The Group Travel Leader June 2022

RIVERFRONT CITIES

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NEBRASKA SPOTLIGHT

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BIRMINGHAM CHAMPS

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TRAVEL LEADER

Nature nurtures

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NORTH CAROLINA

WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

ISSUE JUNE 2022

Los Angeles Crusade display at the Billy Graham Library

REOPENING SOON: COMING SUMMER 2022

Experience it for yourself.

Bring your friends and family to see a powerful story of hope unfold at the Billy Graham Library. You’ll see exciting changes including multimedia enhancements, updated exhibits, and new technology. Come discover how God used a dairy farmer’s son to tell the world about His love—and see for yourself how this never-changing message changes everything.

FR EE A DM ISSION ©2022 BGEA

Mon.–Sat., 9:30–5:00

A MINISTRY OF BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION

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BillyGrahamLibrary.org

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704.401.3200

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4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, NC

Get it while it’s hot SUMMER FLAVOR TOURS 5 CHEFS/5 VENUES/HISTORIC DOWNTOWN QUINCY

GUIDED FOOD ADVENTURES JUNE-AUGUST

FREE BLUES CONCERTS IN HISTORIC WASHINGTON PARK MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WINE TRAIL ARCHITECTURAL DRIVING & WALKING TOURS PRIVATE HOME TOURS CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR GROUP

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CONTENTS

GROUP TH E

TRAVEL LEADER COLU M NS

CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF GROUP TR AVEL

N EWS

6 Editor’s Marks

28

ISSUE

Nebraska Spotlight

40

Rodeo Events

VOL 31 | ISSUE 6

OnSite in Coastal Mississippi

A young traveler explores the marshes of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Photo by Ferran Traite

DESTINATIONS

8 Family Matters 10 Travel South Global Summit

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O N T H E COV E R

WATERFRONT

22

NATUR AL NO RTH C A ROL I NA

These destinations beckon visitors to enjoy their distinctive rivers.

Groups find beauty outdoors and in throughout the Tar Heel State.

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

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WAT ERFRON T WO NDERS

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

KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON ASHLEY RICKS SARAH SECHRIST RENA BAER

kelly@grouptravelleader.com

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

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 2530455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

EDITOR’S MARKS

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BY BRIAN JEWELL

have some friends I want you to meet.

In nearly two decades working in travel journalism, I’ve been privileged to visit hundreds of incredible places around the world. But even more fascinating than the places I have traveled are the people I have met along the way.

The tourism community is full of fun, outgoing and passionate professionals. Many of them are also smart, creative and eager to share their insights.

Some of the people I meet eventually appear in the pages of this magazine. Our team often taps their expertise for articles we publish on a variety of topics. Interviewing them can be both fun and frustrating: I love sharing their knowledge and perspective with you, but I’m always disappointed that space constraints on the printed page force me to leave out so much of what they have to say.

That’s all about to change.

I’m excited to tell you about the debut of “Gather and Go,” a new podcast from our team that’s dedicated to helping you plan, promote and lead better trips.

Each episode of the podcast will feature a conversation with one of the many creative, innovative and engaging friends I’ve met in the tourism community. In our first episode, I talk with Terry Dale of the United States Tour Operators Association about traveling during difficult times. You’ll also hear conversations with leaders such as Jaclyn Leibl-Cote of Collette, Erik Wolf of the World Food Travel Association, Patrick Smith of Ask the Pilot and many more.

Regardless of what role you play in the travel industry, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss.

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We’re going to talk about the expanding role of cultural experiences in tourism, building resilient travel brands, leveraging technology to reach new markets and other ideas that will help you design better travel experiences and increase your impact in your community.

In addition to these featured conversations, you’ll also get travel news you may have missed, as well as travel tips from our team and updates on events, FAM tours and other special projects we’re working on. And you’ll want to stay tuned to the end of each episode for “The Hot Minute,” where I’ll give you my unfiltered take on issues impacting tourism every day.

If you’re already a fan of podcasts, you can find “Gather and Go” wherever you listen to your favorite shows. If you’ve never downloaded a podcast before, don’t worry — you can hear every episode online at grouptravelleader.com/podcast.

The first several episodes are available now. Join us for “Gather and Go,” and let’s take your travel organization to the next level.

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Much new to do where Kentucky and Ohio meet

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

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n Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, aka the Cincy Region where Ohio and Kentucky gaze across the Ohio River at one another, four cities – Cincinnati and Covington, Newport and Florence, Kentucky – entertain with new attractions and new twists on old favorites.

Mid-afternoon’s a bargain on BB Riverboats To get an eyeful of city skylines, glide down the Ohio aboard one of BB Riverboats’ authentic paddle wheelers. The tour boat company is big on groups, and its dock in Newport is well equipped for motorcoach travelers. New, shorter mid-day and afternoon cruises work well for tight schedules and cost less because they don’t include a meal.

Free art is abundant in Cincinnati Speaking of deals, art is abundant, and often free in Cincinnati, from the Cincinnati Art Museum to downtown walls splashed with imaginative murals. Tucked into the Aronoff Center for the Arts, where popular touring Broadway shows have returned, the Weston Art Gallery offers free admission and guided tours. October 13-16, city blocks that stretch from Findlay Market in Cincinnati to Covington will light up as BLINK® | Illuminated

by ArtsWave returns. Between 1.25 and 1.5 million people experienced Blink in 2019, organizers say, making it the largest event in the region's history.

The riverfront rocks in Newport In Newport, 50 species of fish brighten the new Coral Reef Tunnel exhibit at the Newport Aquarium while moray eels, lionfish and other seldom-seen sea creatures peek out in Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels. Hands-on encounters with an entourage of African penguins can be arranged. Next door to the aquarium, Newport on the Levee is livelier than ever with new shops, bars and restaurants. At its Bridgeview Box Park, groups grab drinks and food from local purveyors operating out of open-air shipping containers and dine outdoors, next to the river. On Friday nights from April through October, free concerts by local bands add music to the air.

Inspiring stories of struggles for freedom The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati sits above the Ohio River, crossed by so many slaves who sought freedom. By illuminating the struggles for freedom, the museum continues to inspire and remind that freedom must be protected. A newer exhibit, Invisible: Slavery Today, is the world's first permanent museum exhibition about human trafficking. Near the museum, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame will open in July, in time for the Cincinnati Music Festival. Bootsy Collins, Otis Williams, the Isley Brothers and Charles Fold are the first Cincinnati artists to be honored with stars along the walk.

A trio of gaming options Gaming is an option on both sides of the river. In Cincinnati, Hard Rock Casino is the biggest game in town, with nearly 100 live table games, 1,600 slots and a poker room.

Newport Racing and Gaming combines gaming, historical racing machines, horse racing broadcasts and off-track wagering. Near Florence, Turfway Park will reopen in early fall with live Thoroughbred racing, a new grandstand and clubhouse and 850 historical horse racing machines.

cincyusa.com/group-tours

859-261-4677

By Ross van Pelt

CINCY REGION GINA CHRIST-KOHLER REGIONAL DIRECTOR, LEISURE SALES GKOHLER@MEETNKY.COM OFFICE: 859-261-4677 DIRECT: 859-655-4151 CINCYUSA.COM/GROUP-TOURS

FAMILY M AT T E R S

HERE’S A CHECKLIST FOR CHARTERING R E L I A B L E M O T O R C OAC H E S SALEM, Ohio — As a travel planner, you’re responsible for the group travel of your organization, club, or friends and family on tour.

A large part of that responsibility lies is the selection of a motorcoach.

That is where The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) comes to your rescue.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the agency responsible for ensuring motorcoach travel remains safe. It provides this service behind the scenes and out of sight of the average traveler, ensuring safe and responsible transportation for millions of travelers each year.

The Group Travel Family of Brands works with FMCSA in creating awareness of the services offered to travel planners and the importance of that service.

FMCSA offers a six-point checklist that helps travel planners make sure their motorcoaches are safe and meet federal regulations.

If you charter a motor coach for group travel, these six checkpoints will help ensure your group’s safety.

• Check the bus company’s safety performance scores. Consider how they compare with national averages by visiting fmcsa.dot.gov/safety.

• Look for the age of the safety rating. A recent safety rating is a more timely indicator than a rating that is several years old.

• Weed out low-rated companies. Passenger carriers with an “unsatisfactory” rating are considered to be a high safety risk and may be prohibited from operating.

• Ask about a coach company’s drivers. Interstate drivers are subject to qualification standards.

• Make sure the company is licensed by FMCSA. Bus companies must obtain operating authority from FMCSA to provide interstate passenger transportation.

• Check for proper insurance. If the company operates a bus that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, it must have $5 million of insurance coverage.

This checklist is a great starting point for a safe trip. For additional information from FMCSA, go to fmcsa.dot.gov/safety.

ROSENBERG IS A MAINSTAY AT THE SELECT TR AVELER CONFERENCE SALEM, Ohio — The world of group travel “I have been attending the Select Traveler Conference, formerly known as Bank Travel, is built on relationships. A perfect example of this is Sam Rosenberg, vice president group sales pretty much since its inception,” Rosenberg said. at Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure “Over the years, I have formed great relationships Travel. with many of the group leaders. They have traveled Travel planners for banks, alumni orgawith both Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel and keep returning year after year.” nizations, chambers of commerce and other affinity groups attending the Select Traveler The consistency those relationships has Conference have built relationships with the resulted in travel planners feeling confident company because of Sam Rosenberg’s consistheir groups will be well cared for. tency in the marketplace.

“P.T Barnum once said, ‘the noblest art is that of SAM ROSENBERG “I believe Sam attended our first travel conmaking others happy,’” Rosenberg said. “Well, that ference 27 years ago and has been a supporter of affinity group is our philosophy. We continue to strive to make sure our travelers are happy with their experiences and want them to return smiling.” travel since,” said Charlie Presley of Select Traveler Conference.

Many travel planners ask the conference organizers, “Where Travel planners can reach Rosenburg at 800-955-1925 or is Sam?” upon arriving at the event, Presley said. srosenberg@oattravel.com.

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NOW IS THE TIME TO RAMP UP INDUSTRY MARKETING SALEM, Ohio — The roaring return of group travel this year is challenging destinations, hotels and operators to step up their marketing programs.

