The Group Travel Leader October 2023 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

GROUP KENTUCKY IS COOL

H O L I D AY S AT T H E B E A C H

HEARTLAND HOTSPOTS

THE

TRAVEL LEADER

Up Close IN

SOUTH DAKOTA

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OC TOBER 2 02 3

TOUR

BIGGER

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

CONTENTS

GROUP TH E

TRAVEL LEADER

CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF GROUP TR AVEL

COLU M NS

N EWS

6 Editor’s Marks

8 Family Matters 10 Conference Scene

Scenic South Dakota

ON T H E COV E R

Bighorn sheep are common sightings in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. Photo by Grant Ordelhelde.

Off-Road Adventures

Holidays at the Beach

VOL 32 | ISSUE 9

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ISSUE

SPOT L I G HT ON K ENTUCKY

Get to know the signature attractions and new developments of the Bluegrass State.

K Y LE AN D E R SO N

859.253.0455

Founder and Publisher

MAC T. LACY

CHARLES A. PRESLEY Partner

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

BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS ASHLEY RICKS

KYLE ANDERSON BRYCE WILSON RACHEL CRICK SARAH SECHRIST RENA BAER

kyle@grouptravelleader.com

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

AMERICA’S HEARTL A ND

Groups will love the wildlife encounters and signature flavors throughout the Midwest states.

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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

60 miles of beaches and endless off-beach activities.

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

MyrtleBeach.com/groups Scan to plan your event.

EDITOR’S MARKS

BY BRIAN JEWELL

hat role should environmental factors play in your travel planning? No matter where you fall on the spectrum of climate concern — from “no big deal” to “full-blown catastrophe”— the question is worth considering. Sustainability is growing in importance in our culture, and younger people are especially attuned to it. Even if you never think about things like carbon emissions, you likely have customers or potential customers who do. And sooner or later, they will ask you questions about the environmental impact of your trips. The nature of travel makes this a fundamentally difficult conversation. After all, travel involves moving people across great distances, which uses a certain amount of energy. And until electric vehicle technology advances to the point that electric motorcoaches and airplanes are viable — which could be decades away, from what I’m told — the energy used in travel will come from fossil fuels. And it will create carbon emissions. Given that travel is intrinsically energy-intensive, how can our industry take meaningful steps toward sustainability? That’s a question I’ve been pondering lately, and one I pose to many tourism leaders and innovators when I get to a chance to talk to them. And to be honest, not many of them have really satisfying answers. Certainly, small measures are already available to environmentally conscious travelers. You can reuse your hotel towels and bedsheets, although this probably benefits the hotelier more than the planet. You can choose reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastics and try to recycle as much of your waste as possible. You can even purchase carbon offsets to make up for the energy used during your trip.

OCTOBER 2023

In reality though, none of these measures will do much to move the needle on the travel industry’s overall environmental impact. And it’s difficult to envision a comprehensive strategy that would. This all leads me to believe we’re asking the wrong question. Instead of looking for ways to minimize travel’s environmental impact, maybe we should focus on ways to make that impact worthwhile. Environmental tradeoffs are a fact of life. Heating homes, electrifying cities and harvesting crops all use significant amounts of energy. On the whole, we accept that the benefits to society outweigh the costs to the environment. Maybe we should think about travel the same way. When you take a group on the road, you’re making an environmental impact. Do your trips’ benefits to society outweigh those costs? Travel makes valuable contributions to economies and creates jobs around the world. It can also bring joy, personal enrichment and greater cultural understanding. Travel can tear down walls and build communities. So, what is the sustainability-minded travel planner to do? Focus on the benefit side of the equation. You can only do so much to reduce the cost side, but there’s a limitless amount you can do to increase the benefits. You can make sure every trip is meaningful. You can maximize community building and human interaction. You can pack your trips with experiences that open people’s eyes and help them appreciate new things and treasure the people around them. One day, energy technology may make it possible for us to travel with zero environmental impact. Until that day comes though, we can all work hard to make our travel as worthwhile as possible.

FAMILY M AT T E R S

CR AFTON WILL DRIVE C O RV E T T E M U S E U M G R O U P S A L E S SALEM, Ohio — An old friend has returned to the travel industry, bringing his vast experience and knowledge to groups interested in visiting Kentucky or seeking an interesting stopover in the area. Paul Crafton has joined the staff of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. He will lead the group and motorcoach marketing and sales for the museum. Crafton brings a deep understanding of the group market to the The National Corvette Museum National Corvette Museum. His backis the most popular group ground includes leading sales with the attraction in Bowling Homestead, the Greenbrier Resort and Green, Kentucky. the Galt House. Paul was instrumental Inside The museum’s in promoting group bookings at those distinctive rotunda properties and will bring that knowledge to his new responsibilities at the Corvette Museum. PAUL CRAFTON “Paul will be a valuable resource One of many Corvettes on for group travel planners,” said Charlie display inside the museum Presley of The Group Travel Family of Brands.” He not only knows his museum but can understand what a group needs and will give the group The museum’s Nostalgia Gallery planner insight to the area.” “Our group sales department will assist group leaders in planning a trip to Bowling Green,” said Crafton. “One- to five-day itineraries are available for Bowling Green and the surrounding area. Sample itinerary themes include Trains, Planes & Automobiles; Mystery Tours; Girlfriend Getaways; grandparent/grandchild tours; and more. We also offer customized itineraries to fit your group needs.” For information on the National Corvette Museum, contact Crafton at paul.crafton@corvettemuseum.org or phone 270-777-4550. PHOTOS COURTESY NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM

OCTOBER 2023

MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND

THESE INDUSTRY EVENTS SALEM, Ohio — Readers of this publication are invited to attend the following group travel industry events produced by The Group Travel Family of Brands, the nation’s leading organization of travel planners, DMOs, hotels and attractions in the group travel arena. Mark your calendar today to attend the gathering of your choice. Boomers in Groups The Ark Encounter (Williamstown, Kentucky) November 6–8, 2023 Select Traveler Conference Buffalo/Niagara, New York March 17–19, 2024 African American Travel Conference Chesapeake, Virginia April 16–18, 2024 Small Market Meetings Summit DuPage, Illinois May 22–23,2024 Going On Faith Conference Branson, Missouri August 6–8, 2024 Small Market Meetings Conference Zion/St. George, Utah September 25–27, 2024 To learn more or register, please visit grouptravelfamily.com or call 800-628-0993.

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

CONFERENCE

SCENE

GREEN BAY WAS GOLDEN FOR GOING ON FAITH DELEGATES BY MAC LACY Lambeau Field VIP event

Know Your Sponsor auction

Green Bay Packer fan for life

BY MAC LACY

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin — Green Bay, Wisconsin, hosted the Going On Faith Conference August 22–24 and drew 150 travel industry buyers and sellers for three days of networking, professional development and social events. Now in its 18th year, the conference is the only national travel event dedicated solely to faith-based travel for groups. “Brad Toll and Julie Gerczak with Discover Green Bay are wonderful hosts, and anytime you kick your event off with an evening at Lambeau Field, your delegates are going to be impressed,” said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of the Going On Faith Conference. The opening evening event offered a tailgate-themed meal and tours of the Green Bay Packers’ revered stadium. Faith-based planners were able to attend any of three different FAM tours that highlighted the region — one for Green Bay and two that showcased either Manitowoc or Fox Cities, two other popular Wisconsin cities. Two marketplaces yielded an average of 30 appointments for attending travel companies and destinations, and 17 sponsors hosted

OCTOBER 2023

BY MAC LACY

BY BRYCE WILSON

meals and seminar sessions or provided on-site services for attendees. Longtime sponsors included Collette, Sight and Sound Theatres, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Branson Restaurants Inc/IMAX, Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, and Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. Plimoth and Patuxet Museums/See Plymouth became a new meal sponsor at the conference. “This conference encompasses faith-

based destinations throughout the world,” said Ferguson. “From places like the Ark Encounter and Sight and Sound Theatres here in the U.S. to companies like Collette that can take a group anywhere, faith-based destinations across the globe find an influential audience here at this conference.” “We were able to take delegates out to our National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, and we also have nearby St. Norbert Abbey and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and other faith-centered sites for these groups to visit,” said Gerczak, who manages Green Bay’s group travel efforts. “Visitors to Green Bay know they are coming to a clean, family-friendly city that offers wonderful places to see. For foodies, our breweries, wineries, cheese curds and fine dining all combine to make a trip to Green Bay a wonderful choice.” In 2024, the fun will continue August 6–8 at one of America’s best-known family destinations when the Going On Faith Conference heads to Branson, Missouri. To register for next year’s conference, call 800-628-0993 or visit gofconference.com.

GAMES YOUR

GROUP WILL

e v o L

Are you looking for ways to entertain your travel tribe on long drives? Find a book full of fun in our FREE PDF “Group Games: Riddles for the Road.” This resource will give you eight great games you can play with your groups on slow stretches of your tours. Get your free copy at: GROUPTR AVELLEADER.COM/GAMES

games GROUP

’23

In this FREE PDF download, you’ll get eight sets of original riddle and word play games:

• Pass the time on long drives between destinations • Have some fun and laugh together on the go • Tease your brains and stretch your creative muscles

he Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to the Lafayette and Louisiana’s Hub City region, and we want you to come with us! Our friends at the Louisiana Off ice of Tourism are arranging a familiarization tour of Lafayette — known as the Hub City — as well as the smaller towns nearby, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place February 29–March 4. You’ll join our staff writer Rachel Crick, and Kyle Anderson, our director of sales and marketing, as they explore the area with our Louisiana hosts.

Join Us for a Trip to Louisiana Travel planners will enjoy touring the Tabasco factory and farm (top) and hearing live Cajun and zydeco music (below) on an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

The five-day tour will include these highlights: • Vermilionville — Explore a historic interpretation site that tells the story of the Native American, Acadian and Creole cultures that shaped Louisiana. • Tabasco Tour and Country Store — Venture to Avery Island to see how America’s favorite hot sauce is made and browse a wide variety of Tabascothemed gifts. • Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tour — Get up-close and personal with the flora and fauna of the bayou on a thrilling airboat ride. • Kelly’s Landing — Learn about Louisiana’s agricultural history and see how crawfish and rice are raised at this working farm museum. • Martin Accordions — Get to know the family making world-renowned Cajun and zydeco instruments by hand and hear them perform some of their favorite tunes. Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region. You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/la-fam. Space is limited, and applications close January 5. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us February 29–March 4 in Louisiana!

Kyle Anderson

Rachel Crick PHOTOS COURTESY LAFAYETTE TRAVEL

FEBRUARY 29 — MARCH 4 REGISTRATION CLOSES: JANUARY 5TH You can apply to attend this FAM tour at:

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/LA-FAM If you have any questions, call Kyle at 859-253-0455.

OCTOBER 2023

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

Find YOUR

ADVENTURE A scenic stop during an ATV adventure in West Virginia COURTESY VISIT SOUTHERN WV

An e-bike tour in Park City

Groups can enjoy refreshing drinks and behind-the-scenes tours at microdistilleries such as Corsair Distillery in Nashville.

