The Group Travel Leader June 2023

GROUP TRAVEL LEADER THE

LAKE TAHOE AT Tie up

Outdoors MOBILE IS FOR

Pick your path and pace. Explore our natural oasis.

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

Shawna Faniel at shawna.faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-353-1907

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery Cook Museum of Natural Science, Decatur

EDITOR’S MARKS

BY BRIAN JEWELL

It’s hard to enjoy amazing travel moments when you’re sweating through your clothes. As spring turns to summer, I find myself reflecting on how changes in weather impact the travel experience. It’s no secret that fall and spring are the most popular seasons for group travel, thanks to their mostly moderate temperatures. But summer brings its own travel appeal, including lots of sunshine and outdoor events.

Of course, the sunshine and warm weather aren’t without their challenges (such as the aforementioned sweat). So if you have groups traveling this summer, consider taking some of these measures to make sure the heat doesn’t stand in the way of having a great time.

STOCK UP ON WATER.

Dehydration is the biggest risk to travelers getting out and about in the summer heat, so you should take responsibility for making sure everyone has access to water whenever they need it. You can do this by providing reusable water bottles with your company logo and arranging to have them refilled at the hotel, restaurants and other stops. Or build some money into your trip budget to supply bottled water. Many bus companies can provide a cooler as part of your coach charter.

BRING SUNSCREEN TO SHARE.

Summer’s sunny days can wreak havoc on unprotected skin. If your group will be spending time in the sun, make sure everyone knows they should bring — and use — sunscreen. You could even provide a small bottle in a goodie bag everyone gets at the beginning of the trip and make sunscreen application part of the group’s daily departure ritual. And since someone is bound to forget their sunscreen or run out along the way, bring an extra bottle or two to share.

GET AN EARLY START.

On hot days, mornings can be the most pleasant time for outdoor activities. If you’re anticipating some outdoor adventure — or even a walking tour or botanical garden visit —plan these activities as your first agenda items for the day. You may be able to get your group early access to some places before they open to the public during warmer hours of the day. You can even combine some of these experiences with picnic breakfasts for a scenic and memorable start to the day.

PLAN A LATE-AFTERNOON BREAK.

No matter when you’re traveling, it’s a best practice to plan some downtime at your group’s hotel before dinner. During the summer months, this stop becomes essential. Not only will it give travelers a break from the heat in the afternoon, but it will also give them a chance to shower or otherwise freshen up. After all, nobody likes going to a nice restaurant with sweaty clothes and sunscreen-streaked skin. And a quick recharge at the hotel may give them a second wind for some after-dinner fun.

ARRANGE A COOL TREAT.

Sometimes hot days on the road are unavoidable. If you know your group is going to have a long stretch in the heat, plan a surprise treat to help them cool off along the way. This could include something simple like a lemonade or ice-cream break or something more involved, such as a frozen drink or cocktail. Have these treats waiting at a strategic point along the way during an outdoor tour or experience. Your travelers will appreciate your forethought and will perceive a higher value in your travel product.

GROUP TOUR?

BRING IT TO

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, your group has no shortage of activities to help them reconnect and bond. Sixty miles of beaches, 90 golf courses, 2,000 restaurants, botanical gardens, plus live theaters and music every night of the week is just scratching the surface. There’s no better place to get together than The Beach.

VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups

60 miles of beaches and endless off-beach activities.

TAKE A FOOD TOUR IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

BY CHARLIE PRESLEY

SALEM, Ohio Occasionally, you run across a diamond-in-therough local tour that every group should know about, and we have one for you when traveling through Columbus, Ohio. As a matter of fact, this tour might even be a reason to make a special trip to Columbus.

A young couple have combined their experience of international travel and love of regional foods into a company that combines their passions and offers a great series of food experience tours of this capital city. Bethia Woolf and Andy Dehus started Columbus Food Adventures over 10 years ago and have built a following of foodies and an array of over a dozen food designed tour packages.

Woolf is a U.K. native who in addition to being an author also has a background as a NCAA Division I coach, educator and Himalayan expedition leader. Her partner in crime, Dehus, is an Ohio native with a background in design and marketing, which he claims occasionally comes in handy. One thing is for certain: These two know food and how to show people a good time on tour.

Columbus Food Adventures has grown into a team of a dozen talented staff members who have put together over 15 itineraries

that your group will love. They are split between walking and driving tours; you can use their van or enjoy a step-on-guide service in the comfort of your own motorcoach.

Walking tours include excursion into the Short North, Dublin, German Village, Grandview Avenue, Old Washington, Brewery District and Franklinton. While all of these tours average three to four hours, the company will also design a tour package to meet your group’s needs.

Driving tours include titles such as Alt Eats Tour, Taco Truck Tour and Meat Lovers Tour. Of special interest is the Alt Eats package, which the company promotes as traveling the world without leaving Columbus.

They also offer a series of adult-beverage tours. The bet here is that walking gets a little slower toward the end.

While these people have put the time in to show your group the little-known gems of Columbus, the real value is they know hospitality. Bottom line: You will have happy travelers on a Columbus Food Adventures tour.

Discover more at columbusfoodadventures.com. Email them at info@columbusfoodadventures.com or call 614-440-3177.

PLANNERS ARE INVITED ON LOOP THE LAKES FAM

SALEM, Ohio Greater Fox Cities and Destination Lake Winnebago Region have teamed up to invite travel planner readers of this publication on a three-day familiarization trip. Loop the Lakes will offer insight to the region and operate in conjunction with Going On Faith Conference.

The trip will take place August 24-26. It begins and ends at the Hyatt Green Bay, with overnights at Radisson Hotel Fond du Lac and Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel.