The dilemma for the travel industry is to bounce back from pandemic measures, which cut staffs and budgets, and ramp up their marketing and sales efforts in order to secure group travel bookings for 2023.

“Many DMOs [destination marketing organizations] and hotels are being caught short staffed at a time when they need to be meeting travel groups to book tours for 2023,” said Charlie Presley of Group Travel Family of Brands (GTFBrands).

GTFBrands, which manages seven conferences dedicated to the group travel or meetings markets, is reporting record attendance of group planners at its events, while the travel industry is struggling to find staff to attend. While this presents a great opportunity for DMOs and hotel representatives who are attending travel shows, it puts those who choose not to go at a disadvantage.

Travel industry representatives who have attended the travel conferences GTFBrands has operated this year report record sales.

They attribute the booking success to pent-up travel demand from groups.

To keep your group travel traffic strong, consider attending these conferences: • Going On Faith, Panama City Beach, Florida, September 13–15, 2022 • Small Market Meetings, Wichita, Kansas, October 2–4, 2022 • Boomers in Groups, Gwinnett, Georgia, November 4–6, 2022 • Select Traveler Conference, Branson, Missouri, March 27–29, 2023 • African American Travel Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, April 3–5, 2023 To register or find more information, call 800-628-0993 or visit grouptravelfamily.com.

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

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CONFERENCE

SCENE

GLOBAL SUMMIT CHARTS INBOUND TRAVEL TO THE SOUTH

BY MAC LACY Panelists (left to right): Erin Francis-Cummings of Destination Analysts, Adam Sacks of Tourism Economics, and Carroll Rheem of Iolite Group

Kentucky state travel director Mike Mangeot moderates a panel on inbound travel

Sessions address inbound travel recovery ATLANTA — The Southern international inbound travel community gathered April 18–19 in Atlanta for Travel South USA’s 2022 Global Summit, an annual conference that addresses foreign travel into the region. More than 160 delegates from 12 Southern state travel offices and dozens of convention and visitors bureaus met to collaboratively reignite travel marketing efforts aimed at visitors from Canada, Mexico and Latin America, Europe, Australia and other foreign destinations.

On the heels of a global travel collapse due to COVID-19, research authority Adam Sacks with Tourism Economics projected inbound travel to the U.S. would recover in 2022 to 62% of pre-pandemic levels, increase to 85 percent of former levels in 2023 and recover entirely in 2024. In 2019, the record year prior to the pandemic, international travelers accounted for more than 79 million visits to the United States.

“Our five-year plan for inbound travel marketing completed in late 2020 is more vital than ever due to the interruption of the past two years,” said Travel South USA president

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and CEO Liz Bittner. “We are branding our authentic Southern sites and experiences for travelers across the globe to restore travel to our region. Only we can deliver the Americana appeal of the South to the world’s visitors.

“It’s important to remember that, prior to the pandemic, had we been able to entice every foreign visitor who came to the South to stay an additional day, the net result would have been an additional billion dollars to our regional economy,” said Bittner. “The Southern travel industry is depending on us to create the branding that will make that happen.”

In addition to a research panel moderated

by Travel South USA board member Doug Bourgeois of Louisiana that included Sacks’ travel recovery presentation, board member Mike Mangeot of Kentucky moderated a panel discussion on navigating the new tourism landscape that featured travel officials from the U.K., Germany and France. The afternoon program featured briefings from six foreign field representatives for Travel South USA on its sales programs from mar-

kets like Latin America, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Travel South USA is creating the framework for a new Global Ready Network that will identify destinations in each state that meet necessary criteria to accommodate inbound visitation. Bittner expects to have that program off the ground and operating before the Travel South International Showcase being held November 27–30 in Louisville, Kentucky.

“International visitation requires professionals familiar with the needs of foreign travelers,” said Bittner. “Louisville understands those needs, and we’ll have Global Ready Network up and running for International Showcase. Our program in Louisville features events at internationally known venues like the Frazier History Museum, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and the Muhammad Ali Center. And we have a closing luncheon hosted

by West Virginia Tourism that will introduce that state’s authentic appeal before we send dozens of international buyers off on site-inspection trips across the South.” travelsouthusa.org

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CUSTOM CONTENT

In Laredo, get Mexican wares without crossing the border

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

A

trip down Laredo’s San Bernardo Avenue is like visiting a Mexican shopping district without hopping across the border.

Imports impress The long street parallels I-35 as both roads head south into downtown Laredo. Along the way are 15 or so import stores, specializing in Mexican wares.

“The first import shop pops up at the 2200 block of San Bernardo Avenue,” said Selina Villarreal, marketing manager for the Laredo CVB. “They sell to visitors one on one and do wholesale as well.”

Many of these stores are warehouse-size, and while no two are alike, wares from store to store can be similar. Garden décor and outdoor furnishings are displayed in outdoor areas next to shops. It’s not unusual to see trucks leaving stores loaded with wrought iron tables and chairs, metal giraffes to stand guard in the garden or cheery chimineas to warm patios.

Some stores are upscale, such as Vega's Interiores Mejicanos, which counts First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as a former customer.

With an interior designer on staff, it’s famed for custom furniture designs. Other stores are stocked with the sombreros and other knickknacks popular with souvenir seekers and favorites like embroidered blouses, silver jewelry, carved wooden crosses, bright pottery and flavorful spices and candies.

Perks for shoppers “For those shopping along the border, it’s a timesaver if you don’t have a passport or time to cross the border,” said Villarreal. It’s also a value, she points out. The further Mexican wares get from the border, the more they cost. “As soon as they take it out of Laredo, the more expensive these items are. Here, you are paying the same rate as you would be in Mexico,” she said.

Plan to spend at least four hours on San Bernardo, Villarreal says, and make a call to Visit Laredo to let them know a tour group is coming to shop there. That way, stores might be able to plan a little something special. Vega's, for example, does margarita sip and shops so shoppers can wander around the Spanish mission-style store with a cool drink in hand.

The margaritas might also “loosen the purse strings,” Villarreal points out.

Tour operators also need to leave space on the motorcoach for the inevitable purchases. “If you are going back with a little metal longhorn, he’s going to need his own seat,” Villarreal said.

A different Mexican shopping experience For a different sort of Mexican shopping experience, the three-day International Sister Cities Festival is held each July in Laredo’s Sames Auto Arena. Some 200 artisans typically exhibit their works, coming from across Mexico to sell jewelry, leather goods, clothing, food and other products. In 2019, 25,000 people attended the free expo. This year’s event is July 15-17.

Villarreal has this advice, based on her own shopping experience at the festival: Don’t delay buying what you like. “If you put it off until Sunday, you risk that they will sell out,” she said.

visitlaredo.com

800-361-3360

LAREDO CVB 800-361-3360 SELINA VILLARREAL, MARKETING MANAGER SVILLARREA@CI.LAREDO.TX.US

VISITLAREDO.COM

T

he Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Alabama, and we want you to come with us!

The Alabama Tourism Department is arranging a familiarization tour of historically significant destinations in the central and southern parts of the state, and is inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place October 25–29 and will include Montgomery, Tuskegee and Mobile.

You’ll join Brian Jewell, our VP and executive editor, and Kelly Tyner, our VP of sales and marketing, as they explore the area with our Alabama hosts.

Highlights of the five-day tour will include: • AfricaTown USA — Explore this area near Mobile settled by descendants of enslaved people brought to America on the ship Clotilda.

• USS Alabama — Tour the decommissioned World War II battleship now permanently moored in Mobile.

Join Us for a Trip to Alabama

Travel planners can see Montgomery’s Legacy Museum and Mobile’s USS Alabama during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

BY HUMAN PICTURES, COURTESY EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

• The Legacy Museum — Visit this Montgomery museum that deals with the history of slavery and racism in America.

• Tuskegee Airmen Historic Site — Learn about the heroism of the famous Black World War II pilots at this museum in Tuskegee.

• Tuskegee History Center — Discover the role Tuskegee has played in the civil rights movement and other historic milestones.

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

You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/alabama-fam. Space is limited, and applications close August 31.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us October 25–29 in Alabama!

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Kelly Tyner

Brian Jewell

BY TAD DENSON, COURTESY AL TOURISM DEPT.

OCTOBER 25-29, 2022 REGISTRATION CLOSES: AUGUST 31 You can apply to attend this FAM tour at:

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

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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. www.alabama.travel To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Rosemary Judkins at rosemary.judkins@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-242-4493.

COASTAL MISSISSIPPI FAM

Coastal Mississippi FAM highlights, clockwise from left: A seafood lunch at Shaggy’s; a historic sailboat at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum; birdwatching at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center; exploring Mississippi Aquarium; a painting at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art

“I loved seeing how we could package itineraries with the shrimping boat, Jefferson Davis house museum and the maritime museum — they were all great.”

— DANIELLE GRESLING VILLAGE TRAVEL

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ONSITE IN COASTAL MISSISSIPPI COASTA L M ISS ISS I PPI WOWS G RO U P TR AV E L LE A D E R R E A D E RS DU R I N G FAM

THERE’S WATERFRONT CHARM,

PHOTOS BY BRIAN JEWELL AND KELLY TYNER

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beautiful art and abundant history waiting in the cities, towns and villages on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

That’s what 10 tour operator and travel planner readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered during a four-day familiarization trip to the area in April. Hosted by Coastal Mississippi, the destination marketing organization that represents the state’s coastal counties, the trip introduced participants to signature attractions, exciting experiences and beautiful waterfront communities.

During the tour, participants spent time in the cities, towns and villages of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula. They learned about the area’s sea life at attractions such as the Mississippi Aquarium and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, as well as on the popular Biloxi Shrimping Trip. They spent free time exploring the charming towns of Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs and toured attractions including the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Along the way, they enjoyed abundant fresh seafood and beautiful views at restaurants and cafes.

Follow along on this itinerary to begin planning a Coastal Mississippi vacation for your travelers.

