CHICAGO
Together Adve e
BY BRIAN JEWELL
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but is it the most wonderful time to travel?
We have reached the annual period that seems to fly faster than any other. The weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas and on to New Year’s Day pass in a blur of planning, shopping and celebrating. And if you’re like me, you might wake up on January 2 wondering where the season went.
With so much going on in such a short period, the holidays may not seem like a great time for group trips. People are short on time, and if they haven’t planned well for the year’s gifts, they may be feeling short on money too.
But for all the drawbacks, the holiday season presents plenty of travel benefits as well. Here are five reasons you should spend some time this year thinking about taking a trip in November or December of 2025.
1. Seasonal Events
Perhaps the most compelling reason to take holiday trips is that there are some bucket-list experiences only available at this time of year. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California, are high-profile events that bookend the season, and both are popular with groups. But dozens of other holiday festivals, events and other celebrations around the country should be on any travel lover’s radar as well.
2. Shopping Opportunities
Amazon may be your go-to destination for runof-the-mill gift buying, but shopping online isn’t nearly as much fun as visiting a great retail spot in person. If someone on your list is difficult to buy for — or if you enjoy giving thoughtful, handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts — a holiday-season trip with
EDITOR’S MARKS
lots of “shopportunities” may be just what you need. Outlet malls, artisan communities, main streets and other sites offer places to pick up gifts or souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Cash Flow
If you run a for-profit tour company or travel agency, holiday trips can play an important role in your business strategy. Since managing cash flow is an important part of running a company, consider the potential revenue you could generate from a December trip. The income created by offering some trips at the end of the year could help you close out your year on a high note or bridge your organization financially from the profitable fall until spring, when people begin traveling in earnest again.
4. Warmer (or Colder) Weather
A holiday trip can give your group an excuse to enjoy a welcome change in weather, if only for a few days. Groups based in the North, where snow sometimes begins falling before Halloween, might enjoy visiting a Southern destination to warm up a bit in mid-December. Conversely, groups living in subtropical climates may enjoy a few days of winter chill by taking a seasonal trip to a cooler destination.
5. Holiday Spirit
Travel has a way of opening people’s minds and hearts, which means a well-planned December trip could help even Ebenezer Scrooge get into the holiday spirit. Twinkling lights, carols and hot chocolate can help transform any itinerary into a seasonal celebration. Throw in a holiday show, a gift exchange or a living nativity to take the warm and fuzzies to the next level.
KYLE CAMPBELL SUDDEN JOURNEYS
WINNING TOURS FOR EVERY AGE GROUP
Is it possible to get travelers of every age group to travel together — and have fun doing it?
Kyle Campbell has proven that it is. A lifelong group travel planner and founder of Sudden Journeys, a boutique tour company, Kyle routinely leads trips that include baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and even Gen Z travelers. She joins this episode of the Gather and Go podcast to share how she builds and markets tours that appeal to every age group.
Kyle shares her insights about what each generation needs for successful trips; how intergenerational trips can be more fulfilling; and her secrets to creating deep and meaningful moments on the road.
On the needs of different generations:
“[Retired people] are living out dreams they have had for decades. They have waited to travel. They’re actualizing these dreams, and they have a wealth of experience behind them in their life. People who are 19 to early 30s are extremely savvy with the technology, but they have a desire for the connection they have missed out on. They are worn out of working from home and online communities. They are craving connection.”
On creating meaningful moments during trips:
“For me, dinner is the biggest way. But in order to have that at dinner, you have to create an atmosphere and space of intimacy. So I’ll pick restaurants that are intimate. I’ll bring candles with me, and we’ll eat by candlelight. I’ll ask a question that provokes thought, and we process the questions together. It’s always a great time to get to know each other better.”
On lessons learned from tour leading:
“It doesn’t matter how well you have planned, something always goes wrong. But the biggest lesson I have learned is that there’s a solution to every problem. And also, you’re setting the tone for your trip. They’re watching to see how you respond. And what can seem like an overwhelming situation, where they want to panic, you’re the voice of calm and peace. There are always solutions to problems, and you always start with what you know.”
To sponsor an episode of Gather and Go contact: To listen to the full episode, go to:
TELISA RECH telisa@grouptravelleader.com
ASM GLOBAL TURNS OUT IN FORCE AT SMALL MARKET MEETINGS CONFERENCE
SALEM, Ohio — More than 200 meeting planners and travel industry professionals gathered at the 2024 Small Market Meetings Conference in St. George, Utah, for three days of sightseeing, marketplace appointments and networking with industry peers.
At a luncheon hosted by ASM Global, a long-time partner of the Small Market Meetings Conference, attendees heard from over a dozen ASM Global representatives from across the nation who showcased their state-of-the-art venues and industry-leading meeting solutions.
The luncheon was organized by Anna Nash, vice president of market development for ASM Global.
“It is truly a pleasure to collaborate with Anna and an organization like ASM Global,” said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager for conference organizer Group Travel Family. “They understand
the industry, and they show it with their professionalism and hospitality.”
The luncheon showcased ASM Global’s impressive portfolio and was also as a valuable networking opportunity as attendees gained valuable insights and made lasting connections. Nash and her colleagues are committed to continuing to innovate in the meeting and event space as they set a higher standard and reinforce the company’s position as an industry leader.
As the conference wrapped up, participants expressed enthusiasm for the future. The vibrant discussions and networking opportunities at this year’s event set a positive tone for upcoming conferences.
Next year’s Small Market Meetings Conference will be hosted by Visit Buffalo Niagara September 16-18.
For more details, call Cassandra Blankenship at 800-628-0993 or visit smmconf.com
ATTEND A GREAT CONFERENCE IN 2025
SALEM, Ohio — Travel planners and readers of this publication will have opportunities next year to build bigger groups and plan better trips by attending a travel conference presented by The Group Travel Family of Brands, the nation’s premier operator of travel conferences dedicated to the growth of planners who offer group travel packages.
The Group Travel Family of Brands, which has served more 25,000 travel planners over the past 30 years, will have six travel conferences in 2025. Each will include sightseeing, lodging, meals, networking and marketplace sessions.
Group travel planners and interested travel industry partners are welcome to attend the following conferences:
• Select Traveler Conference for upscale travel groups, hosted by Visit Owensboro March 9-11, 2025, in Owensboro, Kentucky
• Small Market Meetings Summit for meeting planners, hosted
by Explore Branson April 30-May 1, 2025 in Branson, Missouri
• African American Travel Conference for diversity travel, hosted by Visit Buffalo Niagara May 21-23, 2025, in Buffalo, New York
• Going on Faith Conference for church and faith-based groups, hosted by Cincy Region August 6-8, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Small Market Meetings Conference for meeting planners, hosted by Visit Buffalo Niagara September 16-18, 2025, in Buffalo, New York
• GroupTravelCon for all travel planners, hosted by Visit Owensboro October 27-30, 2025, in Owensboro, Kentucky
Please mark your calendar to attend one of these great events and register by calling 800-628-0993 or online at grouptravelfamily.com.
ANNA NASH, ASM GLOBAL
TRAVEL SAFE BY ‘LOOKING BEFORE YOU BOOK’
SALEM, Ohio With more people traveling in 2024 than in previous years, the holiday winter tourist season is likely to be booming. It’s also likely that travelers will look for more affordable trips. A motorcoach is a convenient, budget-friendly way to travel — just be sure to put travel safety at the top of your planning list.