Meals are included, and the sightseeing round-up features LaClare Family Creamery, Ziegler Winery, Faris Gourmet Popcorn, Ledgerock Distillery, Kristmas Kringle, Bergstorm Mahler Museum of Glass, Fox Cities River Tyme, Nanna’s Apothecary, and the History Museum and Castle. You will also enjoy the world-famous Friday night fish fry at Pullman’s Restaurant.

To register for this complimentary trip, please contact Cassandra at 800-628-0993 or cblankenship@grouptravelfamily.com

A Columbus Food Tours group

BY CHARLIE PRESLEY

NEW PINSTRIPES VENUES ARE ENTERTAINING TRAVEL GROUPS

SALEM, Ohio — It’s always exciting to discover new venues that welcome group travel, and one such venue is taking the travel industry by storm. Pinstripes is more than a restaurant, bowling and bocce place — it’s a destination built for group fun.

Born in the Midwest, Pinstripes has expanded and now has restaurants in more than a dozen tourism destinations, with more to come. Pinstripes’ large venues combine made-from-scratch Italian/American cuisine with private spaces, bowling lanes and bocce courts that can be customized to accommodate any size group. Whether it’s a church group, a sports team, a student tour or other travel group, Pinstripes caters to travelers looking for a fun, different experience.

Pinstripes also recognizes groups’ special needs and offers menu packages for groups of all sizes and budgets. The staff take pride in working closely with group travel planners to make a group’s travels memorable.

Among the special features Pinstripes has created for travel planners are group tour menus that include tax and service charge for an easy per-person price, complimentary meals for group leaders accompanied by groups of 20 or more, and motorcoach parking at all locations. Pinstripes’ locations are near convention centers and local attractions, and motorcoach transportation packages are available.

Miyako Joseph, national director for Pinstripes, has led development of the organization’s national group travel industry presence and can be reached at 847-480-2323 or miyako.j@pinstripes.com

HUNTSVILLE HOSTS STS DOMESTIC SHOWCASE

BY MAC LACY

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — More than 400 delegates gathered in Huntsville, Alabama, April 16–19, for the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Domestic Showcase and its new SMPR Forum for sales and marketing professionals. The attendance included 46 media members who participated in a growing travel media marketplace that is held concurrently with the travel marketplace.

This was the second year for Southeast Tourism Society’s management of the industry meeting after assuming ownership of the event from Travel South USA. STS President and CEO Monica Smith liked the additions to the program this year and is looking forward to continued refinements in 2024.

“Education is a hallmark of ours, and we learned this year that people appreciate our emphasis on that at showcase,” said Smith. “We had two educational breakfasts this week and both speakers were outstanding. Ariel Azoff with Atlas Obscura was fascinating, and Brian Jewell with The Group Travel Leader identified

issues facing our industry that all of us must confront. Those breakfast presentations were among the highlights of Domestic Showcase.

“This event was postponed for several years due to COVID, and we can’t thank Huntsville and the state of Alabama enough for the partnership we were able to forge that enabled us to create a great meeting for our delegates,” she added.

More than 70 sales and marketing staff members from DMO organizations arrived early for the SMPR Forum that was introduced this year to offer career development opportunities. Media members spent an entire day seeing highlights of Huntsville, including Burritt on the Mountain, a historic mansion and park that sits high above the city; the Twickenham district of Huntsville, which features more than 60 antebellum residences; Lowe Mill, the city’s restored marketplace where dozens of artisans and musicians maintain shops; and the Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville’s new outdoor performance center.

Huntsville’s opening event at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center was a cosmic success as delegates dined from sumptuous taco stations beneath the complex’s centerpiece, its Saturn V rocket, and jammed to three different soundtracks played on high fidelity headphones. The city’s cool factor as a center for space exploration was undeniable in that setting.

The next evening, more than 120 attendees joined The Group Travel Leader and Small Market Meetings with their co-sponsors, Heaven Hill Distillery and James B. Beam Distilling Co. for Rock the Rocket City, an event in Huntsville’s Stovehouse District. On a beautiful evening, attendees sipped custom cocktails at the indoor/outdoor venue while enjoying the music of the Lamont Landers Band.

The 2024 STS Domestic Showcase will take place in Little Rock, Arkansas, March 20–24. The city will showcase its $170 million renovation of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and other downtown landmarks.

southeasttourism.org

COURTESY STS COURTESY STS BY MAC LACY BY MAC LACY BY MAC LACY

From left: Opening event at U.S. Space and Rocket Center; CEO Monica Smith; STS staff and friends at The Group Travel Leader’s Rock The Rocket City event; Brian Jewell delivers a keynote; Huntsville guitar maker Danny Davis.

BY CLIFF BILLINGSLEY, COURTESY FLCVB

Tennessee River and Wilson Lake in Florence

Paddleboarding in Saugatuck

Saugatuck’s Oval Beach

BY CRAIG WATSON, COURTESY SDACVB BY LANCE NELSON, COURTESY SDACVB

North Carolina’s Lake Lure

COURTESY GO LAKE HAVASU

Hiking around Lake Havasu

COURTESY

A Saugatuck dune buggy ride

BY RACHID DAHNOUN, COURTESY LTVA

WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS ISSUE

THE SHORE MEANS MORE IN THESE TERRIFIC TOWNS

BY RACHEL CRICK

Life on the lake overflows with leisure. From relaxing days adrift on a boat to a thrilling variety of water sports, the opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. On shore, groups will find this same energy in charming lakeside towns. Beyond their beaches, these towns are brimming with shopping, dining and enjoyable outings.