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Da y 1

Dinner in Bay St. Louis

A Bay St. Louis Garden

An appetizer at 200 North

• ARRIVAL IN COASTAL MISSISSIPPI • FREE TIME IN BAY ST. LOUIS • DINNER AT 200 NORTH BEACH RESTAURANT & BAR • OVERNIGHT AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO AND RESORT GULF COAST Travel planners from across the country came to Coastal Mississippi on a warm and sunny mid-April Sunday to begin their exploration. Some who arrived early enjoyed lunch at a waterfront restaurant in Bay St. Louis, a charming village on the west end of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. After lunch, they had time to explore the shops, galleries, cafes and other businesses in the scenic village.

After lunch and free time downtown, they gathered with the remaining group members at Bay St. Louis’ Hollywood Casino and Resort, which would serve as the accommodations for the night.

The entire delegation then went to 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar, a Bay St. Louis institution, where they were joined by members of the Coastal Mississippi team for a welcome dinner featuring fresh gulf seafood.

Da y 2

• BREAKFAST AT MOCKINGBIRD CAFE • BAY ST. LOUIS HISTORIC L&N TRAIN DEPOT • LUNCH AT SHAGGY’S • BILOXI SHRIMPING TRIP • MARITIME AND SEAFOOD INDUSTRY MUSEUM • BEAUVOIR, THE JEFFERSON DAVIS HOME • DINNER AT PATIO 44 • OVERNIGHT AT COURTYARD MARRIOTT GULFPORT BEACHFRONT

Lunch at Shaggy’s

Mardi Gras regalia at the Historic L&N Depot

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An Alice Latimer Mosely Painting

A Mississippi Mardi Gras costume

After a good night’s sleep, FAM participants left the Hollywood Casino Resort and headed back to downtown Bay St. Louis, where they enjoyed a delicious scratch-made breakfast at Mockingbird Café. Next, they visited the Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot for an overview of the area’s history and distinctive culture.

Upon leaving Bay St. Louis, the group headed east to Long Beach, where they enjoyed some free time exploring the waterfront

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before having lunch at Shaggy’s, a Coastal Mississippi favorite casual seafood restaurant. They continued east to Biloxi to join an afternoon departure of the Biloxi Shrimping Trip, a cruise that introduces visitors to gulf shrimp and the workers who harvest them. The theme continued at the next stop: the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum.

After leaving the museum, the group made the short drive west to Gulfport, where they took some time to tour Beauvoir, the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. After the tour, they checked in at the Courtyard Marriott Gulfport Beachfront to freshen up before dinner in the wine room at Patio 44.

Biloxi Shrimping Trip

Up close and personal with a gulf shrimp

BAY ST. LOUIS HISTORIC L&N TRAIN DEPOT Built in 1863 and later reconstructed after a fire, the Bay St. Louis Historic L&N Train Depot was the primary railroad station for the community. Passenger trains don’t currently serve the area, so the depot is now a local history and culture museum. The FAM group enjoyed learning about local Mardi Gras culture and seeing some of the impressive carnival regalia on display. Other exhibits cover Mississippi blues, the area’s history of hurricanes and an art gallery showcasing the work of nationally acclaimed folk artist Alice Latimer Moseley.

Getting to know a soft-shell crab

Examining the shrimp catch

BILOXI SHRIMPING TRIP About two-thirds of all the shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico are processed in Biloxi, and the Biloxi Shrimping Trip gives travelers a firsthand look at shrimp and the shrimping industry. During this 70-minute cruise into the gulf, the crew demonstrated how shrimping boats work and lowered a net to pull shrimp and other marine life onto the vessel. The FAM group enjoyed holding and taking pictures with the live shrimp, crab and other sea life the nets brought up, as well as learning about how shrimp are sized and graded.

MARITIME AND SEAFOOD INDUSTRY MUSEUM Seagoing and the seafood industry are essential to life on the Mississippi Coast, and the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum gives visitors a look inside this part of local culture and history.

Highlights include the Nydia, a sailboat built in a local shipyard in 1898. A gallery about the Biloxi Seafood Factory showcases machinery used to prepare and process seafood caught in the gulf.

There’s also a hurricane exhibit that shows news clips and items from Hurricane Katrina and other storms that have impacted the area.

Jefferson Davis’ front door

Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

“Thank you for the opportunity to experience a unique destination! I can’t wait for my clients to go shrimping!”

— PATTI BETH ANDERSON GOOD TO GO WITH PATTI BETH

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On the porch at Beauvoir

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Patio 44

Dinner in the Wine Room

Sunrise at the Audubon Center

Pascagoula River Audubon exploration

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art entryway

A Walter Anderson painting

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An exhibit in the Audubon Center

Touring the Anderson Museum

Da y 3

• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT PASCAGOULA RIVER AUDUBON CENTER • LUNCH AT MOSAICS • WALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART • SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN OCEAN SPRINGS • DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC AT GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB • OVERNIGHT AT COURTYARD MARRIOTT GULFPORT BEACHFRONT The third day of the FAM began with a trip to Pascagoula, one of the easternmost towns on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, for a catered breakfast and tour of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. The group spent some time in the exhibit and then toured the center’s beautiful riverfront grounds.

From there, they made a half-hour trip west to Ocean Springs, the lively downtown of which is a favorite destination for Gulf Coast visitors. They enjoyed a tapas-style lunch at Mosaics, then walked a few blocks to tour the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which pays homage to an Ocean Springs man who became a celebrated painter. After the museum tour, the group enjoyed some free time in the many shops, cafes and other establishments in the pedestrian friendly downtown area.

Upon leaving Ocean Springs, the group returned to Gulfport for some downtime at the hotel. From there, they made their way back to Biloxi for a memorable evening at the newly opened Biloxi location of Ground Zero Blues Club, a food and live music venue owned by actor Morgan Freeman.

PASCAGOULA RIVER AUDUBON CENTER Opened in 2016, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center educates locals and visitors about the flora and fauna of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Pascagoula River. The FAM group enjoyed a catered breakfast in the center’s art gallery, which displays the work of local artists, then toured the exhibits in the education center.

The real appeal, however, is outdoors, where a boardwalk through grasses and marsh area provides great vantage points for seeing the waterfront, wildlife and native plants. The center has kayaks and paddleboats that visitors can rent.

WALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART Walter Anderson was a muralist who was born in New Orleans in the early 20th century and spent most of his life working in the coastal Mississippi town of Ocean Springs. At his namesake museum, the FAM group got a guided tour through exhibits that detailed his life and showcased his work, much of which depicted nature, history and Native American culture. The museum has

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Inside Ground Zero Blues Club several murals dealing with the town’s past, as well as a room from Anderson’s painting cottage where the interior walls are covered with murals.

GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB Actor Morgan Freeman and some associates opened the first Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 2001. The venue became so popular that they opened a second location in Biloxi early this year. The FAM group was treated to a private event at the club, complete with live music from a local duo, as well as delicious barbecue and other dinner favorites. Participants enjoyed touring the club, taking photos and signing a wall designed to look like the front porch of a juke joint.

Da y 4

• MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM • MISSISSIPPI AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM • INSTITUTE FOR MARINE MAMMAL STUDIES • DEPART FOR HOME On the final day of the tour, participants enjoyed breakfast at the Courtyard Marriott Gulfport Beachfront. Then they took a before-hours private tour of the Mississippi Aquarium, which opened in Gulfport in 2020 and features an innovative combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

After the aquarium tour, some participants departed to begin their journey home. Those with afternoon flexibility were treated to a few more site visits. They stopped at the Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum, an up-and-coming institution in Gulfport that offers many hands-on opportunities to learn about airplanes and the science of air travel. They also paid a visit to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, where they enjoyed a live dolphin show and learned about the variety of sea life cared for there.

At the end of their time in Gulfport, the travel planners departed for home to begin planning their return visits to Coastal Mississippi.

Happy Birthday at Ground Zero

Biloxi’s Ground Zero location

A dolphin exhibit

An aquarium photo op

“The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and the Pascagoula River Audubon Center are hidden gems.”

— WALT AND SHEILA LOCKWOOD TRIPLE J TRAVEL AND TOURS

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Public art at the Mississippi Aquarium

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Innovative aircraft on display

Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum

Mesmerized by ocean life

An airplane simulator

“I love how there was a little bit of everything on this FAM. It really showed how diverse everything is on the Mississippi Coast.”

— D’ANNA FAULKNER TIMELESS ADVENTURES

Inside the aviary at the Mississippi Aquarium

MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM Opened in August 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium is the crown jewel of tourist development in Gulfport. The FAM group got an exclusive before-hours tour of the facility, beginning with unique outdoor habitats populated with animals from the Mississippi Delta and the Gulf of Mexico, including alligators, crocodiles and bottlenose dolphins. They also took a spin through the outdoor aviary to marvel at the exotic birds before heading to the aquarium’s indoor area, which features a 360-degree ocean exhibit with stingrays, sharks and other sea creatures.

Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

COASTAL MISSISSIPPI

ZACHARY HOLIFIELD 228-896-6699 ZACHARY@COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM

COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM

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MISSISSIPPI AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM Planners who were able to extend their stays into Wednesday afternoon got an unexpected treat at the Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum, a community-supported museum dedicated to teaching visitors about the area’s military and commercial aviation history. The group enjoyed learning to take off and land in full-motion flight simulators at the museum and watching a realtime virtual display of air traffic at a busy U.S. airport. They also checked out historic aircraft on display, watched a video on the Tuskegee Airmen and learned about the museum’s expansion plans.

INSTITUTE FOR MARINE MAMMAL STUDIES The final stop on the tour was the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, an attraction where visitors can enjoy a number of live animal shows and opportunities to interact with sea life. FAM participants attended a dolphin show where animals and their trainers performed for the audience. They also visited a very large touch-pool area populated with stingrays and other fish. In another area of the center, they visited a room filled with newborn animals and learned about how the institute’s staff cares for them.

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Discover the secret coast

Coastal Mississippi is the perfect year-round destination, with an incredible amount to do, see, and experience across its 62 miles of scenic shoreline. Whether your group kayaks the area’s stunning waterways, enjoys headliner enteratinment at one of our 12 casinos, or tours of one of our award-winning art museums, you will find southern hospitality at its finest.

With the help of Coastal Mississippi, opportunities for memorable experiences are truly endless!

For assistance with group planning, visit www.coastalmississippi.com or give us a call at 228-896-6699.

