The Group Travel Leader June 2024

MAKE THESE TRIPS FOR

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.

Photo by Carl Kim.

BY BRIAN JEWELL

recently learned some hard lessons.

IOne afternoon in mid-April, I got an email from Facebook saying somebody had requested a password reset for my Facebook account. But that person wasn’t me. I was being hacked.

Once I realized what was going on, I took action right away. I clicked the “this wasn’t me” link at the bottom of the email. I changed my password and reported the hack through Facebook’s security center. But my efforts weren’t enough — somehow the hackers managed to change all the contact info and lock me out of the account.

So I tried going through Facebook’s help center to report the hack. But instead of helping me undo the damage and restore my access, Facebook’s bots disabled my account permanently. They say there is no appeal. I’m done.

I had done everything right. I had a fresh password. I had two-factor authentication enabled. I reported the hack as soon as I saw it. None of it mattered. The hackers got in anyway, and Facebook ignored all my cries for help.

And of course, there’s no way to get in touch with a human for service. I tried every method I could find online for reaching out. Nobody ever responded.

So what have I learned from this frustrating experience? The first lesson is that anything you have online is vulnerable to attack. If it’s a service you pay for, like your web hosting, email service or CRM system, your vendor probably provides some protection from attacks, as well as a support team to help you fix anything hackers may break. But if it’s a free service, and especially a social media platform, you’re on your own.

EDITOR’S MARKS

A related lesson: Facebook (and its parent company Meta) doesn’t really care about you. They won’t step in and help you through issues. They won’t even have a live human look at your case. You’re just a number to them. Even if you advertise on their platform, they’re not likely to intervene when trouble strikes.

This can be problematic for tourism entrepreneurs who rely on social media to run their businesses. Hacks happen to hundreds or thousands of people every day. So a third lesson is to make sure other people can manage your brand pages on social media in case your account gets hacked. I’m fortunate that our whole team here at The Group Travel Leader has administrator access to our Facebook pages, so my misadventures won’t affect our reach. I hate to think what would happen to a web-based solopreneur who lost control of their own brand online.

My final lesson from all this is that no company should put all its eggs in the social media basket. Even if Facebook, Instagram or TikTok are important parts of your marketing and communications strategy, you should be incentivizing followers to sign up for your email list. And your ultimate aim should be to develop the kinds of offline relationships that can lead to sales.

As for me, I have decided to live without a Facebook account, at least for the time being. Maybe one day I’ll start another one. Or maybe I’ll find that life is better without an online image to curate and constant notifications to manage.

Perhaps that will be the most important lesson of all.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY TO HOST 2025 GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE

SALEM, Ohio Northern Kentucky was recently named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Places to Travel,” and MeetNKY will showcase the region to travel planners when they host Going On Faith Conference 2025. The conference will bring together travel planners of faith-based, church and religious groups from over 25 states to discover the destination and network with travel industry.

The event will be held August 6–8, 2025, at the Marriott Cincinnati Airport, with meeting space located inside the property for delegates’ convenience.

“We are excited to partner with MeetNKY and know that the Marriott is a great meeting place,” said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of The Group Travel Family of Brands and the Going On Faith Conference.

“There are so many choices for faith groups in northern Kentucky,” added Ferguson.

GOFC

That’s why many groups return to northern Kentucky on a regular basis. Two of the nation’s biggest draws for faith-based groups are the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, both located within a 30-minute drive of the Marriott Cincinnati Airport. Also a major draw are the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, both included among the 10 attractions in the Kentucky Faith Trail.

Spearheading the effort to expose faith-based groups to the destination and the lead in bringing Going On Faith Conference to northern Kentucky is Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of MeetNKY.

“Julie has established herself as a champion of tourism, and it is a pleasure to work with her in making Going On Faith Conference 2025 a great success,” Ferguson said.

Faith-based travel planners can learn more about bringing their groups to northern Kentucky by visiting meetnky.com.

DELEGATES WILL ATTEND SIGHT & SOUND’S ‘QUEEN ESTHER’

SALEM, Ohio Delegates at this year’s annual Going On Faith Conference will get a special added feature, thanks to Sight & Sound Theatres inviting all delegates to attend the performance of “Queen Esther.”

Set in the opulent yet perilous Persian Empire, “Queen Esther” is a captivating tale of beauty and bravery taken straight from the pages of the Old Testament. Esther’s ordinary life changed forever when she was taken through the palace doors, entering a new world of royalty and risk.

The Going On Faith Conference is being hosted by Explore Branson August 6–8 in Branson, Missouri, where faithbased and church group travel planners from 25 states will gather to network and explore this great destination.

Sight & Sound Theatres took the lead in sponsoring the event when

“Queen Esther” at Sight & Sound Theatres

Mike Pittman discussed the possibility of adding the production to the Going On Faith schedule with Samantha Gutting and Yvonne Long of Explore Branson.

“Branson works together as a team effort when it comes to tourism,” said Charlie Presley of the Group Travel Family of Brands.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that Mike Pittman worked together with Samantha and Yvonne to showcase Branson as a total faith-based destination.”

Group travel planners are welcome to register for Going On Faith Conference online at gofconference.com or by calling 800-628-0993. Registration for the three-day event is $195 with a spouse rate of $95 and includes two nights lodging, meals, sightseeing, and Sight & Sound admission.

For information on Sight & Sound Theatres, call 800-377-1277. To contact Explore Branson, call 800-296-0463.

Dig in to local eats in Virginia Beach

BY VICKIE MITCHELL

In Virginia Beach, finding food and drink with a local vibe is no challenge. The only problem might be how to devour all the delectable options in just a few days. Here are some ideas to get started.

Feast on the famous

In this beach destination, where seafood seems as plentiful as sand, the region’s most famous mollusk, the Lynnhaven oyster, is a must-eat.

“There’s no food more famous to Virginia Beach than the Lynnhaven oyster,” said Jim Coggin, tourism sales manager for Visit Virginia Beach. “It was first documented in 1607 by the first permanent English settlers who discovered these beautiful oysters in the Lynnhaven River.”

