Select Traveler July August 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

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EAST TEXAS TWO-STEP

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T SWING MUSEUMS THA AT

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FRENCH RIVIERA MAR QU VEL S H O EE WC

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THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

select THEATER and

ENTERTAINMENT

T R A V E L E R

VOL.24 NO.4

JULY/AUGUST 2016

FRENCH RIVIERA: AN ELITE RETREAT

By Mac Lacy

contents

ON THE COVER: The residents of the French Riviera in Nice, France, embrace color with their boats, buildings and artistic way of life.

14 30 in OKC

theater & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

checking in: CAROLYN GRIEVE

toolbox: known for: marketing: FAM TOUR STAR TIPS ATTRACTIONS

COMFORT & CULTURE

career: WORKING PROS

10 12 38 46 48 STACEY BOWMAN

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL ELIZA MYERS HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS DAVID BROWN CHRISTINE CLOUGH ASHLEY RICKS KELLY TYNER

4

Founder and Publisher Partner Executive Editor Associate Editor Senior Writer Creative Director Art Director Copy Editor Circulation Manager Director of Sales & Marketing

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888.253.0455

STACE Y@ BANK TR AVELMANAGEMENT.COM

WHAT’S NEW

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Select Traveler, the Magazine for Bank, Alumni and Chamber Travel Planners, is published bimonthly by The Group Travel Leader, Inc., 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507 and is distributed free of charge to qualified travel program directors throughout the United States. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies, may subscribe to Select Traveler by sending a check for $49 for one year to: Select Traveler, Circulation Department, 301 East High Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507. 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.

NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES: If your copy of Select Traveler should be mailed to another manager in your organization, or if you personally know another travel director who is not receiving Select Traveler, please send your correction to: Select Traveler, 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, or call (859) 2530455.

P U B L I S H E R ’ S

perspective

W

hat makes a good tour director? Who are these people who enjoy the challenge of ìherding catsî for a week in a foreign country? While some of us can barely manage the human dynamics of traveling with our spouse, how can others be up for the challenge of handling two dozen strangers who meet each other in a foreign airport?

On my recent trip to the French Riviera with Collette, I met a very good tour director named Becky Regan, a young woman who fielded endless questions, used the native language without a trace of superiority, and who never let us see her sweat.

Colletteís Spotlight of Nice tour offered a more in-depth look into a single destination than traditional tours that move from city to city in Europe. I asked Becky if it drew a different crowd as a result. ìAbsolutely,î she said. ìThese Spotlight trips are perfect for people who want more free time. You wonít get this much time in one place on a traditional tour. ìThe travelers who do these are generally more experienced and may be returning to a place they want more time in. Theyíve been to Europe before ó probably several times. ìWe have people on this trip who have done a lot of preparation and have an itinerary planned for all their free time,î she said. ìWhile this probably appeals to younger travelers, I think itís actually more personality-driven than age-driven.î Regan guides domestic trips as well, but she has a weak spot for France. ìIíve always loved France,î she said. ìIt begins with the language. I could swear at you in French and it would sound beautiful!î Regan came of age as a tour director this past November when Paris suffered terrorist attacks that killed dozens. ìI was in Paris with a group at the time,î she said. ìOur office at home was in constant touch and let me make my best decisions on behalf of our travelers. I reassured them that we were going to be fine, and not one person left that trip.î At the companyís request, Regan shared her experience at a staff gathering afterward. ìIíve gained a lot of confidence in myself as a result, and Iíve always been supported by our company no matter where I am,î she said.

Then she smiled and said what you want to hear from your tour director: ìThere isnít much that fazes me now.î

Email me anytime with your thoughts at maclacy@grouptravelleader.com.

Mac Lacy 6

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P L A N N E R S

T A L K

B A C K

what memorable outdoor experience have you had with your group?

PAT ANDERSON DIRECTOR AND TRAVEL COORDINATOR | NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TRAVEL PROGRAM DEKALB, ILLINOIS ìOn our travel program in Turkey, we had an opportunity to take a hot-air balloon ride. Traveling at heights up to 1,500 feet, I felt peace, effortlessly drifting over the deep canyons, lush fertile valleys and dramatic volcanic landscape of Cappadocia. The combination of amazing scenery below and the explosion of color of almost 100 decorative balloons all around us was absolutely spectacular.î

LINDA JOHNSON TRIUMPH TRAVEL CLUB DIRECTOR | TRIUMPH COMMUNITY BANK EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS ìOn Phillip Island, in Victoria, Australia, we gasped as the first ëscoutí penguin leapt from the water and onto the beach to see if it was safe for the others. Taking turns, several penguins sprung out of the water, but quickly leapt back to the safety of the sea. Once they deemed it safe, we sat mesmerized as thousands of penguins shot onto the beach and paraded past us on the way to their burrows. Though we may travel to exciting locations and view amazing cities, an up-close encounter with nature is always thrilling.î

LOIS BAX VICE PRESIDENT | CENTRAL BANK CLASSIC JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI ìIn 30 years of travel, I have had so many amazing outdoor experiences. I raced snowmobiles in Yellowstone, hiked a rain forest in Costa Rica, walked down the steps to the Ganges River in India, planted trees in Kenya and saw penguins in the Falklands. All are incredible experiences, but best of all is the sharing of those experiences with customers.î

JENNIFER BOHAC DIRECTOR, TRAVEL PROGRAMS | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS ìOn a safari to Tanzania and Rwanda, I was the most excited about the gorilla trek we did in Rwanda. It was my first time to do a gorilla trek, and it was life changing. To be in the middle of a family of mountain gorillas was amazing. It was fascinating to see their interactions and how they live.î

RANDY CALAGUAS HERITAGE CLUB MANAGING OFFICER | FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK MASON CITY, IOWA ìOn a Kenai Fjords boat tour in Alaska, I thought the highlight was going to be the glaciers. What I had not anticipated was the unbelievable sea life we would encounter. Our group was literally hanging over the railing of the boat as pods of orcas and humpback whales jumped, fluked, breached and all around performed a show that Cirque du Soleil could not have choreographed better.î J U LY / A U G U S T

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FEEDING GIRAFFES AT THE ZOO WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TOUR ‘TIL WE HIT THE DESSERT TRAY AT SCHMIDT’S

Great tours are Made in Cbus. Pair a visit to the zoo Jack Hanna calls home with a cream puff at iconic Schmidt’s in historic German Village. As a leader in experiential tours, Columbus is a perfect fit for a group of any size (or taste)!

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checking in CAROLYN GRIEVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/ ADVENTURE COORDINATOR

W I T H

C A R O L Y N

G R I E V E

ARVEST BANK BENTON COUNTY B E L L A V I S TA , A R K A N S A S What began as the purchase of the Bank of Bentonville in 1961 became today’s Arvest Bank, currently located in more than 120 communities. With over $15 billion in assets, the bank is currently the largest in Arkansas, ranked by deposits. The travel program is open to all Benton County customers, with 125 participating in 2015.