This page was prepared by Coastal Mississippi using Federal funds under award 04-79-07589 from the EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EDA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

SkyRide on the Spokane Riverfront

COURTESY VISIT SPOKANE

Falls Park in Sioux Falls

Waterfront in Missoula COURTESY EXPERIENCE SIOUX FALLS

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Libby’s restaurant in Newport COURTESY MEET NKY

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Waterfront in Sioux Falls COURTESY EXPERIENCE SIOUX FALLS

Paddling in Missoula

Groups visiting Newport can enjoy beautiful views of the Cincinnati skyline on the opposite bank of the Ohio River.

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ISSUE H E R E A R E E I G H T G R E AT RIVER TOWNS FOR GROUPS B Y K AT I H Y E R

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f it weren’t for natural waterways, few of America’s cities would have ever been founded.

Rivers historically played a commercial and life-sustaining role in the origins of America’s towns. Today, stunning views, an exciting atmosphere and plenty of unique experiences are reasons travelers enjoy riverfront destinations.

Delve into this smattering of riverfront cities sure to delight your group.

Newport, Kentucky

Before Las Vegas, a small Kentucky town held the title of Sin City thanks to its Prohibition-era reputation. Newport has been through a whirlwind of change since then, transforming into a popular riverfront community. The city sits just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, and today’s groups visit Newport’s riverside for its Cincy skyline views, numerous festivals and popular activities.

Enjoy Newport on the Levee, a waterfront hub with restaurants, shops and the million-gallon, award-winning Newport Aquarium. Or quench your thirst on the B-Line, northern Kentucky’s collection of craft distilleries, bourbon bars and bourbon-centric restaurants. The Riverfront Commons pathway is a dream for runners, bikers and walkers. Take it to meander along the dozen miles linking Newport to Cincinnati, northern Kentucky’s river cities and other nearby trail systems.

Take to the water via Riverboat Row for a river cruise, go walking on the historic bridges crossing the Ohio River or visit Roebling Murals to contemplate public art on the water.

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Green Bay, Wisconsin

If there’s anything that defines Green Bay, Wisconsin, it’s the city’s relationship to water. And in addition to the bay itself, running right through

the middle of town is the Fox River.

Planners can engage any number of outfitters to help their groups experience Green Bay from the river. Try kayaking, canoeing, sailing and standup paddleboarding. And don’t worry if your guests haven’t grown into their sea legs yet. Classes and how-tos are readily available.

For can’t-miss waterfront activities, go to the Bay Beach Amusement park, right at the mouth of the Fox. Ride the Ferris wheel or the Zippin Pippin — Elvis Presley’s favorite roller coaster — for adrenaline-filled views of the landscape.

Take in the sights at a slower pace with the downtown river walk on the Fox River Trail. Stop at the National Railroad Museum, the Neville Public Museum and the South Bay Marina. Plan to spend a few hours savoring all the marina has to offer, from boat culture to restaurants and pop-up events.

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Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The Big Sioux River encircles and runs through the heart of South Dakota’s largest city, culminating in the natural feature lending the town its name: Sioux Falls.

Groups can stroll through the very walkable downtown to the River Boulevard Greenway to explore Falls Park, Sioux Falls’ No. 1 attraction.

Climb to the top of the five-story observation tower for panoramic views of the skyline and the city-defining river cascades.

Plan to do the Sculpture Walk to view the monumental Arc of Dreams, a landmark structure stretching over the Big Sioux River. Or view the city from the water by kayak or canoe.

Downtown Riverfest happens in August, with live music, food trucks, beverage vendors, and local goods and makers. And during the snowy season, Falls Park transforms into a walkable and drivable winter wonderland.

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Dubuque, Iowa

Pittsburgh

Mark Twain described traveling to Dubuque as “always through enchanting scenery, there being no other kind on the Upper Mississippi.” Iowa’s First Town was nominated as one of USA Today’s top 10 riverfront cities thanks to its relationship to the Mississippi. That means Twain’s enchanting 1882 scenery can still be relished today in Dubuque.

Here’s a piece of history that will help your group’s trivia team cinch the trophy: Dubuque was established 13 years before Iowan statehood. Visitors can learn these and other fascinating aspects of state history right on the riverfront. Add the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and the Dubuque Shot Tower — the only shot tower remaining west of the Mississippi — to your itinerary for just that. Once your group’s history craving has been satisfied, go to Dubuque’s Art Walk on the river to view a curated collection of sculptures. Want to see the town from the Mississippi River? Climb aboard an authentic paddleboat, just as Mark Twain would have done 100 years ago.

Resplendent with green spaces, Pittsburgh is akin to a city within a national park. Moreover, it is defined by the confluence of three rivers. The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet at Point State Park, forming the Ohio River — right where downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural district is perched.

On the North Shore, check out the Carnegie Science Center or the Andy Warhol Museum. Sports fans can head to Highmark Stadium on the Ohio, home to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer team, or PNC Park, the ballpark of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Plus, from hiking, biking and walking along miles of riverfront trails to kayaking, paddleboarding and boating, there are plenty of ways to re-create outdoors in the Steel City. Finally, for those who would rather let the professionals do the heavy lifting, book a riverboat cruise to take in the sights without breaking a sweat.

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The only place where you’ll find rapids alongside Spanish moss in a city center is Columbia, South Carolina. Whether you’d like to experience

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A Dubuque riverboat

Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum

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Columbia, South Carolina

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BY JIN WU, COURTESY VISIT PITTSBURGH

Columbia from the misty seat of a whitewater raft or you’d prefer to stay dry, the Palmetto State capital offers friendly, casual, artsy and intellectual pursuits for groups of all kinds.

The area’s must-do waterfront attractions start with the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, one of the nation’s finest. Feed the giraffes, indulge your wild side with zoo programs and zipline across the Saluda River from the zoo to the botanic gardens. Feeling adventuresome? Book an afternoon braving the rapids

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BY FORREST CLONTS, COURTESY EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC

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On the water in Columbia

or plan a jaunt to Congaree National Park, the only national park in the state, just on the outskirts of town.

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Spokane, Washington

Step aside, Niagara Falls. Spokane, Washington’s iconic cascades put visiting this riverfront city on the top of many a bucket list. The vibrant cultural hub in the Pacific Northwest is full of unique waterside activities perfect for groups.

Raft whitewater on the Spokane for a truly immersive adventure five minutes from downtown.

Or take it easy on rented paddleboards or kayaks.

Meander upstream to grab a quick craft beverage before floating back down. Or play like a local in the summer and float on inner tubes downstream of the Spokane Falls. Fishing for Redband trout is always an option, too.

Then head to Riverfront Park to while away the day. For incredible views of the city and the upper and lower Spokane River falls, take a ride in Numerica SkyRide’s suspended cabins. While you’re there, soak up the sun, sculptures and the United States Pavilion from the 1974 World’s Fair.

Just around the block, listen to a performance by the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Squeeze in a

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promenade exploring historic Spokane. There, over half of the downtown structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Missoula is unlike any other city in the Rockies.

The Garden City earned its moniker for its location in the lush mountains of Western Montana’s Glacier Country. And its location on the Clark Fork River invites a thirst for adventure, as well as an appreciation for art and culture. On any given day, visitors may spot or join kayakers and surfers — you read that right, surfers — out on Brennan’s Wave, or appreciate painting and art on the downtown riverbank.

For riverside fun, make for the Carousel for Missoula and the Montana Natural History Center.

Art lovers should head to the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, located within the University of Montana. Want to go outdoors? Let your group try a hand at rafting, surfing, or windsurfing through town.

Carousel for Missoula

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Missoula, Montana

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Missoula’s Clark Fork River

Fall on the Spokane riverfront

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BY L. KAMROWSKI, COURTESY VISIT SPOKANE

Plan, promote and lead better trips with our new podcast, Gather and Go!

Discover the beautiful landscapes#WhereIowaStarted .

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GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/PODCAST

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CONVENTIONS

MUSEUMS

ARTS & HISTORY

WINNINGS

GOLF

SHOPPING

WINERIES

NATIONAL HARBOR

DINING

Come explore Prince George’s County, “The Crown Jewel of Maryland” where our vibrant National Harbor, scenic vineyards, historical sites, nature parks, casino, shopping, amusement park and more creates lasting memories! It’s worth the trip!

Plan and book your next adventure at ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com

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

NEBRASKA

By Kati Hyer

T

he neighborly cornhusker spirit is ample reason for a sojourn to Nebraska, but the Tree Planting State has so much more to offer.

Nebraska has been a key migration corridor in America’s heartland throughout history, the eras of which all deserve exploration.

Scotts Bluff served for centuries as a natural landmark to passing tribes. Lewis and Clark would later navigate the Louisiana Purchase via Nebraska’s eastern border.

Finally, the state became a central artery for adventurers bound for the West, with the first transcontinental railroad and the Lincoln Highway, America’s first coast-tocoast highway.

Welcome to Nebraska, where groups can contemplate the ever-changing world through myriad stops showcasing nature, history and innovation.

Scotts Bluff National Monument preserves one of the most impressive landscapes in Nebraska.

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Kearney’s Great Platte River Road Archway Monument

Exploring exhibits at the Durham Museum National WWII Museum COURTESY GREAT PLATTE RIVER ROAD ARCHWAY MONUMENT

COURTESY DURHAM MUSEUM

POPULAR DEMAND THE KEARNEY ARCHWAY

If you’ve ever longed to take a spin in a time machine, the Kearney Archway is the ticket. Go back to 1848 and walk chronologically through larger-than-life exhibits.

The highway-spanning interactive displays invite visitors to experience the danger and loneliness that met pioneers as they embarked for the West. Watch a rider change horses at the Pony Express, see Mormons escaping persecution and drive the Golden Spike to unite the transcontinental railroad. Whether you take the selfguided audio tour in an hour or spend the afternoon learning about the Oregon Trail, the must-do archway will transport you through time to bring Nebraska’s role in westward expansion to life.

Durham Museum

A muscle car at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed

COURTESY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SPEED

COURTESY DURHAM MUSEUM

DURHAM MUSEUM

The Durham Museum has made its home in Omaha’s 1931 grand Union Station, one of the first Art Deco stations in the country. Find restored train cars, 1940s storefronts and the Byron Reed collection, one of the world’s largest rare-coin collections on display. The Smithsonian affiliate institution is also home to a replica of Warren Buffet’s grandfather’s grocery, where the Oracle of Omaha earned his first nickel. Be sure to taste the past with an authentic phosphate or malt at the Durham Museum’s 1930s soda fountain and candy shop.