COURTESY PARK CITY COC

Lake Tahoe snowmobiling

A Jeep tour in Key West

COURTESY LAKE TAHOE SNOWMOBILING

Off-roading near Park City

COURTESY HEBER VALLEY TOURISM

OCTOBER 2023

COURTESY KEY WEST ADVENTURES

An ATV group in southern West Virginia

OUTDOOR

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COURTESY VISIT SOUTHERN WV

TA K E YO U R G R O U P OFF-ROAD THIS YEAR

“T

B Y K AT I H Y E R

wo roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Did Robert Frost consider the adrenaline rush that would accompany the road less traveled if he were tearing down the path on a snowmobile or ATV? He didn’t, but travel planners should. Incorporating an off-road excursion provides groups the gift of adventure, unique vistas and the excitement of a truly new experience. And for multigenerational trips or groups with more novices than experts, this sampler proves off-road adventures are for folks of all ages and skill levels.

Snowmobiling Around Lake Tahoe

Tours range from two- to four-hour excursions and are tailored to group skill level. Book online for groups of up to 12 and make arrangements over the phone for larger groups. Peterson’s recommendation is to view the massive lake from the center of the north shore. “Off Highway 267, right above Tahoe Vista, is probably the best spot to take in views of Tahoe,” he said. “The scale of it speaks to the soul. To go somewhere to take in the views is soothing, peaceful and tranquil, so you’re combining the rush of flying through the forest with the peacefulness of the area. That’s what sets this operator and this destination from other alpine winter environments.” For nearby lodging options, look into North Star Village or the Hyatt Regency. Thanks to its location on the lake, the Hyatt is in its off-season in the winter, which may be a boon to planners.

N E VA DA

The peaks around Lake Tahoe are renowned the world over for powder-fresh skiing — and where there’s skiing, there’s snowmobiling. “Snowmobiling is one of the prime wintertime activities up here,” said Bart Peterson, director of sales at Travel North Tahoe Nevada. “It’s not only cruising through the forest and seeing the pristine and beautiful snow-covered landscape. You can take in this big body of water from an outlook you can access only by snowmobile. It’s a winter wonderland out there when everything is blanketed in a fresh coat of white.” Snowmobiling for beginners can be a challenge, but there’s good news. Riding with a guide, like the ones at Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling in Tahoe Vista, makes it very approachable. “The guide reviews the safety session beforehand, you ride single file, you wear a helmet,” Peterson said. “And with the guide, it eliminates risk so you can try something new and different.” Tours with outfitter Lake Tahoe Snowmobile

G OTA H O E N O R T H .C O M

Off-Roading in Park City UTA H

Planning a trip to the greater Salt Lake City area? Neighboring Park City boasts two distinct ways to explore the craggy Wasatch Mountains that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games: E-bikes and UTVs. “One of the cool things about Park City is e-bikes have taken off,” said Scott House of the Park City Chamber of Commerce. “E-bikes, or electric bikes, have an added battery-operated propulsion system. “It’s a great way for multigenerational groups to explore. Anyone from 14 to 50, 60 and 70 and older can get on an e-bike and really have an awesome experience.” Plan for an itinerary in town for the morning or venture all day into the mountains to see the Utah Olympic Park. House likes to start on historic Main Street and hit up Park City Museum, and along the way, numerous restaurants accommodate groups. Leave town on northbound State Route 224 and riders end up

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

in Kimble Junction, the main entry corridor to the Olympic Park, where groups can view the ski jump, aerials and bobsled track. “The vistas on the way are just … stop and look,” House said. “You turn around and it’s another amazing mountain view. It’s limitless in that sense. The e-bike lets you travel that distance without being fatigued.” Ready to up the ante? Research UTV — utility task vehicle — tours in the area. “UTV tours are really fun,” House said. “The vehicles are bigger than an ATV and allow for up to four passengers in a car. From a group perspective, you can mix up family or business units, put people in those different cars and they can have different conversations.” UTV tours are suited for the off-road enthusiast, as the vehicles are designed for rough, untamed routes. Groups can use them to access the hundreds of miles of mountain trails around Park City. “The Uinta Mountains are for the more adventurous crowd,” House said. “They are more remote, with less infrastructure, but they are an absolutely unreal mountain range.” For planning, groups should look into outfitters like Park City eBike Tours, White Pine Touring or All Season Adventures. V I S I T PA R KC I T Y.C O M

OCTOBER 2023

COURTESY KEY WEST ADVENTURES

A Jeep adventure in the Florida Keys

COURTESY AUGUSTINE AGENCY

Winter fun around Lake Tahoe

Exploring Utah via a UTV

COURTESY HEBER VALLEY TOURISM

A bike tour stop near Park City

Key West Jeep Tours FLO R I DA

The archipelago forming Key West and the Keys spans 126 miles, providing endless opportunities to get in the water, explore destinations and enjoy beautiful Florida views. Why not cover the gamut with a mini road trip via the Jeep group tour. Of all the options in this sampler, this is the most accessible. “The destination speaks to so many people in so many ways,” said Ashley Serrate, representative for the

Florida Keys and Key West. “Some people love the architecture in Key West; some people love the vibe and people; others love access to unbelievably clear vistas. It’s hard to say what one thing speaks to people but it does. Most people take a direct flight to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. They head to Key Largo and from there, hop in a Jeep and road trip through the destination.” Outfitter Key West Adventures provides topless or convertible Jeeps at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. “You’ll have the salt breeze on your face, the Atlantic Ocean on one side, Port Bay on the other,” Serrate said. “Through the entire destination, there are 42 bridges that you’ll drive across. It’s definitely one of the best road trips you can take. Once you hit the stretch of highway known as the overseas highway, you feel as if you’re in the Caribbean, but you haven’t had to stamp your passport.” The first destination on the southward route is Key Largo, a snorkeler’s paradise and home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first one of its kind in the country. Park the Jeep and take a dip. Then head farther south to Islamorada for sport fishing and its burgeoning arts community. “Continue the Jeep road trip in Marathon,” Serrate said. “Marathon is family friendly with great attractions

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

like the Turtle Hospital, the aquarium and larger resorts with accommodation types for multiple types of travelers.” Her recommendation is to enjoy driving across Seven Mile Bridge and explore Pigeon Key, a tiny, five-acre island whose history goes back to the turn of the 20th century. “You can spend the day there, explore the museum, check out the island, and they also do group picnics as well,” she said. F L A- K E YS .C O M

ATV Exploring

Off-roading on West Virginia’s Hatfield McCoy Trails

ZooATL-Group-Travel-Leader-Zoo-Something-Cute.pdf 1 8/29/2023 12:29:04 PM

CMY

COURTESY HATFIELD MCCOY TRAILS COURTESY DESTINATION LANCASTER

WEST V I RG I N IA

Awe and adrenaline await in the almost-heaven mountains of West Virginia — and the best way to experience them is on an ATV. “A big reason groups like to come to our area is the Hatfield McCoy Trail,” Visit Southern West Virginia’s Sam Brackenrich said about the historic trail system. The offroad mecca cuts 1,000 miles of interconnected trails in the coal-formed mountains with sights and experiences that reward the brave. Interesting landmarks, like the cemetery where members of the warring Hatfield clan (of Hatfield and McCoy notoriety)s, including Devil Anse Hatfield, are buried, and vistas only nature could perfect dot the trails. “There are high rocky walls that you ride beside, tunnels you ride through,” Brackenrich said, describing some of the terrain. “Lots of multigenerational groups come,” Brackenrich said. Typically, outfitters can accommodate riders as young as six. To operate the street-legal vehicles, drivers must be 18 with a valid driver’s license. A brief training will equip riders with rules, operation know-how and navigational skills. ATV tours can accommodate large groups, making them popular with families. Plan ahead and pack picnics for lunches at waterfalls, or eat at restaurants in the small mountain towns sometimes accessible only by ATV. “Some outfitters do guided tours, where they can ride ahead of you or you can ride on the ATV with them,” Brackenrich said. “They give you a trail map or you can download it once you’re there. Just take off and enjoy the day.” Plan to stay in Princeton or Beckley, small towns with hotels and amenities within an hour and a half from the trails. V I S I T W V.C O M

OCTOBER 2023

E R U T N E V

Guided Boat Tour, Glacier National Park

Find Yourself in Kalispell — Adventure’s Natural Habitat Bold adventures in Northwest Montana etch unforgettable memories, yet leave no trace, like footprints vanishing in the serenity of a mountain lake. This is the essence of venturing boldly in Kalispell, Montana.

Your Group’s Story Starts Here. Contact Dawn Jackson at dawn@discoverkalispell.com and discover your adventure.

Be Our Guest:

Kentucky CALLS TO

ACTION By Rachel Crick

GROUPS GRAVITATE TO THESE KENTUCKY ICONS

entucky’s reputation precedes it. Think bourbon barrels stacked skyhigh in rickhouses, Thoroughbreds grazing on the green hills of horse country and the nostalgic twang of bluegrass music. These sights and sounds are hallmarks of a Kentucky travel experience. And along with other high-profile attractions, they bring thousands of groups to the state every year. Here are some can’t-miss activities for your next Kentucky tour.

ARK ENCOUNTER Williamstown

At 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet tall, there’s a towering wooden replica of Noah’s Ark, built to the proportions described in the Bible, in Williamstown, halfway between Lexington and Cincinnati. It’s the massive centerpiece of the Ark Encounter, a Christian theme park based on the story of the flood in Genesis. Inside the ark, visitors will find a museum that explores the Bible story further, with three decks of exhibits depicting Noah’s workshop and the animals on the ark. In addition to the ark, the park has a buffet restaurant, Emzara’s Kitchen, with plenty of seating for groups. Other activities on the campus include visiting the zoo, taking camel rides and zip lining.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK Lexington

Stretching over 1,200 acres of Bluegrass bordered with traditional four-board fencing, the Kentucky Horse Park represents the heart of the state well. Though it has only been open to the public since 1978, the land has a long history and deep connection with horses. These days, the working horse farm and attraction just off Interstate 75 in Lexington draws 500,000 visitors annually. Groups can tour the farm in a horsedrawn trolley and watch daily programs such as the Parade of Breeds show, where groups can learn about and interact with different breeds of horses. Group admission also includes entrance to the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian affiliate with 60,000 square feet of exhibits detailing the relationship between horses and humans. They can also participate in a Big Barn Stall Side Chat, where they’ll get to see one of the park’s resident horses up close. Scheduled groups enjoy free bus parking and can dine in the Iron Works Café for lunch. K YHORSEPARK .COM

THE ARK AT SUNSET

ARKENCOUNTER .COM

COURTESY ARK ENCOUNTER

OCTOBER 2023

Kentucky COURTESY ARK ENCOUNTER

THE ARK ENCOUNTER HAS THREE FLOORS OF EXHIBITS FOR VISITORS TO EXPLORE.

COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

OUTDOOR

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COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

COURTESY ARK ENCOUNTER

TOP TO BOTTOM: A SLOTH AT THE ARK ENCOUNTER’S ZOO; NATURAL BRIDGE; HORSES AT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK; AN AERIAL VIEW OF CUMBERLAND FALLS

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

CUMBERLAND FALLS Corbin

BOURBON AT BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY COURTESY BUFFALO TRACE

Cumberland Falls, located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, is approximately 125 feet wide and 68 feet tall. Called the Niagara of the South because of its power, with 3,600 cubic feet of water spilling over per second, Cumberland Falls is also the site of one of only two naturally occurring moonbows in the world. A moonbow, also called a lunar rainbow, is created when light from the moon is refracted through mist from the falls. Take groups there on a clear night within two days of a full moon, and they’re bound to witness the magical spectacle of the moonbow. But it’s still a majestic and worthy site during the day. With 17 miles of hiking trails, it’s a perfect place for active groups to explore, but every group can enjoy breathtaking views of the falls on easily accessible lookouts. PARKS.K Y.GOV

A TOUR AT BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

HOLDING CORN KERNELS COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

COURTESY BUFFALO TRACE

r e t s e h c n i W u o ! Y s e m o c l e W Explore • Discover • Enjoy

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY Frankfort

Kentucky takes its state spirit seriously. This is especially true at Buffalo Trace, the distillery producing some of the most famous brands in the bourbon industry, such as Blanton’s, Weller, Eagle Rare and Pappy Van Winkle. Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the country. The historic campus rests on over 130 scenic acres in Frankfort and offers several tours ranging from an overview of the distillery to an in-depth look at the historic architecture of buildings on the campus. Groups can see how the bourbon is made from start to finish, learn about the state’s bourbon history and peruse the beautiful campus, from its historic buildings to its botanical gardens. Each tour comes with a complimentary tasting, and groups can swing by the gift shop for a Buffalo Trace souvenir — or bottle — on their way out. BUFFALOTR ACEDISTILLERY.COM

A MOONBOW AT CUMBERLAND FALLS

visitwinchesterky.com COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

OCTOBER 2023

A BOURBON TASTING ON WHISKEY ROW

WHISKEY ROW Louisville

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE

ROLLING A BARREL AT OLD FORESTER COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

The official start to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is in Louisville, which has over 10 distillery experiences within city limits. A bourbon lover’s visit to this sprawling metro is incomplete without an evening spent on Whiskey Row, a historic district on a milelong stretch of Main Street full of Revivalist- and Chicago-style buildings with cast-iron storefronts. This district used to house offices for many bourbon producers, and today it’s a thriving entertainment hub filled with restaurants, bars and distilleries. Groups can mix and match their distillery trips and bourbon experiences on the row or visit them all if they’re up for the challenge. They can choose from tours and tastings at Kentucky Peerless, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Old Forester Distillery, Angel’s Envy, Michter’s Fort Nelson and Rabbit Hole. They’ll also pass several bars and restaurants that keep up the bourbon theme, such as Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse and Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen. GOTOLOUISVILLE .COM

NATURAL BRIDGE Slade

Adjacent to the Red River Gorge Geological Area, the Natural Bridge is a massive sandstone arch in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The arch is 78 feet long and 65 feet high and is the centerpiece of Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The park features 10 hiking trails of varying lengths and skill levels. Active groups can enjoy a scenic and moderately strenuous hike to see the arch the old-fashioned way, but for those who want to see the arch without breaking a sweat, the park offers a sky lift with breathtaking views of the park. At the park’s Hemlock Lodge, Sandstone Arches Restaurant offers Kentucky classics like fried chicken and fried catfish.

Discover the childhood home of one of America’s most fascinating first ladies!

PARKS.K Y.GOV

Visit us in the heart of downtown Lexington, KY. mtlhouse.org/groups 859-233-9999

OCTOBER 2023

578 W. Main St. Lexington, KY 859-233-9999

THE UNDERSIDE OF NATURAL BRIDGE COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

Kentucky

NOW PLAYING

JAPANESE GARDEN ADDITION TO WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS Louisville

Louisville’s Waterfront Botanical Gardens are an oasis on the banks of the Ohio River. The 23-acre botanical garden was once the site of a landfill before becoming a beautifully landscaped, free public attraction. In 2022, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest addition: a $22 million, two-acre Japanese garden. The garden will include traditional Japanese features such as a bonsai garden, Zen garden and a teahouse, as well as an arched bridge, pond and waterfall. The tranquil setting will include flora native to Southeast Asia. The garden is in its initial phases of construction and is expected to be completed in 2024. WATERFRONTGARDENS.ORG

SANDY’S RACING AND GAMING By Rachel Crick

FIND TIME TO ENJOY THESE NEW KENTUCKY SITES

entucky keeps giving groups new reasons to return. In addition to its horse farms, bourbon distilleries and other marquee attractions, the state also is home to many other destinations that continue to expand and innovate. From new tours at Mammoth cave to a new racetrack in Ashland and a new way to tour Bowling Green, here are some cutting-edge developments giving groups reasons to return.

NEW TOUR AT MAMMOTH CAVE Cave City

With 426 miles of caves underneath western Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world. Mammoth Cave National Park is the only national park in Kentucky, making it a must-visit attraction. A new tour of the caves will be offered beginning in fall of 2023 or summer of 2024. This four-hour tour explores the cave’s geology, taking guests through slot canyons, tall canyons and tunnels within the caves. In addition, visitors will see stalactites, stalagmites and underground water features. While this tour isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s a nice addition for active groups looking for a challenge, as well as cave and nature enthusiasts. NPS.GOV/MACA

OCTOBER 2023

Ashland

Quarter horse racing is coming to Boyd County, in the far eastern reaches of the state. In late 2022, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for a $55 million, 74,000-square-foot horse racing facility on 177 acres surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. The track, which will be called Sandy’s Racing and Gaming, is set to be the first in the state dedicated to quarter horse racing. It’s expected to include sports betting, a gaming facility with 700-plus slot-like machines, live music, and of course, plenty of bourbon. The track is expected to open for the spring racing season in 2024. SANDYSGAMING.COM

DINSMORE HOMESTEAD ADDED TO NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD NETWORK TO FREEDOM Boone County

In 2022, the National Park Service added 16 new sites to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. One of the sites added was the Dinsmore Homestead, a historic family home and farm built in 1842. Today, the house and 30 acres of the original property in Boone County are part of a museum preserving the history of the Dinsmore family and all who lived on the farm, including enslaved individuals. Visitors to the museum can take guided tours to see the house and grounds, including the vintage furniture, the outbuildings and the family graveyard. Groups can learn what life was like during the 19th century, as well as the site’s significance in the resistance to slavery. DINSMOREFARM .ORG

NEWPORT HISTORY WALK APP Newport

It may be surprising to learn that Newport was the original “Sin City” before Vegas, known as a gambling hotspot and organized crime hub for decades. Visitors can learn more about its fascinating past with a newly released walking tour app. The app, launched by Northern Kentucky University, is designed to teach visitors some of the most important elements of its history in a less traditional, more interactive way. It’s a self-guided

Kentucky COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK IS KENTUCKY’S ONLY NATIONAL PARK.

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

COURTESY BOWLING GREEN AREA CVB

COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

TOP TO BOTTOM: A MAMMOTH CAVE CAVERN; LOUISVILLE’S WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS; THE BOWLING GREEN TROLLEY; A TRAIL INSIDE MAMMOTH CAVE COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM

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tour that anyone with a smartphone can enjoy. At each of the sites included in the six-stop walking tour, visitors can listen to a podcast about the history behind it. Stops on the tour include the Southgate Street School, the Newport Flood Wall and former Newport Barracks on the city’s riverfront. NEWPORTK Y.GOV

TROLLEY TOURS OFFERED IN BOWLING GREEN Bowling Green

THE 34-PASSENGER BOWLING GREEN TROLLEY COURTESY BOWLING GREEN AREA CVB

Trolley tours are an entertaining way for groups to get acquainted with new cities, and now they’re being offered in Bowling Green. After its inaugural run in late 2022, the Bowling Green Trolley began offering tours consistently this spring. The historic tours take groups on a 90-minute ride through the city and include local attractions like the Corvette Museum, Fountain Square Park and Western Kentucky University. The tours are narrated by a guide and acquaint passengers with the town’s history, including its role in the Civil War and the rise of some of its major industries. Tours reservations are available for Fridays and Saturdays, but groups can also arrange private charters. VISITBGK Y.COM

OCTOBER 2023

Get away from it all to

Kentucky State Parks Whether for 20 or 400, we will help you find the perfect environment. Take

advantage of knowledgable interpreters at one of our 17 state resort parks for a personalized tour or hike during your visit to discover what makes Kentucky so memorable.

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

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

Kentucky

OVER-THE-TOP

OVERNIGHTS By Rachel Crick

THESE KENTUCKY ACCOMMODATIONS WILL WOW YOUR GROUP

n Kentucky, your group’s overnight accommodations might just be one of the trip highlights. Around the Bluegrass State, unique hotels and other accommodations infuse Southern hospitality with Kentucky history, signature elegance and elements of whimsy. Consider some of these one-of-a-kind properties on your group’s next tour through the state.

KENTUCKY CASTLE Versailles

A boutique hotel experience like no other can be found within the stone walls of a medieval-European-style castle in the heart of the Bluegrass. Despite its vintage look, the Kentucky Castle, also known as the Martin Castle, has only been around since 1969. That’s when the Martins, a husband and wife inspired by the European architecture they’d seen on their travels, began construction on what would become a beloved central Kentucky landmark. It’s now a boutique hotel with 18 overnight accommodations, an upscale restaurant, a working farm and event venue. The restaurant features farm-to-table fare and a wide selection of wine and bourbon. The property also has a pool and a spa and offers experiences such as bourbon tastings. Its rooms range from turret suites to a cabin; since space is limited, reservations need to be made well in advance.

THE MANCHESTER Lexington

Lexington’s newest boutique hotel takes the form of a chic brick building rising seven stories above the Distillery District. This rustic and revitalized district includes a Goodfella’s Pizzeria, craft ice cream shop Crank and Boom, the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, several breweries and cideries, and now, a 125-room hotel. The Manchester, decked in rich hues of navy and green, as well as wood, leather and brass, is an elegant tribute to the Bluegrass. From horseshoes to bourbon barrels, the hotel’s luxurious finishes and small touches pay homage to the region’s major industries. Granddam, the hotel’s restaurant, creatively reworks Kentucky and Appalachian staples into fresh, upscale meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Lost Palm, incorporates a Floridian feel with art deco finishes and impressive cocktails. THEMANCHESTERK Y.COM

THE INTERIOR OF THE KENTUCKY CASTLE

THEKENTUCK YCASTLE .COM

COURTESY KENTUCKY CASTLE

OCTOBER 2023

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

COURTESY KENTUCKY CASTLE

COURTESY HISTORIC BOONE TAVERN

Kentucky

THE KENTUCKY CASTLE IS A WORKING FARM, RESTAURANT, EVENT VENUE, HOTEL AND LANDMARK IN THE BLUEGRASS.