Born: Denver Education: Business accounting degree Employment: Grieve spent 20 years as a real estate broker before she joined the Real Estate Appraisal Division of Arvest Bank. Switching focuses, Grieve accepted her current position at the bank two years ago.

Family: Five brothers, three sisters and four lovable dogs Hobbies: Grieve inherited a green thumb for gardening from her dad, who was a professional landscaper and nature lover. She also enjoys golf and walking her dogs.

BY ELIZA MYERS

A

fter a hectic day that pulled her out of the office until almost 5 p.m., Carolyn Grieve noticed an email announcing an opening in the business development department at Arvest Bank. She was intrigued. Grieve already worked at the bank and had been on the lookout for an opportunity to move to a different department.

“It didn’t say much about the position, except that it closed at 5,” said Grieve, business development and adventure coordinator for Arvest Bank Benton County in Belle Vista, Arkansas. “Barbara Sullivan, who’d been there for 23 years, was retiring. Since she obviously liked it, I applied, although I didn’t know what it was.”

Over the course of four interviews, Grieve learned more about the

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Grieve’s Arvest Bank group embraces fun even while on the motorcoach.

position. Though she had no previous experience in travel planning, she leaped at the chance to manage the bank’s travel club.

Two years after applying for the job on a whim, Grieve has shaken things up at the Arvest Bank’s travel club with outside-the-box trips and new initiatives designed to grow participation and loyalty.

LE A R N I N G C U RV E With a professional landscaper for a father, Grieve learned the gratification of seeing things grow when she was a child. The patience involved in nurturing plants aided Grieve during her first few months of leading the bank’s loyalty program.

Although Grieve had spent most of her career as a real estate broker in Bella Vista, she felt enthusiastic about moving from the bank’s Real Estate Appraisal Division to business development.

“I thought the position sounded like fun,” said Grieve. “I was ready

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to tackle a new project. I went into it knowing I was going to give it my best shot to build the program and do a better job than anyone else.”

Not only had Grieve never planned group trips, she also hadn’t traveled much. A boss who was unfamiliar with the program also complicated matters.

“It was so new to my boss, too, because he had been given the responsibility for this right before he gave it to me,” said Grieve. “After my first month, I knew as much as he knew. It was a little like the blind leading the blind.”

She first gained real confidence in her job during the Missouri Bank Travel Conference, which she attended because of Bella Vista’s proximity to the Missouri border. She also soon found value in the Select Traveler Conference.

“The conferences were very informative and gave me an opportunity to see what was available in travel,” said Grieve. “Select Traveler shed a new light on the job, because it reached farther geographically than Missouri.”

M IX ING I T UP When looking over the bank’s past trips, Grieve noticed something important.

“It came to me that all of our trips have traditionally gone during the week, but the only people that can go during the week are retirees,” said Grieve. “So I put together my first nontraditional trip in May on a Saturday night. It’s designed for the person who can’t go at other times.”

Experimentation paid off, since the tour attracted ages from 41 to 93, with about 50 percent of the participants still in the workforce.

“I was surprised by that, because it tells me that those 40- and 50-year-olds want to be involved,” said Grieve. “So I need to plan some trips that meet their needs as well.”

After sticking to trips within 500 miles at first, Grieve has also begun testing how far her group will travel. She booked a four-day September tour to Clarksville, Tennessee, with other similar trips planned for the future.

“It’s my first partnership with a tour company,” said Grieve. “So far, it’s been a very pleasant experience. It already seems like it has been very well received. I have other larger trips planned. If they are successful trips, I will continue to expand.”

CRAFTING MEMORIES Recently, Grieve used the lowly penny to infuse more fun into a trip. She challenged her travelers to partner with their seatmate for a scavenger hunt that looked for items such as a penny with a particular date range.

“We always play some unique games,” said Grieve. “It’s kind of fun, because it builds a little bit of camaraderie among the group.”

Grieve strives to make the trips ones that club members will remember. She started handing out “brag books” after her tours with photos, passenger contact information and a chronicle of the trip’s activities.

“I started realizing it was the same few people on most of the trips,” said Grieve. “When I started asking around, I learned the bankers weren’t that familiar with the travel club. Because I was new and unproven, I worked really hard to get the word out. I created a brag book travelers could tell their neighbors and friends about.”

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The books serve as a memory tool for her customers. Many reported the books not only reminded them of the trip but also helped them stay in touch with people they met during tours.

Soon, Grieve had a number of people call to say they had seen someone else’s brag book and wanted to know more.

“You offer travel programs to your customers for a reason,” said Grieve. “You want them to remember your bank and talk highly about it. The only way you do that is if everyone knows about the program.”

T R A V E L

tips

• Be creative. Tailor events that will appeal to different segments of your market.

• Pay attention to detail. Customers like knowing everything is taken care of, but they also like knowing you won’t miss a trick when it comes to assuring their good time, safety and comfort.

• Make your customers part of the program. Let them know the importance of telling others about the fun they have. Let them make suggestions for improvement.

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T R A V E L

T O O L B O X

make the most of your FAM

S

BY B RIA N JE WE L L

pend enough time planning travel for your bank, university or chamber of commerce group and sooner or later you’ll be invited on a familiarization tour. These trips, called FAMs in industry jargon, are free or mostly free trips offered by destinations or tour operators to help you learn about their products, with the hope that you will return with a group.

FAMs are a great way to broaden your travel horizons and get new destination ideas. They can also be fast-paced affairs with long days and a lot of time on the road. In order to best maximize the return you get on your time and effort, keep these best practices in mind when you attend FAM trips.

BR ING AN O PEN M IND FAM tours are designed to expose you to new travel ideas, so if your mind isnít open to new things, youíre likely to find the trip unproductive. New destinations will often have experiences, attractions and challenges that your travelers havenít encountered in other places. Donít write off opportunities just because they are unfamiliar to you or your group. Instead, embrace new experiences and leverage your new firsthand knowledge to convince reluctant travelers to expand their horizons as well.

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LEAV E SPACE IN YOUR SU ITCA SE When you go on a FAM tour, youíre likely to meet a lot of representatives from hotels, attractions, destinations and other tourism organizations who are helping the hosts put on the tour. Often, they will have information packets, brochures, small gifts and other items for you. If you havenít allowed enough extra room in your suitcase or carry-on for these items, youíll have to leave them behind and miss out on the benefit of information gathering.