On boat tours with Pleasure House Oysters, local watermen tell the history of the Lynnhaven oyster, from its discovery to its decline due to pollution to restoration efforts that have made the oysters plentiful again. Afterward, it’s off to one of many local restaurants that serve Lynnhavens. “Even those who think they don’t like oysters will want to give these a try,” said Coggin. “They have a sweet taste.”

Next up are Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Restaurants all around, including the popular Rockafellers, put a pile of crabs in front of guests, then teach novices how to reach the delicate meat inside.

“I learned to crack a crab before I could crawl,” said Coggin. “It’s a lot of work but worth it for the richness of the crab, dipped in warm butter, served with a cold beer.”

Lift your spirits

Speaking of brews, breweries are popping up all over Virginia Beach, with 14 at last count, and now distillers are also at work, making bourbon, vodka and other liquors. Among them is Tarnished Truth, housed in the lower lobby of the Cavalier Hotel. It welcomes tours and offers tastings of its bourbon. Chesapeake Bay Distillery makes vodka in the city’s ViBe Creative District, and Waterman Spirits, a distiller associated with Waterman’s Surfside Grille, gives tours, hosts cocktailmaking classes and is located on Atlantic Avenue. The vodka Waterman makes is organic and filtered through coral. Vodka is also a key ingredient in Virginia Beach’s most famous libation, the Orange Crush, a drink so good, “it can sneak up on you,” said Coggin. The drink, first served at Waterman’s restaurant, is now on menus all over town.

Easy to eat fresh

Dining at local chef-owned restaurants gives visitors a taste of the fresh ingredients raised and grown on the area’s 120 working farms. When strawberries and blueberries burst forth in spring and summer, a U-pick farm can be a fruitful stop.

The Virginia Beach Farmers Market, open year-round, is also a delicious destination. Groups can arrange for A Taste of the Market tour, and sample Virginia ham on biscuits or local ice cream along the way, leaving time for shopping and perhaps a box lunch, arranged in advance.

It’s just one more way for groups to, as Coggin said, “immerse themselves in everything that makes Virginia Beach Virginia Beach.”

CONTACT:

FAM highlights, clockwise from top: Walking the beach during an eco-tour; flowers at Brookgreen Gardens; cruising Murrells Inlet; a naturalist’s blue crab model

“This was the perfect combination of sand and sun, mixed with world-class entertainment and great food.”

— STACY BARRY SHARIN’ THE SOUTH

ONSITE IN MYRTLE BEACH

TRAVEL PLANNERS DISCOVER

HISTORY, SCENERY AND FUN ON THIS FAMILIARIZATION TOUR

THERE’S FUN, HISTORY AND BEAUTIFUL COASTAL

scenery around every corner in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

That’s what 14 tour operator and travel planner readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered during a four-day familiarization tour through the area in April. Hosted by the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, this trip showcased the classic amusements, innovative performances, surprising history and waterfront beauty in Myrtle Beach and nearby Murrells Inlet.

During the trip, participants got plenty of free time to enjoy the sand, sun and surf on the more than 60 miles of coastline that make up South Carolina’s Grand Strand. They also visited attractions old and new and took in three of the city’s legendary live shows. And, of course, there were ample opportunities to savor delicious fresh seafood.

Follow along on this itinerary to begin planning your group’s next oceanfront adventure in Myrtle Beach.

ALL PHOTOS BY BRIAN JEWELL

1 Day

Travel planners from around the country drove and flew into Myrtle Beach and had time after their arrival to enjoy their accommodations at the Breakers Resort, which would serve as the group’s home base throughout the trip. Breakers Resort sits directly on the oceanfront and features four condo towers, as well as a beautiful pool complex, two restaurants, a bar and other resort amenities.

Once everyone had arrived, the group headed to the Broadway at the Beach development for a matinee performance at Charles Bach Wonders Theatre. Bach, an accomplished Las Vegas magician, leads a show full of grand illusions and close-up magic — accompanied by music, dancing and plenty of laughs — that features extensive audience participation.

For dinner, the group visited the Sea Captain’s House, an oceanfront institution in Myrtle Beach that has been serving seafood and steak in an elegant traditional setting for more than 60 years.

2 Day

• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT RESIDENCE INN

• RIPLEY’S CRAZY GOLF

• BOARDWALK FREE TIME

• MYRTLE BEACH SKYWHEEL

• LUNCH AT PEACHES CORNER

• PIRATES VOYAGE DINNER AND SHOW

Travel planners began their first full day in Myrtle Beach with a breakfast and site inspection tour at Residence Inn, one of many hotels in the area that work well with tour groups. Next, they headed to Myrtle Beach’s famed boardwalk, where they enjoyed a lively game at the inventive Ripley’s Crazy Golf, browsed vintage gift shops, got a stunning view of the coastline from atop the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Peaches Corner, a local favorite boardwalk diner. After some free time at the hotel, the group ended the day at Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, a dinner theater featuring high-flying stunts and swashbuckling fun.

RIPLEY’S CRAZY GOLF

Situated right on the Boardwalk, Ripley’s Crazy Golf brings a bold and colorful twist on the traditional game of miniature golf, which has long been a staple activity in Myrtle Beach. This indoor attraction features three floors of themed holes that push the boundaries of golf, with players navigating their balls through an oversized pinball machine, across a pool table, over a chess board and around myriad neon obstacles.

Touring the Residence Inn

Posing with Charles Bach and his dancers at Wonders Theatre

Lunch at Peaches Corner

A view of the beach from Residence Inn

OCEANFRONT BOARDWALK

The 1.2-mile Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade is a Myrtle Beach staple beloved by generations of visitors. On one side, the boardwalk provides beach access and beautiful waterfront vistas. On the other side, visitors will find restaurants, amusements and shops. Among highlights is the Gaye Dolphin Gift Cove, a 26,000-square-foot store with some 70,000 items that has been operating on the boardwalk since 1946.