For winter fun, there are many appealing options outside ski resorts. For example, national and state parks, including many that are overcrowded in warm weather, have gorgeous scenery for walking and drives, and may offer special winter programs. Many locales have winter sports like hikes, ice skating (indoors or out), ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowtubing, and even “fat biking” on snow (using oversized tires).
You can find alternatives to warm Southern beaches, like lakes and rivers with water fun, from swimming and boating to wake surfing and jet skiing. Chillier Northern shores provide winter pleasures like waterside walks and seaside towns, shops and restaurants with scenic charm and less waiting time.
Rather than visiting large amusement parks with peak holiday volume, consider smaller regional and local parks with seasonal programs. Many indoor theme parks and water parks are open year-round, as are novel experiences like indoor skydiving.
While most bus companies understand that passenger safety is paramount, there are always some operators who cut corners, putting travelers at risk. That’s why it’s important to research bus company safety.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) “Look Before You Book” webpage includes a bus safety search tool that helps verify that a bus company has a good safety record.
You can learn more about bus safety and use FMCSA’s bus safety search tool at this link: bit.ly/49tznu6
The Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Kentucky, and we want you to come with us!
Our friends at the Kentucky Department of Tourism are arranging a familiarization tour of several cities and towns throughout the state, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place in late spring of 2025. Destinations have yet to be finalized, but attendees can expect to spend several days enjoying the culture, natural beauty, history and cuisine of the Bluegrass State.
You’ll join Rachel Crick, our staff writer, and Kyle Anderson, our VP of sales and marketing, as they explore the area with our Kentucky hosts.
Groups visiting Kentucky can look forward to signature experiences such as:
• Thoroughbred horse racing — Catch the excitement live at Louisville’s Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland Race Course.
• Bourbon distilleries — Tour historic distilleries and taste Kentucky’s favorite spirit in destinations such as Bardstown and Frankfort.
• Arts and artisans — Find the work of quilters, craftsmen and more in inspiring towns such as Paducah and Berea.
• Signature museums — Learn the history of America’s favorite sports car at Bowling Green’s National Corvette Museum or explore the deep at Newport Aquarium in Northern Kentucky.
• Natural attractions — Marvel at wonders such as Mammoth Cave and the Red River Gorge.
Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by the Kentucky Department of Tourism. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the state.
You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/ky-fam. Space is limited, and applications close March 1.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join us this spring in Kentucky!
Join Us for a Trip to Kentucky
Travel planners can enjoy some of Kentucky’s most popular activities, such as Thoroughbred races and bourbon distillery visits, during an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.
SPRING 2025
REGISTRATION CLOSES: MARCH 1
You can apply to attend this FAM tour at: GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/KY-FAM
If you have any questions, call Kyle at 859-253-0455.
FAM
PHOTOS COURTESY KENTUCKY DEPT. OF TOURISM
Kyle Anderson
Rachel Crick
PILGRIMAGE SHOWCASES CIVIL RIGHTS SITES TO INDUSTRY LEADERS
BY BRIAN JEWELL
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Fred Gray, an Alabama attorney, knows more than most people about the Civil Rights Movement. After all, he was there when it started.
“Most of the Civil Rights Movement you can trace back to what we started on December 5, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama,” the 93-year-old Gray told more than 100 guests at the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Connectivity Pilgrimage in Montgomery.
Gray served as the attorney for Rosa Parks, whose resistance to segregation inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott that began in December 1955 and led to a series of Civil Rights victories over the next decade. He would go on to represent Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis and many other notable leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
Left: Celebrated Civil Rights attorney Fred Gray addresses attendees of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Connectivity Pilgrimage. Right: Pilgrimage attendees march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.
And he was the special guest speaker for the dinner banquet during the Connectivity Pilgrimage, October 8–9 in Montgomery and nearby Selma.
Organized by leaders of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance, the event showcased the numerous immersive visitor experiences in Selma and Montgomery that tell the stories of the momentous events that took place in those communities during the Civil Rights Movement. The pilgrimage was attended by many attraction representatives and destination marketers in other communities that have sites enshrined on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
The idea was sparked by a similar, albeit smaller, trip that took place in 2023.
“A little over a year ago, Alabama hosted
many of the board members and state travel directors,” said Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourism and chair of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance. “They invited us to come and see how Montgomery is working on making Civil Rights such an immersive experience for this community and provided best practices so we could learn from them. We were so moved by the stories and the people and felt we should come back and bring our friends from the 15 [U.S. Civil Rights Trail] sites in Tennessee.”
The effort soon grew beyond Tennessee to include a delegation of nearly 100 representatives from eight states. Among attendees were state travel commissioners, destination marketers, academics and researchers, political leaders, historic site curators, and
COURTESY ALABAMA
philanthropists with an interest in boosting the visibility of the Civil Rights story.
Attendees toured many of the historic sites, churches and museums in Selma and Montgomery that were sites of pivotal Civil Rights actions. Along the way they met luminaries like Gray and others, who told personal stories of their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement.
The tour began in Selma, where the group met with Jo Ann Bland, a historian and guide. She shared the story of how as a child, she and several hundred other protestors were violently attacked while trying to march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in what became known as the “Bloody Sunday” attack of 1965. Next, the group took a ceremonial walk across the bridge, singing much of the way, before driving along the route of the Selma to Montgomery March that ended at the steps of the Alabama Capitol.
Other highlights of the tour included a visit to the Rosa Parks Museum; a recreated mass meeting at Holt Street Baptist Church with a Martin Luther King, Jr., re-enactor; a tour of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where King pastored; and visits to the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park and the Legacy Museum.
The agenda proved meaningful for many of the attendees.
“It’s just deeply moving — powerful, hard, victorious, sad,” Ezell said. “Our group has already cried and been moved, then angered, then motivated, then inspired — all of the emotions. But I’m just so thankful that Alabama did something so unprecedented and special. They said ‘Come, and we’ll show you everything we know. We’ll teach you.’ Because to me, that’s the power of the Civil Rights Movement. We are going home with a bigger vision of what things can look like.”
Touring Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery
A Rosa Parks interpreter on a historic bus
A photo stop at the corner where Rosa Parks boarded her bus in Montgomery
U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance chair Mark Ezell, left, with other pilgrimage attendees
A Martin Luther King Jr. interpreter at Holt Street Baptist Church
COURTESY GAMMA BLAST
COURTESY GAMMA BLAST
COURTESY ALABAMA TOURISM DEPT.
COURTESY ALABAMA TOURISM DEPT.
COURTESY ALABAMA TOURISM DEPT.
ARKANSAS
By Tom Adkinson
It’s no exaggeration to call Arkansas the “Land of Opportunity.”
The state employed that promotional slogan from the 1950s through the ’80s to encourage industrial development, but today’s leisure tour operators will find it also describes a compact state filled with plenty of options for tour itineraries. Arkansas destinations offer beautiful art, therapeutic hot springs, Thoroughbred horse racing, train excursions into scenic mountains, hotels with ghost tours and enough places to stop for a piece of pie that savvy marketers created the Arkansas Pie Trail.