For fun both on the water and on land, the following lake towns guarantee groups an unforgettable getaway.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo Lake, the small, easygoing community of Saugatuck, Michigan, is the embodiment of lake-town life. Groups can participate in popular activities, like relaxing on Saugatuck’s quiet beaches or taking a sightseeing cruise on the Star of Saugatuck II, a sternwheel paddle boat. They can also rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to enjoy the water. For additional outdoor fun, groups can take a dune buggy ride over rough terrain and sand dunes with Saugatuck Dune Rides. The area is home to several wineries, such as Modales, Fenn Valley Vineyard and Winery Michigan Wine Company and Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant and Winery; groups can explore these via locally operated shuttle tours and sample wine from each vineyard. They will also love discovering Saugatuck’s charming downtown, which is decorated seasonally and jam-packed with local shops selling antiques, art, jewelry and local food products.

SAUGATUCK.COM

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Named for Lake Havasu, a large reservoir of the Colorado River on the Arizona-California border, Lake Havasu City is best known as the new home of the London Bridge. In 1831, the famous bridge spanned the River Thames in England, but it was dismantled in the 1960s and shipped to Arizona to be reconstructed. Completed in 1971, it features the original masonry

and is now one of the state’s most-visited attractions. Groups can take walking tours of the bridge or see it from the water on scenic cruises. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the desert, the city is an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Groups can take a tour through the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to glimpse the wide range species of mammals, reptiles and birds that call its 6,100 acres home. Lake Havasu City is also known for its annual Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair, which occurs three days each January and provides plenty of food and fun for groups to enjoy.

GOLAKEHAVASU.COM

Florence, Alabama

Located in a region called the Shoals in the northwestern corner of Alabama, Florence sits on the Tennessee River and Wilson Lake. With Pickwick Lake and Wheeler Lake also nearby, it’s no wonder that fishing, boating and lake cruises are among the city’s most popular recreational activities. Florence is well known for its historic downtown, which teems with festivals and events for groups to attend. On the first Friday evening of each month from April to December, vendors line the streets to sell handmade art, crafts and jewelry. Musicians play live music and restaurants and shops stay open late. The W.C. Handy Music Festival, dedicated to celebrating the American composer known as the “Father of the Blues,” is also held in Florence. To learn more about this music legend, groups can tour the W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum and Library, in a small cabin in Florence.

VISITFLORENCEAL.COM

Lake Lure, North Carolina

With gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding forests, the North Carolina town named for Lake Lure is one of the most scenic smalltown destinations in the state. Parts of the hit movie “Dirty Dancing” were filmed in this idyllic town, which

Scenic Lake Tahoe

offers groups abundant ways to enjoy the natural scenery. It’s home to annual festivals, such as the Lake Lure Dirty Dancing Festival and the Hot Nights Cool Rides antique car show. Groups can rent kayaks, paddleboards and boats for a fun day on the lake or enjoy the surrounding forests with a light hike. They can visit the nearby Chimney Rock State Park or head to Chimney Rock Village to shop for some locally made souvenirs. Another must-see is the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a historic bridge surrounded by an acre of artisanal gardens. With plenty of resort restaurants and lakeside eateries, groups can choose from casual to fine dining options, each with stunning views of the water.

VISITNCSMALLTOWNS.COM

Bigfork, Montana

In Montana’s Rocky Mountains, groups will find Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West. The community of Bigfork, nestled in the area where the Swan River flows into Flathead Lake, is a hidden gem of Montana’s lake towns. It offers year-round outdoor recreational activities, from whitewater rafting, golfing and horseback riding to dogsledding and cross-country skiing. This small town is also home to a notorious arts scene. Groups can visit galleries and museums, such as the FoR Fine Art Gallery, the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center

Topock Gorge on Arizona’s Lake Havasu

Rafting in Bigfork

COURTESY GO LAKE HAVASU

COURTESY GLACIER COUNTY TOURISM

and Eric Thorsen Fine Art Gallery. They can also catch an entertaining performance at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts or the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. Yearly festivals and events, such as the Bigfork Festival of the Arts and Whitewater Festival, are popular events where groups can enjoy the town’s local traditions, shopping and dining.

BIGFORK.ORG

Aurora, New York

Also known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, Aurora is a small village in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. It sits on the shore of Cayuga Lake, the region’s largest lake. Founded in 1789, Aurora brims with storybook charm, history and opportunities for leisure. Groups will find a stop on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the Long Point Winery, right in Aurora. They can tour, sip and enjoy this winery and several others around the lake and throughout the area. The Inns of Aurora, a historic resort, operates several local lodging facilities, restaurants and a spa. At the Village Market, they will find fresh coffee and baked goods, as well as some artisanal cheeses and locally made crafts and gifts. The popular handcrafted ceramics manufacturer, MacKenzie-Childs, is based in Aurora; groups can visit the MacKenzie-Childs Farmhouse for a free tour of the historic 1800 building to learn about the brand’s history and production. TOURCAYUGA.COM

The Village Market in Aurora

COURTESY INNS OF AURORA

BY KRISTIN RUST, COURTESY LTVA

BY RACHID DAHNOUN, COURTESY LTVA

South Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, the large lake that straddles the NevadaCalifornia border in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is known for its clear blue waters. South Lake Tahoe, California, a city at the lake’s southern edge, features stunning views of the water and the mountains and has become a world-class tourist destination. Several ski resorts in the surrounding mountains make this an excellent year-round destination. During the summer, these resorts offer ropes courses, ziplining, hiking and biking. To enjoy the warmer season and the lake’s famous alpine waters, groups can head to the South Lake Tahoe’s beaches, rent kayaks and catch a boat tour of the lake. A visit to Emerald Bay State Park, located about 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe, allows groups to view some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state and manmade treasures like Vikingsholm Castle. Back in town, they can follow the South Tahoe Beer Trail to enjoy some of the area’s most refreshing craft beverages. VISITLAKETAHOE.COM

Clermont, Florida

The Clermont Chain of Lakes is made up of 11 lakes around the city of Clermont in sunny central Florida. The three largest lakes in the chain — Lake Louisa, Lake Minnehaha and Lake Minneola — each offer beautiful waterfront views and outdoor activities that let groups enjoy the balmy weather. Groups can visit Lake Louisa State Park to view birds and other wildlife, such as deer, bobcats and tortoises; hike the park’s 20 miles of trails; or rent canoes and kayaks. Agritourism is a popular endeavor in Clermont. Florida is known for its citrus production, and groups can stop by the Showcase of Citrus in Clermont to pick their own citrus fruits, as well as a handful of other local farms where they can pick their own produce. Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards offers visitors a tour of the vineyards and a tasting. At Clermont’s Historic Village, groups can learn about the city’s past by walking through its historic buildings and viewing exhibits that touch on topics ranging from World War II to the building’s original occupants.