MYRTLE BEACH SKYWHEEL

In the center of the boardwalk, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel dominates the beachfront skyline. Standing at 200 feet above the sand, this extra-large attraction features 42 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that can each hold six adults. The group started with a photo in front of the iconic wheel, then boarded the gondolas for a ride that gave them unparalleled views of the ocean, the beach and the boardwalk.

PIRATES VOYAGE DINNER AND SHOW

Owned by legendary entertainer Dolly Parton, Pirates Voyage is an interactive and immersive dinner show attraction. The group got to meet several of the pirate actors before the show began, then took their seats in the auditorium, where dozens of actors, singers, acrobats and animal wranglers performed a lively show on elaborate pirate ship sets over a massive indoor water tank. Guests cheered on teams of pirates in competition while they enjoyed a hearty meal.

Public art on the boardwalk

SkyWheel from the ground

The view from Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Tackling a mini-golf hole at Ripley’s

Starting a round of Crazy Golf

Pirates Voyage

• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT HOMEWOOD SUITES

• COLORED SCHOOL MUSEUM

• TOUR AND LUNCH AT CHARLIE’S PLACE

• BROADWAY AT THE BEACH

• DINNER AT RIPTYDZ OCEANFRONT BAR AND GRILLE

• LEGENDS IN CONCERT

After a good sleep, the FAM group headed out to Homewood Suites for breakfast and a site inspection tour. Next, they visited a pair of historic sites in Myrtle Beach — the Colored School museum and Charlie’s Place — that tell the story of the area’s Black history and its role in 20th century music and dance. After a wonderful catered lunch at Charlie’s Place, they headed back to Broadway at the Beach for shopping and free time. After a brief rest at the hotel, they had dinner with great views at RipTydz Oceanfront Bar and Grille, then enjoyed an evening of performances by talented tribute artists at Legends in Concert.

COLORED SCHOOL MUSEUM

There’s a rich Black history in Myrtle Beach, and the FAM group got a taste of it at the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum. The museum is a re-creation of a school that was founded in 1932 and educated the area’s Black children for 20 years. Exhibits detail the history of the school and the community members who taught and studied there and include various historic items and artifacts from that time period.

CHARLIE’S PLACE

From the 1930s through 1960s, a Myrtle Beach man named Charlie Fitzgerald operated a supper club and dance hall in one of the area’s Black neighborhoods. Known as Charlie’s Place, the club became a stop on the famed Chitlin’ Circuit, and musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Little Richard, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday played there. Though the nightclub no longer remains, Fitzgerald’s home and adjacent hotel now serve as a museum that tells the story of Charlie’s Place and its contribution to Black history.

“The catered lunch from Mike’s Soul Food at Charlie’s Place was excellent!”

— JULIE STZER WADE TOURS

Touring Homewood Suites

Historic student photos at the Colored School Museum in Myrtle Beach

An artifact at the Colored School Museum

A guide at the Colored School Museum

Visiting Charlie’s Place

BROADWAY AT THE BEACH

Among the most popular visitor destinations in the Myrtle Beach area, Broadway at the Beach is a 350-acre shopping, dining and entertainment development built around a 23-acre manmade lake. It’s home to numerous key attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks, as well as restaurants such as the Hangout, Dave and Busters, Hard Rock Café and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Travel planners explored the charming outdoor pedestrian area and browsed the more than 75 local and national retail outlets.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT

The day ended with a lively show at Legends in Concert, a theater where tribute artists perform as legendary musicians from the 20th and 21st centuries. Accompanied by backup dancers and a live band, the performers use costumes, makeup and choreography to take their tribute performances to ultra-realistic levels. The group enjoyed hits by Elvis Presley, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Jason Aldean.

“I loved the historical and educational visits such as the Colored School Museum and the Murrell’s Inlet Eco-Tour. I love including unique experiences like these.”

— TIFFANY KRATZER

LOWEE’S GROUP TOURS

Broadway at the Beach

A historic motel room at Charlie’s Place

Legends in Concert

An Elvis Presley tribute artist headlining at Legends in Concert

Dinner at RipTydz

Getting to know Brookgreen Gardens

4 Day

• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT HOLIDAY INN SURFSIDE

• BROOKGREEN GARDENS

• LUNCH AT DRUNKEN JACK’S

• MURRELL’S INLET ECO-TOUR

• DINNER AT THE ORIGINAL BENJAMIN’S CALABASH SEAFOOD

• “ICONIC” AT ALABAMA THEATRE

Travel planners began their final day in Myrtle Beach at Holiday Inn Surfside, where they enjoyed a private breakfast and a tour of hotel rooms and amenities. Then, they made the short trip south to Murrells Inlet, where they admired world-class sculpture and beautiful horticulture at Brookgreen Gardens. Next was lunch at Drunken Jack’s, one of several popular waterfront restaurants in Murrells Inlet, followed by a fascinating eco-tour aboard the Explorer. The group then made its way back to Myrtle Beach for some free time, followed by dinner at the expansive Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood. They ended the evening with the all-new show “Iconic” at Alabama Theatre, an exciting ending to a Myrtle Beach adventure that left the travel planners full of ideas for return trips with their groups.

BROOKGREEN GARDENS

Spanning 9,000 acres on a former rice plantation that was later purchased and transformed by philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens is among the most peaceful and picturesque spots in the Myrtle Beach Area. On a beautiful morning, the group enjoyed a tour that highlighted centuries-old live oaks, beautiful floral gardens and some of the 2,000 sculptures on display throughout the grounds.

One of Brookgreen Gardens’ 2,000 sculptures

The ocean view from Holiday Inn Surfside

MURRELLS INLET ECO-TOUR

The waters around Murrells Inlet are rich in scenery and ecology, and the group got to experience both on an eco-tour aboard the Explorer, a pontoon boat staffed by a professional captain and an experienced naturalist. During the excursion, the crew lowered crab traps into the water, then brought them back on board to show the catch of crabs, urchins, starfish and other sea life to the group. The trip also included a walk on the beach of a beautiful peninsula in Garden City.