Here are reminders of favorite destinations and ideas for new sights and experiences, including pie — lots and lots of pie.
and water features.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville sits among acres of woodlands
POPULAR DEMAND
BATHHOUSE ROW AT HOT SPRINGS
Nine bathhouses that once attracted the famous and the notorious are the central attraction at Hot Springs National Park. The Buckstaff and the Quapaw still operate as bathhouses while others have new uses. One is the park’s visitor center, one is a restaurant and brewery, one is a retail store and another is a fancy nine-suite hotel. Although Yellowstone was our first national park, Hot Springs has enjoyed federal protection much longer — since 1832, when Congress declared the thermal springs a federal reservation. It is the second smallest in the national park system.
CRYSTAL BRIDGES
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is in its second decade, yet many are still surprised to find such an expansive institution in Northwest Arkansas. Of course, its benefactor is Alice Walton of the Walmart family, and once-quiet Bentonville is Walmart world headquarters. The museum’s light-filled galleries open to water and woods with huge wall-sized windows. Outside, sculptures mark 3.5 miles of trails through forests and next to wetlands. You can walk to Crystal Bridges from downtown Bentonville. The Momentary, a communal space downtown, has exhibits, concerts and other events.
ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI RAILROAD
Although the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad still hauls a bit of freight, its real claim to fame is its excursions through the rugged Boston Mountains in Northwest Arkansas. Trips depart from depots in Springdale and Van Buren, and travelers ride in a collection of vintage coaches that date from the 1920s to the 1950s. One coach has some movie credits. Coach #104, named the “Biloxi Blues,” was used in the Neil Simon movie of the same name. Routes wind through valleys, across high trestles and through a quarter-mile tunnel.
An Arkansas and Missouri Railroad conductor
A railroad locomotive
COURTESY NPS
A thermal pool in Hot Springs
COURTESY VISIT BENTONVILLE
The Momentary in Bentonville
A Hot Springs bathhouse
UP AND COMING
U.S. MARSHALS MUSEUM
Among the newest big attractions in Arkansas is the United States Marshals Museum, which opened in Fort Smith in July 2023. The $50 million project is a private-sector salute to the federal agency that is the law enforcement arm of the federal courts. Federal marshals have served the nation since 1789 and have a storied history in westward expansion and in the Civil Rights era, the Oklahoma City bombing, the apprehension of notorious criminals and other events.
ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
No, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts isn’t new — it got its start in 1914 when a group of women in Little Rock formed the Fine Arts Club, and its core structure opened in 1937--but its latest expansion and transformation in 2023 makes the institution feel reborn. It now is an even brighter star in Little Rock’s oldest green space, MacArthur Park. Its collection of 14,000 works of art, primarily from Europe and the Americas, includes a focus on art of the American South, with works by prominent photographers and self-taught artists. A growing collection of outdoor sculpture enliven the museum’s grounds.
OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS
CAPITAL HOTEL
The history-laden Capital Hotel, with its impressive late 1800s cast iron façade, has a strong emotional appeal for anyone from Little Rock. The 93-room property is tied so tightly to the fabric of the community that its nickname is “the Front Porch of Little Rock.” Luminaries stay here, family and civic celebrations bring good vibes, and its restaurants draw high marks. Located near Riverfront Park and its 80-piece Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, it is also within walking distance of the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
U.S Marshals Museum in Fort Smith Racing at Oaklawn
Arkansas Museum of Fine Art
Admiring artwork in Little Rock
THE HOTEL AT OAKLAWN
The Thoroughbred racing season at Oaklawn racetrack in Hot Springs stretches from late January to early May, but the resort experience is year-round at the 198-room luxury hotel and spa. The formal name is the Hotel at Oaklawn, but its tagline could be “complete resort” because racing, gaming, lodging, spa therapy and fine dining are in one place. The hotel opened in 2021 along with a 1,500-seat event center that stages major concerts.
CRESCENT HOTEL
The Crescent Hotel started building its reputation when Eureka Springs developed as a Victorian resort destination in the late 1800s, and the hotel remains a landmark in Arkansas hospitality. It’s also known as “America’s most haunted hotel.” Ghost tours at the hotel and elsewhere in this art-centric town are popular. Art galleries, studios and shops can be found around almost every bend of Eureka Springs’ winding streets. A modern addition to the Crescent Hotel is the unhaunted New Moon Spa and Salon, which offers pampering high in the Ozark Mountains.
THE HUB O F NORTH W EST ARKANSAS
Springdale is your gateway to the Natural State, where family fun and adventure await every explorer.
The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs
Little Rock’s Capital Hotel
MEMORABLE MEALS
PIE TRAIL
For decades, national food writers have said that pie in Arkansas is a thing. A state tourism article touts the Arkansas Pie Trail, which is a list of caloric destinations rather than a marked route. Somewhere along any Arkansas itinerary, you’ll need to pull over for pie. Among frequently mentioned places are Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets in Keo, Holly’s Country Kitchen in Conway, Big John’s Shake Shack in Marion, and Lindsey’s BBQ and Hospitality House in North Little Rock. Even though strawberry shortcake doesn’t qualify as pie, consider a stop at the Bulldog Restaurant, a classic 1960s-vintage establishment in Bald Knob, for the fresh fruit treat from springtime to early fall.
SKILLET RESTAURANT AT OZARK FOLK CENTER
Music, crafts and mountain culture are the focus of the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, and the down-home theme continues at the Skillet Restaurant. Be prepared for full-on Southern country meals, and perhaps be surprised by an herbal event meal designed around recipes curated by guest culinary experts. The Skillet Restaurant takes advantage of its hilltop perch with large windows overlooking a butterfly garden, a water garden and wildlife feeding stations. Among the specialties is the Ozark Sampler with chicken-n-dumplings, ham-n-beans, turnip greens and fried okra. Garlic herb grilled salmon is on the fancy side of the menu.
LOST FORTY BREWING
A 40-acre patch of virgin forest in south-central Arkansas is the namesake of Little Rock’s Lost Forty Brewing, a destination for brewed refreshments and bar food after a day of touring. The craft microbrewery’s extensive beer list ranges from the 2nd Rodeo, a light lager made with Arkansas rice, to several IPAs including Trash Panda IPA. If you don’t know what a real-life trash panda is, you’ll laugh when the bartender explains.
A pie at Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets in the town of Keo
Fried Chicken at the Ozark Folk Center’s Skillet Restaurant
Lost Forty Brewing
Skillet Restaurant
The rotunda of the Illinois Capitol in Springfield pays homage to Abraham Lincoln and other notable leaders from the state’s history.
DELIGHTFUL ILLINOIS
THE PRAIRIE STATE IS A MIDWESTERN ANCHOR
BY CYNTHIA BARNES
Illinois is the fifth-largest state in the Union and it gets its name from a phrase from the Algonquian family of Indigenous languages that loosely translates to “speaks in the regular way.” And in Illinois, there’s plenty to speak about: America’s third-largest city, its most iconic highway, quaint river towns, and compelling historical sites.
Though it’s certainly not mountainous — the highest point in the state is only 1,235 feet above sea level — the Prairie State is definitely scenic, from gently rolling plains and sweeping rivers to the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline. Rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty make Illinois a destination that creates memories.