SPEEDWAY MOTORS MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SPEED

Speedway Motors Museum

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Lincoln’s Museum of American Speed puts ingenuity on display with its boggling array of race cars, engines, parts, toys, memorabilia and more. Trace the history of racing from the 1900s to today, from throwing up dust on dirt tracks to burning rubber on the Indy 500. With its three floors packed with horsepower, the museum is a visual feast for any visitor, from the uninitiated to race car buffs alike.

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Lewis and Clark Visitors Center

Scotts Bluff wildlife COURTESY LEWIS AND CLARK VISITORS CENTER

UP AND COMING LEWIS AND CLARK VISITOR CENTER

Nature and outdoor lovers will have a heyday at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center in Nebraska City.

The interpretive center focuses on the flora and fauna found during the 1804 Corps of Discovery Expedition. Learn about the natural history of the area with interactive natural and riverine exhibits inside or head outdoors to the scenic trails for exploring and birding up close. In May, the center celebrated the construction of a brand new interactive replica keelboat, the river barge that transported Lewis and Clark from Pittsburgh to North Dakota.

STUHR MUSEUM OF THE PRAIRIE PIONEER

COURTESY NPS

Relive history at Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town in Grand Island, Nebraska. Historians decked out in hoop skirts or forging tools at the blacksmith or spinning a yarn at the mercantile illustrate life in the 1890s. The living history experience aims to preserve the legacy of the prairie pioneer. Write a letter at the post office, pick up an authentic 10-cent newspaper or see how tin cups and horseshoes were made. New to this gem of the prairie is the Stuhr Bistro, serving made-to-order and catered meals.

SCOTTS BLUFF NATIONAL MONUMENT

Rising out of the earth like a scene from a fantasy novel is Scotts Bluff National Monument. The 800-foot-tall natural rock formation has been a vital landmark for emigrants for centuries, from Native American peoples to those journeying westward in the 19th century. Today, groups can hike on its many scenic paths, walk remnants of the Oregon Trail or explore the summit for an indescribable view. The visitors center was completely remodeled in 2021, with two new wings, new interpretive exhibits and an expanded gift shop.

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer

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

Downtown Omaha’s business district is anchored by the 1930s Redick Tower, home to Hotel Deco.

The opulent 92-year-old Art Deco building once housed FBI, IRS, Navy and other federal offices.

The boutique hotel is just a stone’s throw away from some of Omaha’s most popular destinations.

Groups can stroll to the Orpheum Theater, the Old Market District and the Heartland of America Park.

This crackerjack example of architecture inspired by the machine age has been completely renovated with modern amenities, furnishings and contemporary style.

Omaha’s Hotel Deco PHOTOS COURTESY HOTEL DECO

A Hotel Deco guest room

LET’S MEET UP IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

LINCOLN.ORG/GTL

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There is nothing more exciting than meeting new people, hearing their stories and being inspired.

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Nebraska City’s Lied Lodge

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

In the 1870s, newspaper editor and nature lover J. Morton Sterling’s dream came true: More than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska in a single day. Since then, the nation has embraced Arbor Day. On 260 historic acres in Nebraska City, the Arbor Day Foundation runs the Lied Lodge, a grand, woodsy, sophisticated hotel. Guests can relax indoors at the spa, indoor swimming pool or Timber’s Restaurant. Thirsting for action? Head outside for Tree Adventure, then wind down with wine tastings and views of the forest. Staying at the Lied Lodge supports the foundation’s mission to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

COURTESY LIED LODGE

The Cedar Room in North Platte

COURTESY THE CEDAR ROOM

MEMORABLE MEALS OLE’S BIG GAME STEAKHOUSE AND LOUNGE

Nebraska’s most famous restaurant is ready for guests to stampede in for juicy burgers surrounded by big game trophies. Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse has been a fixture for nearly a century. And Ole’s has remained true to its roots as a tavern while maturing into a family-friendly destination in Paxton. Through the decades, original owner and hunting enthusiast Ole Herstedt festooned his restaurant with more than 200 large-game trophies. On busy days, a hundred diners enjoy meals under the watchful eyes of the menagerie.

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse

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COURTESY OLE’S BIG GAME STEAKHOUSE

THE CEDAR ROOM

North Platte is brimming with landmarks paying homage to Buffalo Bill Cody, who would give his seal of approval to quality steaks only a cowboy would know, like those found at The Cedar Room.

The Cedar Room is an American fusion restaurant located in the downtown Canteen District. Expect menu items like Angus beef filet mignon, natural duroc pork with salted caramel and steakburgers on brioche buns.

VISITNEBRASKA.COM

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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.

North Carolina scenes, clockwise from top left: Whitewater Falls in Jackson; Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks; Asheville’s River Arts District

BY STACY REDMON, COURTESY DISCOVERJACKSONNC.COM

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BY STEPHAN PRUITT, COURTESY EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

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PICK YOUR PLEASURE NORTH CAROLINA HAS ALL THE BASES COVERED

F

BY ROBIN ROENKER

rom the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains along its western border to the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks on its east coast, North Carolina stops travelers in their tracks.

Groups can arrange a scenic statewide tour that offers a taste of everything the Tar Heel State has to offer, with stops along the way to enjoy the cultural highlights of major cities as well as the charm and friendliness of unique, small towns.

Looking for inspiration? Here’s a sample itinerary your group is sure to enjoy.

JAC K SON COU N T Y Home to the North Carolina towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva — among others — Jackson County offers an ideal staging point to soak in the unmatched beauty of the North Carolina mountains.

“We’re centrally located between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park,” said Caleb Sullivan, sales and marketing manager for the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. “So we’re a perfect gateway community for both.”

Cherokee itself is the site of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, a major entryway into the National Park, as well as the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the summertime outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” — each offering insights into the area’s rich Native American history.

Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino offers a different kind of entertainment option, with 150,000 feet of gaming plus on-site restaurants, pools and a spa.

For a dose of small-town North Carolina charm, groups can enjoy strolling through downtown Dillsboro, which is dotted by cute, locally owned craft stores and artisan galleries and boutiques, including Dogwood Crafters, a co-op shop featuring works by more than 100 regional artists.

Jackson County is also home to seven successful craft breweries, which together form the Jackson County Ale Trail. Several stops are located in picturesque Sylva — the Main Street of which was the filming site for the movie “Three Billboards

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Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” In Dillsboro, Innovation Station Brewery, located in a former train station in the heart of downtown, offers ample creekside patio seating — perfect for groups wishing to wind down after a day spent sightseeing.

For nature lovers, Pinnacle Park in Sylva is a must-see. As North Carolina’s first and only Certified Forest Therapy Trail, the easy-to-navigate pathway offers visitors an opportunity to “forest bathe” on a sensory-aware walk through the woods.

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A SH E V I L L E Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a city with both plenty of culture and plenty of nature.

Groups can take a drive along the storied Blue Ridge Parkway or enjoy any of the area’s many hiking trails for an ideal day trip to soak in the beauty of the region.

No trip to the Asheville would be complete without a stop at The Biltmore, today billed as America’s Largest Home but once the private residence of the George Vanderbilt family.

Built between 1889 and 1895 in the French Renaissance style, the 250-room mansion includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. While exploring the sprawling estate is breathtaking — its lavish rooms are furnished in period décor, and the available audio tour offers fascinating insights into the history of the home. Groups can also enjoy an array of other fun activities while at the Biltmore, including wine tastings, garden tours, carriage rides, hiking, horseback riding and more.

Inside Asheville’s city limits, there’s no shortage of things to do. The city’s bustling River Arts District is home to an eclectic array of galleries and studios staffed by working artisans, many of whom are available to chat about their works.

Downtown, groups can stop by Lexington Glassworks to watch skilled glass artists at work or even try to create a glass-blown piece of their own. Or they can head to Citizen Vinyl, a café, bar and working record-press facility offering an up-close look at how records are made.

When it’s time to wind down, groups can explore any of Asheville’s more than 50 craft breweries and cideries.

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MOU N T A I RY It’s long been said the fictional town of Mayberry on “The Andy Griffith Show” was based loosely on the very real town of Mount Airy, where the storied actor grew up.

Today, the central North Carolina town, located roughly 37 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, embraces this connection fully, with a dozen or so Andy Griffith-themed attractions available year-round, plus Mayberry Days — an entire festival dedicated to all-things Mayberry — every September.

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Exploring Charlotte’s NoDa district COURTESY VISITNC.COM

Fans of the show can drive by the home where Andy Griffith grew up, tour the town in a 1960s-era squad car like Sherriff Taylor’s, stop in at Floyd’s Barber Shop or Wally’s Service Station, visit Otis’ jail cell at the replica Mayberry Courthouse and snap a selfie near the Andy and Opie statue located near the Andy Griffith Museum — which is a must-see.

“The Andy Griffith Museum has a large collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia and has recently undergone renovations to become much more interactive,” said Jenny Smith, group tour manager for the Mount Airy Visitors Center. “You can watch video clips of his performances, and there’s a music exhibit of some of the music he’s done.

It’s not just about ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ — it’s about his whole life and career.”

Earlier this year, the city unveiled a striking new Andy Griffith mural on Moore Avenue, near the visitors center, which makes another ideal photo site for groups.

Beyond the many Mayberry-related tie-ins, Mount Airy offers lots to enjoy, including 10 downtown restaurants ranging from a taco bar and a sushi restaurant to Walker’s Soda Fountain — where visitors can grab 1950’s vintage-style shakes and malts.

For the ultimate Andy-approved meal, groups can head to Snappy Lunch, which was referenced on “The Andy Griffith Show” a few times over the series’ run.

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Mayberry Courthouse and Jail in Mount Airy COURTESY VISITNC.COM

Adventure-seekers will also want to make time to visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, where groups can take part in guided whitewater rafting on the world’s largest manmade whitewater river. The center also offers ziplining, climbing, yoga, ropes courses, mountain biking and more.