DOCUMENT YOUR JOU R NEY Since your hosts will want to show you as much as they can in a short amount of time, FAM trips are always busier than regular tours. Because of this fast pace, you canít count on your memory alone to keep track of important details

ENGAGE AND A SK QUESTION S

and interesting facts. To make the most of your

Nobody knows the needs, in-

experience, take notes as you go, jotting down

terests and priorities of your travel

any important information, prices, contacts, etc.

group better than you do. Hosts,

And donít forget to take photos and videos as

guides and salespeople can pro-

well, which could entice travelers at home to

vide general information about their

come to the destination on one of your trips.

destinations and products during a FAM, but you can maximize your trip by asking follow-up questions and digging for details that might be especially important for your travelers.

WOR K HAR D AN D BE PR OFESSIONAL

Sometimes, your questions might

In the travel business, the line between work and play can be fuzzy.

ideas they would not have consid-

And while youíre likely to do a lot of fun things as part of FAM tours, itís

even give travel providers interesting

ered by themselves.

important to remember that these trips are not vacations. You are there to do business, and since your hosts have gone through a lot of time and expense to put the trip on for you, itís important to be professional, punctual and attentive, even when the days are long. In the end, a positive attitude and earnest energy will help you make the trip worthwhile.

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CURTAIN calls

The artistic acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil continue to thrill groups at shows around the world.

Courtesy Cirque du Soleil

THEATER and ENTERTAINMENT

theatrical offerings abound in the coming year

BY RACHEL CARTER

W

hether it’s Moses parting the Red Sea, a Na’vi youth soaring over the world of Pandora or three blue men making music with objects that were never intended to be instruments, theater brings art to life and transports audiences. Blue Man Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and Cirque du Soleil is closing in on its 40th original production, while Broadway expects the 2016-17 season to break last year’s record-setting season.

Here are some theater highlights that are lighting up stages around the country this year and beyond.

“This one is so powerful; it’s awe-inspiring, and I don’t say that about many shows,” she said.

“All Hands on Deck” at the Dutton Family Theater retells the story of the real-life Victory Caravan in 1942, and “Reza’s Edge of Illusion” brings Reza’s signature magic to the stage at the Starlite Theatre.

One show that isn’t new but is “back by popular demand” is “Million Dollar Quartet,” running at Welk Resort Theatre through December.

The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical tells the true story of the night Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins jammed together at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

WWW.EXPLOREBRANSON.COM

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Never before has Hallmark — yes, the same Hallmark behind the greeting cards and family films — mounted a Broadway-style musical with a live orchestra. “Maxine’s Christmas Carol” will be Hallmark’s first theatrical production when it opens Nov. 1 at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center. For more than three decades, Maxine has been Hallmark’s lovable curmudgeon, gracing products with her brassy, sassy sayings, and now the “crabby complainer” will have her own version of the Charles Dickens classic, said Lynn Berry, director of communications for the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sight and Sound Theatres, which is known for its visually stunning productions of Biblical stories, opened “Moses” in March, and most performances have been sell outs. The show will run through December and return in March 2017 for an eight-month run. The theater’s special effects “bring the Bible to life on stage,” Berry said. The audience will see the parting of the Red Sea, the River Nile, the burning bush and the pharaoh’s palace.

“THIS ONE IS SO POWERFUL; IT’S AWE-INSPIRING, AND I DON’T SAY THAT ABOUT MANY SHOWS.” — LYNN BERRY

“Moses” from Sight and Sound Theatres Photos courtesy Branson/Lakes Area CVB

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NEW ON BROADWAY

There’s been one word on Broadway lately: Hamilton.

“It’s ‘Hamilton’ mania,” said Stephanie Lee, president and co-owner of Broadway.com. “It’s cast such a broad net on Broadway, and we’re seeing a new audience because of it.”

Although “Hamilton” has been a boon for Broadway, which had a record-setting 2015-16 season, selling more than 13.3 million tickets, “we look to next season for even more” theatergoers and new hits, Lee said.

“Dear Evan Hansen” is already “teeing up as the next hot ticket,” she said. The show premiered in 2015 in Washington, D.C., and opened Off-Broadway in March to record-setting audiences. It was fast-tracked to Broadway and will premier in November at the Belasco Theatre. The original musical follows socially awkward teen Evan Hansen, played by Ben Platt of the “Pitch Perfect” movies, as he gets tangled up in a web of social mores and social media surrounding a tragedy.

“Come From Away” is slated to open on Broadway in spring 2017 at an undetermined theater.

The musical is based on the true story of the 10,000-person town of Gander, Newfoundland, which found itself playing host to the world on Sept. 11, 2001, as 38 flights were diverted to Gander International Airport after the terrorist attacks in New York City.

“It’s about this small town that was basically turned into an international sleepover and how this community comes together to accommodate thousands of people from all over the world,” Lee said. “It’s a very heartfelt story about what grew out of a global tragedy.”

Producers are resurrecting three heavy-hitters this season, including “Cats,” opening on Broadway in August, and “Miss Saigon,” coming to Broadway in spring 2017. But perhaps the most anticipated is producer Scott Rudin’s revival of “Hello, Dolly!” headlined by Bette Midler. David Hyde Pierce will join the production, which is the first Broadway revival of the show since 1995 and is slated to start previews in March at the Shubert Theatre.

WWW.BROADWAY.COM

“IT’S ABOUT THIS SMALL TOWN THAT WAS BASICALLY TURNED INTO AN INTERNATIONAL SLEEPOVER AND HOW THIS COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO ACCOMMODATE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.” — STEPHANIE LEE

“Come From Away” will debut on Broadway in spring 2017.

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B LU E M A N GROUP

Phil Stanton, Chris Wink and Matt Goldman first debuted their Blue Man concept in 1991 on the streets of New York, but “it would be very kind to call them performances,” Stanton said. “They were more humorous happenings or human statements.” For example, they set up velvet ropes on the sidewalk across the street from the hottest and hardest to get into nightclub in town.

“We didn’t really know what the Blue Man would do at first,” he said.

Now, 25 years later, Stanton and his cofounders are amazed at what Blue Man Group has done: resident shows in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Boston and Orlando; a world tour that kicked off in March; a U.S. tour that’s wrapping up this summer after nearly six years on the road; its third studio album; and a book that will be on shelves in October.

When the show debuted at Astor Place Theatre in 1991, Stanton built a lot of props and instruments to be easily broken down and carried out because he figured they wouldn’t be there very long. (The show’s still there.) The group originally viewed itself sort of like a band with three members. But after Stanton injured his thumb and couldn’t perform, there was an “aha moment,” he said. Someone else had to go on, and Stanton said they realized it’s “not about us at all. The very nature of the Blue Man is that he’s an everyman; he’s egoless.” That realization led to expansion, which means up to 50 Blue Men are performing at any given time.

“Three,” which was released in April, features 14 instrumental tracks that blend EDM (electronic dance music) with Blue Man’s signature acoustic and tribal sound. The book “Blue Man World” is written from observers’ perspectives — some fictional, some not — to examine Blue Man Group’s process while mixing in truth, humor and plenty of “poking

The Blue Man Group uses visual spectacles to wow audiences.

