful in the country, so we’re really excited.” Fans of our fine-feathered friends will want to visit the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, also conveniently situated near the park. In addition to stretching their legs on the 175-acre property’s trail system, groups can peruse the on-site museum and an 18th-century farmhouse where the renowned naturalist lived as a young man. Located 30 miles east of Valley Forge, Bryn Athyn Historic District preserves the New Church religious community founded there in the late 1800s. It’s definitely worth the detour, with enough architectural and historical highlights to fill an entire afternoon. They include Cairnwood Estate, a Beaux Arts-beauty built in 1895; the soaring Bryn Athyn Cathedral, completed in 1928 and featuring buildings in the Gothic and Romanesque styles; and Glencairn Museum. Boasting a staggering collection of religious art and artifacts, the museum reopened in November, following an 18-month infrastructure project. All offer guided tours for groups.

Speaking of attractions with a spiritual bent, Lancaster County — distinguished by rolling, verdant farmland and one of the country’s oldest inland cities — offers a blockbuster example. For 25 years, Sight and Sound Theatre has brought Bible stories to life in state-of-the-art productions set on a sweeping, 300-foot stage. This March, it will premiere the eagerly awaited “Daniel,” slated to run through the year. Groups can expect to see “production values that are second-to-none,” said Joel Cliff, director of communications and advocacy for Discover Lancaster. “I’d put Sight and Sound up against anything on Broadway. So, it’s not just for folks interested in faith-based experiences but also those who just love fantastic theater.” But Lancaster may be most famous for its community of Amish, people who eschew modern conveniences, living a simple, rural life marked by hard work, humility and a focus on family. Groups can get a closer look at their customs by visiting Amish Village near Strasburg. Located on a 12-acre property, it features an authentic Amish farmhouse, built in 1840, as well as a one-room school, shops and more. Customized tours are available for groups and may include a step-on guide, lunch and craft sessions. Cliff advises groups to also make tracks to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, a few minutes’ drive from Sight and Sound and Amish Village. Special group offerings include a restoration shop tour and the white-glove tour of the expansive collection, which features 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars. “The nice thing additionally is that it’s across the street from the Strasburg Rail Road,” Cliff said. “So, groups often combine the museum with an historic train ride.” Of course, Lancaster City offers its own diverse pleasures, and they include Wheatland, erected in 1828 and once the home of James Buchanan. History may not look kindly on the president, who served just prior to Abraham Lincoln, but the home is magnificent. D I S C OV E R L A N C A S T E R .C O M

Touring a Lancaster Amish community

VA L L E Y FO R G E .O R G BY GAB E MCMULLEN, COURTESY D I SCOVE RL ANCASTE R.COM

JANUARY 2024

A departure

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FROM THE

ORDINARY TOUR PHILADELPHIA’S CENTRAL LOCATION ON THE EAST COAST MAKES IT A TOP PICK FOR GROUP PLANNERS. Explore the nation’s most historic square mile at Independence National Historical Park, marvel at Philadelphia’s unparalleled collection of public art, view groundbreaking exhibitions at iconic museums, and enjoy waterfront vistas, community parks and miles of trails in one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the nation. Start planning today!

D E S T I N AT I O N

WHERE TO START? G R O U P S S TAY B U S Y IN THE BLACK HILLS

BY TOM ADKINSON

roup travel leaders would be an excellent focus group if Rapid City, South Dakota, ever tested new marketing taglines for this city that is the hub for exploring the attraction-filled Black Hills region. “Rapid City … the Active City” would get considerable support because tour leaders know that this city of about 75,000 residents offers many ways to deliver highly participatory diversions — and that’s even before venturing nearby to internationally known destinations such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park and Devils Tower National Monument. You can launch a Black Hills tour on the City View Trolley, a Visit Rapid City vehicle that takes a 90-minute roll past numerous landmarks (among them are giant concrete reptiles at Dinosaur Park, a replica of a Norwegian stave church, and the Skyline Drive and Wilderness Area). It operates from Memorial Day through Sept. 30. Once oriented, your group can disperse to explore the City of Presidents, a collection of bronze statues of America’s CEOs that adorn streetcorners throughout downtown. The project began in 2000 and was a catalyst that helped make downtown Rapid City a true destination and great for people who enjoy a good walk. Visit Rapid City offers a City of Presidents scavenger hunt, which is a fun way for groups to organize some friendly competition. One tactic is to see who can find targeted items first (which president is feeding birds; which is holding a cigar?), and a more participatory one is to have a post-hunt photo show to see who took the best presidential selfie. Someone might win with a photo of a lesser- known president such as Millard Fillmore, William Howard Taft or Franklin Pierce. All the statues have personality. Main Street Square is the likely place for a group to reunite. This enticing space is a private sector endeavor that transformed an unappealing urban parking lot into a focal point of city activity. If you time your tour well, your clients can enjoy a Moonlit Movie Night, music concerts on summer Thursday evenings, a cruiser car show, the Bierbörse Festival or any of scores of other special events.

Travelers can take safaris among the bison herds at Custer State Park. COURTESY TR AVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

BY ANDY AUSTI N, COURTE SY VISIT R AP ID C IT Y

JANUARY 2024

RAPID CITY ACTIVITIES

Posing with a Ronald Reagan statue in Rapid City BY AN DY AU STIN , CO U RTE SY V IS IT R A PID C IT Y

Paddling in Custer State Park

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After a City of Presidents walk or a Main Street Square festival, two fixed-site attractions that are quite different from each other are nearby — the Journey Museum and the Black Hills Escape Rooms. Both deliver doses of regional history and culture but with different methods. The Black Hills Escape Rooms delve into pop culture entertainment with five themed rooms for subsets of your tour group to try. One has participants try to capture Wild Bill Hickok’s murderer, while another is a challenge to get out of a haunted bed and breakfast in Deadwood. In the silly category is one that involves zombie prairie dogs. The Journey Museum is more staid but imminently worthwhile. It examines the region’s geology, paleontology, archeology, pioneer history and Native American culture. You can deepen your group’s appreciation of Native American culture with time at the Prairie Edge Trading Post, a Native American art gallery. Prairie Edge is about top-notch art and educating visitors about the culture of the Northern Plains Indians. You’ll not find an art gallery anywhere with a more compelling story. Outdoor Campus-Rapid City offers perhaps unexpected activities for groups. The facility is a project of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and groups are welcome to view exhibits about the state’s wildlife, see what’s swimming in a 4,600-gallon aquarium, walk more than 1.5 miles of nature trails and admire archers testing themselves on a 14-station archery course. With planning, the staff can book special programs for groups. “We encourage groups to check out the Outdoor Campus,” said Shelby Solano, a destination specialist with Visit Rapid City.

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Rapid City’s Prairie Edge Trading Post

The Outdoor Campus Rapid City COURTE SY VI SI T R AP I D CI T Y

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MONUMENTAL EXPERIENCES Twenty-five miles away and an always-anticipated itinerary component is the region’s most photographed destination — Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The gigantic Mount Rushmore faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham National Memorial Lincoln represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of the United States. Visiting the monument never gets old, and there always are ways to experience it COURTE SY TR AVE L SOUT H DAKOTA differently. In the warm-weather visitation months, ranger talks on many topics begin almost hourly on the Grand View Terrace, and the Sculpture Studio Talk highlights how sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team of 400 carvers did their work from 1927-1941. Earl Perez-Foust, program manager for interpretation and education, advises visitors to attend the daily programs from indigenous presenters. They use dance, art and stories to explain the Native American culture that long predated European/American contact. If Crazy Horse presents mountain theater, The straight-ahead view of the carvings is impressive, but burning off tiny Deadwood (population of fewer than 1,200) a few calories on the Presidential Trail Loop (0.9 miles and 422 stairs) delivers street theater. Cowboy reenactors stage delivers different perspectives. Another short trail that gets much less shootouts in the streets; gambling halls (real and traffic is the Blackberry Trail, a mile-long moderately strenuous walk. quite legal) spice things up; history tours tell Just 15 miles way, work continues on another gigantic mountain carving. real stories. With a history that includes Wild It is the Crazy Horse Memorial, described as the world’s largest mountain Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and a gold rush, carving. The campus also includes the Indian Museum of North America, Deadwood doesn’t have to make up stories to the Laughing Water Restaurant and a “Legends in Light” laser light show. entertain you. More placid recreation/entertainment is nearby on the Michelson Trail, a 109-mile-long rails-to-trails route through the Black Hills National Forest. Outfitters can organize bicycle The mountain carving at rides of manageable lengths to see some of the Crazy Horse Memorial trail’s 100 railroad trestles and four rock tunnels. Filling up a Black Hills itinerary is no problem. The menu of attractions and activities includes cave tours (Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave Badland National Park National Monument); a steam locomotive ride on the 1880 Train; watching paleontologists at work at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs; roaming Kitschy decor at with the buffalo (actually riding among them on Wall Drug Store a Jeep tour) at Custer State Park; and enjoying a doughnut and a jackelope ride at the kitschy, but always delightful, Wall Drug Store. For a bonus, stray into Wyoming for a 1.3mile walk around Devils Tower, America’s first national monument and a memorable movie site from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

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JANUARY 2024

Monumental

60 million bison once roamed the Great Plains. By 1890, less than 1,000 survived. This is their story! Learn how the eradication of one animal destroyed the way of life for Plains people, told by cultural presenters. The spectacular bronze “Buffalo Jump” sculpture includes 17 individual pieces. Unique gift shop. 605.584.5678 // StoryOfTheBison.com

THE MAMMOTH SITE

We Dig Big! Discover this indoor active paleontological dig site as you tour the edges of a sinkhole where mammoths and other species became trapped more than 140,000 years ago. Perfect for groups and buses. 605.745.6017 // MammothSite.org

DEADWOOD

KEVIN COSTNER’S TATANKA STORY OF THE BISON

WALL

Climb aboard for a Deadwood adventure and be captivated by this historic town’s colorful past. Our 1-hour, live-narrated tour travels down cobblestone streets and up to Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Come hear the history that made the Old West fun! Call for group rates. Additional savings when booking with Tatanka. 605.584.5678 // DeadwoodTour.com Experience the life of an early pioneer! Prairie Homestead historical site offers a valuable history lesson on the Homestead era of the old west. Watch our informative movie before heading out to explore the old out buildings and sod house. You will feel like you stepped off the pages of “Little House on the Prairie.” 605.433.5400 // PrairieHomestead.com

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Set amongst the picturesque backdrop of expansive plains and breathtaking views of Badlands National Park, the Wall-Badlands area offers all the expected and plenty of the unexpected. Enjoy Western history, outdoor recreation, wildlife, amazing landscapes and more! 888.852.9255 // Wall-Badlands.com

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America’s #I roadside attraction. Made famous by offering free ice water to weary travelers. There is something for everyone in this wonderland of free attractions, shopping and a restaurant that seats 520 people. Located in Wall off I-90 and 8 miles north of Badlands National Park. 605.279.2175 // WallDrug.com

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IMMIGRANTS AND ESPIONAGE D ON ’ T PA S S ON T H E SE FA S C I NAT I NG M USE U M S

Visitors learn about the tricks of the intelligence trade at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

BY DIANA BOCCO

JANUARY 2024

COURTESY I NTE RN AT ION AL SPY M USEUM

ometimes a museum is more than a collection of artifacts. From the historic halls of the Museum of the American Revolution to the secretive passageways of the International Spy Museum, there are a number of museums out there filled with much more than just unique and captivating collections. These places go beyond traditional exhibits — they are vibrant centers for interactive learning and discovery, hosting a variety of hands-on workshops, classes and immersive tours. Here, group travelers can step into a world where history and culture come alive, and every corner tells a story. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary experiences that make these museums essential stops for groups looking for education, excitement and unforgettable moments.