Big-city sophistication blends seamlessly with the fun vibe of eclectic neighborhoods like South End and NoDa, which burst with great restaurants and other hidden gems.

“We’ve seen groups dine at some of the hottest restaurants in Charlotte and enjoy a star-studded PNC Broadway show at Blumenthal Performing Arts,” said Chacara Harvin, travel trade marketing manager with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “Others appreciate touring Charlotte’s bustling neighborhoods on Funny Bus Comedy City Tours or gliding on e-bikes or Segways with Charlotte NC Tours.”

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OU T E R BA N K S Asheville’s Biltmore Estate COURTESY EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

C H A R LOT T E The Queen City lives up to its royal billing when it comes to delivering on things to do. In Charlotte, groups can explore an array of cultural hot spots, including The Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which together boast world-class collections of American, European and contemporary art. The city is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a bucket-list destination for all motorsports fans.

Groups can get immersed in Charlotte’s city history at the Charlotte Museum of History and the Levine Museum of the New South, where exhibits explore aspects of the city’s growth and evolution from the Civil War to today.

Nearby, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture showcases works of art that speak to the richness of the African-American experience. Art abounds outdoors, as well, thanks to the many murals that brighten street corners throughout the city.

The Billy Graham Library, a popular stop for faith-based groups, will reopen this summer following extensive renovations, including a refreshed “Journey of Faith” tour of Graham’s life.

Beyond the museum hop, groups can also have fun exploring two new adaptive reuse sites that recently opened in the city.

Optimist Hall, a former textile mill, and the 76-acre Camp North End, a former Model-T and Model-A factory and, later, a military supply depot and missile manufacturing site, are now home to dozens of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés.

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Stretched along North Carolina’s easternmost boundary, the Outer Banks contain some of America’s most pristine beaches — vast spaces where visitors can experience the raw beauty of unvarnished coastlines.

Here, history and natural beauty are intertwined. The islands are home to iconic destinations including the Wright Brothers National Memorial — a site in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, that commemorates the famed brothers’ first flight, which took place in nearby Kitty Hawk in 1903 — and, farther south, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, home to three historic lighthouses.

“Cape Hatteras National Seashore was America’s first national seashore and represents the largest stretch of undeveloped beaches in the eastern United States that you can easily visit by car,” said Aaron Tuell, public relations manager for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Groups can book hotel rooms or vacation rental homes in the seven villages on Hatteras Island — essentially having the national seashore at their doorstep.

History buffs will also want to explore Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo on Roanoke Island, site of an English settlement in 1587 that became famous as “The Lost Colony” — a story that’s told each summer in a popular outdoor play held in the on-site amphitheater.

For something truly unique, groups can try their skills at hang gliding off some of the largest natural sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nag’s Head, where guided lessons are available.

“Jockey’s Ridge is North Carolina’s most visited state park,” Tuell said. “It has the exact same kind of ecosystem or environment that the Wright brothers used when learning to fly their gliders.”

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HEAR THE ROARS BIRMINGHAM HAS LONG BEEN A CITY OF CHAMPIONS

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BY TOM ADKINSON

ould-be sportswriters who dream about working in a multi-sports city are in heaven in Birmingham, Alabama. So are sports historians. You can barely turn around here without finding another sports-related historic location, internationally acclaimed attraction or athlete tribute.

That makes Alabama’s biggest city appealing to group tours, too, because a sports-related itinerary can be so diverse that tour participants don’t have to be die-hard fanatics to enjoy time here. They need only a little bit of curiosity and to love a good story.

This is a city where you can learn about baseball’s Willie Mays, football’s Bear Bryant, boxing’s Joe Louis and an Alabama couple that jumped on their motorcycles and rode around the world.

Rickwood Field is one of several sites showcasing Birmingham’s athletic heritage.

ALL PHOTOS BY TOM ADKINSON

R IC K WO OD F I E L D

A tour that starts with a historical superlative claim is an instant winner, and that’s possible at Rickwood Field — America’s oldest baseball stadium.

Steel company industrialist Rick Woodward, owner of Birmingham’s Coal Barons professional baseball team, envisioned “the finest minor league ballpark ever” and enlisted baseball legend Connie Mack to help design it.

The year was 1910.

With only minor changes, what you see today when you walk through the portal onto the field (which you are welcome to do) is what Woodward built. There are 9,400 seats (1,000 of which came from the Polo Grounds in New York), the unelectrified scoreboard that still requires people to post scores and grass that is green and lush.

Rickwood oozes baseball history. Babe Ruth, Roger Hornsby, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Dizzy Dean and Stan Musial wowed crowds here. They are among more than

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180 members of the Baseball Hall of Fame who played on this storied field.

Other legends make their mark at Rickwood Field, too, because while major league teams staged exhibitions and the minor league Birmingham Barons played here, so did the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.

That’s why you see names such as Satchel Paige and Willie Mays honored here. Mays grew up just minutes away and as a 16-year-old high school junior was the starting centerfielder for a championship Black Barons team.

Rickwood is so authentic that it was a filming location for three movies (“42,” Jackie Robinson’s story; “Cobb” about Ty Cobb; and “Soul of the Game” for HBO), and it remains in use for college, high school and travel baseball games, meaning it’s possible for a group tour to see America’s oldest baseball park in action.

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BA R B E R V I N TAGE MOTOR SP OR T S M USEU M

Barber Motorsports Museum

Negro Southern League Museum

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Sharks, octopus and sea turtles N EGRO SOU T H E R N are among the more than 10,000 L E AG U E M USEU M marine creatures at Ripley’s More baseball lore is downtown at the Negro Aquarium in Myrtle Beach.

Southern League Museum next door to Regions Field, the modern home of the AA Birmingham Barons. Just as at Rickwood Field, you needn’t be a baseball fan to appreciate the museum’s look at American life through sports.

“My goal is telling the story of Black baseball in America through the eyes of Birmingham,” says Layton Revel in a museum film. Revel, founder and executive director of the Center for Negro League Baseball Research, provided most of the museum’s artifacts, which have been called the largest collection of Negro League memorabilia anywhere.

When steel manufacturing ruled Birmingham, steel companies fielded both Black and white baseball teams, giving the city a rich history in sports.

Birmingham factored into the nine major Negro leagues that operated from 1920-63. The Birmingham Black Barons were the longest-running team, and they won league championships three times but never a World Series.

Of note is how baseball delivered an early, almost subliminal, change in race relations. You’ll learn here that it was the (white) Birmingham Barons who were Alabama’s first integrated professional sports team.

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Roaring engines rather than roaring crowds are the focus of another Birmingham sports destination — the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. It is a few miles east of downtown, out where there is enough land for a sprawling museum, a Porsche Driving School and a 16-turn, 2.38-mile racetrack.

Motorcycles are the primary attraction in almost mind-boggling quantity — more than 1,600 of them, with more than 950 on display daily. They are from 200 manufacturers based in 20 countries.

The display technique for this many machines is immediately captivating. Giant columns of motorcycles rise to the top of the building. An elevator whisks you by them and deposits you at the uppermost level.

From there, you walk a curving ramp reminiscent of the Guggenheim Museum’s famous spiral.

You realize almost immediately that the motorcycles are works of art, not simply hunks of metal.

For the non-motorcyclist, there are plenty of gee-whiz exhibits. Consider the 1925 three-passenger Bohmerland, a 10-foot-long behemoth; the two BMW R100s that an Alabama couple took on an around-the-world excursion covering 65,000 miles; or the terribly cute Honda 50, the object of desire for many baby boomers when introduced to America in 1959.

A bonus at Barber Motorsports is stepping outside the museum onto a walkway over the speedway (maybe you’ll see Porsche Driving School students in action). It connects to a shaded path through a natural area inside the racetrack’s boundary.

A L A BA M A SP OR T S H A L L OF FA M E

A complete Alabama sports overview awaits you at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame — 33,000 square feet of exhibit space and 6,000 pieces of sports memorabilia on three levels. It is in Birmingham’s Uptown District, which offers hotel rooms, restaurants and a new football stadium for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers and the United States Football League.

A statue of football coaching legends Bear Bryant and Shug Jordan greets you outside the hall of fame. Inside are items such Heisman Trophies belonging to Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson; one of Bryant’s trademark houndstooth hats; and plaques honoring almost 400 hall of fame inductees.

Dioramas with life-size sculptures help tell several stories. The most dramatic shows Jesse Owens, the Black track phenom born in Oakville, Alabama, airborne in the long jump competition at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

Adolph Hitler’s claim of Aryan racial superiority disappeared with Owens’ four gold medals.

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EVERYONE DESERVES A DAY AT THE RODEO

Prescott Frontier Days bills itself as the world’s oldest rodeo.

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COURTESY PRESCOTT, AZ OFFICE OF TOURISM

BY LINDSEY HYDE

hrieking fans, hooves kicking up dirt, lassos flying through the air, the sound of the buzzer — rodeos elicit a one-of-a-kind excitement. Here are five of North America’s top rodeos where you and your group can pull out your cowboy boots and explore all this great sport has to offer.

P R E S C O T T F R O N T I E R D AY S PRESCOTT, ARIZONA Prescott Frontier began on July 4, 1888, when a group of merchants and businessmen in Prescott, Arizona, held the first formal “cowboy tournament” in Forbing Park and awarded cash prizes. Today, it is a multiday event hosted over the Fourth of July that draws approximately 27,000

spectators and is known as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo.”

Visitors can catch one or more of eight thrilling performances that feature competitions in wild horse racing, steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

“When you come to the World’s Oldest Rodeo, you’re seeing the top-performing cowboys from across the world,” said Ann Steward, the tourism and economic initiatives manager for the City of Prescott. “They’re skilled at what they do.”

Guests also have the chance to buy a variety of foods, from kettle corn to samosas, as well as souvenirs and Western art and crafts.

While in Prescott for the event, visitors are also encouraged to check out the area’s museums, such as Phippen, Sharlot Hall and the Museum of Indigenous People, as well as explore the outdoors at Watson Lake Park and Goldwater Lake.

“We’re a small town, so you can experience a lot in a little amount of time,” Steward said.