Photos by Paul Kolnik, courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

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“Toruk”

fun at ourselves,” Stanton said, along with tons of photos, artwork, illustrations and fun informational graphs. And there’s more to come.

“Even though we’re 25 years in, we’re still at the beginning of what this character can do,” Stanton said. “We feel like we’re at the first fifth of the story.”

WWW.BLUEMAN.COM

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

By Errisson Lawrence

Elaborate set of “Toruk”

Cirque du Soleil’s “Luzia” Photos courtesy Cirque du Soleil

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Since its beginnings in 1984 as a troupe of performers on the streets of Quebec cities, Cirque du Soleil has mounted nearly 40 original productions that have toured around the globe.

“Paramour,” which opened at the Lyric Theatre in May, is Cirque’s first production created especially for Broadway and is essentially a “Cirque du Soleil musical.” The show doesn’t back away from the classic Cirque spectacle — it includes all the signature acrobatics and special effects — but also integrates songs, a linear storyline and actors performing in English, according to spokesman Aaron Meier. “Paramour” is set in the dazzling world of Golden Age Hollywood and follows a young actress as she struggles to choose between love and art.

In another first for Cirque du Soleil, “Toruk — The First Flight” is a “completely different show” for the company, said spokeswoman Laura Silverman. It’s the first time Cirque has created a show inspired by a film, in this case James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar.” It’s also the first and only Cirque show with an English-speaking narrator. The rest of the cast speaks Na’vi, the tribal language created for the movie.

“Toruk” is a prequel to the film, so people need not have seen Avatar to appreciate the story. And the show delivers plenty of acrobatics and

By Errisson Lawrence

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LivinĂ­ It Up All Season Long!

-XO\ 6HSW Dolly Partonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lumberjack Adventure Courtesy Lumberjack Adventure

stunning visuals: projections of scenery that cover the arena ďŹ&#x201A;oor, large-scale puppets and indoor kites. The show had its soft opening in November with an ofďŹ cial world premier in December in Montreal. Cirqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touring shows typically have a lifespan of four or ďŹ ve years, Silverman said, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Torukâ&#x20AC;? will tour North America well into 2017, announcing new markets about six months in advance.

Cirque unveiled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luziaâ&#x20AC;? in April in Montreal, and the new touring production will open at the Port Lands in Toronto on July 28.

The name comes from the fusing of two Spanish words â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;luzâ&#x20AC;? for light and â&#x20AC;&#x153;lluviaâ&#x20AC;? for rain â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luzia,â&#x20AC;? set in an imaginary place in Mexico, is ďŹ lled with both. Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich culture and colorful inďŹ&#x201A;uences serve as the backdrop for Cirqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 38th original production, with a cast of 44 artists from 15 countries.

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LU M B E RJ AC K ADVE N TU R E PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE

The Queen of Country is at it again. Dolly Parton is expanding her entertainment empire with the opening of Dolly Partonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lumberjack Adventure, which will join her other Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, attractions: Dollywood, Dollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Splash Country waterpark and Dolly Partonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dixie Stampede dinner theater.

Parton was on hand for the lumberjack-theme dinner showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony in May, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can promise youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen another show like this in town before.â&#x20AC;?

The show includes acrobatics and aerial performances along with feats of skill and strength that show off lumberjacksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; logging abilities. Last year, World Choice Investments bought the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show and reopened it as Lumberjack Adventure with new sets and state-of-the-art special effects.

WWW.LUMBERJACKADVENTURE.COM

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Carefree in NICE

A week can last a NICE UP CLOSE

BY MAC LACY

A

uthenticity makes for great travel. By that measure, my trip to the French Riviera could not have gotten off to a better start.

O h night i h off our arrival i l ffor a C ll S li h tour On the Collette Spotlight in Nice, several of us had drinks in the Hotel Ellington after our dinner at Restaurant Barracuda. A young Frenchman came over and invited us to join his group. They were outside in the hotel courtyard, so we cleared our tab and joined them.

Becky Regan, our tour director; Yumi Kim, a traveler from New Jersey; and I sat with them and had lengthy conversations about France and America. Two of our French companions, both young professionals, had been to the United States and loved it. They said America represents freedom to them. They associate our country with the open road and independence.

One was concerned about the recent incidents in Paris and the resulting need for visible security in the form of strolling soldiers or police. He felt the country’s “joie de vivre” had taken a hit.

The three of us assured him that the bohemian beauty and laissezfaire charm of his country was still apparent to us. Truthfully, the occasional appearance of uniformed security at the airport or in a busy square was reassuring to me.

I was tthrilled to be doing this Spotlight tour because I had been wanting tto try an immersion trip that offered lots of free time and focused on a single city. The leisurely pace meant we had breakfast on our own in the hotel each morning and didn’t depart as a group until 9:30 or sso. Anyone who wanted to go for a run or workout had plenty of time to do so.

Our first full day, Becky walked us through the heart of this seaside cit city, the fourth largest in France. The Cote d’Azur (Blue Coast) stretch stretches along the southeastern coast of France and includes other resort destinations like St. Tropez, Cannes and Monaco. The Mediterranea ranean’s sparkling blue waters illuminate every aspect of life here.

Ou Our point of reference for navigating Nice was Avenue Jean Medicin, tthe retail artery that leads through town to the Promenade des Angl Anglais, a bustling beachfront thoroughfare that follows the Mediterrane ranean coast. Along the Promenade, sunbathers gather on the rocky bea beach and enjoy drinks in open-air bars.

We strolled through Old Town Nice, where shops and cafes crowd na narrow streets. We visited its heralded flower market and finished up on the Promenade, where Becky turned us loose for the afternoon.

“Remember,” she said. “Sometimes in Old Town the shops close b between noon and 2 so the owners can have a nice lunch.” Just then, a cannon went off from high above us on Castle Hill, the city’s fortificcation landmark that dates to the third century. “That’s the midday cannon shot,” said Becky. “That’s been a daily tradition since 1861 — ever since a Scottish lord fired a cannon at noon to remind his wife he wanted his lunch.”

Yumi wanted oysters for lunch and one of the Frenchmen the night before had recommended Café de Turin near Garibaldi Square. We made our way back through Old Town and over to that century-old streetside eatery. The oysters were superb. They originated from Brittany on the northwest coast of France and were meaty and delicious.

Afterward, I found a city bus and spent the rest of the day around the Matisse Museum. Henri Matisse lived and worked in Nice from 1817 until 1854 and personally donated many of the museum’s pieces, which include paintings, drawings, tapestries and sculptures. It rests high atop a hill in the neighborhood of Cimiez, where a large public park draws picnickers and old men play bocce. Matisse is buried nearby at the Cimiez Monastery.