Lake Tahoe wildflowers

Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe

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

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM/GROUPTOUR

GEORGIA

By Jill Gleeson

Pretty as a peach and packed with attractions as pleasing as a bite of the state’s trademark fruit, Georgia makes for a glorious group destination.

Long-loved, must-see historical treasures abound here, but the state also keeps up with the times, consistently dishing up unique new offerings. From following in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. to mingling with meerkats, groups can find nearly everything they’re looking for in Georgia. Toss in some truly spectacular lodging and restaurant choices, all served with a big scoop of Southern charm, and you’ve just created an itinerary sure to fill every seat on the motorcoach.

BY CASEY JONES, COURTESY VISIT SAVANNAH

Surrounded by elegant live oaks, Forsythe Park is one of the most scenic spots in Savannah.

POPULAR DEMAND

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

Atlanta’s top tourist attraction, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, comprises 38 acres of moving, thought-provoking landmarks, monuments and exhibits honoring the remarkable life and heroic work of the Civil Rights legend. Leaders should set aside at least a few hours for their groups to explore the park, which has free admission. Essential sites include King’s restored birth home; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was a co-pastor and where visitors can hear recordings of his speeches; and the tombs of King and his wife, Coretta.

SAVANNAH HISTORIC LANDMARK

Savannah’s Historic Landmark District is the country’s largest, so leaders might want to charter a guided tour by trolley to give their groups a good overview of the area before zeroing in on individual attractions. There are certainly oodles of them to choose from, including the 30-acre Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain; the breathtaking French Gothic-style Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist; and the Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book and film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

THE NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM AND SOLDIER CENTER

Located on the outskirts of Columbus, The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is a massive, meticulously realized and deeply stirring institution dedicated to commemorating the courage of the U.S. Army’s infantrymen. The museum details some 240 years of this country’s military history through immersive galleries, video presentations and interactive exhibits showcasing thousands of historical artifacts. Customizable packages, which may feature everything from guided tours to Giant Screen Theater tickets and a catered meal, are available to groups.

COURTESY VISITCOLUMBUSGA

Savannah’s Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Columbus’ National Infantry Museum

BY CASEY JONES, COURTESY VISIT SAVANNAH

PHOTOS COURTESY EXPLORE GEORGIA

A mural at the King complex in Atlanta

An exhibit at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park

UP AND COMING

PASSPORT SPRINGS AND SPA

Scheduled to open next year in metro Atlanta, Passport Springs and Spa will transport groups to pampering pools around the planet as it re-creates the environments of celebrated hot springs in Israel, Costa Rica, Rome and Japan. Luxurious pavilions will replicate the architecture and landscapes of each destination, allowing guests to indulge in experiences as diverse as sipping sake while soaking under a pagoda and floating in water with the same mineral content as the legendary Dead Sea. The Grotto, an extensive subterranean space, will feature snow, salt, steam and sauna chambers.

GEORGIA SAFARI CONSERVATION PARK

Leaders may want to get their bookings in now for Georgia Safari Conservation Park, which is sure to be a hit when it opens come November in Morgan County. Groups will be able to opt for a guided, drive-through tour of the 500-acre park’s bucolic plains and forests, filled with African animals like zebras and giraffes, before strolling the attraction’s walk-though zoo, featuring meerkats, monkeys and more. A treetop lodge is also in the works, and special experiences for group visitors — including custom tours and behind-the-scenes events — will be available.

COURTESY PASSPORT SPRINGS AND SPA

Game Changer at Lanier Islands

The City Mills Hotel lobby

Passport Springs and Spa

COURTESY LANIER ISLANDS

COURTESY VISITCOLUMBUSGA

GAME CHANGER AT LANIER ISLANDS

Fun for all ages is the name of the game at Game Changer at Lanier Islands, which debuted in February at the popular lakeside resort. The 23,000-square-foot, two-story facility serves up enough good times to fill a festive afternoon with a nine-hole indoor putting course; an escape room; axe-throwing lanes; suites with virtual sports like golf, baseball and basketball; and more than 50 arcade games. Groups will want to refuel in the on-site restaurant, specializing in Southern delicacies like fried chicken and peach pie.

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

THE PARTRIDGE INN

Dubbed “PI” by locals, Augusta’s storied Partridge Inn, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, boasts 140 unique rooms and suites; a sleek, modern restaurant; and a rooftop bar offering the city’s best views. There’s history here, too. Built in 1910, the hotel is the closest to Augusta National Golf Course, where the Masters Tournament is played, and has hosted not only famed duffers but also celebrities including Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson.

BY BRIAN ROBBINS, COURTESY THE PARTRIDGE INN

The Partridge Inn bar

Cotton House

City Mills Hotel in Columbus

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

CITY MILLS HOTEL

City Mills Hotel takes its name from its distinctive location: an exquisitely renovated 19th-century grist mill on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Columbus. The boutique property’s attention to detail truly wows, from the carefully preserved architectural features, which include the original mill’s brick walls and wood beams, to the handsome, locally sourced artwork. The city’s beloved RiverWalk, a linear park leading to downtown, is steps from the front door, while the hotel’s recently opened Millhouse Kitchen + Bar specializes in American cuisine with “a Southern twang.”