“I think what really sets Chicago and the rest of Illinois apart is not just the things you can do, it’s how you feel when you’re here doing them,” said Isaac Reichman, director of corporate communications for Choose Chicago. “Chicago has everything you want in a big city, but a small-town feel and a personality and culture that immediately makes you feel right at home. Then we’re the gateway to the rest of the state. You can kick off on Route 66 in downtown and use that as your avenue to explore all the small towns, medium-sized cities, all those amazing attractions. And everywhere you go, you’re going to find natural beauty, manmade beauty and that Midwestern hospitality that you really can’t find in any other part of the country.”
The next few years are an especially attractive time to visit, as Illinois rolls out celebrations across the state for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, as well as the Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States — both in 2026.
CHICAGO
Once known as the Second City, Chicago long ago outgrew that nickname, and today the metropolis is second to none for visitors. World class fits Chicago’s cultural institutions, culinary scene and skyline, as well as its 26 miles of parks and beaches along Lake Michigan.
In any season, sports fans can have a literal field day, as Chicago has teams in all major American professional sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball and hockey) that have earned numerous national championships. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, and a day out at the team’s historic Wrigley Field is a must during baseball season. NASCAR fans can cheer thrilling events like the Chicago Street Race, held downtown in Grant Park. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each of its 77 distinct communities has its own flavor. The Loop, the downtown business district, bursts with attractions, including the world’s first skyscraper. Cruises on the Chicago River are a way to hear about it and the city’s other architectural icons. The Loop is also home to the pedestrian-only Riverwalk; Millennium Park and its famous “Cloud Gate” sculpture, fondly referred to as “the Bean”; and the Art Institute of Chicago, one of world’s top-rated museums, whose collections include Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” and the largest number of works by of Impressionist masters found outside of France. For a bird’s-eye view of the metropolitan area, there’s no place better than the Skydeck atop the Sears Tower (aka, the Willis, but Chicagoans will never call it that).
Chicago is also a city of festivals, and any month when the weather is remotely reasonable visitors will find parks and streets filled with music, food, art and celebrations. Some of the most famous are Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest and the Chicago Air and Water Show, but there are parties on any given weekend.
In 2026, Chicago will also celebrate the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, an architecturally striking presidential museum and library on a 19-acre campus in Jackson Park. The lakeside park — one of more than 500 in the city — is also home to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Chicago is also the starting point for Route 66, the historic highway that author John Steinbeck dubbed “The Mother Road” in his novel “The Grapes of Wrath.” It stretches across eight states before ending at the ocean in Santa Monica, California. The Illinois portion offers visitors 300 miles of interesting pit stops and retro roadside attractions.
CHOOSECHICAGO.COM
Chicago’s Wrigley Field
Chicago deep dish pizza
A Chicago River cruise
A sculpture at the Art Institute
SPRINGFIELD
Springfield, Illinois’ capital city, is best-known for the state’s most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln. Though born in neighboring Kentucky, the lanky lawyer moved to Illinois at the age of 21 and established himself in Springfield before he entered politics. The city’s many historic attractions allow visitors to track the journey of Honest Abe from log cabin to the White House. At Oak Ridge Cemetery, groups can visit the Lincoln Tomb, final resting place of the 16th president, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. Although the Greek Revival Old State Capitol, a reconstruction of Illinois’ fifth statehouse, is currently closed for renovations, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is packed with more than 11,000 artifacts to give an unflinching portrait of one of our nation’s most significant leaders. Beyond Lincoln, Springfield has many charms. Reminders of the 20th century, like drive-ins and diners, give a sense of nostalgia. Groups can tap into that carefree, postwar vibe on the Living Legends and Landmarks tour
Skydeck at Willis Tower
A Route 66 stop in Livingston
Outside the Illinois Capitol
Climbing a mound at
where highlights include the Ace Sign Company Museum, the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and a stop for an open-faced horseshoe sandwich, the city’s signature culinary creation.
Frank Lloyd Wright is primarily associated with the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, but one of his most dazzling creations can be found in Springfield. Designed in 1902 for sophisticated socialite Susan Lawrence Dana, Wright’s Dana House is a lavish example of the architect’s early Prairie style. The 12,000 square-foot home, now a state historic site, includes more than 100 original pieces of furniture and 450 art glass windows, light fixtures and doors, all designed by Wright.
VISITSPRINGFIELDILLINOIS.COM
CAHOKIA MOUNDS
Before there was Chicago, Springfield, or any other city in Illinois, there was Cahokia. Located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, this 4,000-acre metropolis was the largest urban settlement of indigenous people north of Mexico. Cahokia was the cultural and administrative capital for the Mississippian people, and it was occupied from about A.D. 700 to 1400, sheltering more than 20,000
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Cahokia in Collinsville
inhabitants at its peak. They built 120 mounds and 70 remain, including Monks Mound, which at 100 feet tall is the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the Americas. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the central section of this ancient city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can climb Monks Mound, view a circle of astronomically aligned timber posts known as “Woodhenge” and tour a life-sized replica village at the interpretive center.
CAHOKIAMOUNDS.ORG
GREAT RIVER ROAD
Travelers can answer the call of the (river) road along Illinois’ western border, where 550 miles of national scenic byway stretch along the Mississippi from the southern tip of state in fancifully named Cairo all the way up to East Dubuque.
Less impressive than Cahokia but still lots of fun, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is in Collinsville, nine minutes from the UNESCO site. Deliciously silly, the 170-foot water tower was erected in 1949 and delights visitors of all ages.
In downtown Alton, jazz aficionados can pay homage to a bronze statue of Miles Davis, one of the most respected and influential musicians in history, who was born there. The historic town is also site of Abraham Lincoln’s only duel. Traveling toward Grafton, the view is of the Mississippi River on one side and limestone bluffs on the other. Grafton is where the Mississippi meets the Illinois River, and Grafton River Adventures offers riverboat tours to suit any interest.
Explorers Meriweather Lewis and William Clark spent time in the area before they headed west on their expedition, and history buffs can learn more about them at the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford. The 150-foot tower has three observation decks at 50-foot intervals and an interpretive center. On clear days, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is visible in the distance.
GREATRIVERROAD-ILLINOIS.ORG
A scenic stretch of the Great River Road
TROPHY STOPS
SPORTS HALLS OF FAME RANK HIGH WITH GROUPS
BY ERIN GIFFORD
Sports are a big deal in the United States, and the best places to dig into their rich legacy are sports halls of fame. Like time capsules, they preserve the stories of legendary athletes, unforgettable moments and history-making feats.
Interactive exhibits, rare artifacts and immersive storytelling make these stops a chance to relive the moments that made sports history.
Here are five sports halls of fame to add to your group travel wish list.
COURTESY NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, honors more than 450 inductees.
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
CANTON, OHIO
For football fans and sports lovers alike, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a bucket-list destination that celebrates the rich history and ongoing legacy of America’s favorite sport. Artifacts, memorabilia and interactive exhibits that capture the essence of football greatness greet visitors. In the Hall of Fame Gallery, they can admire the bronze busts of Walter Payton, Dan Marino and 376 other football legends. Right at the Hall’s entrance, the newest class of inductees welcomes visitors with its own special tribute.