That evening, I found a busy outdoor café on Rue Massena, a dining nexus off Avenue Jean Medicin, and ordered an ink squid risotto with Opposite page: Pastel hues and open-air cafés highlight a walk through Old Town Nice.

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Artwork by Donia Simmons

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lifetime on the

French Riviera •

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This fountain still serves St. Paul de Vence.

Fleur

Sails of all sizes grace Nice’s crowded harbor.

Photos by Mac Lacy

scallops. I’d never had an ink squid dish, and when it arrived, it was the blackest plate of food I’ve ever seen. It was so black I wondered if the table next to me was discussing it. I devoured the scallops and did what I could with the black risotto.

THE RICH AND FAMOUS “The Grimaldis have ruled Monaco for 700 years — ever since a lord declared himself a prince,” said Becky, as we arrived in Monaco Ville, Monaco. “Some of you may want to stroll through town and do a little window licking. That’s French for window shopping.”

I’m not much for window licking, so I headed over to the Oceanographic Museum, which has lifelong ties to French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, and spent an hour or so.

Upon arrival in Monte Carlo, Monaco, several in our group went to the Monte Carlo Casino, but a few of us stayed outside to watch Sunday drivers in sports cars rumble through the park. A huge terrace bar sits opposite the casino and the nearby Hotel de Paris. Like hundreds of others on this gorgeous afternoon, we had a beer and watched the constant parade of Porsches, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and misguided Hondas.

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Artwork by Donia Simmons

We arrived for dinner that evening in Eze, but a mist rolled in before we could get clear views of the vistas from this penultimate perch on the sea. This tiny medieval enclave corkscrews up a steep mountainside some 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean. Its galleries ooze original art and I’d love to go back. We had a boisterous dinner there at Le Pinocchio, triggered by liberal servings of French wine.

KNOCKING AROUND True to the concept of this tour, we had one full day on our own. I found the back way to Nice’s harbor, walking through town and past Garibaldi Square, where pastel buildings surround street musicians and dogs on strolls. I spent the morning photographing the harbor and had a smoked salmon salad for lunch at Café Le Lunel. Then I caught City Bus 15 up to the Chagall Museum on Cimiez Boulevard.

This park-like museum is in a residential neighborhood and features many paintings by the Russian-French artist that explore his scriptural and whimsical musings. Large canvasses reveal his fascination with Old Testament stories like Adam and Eve or Abraham and Isaac, and colorful creatures populate many of his paintings. Chagall was 97 years

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fortune

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fter local auditions for Wheel of Fortune contestants, I was invited to come on the show,î said fellow traveler Matthew Goldman of Portland, Oregon. ìMy wife, Kasie, came with me and we walked into the studio in Portland and started looking around, just waiting our turn. It turned out one game that day was special and the grand prize was a Collette guided tour to the French Riviera with an extension to Paris. ìI got on that show and thought to myself, ëWow! I could win a trip to France!í It was just a lucky draw ó none of us had any idea weíd be on that show with that prize. ìAs the game progressed, I knew the answer, but I couldnít get a good spin. The other two players had chances and missed.

Finally, it came back around to me and I gave it a good spin and it landed on ëFranceí! The answer was ìWandering around in circlesî and the only letters missing were the ìcîs. I solved it and thatís how I won this trip! Itís been a blast. ìIíll tell you something else,î said Goldman. ìIn local audi-

A gallery nook in St. Paul de Vence

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tions, you solve puzzles to get selected. The first puzzle I had to solve was ëLooking for adventure.í How prophetic was that? This entire experience has been an adventure from start to finish and we havenít even been to Paris yet!î

Matthew Goldman won their Collette trip on Wheel of Fortune.

old when he died in 1985 and was buried nearby in the mountainside village of St. Paul de Vence.

I heard a telling comment at breakfast the following morning as I dined with an older couple. “Too much shopping time,” they said in a general reference to free time on the trip. They equated free time to “shopping time,” which is a traditional way of looking at time on your own. For me, it was not shopping time at all — it was time to find Nice.

A GEM UNCOVERED The charming village of Antibes, a few miles west of Nice, was overlooked for many years until people like Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin discovered it as an escape from crowded Riviera hotspots. It takes its name from the term “antipolis” or “opposite the city.”

“It was a military town,” said Becky. “But in the 1920s when those guys started hanging out there, it changed everything.”

As we drove up the coast to Antibes, I noticed a water skier behind a runabout knifing through the sea beside us. He wasn’t doing anything

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The walled city of St. Paul de Vence

WHAT WERE MY

takeaways FROM THIS COLLETTE “SPOTLIGHT” TRIP?

• THIS CONCEPT WORKS FOR YOUNGER TRAVELERS. Unless you want ìaround the clockî sightseeing plans made for you, this is a great mix of a thorough orientation followed by lots of free time.

• THE LENGTH OF THE TRIP IS PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WITH CAREERS. If I can go somewhere far away and enjoy its food, culture and lifestyle in a week, count me in.

• I WANT TO BE ABLE TO WALK OUT OF MY HOTEL AND INTO THE DESTINATION. At the Hotel Ellington, we were on a quiet street two blocks from the heart of the city. Getting around on our own could not have been easier.

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spectacular, just tracing the coast. I grew up water skiing, and we see very little of it anymore. In that moment, water skiing was cool again.

We strolled through Antibes’ old town, its port and its acclaimed outdoor market, “Le March Provencal.” Fresh-cut flowers, meats, olives and vegetables star at this city center market. It was in Antibes that we first looked back to the north and saw the Maritime Alps in snow. That changed the dynamic of this trip for me. The Cote d’Azur as a destination expanded immeasurably when I realized we were in the shadow of the Alps.

PANORAMIC PROVENCE We headed up to St. Paul de Vence in France’s Provence region.

This beautiful walled village is a few miles west of Nice on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean. Chagall is buried in its tiny cemetery and many artists and actors spend time here. I enjoyed an al fresco lunch at Le Tilleul, overlooking the village gate. Their Salade de Nicoise, made with rare tuna, tiny olives, anchovies and chopped vegetables, was superb.

On our final day together, we traveled west to Grasse, home to France’s centuries-old perfume industry. We toured its internationally known Fragonard Parfumerie before spreading out to find lunch in the medieval center of the city.

Then we headed north toward the Maritime Alps and began a winding ascent to the most beautiful little town of this trip — Gourdon. This walled village began as a castle in the ninth century and rests atop a

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Sheep graze beneath ancient Gourdon.

Cyclists frequent panoramic Gourdon.

rocky outcropping nearly 4,500 feet above the Mediterranean some 30 miles away.

A succession of noblemen owned the castle for centuries. When we arrived, the town was teeming with sightseers, bicyclists and hikers.

After a pass through its shop-lined streets, I ventured outside the walls, down past a herd of sheep in a wooded glen and on to an alpine trail that leads to the nearby River Loup.