COURTESY KENTUCKY CASTLE

COURTESY WIGWAM VILLAGE NO. 2

TOP TO BOTTOM: A HOT BROWN AT THE BROWN HOTEL; AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE KENTUCKY CASTLE; A SIGNATURE MEAL AT HISTORIC BOONE TAVERN; AN AERIAL VIEW OF WIGWAM VILLAGE NO. 2

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WIGWAM VILLAGE NO. 2 Cave City

Groups looking for a less traditional hotel stay can enjoy the rare experience of sleeping in a “wigwam.” Wigwam Village No. 2, one of seven villages created in the 1930s by a Kentucky businessman, consists of 15 unusual structures — and these structures more closely resemble teepees rather than wigwams. The steel-and-wood framed teepees are covered in stucco, and are much larger than actual teepees, as they either sleep two or four guests, and each has its own bathroom. All feature original hickory furniture. What the village lacks in cultural authenticity, it makes up for in kitschy roadside Americana charm. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and can be appreciated as something of a time capsule to the 1930s. The village is found in Cave City, near Mammoth Cave National Park, which attracts half a million visitors annually.

SPOONBREAD AT HISTORIC BOONE TAVERN

COURTESY HISTORIC BOONE TAVERN

HISTORICWIGWAMVILL AGE .COM

HISTORIC BOONE TAVERN Berea

Built to accommodate guests of Berea College, Historic Boone Tavern is a hotel and restaurant constructed in 1909. The sprawling white building with stately columns was designed in the Colonial Revival style and constructed using bricks from Berea College’s brickyard. It underwent a $9.6 million renovation in 2008 to add guest rooms and improve energy efficiency while preserving its historic charm. Decorated in rich shades of blue and warm wood tones, the 63-room hotel is known for its character and attentive service. It has hosted guests such as the Dalai Lama, Eleanor Roosevelt and Robert Frost. The hotel’s restaurant is known for serving spoonbread and other Southern cuisine, including its signature dish: chicken flakes in a bird’s nest.

WIGWAM VILLAGE NO. 2

BOONETAVERNHOTEL .COM

COURTESY WIGWAM VILLAGE NO. 2

THE DINING ROOM AT BOONE TAVERN

COURTESY HISTORIC BOONE TAVERN

OCTOBER 2023

SHOP KENTUCKY’S LARGEST SELECTION OF FINE ART AND CRAFTS

THE BROWN HOTEL’S LOBBY

THE BROWN HOTEL Louisville

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

BENHAM SCHOOLHOUSE INN ENTRANCE

One of the most iconic Kentucky foods, the hot brown, is an open-faced sandwich comprising turkey, bacon and tomato and smothered with cheese sauce. It was first served at Louisville’s Brown Hotel, where it got its name. Celebrating its centennial in 2023, the Brown Hotel is a luxurious and richly decorated historic hotel in downtown. With grand chandeliers, glimmering ceiling decals and stately arches, this quintessentially Kentucky hotel is a classic stay for groups. It has 294 rooms and suites with mahogany furnishings and rich upholstery. J. Graham’s Café has light fare a la carte for guests to dig into, while the Lobby Bar and Grill is open for dinner and offers both extravagant cuisine such as sea scallops and filet mignon, as well as staples like smoky macaroni and cheese, the hot brown and derby pie. BROWNHOTEL .COM

A MEAL AT THE BROWN HOTEL

BENHAM SCHOOLHOUSE INN COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

COURTESY BENHAM SCHOOLHOUSE INN

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

Benham

Located in Harlan County, surrounded by mountains near the Kentucky-Virginia border, Benham was founded as a coal mining company town in 1911 by Wisconsin Steel. These company towns were self-contained and encouraged miners to raise their families in the town by providing a company store, school and hospital. The Behnam Schoolhouse Inn was built as a school in 1926. It was converted to an inn in 1994 and is one of the state’s most authentic stays for those interested in learning about Appalachian and mining history. Each of its 29 rooms is distinctly decorated, and many still feature the original hardwood floors. The Dinner Bucket, the inn’s restaurant, is located in the school’s former offices, while the gymnasium was converted into an elegant banquet hall. Lockers, complete with love notes and other tokens from former students, still line the hallways. BENHAMINN.COM

EXTERIOR OF THE BROWN HOTEL

corbinkytourism.com 606-528-8860 COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

OCTOBER 2023

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

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

1-800-PADUCAH

HOLLY HILL INN

Kentucky DEFINITIVE

FOODS

Midway

The impressive Greek Revival home built in Midway in 1845 that later became known as Holly Hill Inn is also the site of one of the region’s most esteemed restaurants. Owned and operated by six-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee Ouita Michel and her husband, Holly Hill Inn is one of several of Michel’s restaurants in central Kentucky. While the ambience of the historic inn is certainly a draw, Michel’s renowned culinary skills are the reason for its popularity. Menus change seasonally, with each month carrying delightful in-season additions prepared with local ingredients. Bourbon-flamed scallops and braised lamb shoulder are among the upscale offerings on September’s menu. The restaurant is also known for its expansive list of wines and bourbons to pair with each meal. HOLLYHILLINN .COM

By Rachel Crick

KENTUCKY HAS PLACES YOU CAN TASTE

rom dinner trains to bourbon distilleries and barbecue buffets, Kentucky offers travelers a wealth of memorable places to eat. The Bluegrass State has more than its share of signature flavors and distinctive dining venues. Here’s a sampler of some notable Kentucky favorites that will delight your group travelers.

MY OLD KENTUCKY DINNER TRAIN Bardstown

Groups can dine in a vintage train car rolling through the countryside surrounding Bardstown. The two-and-a-half-hour, 32-mile round-trip on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train begins at the depot in Bardstown and goes through Bernheim Forest to Limestone Springs. While passengers enjoy the scenery of bourbon rickhouses and serene countryside, they dine on a multi-course meal. After starting with a salad, they can choose from a long list of entrees on each seasonal menu, from a tender prime rib to bourbon fried chicken. The selection of desserts includes cheesecake, treasure pie (a Kentucky take on a pecan pie) and chocolate cake, among others. Lunch and dinner excursions are offered, as well as murder-mystery dinners and seasonal holiday experiences. K YDINNERTR AIN .COM

OCTOBER 2023

MOONLITE BAR-B-Q Owensboro

Some of the best barbecue in the state can be found on its western border. In Owensboro, Moonlite Bar-B-Q , a local staple since the 1960s, consistently impresses everyday diners and food critics alike with its tender, flavorful barbecue. Its legendary buffet, open for lunch and dinner, has an array of mouthwatering options, including barbecued mutton, beef brisket, chicken and pork, all smothered in the restaurant’s sweet and tangy signature sauce. Green beans, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and potato salad are just a few of the Southern sides to accompany the barbecue. Burgoo, a distinctive Kentucky soup, is also available. The menu features catfish and breaded shrimp as well. For dessert, various pies are served by the slice and can be topped with a scoop of ice cream. MOONLITE .COM

TRUSTEES’ TABLE AT SHAKER VILLAGE Harrodsburg

The Shakers of Pleasant Hill were a religious community that lived off the land in the 19th century. Though none are living today, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is now a National Historic Landmark that preserves their craftsmanship, music and way of life. It’s both a 3,000-acre resort and living history museum, and its restaurant, Trustees’ Table, serves visitors with scratch-made dishes that use ingredients from its farm. Its breakfast menu includes country-style breakfast items like buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy; for lunch and dinner, an assortment of fresh salads, delicacies like fried okra and country fried chicken, and braised beef short ribs stock the menu. Diners can also try the Shaker Burger, catfish or a hand-cut pork chop. SHAKERVILL AGEK Y.ORG

BB RIVERBOATS Newport

A sunset dinner cruise with live entertainment and skyline views might be one of the best ways for groups to dine in style. BB Riverboats lets

COURTESY VISIT BARDSTOWN

COURTESY VISIT OWENSBORO

COURTESY SHAKER VILLAGE OF PLEASANT HILL

Kentucky

HOLLY HILL INN IS ONE OF EIGHT KENTUCKY RESTAURANTS OWNED AND OPERATED BY AWARD-WINNING CHEF OUITA MICHEL.

COURTESY TALITHA SCHROEDER

COURTESY BB RIVERBOATS

TOP TO BOTTOM: MY OLD KENTUCKY DINNER TRAIN; A BUFFET AT MOONLITE BAR-B-Q; A SLICE OF PIE AT TRUSTEES’ TABLE; BB RIVERBOATS ON THE OHIO RIVER

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groups venturing to northern Kentucky do just that as they cruise along the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Newport. With onboard entertainment and other add-ons, a meal aboard the elegant riverboats is sure to please. Groups can opt for a general dinner buffet with items like braised beef short ribs, roasted chicken, whipped potatoes and seasonal vegetables, or select a themed dinner buffet, such as a New Orleans- or Riverside Fiesta-themed meal. Each cruise also offers a fully stocked bar for guests to enjoy. Groups can opt for a brunch or lunch cruise for a daytime cruising expedition, and other themed excursions are available for holidays. BBRIVERBOATS.COM

A MEAL AT THE KITCHEN TABLE COURTESY JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO.

A TABLE SPREAD AT THE KITCHEN TABLE

A MEAL ONBOARD BB RIVERBOATS

THE KITCHEN TABLE AT JAMES B. BEAM Clermont

Dining at a distillery lets groups enjoy an eclectic, bourbon-centric meal with a quintessentially Kentucky atmosphere. At the James B. Beam Distilling Company in Clermont, they’ll get just that. The Kitchen Table, the distillery’s recently opened, on-site restaurant, offers guests lunch and dinner service Wednesday through Sunday. Groups can start off with small plates of duck poppers, spiced pork rinds and pulled pork empanadas, accompanied by a selection of Jim Beam bourbon cocktails. The entrees range from comforting, familiar statewide staples, like catfish, burgers and smoked brisket, to pizzas with a crust made with the same yeast used in the company’s bourbon production. Bourbon balls and bourbon cake make a sweet finish to a delicious meal. VISIT THEKITCHENTABLE .COM

COURTESY JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO.

COURTESY BB RIVERBOATS

Opening Fall 2023 featuring the collection of internationally known artist Stephen Rolfe Powell and other prominent artists.

glassmuseumky.org

OCTOBER 2023

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Spy Coast Farm, Lexington

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KENTUCKY GROUP GETAWAYS Epic Experiences Await in the Bluegrass State Your group will make lifelong memories in Kentucky! With a rich history, authentic live music, signature culinary dishes, one-of-a-kind attractions and all kinds of outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone in the Bluegrass State. Nature lovers will be in awe of Kentucky’s stunning mountains, gorges, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and overlooks found across the state. Where else can you tour the longest-known cave system in the world, zipline through one of the largest gorges on the East Coast, ride a scenic train along the river and kayak to a massive waterfall known as the Niagara of the South? And let’s not forget Kentucky is the world capital of horses and bourbon. Bourbon is much more than a drink here; it’s also a way of life celebrated in a state that makes 95% of the world’s supply. Immerse your group in its history by taking a tour and sampling a taste at iconic and craft distilleries.