ORIGINAL BENJAMIN’S CALABASH SEAFOOD

Since 1986, Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood has been a favorite spot for hungry travelers in Myrtle Beach. The restaurant features a buffet with more than 170 items, including the area’s signature Calabash seafood, which is lightly battered and deep fried. In addition to dining, the FAM group marveled at the restaurant’s collection of antique nautical memorabilia, including dozens of model ships crafted by the resident model ship maker.

ALABAMA THEATRE

Named for the legendary country music group Alabama, which got its start performing in Myrtle Beach, the Alabama Theatre has been entertaining visitors and locals alike with professional comedy and music shows for decades. During this visit, travel planners experienced “Iconic,” the theater’s new show featuring high-energy songs performed by dozens of singers, musicians and dancers. The new show includes aerialists, juggling and a stateof-the-art video wall.

“I loved Brookgreen Gardens and the Murrells Inlet eco-tour. It was breathtaking and such a hidden gem. Great finale for an incredible trip.”

— GIGI INIGO

STYLE YOUR TRIP

Hands-on with sea life

Dinner at Original Benjamin’s

“Iconic” at Alabama Theatre

Getting to know a blue crab

WALKABLE, WELCOMING LITTLE ROCK

ARKANSAS’ CAPITAL CITY IS PEDESTRIAN PERFECT

BY RACHEL CRICK

ittle Rock has a big personality. This city of just over 200,000 is an active, close-knit community pulsing with the perfect balance of enriching opportunities and lively activities. Outdoor recreation is king in Little Rock, which is crisscrossed by pedestrian bridges and cycling trails and surrounded by parks and greenspaces. Locals sip craft brews and eat at the city’s long list of local restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors and coffee shops. But the city has a diverse and welcoming spirit, fostered from its inspiring Civil Rights history and thriving Black culture. Any of its wealth of museums make perfect stops for group tours.

LThe Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock recently underwent a $150 million renovation.

CIVIL RIGHTS

Little Rock has rich Black history, with multiple stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, located in the towering brick school building, tells the story of nine Black students who attended the formerly allwhite school in 1957 at great risk. This event occurred in the years following the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled against segregation in public education. What ensued was a standoff between the federal and state governments that determined the fate of school integration. Groups can tour the historic site to learn about the Civil Rights Movement, school segregation and the Little Rock Nine. The Little Rock Nine’s bravery is commemorated with statues at both the historic site and the Arkansas Capitol.

Another stop on the trail is the Daisy Bates House. Bates, president of the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP, owned the unassuming home where the Little Rock Nine convened. The home was an important meeting place for Civil Rights Movement organizers. It can be toured if requested in advance.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, first established in 2001, honors Arkansas’ African Americans. By showcasing the state’s Black entrepreneurs and prominent figures, the center is a great resource for educating visitors about Black history.

MUSEUMS

Little Rock has a plethora of museums for groups to tour that explore a wide range of topics, from fashion accessories to past presidents and everything in between.

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts recently underwent a $150 million renovation and re-opened to the public in spring of 2023. The upgrade features a modern, airy design with warm wood tones and plenty of natural light. The museum’s collections include a range of styles from different eras, featuring work from very well-known artists such as Diego Rivera, Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe and Pierre Auguste Renoir. But the museum’s collection also prioritizes diversity and balance of both subject matter and art mediums. Admission to the museum is free, and guided group tours are available when requested in advance.

The ESSE Purse Museum and Store explores what it means to be an American woman through the lens of handbags. Exhibits highlight topics such the contents of a woman’s handbag through the decades, the evolution of purses and some very singular handbags. Groups can tour the museum, then stop in the store to round out their visits.

Another popular Little Rock museum is the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, which explores former president Bill Clinton’s life, presidency and legacy. Exhibits feature more than 100,000 artifacts, including everything

from photographs and videos to a presidential limousine. Group tours of the Clinton center can be followed with a meal at the on-site café. The presidential library and museum is also a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

As the capital of the Natural State, it should come as no surprise Little Rock is outdoorsy and active. Cycling, hiking and watersports rank high as favored recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. The city’s infrastructure is designed to be particularly friendly for pedestrians and cyclists, with an abundance of bridges and paved paths to follow.

One of the newest bridges is Big Dam Bridge, built over a dam on the Arkansas River. It’s the longest pedestrian and cyclist bridge on the continent and connects 14 miles of trails.

The city is also surrounded by several state parks, including Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park. Groups can enjoy hiking or biking at these state parks, learn about the nature and culture associated with them. At the Pinnacle Mountain State Park, groups can stop by the new visitors center, grab an Arkansasthemed souvenir and enjoy a scoop of local, craft ice cream.

But with over 60 city parks, there’s no shortage of urban greenspace for groups to enjoy either. They can picnic in the parks or check out the city’s gardens, such as the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, which can be found in Riverfront Park. The Bernice Garden also has some public art for visitors to see.

BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES

The craft beverage scene in Little Rock is booming with microbreweries, brewpubs, craft distilleries and urban wineries. Sampling some of the goodness is a great group activity.

Stone’s Throw Brewing MacPark Brewpub and Biergarten, just down the street from the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, has great indoor and outdoor seating for warm days. Locals often bring their dogs and sip brews and ciders. Their pale ale, stout, IPA, lager and cider are joined with other seasonal brews and flavors.

Lost Forty Brewing has a large selection of beverages in their taproom, from IPAs to hard seltzers that incorporate local flavors. They have seasonal offerings as well as a food menu packed with pub food such as wings, burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

Rock Town Distillery is the state’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. It produces many different spirits, including vodka, whiskey, bourbon, gin and several liqueurs. Tours are available, and groups can round out the experience with a cocktail at the on-site bar.

Lost Forty Brewing

Broadway Bridge

Central High School

Can tourism growth and climate action peacefully coexist?

Jeremy Sampson believes they can. As tourism veteran and the CEO of the Travel Foundation, he is focused on helping the travel industry find ways to become both more sustainable and more profitable. He joins this episode of the podcast to share his organization’s vision for how the tourism industry can take practical steps toward a more climate-friendly future.