“A Game for Life,” a holographic theater experience, features Hall of Famers Joe Namath and Vince Lombardi sharing inspiring stories and iconic moments from their careers. The Super Bowl Gallery, another crowd-pleaser, offers a close-up look at Super Bowl jerseys, game balls, rings, the famed Vince Lombardi Trophy and other memorabilia.
The museum spotlights the contributions of Black athletes in the Black College Football Hall of Fame. Chief communications officer Rich Desrosiers says the museum is “constantly evolving with new artifacts reflective of accomplishments [from] the ongoing season.” Recent additions include a game ball and game-worn jerseys from the first-ever NFL game played in Brazil in September 2024.
Groups should plan to spend around three hours exploring the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more, and group members get a 20% discount at the Hall of Fame store. Reservations must be made in advance. The on-site Hall of Fame Café seats 40, and the museum offers private rooms for catered meals and events.
PROFOOTBALLHOF.COM
The Hall of Fame Gallery in Canton
The Pro Football Hall of Fame exterior
PHOTOS COURTESY PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Busts of famous football players
NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Located in the “Birthplace of Basketball,” the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a must-visit for anyone who is passionate about basketball. Named after James Naismith, who invented the sport in 1891, the museum’s exhibits highlight the sport’s greatest players, coaches, moments and milestones.
Its Hall of Honor immortalizes more than 450 Hall of Fame inductees, including legendary players such as Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and coaching legends who have helped shape the game such as Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Tennessee’s Pat Summit.
The Players Gallery displays jerseys, sneakers and personal memorabilia from the game’s most famous players, like Scottie Pippen and Wilt Chamberlain. Visitors can get in on the action by shooting hoops on a full-sized court called the Court of Dreams. Afterward, they can wander the SuperFan Gallery, which features diehard fans and celebrities like Lakers fans Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson, who cheer on their favorite teams.
Celtics fans will love the Boston Celtics Unlocked exhibit, which debuted in June. The temporary exhibit is the first in a new space called The Vault, and it showcases rookie jerseys, championships rings and other memorabilia dating to the franchise’s start in 1946.
Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more, and reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Five on-site restaurants include Plan B Burger Bar and Subway. The museum also has special events spaces for private gatherings.
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The Hall of Honor
Playing on the court at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Measuring up to basketball greats
NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME FRISCO, TEXAS
The National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, is a celebration of soccer’s rich history and growing influence in American culture. It’s situated within the Toyota Stadium complex, home to FC Dallas.
Interactive touchscreens let visitors test their knowledge with trivia about soccer’s power-players and history-makers, like legendary goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Mia Hamm, whose trailblazing career helped spark the rise of U.S. women’s soccer. In the Hall of Honor, inductees and their stories are brought to life by displays and memorabilia, including jerseys, photographs and personal items.
The trophy collection is a highlight. “I don’t believe there’s any other place in the world where you can stare at four women’s World Cup trophies behind the case,” said Djorn Bucholz, executive director. “We have them all here.”
Virtual reality experiences and skills challenges help visitors experience the sport firsthand. Facial recognition software allows each guest’s visit to be personalized.
“No two people have the same experience inside,” said Bucholz. “We call ourselves the most personalized experience in sports. I think we can really back that up. It’s incredibly unique.”
Most spend 60 to 90 minutes soaking in the exhibits, challenges and soccer history. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are discounted to $10 per person. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
NATIONALSOCCERHOF.COM
PHOTOS COURTESY NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME
Jerseys worn by hall of fame soccer players
Frisco’s National Soccer Hall of Fame
U.S. BICYCLING HALL OF FAME
DAVIS, CALIFORNIA
The U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis, California, is a tribute to the rich history and culture of cycling in the United States, honoring the athletes, innovators, coaches and contributors who helped shaped the sport over the years. For cycling enthusiasts, this small museum is a gem. It’s located at the site of the first bike lane in the U.S., which was created in 1967.
Inside the thoughtfully curated space, exhibits chronicle key moments in American cycling history. From the introduction of the first bicycles in the 1860s to the rise of women in cycling in the 1900s to the bike boom of the 1970s, each display paints a picture of how cycling has evolved in the U.S.
One of the standout attractions is the collection of vintage bicycles. These rare models not only show the evolution of bike design and technology but also transport travelers to the early days of cycling. There are also profiles of Hall of Fame inductees, including Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France champion, and Juliana Furtado, who is often credited with raising the profile of women’s mountain biking.
For a deeper dive, guided tours led by local bike historians are available for a fee. These tours can include brief presentations on cycling history. Keep in mind that this hall of fame has limited hours — Wednesdays from 4–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, groups of 10 or more can schedule visits by appointment.
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NCAA HALL OF CHAMPIONS
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Indianapolis’ NCAA Hall of Champions celebrates the accomplishments of student-athletes in 24 sports and from more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Visitors get a better grasp of the dedication, talent and perseverance that define college sports.
“The Hall of Champions really shows a different side to the NCAA than what you may see on TV,” said Kortni Gurganus-Wright, assistant director of operations. “It’s more personal, accessible, more educational on what the NCAA is and who we serve.”
Spread across two levels, the Hall of Champions engages sports fans of all ages. On the main level, touchscreen kiosks introduce each of the 24 NCAA sports through trivia, short videos and displays of memorabilia, such as game balls and jerseys donated by colleges and universities. It’s a fun way to get to know the top athletes and moments that helped shape NCAA sports.
PHOTOS
Vintage bicycles at the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame
Road racing artifacts
A NCAA Hall of Champions exhibit
On the second level, sports simulators allow visitors to try out baseball, football, soccer and softball. In a 1930s-style gymnasium, they test their basketball skills by attempting to recreate famous shots in NCAA basketball history, using decals on the floor as a guide.
Visitors typically spend between 45 and 90 minutes exploring the Hall of Champions. For a more in-depth experience, the museum offers 90-minute guided tours for groups of up to 20 people. Groups of 80 or more can enjoy a scavenger hunt-style experience called the Hall of Champions Challenge. Boxed lunches can be pre-ordered.
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PHOTOS COURTESY NCAA HALL OF CHAMPIONS
The NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE GUIDE
CULTURAL LANDMARKS
VISIT THESE CENTERS FOR BLACK INFLUENCE
The Harvey B. Gantt Center is named for Charlotte’s first Black mayor and is filled with artwork by Black artists.
BY RACHEL CRICK
AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTERS GO BEYOND TEACHING HISTORY.
They weave together stories of Black art, music, cuisine and innovation to explore what it means to be Black in America. They also are gathering spaces for community events, workshops and celebrations.
With their emphasis on education and enrichment, these centers are hubs for learning and personal growth, and excellent stops for meaningful travel experiences. Here are some spaces across the country where visitors can experience Black culture in its richest form.
THE CHARLES H. WRIGHT MUSEUM Detroit
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, simply called “The Wright,” is one of the oldest institutions chronicling African American history and the world’s second-largest museum dedicated to Black history. Charles H. Wright, a Detroit physician, founded the museum in the basement of his medical practice in 1965. It moved to a larger building in the 1980s and then again in the ’90s to keep up with its growing collections. It was officially dedicated to Wright in 1998, four years before his death.
Today, The Wright houses more than 35,000 artifacts and has rotating exhibits that explore many facets of African American culture, from historical figures to photography collections that look at the world through the lens of Black culture.