At week’s end, I had really gotten to know Nice. To become such a fan of Antibes, Eze, St. Paul de Vence and Gourdon, as well, was a simple reminder that some things in life can only be found in travel.

800-340-5158 WWW.GOCOLLETTE.COM

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S T A T E

o f

M I N D

a taste of east texas

M

BY HERB SPARROW GALVESTON AND HOUSTON ARE A TWO-STEP FOR TRAVELERS

arley loudly proclaimed his arrival and proceeded to take over the room. I couldn’t tell if the shrill squawks were a reggae imitation of his namesake, Bob Marley, but they sure left an impression.

I met Marley, an endangered Northern Rockhopper penguin, at Moody Gardens’ aquarium on a recent trip to the complementary east Texas neighbors Galveston and Houston.

Galveston offers a mix of history and laid-back beach vibe, while Houston, 40 miles west, is a cosmopolitan metropolis filled with a wide choice of museums, theaters and restaurants.

GARDENS ON THE GULF

I started in Galveston, located on an island in the Gulf of Mexico with 32 miles of beaches, a busy cruise port and a downtown and surrounding neighborhoods filled with historic buildings and Victorian houses.

The busiest stretch of beach is in front of a seawall built after a devastating 1900 hurricane and across the road from hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops. Those who don’t want to soak up the sun on the beach can take in the ocean view on a 10-mile-long sidewalk alongside the beach, credited by the Guinness Book of Records with being the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, or hit the Historic Pleasure Pier, which juts into the gulf with old-fashioned rides, carnival games and souvenir shops.

My first stop, however, was on the bay side of the island at Moody Gardens, a 242-acre multi-faceted complex that has an aquarium, rainforest and science discovery center in three large glass pyramids; an artificial beach; cruises aboard a paddlewheel boat; a hotel; and a convention center.

The aquarium is undergoing a $30 million multistage renovation set for completion next May. Its blue pyramid contains 1.5 million gallons of water with a variety of sharks,

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Galveston’s beachfront

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seals, rays, seahorses, eels, jellyfish and thousands of fish from the north Pacific, Caribbean, tropical Pacific and south Atlantic oceans, which can be seen swimming above and around you in a large acrylic tunnel.

One of the most popular programs is the penguin encounter, where groups of up to 16 can meet and interact with Marley or one of the other six species of tropical penguins showcased in an exhibit that replicates South Georgia Island, complete with seasonal lighting.

HOU S T ON

ISLAND HISTORY

G ALV ES TON

Courtesy Galveston CVB

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I next headed downtown for a stroll along the historic and busy Strand, lined with restored 19th-century buildings that house restaurants and shops.

A block away, Pier 21 has become an entertainment district with restaurants, shops and museums, such as the Texas Seaport Museum and the 1877 tall ship Elissa.

An informative movie at Pier 21 provides background about the Great Storm of 1900 — this was before they named hurricanes — which killed more than 6,000 and is considered the most devastating natural disaster in United States history. It also altered the course of Galveston history.

“Before the Storm of 1900, Galveston was one of the biggest metropolises in Texas,” said Mary Beth Bassett, public relations coordinator for the Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It was called the Wall Street of the South.”

Despite the extensive damage of the 1900 hurricane and 2008’s Hurricane Ike, which left eight feet of water on the Strand, many Victorian-era structures survived and have been restored, spurred by the active Galveston Historical Foundation, which buys threatened buildings, stabilizes them and sells them to buyers who agree to restore them.

“Historic tours are a major selling point,” said the historical foundation’s Jami Durham.

“We have the largest Victorian district in Texas.”

A pleasant walk along treelined trees in the city’s six historic districts takes you by houses of all shapes, sizes and colors.

Diamond-shaped plaques mark survivors of the 1900 hurricane, while trunks of trees destroyed

by Ike have been turned into interesting pieces of sculpture.

You can also tour huge Victorian mansions such as the Bishop’s Palace, Moody Mansion and Ashton Villa along Broadway and the ornate Grand 1894 Opera House on Postoffice Street, another thoroughfare with great shopping and dining.

IMMERSIVE MUSEUMS

Another large historic building, home to the local orphanage from 1895 to 1984, now houses Galveston’s newest museum. The Bryan Museum, which opened in June 2015, has maintained much of the building’s interior woodwork and features such as a built-in bench that children would sit on while waiting to be interviewed by prospective adoptive parents.

The museum houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents and artwork, all collected by one man, J.P. Bryan.

There are saddles, spurs, antique firearms, rare maps, books and other artifacts ranging from a pre-Colombian stone mortar and pestle to items from the Mexican Revolution of the 1920s.

“It all tells about the history of the southwest United States,” said Rebecca Diaz-Arrastia, the museum’s docent coordinator. “All you see are part of his collection.”

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum at Pier 20 provides an informative look at the technology of drilling for oil in hundreds of feet of water and what life is like on an offshore oil

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rig, where up to 200 workers can consume 1,600 pounds of meat, 250 pounds of potatoes and 80 gallons of milk in a week.

The museum is located in a former offshore drilling rig built in 1969 and used until the late 1980s. After viewing exhibits on three levels inside the rig, you can walk outside onto the drill floor for a close look at large drill bits.

Bryan Museum

INTO OUTER SPACE

The next day I got a look at life in another challenging environment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; outer space â&#x20AC;&#x201D; at Space Center Houston, about halfway between Galveston and Houston along Interstate 45. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We tell the story of human space exploration,â&#x20AC;? said Meridyth Moore, public relations specialist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We try to bring that story to life.â&#x20AC;?

The newest exhibit, opened earlier this year, is Independence Plaza, where an authentic replica of a space shuttle sits atop an actual Boeing 905

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shuttle carrier that was used in more than 200 missions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the only place in the world you can see inside a space shuttle and its carrier,â&#x20AC;? said Moore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can feel like an astronaut for a day.â&#x20AC;?

I was amazed at the small, cramped living area of the space shuttle, where astronauts performed research, ate, slept and even went to the bathroom in Courtesy Bryan Museum the same tight quarters.

In addition to feeling like an astronaut, you can meet one every Friday for 30-minute presentations or arrange to have an hour lunch with an astronaut. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They come around to every table and talk to you personally,â&#x20AC;? said Moore.

The huge museum has a comprehensive collection of space artifacts, including one of the largest collections of space suits, along with flown space capsules from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.

I joined a tram tour to the adjacent Johnson Space Center, Courtesy Galveston CVB the training and control center for space flight for more than 50 years. The tour passes by buildings on the sprawling complex where the first Americans in space trained and visits the historic mission control center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It handled all the Apollo missions to the moon right here,â&#x20AC;? said a guide.

URBAN HOUSTON

I spent my final two nights in downtown Houston. Although Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, and its suburban freeways can be packed, I found the downtown to be comfortable and easy to navigate.