Kentucky’s picture-perfect horse farms, fascinating equine museums and legendary racetracks offer perfect opportunities to experience the state’s horse culture up close. Throughout the state’s lively cities and charming towns, your group will be fascinated by our region’s history, culture and food they’ll experience along the way at award-winning museums, immersive historical sites, local restaurants and a host of fun attractions. All of this and more await in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky will provide your group the trip of a lifetime!

The cliffs of Badlands National Park make an indelible impression on travelers to South Dakota.

OUTDOOR

ISSUE

OCTOBER 2023

D E S T I N AT I O N

BAD AND BEAUTIFUL IT’S HARD TO KNOW WHERE T O S TA R T I N S O U T H D A K O TA

BY DIANA BOCCO

ou’ll never forget the sights of South Dakota. From the striking geological wonders of Badlands National Park to the lush landscapes of the Black Hills, South Dakota offers a rich blend of breathtaking nature and deep-rooted history. Here, you can venture through scenic trails, delve into the compelling stories of Native American heritage or savor the vibrant local culture found across historical towns. Enjoy as you discover the attractions and hidden gems that make South Dakota a prime destination for groups seeking adventure, education and moments that resonate through time.

BL AC K H I L L S The Black Hills region is known for its lush, forested landscapes, immersive Native American history and a variety of outdoor adventures set against picturesque settings. Encompassing 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountains that extend into Wisconsin, the Black Hills have long been regarded as a sacred sanctuary by Native Americans. The heart of the region is in two massive, monumental carvings: Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. “Crazy Horse Memorial is the world’s largest mountain carving in progress,” said Calley Geigle, global travel and trade representative for Travel South Dakota. “The mountain depicts a Lakota warrior and features museums centered around Native American heritage.” The adjacent Wind Cave National Park is famous for its complex and honeycomb-like formations and its educational group tours. The 110-mile George S. Mickelson Trail — which traces the abandoned railroad track connecting Edgemont to Deadwood — welcomes hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers alike. Groups with a love of the outdoors can also head to Spearfish Canyon, where they can hike to waterfalls or participate in photography tours.

COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M

Black Hills scenery “What’s great about the Black Hills is that everything is in such a close driving distance that visitors can experience so much without the long driving time,” said Geigle. With a history that traces back to the 1800s, the ranching town of Belle Fourche is home to one of the oldest rodeos in South Dakota, the Old West Tri-State Museum and even real dinosaur digs. An hour away is Hill City, historically connected to the timber industry and home to the Black Hills Central Railroad, which whisks visitors away on historic steam train rides.

DE A DWOOD Deadwood is a living testament to the fervent spirit of the Wild West. Founded in the 1870s, this historic town swiftly rose to fame during the gold rush, luring fortune-seekers and legends alike. “Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark that offers year-round gaming, events, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and attractions,” said Amanda Kille, marketing and sponsorship director for the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. At the very heart of its historic charm is the Historic Main Street, where groups can witness reenacted shootouts, and the Broken Boot Gold Mine, where visitors can literally walk in the footsteps of the original miners. Visitors can also stop by the Mount Moriah Cemetery, “Wild Bill” Hickok’s final resting place. For a deeper insight into the history of Deadwood, there’s also the Adams Museum and Historic Adams House, the Deadwood Brothel Museum and The Days of ’76 Museum to learn about Deadwood’s gold rush history. For those intrigued by the culture of the native Bison, the Tatanka: Story of the Bison exhibit showcases the creature’s significant role in the region’s ecology and history. “Deadwood events, attractions and live entertainment options offer group discounts, which make it easy and cost-effective for a planner to add them into an itinerary,” said Kille. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy dozens of free and ticketed events, including concerts, classic car shows, comedy shows, rodeos, bull riding, and even monster truck and snowmobile races.

OCTOBER 2023

COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

The town is also home to several guided historic tour options like buses, open-air tours, walking tours and ghost tours. “You can add in the flavor of Deadwood and South Dakota with a moonshine, whiskey, wine or beer tasting,” Kille said. As the sun sets on Deadwood, visitors can try their luck at local casinos — a type of entertainment that has been enjoyed in the town since 1876. “Visitors can also have a drink in a saloon, go ice skating at Outlaw Square or listen to a live band,” said Kille.

C US T E R S TAT E PA R K Easily accessible from nearby cities like Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, the 71,000-acre Custer State Park is the perfect getaway for groups searching for an escape into nature. Scenic drives, like the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, are the highlights of a visit here, but visitors can also enjoy camping and swimming within the park. Off the beaten path, groups will find plenty of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, including the one going up Black Elk Peak, South Dakota’s highest point. Groups can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboats at Sylvan Lake or climb the Harney Peak Fire Tower for 360-degree views of the park. At the Custer State Park Visitor Center and the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, groups can participate in interpretive and educational programs, have an informal chat with a naturalist or join guided nature walks.

Wildlife in Badlands National Park

For those eager to witness the grandeur of the park’s fauna, there’s the Buffalo Safari Jeep tour, which takes visitors to areas they wouldn’t be able to visit otherwise. “Guests load up in an open-top jeep with their own personal safari guide and drive through the park,” said Geigle. “What is unique about this experience is that the guides will take the jeeps right to where the buffalo roam while sharing little-known facts about buffalo and the steps the park takes to properly manage the herd.” These tours are available for pre-booking for groups through Custer Resorts.

COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

A music performance at Custer State Park

BY BYRON BANASIAK, COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

Custer State Park’s striking scenery

BY BYRON BANASIAK, COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

BA DL A N DS NAT IONA L PA R K Stretching across 244,000 acres of rugged terrain, Badlands National Park is renowned for its distinctive geologic formations that narrate Earth’s ancient history. “Badlands National Park boasts a maze of spires, buttes, pinnacles and canyons,” said Geigle. “It’s truly a place you must experience to fully grasp the natural beauty.” A network of hiking trails unveils the park’s many hidden

Pinstripes combines made-from-scratch Italian/American cuisine with private spaces, bowling lanes, and bocce courts that can be customized to accommodate outings of any size. Whether it’s a sports team, student tour, free independent travelers, or an adult travel group, we enjoy catering to visitors and travelers who seek a fun and unique experience! NORTHBROOK, IL · SOUTH BARRINGTON, IL · OAK BROOK, IL · CHICAGO, IL · EDINA, MN · WASHINGTON DC · BETHESDA, MD OVERLAND PARK, KS · CLEVELAND, OH · HOUSTON, TX · FORT WORTH, TX · SAN MATEO, CA · NORWALK, CT

PINSTRIPES.COM

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SIOU X FA L L S Dino Hall at Cincinnati Museum Center

Bronze Age Casting in Sioux Falls

COURTESY CINCINNATI USA CVB

Falls Park PHOTOS COURTESY EXPERIENCE SIOUX FALLS

corners, from gently undulating paths to challenging terrain that rewards you with breathtaking views. “There are many trails, but we especially recommend the Doors and Windows Trail for group tours, as there is an easy, accessible boardwalk to an amazing view,” said Geigle. “The 39-mile Badlands Loop Road is accessible by coach, and visitors can see designated viewpoints, wildlife and amazing scenery right from the comfort of the coach.” The park offers guided and self-guided walks that allow for wildlife watching and scenic drives to discover the lesser-known parts of the park. For those with a passion for paleontology, a visit to the Fossil Preparation Lab allows visitors to engage with paleontologists working on Badlands fossils. For an intimate and educational exploration, groups should consider joining a guided tour led by knowledgeable park rangers for fascinating stories and insights about the park’s geological and cultural history. As twilight descends, the park transforms into an astronomer’s paradise, offering stargazing adventures that are nothing short of magical. “Because the Badlands are away from any light pollution, viewers get extremely clear skies,” said Geigle. “The National Park Service has star-viewing programs every evening from spring to fall, perfect for a late-night activity after a great day of touring.” The annual Astronomy Festival in the summer and the Badlands Observatory in the nearby town of Quinn attract many groups as well. “Visitors can view the night sky using professional equipment to see the moon, galaxies, comets and stars with the help of knowledgeable guides,” Geigle said.

OCTOBER 2023

As the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls is known for being a charming city and gateway to the Great Plains. “Some even describe us as ‘the pink city’ from the city’s natural quarries of pink quartzite rock sprinkled throughout roads and buildings,” said Jackie Wentworth, tourism sales manager for Experience Sioux Falls. Art in all forms can be found throughout South Dakota’s largest city, including “sculpture, music, theater, visual installations and more,” said Wentworth. “The more contemporary experiences can be explored in the heart of the historic downtown, and then groups can head to the outskirts of the city to learn about the first Native American inhabitants and agricultural history of the region.” A must-visit here is the beautiful Falls Park, home to small, charming waterfalls and host to numerous annual events, including the much-anticipated Winter Wonderland. “Falls Park is a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, cultural elements and historical significance,” Wentworth said. Located in a region with a deep historical and cultural background, Sioux Falls is also home to the Old Courthouse Museum, the Museum of Visual Materials and the Sioux Empire Medical Museum. The local Stockyards Ag Experience is an interactive space that highlights the impact of agriculture on South Dakota. Aside from the popular attractions, Sioux Falls has an array of lesser-known spots that group travelers would truly enjoy. The Butterfly House and Aquarium is a peaceful retreat that showcases both vibrant aquatic life and delicate butterflies, and Good Earth State Park is an amazing place to stretch your legs on nature trails while learning about the Native American history of the land. Sioux Falls also celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month every April, a lively event filled with jazz crawls, camps and concerts for an immersive musical experience. Wentworth also recommends the SculptureWalk, which features an ever-changing display of over 100 outdoor sculptures and works of public art, as well as the Levitt at the Falls, which hosts over 50 free concerts between May and September. “Another unique experience for groups is BronzeAge Art Casting, a local foundry making one-of-kind items through iron pours, metal fabrication, welding and more,” she said.

T R AV E L S O U T H D A K O TA . C O M

Monumental

DEADWOOD

RAPID CITY

EXPERIENCE

BEAR COUNTRY U.S.A

A drive-thru wildlife park featuring black bears, mountain lions, wolves, elk, buffalo, reindeer, and other North American wildlife in their natural environment. Also, take a stroll to view the antics of our baby animals, dine at the Cub Grub Snack Shack, and shop in the Bear’s Den gift shop. 605.343.2290 // BearCountryUSA.com

KEVIN COSTNER’S ORIGINAL DEADWOOD TOUR

Climb aboard for a Deadwood adventure and be captivated by this historic town’s colorful past. Our 1-hour, live-narrated tour travels down cobblestone streets and up to Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Come hear the history that made the Old West fun! Call for group rates. Additional savings when booking with Tatanka. 605.584.5678 // DeadwoodTour.com

KEVIN COSTNER’S TATANKA STORY OF THE BISON

60 million bison once roamed the Great Plains. By 1890, less than 1,000 survived. This is their Story! Learn how the eradication of one animal destroyed the way of life for Plains people, told by cultural presenters. The spectacular bronze “Buffalo Jump” sculpture includes 17 individual pieces. Unique gift shop. 605-584-5678 // StoryOfTheBison.com

WALL

WALL-BADLANDS AREA CHAMBER

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

PLAN YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE AT SEETHEBLACKHILLS.COM

TravelSouthDakota.com

Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort

Experience history, culture and nature’s beauty. Stroll through McCrory Gardens, gaze at an original Harvey Dunn painting at the South Dakota Art Museum and step back in time at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum.