A re-creation of a typical New York tenement kitchen

BY RYAN L AHI FF, COURTESY THE TE NEMENT MUSE UM

TENEMENT MUSEUM NEW YORK CITY

The Tenement Museum in New York City BY RYA N L A H IF F, COU RTESY THE TENE ME NT MUSEUM

“ V ISI TOR S GET TO E X PLOR E OF T E N-FORG OT T E N PL AC E S, U N IQU E SPAC E S A N D U N TOL D STOR IE S T H AT SH A PED ON E OF A MER IC A’ S ICON IC I M MIGR A N T N EIGHBOR HOODS .” — JA M I E SA L E N, T E NE M E NT MUS EUM

Nestled in the bustling heart of New York City’s Lower East Side, the Tenement Museum offers an immersive journey into the American immigrant experience. Housed in a historic tenement building, the museum stands as a testament to the hopes, hardships and dreams of the thousands of immigrants who shaped the melting pot of America. Consisting of two historic tenement buildings in Manhattan’s iconic Lower East Side, the museum is a must-see. “Groups have the opportunity to journey through the authentically reimagined homes of immigrant, migrant and refugee families that resided in urban tenements from the 1860s to the 1980s,” said Jamie Salen, vice president of marketing and communications at the Tenement Museum. Groups can start their trip back in time with a guided tour of the apartments themselves, which have been accurately restored to showcase the 19th- and 20th-century homes of immigrant families. The Tenement Museum’s experience also extends beyond its walls with its walking tours. These guided excursions take visitors on a historical journey through the Lower East Side. As you walk the streets of this iconic neighborhood, a museum educator will uncover the layers of history embedded in the buildings and streets around you. This tour is a favorite, according to Salen. “Visitors get to explore often-forgotten places, unique spaces and untold stories that shaped one of America’s iconic immigrant neighborhoods,” she said. Groups can also opt for the Essex Market tour, which gives visitors the opportunity to experience the history of the iconic Lower East Side neighborhood through food. “Visitors first get the chance to explore one of our tenement family stories and then can make connections between past and present with taste samples from local vendors,” said Salen. T E N E M E N T.O R G

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USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Floating atop the sparkling waters of Corpus Christi Bay, the USS Lexington Museum offers a unique glimpse into naval history aboard a legendary aircraft carrier. One of only five retired World War II aircraft carrier museums in the country, this majestic vessel has been transformed into a captivating museum that preserves the country’s rich history of naval aviation. Onboard, visitors can explore the many exhibits and interactive displays that chronicle the ship’s service during World War II and beyond. In addition to its exhibits, the USS Lexington Museum is well-known for its immersive tours. Groups can start with a guided tour that takes them through the public routes of the Lexington for a fun introduction to the vessel’s history. There’s also a Flight Operations Tour for a hands-on experience that simulates the life of a naval aviator, and a Hard Hat Tour that takes you deep into the ship’s inner workings. The Hard Hat Tour takes groups through 15 different sections — from the battle dressing station to the laundry area — and requires climbing steep ladders and navigating dimly lit compartments. The most popular tour, however, takes place after the ship closes to regular visitors. As dusk falls, trained paranormal guides take guests through the ship’s most haunted areas for a ghost tour. This tour ventures into areas of the ship known for unexplained sightings and activities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own flashlights and can even use personal paranormal-detecting equipment to engage with the ship’s ghostly residents. The tour is a blend of historical insight and fun adventure, offering a unique experience for groups interested in the paranormal. U S S L E X I N G TO N .C O M

Shipwrights working at Mystic Seaport Museum COURTE SY MYSTI C SE AP ORT MUSEUM

MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT The Mystic Seaport Museum, located in the picturesque setting of Mystic, Connecticut, is a celebration of America’s rich maritime heritage. Renowned for its extensive collection of sailing ships and boats, the museum offers a unique glimpse into our seafaring past and the intricate skills that have helped humans navigate across the world’s oceans. For group travelers with an interest in hands-on learning and historical crafts, the museum offers a number of workshops and classes. Participants can immerse themselves in historic trades classes, exploring creative pursuits like blacksmithing, ship carving, printing or coopering. Or they can step into a historic kitchen and learn the art of 19th-century cooking over an open flame. “Open hearth cooking classes often sell out — and it helps that students are able to enjoy a meal at the end of class,” said director of interpretation Maria Petrillo. “Each class focuses on a theme — baking, seafood — and participants learn to prepare and cook a variety of different historical dishes in one class.” Mystic Seaport Museum also offers boat-building classes for hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of traditional boat construction and maintenance, as well as in coastal and celestial navigation. “Our woodcarving and blacksmithing classes are also very popular, and we hold several sessions each year,” said Petrillo. “Coopering classes last a full three days, but we almost always sell out since the class is so unique.” Private classes are available. “Each class has a different maximum class size, so I’d recommend calling in advance to see what classes can be offered for a particular group,” Petrillo said. M YS T I C S E A P O R T.O R G

USS Lexington Museum

COU RTESY USS LEXI NGTON MUSEUM

JANUARY 2024

Immerse yourself in the Center’s two exhibition hangars filled with nearly 200 aircraft, Space Shuttle Discovery, satellites, rockets, and more. Enjoy free guided tours, films on the Airbus IMAX Theater’s six-story screen, flight simulators, and so much more. Free admission; entry passes NOT required. Free bus parking.

See the first eight of our new galleries, take in a Planetarium show, or enjoy some of our engaging public programs. The Museum is currently in the midst of a large-scale, multi-year renovation. More new galleries will be unveiled over the next few years. Free admission; timed-entry passes required Reserve at airandspace.si.edu.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S P Y M U S E U M WASHINGTON, D.C. The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., offers a unique and intriguing journey into the shadowy world of espionage. “The Museum holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts, with items ranging from shoe heel transmitters and lipstick pistols to Enigma machines and the ice axe that was used to kill Leon Trotsky,” said Aliza Bran, media relations manager at the museum. Groups can explore exhibits on Cold War spies, the intricate world of cyber intelligence and even the real stories behind famous fictional spies. “It’s a multidimensional experience with first-person accounts from real former intelligence officers and sources, immersive exhibit areas, and an interactive experience that allows each visitor to take on a cover identity, mission and codeword for their visit.” For groups of 10 or more, the Spy Museum offers an enhanced visit experience. “We can book really unique tours for groups, with former intelligence officers or historians as the guides,” said Bran. “Each person brings so much to the tour, from the content in the museum to their own personal experiences in the world of espionage and intelligence.” When scheduled in advance, groups receive discounted rates, a dedicated arrival time, complimentary chaperone admission and organized entry through a dedicated group entrance. S PY M U S E U M .O R G

The Cyber Space at the International Spy Museum BY A LBERT V EC ER K A , COU RTESY INTER NATI ONAL SPY MUSEUM

The International Spy Museum exterior

Museum of the American Revolution

COURTE SY MUSEUM OF THE AME RI CAN RE VOLUTI ON

THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION PHILADELPHIA Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution is dedicated to bringing to life the tumultuous era that birthed a nation. Through its extensive collection of authentic artifacts, immersive exhibits, engaging narratives, powerful theater experiences and interactive elements, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the American Revolutionary War and its profound impact on the country’s history. From George Washington’s original war tent to a range of Revolutionary War weapons and military drums, each item brings history to life. For group travelers seeking an interactive historical experience, the museum’s Revolutionary City outdoor walking tour is a great choice. “Our outdoor walking tours are a perfect complement to a visit to the museum and give visitors a deeper look into the museum’s revolutionary neighborhood,” said director of communications Alex McKechnie. “The museum is located just two blocks from Independence Hall in the heart of historic Philadelphia, where so many iconic moments from the American Revolution took place.” At each location, the tour explores the stories and experiences of everyday people who lived, worked and played a role in the Revolutionary era. It’s a captivating journey that paints a detailed picture of the time, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by those who witnessed the birth of a nation. Group tours can accommodate up to 20 people, making it an ideal choice for larger groups seeking a private, tailored experience. A M R E V M U S E U M .O R G

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ON THE COVER: Fireworks punctuate an evening of Grand Illumination of Colonial Williamsburg during the holidays. Photo by Brian Newson, courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

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Whether it’s learning about the natural world in Decatur and Gulf Shores, the past and future of space exploration in Huntsville, visiting sights where Rock ‘n Roll hits were made, or the history of the Civil Rights Movement, we can supply you with itineraries for several group tours. Trouble is...deciding which tour to take first. We’ll keep adding to the list, you just keep coming for new adventures. Visit www.alabama.travel To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Shawna Faniel at shawna.faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-353-1907

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BRING FRIENDS

Southeast Tourism Society

LEADERSHIP TEAM

2024 OFFICERS Chair KAREN TREVINO PRESIDENT & CEO NORT H L I T T L E RO C K TO URI S M

GREY BRENNAN

MELANIE BEAUCHAMP

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

ALABAMA TOURISM DEPARTMENT

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

MEREDITH DASILVA

ENNIS SMITH

DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT

VISIT FLORIDA

WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF TOURISM

DOUG BOURGEOIS

MICHAEL MANGEOT

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

COMMISSIONER

LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

ROCHELLE HICKS

DELANEY THOMAS

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR OF TOURISM

VISIT MISSISSIPPI

ARKANSAS TOURISM

WIT TUTTELL

LORI SIMMS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

VISIT NORTH CAROLINA

MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM

Vice Chair ROBYN BRIDGES PRESIDENT & CEO AU B U R N – O P E L I K A TO U RI S M

Treasurer DEBBIE MEIHLS PRESIDENT & CEO NE W SM YRN A B E AC H A RE A VB

Secretary BEN BERTHELOT PRESIDENT & CEO L A FAY E T T E CVC

Marketing College Provost SHANNON GRAY CEO/FOUNDER G R AY RES E A RC H S O LU T I O N S

Immediate Past Chair JILL KIDDER PRESIDENT & CEO V ISIT BATO N RO UGE

AMY DUFFY

JONI JOHNSON

CHIEF OF STAFF

DIRECTOR, DOMESTIC SALES & MARKETING

SC DEPT. PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM

VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION

S O U T H E A ST TO U R I S M .O R G 6

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No artificial anything.

Head for next-level adventure in the New River Gorge, America’s newest national park. It’s the hiking, biking, climbing and just-about-anything escape your spirit’s been longing for. WVtourism.com

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

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BRING FRIENDS

By Jerry McCoy, courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Domestic Showcase Kicks Off a Huge Year for Southeast Tourism Society BY MAC LACY

HOL I DAY DECOR AT ION S I N COLON I A L W I L L I A M S B U RG

ost of us who were raised in the South a few decades ago remember piling out of the car at a roadside Stuckey’s for a pecan logroll and a soft drink on our way to the beach. Before there were Buc-ee’s, Cracker Barrels and Howard Johnsons, there were Stuckey’s. Founded in 1937 by W.S. “Sylvester” Stuckey Sr., a Georgia pecan farmer and entrepreneur, the company created roadside stores that were among the South’s best-known tourism landmarks during the 1960s and ’70s. Monica Smith, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, is highlighting this tourism touchstone at the 2024 STS Domestic Showcase, scheduled for March 20–24, when she introduces Stephanie Stuckey as a featured speaker. Stuckey has purchased her family’s iconic brand and is currently introducing a new generation of travelers to its treasured stores. “I first met Stephanie right before the pandemic, and she is an amazing person,” said Smith. “She is a former state legislator in Georgia who has embarked on a fascinating journey to bring her family’s stores back to prominence. She understands

MONICA SMITH

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branding, tourism and marketing. I can’t wait for her to speak to our delegates in Little Rock.” In addition to Stuckey, STS has lined up an impressive roster of speakers for the event, including Advance Travel and Tourism’s senior strategist, Jacqueline Blackwell; Zeke Coleman, vice president of Tourism Economics; and Brian Jewell, The Group Travel Leader’s vice president, executive editor and podcast host. When asked about a few highlights of this year’s event, Smith mentioned the opening evening at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and the closing event at Little Rock’s Robinson Center performing arts complex. She is also excited about a major expansion of media delegates in Little Rock. “We’re expanding our media delegation from 50 to 75,” she said. “We have more destination public relations people who want to come, so we’re inviting more media to accommodate them. We’re also full speed ahead with finding new tour operators to come this year for our marketplace. This will be the 40th Domestic Showcase, so that’s an anniversary worth celebrating.” Two longstanding STS events are also expecting strong turnouts in 2024. Marketing College takes place June 2–7 at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, in June, and STS Connections is scheduled for September 9–11 in Auburn, Alabama, where delegates will visit Auburn University’s new hospitality and culinary arts complex. SOUTHEASTTOURISM.ORG

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SOME STORIES ARE WRITTEN IN BOOKS, OTHERS ARE CREATED ON CANVAS.

From world-renowned horse country to places of legend and lore, give your group experiences that will capture their imaginations.

Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts

kentuckytourism.com

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BRING FRIENDS

By Kirk Jones, courtesy Division of Arkansas Heritage

Thanks to STS, Trevino Never Stops Learning BY MAC LACY

M OS A IC T EM PL A RS CU LT U R A L CEN T ER I N L I T T L E ROCK

aren Trevino is a big believer in continuing education, so it’s fitting she will spend 2024 as the chairperson for the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), one of the travel industry’s best-known creators of educational programming. “I earned a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in tourism,” said Trevino, CEO of North Little Rock Tourism, “and I’ve never missed an opportunity to continue learning about this industry. I’m proud to say I graduated from STS Marketing College in 2023, and I recommend that program to anyone who can attend. “When I became aware that I would chair STS four years ago, I enrolled in Marketing College so I could have that designation before I became chair,” she continued. “The professors there are real-world people who teach from experience. I attended a seminar that Brian Jewell of your company presented on group travel that was very helpful.” Trevino oversees a city of about 75,000 that sits just across the Arkansas River from the state’s capital, Little Rock. She has long considered the city her home after years of travel as an Air Force officer’s child. It’s friendly, she said, and is laced together with Little Rock by several bridges, making the two dynamic partners in hosting travel groups. KAREN TREVINO

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“Our two cities have a trolley system in place that runs every 20 minutes and carries visitors back and forth constantly,” she said. “In North Little Rock, we feature the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, where we have two World War II vessels: the USS Razorback, a submarine; and a fireboat, the USS Hoga, that served at Pearl Harbor. “Our Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is one of the most scenic sites in Arkansas and was used in the classic film ‘Gone with the Wind.’ Most tour groups couple the Old Mill with a visit to Edgemont House, a historic home that showcases the work of home and garden designer Chris H. Olsen.” Trevino considers groups to be very important to North Little Rock. “We host a lot of them,” she said. “It’s not just motorcoaches; it’s also smaller groups that work well in our restaurants. With our Air Force base here, we host a fair number of military reunion groups, too.” It’s going to be a big year for Trevino in more ways than one. STS Domestic Showcase takes place in Little Rock in March while she is chairman, and North Little Rock is directly in the path of the full solar eclipse that occurs a few weeks later, on Monday, April 8. Thousands of eclipse fanatics have set their sights on Arkansas as their prime viewing option. “It’s a huge deal, and we’re excited,” she said. “We’re planning eclipse activities for four days beginning that Thursday. We’ll have a kickoff dinner and band with a NASA physicist as our guest. And we’ll keep going right through the eclipse on Monday with lots of related activities for our visitors.”

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Take your group on a world tour of Mississippi’s musical legacy. For music lovers, there’s no better place to explore the history and future of popular music than Mississippi, “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Here, African and European musical traditions collided and were crafted into a new form of music, the blues, and its rock, gospel, and country offshoots. View a sample itinerary of music museums, attractions, and stages at VisitMississippi.org/MusicTour. #WanderMS

GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi | Cleveland

sts SHINING EX A MPLE

AWARDS

Meet a Few of Our Best

outheast Tourism Society announced the 2023 recipients of its Shining Example Awards, which showcases noteworthy achievements and contributions to the tourism community, at its annual Connections Conference in Jackson, Mississippi. STS presented 13 Shining Example Awards in 2023. Here are a some of the notable winners.

Stacey Simon, Visit Baton Rouge BEACON AWARD

Stacey Simon, senior vice president of destination experience Visit Baton Rouge in Louisiana, received the 2023 Beacon Award, which recognizes an individual who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who has advanced the tourism industry. Simon began her career at Visit Baton Rouge in 1998, making her one of the organization’s longest-serving team members. She has spearheaded numerous community events, including the Parade of Champions, which marked the first time that local marching bands from Louisiana State University and Southern University performed together. She has also volunteered in the leadership of the Baton Rouge Film Commission, the Baton Rouge Events Association and Bayou Country Superfest. In 2022, she helped celebrate Visit Baton Rouge’s 50th anniversary by organizing a mural project representing local culture.

Heather Kouns, North Little Rock Tourism RISING STAR AWARD

BE ACON AWARD WINNER STACE Y SIMON

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Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail, Virginia PARTNERSHIP AWARD

STS presented its Partnership Award, which recognizes effective partnerships within the tourism industry, to the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail in Virginia. The trail is a collaborative effort between the City of Fredericksburg and the University of Mary Washington’s James Farm Multicultural Center. Seeking to showcase Fredericksburg’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, the city and the university developed the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail to tell the area’s stories with care, dignity, respect and trust. They worked together to collect oral histories from Fredericksburg residents who were involved in the Civil Rights Movement; photograph local sites in the community; and build a trail that features two historical markers and four wayside panels detailing the city’s Civil Rights history.

RISING STAR AWARD WINNER HE ATHER KOUNS

In addition to these awards, STS presented its Chairman’s Award to Berkeley Young of Young Strategies for his many years of services as the provost of STS Marketing College. The Spirit of STS Award was presented to Chris Hardman of the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association. And North Little Rock Tourism was named the organization’s Tourism Office of the Year.

PARTNERSHIP AWARD WINNER VICTORIA MAT THEWS, CIT Y OF FREDERICKSBURG

The Rising Star Award recognizes extraordinary performance by a person new to the travel and tourism industry. The 2023 award was presented to Heather Kouns, who began her tourism career as the director of destination projects for North Little Rock Tourism in Arkansas in 2021.

Kouns quickly brought her passion and interpersonal skills to bear for the community, creating a citywide culinary initiative called Setting the Table and planning the Party in the Garden fundraising event, which supports the organization’s community engagement programs. She also helped increase participation in North Little Rock Restaurant Week by 86%, organized North Little Rock Farmers Market Week, and took over operations, strategy and marketing for the Downtown Riverside RV Park, which is owned by North Little Rock Tourism.

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PONY EXPRESS NATIONAL MUSEUM

MISSOURI STAR QUILT COMPANY

SLICED BREAD INNOVATION CENTER

WALT DISNEY HOMETOWN MUSEUM

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME & MUSEUM

CHILLICOTHE ST. JOSEPH

HANNIBAL

HAMILTON

WANDER A STRETCH OF WONDERS.

MARCELINE

From Mark Twain and Walt Disney to the Pony Express and sliced bread, The Way of American Genius along Highway 36 is a celebration of inventions and innovators like only the Show-Me State can offer. For more information, contact Megan Sheets with Visit Missouri at megan.sheets@ded.mo.gov

he 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 this charming and historic waterfront city on the Georgia Coast, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place July 28–31 and will include historic, natural and scenic experiences for attendees. You’ll join our staff writer Rachel Crick and our advertising account manager Bryce Wilson as they explore the area with our Savannah hosts. Highlights of the four-day tour will include:

Join Us for a Trip to Savannah

• A historic trolley tour — Discover Savannah’s history and charm — and meet some of its notable characters — on a hosted driving experience. • A dolphin excursion — Set sail to find pods of Atlantic dolphins playing in the waters off the Georgia coast. • A gospel dinner cruise — Enjoy fine food, live gospel music and beautiful riverfront scenery on a cruise aboard the Savannah Riverboat.

Travel planners can enjoy the history and beauty of Savannah during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

• Historic First African Baptist Church — See the oldest Black church in America and learn about the inspiring enslaved people who built it. • Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum — Learn the stories of the heroic pilots and other airmen who left Savannah to fight in Europe during World War II. 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 28–31 in Savannah!

Rachel Crick

Bryce Wilson P HOTOS COURTE SY VI SI T SAVANNAH

JULY 28-31, 2024 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 or email bryce@grouptravelleader.com.

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WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Feel the

Excitement EX PERIEN TI A L TOU RS

Everyone’s talking about these Southern sightseeing tours

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BY RACHEL CRICK

he best way to get to know someone is to walk a mile in their shoes; it’s the same for destinations. When traveling, the best way to learn about a place is not with tours that barely skim the surface but with immersive, experiential tours that let you delve into its past and explore its present. The South has plenty of these tours, and they take group travelers everywhere, from the underground mines in West Virginia to the lesser-known waterways of St. Louis. Travelers can meet the sea creatures that inhabit Georgia’s beaches and the specters rumored to haunt the hills of eastern Tennessee. For an unforgettable trip, choose one of these immersive tours that introduce visitors to the secrets of the South.

Tybee Beach Ecology Trips T YB E E ISLA N D, GEORGIA

TO U RS W I T H I N L E T P OI N T PL A N TAT ION S TA B L E S A L LOW G RO U PS TO E X PLOR E WA I T E S IS L A N D ON HORS EB ACK .

f your group needs another excuse to go to coastal Georgia, here’s one: Biogeographically speaking, Tybee Island’s beaches are incredibly interesting, according to Joe Richardson, a former professor of marine science at Savannah State University. That’s because the area’s variety of nearby habitats, from rivers to salt marshes, make for a marine life hotspot. “It really is one of the better beaches up and down the East Coast for being able to find a variety of different animals at any time of the year,” Richardson said. Richardson has been leading ecology trips on the beaches of Tybee Island for 15 years, even after retiring from his 30-year teaching career. He plans the trips around low tide, which varies a little each day, and he brings along shovels and dip nets for the groups to explore the beach. He guides them along the wet sand where the tide has receded, looking for marine life. They’ll also explore the tide pools along a rock jetty at the water’s edge. There’s a lot going on under the sand’s surface that visitors may not know about, even ones who are frequent beachgoers. Richardson helps groups find the animals, identifies them and answers questions about their habitats and behaviors. There’s no telling what they will find on their expeditions, from jellyfish and ghost shrimp to anemones and barnacles.

Courtesy Destination North Myrtle Beach

“As we find animals and things, if they’re alive, we’ll collect them in tanks and get some seawater, so we make our own touch tank out on the beach,” Richardson said. Groups should dress for the beach, and Richardson recommends wearing water shoes so visitors can explore the beach comfortably. Tours last two hours and can accommodate 30-40 guests. T YBEEBEACHECOLOGY.COM

Big Muddy Adventures

JOE R ICH A R DS ON W I T H A S H EEPS H E A D F IS H

ST. LOU IS, M ISSOU RI

f all the ways to explore St. Louis, paddling through its waterways in canoes may be the last thing visitors expect. But Big Muddy Adventures, founded in 2001 by “Muddy” Mike Clark, helps them do just that. This outfitter and tour company takes guests on paddling trips on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and the waterways that wind through the city. “We paddle through parts of St. Louis that you don’t typically see from the water, so there’s a nice dichotomy from the riverfront and natural areas,” said Natalie Rolwes, a guide with Big Muddy Adventures. Trips include everything from short floats on the city’s riverfronts to see its most iconic sights, such as the Gateway Arch, to half-day expeditions on the water surrounding the city. They can even attend multi-day paddling excursions, but the most popular tour lasts four to six hours. North of the city, groups will see the less-inhabited parts of the rivers, including beautiful, uninhabited natural islands, where they can stop to explore or have a meal. On these journeys, they might spot a broad range of the area’s wildlife, from bald eagles to beavers to deer. While the active nature of the tours may seem daunting to some groups, that’s part of the appeal. Roo Yawitz, the current owner of Big Muddy Adventures, said these tours are enjoyable because they involve “getting people outside and being active while also stepping outside of their comfort zone.”

Courtesy Tybee Beach Ecology Trips

V I E W I N G T H E S T. LO U IS A RCH F ROM A C A N OE

2MUDDY.COM

Appalachian GhostWalks Lantern-Led Tours JON E SB OROU GH, TE N N E SSE E

keptics and believers alike will be delighted by Appalachian GhostWalks’ lantern-led tours of Jonesborough, Tennessee. Founded 20 years ago, this tour company leads guests through many cities within the Appalachian region, entertaining them with tales of the paranormal. Jonesborough is Tennessee’s oldCourtesy Big Muddy Adventures

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C A M PI N G A LON G M IS S OU R I ’S WAT ER WAYS

Courtesy Big Muddy Adventures

est city, dating back to 1779. It’s also considered one of the most haunted towns in America. Lantern-led walking tours of the town will take groups to some of its oldest sites, such as the Chester Inn, built in 1797, which operates as a museum today. Tour guides will lead groups of up to 30 around town to give them the history of the buildings and their past residents, as well as stories of alleged hauntings. These tours last roughly three hours, and no two tours are just alike thanks to the countless tales of hauntings in Jonesborough. “Not only can you count on a good storytelling performance, but you also get the real history of the town,” said Stacey Allen McGee, executive director of Appalachian GhostWalks. Far from being macabre or frightening, McGee said these tours reinforce principles of faith and positivity about the afterlife. But that’s not to say these tours are entirely tame. McGee said skeptics sometimes come away with new things to think about after experiencing the unexplainable, from seeing shades being pulled back in unoccupied buildings to hearing disembodied voices. Daring guests will also have opportunities to try their hand at spirit photography. However, even for staunch skeptics, the stories told on these tours are entertaining. “Ghost stories are about the human experience and who we are,” McGee said. “That’s why people are compelled to come and listen to us.” APPALACHIANGHOSTWALKS.COM

“Ghost stories are about the human experience and who we are. That’s why people are compelled to come and listen to us.” — STACEY ALLEN MCGEE, APPALACHIAN GHOST WALKS

A TO U R W I T H A PPA L ACH I A N G HOS T WA L K S

Courtesy Appalachian GhostWalks

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Inlet Point Plantation Stables N O RT H M Y RTL E B E AC H , S O UTH C A ROLIN A

lenty of groups have waded through the surf at Myrtle Beach, but few have explored these breathtaking beaches on horseback. At Inlet Point Plantation Stables, groups get this opportunity, as well as the chance to see the area’s pristine landscape and hear about its storied past. Inlet Point Plantation, a historic plantation in North Myrtle Beach, has a long history involving several famous outlaws and rebels. Once the home of the Confederate Fort Randall, the plantation has ties to both the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. Legend has it the plantation was once host to Billy the Kid and that Blackbeard once stopped on Waites Island, a 1,400-acre private island adjacent to the plantation that straddles the state line between the Carolinas. Groups will hear about all this and more on a horseback tour of the plantation and its surrounding area.