Jeremy explains how empathy and understanding have been largely absent from conversations about travel and sustainability and gives practical ideas about how small tourism organizations can take meaningful steps forward on environmental issues.

1 2 3

On discussing sustainability in travel:

“A bit of empathy is required — understanding where people might be coming from. We need to understand each other. And where organizations haven’t quite succeeded in the past in moving this message along is not necessarily understanding the day-to-day motivations, incentive and behavior of industry professionals. Because it’s not that people don’t care — it’s that they don’t necessarily know how. We need to be able to find the common points in our agendas.”

On how smaller companies can contribute to sustainability:

“I believe everyone should play a role, and I believe it’s unfair to pin a significant chunk of the responsibility on small suppliers. But I think it’s important to recognize that we not hold everyone to the same standard.

“Businesses can be a part of behavior change. They’re the ones closest to the ground…. When you give them opportunities to play a role in designing unsustainable options right out of the system… there are thousands of things companies can do to encourage more sustainable choice.”

On navigating political divisions:

“I believe at the end of the day there’s actually a real shared agenda for change, and it’s the terminology that trips people up. When it comes to transitioning the tourism economy in a climate change paradigm, what are some of the solutions? Mostly, it’s to make the industry much more local, less dependent on big supply chains — more investment in local opportunities and local infrastructure. It also means creating new product and new ways for the industry to promote itself.”

To sponsor an episode of Gather and Go contact: To listen to the full episode, go to:

TASTY TOWNS

EVERY DELICACY HAS ITS DESTINATION

BY WENDY HELFENBAUM

Travelers love waterfront destinations where they can enjoy an expertly prepared fresh catch. Whether it’s a small seaside town or a bustling city, visitors can find exquisite seafood that’s made with care and perfectly seasoned. Here are eight signature specialties groups will gobble up.

Travelers can sample fresh Lynnhaven oysters, a mid-Atlantic delicacy, at Pleasure House Oyster Farm in Virginia Beach.

LYNNHAVEN OYSTERS

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Large, salty and delicious, Lynnhaven oysters are dear to locals of Virginia Beach, Virginia. One of the first oysters eaten by colonists in the early 1600s, this shellfish has been making a comeback as a coveted delicacy. Many people enjoy Lynnhavens, slurping them as soon as they’re pulled from the river. And if guests are interested in learning more about the harvesting process, oyster farmer Captain Chris Ludford, who owns Pleasure House Oysters, takes small groups out on his boat for a behind-the-scenes look at growing and farming oysters, as well as the history of the Lynnhaven River.

Lynnhaven oysters on the half shell served with lemon are on the menus of several restaurants that welcome groups such as Terrapin, Zoe’s Steak and Seafood located on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, and Commune, a sustainable eatery.

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM

COURTESY VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH

ARTWORK BY DAVID BROWN

WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS ISSUE

ALASKA CRAB JUNEAU, ALASKA

Because Alaska’s state constitution bans fish farming, visitors can enjoy fresh, wild and sustainable seafood, including the area’s most popular catch, Alaska crab. Whether it’s the sweet and meaty king, rich-tasting tanner, delicate snow or the local favorite, Dungeness crab, these tasty shellfish are usually steamed and served with lemon and butter.

Alaska crab can be found throughout Juneau. One popular spot to find it is Hangar on the Wharf, a mainstay for 27 years that features more than 125 kinds of beer including locally brewed options. Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill offers casual fine dining on the water, while Tracy’s King Crab Shack has two locations plus a memorable tag line: “Best legs in town.”

Juneau Food Tours can accommodate groups of four to 400 wanting to learn more about the area and the importance of the seafood industry to the community. It offers several culinary experiences, from walking food tours to private dining experiences. Other seafood-related excursions here include sportfishing and a visit to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery to learn more about the life cycle of Pacific salmon while watching them fight their way up the fish ladder.

TRAVELJUNEAU.COM

RED SNAPPER

ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

Orange Beach, Alabama, is known as the red snapper capital of the world thanks to its thriving Gulf Coast marine ecosystem and the largest artificial reef program in the country. While catching and keeping this famous fish is only permitted during snapper season — from late May until quotas are reached — its sweet, mild, almost-nutty flavor makes it a coveted menu staple.

Usually served grilled, blackened or paired with a beurre blanc or Cajun cream sauce, red snapper can be enjoyed at Big Fish Restaurant and Bar and Zeke’s Restaurant. Take your group charter fishing along Alabama’s beaches. Many local restaurants will cook your catch, including Luna’s Eat and Drink, Cobalt Restaurant and Tacky Jacks. Pair snapper with the destination’s specialty frozen cocktail, the Bushwacker, a chocolatey concoction.

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Red snapper off the Alabama coast

Charter fishing in Orange Beach

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An Alaskan fisherman with king crabs

SCALLOPS

GREATER BOSTON AREA

In addition to lobster and clams, Boston’s North Shore is known for its delectable scallops. Chefs love working with this versatile seafood, which can be fried, grilled, poached or pan-seared.

Group-friendly eateries with complimentary on-site bus parking and mouth-watering local scallops include Woodman’s of Essex, which has lovely views of the Salt Marsh and Essex River, the harborfront Seaport Grille in Gloucester — birthplace of the U.S. fishing industry — Tavern on the Wharf in historic Plymouth, and Mile Marker One at the Cape Ann Marina, which also offers marina tours and meet-andgreets with the chef or harbor master.

Regional seafood-themed activities range from taking a Cape Ann Foodie Tour, going on the Essex River Cruise, Whale Watching or visiting Maritime Gloucester’s campus to explore the Maritime Science Education Center or Gorton’s Seafoods Gallery.

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Scallops at Boston’s Tavern on the Wharf

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Crab legs in Alaska

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Falls of the Ohio State Park

CRAB CAKES

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Thanks to its proximity to Chesapeake Bay, Washington, D.C. offers visitors everything from rockfish to oysters, but crabcakes have become a foodie favorite. Made with lump crab meat from the Chesapeake Blue Crab, crabcakes are topped with poached eggs and hollandaise for breakfast, served on a bun for lunch, or lightly sauteed or broiled and drizzled with lemon sauce for dinner. They are often sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning, which comes from nearby Baltimore.