V I S I T- P R E S C OT T.C O M ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

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A roping event at Cheyenne Frontier Days

BY JUDY MYERS, COURTESY VISIT CHEYENNE

C H E Y E N N E F R O N T I E R D AY S CHEYENNE, WYOMING Though it started in 1897 as a one-day event featuring pony racing, bronco busting and steer roping to attract travelers during the 1890s depression, Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming has grown to become the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, drawing approximately 250,000 people.

Held during the last full week of July, this 10-day festival hosts nail-biting competitions, including bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down and team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, wild horse racing and breakaway roping.

“It’s professional sports at its best,” said Jim Walter, vice president and director of sales and marketing for Visit Cheyenne. “And the accessibility of rodeo athletes — a lot of them will sign autographs after they’ve competed.”

When not on the edge of their seats in the arena, attendees are met with an air show by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, four parades, a carnival, performances by big-name musical artists, Western products and branded apparel for purchase and a host of food vendors.

“They try to bring a variety of the things you’d expect — fried dough, spiraled potatoes — and things you might not expect. There’s usually a wild-game booth of some sort there, too,” Walter said.

Another key part of the event is Indian Village, where individuals from the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes share with visitors their Native American history and culture through dance, storytelling and music.

While in Cheyenne, visitors are also encouraged to explore the Wyoming State Museum and State Capitol, as well as Terry Bison Ranch, where they can view and feed bison.

“This is your opportunity to get up close and personal with a bison in a safe, controlled manner and have that experience,” Walter said.

While Cheyenne Frontier Days offers groups packages, Visit Cheyenne also boasts a $25/person Legendary Pass that provides discounts for attractions in the area, including Terry Bison Ranch.

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Bull riding at Greeley Stampede

BY ROD CONNOR, COURTESY GREELEY STAMPEDE

G R E E L E Y S TA M P E D E GREELEY, COLORADO To honor its potato farmers, the community of Greeley, Colorado, hosted Greeley Spud Rodeo in 1922, which drew an estimated 2,500 people to a day of pie eating, horse racing, bucking bronc riding, fancy roping and more. The event, including its name and offerings, has changed over the years to become an internationally acclaimed festival that attracts more than 250,000 people.

Held around the Fourth of July, this 10–14-day festival hosts top athletes from all over the world who compete in bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding competitions.

“We have the best contestants coming, and I think we have the best venue, as well,” said Justin Watada, general manager of Greeley Stampede. “It holds up to 9,000 people for the rodeo, and there are great views from all angles.”

Entertainment runs the gamut at Greeley Stampede. The event includes multiple arena concerts, a demolition derby, daily parades, vendors selling everything from cowboy hats to hot tubs, a carnival and a variety of foods.

“If you’re a die-hard rodeo person, and you know that that’s a top 10 bull rider on the bull, or if you’re a casual fan who just wants to bring your family to the rodeo, we try to make sure it’s top-notch but also a great experience for that family coming out,” Watada said.

A favorite attraction among many is the Western Art Show, which showcases over 200 Western paintings and sculptures by artists from all over the world.

Depending on which festival competitions and attractions groups want to see, Greeley Stampede can customize packages to best meet their needs. Plus, the organization, along with others in the area, partners with Visit Greeley to offer packages that include visits to additional attractions in the city, such as the Colorado Model Railroad Museum.

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Bronco riding at the Reno Rodeo COURTESY VISITRENOTAHOE.COM

RENO RODEO RENO, NEVADA The Reno Rodeo can be traced back to 1919 when the Commercial Club, a precursor of the area’s chamber of commerce, hosted a community event full of rodeo competitions to draw tourists and recognize the rodeo athletes of that time. Today, Reno Rodeo is an activity-packed, 11-day event held in June that draws more than 140,000 people each year.

Visitors enjoy watching nine days of fierce competition in team roping, steer wrestling, bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and bull riding.

“The talent of the riders is just unbelievable,” said Charles Harris, president and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe.

“There’s electricity in the air while you’re there.”

While the rodeo competitions draw visitors from far and wide, the event is overflowing with other attractions, including a kick-off concert, a parade, steer decorating, a carnival, a golf tournament, and several vendors selling a variety of delicious food and apparel.

“There’s lots of shopping, lots of vendors — people come out, and they have a good time, whether you’re drinking beer, getting food. There is all sorts of fun stuff that goes on out there,” Harris said.

Groups attending Reno Rodeo can receive discounted tickets for Monday through Wednesday performances in certain grandstands. Plus, while they aren’t cheering on athletes or chowing down on carnival food, they can explore the surrounding area and check out one of the many gaming locations, historic mine tours in Virginia City and water sports on Lake Tahoe.

“When you have that opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and do things during the day and the rodeo in the evening, there’s nothing better,” Harris said.

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Boasting with history at every turn, Jefferson City has groupfriendly attractions yearning to be discovered. Explore what Missouri’s beautiful capital city has to offer your groups.

C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E CALGARY, ALBERTA A vision of Guy Weadick of Rochester, New York, who visited Calgary, Alberta, with a traveling Western showcase and saw its potential for a frontier days and cowboy championship contest, the first Calgary Stampede was held in 1912 and drew 80,000 people to its parade and rodeo events.

While paused for a few years due to economic downturn and later combined with Calgary’s Exhibition, an event that celebrated Western agriculture, today’s Calgary Stampede attracts more than 1.2 million people.

This 10-day event draws the world’s toughest athletes to compete in bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding.

“Since 1923, we’ve also offered chuckwagon racing, so we’re coming up on 100 years of that, which is a very unique sport,” said Kristina Barnes, Calgary Stampede’s manager of agriculture and Western events.

The Stampede also brims with live music offered at four venues; the Bell Grandstand Show, which features amazing stunts and pyrotechnics; a carnival; freestyle motocross; agriculture showcases; Western shopping; fine dining and carnival food; and much more.

A unique aspect of the event is Elbow River Camp, which celebrates cultures of the First Nations that have been part of the stampede since the beginning. Visitors can meet local artisans, explore tipis and view traditional dancing.

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Enjoying a snack at Calgary Stampede COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE

“There’re also interpreters within the camp, so it gives people the opportunity to come in, ask questions and learn about the cultures,” Barnes said.

While the stampede offers a wealth of activities, Calgary and the surrounding area are full of must-see attractions, such as the Badlands and Banff National Park.

“The drive from Calgary to Banff is beautiful, so it’s a great opportunity to experience a little bit more of Alberta,” Barnes said.

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Country Roadtrips

THESE WEST VIRGINIA STOPS ARE HEADLINERS B Y PA U L A AV E N G L A D Y C H

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est Virginia is full of iconic attractions: the largest radio telescope in the world, a historic resort that dates back to the time of the American Revolution, a historic railroad, the deepest gorge in the state and one of the largest artisan marketplaces in the country.

Here some destinations and experiences to include on your next trip to the Mountain State.

The Green br ier

WHITE SULPH UR SPRINGS Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier resort exudes elegance and Old World charm. The Greenbrier has hosted 45 U.S. presidents, royalty and big name celebrities. Visitors to the historic resort, which was built in 1778, have their pick of outdoor adventures such as fishing, horseback riding, shooting, jeeping, kayaking and paintball. Off property, there’s an aerial adventure course with 21 challenges to choose from, a 55-foot alpine climbing tower with 20 routes, and a canopy tour for the more adventurous.

Golfers will love the resort’s two 18-hole championship golf courses and two nine-hole courses. Private golf lessons are available, and during the winter months, the Golf Academy offers golfing simulators to help them improve their game. There’s a spa, bowling, carriage rides, an escape room, beginner falconry lessons and mountain biking. The Bunker at The Greenbrier takes visitors through a once-top-secret Cold War fallout shelter that sits beneath the resort’s West Virginia Wing. Tours take 90 minutes.

The resort has 710 rooms, including 96 guest and estate homes, as well as 20 restaurants, lounges and bars to satisfy any craving.

The spa offers a robust menu of services. And for those who like to gamble, the Greenbrier Casino Club has a Sportsbook, gaming tables and 320 different slot machines. The resort features plenty of shops, from clothing and pet apparel to jewelry and candy. There’s also indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and pickleball.

Groups can enjoy carriage rides on the immaculate grounds of The Greenbrier.

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Ta m a ra ck Ma rketpla ce BECKLEY

Tamarack Marketplace features the works of West Virginia artisans, from woodworking and glass blowing to homemade food and wine. The huge circular building has something for everyone, making it a popular group travel destination. Not only is the shopping diverse, but it is also full of working studios for artists, many of whom give live demonstrations or offer make-and-take opportunities. Groups can learn how to blow glass from the marketplace’s resident glass-blowing expert, who will guide guests through the process step by step. Classes are offered Thursday through Saturday and take 20-30 minutes. Guests can choose to make an ornament, paperweight, heart-shaped drinking glass, candy dish, bowl or vase.

A food court in the middle serves delicious West Virginia specialties such as trout amandine, pork barbecue sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, pinto beans and cornbread. There’s an art gallery inside with ever-changing exhibitions. Most exhibits are grouped into themes and can include mixed media, like pottery and painting. A theater onsite offers live entertainment, including dueling pianos, and several courtyard concerts are offered throughout the summer months.

The marketplace averages a half-million visitors a year and was the first center of its kind in the country. It broke ground in 1994 and has continued to grow to meet demand. It highlights the works of more than 2,800 artisans from across the state.

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Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad COURTESY DURBIN & GREENBRIER VALLEY RR

Tamarack Marketplace

New River Gorge COURTESY NEW RIVER GORGE CVB

Tamarack merchandise

Green Bank Observatory

COURTESY TAMARACK MARKETPLACE

COURTESY GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY

D u rbi n a nd Green br ier Va l ley R a i l roa d ELKINS

Groups wanting to step back in time and see the countryside as it was when rail travel was the most popular mode of transportation in West Virginia can book a ride on the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The railroad employs five Shay locomotives, durable steam engines that were used to haul lumber and can handle the roughest mountain duty under the worst possible conditions. Every wheel of the Shay engine and tender is a drive wheel, allowing it to navigate the route’s steep grades and sharp curves.