A N A ER I A L V I E W OF A HORS EB ACK TO U R

Photos courtesy Destination North Myrtle Beach

E X PLOR I N G T H E WA I T E S IS L A N D B E ACH E S

Opened in the 1990s, the stables now have about 50 horses, including Tennessee Walkers, Appaloosas and Belgians. Each is well-trained and can be matched with groups based on temperament and riding experience. Groups can pick among a couple private tours on two trails, the one-hour intracoastal waterway trail or the twohour beach ride. The waterway trail is mostly shaded and takes groups through the plantation’s wooded trails and pecan groves and along the water. The beach ride takes groups across a bridge onto Waites Island to ride near the water. Tours can be during the day or at sunset for an even more gorgeous beach ride. Both trails offer the potential to spot wildlife, from a variety of birds to deer and even the occasional bear.

CORBIN LOVES COMPANY Surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Corbin is located in the outdoor adventure mecca of Kentucky, and is the perfect destination for your next group tour. Conveniently located off of I-75 at exit 25 by the shores of the beautiful and pristine Laurel Lake, Corbin is home to the Cumberland Falls, Daniel Boone National Forest, the Original KFC, Sanders Park, and the 7,000 seat Corbin Arena which hosts a variety of entertainment and different shows. Corbin is home to a host of locally owned restaurants who can accommodate large groups and satisfy any pallet. Whether you enjoy history, outdoor adventure or shopping and culinary treats, Corbin, KY can offer a variety of itineraries for your group! We cannot wait to see you … Corbin Loves Company!

INLETPOINTPLANTATION.COM

corbinkytourism.com 606-528-8860

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signature

Events Charleston Sternwheel Regatta C H A RL E STO N, W E ST V I RG I NI A

Courtesy Charleston Sternwheel Regatta

Ozark Bike Guides

t just 13 years old, Nelson Jones had an idea: Could his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, hold a sternwheeler boat race? He broached the question to a family friend who worked in the mayor’s office, and that friend encouraged him to pitch the idea directly to the mayor. He did, and in 1971, the city launched the first Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, and thousands of people showed up to watch the beautiful historic boats sail up the Kanawha River. That event grew into a beloved Charleston tradition. Today, the regatta takes place over four summer days (June 30–July 3 this year). It still features a parade of sternwheelers on the river, of course, but has grown to encompass a variety of other festivities throughout downtown. Attendees can enjoy a carnival, a skate park exhibition, a beer festival, fireworks and music from nationally known performers. This year’s lineup includes Jo Dee Messina, Katie Boytek, Flo Rida and Better Than Ezra.

BE NTO NV I L L E , A RK A NS A S

charlestonregatta.com

ounded in early 2020 by Alex Martens, owner and head guide, Ozark Bike Guides began to accommodate a growing interest in biking in northwestern Arkansas. Martens was managing a retail shop and saw a need for guided tours of the breathtaking trails surrounding Bentonville. Now he and several other guides take groups of up to 20 onto the trails, with one guide per six guests. While the vast forests of the Ozarks are a beautiful backdrop to these tours, groups can see far more than rock bluffs, trees, waterfalls and wildlife. They’ll also come across historic sites, artwork along the trails and may even get to visit a coffee shop in the middle off the woods that is only accessible by bike. There are even city tours of Bentonville on paved bike trails, as well as gravel bike tours. Ozark Bike Guides can help group leaders choose the right trail to accommodate bikers of any skill level. They can even work with groups over multiple days to take them to explore new trails each day during their stay in Bentonville. “There’s so much terrain to ride, you won’t get it all in in one day or one week,” Martens said. “A guide service will make sure you’ll see the trails that are fun and appropriate for you, and that you don’t waste time trying to get to stuff.” There’s no shortage of bike rental shops in town or near the trailheads. For groups with beginners or travelers who are looking for a less strenuous tours, e-bikes are allowed and even encouraged on these tours. Groups should dress in weather-appropriate athletic clothing and with close-toed shoes.

A BIKE TR AIL PHOTO - OP

Courtesy Ozark Bike Guides

OZARKBIKEGUIDES.COM

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UNITE YOUR CREW ON THE USS YORKTOWN

PLAN YOUR GROUP’S VISIT: Call (843) 881-5976 or email groupsales@patriotspoint.org. For more information, visit patriotspoint.org/groups

USS Yorktown | USS Laffey | Vietnam Experience | 26 Military Aircraft

Three National Parks One Incredible Destination

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine B ECK LE Y, W E ST VIRGINIA

ne of the lesser-explored histories in the South is that of the Appalachian coal miners, who lived their lives surrounded by the beauty of the ancient mountain range. These men lived whole lives in coal company camps and towns, working deep within the mountain and raising their families among the company stores, schools and churches. It’s a history worth learning, and there’s no better way to do that than with a tour at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, West Virginia. The crown jewel of a visit to the mine is the Underground Tour, which takes groups 1,500 feet inside the mountain for a 30-minute tour. Groups of up to 30 can ride on a conveyance called a mantrip, which used to transport coal miners. The six-foot-high, 12-foot-wide passages in the mountain are lined with exhibits. Tours are led by retired coal miners, who tell groups about the practices of mining, working conditions, and the daily lives of the miners and their families.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

A N U N DERG RO U N D TO U R AT T H E B ECK L E Y E X H I B I T ION COA L M I N E

Wright Brothers National Memorial

To learn more about our National Parks itinerary and other awesome group adventures, contact Lorrie Love; love@outerbanks.org or 877-629-4386

The Outer Banks OF NORTH CAROLINA

outerbanks.org

Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

TOUR

BIGGER

ArkEncounter.com/groups Williamstown, KY (south of Cincinnati) An attraction of Answers in Genesis

“They’re not just actors reciting a script; each tour guide gives a slightly different tour because he often relates to his own experiences,” said Leslie Baker, director of operations at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. “We stay true to our heritage and culture.” In addition to the Underground Tour, there’s a coal camp, including a company store, which doubles as a museum with authentic artifacts and antiques from the early 20th century. There’s also a shanty, a one-room schoolhouse and a miner’s house for groups to explore. Docents are located in the museum and throughout the property, and they also have a history with coal; many are the wives or kin of former coal miners. “Everybody is there to lend their very authentic voices to the experience,” Baker said.

Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

A COA L C A M P B U I L DI N G AT T H E B ECK L E Y E X H I B I T ION COA L M I N E

BECKLEY.ORG

A Destination that Delivers

GRACIA PINZINO

Group Sales/Services Manager gpinzino@stjomo.com 816-233-6688

Where the Pony Express began, your unforgettable journey awaits Immerse yourself in the rich history of St. Joseph, Missouri, where the legendary Pony Express was born. Walk in the footsteps of brave riders and explore our beautifully preserved architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene.

START YOUR JOURNEY AT STJOMO.COM!

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Sand, sea and a whole lot of history in Virginia Beach BY VICKIE MITCHELL

and and sea draw visitors to Virginia Beach, but a long list of attractions keep them there, says Jim Coggin, tourism sales manager with Visit Virginia Beach. “People come for the beach, the ocean and our boardwalk, but there is so much more,” he says. “You could stay a month and not hit every attraction.”

Memorable and Maritime

Historic sites alone can fill several days, and a number of them are waterfront, including the scenic Cape Henry Lighthouses, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The older of the two, built in 1792, was the nation’s first federally funded public works project (approved by George Washington; overseen by Alexander Hamilton). Those who climb its 191 steps are rewarded with 360-degree views; down below are guided tours and a well-stocked gift shop. Across the road, the 1881 Cape Henry Lighthouse remains in service and is not open to the public. Also worth a stop nearby is First Landing Cross, a monument that marks the Jamestown settlers’ landing in 1607. Despite the many lighthouses, shipwrecks along the Atlantic seaboard were common, so “surf men” were stationed

up and down the coast to save lives. Their important work is celebrated at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum just off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The museum is housed in one of the cottages where surf men lived and worked. Surrounded by modern hotels and shops, the museum seems small, but its collection—like the men who did this difficult work—is mighty and fascinating.

Patriotic

At the Military Aviation Museum, saving lives—as well as the fate of the world during several key points in history—is a focus. Its more than 60 aircraft make up one of the world’s largest collections of flyable World War I and II aircraft. Prearranged tours, led by military veterans, are highly recommended. “The museum does a wonderful job telling the human stories of the men and women and their connection to the aircraft,” says Coggin. Other options include private air shows and lunch or dinner in a hangar with entertainment by the Doorway Singers, known for their USO tribute shows. Tour operators can also buy a flight aboard a World War II plane and award the flight to a tour guest.

Wellness

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment) can be a peaceful and fulfilling way to end a visit to Virginia Beach. Cayce was an early 20th-century psychic whose readings on health and well-being amassed quite a following. A.R.E.’s library includes his 14,000 readings and 80,000 volumes he collected on subjects such as holistic health, ancient civilizations, metaphysics and comparative religious studies. Talks on holistic health and other topics can be arranged, and small groups could also carve out time for massages or other treatments at A.R.E.’s health center and spa. A gift shop sells Cayce healthcare products, gemstones, crystals, Tarot cards, candles, essential oils and other gifts. Given its beachside location, A.R.E. is also a reminder of how the beach and Virginia Beach’s many backstories blend.

visitvirginiabeach.com/group-tour FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: JIM COGGIN TOURISM SALES MANAGER 757-385-6642 JCOGGIN@VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Hearts

and Hands H A N D - CR A FTED GIFTS

Travelers revere Southern craftsmanship

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BY CYNTHIA BARNES

usical instruments, cookware, leather goods, paintings — there’s just something special about handmade objects. Products of a region’s culture and creativity are more than mere souvenirs. They’re a tangible, one-of-a-kind reflection of both the place and the person who created them. Whether purchasing for yourself or as a gift, handmade products are also likely to be crafted with pride and of higher quality both in workmanship and materials. Many crafts are also examples of arts and techniques that are otherwise in danger of being lost to mass production. And purchasing directly from makers supports their livelihood as artists. Here are some can’t-miss Southern destinations where your groups can meet artisans and bring home meaningful mementos.

Kentucky Artisan Center B E RE A, K E N TU CK Y

E BEL LUERS E ROOM TTRHAV C A N FAT INT DH E A M ER IC AFN WON DER U LJA HZZ ANM D -US CREU A FMT ED E SETOF HE W L EGACY OF L IAVDE E ICON T EM T SI, NSUOM H ICH A R E M M US N K ATNASRATSISCI T ,YAT ’S 1T8HTEH BY R EICS IIDEN TS N DT UCK V I N EY JA R IC T. KAEN A RZZ T ISDIS A NTCEN T ER .

erea College was founded by abolitionists in 1855 to serve needy students from the Appalachian Mountains. The city of Berea is now Kentucky’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital, supporting and showcasing the work of artists who call Kentucky “home.” This arts heritage — including traditional crafts like wood turning, broom-making and ironwork — is celebrated at the Kentucky Artisan Center, where creations from artists throughout the Bluegrass State are on display and available for purchase. “We are Kentucky’s largest retailer of Kentucky-made fine art and craft,” said the center’s executive director, Todd Finley. “We have over 850 Kentucky artisans who make a variety of products, from hand-blown glass to handcrafted wood items. We have blacksmiths, all kinds of metal workers, jewelers, lots of craftsmen in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and they are spread across Kentucky’s entire 120 counties. And we’re happy to put that artwork in front of about 300,000 visitors every year.” The center has 14 motorcoach parking spots and can accommodate several hundred visitors at once.