In addition to guided or self-guided tours, groups can sit in on one of the museum’s many public programs held in a newly renovated theater. A popular program there brings in artists and notable local or national figures for educational talks or theater and dance performances. Other museum programming is organized around holidays and includes celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, the Annual African World Festival and Kwanza. Catered meals can be arranged on site.
“There’s not only learning here, but celebration, and when it comes to the activities and exhibitions we host, they are immersive,” said Jonathan Jones, manager of youth and family programs. “I have yet to meet anyone who has not had some very impactful experience once they’ve entered this institution.” thewright.org
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
Washington, D.C.
D.C.’s dizzying array of museums provides groups with an abundance of options, but for Black culture, the choice is obvious — The National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is far bigger than it appears because half of its 10 floors are underground. Wide-ranging exhibits provide a comprehensive portrait of African American history and culture, from fun exhibits on Black influence in the music industry and pop culture to somber explorations of darker chapters of Black history.
This Smithsonian Institution museum realizes some of its galleries induce powerful emotions. Next to some of its most thought-provoking galleries, the Contemplative Court and its floor-to-ceiling waterfall give visitors a place to collect themselves and process their emotions.
The group experience at the museum is highly customizable. A museum representative greets groups then gives them itineraries designed to take them through the museum. These itineraries can vary based on what groups are interested in. Larger groups can be split up into smaller parties with different itineraries. Any museum-hosted docent talks will be highlighted. Meal vouchers are available for group dining at the museum’s Sweet Home Café. The museum’s also fosters connections within visiting groups and its interactive exhibits and activities coax groups into discussions with each other.
“The assumption before was that museums were one-way conversations, but it became clear that visitors do want to spend time learning about the people they came with and the stories they have to share,” said Herman Marigny IV, assistant director for visitor and guest services. “The museum is great excuse to do that.” nmaahc.si.edu
MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER
Little Rock, Arkansas
The Mosaic Templars of America was a Black fraternal organization founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1883 by two formerly enslaved people. It provided death and burial insurance to Black people and at one time had over 120,000 members. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center was named for this organization and located in its original headquarters when it opened in 2001. Though the original building burned in 2005, the new one occupies the same footprint as the old at the intersection of Ninth Street and Broadway, once a thriving Black business district. The center was founded through Arkansas legislation to preserve and chronicle the history of African Americans in Arkansas. It’s now one of only three Black history and culture museums in the South accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
In 2023, the center’s main exhibition space underwent a $3.5 million renovation to enhance its large collection of exhibits, which tackle subjects from the history of Mosaic Templars and Black universities in the state to the role of African Americans in Arkansas religious institutions. Many of its exhibits are interactive, including one that lets visitors talk with AI-generated historical figures, including a Tulsa
Race Riot survivor and Andrew Young, a Civil Rights activist.
“It lets you access history differently instead of just reading a panel,” said Courtney Bradford, curator.
Groups of 10 to 30 can tour the center. They can opt for a deep dive into a particular topic of interest; one of the most popular, called “What’s in the Pot?”, explores the history of soul food and its connections to traditional African American cuisine. Catered lunches can be arranged in the center’s ballroom or classroom space. arkansasheritage.com
CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Los Angeles, California
Located in Exposition Park in southern Los Angeles, the California African American Museum was founded in 1977 to preserve and collect artifacts related to Black history, art and culture, especially those related to the American West and California. Its current 44,000-square-foot building was
BY ALAN KARCHMER, COURTESY
The Wright Museum in Detroit
NMAAHC’s Slavery and Freedom exhibit
An exhibit at Little Rock’s Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Washington’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
designed by Black architects Jack Haywood and Vince Proby and completed in 1984.
The work of Black artists in the museum’s galleries spans many mediums, from sculptures to photographs to mixed media. Visitors can also peruse historic documents and a research library. While many of its works come from Black artists connected to California or the western United States, there are also works from Haiti, Brazil and Africa. The museum is also a site for community events and programs, such as lectures, yoga classes, conversations with artists and guided walkthroughs.
Admission is free to the museum, which is located near Exposition Park attractions including the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum and the Exposition Park Rose Garden. caamuseum.org
HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER Charlotte, North Carolina
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture is a gem in the Queen City. The center’s namesake Harvey Gantt is an architect and politician known for being Charlotte’s first Black mayor, as well as the first Black student at Clemson University. First opened in 1974 as the Afro-American Cultural Center and named after Gantt in 2009, the 46,500-square-foot building in the heart of Charlotte’s business district is notable for its modern design of crisscrossed glass, metal panels and steel. The design was inspired by the story of Jacob’s Ladder and quilt patterns used the Underground Railroad.
The Gantt Center’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to art, history and culture. Its exhibits highlight visual arts, and its permanent collection contains work from prominent artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden and Jonathan Green. In addition to displaying art, the center hosts lectures by visiting black artists, community art classes and workshops, and events.
“There’s a lot of heritage here at the Gantt,” said Ingrid Travis James, director of marketing and communications. “There’s that longstanding history we have in the Charlotte region, so if you’re from Charlotte, you’ll learn more about your community. And if you’re not from here, you’ll be surprised just how much history and heritage Charlotte has.”
Groups of 10 or more can can choose between a one-hour guided tour of the art and exhibits or couple their tour with an artist-led workshop where they learn about an African American artist and create artwork in that artist’s style, or complete a goal-setting exercise and create a self-portrait. Groups can also arrange for a catered lunch on site in advance.
ganttcenter.org
Alea Simone is a content creator who uses her business savvy and travel experience to create educational content about planning affordable trips and finding hidden gems in destinations around the world. After she quit her day job in 2019, Simone began to grow a following across social media platforms that is now more than 873,000 strong. Her most popular pages are on Instagram and TikTok, but she can also be found on Facebook and Pinterest. Her brand appeals to young, professional women of color who aspire to travel the world. She teaches that with careful planning and some insider tips, luxurious travel experiences are affordable. She also plans and hosts group trips for women to international destinations like Bali, Egypt and Dubai.
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The Gantt Center’s exterior
Alea Simone THE TRAVEL TAURUS
TURN IT UP
MUSIC FESTIVALS CELEBRATE BLACK CULTURE
Festivalgoers enjoyed the Black Radio Experience in Napa, which subbed for the annual Napa Blue Note Jazz Festival in 2024.
BY RACHEL CRICK
IT’S DIFFICULT TO OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN INFLUENCE ON THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.
It can be found in the moving tones of the Blues, the funky beats of soul and the energy of hip-hop. It has impacted gospel, R&B and pop music through the decades.
At Black music festivals, the influence shines bright. Here are five Black music festivals where the African American influence can be heard.
SUMMER CELEBRATION
Indianapolis
In July 2025, the annual Indiana Black Expo (IBE) Summer Celebration Music Heritage Festival, held annually in Indianapolis, celebrates its 55th year. IBE is a nonprofit organization that promotes advancements for African American youth and families through cultural events and programs. The Music Heritage Festival is the IBE’s largest event and in addition to an outdoor concert, it includes expos, conferences and a film festival. It brings hundreds of Black vendors, artists and businesses to Indianapolis to celebrate Black culture in support of Black youth.
The lineup for Summer Celebration’s 2024 concert included stars like Johnny Gill, Lalah Hathaway and Karyn White, as well as the band Atlantic Starr. In 2023, there were performances from Grammy-winner Stephanie Mills, R&B singer-songwriter Howard Hewett, R&B group Dru Hill and The O’Jays on their final tour.