Restaurants that serve crab cakes include Clyde’s, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Blue Duck Tavern and the historic Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown — their crab cakes were reportedly a favorite of former President John F. Kennedy, who proposed to his wife Jackie in one of the restaurant’s booths.

Groups of four up to 60 can take the Wharf Food Tour that covers the Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf. Opened in 1805, it’s the oldest continually operating openair fish market in the United States.

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SASHIMI

HONOLULU, HAWAII

Honolulu’s seafood culinary landscape blends islandgrown ingredients with global influences. Fresh sashimi — thin slices of highest-quality raw fish — from the Pacific Ocean is served in poke bowls or on top of sushi rice and is one of several signature dishes in this region. Visitors can sample sashimi dishes at Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Mitch’s Fish Market and Sushi Bar, and Doraku Sushi. Groups can participate in a variety of cooking classes led by professional chefs using local ingredients. Hawaiian Style Cooking Class covers everything from how to create a fresh poke bowl to making sushi, while Hey Yuko’s Sushi Lesson allows guests to learn the history of sushi, how to work with raw fish and even a few Japanese phrases.

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CRAWFISH

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Louisiana crawfish are a staple in every Cajun household, where they are boiled in large quantities to share with family and friends. They look like miniature lobsters and are only in season from December through June.

James Simon, owner of Mais La Seafood, adds sweet potatoes in his boil just as his father did. Corn, sausage and potatoes are the most common side dishes alongside crawfish, but some chefs serve garlic, onions, mushrooms and even pineapple.

Doctor Gumbo Tours, owned by ninth generation Louisianian Dylan O’Donnell, offers two food-related walking tours for up to 16 people at a time: the Food History Tour, where guests sample nine different dishes while learning about Louisiana’s culinary history, and the Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour, which also includes four New Orleans cocktails.

Groups of 10 to 200 can also take classes at the New Orleans School of Cooking to learn how to prepare New Orleans crawfish dishes.

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Crab cakes at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown

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Fresh sashimi in Honolulu

BY TOR JOHNSON, COURTESY HTA

FISH TACOS

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Beer-battered and deep fried, San Diego’s classic fish taco has become a beloved tradition. A staple of food trucks and sit-down restaurants, this Mexican-style seafood dish can be enjoyed across the city. Puesto, known for its Cali-Baja tacos, is owned by first-generation Mexican Americans who incorporated their family recipe for battered cod on a blue corn tortilla. Other popular spots where groups can eat fish tacos include Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, the Fish Shop, Lola 55 and City Tacos.

Can’t decide on just one restaurant? Chow down at several on a food tour. Taco Tour San Diego stops at three locations for a guided historical lunch or sunset tour with craft beer. Sample authentic Mexican cuisine on the Taco and Tequila Tour through Old Town. The Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Tour dishes out supernatural tales in a few haunted locations in addition to fish tacos and elevated cocktails. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s fishing and seafood history.

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BY SAM WELLS,

COURTESY NEW ORLEANS & CO.

Fresh crawfish in New Orleans

San Diego fish tacos

COURTESY

NEBRASKA

By Elizabeth Hey

Nebraska’s landscape and attractions are as varied as its seasons. The state’s larger cities offer Midwestern sophistication and variety, from Omaha’s world-class zoo to art installations and museums. Time slows in Nebraska’s smaller towns, where there’s space to enjoy the bounty and beauty of nature. Orchards loaded with apples beckon pickers, while rugged buttes and rolling prairie beg to be explored. Through it all, history and heritage unite Nebraskans in this state where genuine friendliness is a way of life.

Living history interpreters depict 1890s Nebraska life at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island.

POPULAR DEMAND

HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM

There are plentiful fun opportunities at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Check out pygmy hippos in the world’s largest indoor rain forest. Feed giraffes or hop on Skyfari, an open-air chairlift above the African Grasslands. Creep through a 70-foot-long shark tunnel in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the largest inside a zoo. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top zoos, this Omaha treasure recently garnered accolades in the 2024 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Zoo,” while the Desert Dome ranked as a “Best Zoo Exhibit” and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park as “Best Safari Park.”

ASHFALL FOSSIL BEDS STATE HISTORICAL PARK

Situated on 360 acres of rugged rangeland in Verdigre Creek Valley, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park has been described as a prehistoric Pompeii. Here, fossilized rhinoceros, camels and horses were embedded as they died by inhaling volcanic ash. It’s the world’s only site where entire three-dimensional skeletons of large prehistoric animals are preserved. The Hubbard Rhino Barn is an active dig site, where researchers and student interns excavate fossils, which are left in place for viewing from the elevated walkways. Staff are happy to answer questions as they work in the bone bed.

STUHR MUSEUM OF THE PRAIRIE PIONEER

History buffs will find that the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer offers a fascinating glimpse into 1890s pioneer towns. Wander the complex of buildings on the 200-acre campus and discover collections of Native American and Old West memorabilia, tipi replicas, train cars from the 1800s and more. The farm machinery building displays more than 150 antique tractors, automobiles and farm implements. Railroad Town features costumed interpreters working and living within this 1890s-era prairie town filled with historic businesses and homes. Cultural programming, historic exhibits and educational activities take place year round.

An Ashfall Fossil Beds skeleton

A dig site at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park

Henry Doorly Zoo’s Gorilla Valley

The aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm

UP AND COMING

KIEWIT LUMINARIUM

On Omaha’s riverfront, travelers can discover the vivid colors, shapes and light of Kiewit Luminarium. This inflatable structure, designed by Architects of Air, houses an immersive art installation that engages visitor’s senses with a world of beauty. The installation features more than 100 interactive exhibits, and experiences include fundamental physics, building structures, collaborative games, a geometry playground and more. “Night Light,” an adults-only Thursday night event, invites visitors over the age of 18 to explore the exhibits and enjoy special programming.