MEMORABLE MEALS

MERCIER ORCHARDS

Tucked away in the lovely little mountain town of Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchards offers one of the state’s prettiest settings in which to dine. During the week, group visitors can enjoy boxed lunches on the deck overlooking the lush, rolling fields, while the cafe serves hearty, homemade meals on the weekend. Groups will also want to peruse the wares at the market and bakery, famous for its fried pies, and enjoy a tour of the farm, a fourth-generation family effort celebrating eight decades in operation this year.

BEAVER HOUSE RESTAURANT

The Beaver House Restaurant in Statesboro affords groups the singular opportunity to dine boarding house-style on hearty Southern dishes in a rambling, reputedly haunted home built in 1911. Twice daily, the restaurant serves “traditional Sunday dinners” on large platters meant to be shared, rather than on individual plates. Favorite fare typically includes fried chicken; scratch biscuits prepared with cream; black-eyed peas over rice with a spoonful of pickle relish and chipped Vidalia onion; and loads of sweet tea.

Fresh apples at Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards

COURTESY STATESBORO CVB

Beaver House Restaurant

COURTESY FANNIN CO. COC

DESTINATION

WEST COAST COOL

GROUPS KICK BACK IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

Aland of sunshine and surf, rugged desert mountains and refined resorts, Southern California captivates visitors from around the world.

With its unique blend of cosmopolitan urban areas and breathtaking landscapes, the southern part of “the Golden State” is an American treasure. Whether you want a star-studded desert oasis, an Old West wine town, world-class museums, shopping and entertainment — or all of the above — it’s waiting in SoCal.

Groups visiting Southern California can journey quickly and easily from glitz and glamour to wine and wilderness. Around every corner is an unforgettable adventure.

SAN DIEGO

The area known as California was once home to more than 500 indigenous tribes before Franciscan priests and Spanish soldiers established Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769. The mission still stands, and now the “birthplace of California” is the country’s eighth-largest city — San Diego. Its population swelled during the Gold Rush, and the 16 blocks of Victorian architecture comprising the Gaslamp Quarter are a testament to the prosperity that followed the boom.

San Diego became a key location for the military and for West Coast shipping and remains the largest naval base in the Pacific. Sailors flocked to the saloons in the district, and the once-seedy quarter is now a hotbed of nightlife, restaurants, art galleries and upscale shopping.

“We have a great balance between everything that a big city can offer — an amazing dining scene, entertainment from sports to live music,” said Edna Gutierrez, senior public relations manager for the San Diego Tourism Authority, “but also the relaxing feeling of a small beach town.”

The cultural heart of the city, Balboa Park is often referred to as “the Smithsonian of the West,” offering 1,200 acres of beautifully landscaped

The Hollywood sign has been an iconic Southern California landmark for generations.

gardens along with 17 museums and performing arts venues and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Beach lovers will want to stroll the sands of Coronado Island, regarded as one of the best beaches in the nation, while foodies (including groups) can enjoy the three-Michelin-star fare at Addison or hop on and off the Blue Line Trolley (which runs from the Mexican border north to tony La Jolla) to sample tacos from some of the many legendary taquerias along the route.

SANDIEGO.ORG

CATALINA ISLAND

“Catalina” means “pure” or “clear,” and this outpost 22 miles into the ocean from the mainland lives up to the name. Around 88% of the 76 square-mile rock is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Much of its surrounding seas are part of marine conservation areas with huge and healthy kelp forests, and because there’s no sand on the leeward side of the island, some of the clearest waters on the continent.

While it’s possible to swim — more than 80 people have successfully stroked across the channel — most visitors to Catalina choose to take a one-hour ferry or 20-minute helicopter ride from Long Beach or Dana Point. (When arriving by air, pilots will often point out whales or pods of dolphins frolicking below.) Scuba divers, snorkelers and passengers on glass-bottomed boats or semi-submersibles join them, while groups exploring what locals call “the interior” can observe bats, eagles, fox, and most unusually, a nonendemic herd of 150 bison, the descendants of animals a film crew brought over in the 1920s.

“The island is a great place for a two- or three-day exploration,” said Jim Luttjohann, president and chief executive officer of Love Catalina Island, “and you can really have night and day different experiences over the course of a few days. The adventure begins the minute you leave the mainland, and when you arrive, you’re surrounded by all this natural beauty.”

There’s wilderness aplenty on both land and sea, but Catalina is in no way lacking in creature comforts. The island has opulently appointed hotels and great dining at restaurants like the Naughty Fox (which has solid vegetarian offerings and a killer burger) and the Descanso Beach Club, featuring regional specialties and boasting a spectacular open-air patio overlooking the ocean.

LOVECATALINA.COM

LOS ANGELES

“If you haven’t been to Los Angeles in the past few years, you haven’t been to L.A.,” said Chris Heywood, senior vice president of global communications for the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. “We’re calling it ‘Los Angeles 2.0’ and have had so many upgrades and so much that is new.”

The world knows Los Angeles, America’s second-largest city, not least

BY DYLAN SCHWARTZ, COURTESY LOS ANGELES TOURISM

COURTESY SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY

San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado

WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

because of the movie industry. The magic of Tinseltown is documented at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in late 2021. It features millions of movie treasures, like the original figure from “E.T.,” Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” and a 25-foot shark from “Jaws.” High above the city, the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign is celebrating its 100th anniversary. At the historic Sunset Hollywood Ranch (founded in 1929), groups can enjoy trail rides with stunning views of the sign, the city skyline and Griffith Observatory.

But Los Angeles is much more than movies, and visitors can also delight in museums like the Getty and the newly renovated Hammer Museum; hip neighborhoods like the new Vinyl District; and thousands of restaurants ready to welcome groups. Musso and Frank Grill, the oldest eatery in Hollywood, is a perennial favorite.