Courtesy Kentucky Artisan Center

K EN T UCK Y A R T IS A N CEN T ER I N B ER E A

The Artisan Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, including homemade ice cream. Downtown Berea also boasts a walkable old town arts district with numerous galleries, studios, restaurants and boutiques. In College Square, crafts created by Berea College students are also for sale, and a stroll through the sculpture garden in Fee Glade Park offers a quiet and scenic spot for artistic contemplation.

Courtesy Kentucky Artisan Center

KENTUCKYARTISANCENTER.KY.GOV S PI N N I N G YA R N F ROM WOOL AT A N T IQ U E A L L E Y

Antique Alley W E ST M ON ROE , LOU ISIAN A

estled on the banks of the Ouachita River and Bayou DeSiard in north Louisiana, the twin cities of Monroe-West Monroe ooze Delta charm and hospitality, making for a picture-perfect Southern getaway. While the surrounding hardwood forests and marshes are known for duck hunting, the beautifully restored storefronts of West Monroe’s historic downtown, which includes Antique Alley, provide some of the best treasure hunting in the South. “Antique Alley is located in the historic district of downtown West Monroe, and we’re also a cultural district,” said Karen Laban, president of the Antique Alley Merchants Association. “We have more than 80 different businesses with antique stores, boutiques and specialty

“Antique Alley is located in the historic district of downtown West Monroe.” — K AREN LABAN, ANTIQUE ALLEY MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

Courtesy Antique Alley

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shops, and restaurants. We also do downtown gallery crawls and special events. We’re happy to accommodate groups and work with the convention and visitors bureau to be able to plan the best experience.” Don’t miss the eclectic original art and garden at Courtyard on Cotton (which also has an event space for groups). Travelers can pick up locally made lotions, potions, and goats’ milk soaps while browsing Antiques and Treasures Galore, which also has a lovely assortment of artisanal wooden housewares, including charcuterie boards. And pie, divinity and other treats — plus excellent coffee — can be found at Sweet Loves Bakery. Go on a Heron Hunt: Local artists have created 100 heron sculptures that are positioned throughout Ouachita Parish. Heron hunting works up an appetite, and the Delta is known for its catfish. Try the Catfish DeSiard at The Waterfront Grill, which can accommodate up to 50 in its private dining room. Served on a bed of shrimp, this delicious dish features a grilled catfish filet topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, mushrooms, green onions and a crispy layer of parmesan cheese. ANTIQUEALLEYSHOPS.ORG

Lodge Museum of Cast Iron P IT TSB U RG, TE N N E SSE E

T H E WOR L D ’S L A RG E S T C A S T- I RON S K I L L E T AT T H E LODG E M US EU M OF C A S T I RON Photos courtesy Lodge

ou may already have one or more of their wares in your kitchen, but the Lodge Museum of Cast Iron in South Pittsburg is a mustsee on any tour of Tennessee. Opened in 2022, the new museum has rapidly become a destination for cast iron aficionados and lovers of history, food and culture. Visitors can learn how cast iron has been made by the Lodge family since 1896 and explore interactive displays created in partnership with the Southern Foodways Alliance on the culture and versatility of cast iron and Southern food. Vistors can also walk through the foundry process and experience what it’s like to make cast iron — including the chance to operate an electromagnet that collects the ingredients needed to make a skillet. “We have a store in with the museum,” said Angela Stephens, who helps manage the museum. “You can do the store first, but the museum starts off with how it’s made. It shows you the process of what goes in the skillets, how they’re made and how they’re pressed together for their designs, and the heating and the seasoning.

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There’s an area with our founder Joseph Lodge’s history and his journey to Tennessee. We also have a kiosk where people can pick out what recipes they might want, and we’ll send them by email.” Of course, the real draws are the giant skillets. Groups can take pictures with the World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet, which measures more than 18 feet from handle to handle, weighs 14,360 pounds and can reputedly handle 650 eggs. Then they can enjoy breakfast at the Big Bad Breakfast Cafe. LODGECASTIRON.COM/MUSEUM

North Carolina Pottery Center S EAG ROV E , NO RTH C A RO L I NA

N OR T H C A ROL I N A P OT T ERY CEN T ER I N S E AG ROV E

ig into North Carolina, and you will find clay. And nestled in the countryside, one of the largest concentrations of working potters in the country are working that clay into beautiful pieces of decorative and functional art. The quaint coastal town of Seagrove is located in the southeastern part of the state, between New Bern and Wilmington, and is home to the North Carolina Pottery Center.

Courtesy NC Pottery

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Events Double Decker Arts Festival OX FO RD, MI S S I S S I P P I

ince the city of Oxford imported an old double-decker bus from England in 1994, the vehicle has become a sort of symbol for this quirky, artsy college town in Mississippi. A few years later, a group of locals staged some musical performances downtown, and the Double Decker Arts Festival was born. Celebrating its 27th annual edition in 2024, the festival draws crowds of more than 60,000 people to Oxford’s Courthouse Square and will be held April 26-27. Things will kick off on Friday with art demonstrations around the square, followed by headliner entertainment in the evening. On Saturday, festivalgoers can browse work by 100 exhibiting artists and enjoy food from more than 20 local vendors. There’s also a packed program of musicians on Saturday. The musical lineup will be announced in February; past editions have included a mix of country, pop, rock, blues and jazz acts.

doubledeckerfestival.com

Courtesy Double Decker Arts Festival

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Open Daily 9am - 6pm Shop works from over

850 Kentucky-based artists and small businesses

200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403 Learn more at kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

“Our mission here is sharing North Carolina’s clay stories past and present,” said executive director Lindsey Lambert. “We do that so that folks will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the history, heritage and ongoing tradition of pottery-making in North Carolina. That’s really important, because we have hundreds of potters spread across the state. So we try to educate people about them and get them pointed in the direction of those potters; in particular, the local Seagrove area. There are more than 50 different pottery shops and over 100 different potters. We’re one of the highest concentrations of potters in the United States, outside of perhaps the Navajo nation.” In addition to information on the art and gorgeous items for sale, the center does a series of rotating exhibits, including a recent one on the wood-fired potters of the state. (Wood-firing is among the most revered and evocative of all pottery traditions.) There are also classes, workshops and lectures on this unique and precious tradition. In the area surrounding the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” visitors will find vineyards, breweries, cozy inns, museums and, of course, pottery.

CR A F TS M EN ’S G U I L D OF M IS S IS S I PPI I N R I DG EL A N D

Courtesy Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi

NCPOTTERYCENTER.ORG

Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi RIDGE LAN D, MISSISSIPPI

“M

akers with a mission” is the motto of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in regional crafts. The guild has two retail galleries and offers a number of classes taught by master crafters, along with a children’s summer camp that promotes the creative arts. “The craftsmen’s guild has been creating handmade crafts for 50 years as of November,” said executive director Betsy Ross. “We have over 260 participating craftsmen currently who are members of the guild, all of whom make their own crafts. This year we welcome back our magnolia woodturners along with blacksmiths of the Mississippi Forge Council. Potters, weavers — all those folks are making handmade crafts this year.” Nestled off the lovely Natchez Trace Parkway, the 20,000-square-foot Bill Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland features a spacious retail gallery and welcomes groups of all sizes.

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G N I H T E M ! O e S l b O a T r o P Mem

ARGENTA ARTS DISTRICT

Dining - With several local restaurants and brewries in the Argenta Arts district you’re sure to find something you love!

Argenta Arts District

Arts - Multiple art galleries, local theaters, and music venues make Argenta the best place to celebrate your love of the arts.

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Entertainment - With regular events like the Argenta Vibe Music Series and Dogtown Throwdown and seasonal events like Northern Lights Holiday Festival, there is alway something happening!

HISTORIC PARK HILL Edgemont House - A historic Spanish Colonial Revival style home restored by Chris H. Olsen, an award winning home and garden designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. Old Mill - An authentic reproduction of a grist mill, this structure is the only building remaining from Gone With The Wind and the largest collection of art by Dionicio Rodriguez.

ST. JOSEPH CENTER OF ARKANSAS Old Mill

Historic Building Tour - St. Joseph’s served is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the best agritourism locations in central Arkansas, with classes, animals and gardens. Local Farmer’s Market - With a wide selection of locally sourced goods you can bring a piece of Arkansas with you back home.

Edgemont House St. Joseph Center

NORTHLITTLEROCK.ORG

A satellite gallery is located at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, just across the Pearl River from Jackson, the state capital. Shoppers will find everything from traditional crafts like hand-pieced quilts and Choctaw baskets to modern offerings such as fused glass, jewelry and metal sculptures. For a taste of the classic riverboat era, groups will enjoy a meal at Cock of the Walk, overlooking the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, a recreational haven for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding and sailing. MSCRAFTS.ORG

Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery

Courtesy Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery

M OU NTA I N V I E W, A RK A NS A S

A VA S E AT T H E A R K A N S A S CR A F T G U I L D A N D GA L L ERY

he historic town of Mountain View is known as the Folk Music Capital of the World, and its vibrant arts scene is just as renowned. Nestled in the rugged Ozark Mountains and surrounded by rivers, the scenic city is approximately a two-hour drive from Little Rock.

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At the heart of America’s inland waterways, you’ll find a sophisticated rivertown that inspires. Paducah, Kentucky, is a confluence of cultural heritage and creativity where art is a way of life. Celebrating 10 years as a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is a destination for those who crave rich, authentic cultural experiences!

Signature EXPERIENCES Immerse yourself in history, art and culture through unique experiences created exclusively for groups. Plan your experience at Paducah.travel

1-800-PADUCAH

Courtesy Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery

The state’s largest craft cooperative, the Arkansas Craft Guild, is headquartered on Main Street in the historic downtown. Originally founded as the Ozark Foothills Handicraft Guild, the guild’s aim was to provide income in the economically depressed mountain region. “We work on a consignment basis here at the gallery,” said secretary-treasurer Sue Lukens. “And we probably have about 90 of our members who have work in here. It has to be made in Arkansas and has to be original and handmade. So we have pottery and jewelry and lots of wood and art, not just crafts.” Mountain View and the surrounding area offers stunning scenery and a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities. Groups will love the traditional fare and atmosphere at the Skillet Restaurant at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where large windows in the glass-enclosed, natural cedar and stone dining room overlook a butterfly garden, wildlife feeding stations and a water garden, where visitors may spot birds, raccoons, foxes or even a bear.

A R K A N S A S CR A F T G U I L D A N D GA L L ERY I N M O U N TA I N V I E W

ARK ANSASCRAFTGUILD.ORG

THE HUB OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Springdale is your gateway to the Natural State, where family fun and adventure await every explorer. 38

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TOU R P L A NNER EXPLORESPRINGDALE.COM | 1-800-972-7261

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Native Nourishment AGR I T OU R ISM

Homegrown flavors flourish in the South

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BY RACHEL CRICK

ig flavors grow from Southern soil. The South is known for its hearty dishes and an array of signature cuisines. The region’s warm climate is key for producing a diverse bounty of crops, from collard greens to sweet potatoes to peaches, while its mix of cultural heritage has produced distinct farming and culinary techniques. Each state has something new to add to the palette, from tangy barbecue to sweet fruits to spicy Cajun seasoning. Agritourism encounters throughout the Southeast make the connection between the product and the processes behind it, letting visitors experience firsthand the hard work that delivers food from the farm to their forks. On these delightful agritourism experiences, groups will enjoy delicious food with a side of education as they discover the forces at work behind Southern cuisine.

The Market at Pepper Place B IRM IN GHA M , A LABAM A

B EE S COL L EC T N EC TA R A N D P OL L EN F ROM L AV EN DER A S I T B LOOM S AT W H I T E OA K L AV EN DER FA R M .

irmingham is one of the top foodie destinations in the country, and in the heart of the city, groups will find The Market at Pepper Place. First held in the summer of 2000, this market has become a well-loved addition to the city. It grew from just seven tents of vendors to the current crowd of 85 to 120 vendors. The market is the largest producer-only farmers market in Alabama; this means everything sold there must be grown or made in the state. “It’s an easy way to get a diverse snapshot of produce that’s grown and the food that’s made, eaten and enjoyed,” said Leigh Sloss-Corra, executive director of The Market at Pepper Place. “You get a sense of the full diversity and fabric of our culture in one visit.” In addition to the dozens of tents with fresh produce, baked goods and handmade home products, the market has two stages for live music and live cooking demonstrations on weekends from May to October. At these demonstrations, local chefs prepare a quick and tasty meal for an audience of market-goers using ingredients that can be found at the market.