Arrowwood Cedar Shore is a full-service resort tucked in the bluffs of the Missouri River in Oacoma. With stunning views of open waters and ample on-site outdoor recreation opportunities, Arrowwood is a year-round destination.

800-798-3452 | AktaLakota.StJo.org

605-234-6376 | ArrowwoodCedarShore.com

Brookings

Terry Redlin Art Center

Perched on the banks of the Missouri River, this facility is home to more than 14,000 square feet of art, artifacts, and educational displays the depict the proud heritage of the Lakota people. Free admission.

Three galleries feature more than 165 original oil paintings by American’s favorite artist, Terry Redlin. There’s no greater Americana scenes than Redlin’s paintings, in part inspired by the rural landscape of his childhood life in Watertown. Open year-round and admission is free.

605-692-7444 | VisitBrookingsSD.com

877-873-3546 | RedlinArt.com

Wall Drug Store

Watertown

Experience America’s #1 roadside attraction. Between the free attractions, shopping, dining and photo-ops, there’s truly something for everyone. Located off I-90 and 8 miles north of Badlands National Park.

The Redlin Art Center is only the beginning. Explore beautiful Lake Kampeska, the Goss Opera House, Bramble Park Zoo, and a downtown loaded with art, history, and charm. Located on I-29.

605-279-2175 | WallDrug.com

605-753-0282 | VisitWatertownSD.com

D E S T I N AT I O N

BAY TIME SLOW DOWN IN MOBILE

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

obile has a history of fun. French settlers founded this Alabama city in 1702 and brought their traditions (including Mardi Gras) to the new colony, and the celebrations in this port city continue to this day. What originally began as an opportunity to indulge in meats and sweets before Lent’s 40 days of fasting became a full-fledged carnival of feasts and fancy costumes, parades and parties. Today, the fun flows throughout the year in this coastal charmer, making Mobile an ideal destination in any season. Located at the confluence of its namesake river and bay on the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile passed through British and Spanish hands before becoming part of the United States in 1813. With an economy primarily based on cotton and the slave trade, its prosperity evaporated after the Civil War, before shipbuilding and steel production boomed during and after the first World War. After a period of recession, Mobile is now a hub for the shipping and aerospace industries while retaining much of the architectural charm of its colonial past. “For me, growing up in Mobile, leaving Mobile and choosing to come back to Mobile, what I love about my home is everything — from the funky vibe of our downtown entertainment district to our very cultured and sophisticated art scene,” said Rhonda Davis, director of marketing and communications for Visit Mobile. “You can be as casual or formal as you want — and we have everything in between. It’s nice to step back into our Southern heritage and to celebrate our history, but it’s equally as exciting to celebrate our future. And there’s nothing like Mardi Gras!”

Mobile’s waterfront is now a thriving center of both industry and culture.

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Historic Oakleigh House Museum ALL PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT MOBILE

OCTOBER 2023

A H ER I TAGE OF C EL EBR AT ION

Clotilda: The Exhibition at the History Museum of Mobile

Exploring the outdoors around Mobile

A Mobile Mardi Gras

Mobile has 26 parades during carnival season, and groups can stay at one of the six hotels on the parade route for a great experience. But groups that visit at different times of year can still learn about the city’s Mardi Gras heritage at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Groups can explore at their leisure or opt for a guided tour while admiring elaborate costumes, memorabilia, and “throws” like doubloons, beads and other trinkets that are tossed to revelers following the floats. Beautiful architecture abounds in Mobile. The city has seven nationally recognized historic districts, with gracious, magnolia-shaded homes. In the De Tonti Square District, the Italianate Richards-DAR House Museum boasts an ornate cast-iron facade and contains artifacts from the Revolutionary era. The Historic Oakleigh Complex is Mobile’s oldest house museum and contains a beautifully restored 1833 Greek Revival mansion along with Union Army barracks that date to 1866. For flowers and finery, make a trip to the Bellingrath Home. Built in 1935 by one of the first bottlers of CocaCola, the sprawling estate has 65 acres of gorgeous gardens and a lovely view of the Fowl River.

HONOR I NG BL AC K H IS TORY Mobile is also acknowledging its more difficult history. The ship Clotilda arrived in Mobile in 1860 carrying 110 men, women and children who had been torn from their homes in West Africa. The ship was then burned and sunk to conceal the crime. After emancipation, the former captives established Africatown, where they kept their languages and traditions alive and established schools, churches and businesses. Archaeologists identified the remains of the Clotilda in 2019, and in July the History Museum of Mobile unveiled “Clotilda: The Exhibition” at the Africatown Heritage House. The ehibition shares the story of the enslaved and their descendants, many of whom still live in the

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city. Walking and bus tours are a great way to explore the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail tour, which shines a light on the contributions and culture of Mobile’s previously unheralded residents. “The heartbeat of Mobile is our people,” said Davis. “Because we’re a port city, we have always had a diverse population. And you see that in our architecture, in our food, and in our very active and lively music scene. Mobile feels like a very large small town, but we are as rich as our gumbo.”

FOOD TOU R S A N D MOR E It’s easy for groups to sample that rich cultural and culinary diversity with one of Mobile’s many tours. Gulf Coast Tours has comfortable, climate-controlled trolleys that give visitors an overview of local attractions on a 90-minute narrated cruise around the city. For groups that want to do their cruising on the water, options abound. They can take a paddle-wheel steamboat with Perdido Queen Cruises, which offers dinner, brunch, music and themed excursions. And the Airboat Express offers a thrilling exploration of the Delta’s flora, fauna and wildlife. All that activity works up an appetite, and Mobile’s food scene always satisfies. Davis especially recommends the Bienville Bites, with guided

Fresh Gulf seafood

walking tours that take groups to some of the city’s most iconic locally owned restaurants. Havana is a sister city to Mobile, so stop in to enjoy an authentic daiquiri, picadillo and fried plantains at Las Floriditas, a Cuban-style speakeasy and restaurant. For a taste of freshfrom-the-Gulf seafood, head to Felix’s Fish Camp, which also has a great view of Mobile Bay. And locals love the offerings at Wintzell’s Oyster House, including the authentic Low Country Boil, with shrimp, potatoes, sausage and corn. There’s plenty of nightlife in Mobile as well, from catching a symphony performance, opera, ballet or Broadway show at the historic Saenger Theatre to live music and comedy at one of downtown’s many clubs, pubs and bars. If your group doesn’t stay out until dawn, early risers can kayak, cycle or stroll in the pleasant morning air, while golfers will head straight to the holes at Magnolia Grove, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the exhibits at the Mobile Museum of Art, followed by a visit to one of the city’s many galleries. No matter your pleasure, Mobile is sure to please.

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OCTOBER 2023

MOBILE IS FOR

Outdoors

Pick your path and pace. Explore our natural oasis.

BRING FLIP FLOPS

E V E R Y G R O U P N E E D S A H O L I DAY B E AC H VAC AT I O N

St. Augustine will celebrate its 30th Nights of Lights event this year.

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ISSUE COURTESY ST. AUGUSTINE, PONTE VEDRA AND THE BEACHES CVB

BY CLAIRE HANNUM

OCTOBER 2023

day at the beach is better than a day at home — and that’s doubly true during special times of year. Beach towns do relaxation better than anywhere else, so perhaps it’s no surprise that these coastal escapes know their way around a holiday celebration or two. No matter the season, there’s a beachfront holiday gathering that groups will love — and they just might have so much fun that they’ll want to return year after year. When you’re planning your next group getaway, consider venturing to one of these holiday parties in paradise.

Independence Day on Martha’s Vineyard COURTESY MARTHA’S VINEYARD COC

F O U R T H O F J U LY MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS Holiday decorations at the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach COURTESY MYRTLE BEACH AREA CVB

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS/WINTER H O L I D AY S E A S O N ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S., and many of its attractions are a nod to its past. With a 328-year-old military fort, cozy 16th-century streets and, of course, a beautiful beach, its well-preserved slice of history is a great gathering place for groups. St. Augustine takes its charm to the next level each November when it launches its annual Nights of Lights celebration. For nearly two months, the city’s buildings, homes and palm trees glow with holiday lights. “There are more than 3 million tiny white lights that line the trees and buildings,” said Barbara Golden, communications manager at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Nights of Lights, and St. Augustine’s season is packed with memorable events. December begins with the St. Augustine Annual Christmas Parade, followed by Colonial Night Watch, a history-inspired torchlit parade in 18th-century Colonial attire. At the annual Regatta of Lights, illuminated boats cruise along the bayfront in a competition for the best light display. St. Augustine also hosts a lighthouse illumination, a tree lighting on the Atlantic Ocean and a live nativity event. What many visitors love most, however, is a simple scavenger hunt: the search for the one bulb among the Nights of Lights decorations that stands apart from the others. “A fun thing that’s a little bit of behind the scenes is that as people walk through the plaza, there is one red light up in the trees that people can look for,” said Golden. “One red light out of millions.” Tour providers range from large trolleys and trains to more intimate walking tours and even guided journeys through town on electric cars modeled to look like historic vehicles. There’s an experience for every group’s interests. F LO R I DA S H I S TO R I C C OA S T.C O M

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, personifies summer with its quaint New England charm, and its Fourth of July celebrations are no exception. A hallmark of the holiday is the Edgartown Fourth of July Parade, where about 1,000 participants gather on homemade floats. The parade is followed by live music courtesy of the historic Vineyard Haven Band and a spectacular fireworks show. The island also hosts a Fourth of July barbecue, harbor cruises and a beachfront reading of Frederick Douglass’ vital 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” delivered by cherished members of the local community. “First-time visitors should spend the day at the beach, then check out our parade, have dinner at one of our top-notch restaurants, and then settle in on a blanket by the beach and watch the fireworks over the harbor,” said Carolina Cooney, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce. M V Y.C O M

W I N T E R H O L I D AY S E A S O N MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA Part of South Carolina’s marvelous Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches along the Atlantic, Myrtle Beach may be known for spring break and long summer weekends. But each holiday season, the Grand Strand transforms into a (beachy) winter wonderland. In downtown Myrtle Beach, guests can participate in a tree lighting, holiday market and regular live entertainment. The North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex holds a Great Christmas Light Show, which features a two-mile drive past millions of lights and 500 displays. The season provides an opportunity to see the iconic Spanish moss and historic architecture of the South — a place so often associated with sweltering summer days — from a whole new angle. The magical display at the Grand Strand’s award-winning sculpture garden is no exception. “Heading into December, visitors and locals alike can attend the enchanting Brookgreen Gardens’ Night of A Thousand Candles, which is one of my personal favorite events,” said Denielle Van Dyke, public relations manager at Visit Myrtle Beach. “You can grab a cup of hot cocoa, listen to carolers sing and stroll around the gorgeous sculpture gardens full of live oaks covered in beautiful lights.” The season also brings exciting holiday-themed programming at the area’s musical revue theaters. V I S I T M Y R T L E B E AC H .C O M