Sports lovers are spoiled for choices with professional teams, and the city is preparing to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2028. Shoppers will want to make a pilgrimage to the luxury boutiques on Rodeo Drive, and people-watchers won’t want to miss the antics and outfits displayed on the boardwalk at Venice Beach.

DISCOVERLOSANGELES.COM

GREATER PALM SPRINGS

In the golden days of Old Hollywood, studio contracts prohibited stars from venturing farther than two hours from the lots where movies were made. Located 110 miles from L.A., Palm Springs quickly became the preferred playground for actors and actresses seeking rest and relaxation while soaking in hot springs. The small town in the Sonoran Desert’s Coachella Valley known for rodeos and ranches attracted stars and socialites — and its mild winter temperatures and huge concentration of midcentury-modern residential architecture (said to be the highest in the world) still delight today.

“First-time visitors think we’re just one little town called Palm Springs,” said Gary Orfield, director of tourism development at Visit Greater Palm Springs. “They don’t realize how big we are, how much there is to do. We actually have nine cities here and an amazing variety of activities.”

The vast wilds of Joshua Tree National Park are about 30 minutes away, with twisted trees and imposing rock formations perfect for hiking, biking or bouldering. For speed demons, the BMW Performance Center puts people behind the wheel on a professional racing track for the ultimate driving experience.

Drawing on the fertile agricultural bounty of the Salton Sea area just to the south, Greater Palm Springs has become a hotbed of hot chefs. Whereas celebrity cooks once opened outposts at the resort area, locals like Michael Beckman of Workshop Kitchen + Bar now export their own concepts. For Art Deco glamour and Rat Pack retro classics like caviar and deviled eggs, the Colony Club is sure to satisfy.

VISITGREATERPS.COM

TEMECULA VALLEY

Horseback riding through (or hot air ballooning over) glorious vineyards? That’s the vibe in Temecula, where cowboy charm meets California cool. With 33,000 acres and more than 50 wineries, the largest viticultural area in Southern California still flies under the radar while producing award-winning wines offered with gracious hospitality.

The Luiseño Indians called it “Temet-cunga” (place of the sun), and it’s the only city in California to still retain its original name ... albeit with a change in spelling due to the Spaniards who arrived in 1797. The Pechanga Band (a tribe of the Luiseño) operate a casino with the largest gaming square footage west of the Mississippi. The luxurious resort features top-flight restaurants, a comedy club and an indulgent spa.

Pasadena-adjacent | huntington.org

Located 90 minutes from L.A. and an hour from San Diego, Temecula has a rich equestrian history with Thoroughbred farms, show-jumping facilities and vast network of horse trails that crisscross the valley. It’s not uncommon to see hitching posts at wineries — some locals do drink and ride. Groups without their own horses can hop between tasting rooms by carriage, convertible bus or even motorcycle sidecars.

“No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it here,” said Visit Temecula Valley president and CEO Scott Wilson. “And the area is just beautiful. We’re a valley surrounded by green mountains. It’s just a very relaxing, beautiful place, with as much or as little as you’d like to do.”

“Relaxing” is the perfect description of Old Town, a beautifully restored slice of the Old West, replete with boutiques, antiques, impressive eateries, a local olive oil company, farmers market and a historic bridge that plays host to numerous events and concerts.

VISITTEMECULAVALLEY.COM

ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL EXHIBITIONS

COURTESY LOVE CATALINA ISLAND COURTESY VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY

Poolside at a Palm Springs hotel

SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY COURTESY VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS

The Serra Museum in San Diego

Auschwitz Prisoner’s Coat

German World War 2 Gas Mask Baskets and Suitcases Confiscated from Deportees to Auschwitz

Exhibit made possible thanks to Presenting Underwriter Ambassador Gordon D. Sondland and Partnering Underwriter Michael & Susan Dell through the Dell Family Charitable Fund (DAF)

An Exhibition By: Presented By:

A Woman’s Dress Shoe Belonging to Unknown Deportee

Jewish Badges During the Holocaust

MARCH MADNESS

THESE PARADES ARE STREETSIDE CELEBRATIONS

BY RACHEL CRICK

Parades never go out of style.

With their colorful floats, elaborate costumes and days of jubilant celebrations, parades and festivals encompass the very best of a city’s tradition and provide endless fun for groups. Often, they commemorate vital elements of a city’s past and are one of the best ways to fully experience and embrace local culture. Some celebrate holidays or occasions that are well known throughout the world, and others highlight more unique aspects of local history.

Whatever they celebrate, groups will love first-row seats at these iconic parades and festivals around the country.

COURTESY DESTINATION D.C.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings beautiful blooms and a signature parade to the nation’s capital.

PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL PORTLAND, OREGON

Portland is known for many things, from its outdoor recreation to its eclectic culinary scene. But it’s also known as the City of Roses because of how well these beautiful flowers grow there. Each year, beginning on Memorial Day weekend, the city hosts the three-week Portland Rose Festival, a celebration that’s been happening since 1907.

“It’s the iconic festival for Portland,” said Josie Ratnayake, tourism manager at Travel Portland. “For us, it’s the kickoff to summer and great outdoor celebrations and festivals that we have.”

The festival consists of three parades that show off rose-covered floats. The Grand Floral Parade is the best choice for groups because it passes inside a building, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This means spectators can enjoy the parade no matter the weather. Groups can reserve seats inside the coliseum to see the parade as it goes by and enjoy the indoor amenities. They can also take warehouse tours prior to the parade to see how the floats are built. If they can’t get enough of the roses, they can visit the International Rose Test Garden.

Other iconic Portland activities include a visit to Powell’s Book Store, the massive used and new bookstore that occupies an entire city block, and a sightseeing or dinner cruise down the Willamette River on board the Portland Spirit.