Courtesy White Oak Lavender Farm

“For visitors, it’s an incredible opportunity to have direct contact with the people who are producing the food you’re eating,” Sloss-Corra said. Groups visiting the market can look around on their own or request a tour in advance. The market takes a short break for the holiday season, but otherwise is open on weekends every year, rain or shine. Visiting during the warmer months guarantees a bustling market; on peak weekends, it’s visited by as many as 10,000 people. Parking is free, and groups can also explore the surrounding shops and restaurants.

A V EN DOR ’S W I DE A R R AY OF PRODUCE

PEPPERPLACEMARKET.COM

“For visitors, it’s an incredible opportunity to have direct contact with the people who are producing the food you’re eating.”

Courtesy The Market at Pepper Place

— LEIGH SLOSS - CORR A , THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE

S EL L I N G F LOW ERS AT T H E M A R K E T Courtesy The Market at Pepper Place

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Coastal Tide Excursions B RU N SW ICK , GEORGIA

A PR E S EN TAT ION ON M A R I N E L I F E

T H E L A DY JA N E ’S F IS H I N G N E T

he Lady Jane, a retired commercial shrimping boat, isn’t quite done with its sea voyages yet. For the past 16 summers, it has taken passengers off the Georgia coastline for an educational tour that teaches them about the ecosystem and commercial shrimping. The boat trawls for marine life several times throughout the voyage and brings what’s caught to the surface for passengers to learn about, take pictures of and even touch before releasing it back into the water. “When you’re out on the boat, you’re going to have an opportunity to see and handle and look at things you’d never see unless you were on a shrimp boat,” said Cameron Ako, captain of the Lady Jane. Ako said cruise passengers learn about the importance of the local ecosystem. “A lot of people don’t realize how important Georgia’s coastline is to sustaining sea life from Maine to Florida.” In addition to learning about the marine life and the shrimping industry, groups can request a low country boil to enjoy during their voyage. This traditional meal is a combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, onions and seasoning, boiled together for a mouthwatering, hearty meal that’s a staple of the Southeastern coast. It’s usually served buffet-style as soon as they leave the dock, and groups can also request fruits and vegetables, chips and dips or other appetizers to go with their meal. If they want a cocktail or brew on the water to go with their meal, they can bring their own on board. To make sure groups have plenty of room to enjoy their meal, Ako recommends limiting group size to 3035 passengers. Voyages last about two hours. SHRIMPCRUISE.COM

A COA S TA L T I DE E XCU RS ION S M E A L

Photos courtesy Coastal Tide Excursions

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Chaney’s Dairy Barn B OW LIN G GRE E N , K ENTUC KY MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA

Out-of-this-world Group Tours! Huntsville, Alabama offers group tours lots of exciting options. From art to history, and even outer space, the Rocket City is a fun and unique place for your group tour participants!

1-800-Space-4-U | huntsville.org

vid Food Network watchers may recognize Bowling Green’s Chaney’s Dairy Barn from season two of Guy Fieri’s hit show “All-American Road Trip.” Fieri stopped at the dairy farm for a tour and some farm-fresh ice cream, making it a recognizable culinary stop in Kentucky. The Kentucky dairy farm has evolved to survive and meet consumer demands. Carl Chaney, owner and fourth generation farmer, said his great-great-grandfather began farming the land in 1888. Chaney’s father began milking cows on the farm in 1940, and in 2003, Chaney and his wife decided to add agritourism and ice cream making to the farm’s resume. “The first year we had about 3,500 people who came in for tours, from school tours, motorcoaches, church groups,” said Carl Chaney, owner and fourth-generation farmer of Chaney’s Dairy Barn. “This year we’re going to bring in 15,000-plus.” In 2016, the Chaneys added a robot to do the milking, and groups can now choose from guided and self-guided tours to learn about the technological innovations in the dairy industry. They can begin in a climate-controlled room with bleachers to watch the cows being milked. They’ll watch an informational video and a screen that identifies which cow is being milked. Groups can also go to the overlook, where they can see the cows from a bird’s eye view. “They’re able to see where their milk comes from, and they can follow it from the cow to the cone,” Chaney said. Chaney’s Dairy Barn is still improving its tourism offerings; by June, the farm is slated to add an additional 10,000 square feet, including a designated group-dining space and a viewing area for the ice cream-making process. Chaney’s currently offers 32 ice cream flavors and has a restaurant where groups can grab a bite after their tour. CHANEYSDAIRYBARN.COM

A S COOP OF HOM EM A DE ICE CR E A M AT CH A N E Y ’S DA I RY B A R N

HuntsvilleCVB VisitHuntsvilleAL 44 Go2HuntsvilleAL

Courtesy Chaney’s Dairy Barn

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Events International Cherry Blossom Festival M ACO N, G EO RG I A

n 1949, William Fickling found something surprising in his Macon, Georgia, backyard — a Yoshino cherry tree. While this variety of tree is common in Japan and had been notably imported to the Washington, D.C., area, it was rare in Georgia. Fickling quickly learned to propagate the trees and began planting them around Macon. Today, more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees can be found around the city, and the community celebrates them each spring with the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Since its inception in 1982, the festival has grown to become a powerhouse event. The celebration takes place March 15–24 this year and features not only innumerable pink blooms but also pageants, balls and other revelry. Nationally known musicians perform on both Saturdays of the festival. The 2024 edition will feature country band Parmalee, as well as Bryce Leatherwood, who became famous after winning the television singing competition “The Voice.”

cherryblossom.com

Courtesy Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival

Stay for the fun.

Get Your Beer Cheese Trail Digital Passport!

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V I N E YA R DS AT T ER R AVOX W I N ERY

Courtesy TerraVox Winery

TerraVox Winery K A N SAS CIT Y, M ISSOU RI

orget Cabernet and Bordeaux — have you ever tasted a Cloeta, Wetumka or Albanian? The odds are, you haven’t because these wines are made from grapes indigenous to North America rather than the popular European varietals widely known today. Surprisingly, these interesting varietals can be found in Kansas City, Missouri, at TerraVox Winery. “We specialize in North American varietals,” said Michael Regan, sales and marketing coordinator at TerraVox Winery. “They’re really unique and rare varietals you don’t see a lot around the world. We’re bringing back the varietals that don’t have much of a voice.” Many of these grape species were lost to time and to Prohibition before the winery opened in 1996. It was created to record America’s forgotten grape culture and to bring American grapes back into the wine scene. Owner and proprietor Jerry Eisterhold collected seeds from around the country in a decades-long quest to cultivate a mix of worthy American wines. “We see ourselves as a living museum rather than a standard winery,” Regan said. “Because the grapes here don’t really exist in many other places in the world.” Groups can take a 90-minute tour of this Missouri winery to learn about the life cycle of grapes and the process of winemaking. They’ll be led through the vineyard to see the baby vines and mature vines of any in-season varietals. Then they’ll see the equipment where the grapes are processed, from the crushing and destemming to the aging and storing. Tours can be followed by tastings in the winery’s tasting room, overlooking the vineyard. Groups can try a flight of wine to round out their immersive winery tour. TERRAVOX.WINE

with a capital S. Baton Rouge isn’t just another Louisiana city, we’re Louisiana’s Capital City. It’s where soul and spirit collide, resulting in a music scene that’s so much more than music – it’s an authentic look at life in Louisiana.

Catch a show at VisitBatonRouge.com

Jeter Mountain Farm HE N D E RS O NV I L L E , NO RTH C AROLIN A

icking apples surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains is an experience worthy of every autumn bucket list. At Jeter Mountain Farm, groups can check that off and more. On 400 acres outside of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Jeter Mountain Farm is more than just an apple orchard — it’s an experience. “Our orchard is just a little bit different,” said Kelsey Hunsader of Jeter Mountain Farm. “You get to come to the farm, start with a coffee, head out to the fields for you-pick, come back for lunch and cider, then end the day shopping.” The farm is open each July through October, and each month brings a varied and bountiful harvest. Blueberries, flowers, blackberries and peaches can be found in July, while a variety of apples begin to ripen in August and the remaining months. Groups can ride to the fields in a tractor-pulled wagon to pick whatever’s in season before returning to enjoy the farm’s other amenities.

A T R AC TOR R I DE TO T H E ORCH A R D Photos courtesy Jeter Mountain Farm

J E T ER M O U N TA I N FA R M ’S H A R D CI DER

The farm’s food truck, 1813 Smokehouse, serves pulled pork — smoked for 20 hours at the farm — enhanced by a secret family barbecue sauce recipe made with apples and honey from the farm. Groups can enjoy their lunch with some traditional Southern sides and a pint of hard cider made fresh at the farm’s Hard Cider Taproom. The taproom produces six hard ciders made from the farm’s apples, and groups can even watch it being made. For a sweet treat and a pick-me-up, the farm’s bakery serves warm apple cider doughnuts and hand pies, and the coffee house offers hot and iced drinks made with locally roasted coffee beans. To add to their bounty, groups can head to the farm’s 6,000-square-foot market for a souvenir such as baking mixes, apple butter or candles. Visitors should be mindful of the farm’s hours, which change seasonally.

sT Y sH P

Call us at 504-617-1006 or go to VisitKenner.us for more information.

JETERMOUNTAINFARM.COM

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Coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast makes putting your phone on silent easy. Amusement parks, sports events, historical museums, national parks, and so much more. The fun never ends. So, it’s a no-brainer. Take the plunge, join us here on the Coast and have some fun for fun’s sake. Start planning your adventure today at coastalmississippi.com.

F I EL DS OF L AV EN DER AT W H I T E OA K L AV EN DER FA R M

White Oak Lavender Farm HA RRISON B U RG, VIRGINIA

Courtesy White Oak Lavender Farm

here are few sights or smells as lovely as a lavender field in bloom. These rows of purple flowers also produce culinary delights, as the powers of lavender are increasingly being recognized in the kitchen. But one of lavender’s greatest benefits is its ability to soothe anxiety and calm the body. That’s what makes White Oak Lavender Farm in Harrisonburg, Virginia, one of the best destinations for groups. “We consider ourselves a destination venue for visitors to our area,” said Julie Haushalter, CEO of White Oak Lavender Farm. “It’s been our mission to help reduce stress and encourage healthy practices.” Opened in 2008, the farm has an ever-growing list of ways to use lavender, from culinary to medicinal. Farm tours are available during the summer on weekends; and during June, July and September, when the lavender is blooming, groups can pick it themselves. They can walk through the farm’s gardens, which have QR codes for educational tidbits about the farm’s processes. Here, they’ll learn about the drying barn, the lavender distilling process and the farm’s history. The property also includes the Purple Wolf Vineyard, which opened in 2015 and produces 12 still and two sparkling wines. Tastings are available as an add-on to farm tours; groups can sample wines, wine slushies, draft beer or the farm’s hard ciders. Other add-ons include animal encounters, where groups can visit the farm’s goats, sheep and miniature horses. Groups can take classes on topics ranging from winemaking to making lavender lemonade. They can round out a visit with a trip to the farm’s gift shop, which sells over 100 products made from the farm’s lavender, including coffee, cookies, jams and spices. WHITEOAKLAVENDER.COM

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Get away from it all to

Kentucky State Parks

Whether for 20 or 400, we will help you find the perfect environment. Take advantage of knowledgeable interpreters at one of our 17 state resort parks for a personalized tour or hike during your visit to discover what makes Kentucky so unforgettable.

Speak to a group sales professional to learn more about Kentucky State Park opportunities: paige.thompson@ky.gov or call 502-892-3343. parks.ky.gov/meetings-weddings #kystateparks

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Eclectic Cultures

E T H N IC H E R I TAG E

The Southeast embraces many worlds

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BY CYNTHIA BARNES

he South’s ethnic heritage is as diverse as its geography. Just as the land encompasses the oldest mountains on the continent and the vast alluvial lowlands of the Mississippi Delta, so too are its people filled with a similar rich diversity. From the indigenous tribes that first populated the country to the waves of successive immigrants, the South still pulses with an eclectic mix of cultures. Here are six places throughout the region where visitors can interact and engage with its rich ethnic history.