Adding to the comfortable feel is an aggressive public art program and several parks, such as Market Square Park and Sam Houston Park, where the Heritage Society Museum has 10 historic buildings displayed with a backdrop of modern skyscrapers.

Art Block along Main Street features large art installations that remain for at least a year.

One of the current ones is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trumpet Flower,â&#x20AC;? in which artist Patrick Renner used repurposed wood strips painted by local residents to create a multistory sculpture that provides shade for tables and chairs during the day.

Another installation features a multi-color pastel field along the street and up the sides of buildings at a main downtown intersection.

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MUSEUMS APLENTY

Houston’s Museum District is an unusual concentration of 19 museums in four walkable zones. The Metrorail is a clean, convenient and inexpensive ($1.25 each way) means of going from downtown to the Museum District.

I focused on the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. It can take several hours to sample fully its large collection in two main gallery buildings, which are connected by an underground tunnel of changing lights that is an art installation in itself.

“We are an encyclopedic museum,” said senior docent Kem Schultz. “For being a young museum and starting so late in the game, we have some good pieces.”

Those pieces include one of only two Rembrandts in Texas, “Portrait of a Young Woman.”

“It is one of our great treasures,” said Schultz.

The collections run the gamut from Asian, African, Islamic, Na-

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Space Center Houston

arddeenns Mood ody dy Ga Moody Gardens

By Herb Sparrow

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tive American, pre-Columbian, modern and contemporary art to antiquities of Egypt, Greece and Rome, Impressionist masterpieces and American art and sculpture.

The Cullen Sculpture Garden across the street is a tree-shaded oasis with works by Louise Bourgeois, Henri Matisse and Auguste Rodin among others.

Among the other museums in the district are the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Health Museum, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, the Holocaust Museum Houston and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The Houston Zoo is also in the district.

Houston also has a vibrant theater scene, with the 17-block downtown theater district boasting nearly 13,000 seats for live performances, with venues such as the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, the Wortham Theater Center and the Alley Theatre, the only Texas theater to have won a Tony Award for best regional theater. www.traveltexas.com

By Herb Sparrow

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OKC GETS CURRENT

21c Museum Hotel

Photos courtesy Oklahoma City CVB

FROM WHITEWATER TO LODGING, OKLAHOMA CITY IS TURNING IT ON

R

BY ELIZA MYERS ushing water slowly comes into view as a conveyor pulls a raft to the top of a 1,600-foot-long whitewater rafting run. What happens next is an 18-minute wild ride down the recreation channel of Riversport Rapids.

The newly opened rafting facility lies in the heart of Oklahoma City’s downtown rather than in a remote mountain valley.

It’s one of several new or recently updated offerings for groups in Oklahoma’s capital.

From John Wayne-theme gatherings to contemporary art experiences to enhancements at its memorials, Oklahoma City’s attractions give even seasoned travelers a reason to return.

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RIVERSPORT RAPIDS Six pumps that each circulate 82,000 gallons of water per minute give novice and Olympian rafters a high-powered ride they won’t soon forget at Riversport Rapids. Sitting on 11 acres in downtown Oklahoma City, this urban whitewater center opened in May to offer rafting and kayaking experiences to people from ages 8 to 80.

“They can run 2,000 people through the facility a day,” said Sandy Price, vice president of tourism for the Oklahoma City CVB. “It’s one of the biggest rafting facilities in the world. It’s fascinating even to watch.”

The $45.2 million center welcomes participants with a range of skills, since the runs range from class II to class IV rapids. Groups can sign up for a 60-minute to 90-minute whitewater experience, which includes the orientation session, raft instruction and multiple runs down the channels.

First-timers can opt for the slower 1,600-foot-long recreational channel, while thrill seekers can try the 1,300-foot-long competition channel. Guides coach riders through rafting techniques before

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sending them down the rapids, which were specially designed for all ages and all levels of physical abilities.

Free viewing areas allow those who are still unsure about climbing aboard a raft to watch. Groups can package the experience with a meal at Big Water Grill or with the parent company, Riversport Adventures, which offers a range of outdoor experiences. Guests can choose from rafting, the SandRidge Sky Zip, stand-up paddleboards and other adventures.

DINNER WITH THE DUKE The swaggering walk, honest voice and larger-than-life personality of John Wayne sum up the American West for many. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum will soon offer a new program that appeals to those who grew up with the iconic actor.

Starting this fall, guests can dine at the museum before watching a classic John Wayne film during Dinner with the Duke.

“The food is good. I went out and tried some,” said Price. “They have changed the restaurant, so it’s more of a deli counter. They set up a salad bar, sandwich bar and some pasta options.”

The program begins with the buffet and then moves the group into a small theater.

One of the curators introduces the film and provides some historic context before the showing.

The program can include a museum tour so groups can see some of its 28,000 works of Western and American Indian art and artifacts, including the world’s most extensive collection of American rodeo photographs, barbed wire, saddlery and early rodeo trophies.

Those who take the tour and watch a John Wayne film can compare the Hollywood version of the cowboy with real life through exhibits in the museum’s historic galleries.

For example, the American Cowboy Gallery examines the life of a working cowboy and ranching history.

OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the bombing of Oklahoma City’s Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum has unveiled an $8 million renovation. The memorial honors those who died, survived or were affected by the April 19, 1995, bombing.

“The story of the museum hasn’t changed, but they are changing how they tell it,” said Price. “They have exhibits with new technology and touchscreens that engage younger visitors who were either too young to remember the bombing or weren’t born yet.”

New interactive exhibits help make the story of the bombing more real. New artifacts, oral testimonies and a section on the investigation and trial of Timothy McVeigh opened in time for the anniversary in 2015.

One piece of evidence not previously displayed is the Mercury Grand Marquis that McVeigh was driving at the time of his arrest. The vehicle is part of an interactive exhibit that ushers visitors along the FBI’s trail of evidence.

Another powerful addition, a 40-foot glass balcony, lets guests take a moment to gaze across the Memorial’s grounds and the downtown Oklahoma City skyline.

Grownup Getaway Greenwood has earned a well-deserved reputation as Mississippi’s most accessible getaway spot. From rejuvenation at the Alluvian Spa to an overnight stay in a luxurious Alluvian suite, the beauty of Greenwood’s downtown district is its walkability, with shopping and upscale dining choices that will have you begging for more.

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

Outdoor Symbolic Memorial

visitgreenwood.com 662-453-9197 • #travelgreenwood J U LY / A U G U S T

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21C MUSEUM HOTEL

Riversport Rapids

Instead of leveling the defunct 1916 Oklahoma City Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, designers transformed the factory into a contemporary art exhibition space and boutique hotel. On July 1, 21c Museum Hotel opened to the public in downtown Oklahoma City, the art hotel’s sixth property.