MUSEUM OF NEBRASKA ART

Showcasing a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and contemporary installations, Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney (aka MONA) highlights Nebraska’s artistic heritage and cultural identity. The museum is slated for reopening this year after a $31.5 million renovation that will add a 23,000-square-foot expansion; additional outdoor space featuring native plants and foliage; a sculpture garden with dedicated areas for outdoor events; and a community studio for special pro gramming. Exhibitions reflect not only the spirit of the region but also its rich history.

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Kiewit Luminarium

The officers’ quarters at Fort Robinson

Museum of Nebraska Art

NATIONAL WILLA CATHER CENTER

In celebration of Nebraska’s 150th birthday, the town of Red Cloud is opening the new National Willa Cather Center this summer. Cather, a Pulitzer Prize winner and one of Nebraska’s most beloved authors, wrote about life on the prairie. Near Nebraska’s southern border, Red Cloud contains the nation’s largest collection of preserved historic sites and landscapes dedicated to one American author. In December, after a 16-month restoration, the Willa Cather Childhood Home reopened for tours. Cather’s love of the rolling prairie extends to the foundation’s 612 acres of unplowed grassland where a trail showcases Nebraska wildflowers.

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

FORT ROBINSON

Fort Robinson, a historic army outpost on the Nebraska plains, has hosted many guests throughout the years, from Lakota leader Crazy Horse to the cavalry and K-9 Corps. Today, visiting groups can stay in the 1909 enlisted men’s quarters or in the former officer’s quarters, which date from 1874 to 1909. Altogether, there are 35 different group lodging options with 22 rooms in the historic lodge. Fort Robinson Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily during the summer season and offers catering for group events. Activities include horsedrawn tours, horseback riding, open-air Jeep rides, indoor and outdoor pools, a museum and evening steak cookouts among the buttes.

Willa Cather Childhood Home

A garden at Fort Robinson

National Willa Cather Center

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

LIED LODGE AT ARBOR DAY FARM

Adirondack-style architecture and panoramic views distinguish Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm. The 140 nature-inspired guest rooms are situated on 250acre Arbor Day Farm, which is the birthplace of Arbor Day. A variety of activities and educa tional opportunities, such as the farm’s Tree Adventure, highlight conservation and sustainability. A guided tour among more than 150 heirloom apple tree varieties showcases one of the nation’s few collections of antique apple varieties dating to the 1600s. Guests can laze away the afternoon at the lodge’s spa or Olympic-size indoor pool. Always popular, the annual Apple Jack Festival takes place September 15–17.

Fresh food at Omaha’s Block 16

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Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm

MEMORABLE MEALS

BLOCK 16

Opened in 2010, Block 16 has become a popular dining destination in downtown Omaha. Paul and Jessica Urban, the duo in the kitchen, create flavor sensations using local, humanely raised and preservative-free ingredients. Their family farm is one of their main sources — it’s been in the Urban family for 100 years. They raise bees for pollination and honey, maintain egg-laying hens and butcher farm-raised pork. Some of their produce is grown in their geothermal greenhouse. Their efforts have earned them honors as James Beard Award finalists.

THE PEPPERMILL

Locals love the Peppermill in Valentine for both its rustic charm and its classic Midwestern cuisine, featuring hand-cut steaks and classic sides. Owner Robert Joseph is a fifth-generation rancher and a third-generation restauranteur. He knows beef. Seven different cuts on the menu range from prime rib to filets, all from Nebraska and South Dakota. Although the meat stands alone, the steak seasoning from Robert’s great-grandfather adds another flavor dimension. Alongside steaks, the menu features seafood, chicken and pasta dishes, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

LET’S

EXPLORE IN LINCOLN, NEBRASK A There is nothing more exciting than finding new places to enjoy a breezy summer night. Come experience it for yourself!

Burgers and steaks at the Peppermill in Valentine

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offers travelers spectacular views of east Tennessee’s

Anakeesta

Great Smoky Mountains.

LDESTINATION

VISTAS AND VOICES

MUSIC RISES LIKE MIST IN

EAST TENNESSEE

BY TOM ADKINSON

ong and lean Tennessee, stretching 500 interstate miles from Bristol to Memphis, divides itself into three regions — east, middle and west. But you don’t have to unfold the map past east Tennessee to have an overabundance of destinations for a multi-day tour. In fact, you can hug the state’s far eastern edge and do quite fine visiting Chattanooga, Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains and Bristol.

CHATTANOOGA

Chattanooga relegated its gritty industrial history to the past in recent decades and has evolved into an enjoyable and picturesque destination filled with attractions and opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.

The signature location to view this city of 184,000 residents is atop Lookout Mountain at Rock City, one of America’s most recognized attractions. Red and black painted barns with the simple messages of “See Rock City” and “See 7 States” made this collection of ancient rock formations, sculpted gardens and the Lovers Leap overlook famous. On a clear day, you perhaps can see seven states from Lovers Leap, although you might have to squint to see Virginia and South Carolina.

Rock City has notable neighbors on Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls is a waterfall inside the mountain — yes, inside. An elevator takes you 260 feet inside the mountain for a one-mile cave tour to and from a 145-foot waterfall.

A rainbow of theatrical lights makes the waterfall all the more memorable and photo-worthy for distinctive tour group images.

Also on the mountain are the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where the National Park Service recounts the story of the Civil War engagement called “The Battle Above the Clouds,” and the upper station of the Incline Railway. The bright red and yellow cars on this funicular rail system offer gentle, but quite steep, rides of about half a mile with a 1,450-foot elevation difference. Toward the top, the cars are at a 72.7% grade.

As you see from Rock City, a sweeping bend of the Tennessee River wraps around downtown Chattanooga, and the river was an inspiration for the top-rated Tennessee Aquarium. The first of its two glass-topped buildings opened in 1992 and was dedicated to freshwater ecosystems, using the Tennessee River basin as its example. Since then, it added an equally large aquarium dedicated to saltwater ecosystems and an IMAX theater.