Groups can attend the festival for a night of energetic performances. It’s held at the IU Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium, and general admission starts at $10. The All White Affair, an upscale party hosted the day following the concert, also features live entertainment. summercelebration.net
BY SANDRA JAMALEDDINE, COURTESY BLUE NOTE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Napa, California
Napa’s Blue Note Jazz Festival is designed to feel as upscale as any other event in California’s wine country as the summer festival celebrates the intersection of jazz and hip-hop over the last 50 years. A relatively new festival first held in 2022, it got its start from the New York branch of the same festival, which began in 2011.
In 2024, the Blue Note Jazz Festival took a break to offer the Black Radio Experience, a Labor Day weekend festival with headline artists including Jill Scott, John Legend and André 3000. Despite this hiatus, the jazz fest plans to return in 2025. Previous lineups featured high-profile headliners, like Mary J. Blige and Chance the Rapper. In 2022 and 2023, the festival was hosted by Dave Chappelle at the upscale Silverado Resort.
The three-day festival spreads out over a large area with multiple stages. It also takes full advantage of the region’s award-winning culinary scene, with local food vendors and wineries on hand. A 21-plus after-party each day gives attendees more opportunities to meet the talent and enjoy live music. bluenotejazz.com/jazz-festival-napa
BLAVITY HOUSE PARTY
Nashville, Tennessee
It’s no surprise Music City has its share of popular music festivals. One of its newest, Blavity House Party, focuses on Nashville’s Black culture and music, highlighting R&B and hip-hop performers, sometimes with a hint of country mixed in. The festival, hosted by Blavity Media Group re-creates the fun and intimate atmosphere of a house party and celebrates Black culture. With its energetic atmosphere and prominence of emerging artists, it appeals to Millennial and Gen-Z audiences.
Blavity House Party was held for the first time in June 2024 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Over two days, performers included R&B singer Monica, New Orleans native rapper Big Freedia, rapper and producer Rick Ross and R&B group Dru Hill, among others. Attendees were fueled by more than 20 Black-owned Nashville restaurants and vendors.
Blavity Media Group will host “house parties” in other cities, with the next one planned for mid-November 2024 in Houston. blavity.com
A Black Radio Experience performer
A performance at IBE’s Summer Celebration in Indianapolis
Dancing at the Black Radio Experience
Arts & Entertainment
Art ‘N Antiques Show and Sale, Victorian Mourning Party & Ghosts Tours: October 31-November 2, 2024
Wassailfest: December 6, 2024 | Spring Pilgrimage: April 1-13, 2025 | Tales from the Crypt: April 2, 4, 9, 11
Catfish in the Alley: April 11-12, 2025 | Market Street Festival: May 2-3, 2025
From arts and cultural attractions to shopping, dining and exciting events, Columbus has you covered. Plan your Columbus adventure today. Dates are subject to change.
Photo by Jack King Media
ROOTS PICNIC
Philadelphia
Set in the City of Brotherly Love, the Roots Picnic is an annual Black music festival founded by The Roots, the Philadelphia-based hip-hop group that is the house band for “The Tonight Show.” Since it was first held in 2008, the festival has been delighting audiences with its impressive lineups. It is held each summer at the Mann Center in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. In June 2024, the Roots Picnic drew in an impressive 60,000 attendees over two days of performances that included rap, hiphop and R&B sets from André 3000, Jill Scott and Lil Wayne, as well as Victory Monet and The Roots, who frequently perform at the festival. In 2023, the festival’s lineup also included rapper Lil Uzi Vert, songwriter and rapper Lauryn Hill and a comedy performance by Dave Chappelle.
Three stages are set up in the park, including a podcast stage for live podcasts and other experiences. Local, Black-owned restaurants supply refreshments. Single-day tickets are available, as well as VIP tickets with pit access to the stages and meal and drink vouchers. therootspicnic.com
JAZZ IN THE GARDENS
Miami Gardens, Florida
Miami Gardens, a Miami suburb with a population of about 113,000, is also the third-largest predominantly African American city in the U.S. so it makes sense that the multicultural music festival Jazz in the Gardens would be held there. The two-day music festival in March each year is hosted by the city at Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
While the festival, in its 17th year, focuses primarily on jazz, R&B, soul and gospel artists are also featured. In 2024, headliners included singer-songwriter Maxwell, R&B singer-songwriter Summer Walker and Nigerian singer Davido. In 2023, the lineup included Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Charlie Wilson and Ari Lennox. A record-breaking 41,000 people attended in 2024, thanks to a partnership with Black Promoters Collective, which added performers and genres to the mix.
When groups buy general admissions passes, they’ll need to bring their own seating. Food vendors will be located throughout the stadium and festival sponsors will provide games, activities and merchandise. Single-day tickets are available, as are upgraded and VIP experiences, which include parking passes and elevated seating areas with access to an open bar.
jazzinthegardens.com
Jeff Jenkins was a high school choir teacher before he embarked on a journey that would lead to becoming a National Geographic TV host. He began making content about his personal experiences as a plus-sized traveler to break down barriers that deter plus-sized people from traveling and champion diversity within the online travel space. He quickly gained a following through social media and his blog and was eventually offered the chance to host his own television show on National Geographic called “Never Say Never,” which aired in 2023. In this show, he travels the world to prove there’s no limit to the experiences plus-sized travelers can enjoy.
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The stage at Philadelphia’s Roots Picnic festival
Jeff Jenkins
CHUBBY DIARIES
Roots Picnic crowd
A SACRED SPACE IN GEORGIA.
A Significant Historic Landmark.
This historic cemetery is home to Confederate soldiers� unmarked graves of those thought to be formerly enslaved� as well as Horace King� a former slave who rose to become an accomplished engineer� bridge builder� and state legislator� This memorial honors the lives of those laid to rest there and features an interpretive pavilion� walkways� seating areas� and one of only five remaining King covered bridges� The significance of the site in our collective history is not to be understated� Come explore some of the stories that helped shape our future� VisitLaGrange.com
Oh, The Stories You’ll Tell
Mulberry Street Cemetery, Coming in 2025
WALK THESE NEIGHBORHOODS
BLACK CULTURE THRIVES AT STREET LEVEL
Tulsa’s Greenwood District was once called Black Wall Street because of its prosperous, self-sufficient Black community.
BY RACHEL CRICK
THE STORIES OF BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS ARE INTEGRAL TO AMERICAN HISTORY. These neighborhoods have been scarred by some of the most brutal chapters of history, but they also tell stories of innovation and resilience. They’re the birthplaces of iconic figures in Black history and global movements in the arts, and many continue as thriving epicenters of Black culture and heritage.
Tours of these neighborhoods offer groups multicultural dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, but above all, a chance to learn more about lesser-known yet essential aspects of America’s history.
HARLEM
New York City
Traditional tours of New York City often overlook one of its most authentic experiences: a visit to Harlem. This Upper Manhattan neighborhood covers about three square miles. It’s been home to many different people and cultures: first a Dutch village in the 1650s, then to Jewish and Italian immigrants in the 19th century, followed by African Americans, who moved in during the Great Migration in the 20th century. During the 1920s, Black literature and jazz flourished there, as a cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance began. Today, Harlem is known for its Black culture and history, with plenty of jazz clubs, eclectic eateries and beautiful, historic architecture.