ROSEFESTIVAL.ORG

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The nation’s capital provides a wealth of activities and attractions for group travelers year-round, but perhaps the best time to visit is spring, when the city’s 3,000-plus cherry blossom trees are blooming. These trees, gifted by the mayor of Tokyo in the early 1900s, are symbolic of the strong relationship between the U.S. and Japan. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, a four-week festival designed to show off the blooms around the city in tandem with other fun activities, takes place on the trees’ schedule. Usually, the blooms begin opening in late March and peak in the first week of April. However, because the trees bloom according to seasons and weather, the dates of the festival can vary each year.

“The National Cherry Blossom Festival, known as the kickoff to the tourism season in Washington, D.C., has been key for us to help bring visitors back to the city,” said

BY JULIENNE SCHAER, COURTESY NYC & CO.

Elliot Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC.

In addition to seeing (and smelling) the trees’ lovely pink blossoms, groups visiting during the festival can catch an exciting array of events, such as an opening ceremony, the Blossom Kite Festival, and a parade with balloons, floats and live music.

While in Washington, groups can tour the city on foot to see some of the most iconic American monuments and memorials, from Arlington National Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial. They can also visit top-tier museums and upscale restaurants to round out their capital experience. NATIONALCHERRYBLOSSOMFESTIVAL.ORG

MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

NEW

YORK CITY

Millions of Americans tune in each year on the fourth Thursday of November to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While watching at home is a tradition for many, it’s also a treat to behold in person. Its larger-thanlife floats, wide cast of beloved characters and hundreds of marching participants make it an entertaining spectacle for any group. Since 1924, the parade sponsored by Macy’s department store has been an annual tradition. The threehour parade begins on the Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. During this time, about 3 million spectators gather to watch the hard work of thousands of parade participants unfold.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has been treasured for years,” said Renee Wilson, director of tourism market development at New York City Tourism and Conventions. “Seeing Santa at the end of the parade is the unofficial start to one of the busiest travel seasons in New York City, the winter holiday season.”

As the biggest city in the U.S., New York City offers limitless attractions for groups. Favorites may include visiting its famous museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art and the American Museum

COURTESY PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL FOUNDATION

Portland Rose Festival

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

of Natural History. Groups can also catch a Broadway performance, see landmarks like Central Park and shop in Times Square. With countless options to explore its diverse culture, groups can spend days enjoying the city that never sleeps.

MACYS.COM/SOCIAL/PARADE

MARDI GRAS

MOBILE, ALABAMA

When one thinks of Mardi Gras, they often picture New Orleans or another city in Louisiana. But it may come as a surprise to know that the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country can actually be traced back to Mobile, Alabama, which makes it an equally worthy destination for groups to visit in the days and weeks leading up to Mardi Gras.

“We were the first location in America to have Mardi Gras,” said Tom White, vice president of convention and leisure sales at Visit Mobile. “We’ve been celebrating Mardi Gras here in the U.S. since 1703.”

In Mobile, the celebration is often called “Carnival” as it is in France, to honor the city’s French heritage. In the 21 days leading up to Fat Tuesday, there is at least one parade a day. White said the prime time for a group visit to experience the festivities at their peak is in the four to five days leading up to Mardi Gras, when there are multiple parades a day. The city’s downtown is closed to traffic, making it even more walkable, and moon pies, bread, stuffed animals and toys are thrown out to crowds during these lively parades.

Groups will find plenty of additional reasons to visit Mobile, including its rich and diverse culinary scene. Because of its coastal location, it’s the seafood capital of Alabama, but its cuisine also benefits from Cajun and creole influences that stem from its expansive cultural history.

MOBILE.ORG

COURTESY VISIT MOBILE

A Mardi Gras float in Mobile

Downtown Dynamos

ENJOY THE ENERGY IN THESE ALABAMA CITIES

BY TOM ADKINSON

It’s nice when a tour lets you minimize motorcoach time and maximize the number of stops, thereby providing extra time for exploration. Downtowns do that, and here are five in Alabama to remember.

Birmingham

Birmingham is Alabama’s largest metro region (more than 1 million people), but it’s still relatively young. Founded in 1871, it quickly became a center of industry, particularly steelmaking. But that identity has faded. The city brags on higher education, banking, Civil Rights history, arts, restaurants and sports rather than openhearth furnaces and smokestacks.

Steelmaking, of course, is why a statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of the forge, rises atop Red Mountain. The view from the statue’s observation deck reveals the city’s expanse, and the museum at the base does an excellent job detailing the city’s origins.

From atop Vulcan, you easily see a modern-day city amenity: Railroad Park, a 19-acre greenspace celebrating Birmingham’s artistic and industrial past. Stroll through Railroad Park after visiting the Negro Southern League Museum or watching the Birmingham Barons baseball team at the modern Region’s Field. America’s oldest baseball park, Rickwood Field, is nearby.

Numerous thought-provoking destinations are in the heart of downtown, where part of the city is designated as the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. Among them are the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Street Baptist Church, site of a horrific bombing in 1963. Across from the church is an impressive monument of Martin Luther King, Jr.

BY TOM ADKINSON COURTESY PIZITZ FOOD HALL

Additional tour stops can include the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and various food choices at Pizitz Food Hall.

BIRMINGHAMAL.ORG

A Martin Luther King, Jr. monument in Birmingham

A ramen dish at Birmingham’s Pizitz Food Hall

An Outer Space Exploration

Montgomery

The weight of history and the joy of pop culture and entertainment are counterbalancing attractions in Montgomery, Alabama’s capital.

The weighty, contemplative activities involve the nation’s racial past, the struggles of the Civil Rights movement and the illumination that current and future generations need to understand American history.