Aquarium vice president and chief communications/ marketing officer Thom Benson notes that his attraction allows groups to spread out and serve as a rendezvous point for exploring much of the city center. The aquarium is next to the 16.1-mile Chattanooga Riverwalk, and a short stroll takes you to the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Bluff View Art District, a compact area of restaurants, gardens, an art gallery, outdoor sculptures and more panoramic views of the river.

Two slightly quirky attractions add to Chattanooga’s group appeal. One is the Coker Museum, one man’s personal collection of 130 vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses — plus three airplanes suspended from the ceiling of a 13,000-square-foot industrial space. The other is the International Towing and Recovery Museum, which makes sense given that the tow truck was invented in Chattanooga.

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KNOXVILLE

The biggest group events in Knoxville occur every fall when more than 100,000 people ease into Neyland Stadium for University of Tennessee home football games. But there are plenty of other — and decidedly smaller — group events and destinations in this city. Like Chattanooga, they evolved along the Tennessee River.

The city’s core is vibrant. Overlooking it all is the Sunsphere, the landmark structure of the 1982 World’s Fair. The superstructure of the towering building crowned with a golden sphere got a paint job in 2023 that recaptured the PANTONE Classic Blue color from the fair year. A new welcome center will be completed this year.

Nearby Gay Street has been an integral part of Knoxville’s development since the 1790s. Today, it is a visitor magnet with two historic theaters (the Tennessee Theatre and the Bijou Theatre), retail (including a spacious Mast General Store), entertainment venues (an example is Maple Hall, an 11-lane bowling alley/lounge in what formerly was a J.C. Penney store) and a historic attraction (the Museum of East Tennessee).

Market Square, just a block off Gay Street, is another active district. It dates to 1854, when two businessmen

donated land for public use. Today, it is an open space surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment and often filled with special events and a seasonal farmers market.

Visit Knoxville’s own visitor center offers the treat of a live music radio show, “The Blue Plate Special,” at noon five days a week. On Fridays, the free show goes to a bigger venue, Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria, in the Old City. The Old City neighborhood is an attraction itself with galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and music venues. Nearby, construction of a multi-sport 7,000-seat stadium for minor league baseball, professional soccer, concerts, festivals and other events is on pace for completion in 2025.

In addition to its brick-and-mortar attractions, Knoxville brags on its opportunities to get active in the outdoors. Just three miles from downtown is Ijams Nature Center, 318 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands and creeks laced with 14 miles of trails and even a lake with rental kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Other locations for outdoor activities include the UT Gardens and the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

Of course, you’re never too far from the Tennessee River, and there’s certainly a way to enjoy Knoxville on the water. That’s aboard the Star of Knoxville paddlewheel riverboat. Splash along for simple sightseeing trips or a lunch or dinner cruise.

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A vintage tractor at Chattanooga’s Coker Museum

BY TOM ADKINSON

INTO THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

There are some spots in Knoxville where the horizon in adjacent Sevier County is one of America’s premier attractions — Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In between are the three gateway communities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, whose lodging, restaurants, entertainment and attractions complement the grandeur of the ancient mountains.

The champion attraction is Dollywood, the theme park inspired by local legend Dolly Parton. It is Tennessee’s most visited ticketed attraction. Live entertainment, homestyle cooking, mountain crafts and thrill rides (roller coaster names include the Tennessee Tornado, Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine) are fundamental to the theme park experience. Dollywood expanded its on-site lodging when it opened HeartSong Lodge and Resort (302 rooms) in 2023 to accompany the already popular DreamMore Resort and Spa (300 rooms).

A couple posing at Ruby Falls

BY TOM ADKINSON COURTESY PIGEON FORGE TOURISM

New this year is the Dolly Parton Experience, a multifaceted attraction located in several buildings. Its exhibits examine Dolly’s life, from growing up in rural Tennessee to reigning over stages around the world. It is three times the size of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum, its predecessor.

Dolly’s spirit resonates throughout the region, and one of the most popular sites for groups to visit is a statue of the Country Music Hall of Fame member in downtown Sevierville. Group and individual photos with Dolly in bronze lock in memories of an east Tennessee tour.

SkyLand Ranch is a new attraction in Sevierville (the first phase opened in 2022). Components include a chairlift, a 1.25-mile mountain coaster called the Wild Stallion, live entertainment and a facility for personal encounters with miniature horses, donkeys, cows, goats and sheep. It’s a fitting touch for land that once was a 100-acre farm.

Gatlinburg, the original visitor destination adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, continues its appeal with tenured attractions such as the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (the oldest craft school in Tennessee) and newer ones such as Anakeesta.

Anakeesta is a multi-component attraction best known for AnaVista, a modernist-looking observation tower. The payoff for climbing its 84 steps is a 360-degree view of the national park and surrounding countryside. Beneath AnaVista are botanical gardens, restaurants, a canopy walk with 16 suspended bridges, a zipline and a rappelling adventure.

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BRISTOL

Bristol is one of those cities with a bit of a split personality. The split is the state line between Tennessee and Virginia, and it’s usually difficult to tell which state you’re in. For example, without the line painted down the middle of State Street, you might have to ask whether you’re shopping in Tennessee or dining in Virginia.

Bristol is bustling now with new hotels, a casino on the Virginia side and big races at the Bristol Motor Speedway, but its enduring claim to fame is “the big bang of country music.” That’s the nickname given to a 10-day recording session in 1927 that marked the blastoff of commercial country music. New York record producer Ralph Peer ventured into the mountains to find artists to record. He found legends, including the Carter Family (the “First Family of Country Music”) and Jimmie Rodgers (the “Father of Country Music”). That history is celebrated at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, which marked its 10th anniversary in 2024.

A tour stop there leaves your tour guests singing “Keep on the Sunny Side,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” or other classics and locks east Tennessee into their travel memories.

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An exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol

BY TOM ADKINSON

BY TOM ADKINSON

Live music at Blue Plate Special in Knoxville

BY BRUCE MCCAMISH, COURTESY VISIT KNOXVILLE