Chahta Immi Cultural Center P HILADE LP HIA, M ISSISSIP P I

G RO U PS C A N L E A R N A B O U T T H E S IG N I F IC A N CE OF R EL IG ION I N G U L L A H CU LT U R E AT H IS TOR IC CH U RCH E S I N H I LTON H E A D.

egend has it that the Choctaw people emerged from the “Mother Mound,” a flattopped earthen platform called Nanih Waiya. Located about 15 miles northeast of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Nanih Waiya, which means “leaning hill,” is 25 feet high, 618 feet long and 140 feet wide. It is the heart of what was once the wealthy and powerful Choctaw Nation, which stretched across the central southern United States from western Alabama through Mississippi and into Louisiana. The Choctaw were the first nation to be forcibly removed westward along the Trail of Tears, and the majority still live in Oklahoma. In 1945, those who had refused to leave, facing decades of intimidation and retaliation, formed the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the only federally recognized American Indian tribe in Mississippi. Today, the Mississippi reservation consists of about 10,000 people living in eight communities on roughly 35,000 acres. The history and heritage of the proud nation are on display in Philadelphia, at the Chahta Immi Cultural Center. “‘Chahta’ means ‘Choctaw,’ and ‘immi’ means ‘life ways,’” said Martha Spencer, the center’s coordinator. “The cultural center was developed to showcase and provide cultural education through our exhibits on the Choctaw art forms. We have a multimedia presentation and a historical timeline that goes from prehistory all the way up to today.”

Courtesy Visit Hilton Head

Historically, the Choctaw were famed for tempered clay pottery, often polished and etched with designs, along with intricate woven basketry, beadwork, dolls, drums and quilting. Opened in 2013, the center has displays as well as workshops focusing on Choctaw art forms including crafts, dancing and music. The center can accommodate up to 100 visitors, and private tours are available. CHOCTAW.ORG

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

A CH A H TA I M M I CU LT U R A L CEN T ER GA L L ERY

RICHM ON D, VIRGIN IA

Photos courtesy Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

A B A S K E T- W E AV I N G DEM ON S T R AT ION AT CH A H TA I M M I CU LT U R A L CEN T ER

n August 1619, Virginia’s first Africans landed at Point Comfort, on the southern tip of the Virginia peninsula, aboard the English ship White Lion. About 20 people were sold, with some transported to Jamestown to be sold again. The story of these individuals and the Black people who came after them is illustrated in the state’s capital at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA). The castle-like structure, built by Black craftsmen in 1885 to house the arms of a Black militia unit, is the oldest armory in Virginia. Near the entrance, a life-size statue of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Howard Lee Baugh greets visitors.

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Events Baton Rouge Blues Festival BATON RO U G E , LO UI S I A NA

hough other Southern destinations get most of the headlines related to blues music, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made its own signature contribution to the genre with the development of the “swamp blues.” This movement emerged in the city in the 1950s thanks to a Baton Rouge record producer who distributed work of local artists to influencers in Nashville and, eventually, around the world. Today, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival promotes, preserves and advances the swamp blues music and culture indigenous to the city. The festival originated in 1981 and was first held on the campus of Southern University, Baton Rouge’s historically Black college. Today, the free festival takes place over a long weekend (April 19–21 this year) in venues downtown. Local blues musicians, as well as nationally known headliners, perform on multiple stages, and the music is accompanied by vendors, artists, kids activities and other festivities.

brblues.org

Courtesy Baton Rouge Blues Festival

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B L ACK H IS TORY M US EU M A N D CU LT U R A L CEN T ER OF V I RG I N I A

“We were founded in 1981 and focus on the stories that inspire, by telling untold stories of African American history,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of BHMVA. On the ground floor, the museum’s permanent interactive digital displays trace the history of Black people in America from slavery through the Civil Rights era. In the café, visitors will find a mock-up of the lunch counter where the “Richmond 34” — Black students from Virginia Union University — were arrested after a 1960 sit-in protest against the “whites-only” policy. Upstairs, a series of rotating exhibits are on display. “Our current temporary exhibit is art-based,” said Warren. “‘The Art of Freedom II’ focuses on what freedom means to Virginia-born and raised artists. So you can see a visual expression of what freedom means to our selected artists.” The BHMVA is self-guided; but when arranged in advance, guided tours for groups of up to 50 are available. BLACKHISTORYMUSEUM.ORG

Courtesy Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

Deutschheim State Historic Site HE RM A N N , M ISSOU RI

DEU TS CH H EI M S TAT E H IS TOR IC S I T E

he rolling hills at the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri rivers reminded scouts from the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia of the Rhine Valley, prompting them to choose 11,000 acres at the spot for a new city in the “Far West” that could and would be “German in every particular” and named “Hermann” in honor of Hermann der Cherusker, a Germanic leader who defeated three Roman legions in 9 A.D. The first 17 settlers, including women and children, arrived in December 1837, fighting to make a home in the harsh and hilly wilderness. Hundreds of German tradespeople, artisans and farmers soon followed. By 1842, Hermann became the county seat of Gasconade, and five years later, Michael Poeschel opened Hermann’s first commercial winery on a hill overlooking the town. By 1900, Stone Hill Winery was the second largest in the country, earning gold medals at World’s Fair wine competitions around the globe. Tourists flocked from St. Louis by steamboat and train to enjoy the town’s wines and Old World ambiance.

Courtesy MO Dept. of Natural Resources

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M OS A IC T EM PL A RS CU LT U R A L CEN T ER

Anti-German sentiment during World War I — and then Prohibition — plunged the city into an economic depression, but the wine industry began reviving in the 1960s. Today, an area of five blocks from the Missouri River to Fifth Street is designated as a national historic district comprising 360 buildings that were established between 1838 and 1910. The oldest of these buildings can be toured at the Deutschheim State Historic Site located at 109 West Second St. This site includes the 1848 Pommer-Gentner House and the 1845 Strehly House. “The Pommer family made piano fortes, violins and guitars,” said site supervisor Lori Cody. “They had a lot of money and a strong business in Philadelphia. But they wanted to become a part of this community. “In the Strehly House, they printed the first German newspaper west of the Mississippi. Eduard Muehl was the editor and was known for his anti-slavery views. He serialized ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ and anticipated the divisive effect of slavery on national life. And so he was predicting the Civil War 10 years before it actually happened.”

By Kirk Jones, courtesy Division of Arkansas Heritage

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center LIT TLE ROC K, AR K ANSAS

he Mosaic Templars of America was an independent African American fraternal organization founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1883 to provide mutual aid to the Black community. This included offering illness, death and burial insurance to African Americans at a time when white insurers refused to treat Black customers equally. Later, those services expanded to include a building and loan association, a state hospital and nursing school, and a newspaper. The four-story neoclassical National Grand Temple was to be the home of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, but a 2005 fire destroyed the grand downtown landmark. A new building was constructed on the site and opened in 2008. The center presents exhibits interpreting Arkansas’ Black history from 1870 to the present and just reopened after a $3.5 million renovation of the gallery space. “Our mission is to preserve, interpret and celebrate Arkansas’ African American history,” said Brian Rogers, adult education interpretive specialist at the center. “This museum matters. African American history and Arkansas history are intertwined. They’re two sides of the same coin. And in order to get a full understanding of Arkansas history and American history, you have to know African American history, as well.” Permanent exhibits include the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, a 360-degree theater with a video showcasing the Black experience in Arkansas, and City Within a City, highlighting the West Ninth Street business district, which served the needs of the Black community.

MOSTATEPARKS.COM

Frankfort is #KentuckyDistilled

ARK ANSASHERITAGE.COM/ MOSAIC -TEMPLARS CULTURAL - CENTER 300 Saint Clair St., Suite 102 Frankfort, KY 40601

@VisitFrankfortKY

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Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park LAFAYE T TE , LOU ISIA N A

he Attakapas were the earliest residents of the great coastal plain stretching north from the Gulf of Mexico. They were joined by Cajuns — French Canadians driven by the British from the captured French colony of Acadia (now Nova Scotia) — who settled there in 1763. The French called their settlement Vermilionville, after the bayou that runs through it, but renamed it to honor General Lafayette in 1884. Seven original area homes dating from circa 1790 to 1880, along with several reproductions of period buildings, make up Vermilionville, a 23-acre historic park along the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. The village illustrates Acadian, Creole, African American and Native American cultures in the region from the 16th and 17th centuries. “Everything about Cajun culture and its love of life — that joie de vivre — can be found at Vermilion,” said Charlie Whinham, public information officer with the Louisiana Office of Tourism. “It’s a wonderful living museum. You can take a guided tour, you can learn how to cook like a Cajun, you can get some dance lessons — all along with learning some wonderful history and a bit more about Cajun life.” Costumed artisans demonstrate traditional arts, including spinning, weaving and fiddle playing. In the Healer’s Garden, visitors can see, smell and touch a collection of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes for more than two centuries. Kayak and canoe rentals are available to explore the paddle trails along Bayou Vermilion. In the cafe, diners can feast on local dishes such as catfish courtbouillon and jambalaya. BAYOUVERMILIONDISTRICT.ORG/VERMILIONVILLE

Photos courtesy Explore Louisiana

A H IS TOR IC B U I L DI N G (TOP) A N D AU T H EN T IC C A J U N FOOD (B OT TOM) AT V ER M I L ION V I L L E L I V I N G H IS TORY M US EU M A N D FOL K L I F E PA R K

Gullah Heritage Trail Tours HI LTO N H E A D, S O U TH C A RO L I N A

outh Carolina’s Lowcountry and Sea Islands have been home to the Gullah people for more than three centuries, beginning when enslaved Africans, primarily from West Africa, were forcibly transported to work on the region’s rice, indigo and cotton plantations. They created the only distinctly African creole language in the U.S. and had a powerful influence on traditional Southern vocabulary and cuisine. (If you’ve ever had fried okra or shrimp and grits, you’ve enjoyed Gullah food.) Due to their relative isolation, the Gullah people have been able to sustain their distinctive culture, arts, crafts, foodways, music and language into the present day. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours takes visitors beyond the glitz and golf of Hilton Head to explore the history

H IS TOR IC S I T E S ON S O U T H C A ROL I N A’S G U L L A H H ER I TAG E T R A I L Courtesy Visit Hilton Head

Courtesy Heritage Library

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History is more than a timeline—it is a thread woven through all of our lives. Pick up that thread at the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Explore and experience the moments, movements, and milestones that continue to shape our world. Plan your visit today at twomississippimuseums.com.

A G RO U P E X PLOR AT ION W I T H G U L L A H H ER I TAG E TOU RS Courtesy Gullah Heritage Tours

and culture of the descendants of those first Africans. The Campbell family are “binyas,” natives of the island with a long island ancestry. (Nonnatives and newcomers are referred to as “cumyahs.”) They have operated Gullah Heritage Trail Tours since 1996. It’s truly a family affair, with Campbells of all ages acting as ticket takers, bus drivers, tour guides and marketing specialists. “We take people around the old neighborhoods on Hilton Head,” said manager Irvin Campbell. “And we tell them about how we live or how we grew up in these neighborhoods. We share the culture with visitors. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour tour on a bus narrated by us, we who grew up here. And so it’s an authentic tour, and we’re getting great reviews.” Stops along the tour include the tabby ruins at the historic Baynard Plantation, the old Debarkation Point (before the bridge connected Hilton Head to the mainland), a one-room schoolhouse and historic Gullah family compounds. GULLAHERITAGE.COM

Georgetown, Kentucky

Georgetown, the heart of Kentucky’s horse scene, offers pure small town charm, history and horse-centric fun including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, & plenty of horsepower at Toyota’s largest facility in the world. It’s the ultimate spot for groups wanting to ride into Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. Nearby attractions: Ark Encounter, Creation Museum & Keeneland

Plan your groups getaway at

www.georgetownky.com/groups | 844.863.8600 20 24 S O UT HEAST TOU RI SM SOCI ET Y TOU R P L A NNER 19 hotels + over 80 Restaurants Right Off 64 + 75 INTERSTATE

INTERSTATE

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We’re shaped by water, and after a visit, your group will be too. Contact us at Groups@CrystalCoastNC.org or 888-891-0021 to plan your trip today. CrystalCoastNC.org

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

A Southern

Season S O U T H E R N H O L I DAYS

Celebrate the holidays in these magnificent settings

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BY KATI HYER

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … Well, the halls may not be decked with boughs of anything at this very moment, but when travel planners dream up ideal trips for November and December, they find plenty of holiday fun in the Southeast. From the Gulf Coast to Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, the destinations on this shortlist will help groups celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in spectacular ways.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill HA RRODSB U RG, K E N TU CK Y

EL EGA N T DECOR AT ION S A N D DIS T I N C T I V E H IS TOR IC A RCH I T EC T U R E COM E TOG E T H ER DU R I N G T H E HOL I DAYS AT S H A K ER V I L L AG E OF PL E A S A N T H I L L .

n Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, peacefulness is a tangible gift to visiting groups. The Harrodsburg, Kentucky, site preserves one of the nation’s largest Shaker settlements. And come December, it becomes a beautiful, holiday village. “Sitting around the fire, singing carols together, being among the beautiful historic buildings here, walking around the scenic landscape — it’s a balm for the soul,” said Bill Rankin, vice president of public programming and marketing. With natural greenery gracing the ledges, red ribbons festooning the fences and luminaries glowing in the windows, the village becomes just the right backdrop to get in the mood of the season. Groups can familiarize themselves with the Shaker way of preparing for Christmas through hands-on activities like creating greenery decorations, making reed stars or taking cookie decorating classes. Illuminated Evenings are the programmatic star on the village’s metaphorical Christmas tree. “When you come to an Illuminated Evening, and you have your hot cider or chocolate and you’re listening to a choir in the 1820 meeting house, walking out by the firepits and roasting marshmallows, taking a candlelit walk as you learn a little bit about how the Shakers celebrated Christmas in these huge historic homes, and culminating in caroling around our Christmas tree out on the lawn, I can’t think of a more family-friendly setting that I have ever been to for the holiday season,” Rankin said. SHAKERVILLAGEKY.ORG

Courtesy Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens M OB ILE , ALA BA M A

alter Bellingrath purchased a fishing camp to relax, per his doctor’s orders, in 1917. That property would develop over the course of his lifetime into the Bellingrath Gardens and Home and its Magic Christmas in Lights, one of Mobile’s local treasures and now a Southern Christmas destination illuminated in 3 million LED lights.. “It really gets you excited for the holidays,” said Bellingrath’s Cassidy Smith. “The combination of the gardens and the holidays brings so much joy to your heart and makes you feel like a little kid.“ Magic Christmas in Lights, from late November to early January, consistently rated one of the South’s best botanical light displays, is a walking tour that takes about an hour to complete. Plan to arrive midday to see the property’s sprawling gardens and the exterior of the estate in the daylight. Tour guides will educate groups on the Bellingrath family as they explore the property. Plus, one of the guides on staff is the grandson of Mr. Bellingrath’s physician. “He’s a walking encyclopedia and actually won best local historian in Mobile this year,” Smith said. “I had a ton of people telling me how it was a beautiful experience and they had so much fun,” Smith said. “People spend their anniversaries here and get engaged here. It really is a ‘fun for all’ kind of experience. Kids can run around and wear off their energy; adults can relax and take a stroll. If you’re a nature enthusiast you get the best of both worlds. If you just love the holidays, it’s a great thing to do outdoors.”

H IS TOR IC DECOR AT K EN T UCK Y ’S S H A K ER V I L L AG E OF PL E A S A N T H I L L

Courtesy Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

BELLINGRATH.ORG

Oglebay Resort’s Festival of Lights W HE E LIN G, W E ST VIRGIN IA

M AG IC CH R IS T M A S I N L IG H TS AT B EL L I N G R AT H GA R DEN S I N M OB I L E

n hour southwest of Pittsburgh — yet still south of the Mason-Dixon line — is Wheeling, West Virginia, home to a much-loved Festival of Lights at the Oglebay Resort. Here the holiday season is welcomed earlier than any other destination on this list. Its Festival of Lights begins in early November and spans a full two months. This municipal park is a state jewel spanning 2,000 acres and packs in all the quintessential light-show attractions in one evening. Groups can explore the entire property via this sixmile drive-through light show. For a fun group experience,

By Justin Hartley, courtesy Bellingrath Gardens

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park the motorcoach and ride the resort’s trolley instead. The route meanders through the park, starting with two dozen light features in Oglebay’s Good Zoo. Hop off at one of the zoo stops to enjoy photos with Santa, a laser light show or a ride on the Winter Express. Deeper into the zoo is a winter carnival built for the more adventurous. This attraction features an ice rink, a climbing wall and other activities like a decorated tree trail. Hop back on the trolley to view the light features on Schenk Lake, where synchronized music and lights are on full display. After all, what’s a light display without the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Led Zeppelin? The fun for all ages continues at the Wilson Lodge, where another dozen dazzling light features and activities like Christmas movies, elf scavenger hunts, character performances take place. OGLEBAY.COM/LIGHTS

F E S T I VA L OF L IG H TS AT OG L EB AY R E S OR T I N W E S T V I RG I N I A Courtesy West Virginia Department of Tourism

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Natchitoches Christmas Festival N ATCHITOCHE S, LOU ISIAN A

ouisiana’s oldest settlement is not only the location where the hit movie “Steel Magnolias” was shot, but it’s also home to one of America’s earliest and most treasured holiday light displays. “The annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival is one of the oldest holiday celebrations in the country,” said Arlene Gould, executive director of the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. The festival dates back to the invention of the two-watt lightbulb and a set piece welded by a city worker. The set

Events Fall for Greenville G R EE NV I L L E , S O U T H CA RO L I NA

hile other destinations in more northern climes spend October celebrating autumn color, Greenville, South Carolina, takes a different tack. Since its peak foliage doesn’t come until later in the year, the city instead highlights its impressive food and beverage culture with Fall for Greenville, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023. Food lovers will want to bring big appetites and plenty of culinary curiosity. The festival features local chefs and restauranteurs offering more than 250 dishes, ranging from Jamaican and Greek food to tacos and South Carolina barbecue. Small plates range in price from $3-$5. There is also plenty of beer on tap from many breweries around the region, as well as more than 80 musical performances on five stages. In 2024, the long-weekend festival will kick off with an evening concert on Thursday, October 10, then continue with day-and-night fun through Sunday, October 13.

fallforgreenville.net

Courtesy Fall for Greenville

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pieces became popular, and the city added more each year. “Today we have over 100 designs and set pieces that were welded by the city workers that are all custom,” Gould said. “They’re set along Cane River Lake. They reflect in the water so it’s really pretty.” Visitors can take in the Christmas displays from the weekend before Thanksgiving until Epiphany. Gould recommends exploring on foot. “We suggest walking through the National Historic Landmark District,” she said. “We have unique shopping and wonderful restaurants, and there are normally several programs. They’ve had choirs. We have an amphitheater. And there are fireworks every Saturday night. A lot of people have shared that it’s like magic. People get here and they feel like they’re walking in a Hallmark movie, and I remind them: This is the real thing.” In addition to the set pieces, there are more than 300,000 lights. Saturdays are ticketed. Groups electing to lodge nearby can look into the Chateau Saint Denis, an 80-room downtown hotel with complimentary motorcoach parking.

HOL I DAY DECOR I N N ATCH I TOCH E S

Courtesy Natchitoches.com

NATCHITOCHESCHRISTMAS.COM

Tour life with the Lowcountry tides. No Crowds A Quiet Downtown Unique Shopping & Dining Meet the coastal town that will transform your next tour: Beaufort, SC. With over 70 historic sights to see, a walkable downtown, unique Gullah-Geechee heritage and fresh-caught cuisine, Beaufort is the charming Southern destination motorcoach groups can’t stop talking about.

Ljeﬀries@beaufortsc.org | 843.525.8526

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GROUP TOUR? BRING IT TO In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, your group has no shortage of activities to help them reconnect and bond. There are 60 miles of beaches, engaging group tour itineraries, more than 2,000 restaurants, botanical gardens, plus live theater and music every night of the week, just to scratch the surface. There’s no better place to get together than The Beach.

60 miles of beaches and endless off-beach activities.

From resorts to villas – ideal accommodations to suit any group.

MyrtleBeach.com/groups Scan to plan your event.

SIGHTS ABOVE

S PEEDWAY CH R IS T M A S AT CH A R LOT T E M OTOR S PEEDWAY

Group FunBELOW Courtesy Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway CON CORD, N ORTH CA ROLIN A

errymakers, start your engines. North Carolina’s Charlotte Motor Speedway transforms into a wonderland for the holidays. “This show is for people who love NASCAR, people who aren’t familiar with NASCAR, people who are fans of Christmas lights and fans of Christmas music. It’s perfect for anybody in the holiday season,” said Samantha Waddell, communications manager for the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Speedway Christmas, now in its 15th season, invites visitors to make the days bright on the famous oval with a four-mile drive-through course bathed in the glimmering, twinkling glow of 5 million lights. And it’s worth returning the following year, as each season boasts a unique theme. “This year is Santa’s Beach Party, so a big chunk of our displays are Santa with reindeer playing in the sand, playing volleyball,” Waddell said. “And then everyone loves the choreographed lights. We have a beautiful lights-to-music section. Dial your radio to a certain channel, and the music and lights will dance together as you drive the course.” Want even more reason to rev those engines? Speedway organizers cram every square inch of the concourse with Christmas activities. “There are different themes throughout the concourse,” Waddell said. “We have a Winter Wonderland, a Candyland, and we’ll send you to space and to Santa’s workshop. You can get craft drinks and craft ice cream. You can meet Santa. And we have fun mazes for kids to run through. You can go to Victory Lane and take pictures on the 360 camera. So many things will keep the magic of the holiday season front and center as you walk through here.” Speedway Christmas runs from the week before Thanksgiving until the first week of January. Reach out to group sales to inquire about group pricing. For a unique group dining experience during Speedway Christmas, plan to eat at the Speedway Club, the motorsports complex’s on-site restaurant. Reservations are encouraged.

Embark on a journey

that combines history, architecture, and breathtaking views.

Elevate your visit to St. Louis with a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Plan a unique excursion and experience panoramic views from 630 feet, guaranteed to make memories that reach new heights.

Experience the city’s charm from a unique perspective. Embrace the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Surround yourself with the stunning skyline and historical landmarks on a variety of cruises perfect for your group.

Email or call our sales team

to book your group! groupsales@gatewayarch.com 314.923.3080

CHARLOTTEMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM

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M A K I N G OR A N G E P U DDI N G I N A COLON I A L W I L L I A M S B U RG K I TCH EN

Holidays at Colonial Williamsburg WI LLI A MS B URG , V I RG I NI A

olonial Williamsburg is so utterly packed with the hustle and bustle of 1700s Christmastide from November to January that the town publishes a 42-page magazine detailing all the hour-by-hour activities available to visitors. “There’s a lot to do in Colonial Williamsburg,” said Brittany Rice, director of sales at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts. “The great thing about Colonial Williamsburg is it tells the true story of America — and it’s everybody’s story, not just one version of history. Williamsburg is magical during the holidays. “We kick off the holiday season the day following Thanksgiving, where we do the lighting of Williamsburg,” Rice said. “We have a variety of different evening programs and shows and specialty seasonal menus in the hotels and historic taverns.”

By Brian Newson

G I N G ER B R E A D COOK I E S AT W I L L I A M S B U RG ’S R A L EIG H TAV ER N B A K ERY

Photos courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

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B O O K N O W

A N I N T ER PR E T ER L IG H T I N G CR E S S E TS AT COLON I A L W I L L I A M S B U RG

Programming runs the gamut, from music by ensembles like choirs, bell ringers or the Williamsburg Symphony to performances and guided tours with 18th-century characters and demonstrations of life in the not-so-distant past. On three consecutive Saturdays in December, a dazzling fireworks display fills the evening sky above the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol. These “Grand Illumination”’ weekend events are some of the highlights of the festival season. For many years, Grand Illumination took place just one day during the holiday season, but organizers learned to pivot during the pandemic and now showcase the Grand Illumination on multiple weekends. Tickets are required in the historic area; overnight stays at one of the town’s five resorts include the entry fee. Some activities, like carriage rides and flint-lock musket classes, have additional costs.

By David M. Doody, courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

COLONIALWILLIAMSBURG.ORG

There is no better place to live the legacy of the king than at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. The place where Elvis hung his jumpsuits and gold records. A place so wild it has a jungle room, jet, and a 450-room guest house. It’s the only building that Elvis never left and the place where his legacy lives forever.

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Graceland.com

BLIND TIGER SHREVEPORT

IN MY LOUISIANA,

LIFE IS FULL OF FLAVOR.

FindYourLouisiana.com

This is

uniquely Indiana FIRST STATE CAPITAL

SQUIRE BOONE CAVERNS

RED BARN ANTIQUE MALL

Whether it’s strolling down the sidewalks of a uniquely Indiana town or planning an outdoor adventure, there’s no better place to enjoy one and only Corydon and Harrison County, Indiana. OHIO RIVER OVERLOOK

To learn more visit ThisIsIndiana.org/group-travel