Start with the Legacy Museum, built on the site of a warehouse where enslaved people were held. Through technology, art, film and first-person narratives, the museum traces the transatlantic slave trade, domestic slavery and Reconstruction. Less than a mile away is the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a powerful six-acre outdoor reminder of almost 5,000 lynchings in the U.S. between 1887 and 1950. Eight hundred monuments, each six feet tall, tell a painful story. That’s one monument for every county where a lynching occurred.

The museum and memorial are the work of the Equal Justice Initiative. The New York Times said, “There’s nothing like this in the country.”

William Shakespeare and country music legend Hank Williams are an unlikely pair to lighten a visit to Montgomery, but they manage quite well. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival started in Anniston in 1972 and has been a fixture in Montgomery since 1985. Now a year-round institution with a permanent facility, the festival is Alabama’s official theater, and throughout the year, it presents classic plays, contemporary works, musicals and, yes, Shakespeare. Adjacent Blount Cultural Park contains the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Fans of country music know that Hank Williams’ roots were in Montgomery. Take time to see his statue downtown and visit the Hank Williams Museum. EXPERIENCEMONTGOMERYAL.ORG

Huntsville

Up in north Alabama, Huntsville stands as a delightful mix of history, arts and glorious space science.

Space science earned Huntsville its Rocket City nickname. Huntsville played a vital role in America’s exploration of space, detailed on a massive scale at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Alabama’s most visited attraction. Big on the list to see is a Saturn V rocket (one of only three in the world), Rocket Park (which includes a mock-up of the Apollo 11 lunar landing site) and Shuttle Park (America’s most complete collection of launch vehicles).

Home to the world’s largest space museum, “Rocket City” has much to explore. Featuring world-class attractions and amenities, breathtaking outdoor vistas, a diverse culinary scene, and tours and trails for everyone, Huntsville, Alabama, has true cosmic appeal.

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

A more down-to-earth attraction is the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 120 acres of flora, woodland paths, water features, broad meadows and strategically placed sculptures. Pair the botanical garden with Burritt on the Mountain, a historic mansion on Monte Sano Mountain, with its spectacular view of the Tennessee River Valley.

Huntsville offers three adaptive-use restoration projects great for groups. Stovehouse (once a sprawling stove and heater factory) now offers restaurants, shops, entertainment spaces and a multi-brewer beer emporium. Nearby is Campus 805, once a 1950s-era high school now with two breweries, shops and entertainment venues.

Even bigger is Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment, where more than 200 artists work in many media. The complex once was a textile mill. For another trip back in time, check out Harrison Brothers Hardware on the courthouse square. It opened in 1897 and now is a heritage project of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. HUNTSVILLE.ORG

Fairhope

The waterfront town of Fairhope, population less than 25,000, is somewhere you can turn a tour group loose for individual exploration and just hope they don’t get too absorbed to return on time.

Fairhope is on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, and its compact downtown is a treasure of flowers, bay views, shops, small restaurants and art galleries — especially art galleries. Make a point to look for the Hello Gallery, the Lion’s Share Gallery and the Eastern Shore Art Center (ESAC).

Local artists and art patrons coalesced in the 1950s to form the ESAC. Today, it has a facility with five galleries, two teaching studios and a calendar packed with special exhibitions and programs. One ESAC project is the Fairhope Sculpture Trail, a spread-out collection of art in public spaces. If your timing is good, the ESAC is the starting point of the First Friday ArtWalk for a stroll offering live music, snacks and plenty of art.

Fairhope’s abundance of small restaurants is a major diversion. Among the choices: Dragonfly Food Bar for specialty tacos; Panini Pete’s for perfectly pressed sandwiches and (surprise) beignets; and Master Joe’s Sushi. To slake your thirst, the Fairhope Brewing

Waterfront in Fairhope

Montgomery’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice

A Space Camp group at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville

Company offers you craft beers the locals like.

An almost mandatory destination is the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park. There has been a pier in this location since 1894. The current version — all 1,448 feet of it — replaced one Hurricane Katrina destroyed in 2005. Stroll the pier, photograph the sailboats, enjoy the sunshine — and make nice memories of Fairhope.

FAIRHOPEAL.GOV

Auburn-Opelika

Step back to college days in the joined-at-the-hip cities of Auburn and Opelika — communities in east-central Alabama that are similar but still different. In a sense, they have two state capitals as bookends. Montgomery is 55 miles southwest, and Atlanta, Georgia, is 105 miles northeast.

Local artists and art patrons coalesced in the 1950s to form the ESAC. Today, it has a facility with five galleries, two teaching studios and a calendar packed with special exhibitions and programs.

The metro area is small enough that a tour can hop around the two cities that almost blend together. Auburn has about 64,000 residents, while Opelika has about 30,000. The 30,000 students at Auburn University spice things up. Auburn is the college town, and Opelika has been described as the hip older sister.

The university, of course, defines the area and delivers facilities, attractions and activities. On the cultural side, consider the Jule Collins Art Museum, with its signature Dale Chihuly chandelier and an ever-changing exhibition calendar. On the culinary side, check out the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center for delightful dining experiences and a rooftop garden with great views, small bites and cool beverages.

Tour options range substantially. One choice is the John Emerald Distillery (its Hugh Wesley’s Gin uses hand-picked Alabama juniper berries), perhaps complemented by learning about the brewer’s art at Red Clay Brewing (named for the region’s red soil) or the Resting Pulse Brewery, where the owners want visitors to relax and find their “resting pulse.”

For excitement, however, book a visit to the Auburn Raptor Center, where you’ll learn about the university’s War Eagle tradition and other raptors such as hawks, owls and buzzards in hour-long programs.

AOTOURISM.COM

COURTESY AUBURN-OPELIKA TOURISM

Fairhope’s Eastern Shore Art Center

A rooftop view of Auburn

COURTESY EASTERN SHORE ART CENTER