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W I N T E R H O L I D AY S E A S O N NORFOLK AND VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA Norfolk, Virginia, holds the distinction of being home to the largest naval base in the world, and nearby Virginia Beach holds a world record for the longest pleasure beach in the world (a whopping 35 miles). When the winter holidays roll around, Norfolk and Virginia Beach take that notable presence into festive mode. “Norfolk is a great place for the holidays,” said Paige Hawsey, communications manager A holiday cocktail at Visit Norfolk. in Norfolk In downtown Norfolk, the holiday season COURTESY VISIT NORFOLK kicks off with the Grand Illumination Parade, and the following week, a holiday yule log bonfire and holiday market keep the cheer going. Norfolk’s waterfront maritime center, Nauticus, decorates its battleship, USS Wisconsin, with over 1 million lights for its annual WinterFest on The Wisconsin event. Visitors can enjoy activities including light shows, fireside snacks at the illuminated Mistletoe Marina and a dazzling sailboat parade. The nearby Hunter House Victorian Museum shares festive reenactments and a glimpse into Victorian Christmas. Norfolk Botanical Garden transforms each night into an immersive light show, and its location right beside Norfolk International Airport makes it perfect for a last stop on the way home. Twenty minutes east in Virginia Beach, travelers can take in a colorful light show right on the oceanfront. The lights illuminate a 600-foot tunnel, ocean creature designs and an iconic surfing Santa. Nearby, the Founders Inn and Spa, a group-oriented hotel that doubles as a conference center, lights up its English gardens with over 100,000 white lights. V I S I T N O R FO L K .C O M V I S I T V I R G I N I A B E AC H .C O M

H A L L O W E E N / FA N TA S Y F E S T KEY WEST, FLORIDA Key West, Florida, has always been its own little universe, in the best of ways. Once home to Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and, of course, Jimmy Buffett, this paradise at the bottom of the U.S. dances to its own beat — especially when Halloween creeps up on the calendar. Every October, Key West hosts Fantasy Fest, a 10-day celebration of creativity, costumes and unabashed joy. “In 1979, Fantasy Fest was created by a group of local business owners to entice visitors to Key West and kick start our ‘winter season’ a bit earlier,” said Nadene Grossman-Orr, festival director of Fantasy Fest Key West. “With an eye on Halloween, they created a fanciful costuming celebration and threw a parade the last week in October.” The plan worked: Since the ’70s, Fantasy Fest has become a legendary event. Every day of the fest brings an array of parades and parties to choose from. Favorites include a vibrant Bahamian street fair called the Goombay Festival, the annual Zombie Bike Ride and a Royal Coronation event, where guests vote for the king and queen of Fantasy Fest. Locals join in on the festivities to bring the fun to life. “Our residents work for months building floats, perfecting costumes, and decorating their homes and businesses for our Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façade Competition,” said Grossman-Orr. The party culminates in an epic final weekend that centers on the Fantasy Fest Parade. Handing out Halloween candy at home is quaint, but it doesn’t hold a candle to taking to the streets of Key West alongside 70,000 creatively costumed new friends. FA N TA S Y F E S T.C O M

OCTOBER 2023

Fantasy Fest Key West COURTESY FANTASY FEST KEY WEST

St. Patrick’s Day in Montauk

Florida Southern College COURTESY MONTAUK SUN

S T. PAT R I C K ’ S D AY PA R A D E MONTAUK, NEW YORK Located on Long Island’s South Fork with nothing but ocean to its east, Montauk, New York, is sometimes referred to as “the end of the world.” This beautiful beach town is known for its breathtaking ocean views, top-notch fishing and unmatched hospitality. Every March, when other Northern beach towns are sleeping, Montauk hosts one of the most unique and vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. The celebration has been a local favorite since 1963. “The first parade was just a few guys,” said Brian Matthews, president of Montauk Friends of Erin, the charitable organization that organizes the parade. “It’s gotten bigger since then and has become the biggest parade in the state outside of New York City.” The parade is the culmination of three days of festivities on the last weekend of March. An estimated 40,000 spectators cheer on the celebration. To keep crowds warm, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce famously serves mugs of hot soup made by local restaurants. For groups seeking a bright spot on the tail-end of the chilly months, this event is an ideal mood lifter. “In Montauk it gets a little cold and sleepy in the winter,” Matthews said. “So as a town that is heavily dependent on tourism and tourist dollars, it’s a great way to get everybody out and about and to let everybody stretch their legs after a long winter.”

enjoy

BREAKTHROUGH EXPERIENCES in Newport News.

Groups of all ages and sizes are invited to experience Newport News, Virginia! We will work with you to create a personalized tour customized for the unique interests of your group. Request a Visitor Guide and speak with us to discover the perfect breakthrough experiences for your group. newport-news.org

1-888-493-7386

M O N TAU K F R I E N D S O F E R I N .O R G

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Comfort Foods TAST Y STO PS H I G H L I G H T T H E H E A RT L A N D B Y PA U L A AV E N G L A D Y C H

very state in America’s Heartland has its own signature dishes or culinary experiences that are a must-try for group visitors, from creations made with fresh ingredients to regional wines and famous fare such as deep-dish pizza or Chicagostyle hot dogs. Here are five Heartland locations that are happy to give groups a taste of popular local foods and farm-fresh favorites.

Wa l la ce Cent ers of Iowa Or ient , Iowa

A food stop on Bobby’s Bike Hike in Chicago

Chicago deep dish pizza PHOTOS COURTESY BOBBY’S BIKE HIKE

Wallace Centers features two locations: a historic house in the Sherman Hill Neighborhood of Des Moines and the Farm, a 40-acre property near the small town of Orient. The farm is part of the Wallace family’s original 160-acre spread and is the birthplace of Henry A. Wallace, who served as U.S. secretary of agriculture; vice president of the United States from 1941-1945; and secretary of commerce under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Farm grows a wide variety of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, which it uses for locally sourced meals. Its Friday night Pizza on the Prairie event features four different pizzas every week. The toppings are sourced from the garden, which farm visitors can tour to see where their food comes from. Additional food staples are sourced from local farmers within a 100-mile radius, giving visitors an idea of what’s possible in Iowa. Group visitors can pair a farm-to-table meal with a walk along a one-mile path that wends its way through the prairie, passing five sculptures and a crowd-sourced art installation that involves painted plywood boards in a specific theme. Groups can take a guided tour of the farm’s gardens, outbuildings and a section of the farm’s original plot of corn. Or, they can have a speaker from the farm come and talk about the history of the property and the Wallace family and different agricultural topics that are still important today. WA L L AC E .O R G

Groups can dine in a historic mill at Finley Farms in Ozark. COURTESY FINLEY FARMS

Wallace Centers of Iowa

Bobby ’s Bi ke H i ke Ch ica go Ch ic a go

Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago offers walking and bicycle tours that bring group visitors on a working-class culinary adventure through Chicago. The Chicago Favorites Walking and Food Tour takes about three hours and brings guests to local restaurants to sample some of the city’s most famous cuisine, including deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs. Groups can add on a VIP Craft Beer package to any ticket and sample three of the city’s favorite local craft beers. On their tour, groups will visit Cloud Gate, also known as the Bean, in Millennium Park; the Pritzker Pavilion, a band shell located in Grant Park that was designed by famous architect Frank Gehry; the Loop, Chicago’s bustling business district; State Street historic district; Chicago Riverwalk; Michigan Avenue; and the Wrigley Building.

BY TEDDY YEAGER, COURTESY WALLACE CENTERS OF IA

Fresh produce at Wallace Centers of Iowa

COURTESY WALLACE CENTERS OF IA

A Bobby’s Bike Hike group in Chicago

PHOTOS COURTESY BOBBY’S BIKE HIKE

The Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour lets groups sample Chicago’s favorite food groups: pizza, hot dogs, brownies and beer. Participants will learn the history behind the foods that made Chicago famous and get a feel for some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods as they bike through Streeterville, the Gold Coast, Lakeview, Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park. Nighttime tours take groups along the Gold Coast, Chicago River Walk, Millennium Park, the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, the Lakefront and Navy Pier. The tour visits a European-inspired bakery that offers a tribute to Chicago’s original brownie, which was served as a portable dessert during the 1893 World’s Fair. B O B BYS B I K E H I K E .C O M

F i n ley Fa r m s Oza rk , M i ssou r i

Finley Farms in Ozark, Missouri, is owned by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. The property, which overlooks the Finley River, features a restored water mill that was turned into two restaurants. The Ozark Mill Restaurant is on the upper floor of the mill and offers lunch and dinner overlooking the Finley River, while The Garrison, located downstairs, offers a fine dining experience. Both restaurants source their food and vegetables from a farm on the property. Groups that visit the property can host a bridge dinner where tables are set up in the middle of a bridge covered in lights, or they can reserve a private room in the mill. There is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the history of the property and how it sources

Finley Farms in Ozark, Missouri, is owned by Johnny Morris, founder

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of Bass Pro Shops. G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M

all of its fruits and vegetables. The tour is more appropriate for smaller groups, so larger groups visiting the mill will want to split up to learn about the property. The farm itself is built on what used to be a street. The Morris family hired farmers from out of state to come in and build the farm from the ground up. The mill also offers small group workshops that include the property’s farmers taking them through the property and giving gardening tips and tricks. Those last about two hours. Visitors can also participate in cocktail classes, where they can create their own drinks with tequila and syrups.

Chateau Chantal is a 75-acre vineyard and winery, which was started by a former priest and a nun from Detroit. It first began planting grapes in 1986 but didn’t open to the public until 1993.

F I N L E Y FA R M S M O.C O M

Ch at eau Ch a nt a l T raverse Cit y, M ich i g a n

A hearty meal at Finley Farms

COURTESY FINLEY FARMS

A grape harvest at Chateau Chantal in Traverse City

Chateau Chantal is a 75-acre vineyard, winery and 12-room bedand-breakfast located on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan, that offers group wine dinners, tastings, tours and cooking classes. The winery, which was started by a former priest and a nun from Detroit, first began planting grapes in 1986 but didn’t open to the public until 1993. Now, the winery offers about 25 handcrafted wines, ciders, spirits and blends that can please any palate. The facility’s cooking classes and wine dinners both feature Chateau Chantal’s wines. The wine dinners also source a certain percentage of ingredients from local Michigan farms. The winery changes the menus seasonally to give visitors an excuse to visit again. Because it uses local ingredients and pairs them with its own wines, many of the dishes served are cooked with wine. Private wine dinners work well for groups of 36, while the facility’s cooking classes are best for smaller groups of about 12 people. The cooking classes are very hands-on. Guests will show up in the afternoon and stay for five or six hours. The chef tells participants what they are preparing, such as homemade pasta, and then splits them up into groups to do their part in contributing to the meal. At the end of the day, they eat the meal they prepared paired with Chateau Chantal’s wines. C H AT E AU C H A N TA L .C O M

BY KYLE BROWNLEY, COURTESY CHATEAU CHANTAL

OCTOBER 2023

Sparks Burger Co.