Groups have their choice of rides from the Cass Depot. They can go to Bald Knob, a 22-mile roundtrip adventure that takes about four-and-a-half hours and offers panoramas of the Appalachian Mountains. The trip gains nearly 2,400 feet and is one of the most popular journeys the railroad offers because of the overlook at the top. Another trip from Cass takes groups to Whitaker, a four-mile trip that takes two hours, climbing the lower slopes of Cheat Mountain along Leatherbark Creek.

Many groups will pair a train ride with lunch, a visit to the Cass Historical Museum or a dinner show at Cass Historical Theater.

The New Tygart Flyer boards from Elkins Depot and takes guests through the Monongahela National Forest, through an S-curve tunnel, over a high bridge and along the cascading Shavers Fork of the Cheat River to the High Falls of Cleat. There’s a platform for viewing the falls by the train station or the more nimble can take the steps down to another platform right below the falls.

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COURTESY TAMARACK MARKETPLACE

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New R iver G orge Nation a l Pa rk a nd P reser ve FAYETTE VI LLE

The New River Gorge is the longest and deepest cut in the Appalachian Mountains, carved by the New River. The gorge is protected by the country’s newest national park, which encompasses 70,000 acres of dense forest that forms a canopy over the remains of several coal mining towns that boomed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The best preserved coal town in the park, Nuttallburg, has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places because its coal tipple, coal conveyor, coke ovens and buildings are still intact. The town became famous in the 1920s when automobile industrialist Henry Ford leased the town’s mines to provide coal for his company’s steel mills.

Group visitors can learn more about the gorge and the area’s mining history at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. A short boardwalk descends into the gorge to two observation decks that offer unobstructed views of the New Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch span in the Western Hemisphere, spanning the gorge 876 feet above the river.

Rangers lead short walks from the Grandview Visitor Center pointing out the diversity of wildlife and plants that call the gorge home. The overlook at Grandview offers spectacular views of the gorge from 1,400 feet above the river. Several shorter hikes are available throughout the park, and many of the park’s main features, including Sandstone Falls, are accessible by car.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take a guided whitewater rafting trip through the gorge, hike or bike the many trails, or climb the sandstone cliffs.

B oyhood home of

TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM STONEWALL LAKE & RESORT

Stonewall Jackson. The

A P PA L AC H I A N G L A S S

scariest paranormal tour

A Present of the Past

in the region. Home to West Virginia’s most scenic and delicious winery. 1900 acres of pristine state park grounds. Destination for your next legendary adventure.

It’s Stonewall Country.

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Green Ba n k Obser vat or y GREEN BANK

The Green Bank Observatory was established in the late 1950s as the first observatory of its kind that studies radio waves. When most people think of astronomy, they think of telescopes, but Green Bank’s telescopes collect radio waves from across the universe and use computers and data processing to produce images.

The observatory is in a valley surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, about a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C., so it doesn’t have to worry about interference from the big cities.

The site has nine telescopes of various sizes. The Green Bank Telescope is the largest of its kind in the world and the only one that can move to follow the sky. It stands 485 feet tall, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and the dish is over two acres across and can fit two football fields inside. The telescope weighs close to 17 million pounds. It runs 24 hours a day, so visitors have a good chance of seeing it move while there.

Groups can’t take their own buses onto the property but can hop on one of the observatory’s special buses that can drive close to the telescopes and not cause interference. The bus tour takes about 90 minutes, and visitors can spend about 30 minutes inside the science center learning about radio astronomy and the many discoveries made using that technology.

Behind the scenes tours are available, including a popular one that talks about SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

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Main STREET magic SMALLTOWN INDIANA WILL STEAL YOUR HEART

Carside dining in Auburn

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mall towns pack big experiences for groups traveling in the Hoosier State.

Indiana has its share of big cities with high-profile attractions. But groups traveling through the state shouldn’t overlook the travel treasures in its towns and villages.

These five small towns have done an amazing job of preserving their past through a mix of 19th century architecture, world class museums, one-of-a-kind festivals and attractions, and some of the most beautiful natural settings in the state.

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Car aficionados should make a point of visiting Auburn, a selfstyled classic car town. Visitors can step back in time to the era of “The Great Gatsby” at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, which features one of the most extensive collections of these cars in the world. The museum is located in the old Auburn Automobile Company building and showcases 120 cars, ranging in years from 1894 to 1999, on three levels in nine automotive-themed galleries.

Auburn hosts an Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival over Labor Day weekend every year that brings in connoisseurs from around the world.

While there, car lovers should stop at the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum. Another popular stop is the National Automotive and Truck Museum, which features ’50s and ’60s muscle cars, one offs, a DeLorean and a GM Futurliner, one of only 12 made by General Motors in the ’40s for the Parade of Progress. The Parade of Progress would travel coast to coast exhibiting new cars and technology, like jet engine propulsion, telephone technology and microwaves. Younger visitors to Auburn will also enjoy the International Monster Truck Museum and Hall of Fame.

If cars aren’t your thing, groups can take a self-guided walking tour of Auburn, including the historic DeKalb County Courthouse, which has a spectacular glass dome; the E.L. Cord Estate; and the home of

COURTESY VISIT DEKALB

Morris Eckhart, whose family started the Eckhart Carriage Company in 1896. There are 44 stops on the tour. Spencerville Covered Bridge is nearby, and Sechler’s Pickles offers factory tours. Downtown Auburn has boutique shops, local restaurants, three wineries and a brewery.

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Vi l la ge of Na shv i l le

Not to be confused with its more glittery cousin in Tennessee, the Village of Nashville is a historic artist colony in the Blue Hills of Brown County. There are over 200 shops, art galleries and restaurants in its downtown area, and group visitors can find everything from candy and ice cream shops to clothing boutiques, book shops, jewelry and handcrafted items. There are several studios and galleries that offer classes and workshops. The oldest shop in town, The Totem Post, which opened in 1952, is a fun stop.

Brown County State Park COURTESY BROWN COUNTY VISITORS CENTER

Village of Nashville

George Rogers Clark National Historic Park COURTESY BROWN COUNTY VISITORS CENTER

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The village also has beautiful public art pieces scattered around downtown and is a great jumping-off point to see Indiana’s most visited state park, Brown County State Park. The park sits on 16,000 acres and features 20 miles of tree-lined roads. Visitors love to get out into nature by hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding through the park or just driving through to take in the beautiful vistas. The park is also a popular destination in the fall, when the leaves are changing to their autumn brilliance.

The Village of Story, which was founded in 1851, was turned into Indiana’s oldest country inn, The Story Inn. It has 14 rooms and cottages and a gourmet restaurant and bar in the former general store. The bar and renovated barn now host live music and monthly comedy shows.

For groups that love to get out into nature, the 928-foot climb to the top of nearby Browning offers amazing views.

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Vi ncen nes

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Auto Museum features more than 120 classic cars.

The Village of Story, which was founded in 1851, was turned into Indiana’s oldest country inn, The Story Inn.

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Vincennes is home to numerous museums, including the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, the Indiana Military Museum and one of the largest national monuments outside of Washington, D.C., the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. The Historical Park’s huge granite memorial sits on the site of the former British Fort Sackville, which was captured by Colonel George Rogers Clark and his army — made up of frontiersmen and Frenchmen — in 1779. The surrender of the fort marks the birth of the U.S. north of the Ohio River.

Group visitors to the monument can take docent-led tours of the site, learn about its history, watch a 30-minute video presentation and visit the gift shop. The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous is held over Memorial Day weekend every year and features Revolutionary War reenactments and encampments, food, booths, frontier skills demonstrations and live music.

Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy celebrates the life of one of America’s most famous comedians. Red Skelton was born in Vincennes, and the museum pays tribute to his comedic legacy on

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television and on the radio. The museum features interactive exhibits detailing some of Skelton’s many iconic characters, including Freddie the Freeloader, and a short film that showcases famous American comedians. Group tours are available.

Indiana Military Museum features tanks, artillery and aircraft, uniforms, captured enemy souvenirs and more from the Civil War through America’s current military engagements.

National Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting COURTESY SOUTH SHORE CVA

Downtown Madison

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Wh iti n g a nd I nd ia n a’s Sout h Shore

Whiting is the closest Indiana city to Chicago, sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan. Whihala Beach COURTESY VISIT MADISON and Whiting Lakefront Park are best known for their spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. Groups can A Madison soak up the sun as they lounge on the beach or play in mural the water. The park also has walking paths, a boardwalk, fishing pier and WhoaZone, a floating obstacle course with ladders, slides, swings and an aquatic trampoline.

Whiting’s other claim to fame is the National Mascot Hall of Fame, which honors some of the most memorable characters to have ever cheered on a sports team. The museum features interactive exhibits that teach guests COURTESY VISIT MADISON about what it takes to become a world-class mascot. The museum is fun for groups and children of all ages.

Visitors can hike up 192-foot-tall Mount Tom, the largest sand dune in Indiana Dunes National Park in nearby Porter. The park covers 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers and forests and contains 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Whiting is also home to Pierogi Fest, one of the largest Polish festivals in the world, which takes place the last full weekend of July. The event offers a variety of foods, a beer garden, live music and a parade.

Gamblers will want to stop at Horseshoe Hammond and Ameristar Casino. Nearby Fair Oaks Farm is one of the largest agritourism sites in the state.

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Ma d i son

Groups come to Madison from across the country to visit the nation’s largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District. Nestled in the rolling hills along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Madison has 133 blocks of historic homes and buildings.

Many of the town’s historic homes are available for tours, including the Lanier Mansion Historic Site, an 1844 Greek Revival home, and the Shrewsbury-Windle Home. Both are National Historic Landmarks. Dr. William Hutchings’ Office and Museum preserves an authentic 19th century medical office, including medical records, surgical tools and books.

Historic Eleutherin College was founded in 1848 by the Neil’s Creek Anti-Slavery Society.

The site tells the stories of the Baptists who made it their mission to educate students regardless of gender or race, including freed and fugitive slaves, before the Civil War. The Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum offers group tours, demonstrations and exhibits that show how the family made saddle frames, clothespins and other products in the 19th century.

Madison has several trails, including a Heritage Trail that follows the riverfront along an old railroad corridor. Clifty Falls State Park overlooks the Ohio River. It is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails and nature center. The city also has two award-winning wineries, several breweries and Mad Paddle Brewstillery, which brews its own beer and makes distilled beverages.

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