Perhaps the best way for groups to experience Harlem is on a walking tour. Harlem Tours founder Carolyn Johnson started the company in 2004 to build awareness of what Harlem has to offer.
“Tourism was starting to come back in Harlem, and I wanted to give a true perspective on it because there were a lot of outsiders,” said Johnson. “It lets them get out of touristy places like Times Square to see the beauty of Manhattan and the boroughs.”
Tours are kept small to create a more intimate experience. Larger groups can be split into smaller ones with additional guides. Tours touch on different topics, from Civil Rights to the Harlem Renaissance to jazz. One of the most popular is the gospel and brunch tour, where a Black gospel concert is paired with the other famous sights and sounds of Harlem, such as the Apollo Theater. All tours make stops for meals at local restaurants. welcometoharlem.com
BLACK WALL STREET
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was such an economically prosperous Black community in the early 1900s that it earned the nickname “Black Wall Street.” The self-sufficient neighborhood had grocery stores, doctor’s offices, hotels and more in 35 square blocks. But in 1921, it became the site of a horrific tragedy, the Tulsa Race Riot, also known as the Greenwood Massacre. The violence began after a Black shoeshine was falsely accused of assaulting a white elevator operator. White rioters invaded Greenwood, burned and looted businesses and homes, and killed residents. The violence ended only after the Oklahoma National Guard was called in. The riot was devastating; As many as 300 Black residents died, more than 10,000 were displaced and property was destroyed or damaged.
Over the next several decades, the community was rebuilt, and when segregation later ended, African Americans began to spread out into the Tulsa community. Today, Black Wall Street is remembered for the tragedy it endured and the resilience of its Black community.
The Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce does group tours for up to 15 of this once-thriving district. Tours may include Greenwood Rising, also known as Black Wall Street Museum; street art, including murals and sculptures commemorating the neighborhood’s past; the Black Wall Street Memorial; and Vernon AME Church, which survived the riots. Shops and restaurants can be stops along the way. bwschamber.com
WEST OAKLAND
Oakland, California
West Oakland, California, has a long history of multiculturalism. In the late 19th century, African Americans from the southern United States migrated to the area, joining the diverse population of immigrants already living there. The neighborhood’s success grew over the next few decades alongside its Black population. West Oakland’s Seventh Street, its main strip, was the center of the community. During its prime, West Oakland was a prosperous Black neighborhood with an exceptional entertainment scene. Jazz clubs and other nightlife drew in renowned performers like Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin. Though the neighborhood’s prosperity waned in the mid-20th century, it’s currently undergoing a resurgence fueled in part by an interest in preserving its roots.
A jazz-themed tour of Harlem
A mural in Greenwood
A walking tour of Harlem
David Peters founded Black Liberation Walking Tours in 2019 after he moved back to Oakland and noticed a cultural change in the neighborhood.
“The tour came out of an event my wife and I had out of our home, and some older residents started telling stories about what the neighborhood was like when they were younger,” Peters said. “A hush fell over the room. There was a hunger for this information, and I realized I had an opportunity to record the voices of our elders, to save that for posterity, to share that with others in our community.”
The tour began as a self-guided audio walking tour with narratives from Oakland residents and an interactive map. Demand grew, and Peters began offering guided tours for groups of up to 30 on the third Saturday each month, May–November, in addition to private guided tours. Whether groups opt for a guided experience or the self-guided walking tour, they’ll hear firsthand stories of West Oakland’s past and get to know some of the businesses, art and culture that are propelling it forward. blwt.org
TAKE HOME A SOUVENIR
A group tour of a Greenwood museum
The Black Liberation Walking Tour in West Oakland
HAYTI DISTRICT
Durham, North Carolina
The Hayti District in Durham, North Carolina, was founded in the latter half of the 19th century by African Americans who moved there to work in tobacco warehouses. The community was organized around two churches and a growing number of businesses. Eventually, some residents bought the land their growing community was built on, and large homes and other community assets, including a hospital and library, were built. The neighborhood flourished, becoming self-sufficient and prosperous, until the late 1950s, when it was partially demolished for a new freeway and other urban development projects. Today, the neighborhood’s history is preserved at the Hayti Heritage Center. Groups visiting Durham in early March won’t want to miss the annual Hayti Heritage Film Festival, which showcases films produced by and starring African Americans.
Founded by Aya Shabu, a dancer and teaching artist who lives in Durham, Whistle Stop Tours leads tours of the Hayti District through a partnership with the Hayti Heritage Center. The walking tours last about 75 minutes and stop at sites like St. Joseph’s AME Church, one of the cornerstone institutions of the neighborhood, and the Carolina Times, Durham’s only newspaper for Black residents. Inspiring stories of the neighborhood’s history are performed by guides. The tour company also does tours of two other prominent Black neighborhoods in Durham. A motorcoach tour of all three neighborhoods can be arranged. hayti.org
SWEET AUBURN HISTORIC DISTRICT
Atlanta
Located along Auburn Avenue in eastern Atlanta, the Sweet Auburn Historic District is steeped in history. Following the Atlanta Race Massacre of 1906 — when white rioters killed Black residents and destroyed homes and businesses in downtown Atlanta — the city’s Black businesses primarily migrated to what’s now known as the Sweet Auburn Historic District. The district became a thriving epicenter for the city’s Black community as early as the 1920s and achieved great success in the 1940s and 1950s. The moniker “Sweet Auburn” was coined by John Wesley Dobbs, a Civil Rights activist, and in 1956, Fortune magazine named it the wealthiest Black neighborhood in the country. Martin Luther King Jr. was born there, and his activism made it a critical site for the Civil Rights Movement.
The neighborhood was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976, and today it’s home to museums, art and heritage sites that pay tribute to its rich history. There are self-guided walking tours, and Roger’s Red Jacket Tours also offers guided tours. Its Sweet Auburn Walking Tour, for groups of up to 12, tells some of the neighborhood’s most powerful stories. Several U.S. Civil Rights Trail sites are in the district, including Ebenezer Baptist Church, King’s birth home and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Other tour stops include the Atlanta Life Building and the office of the Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta’s oldest Black newspaper. rogersredjackettours.com
Ciara Johnson is a Houston-based content creator and travel influencer whose love of travel took off following a semester of study abroad in South Africa. After she graduated and worked a nine-to-five job for two years, she decided to pursue a life in travel and bought a one-way ticket to Mexico. She worked as a part-time travel writer while growing her brand, and today has over 233,000 followers across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and her own blog. She posts content about solo travel as a Black woman, giving advice to help women who are traveling solo check items off their travel bucket lists safely and confidently. She shares her travel experiences, both good and bad, to help travelers plan the best trips and avoid newbie mistakes.
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The Hayti Heritage Center in Durham
Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood
Immerse yourself in experiences that tell the stories of STRENGTH & RESILIENCE through influential Black Kentuckians. From Oliver Lewis, the jockey who won the first Kentucky Derby to the best black baseball team you’ve never heard of, to the Harlem Hellfighters, a Black infantry group who battled on the front lines of World War I, while also fighting racial discrimination. You’ve never experienced history like this.