COURTESY SPARKS BURGER CO.

Spa rk’s Bu rger Co. Ma n h att a n , K a n sa s

Genevieve McGregor founded Spark’s Burger Co. in Manhattan, Kansas, in early 2023 as a way to “go back to our roots and support what is important to all of us, taking care of our community,” she said. McGregor was upset with how most fast-food burger joints source their food and the toll industrial agriculture takes on communities and the environment. As a vegetarian, McGregor believes if a person is going to eat meat, they should do it as humanely as possible. She partners with local ranchers who practice regenerative agriculture, which means they grow crops and raise animals in a way that works with nature, not against it. All of the restaurant’s meat, cheese and eggs are sourced from meat and dairy farms within a 100-mile radius of the establishment. The restaurant welcomes group travelers, but it doesn’t have a set group menu. Instead, everyone in the group can choose from its menu of classic hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, fried pickle chips, sweet potato waffle fries, malts, floats and sodas. As an appetizer, many groups like to begin with large orders of fries with their choice of dipping sauces — which include Spark Sauce, Spark’s Creamy BBQ Sauce, Wildfire Sauce, ranch, chipotle ranch, sriracha honey ketchup and hickory honey mustard — before they dig into their main courses. S PA R K S B U R G E R .C O

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Wildlife Winners THE HEARTL AND IS HOME TO ACCL AIMED SANCTUARIES B Y PA U L A AV E N G L A D Y C H

rom traditional zoos and animal sanctuaries to drive-through wildlife parks, America’s Heartland is full of distinctive wildlife adventures for groups. Here are five spectacular options that offer a guided and personalized experiences that enable group travelers to learn about wild animals, their natural environments and how humans can help conserve these wonderful creatures.

Hen r y Vi la s Zoo Ma d i son , Wi scon si n

The Wilds in southeast Ohio COURTESY THE WILDS

Opened in 1911 with a donation from the Vilas family, the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, is one of a handful of free zoos across the Midwest. It sits on 28 acres and is home to 100 animal species, including 30 endangered or vulnerable ones. The zoo’s Tropical Rainforest Aviary is a free-flight aviary that gives visitors a chance to experience the beauty of birds, tropical plants and fish. Playful otters and capybaras also have a home there. Other exhibits include North American Prairie, Arctic Passage and Wisconsin Heritage, as well as a primate house, big cats and a herpetarium for cold-blooded creatures such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. Group visitors can sign up for behind-the-scenes tours offered seasonally from March through November. The Arctic Passage tour takes visitors through the zoo’s historic bear tunnel and offers a view from behind the polar bear exhibit. Then it takes visitors to the pump room to learn about the zoo’s extensive water-filtration system. The Shell Yeah tour teaches groups about turtles and tortoises. They can meet one of the zoo’s ambassador turtles and go inside the tortoise enclosure for a personal encounter with these large reptiles.

COURTESY COMO PARK ZOO

The conservatory at Como Park African Adventure takes visitors to the giraffe and rhino barns and gives them a chance to get up close and personal with both species. For larger groups, the zoo can arrange 30-minute presentations featuring live animals and information about zoo careers, animal classification, adaptations, predator-prey relationships, natural history and behavior. H E N RY V I L A S ZO O.G OV

COURTESY COMO PARK ZOO

Opened in 1911 with a donation from the Vilas family, the Henry Vilas Zoo in

An animal encounter at Henry Vilas Zoo

Madison, Wisconsin, is one of a handful of free zoos across the Midwest.

Henry Vilas Zoo COURTESY HENRY VILAS ZOO

COURTESY HENRY VILAS ZOO

Como Pa rk Zoo a nd Con ser vat or y St . Pau l , M i n nesot a

Travelers can see exotic animals up close at St. Paul’s Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

Como Park Zoo got its start in 1897, when the City of St. Paul fenced in a pasture in Como Park to hold three deer that had been gifted to it. By 1900, visitors to the zoo could see deer, elk, foxes and two Cebu cattle. The zoo has continued to grow and expand over the years to encompass a bear grotto, a seal island, a large-cat exhibit, an aquatic-animal building, a primate facility and an African hoofstock facility. Today, marque features include the Land and Water Bird Exhibit, Polar Bear Odyssey, Gorilla Forest (with the largest all-mesh gorilla enclosure in North America) and the Giraffe Feeding Station. The Como Park Conservatory opened in 1915. Through the years, the facility has added a sunken garden, fern room, and an orchid house and pollinator exhibit. Orway Gardens opened in 2013, creating yearround viewing of Como’s acclaimed bonsai collection and the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Gardens. The conservatory hosts a Japanese lantern lighting festival every year on the third Sunday of August to celebrate Japanese arts, music, martial arts, food, dance and traditions. Younger visitors will enjoy the Mission Safari Maze, a bilingual, multi-layered adventure maze that shows how even the most insignificant wildlife, such as mosquitos, play an important role in human survival. The facility offers many classes, tours and experiences for adults, including up-close encounters with many plants and animals. C O M OZO O C O N S E RVATO RY.O R G

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Como Park Zoo got its start in 1897, when the City of St. Paul fenced in a pasture in Como Park to hold three deer that had been gifted to it. The Como Park Conservatory opened in 1915. G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M

The Wi ld s C u m b erla nd , Oh io

The Wilds is a wildlife conservation center that is home to rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and other rare and endangered species. It is affiliated with the Columbus Zoo but is about two hours away on 10,000 acres of reclaimed strip-mined land in southeastern Ohio. The center’s layout allows visitors to see many species of animals interacting with each other as they would in the wild. Visitors can take tours of the property in a customized open-air vehicle with trained safari guides who will share facts about the rare and endangered species that roam, feed and play across the 10,000-acre property. Tours are about two hours. Sunset tours are also available. Wildlife safaris go off road in a customized four-wheel drive truck that takes guests closer to the animals. Secrets of the Zoo tours take place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and are led by a star of the hit show of the same name on National Geographic. Visitors who want to experience the beauty of The Wilds via horseback can take a 45-minute ride on land adjacent to the wildlife area Thrill seekers will want to take the zipline tour over the wildlife. The course features 10 ziplines, a rappelling area and a series of observation platforms, where visitors can view the safari animals below.

BY ALYSSA HEI, COURTESY LAKE CO. COC

A group enjoying the Wilds at nightfall COURTESY THE WILDS

White rhinos at the Wilds

T H E W I L D S .O R G

TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO SIKESTON

BY GRAHM S. JONES, COURTESY THE WILDS

Yule Log Cabin Wreath Shop

Enjoy great restaurants, shopping and fun events! Fall & Holiday Events Oktoberfest - Oct 7 Holiday Open House - Nov 10-11 Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade - Dec 1 Santa at the Depot - Dec 2 Santa's Village - Dec 1-31 Christmas Church Tour of Scott Co. - Dec 15 tourism@sikeston.net for details and amenities

Attractions Yule Log Cabin (100's of decorated trees) Historic Downtown District River Ridge Winery Beggs Family Farm Apple Ridge Orchard Lambert’s Cafe & much more!

A youth camp experience at the Wilds in southeast Ohio BY GRAHM S. JONES, COURTESY THE WILDS

@visitsikestonmo

OCTOBER 2023

L ee G. Si m mon s Wi ld l i fe Sa fa r i Pa rk A sh la nd , Nebra sk a

A family enjoying Lee G. Simmons A group enjoying the Wilds at nightfallWildlife Safari Park COURTESY NEBRASKA TOURISM

Waterfowl crossing at the safari park

Driving through Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, visitors can get up close to all kinds of animals, from bison, wolves and elk to cheetahs, tigers and eagles. Groups of 50 or more receive a group discount, and hop-on guides are available to narrate the one-hour ride through the park. Passing through Bison Plains, visitors will see some of North America’s largest mammals. They can get out at Wolf Canyon to observe the gray wolves and American black bears from an overlook. The safari park is also home to the Hands-On Corral, where visitors can see barnyard favorites. About 70 American Elk roam the 50-acre Lee and Helene Sapp Family Elk Meadows, and white-tailed deer graze across the 10-acre Deer Woods. Available by advanced booking, backstage experiences include a visit to the park’s state-of-the-art Cheetah Conservation Breeding Facility or the Tiger Conservation Breeding Center. Guests learn how the park cares for its cheetahs and tigers and why conservation is so important. Keeper talks are held daily at 2 p.m., and for those who want to explore further, the two-mile trails at Wolf Woods or Frog Lake offer the perfect opportunities. W I L D L I F E S A FA R I PA R K .C O M

COURTESY NEBRASKA TOURISM

NEW Off The Beaten Path 3 day-2 night Group Experience Immerse your group into the simple, picturesque splendor of Shipshewana, Indiana, the heart of Amish Country. Meet local business owners in their small, cottage-industry shops. Watch demonstrations. Craft your own hands-on basket or peanut butter. Delight in evening entertainment and traditional Amish food. Your group will make memories embracing the simpler life and love every minute! Tour highlights include: • NEW Shipshe Scavenger Hunt • Dutch Creek Animal Park • Blue Gate Dinner & Concert or Musical entertainment • NEW Flea Bag Trail Flea Market Fun • Carousel Ride • Amish Rug Weaver, Leather Maker, Basket Weaver, General Store and in-home meal Contact Judy McConnell Group Sales Manager for custom itineraries!

260.768.4008 judy@lagrangecountycvb.org visitshipshewana.org/groups

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

Bla ck P i ne A n i m a l Sa nctua r y A l bion , I nd ia n a

Some of the 60 species of animals at the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Indiana

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary started as a roadside zoo in the 1980s. The couple who owned it took in wild and exotic animals that had been surrendered for various reasons. When the owners divorced in 2001, a nonprofit community group took over running the sanctuary. They expanded it in 2006, when the Noble County 4-H Club leased its current location to the group. The sanctuary now houses more than 60 species of animals, reptiles and birds. The facility was accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in 2019, meaning that it doesn’t buy, sell, breed or trade the animals that call the sanctuary home. The sanctuary has six tigers (four of which were seized by the Department of Justice from the “Tiger King” zoo), a cougar, bears, wolf dogs and a serval, a savannah cat native to Africa. Its reptiles include a Burmese python, an alligator, iguanas, snakes, geckos and a blue tongue skink. The facility also has a variety of tropical birds and some domestic animals, such as donkeys, mules and a potbelly pig. Group visitors can take a 90-minute guided tour of the grounds with a knowledgeable guide who will share individual stories and the history of the animals, information about their species and insight into the operations of a true animal sanctuary. B P S A N C T UA RY.O R G

PHOTOS COURTESY BLACK PINE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN JUST ONE CLICK Travelers want rich, authentic, and meaningful experiences. As travel professionals, we need to ensure we use travel as a force for good. Discover hands-on cultural experiences, impact organizations, sustainable products and more through the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map.

Explore meaningful travel at tourismcares.org/meaningful-map

C TAlaska O B E RNative 2 0 2 3Heritage Center to explore the preservation of the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration and education. Pictured: VisitOthe