The designers sought to integrate the building’s industrial heritage into the site’s 14,000 square feet of modern art space, 135 hotel rooms and Mary Eddy’s Kitchen and Lounge. For example, the design highlights the factory’s open and light-filled spaces, re-created casement windows, original terrazzo floor, historic storefront and decorative brick.

“It’s amazing, the history that they were able to keep and incorporate into the design,” said Price. “Even if groups don’t stay there, they are working on a group tour menu for lunch and dinner. They can also do art tours for groups.”

Fred Jones, one of the plant’s first employees, worked his way from production line to owner of one of the largest Ford dealerships in the country. The hotel’s restaurant is named for Jones’ wife, Mary Eddy Jones, an art enthusiast and humanitarian. Mary Eddy’s makes use of the building’s original Model T showroom space with large works of art and a wide-open kitchen space.

21c’s contemporary art experience offers free site-specific and touring exhibits. Groups can book a tour to hear about the symbolism of the site’s most impressive works, such as Mechanical Magic, which references materials and mechanics of 20th-century industry in colorful ways.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

www.visitokc.com

hello

Huntsville

Get ready for your adventure in the Rocket City!

Huntsville, Alabama | huntsville.org

bucket list 1

Embrace adventure at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

2

Discover the nation’s largest seasonal butterfly house at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

3

Shop the Artist Market at Lowe Mill and stay for a concert & picnic

4

Hear stories of spies, lies, alibis & ghosts while touring our Historic Districts, Historic Huntsville Depot, Weeden House ...and more!

Pam Williams

Tourism Sales Manager HuntsvilleCVB

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@Go2HuntsvilleAL

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VisitHuntsvilleAL #iHeartHsv

256.551.2204 pam@huntsville.org

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BAYOU B O U N T Y

BY ELIZA MYERS

Photos courtesy Visit Baton Rouge

these museums headline a trip to baton rouge

W

hen you first see a Gothic castle overlooking the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you may not believe your eyes. The eccentric but impressive Old Capitol Museum not only has an eye-catching exterior, but the site also boasts gorgeous interior architecture and political history exhibits that tell stories as fascinating as the building.

Through its many historic museums, Baton Rouge proves it is a city that knows how to deliver a compelling tale. Instead of relaying facts, these capital city museums interact with and engage viewers.

From a vibrant Mardi Gras float to a World War II destroyer ship, Baton Rouge’s museums captivate visitors with local and national history.

OLD CAPITOL MUSEUM

LSU RURAL LIFE MUSEUM Turning off one of the capital city’s busiest roads, guests suddenly feel as though they have entered a different place in time as they pass pastures and farmland owned by Louisiana State University’s agricultural department before they pull into the LSU Rural Life Museum.

“It is like you are going to a separate rural town in the middle of the city,” said Juarez. “The museum takes you back to the 18th and 19th centuries with wooden houses and artifacts from the time. You walk into the buildings and glimpse how life used to be.”

The outdoor museum displays 32 historic buildings outfitted with relevant artifacts from Louisiana’s early years as a state. Cajun-style homes, a pioneer cabin, a shotgun house and a dogtrot home are used to tell the state’s cultural ancestry.

The Working Plantation section and its slave cabins, sick house, schoolhouse and blacksmith shop show how the labor force needed to maintain a 19th-century plantation lived. Group tours help guests navigate the maze of homes, outbuildings and other historic structures.

At the Exhibit Barn, hundreds of artifacts common in rural regions of the state help visitors imagine the backbreaking work of farming during the 19th century with farming equipment, tools and utensils.

Groups can also enjoy a Louisiana’s natural side at the connected Windrush Gardens, with its ancient live oaks, crape myrtles, azaleas and other Southern flora.

Called the Castle on the River for obvious reasons, the Old Capitol Museum seemed just as unusual when it was built in 1852. Instead of mimicking the national Capitol in Washington like so many other statehouses, the architect chose turrets and battlements.

Today, it is regarded as one of the nation’s most famous works of Gothic Revival architecture. And the surprises don’t stop there.

“You think the outside is really pretty and then when you walk inside and look up, you see the spiral staircase and beautiful stained glass ceiling,” said Cathy Juarez, destination content manager for Visit Baton Rouge. “It really is a unique place. It is one of the first places we send groups.”

Since a new state capitol took over government operations in 1932, the original building now serves as a museum of political history. The museum’s “The Ghost of the Castle” video introduces guests to the site with a four-dimensional Full-day excursions departing daily from two locations: theater production in which the ghost of Sarah Chama, New Mexico & Antonito, Colorado Morgan, a Civil War-era local resident, explains how the building survived war, fire, scandal, ∑ Mid-May to Mid-October abandonment and an occasional fistfight. ∑ Group Friendly Restrooms Immersive exhibits examine some of the wild stories from Louisiana politics, including contro∑ Lunch Included versial governor Huey Long. Guided group tours ∑ ADA Accessible reveal conspiracies surrounding the infamous governor, as well as other juicy stories from the ∑ Bus Parking state’s political past.

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Opposite page: Livestock at the LSU Rural Life Museum J U LY / A U G U S T

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CLARKSVILLE, JEFFERSONVILLE AND NEW ALBANY, INDIANA

Explore

OFF BROADWAY

ON SALE WELCOME TO THE ECLECTIC, ARTSY SOUTHERN INDIANA. From award-winning live performances at our renowned Ogle Center and Derby Dinner Playhouse – to a calendar full of outdoor concerts – you’ll find great economy in Southern Indiana’s entertainment. Plus, our burgeoning dining scene makes “dinner and a show” an easy culinary reality. All just a bridge away from Louisville and Bourbon Country. Don’t miss the eclectic and entertaining charm of Clark and Floyd Counties. With a variety of lodging choices, and

one of the lowest bed taxes in the area, it's nothing but sweet dreams. Book today!

USS KIDD VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM Small bunk beds crammed into tiny rooms convey the constricted daily lives of crewmen aboard a typical a World War IIera naval ship. The USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum lets visitors wander through over 50 inner spaces in a Fletcherclass destroyer, restored to its 1945 appearance.

“There are tons of nooks and crannies you can explore,” said Juarez. “It’s interesting to see how compact everything is. It definitely gives you some insight into U.S. history.”

Groups can tour the warship’s diminutive kitchen, bathrooms and office areas by way of a series of steps that run up and down the ship’s levels. As they walk the deck, visitors can imagine the controlled chaos that occurred each time the battleship engaged in conflict during World War II, which was frequent.

Today, the ship is docked on the Mississippi River, the only destroyer restored to its World War II appearance. Guests can learn more about its key role in the war in the site’s Veterans Museum.

The museum not only honors those who fought on the ship, now a National Historic Landmark, but also all U.S. military. Exhibits display a P-40 aircraft, over 40 ship models and a full-scale replica of the gun deck of Old Ironsides.

The complex’s Louisiana Memorial Plaza reminds guests of the sacrifices paid by servicemen and women with an eternal flame and other symbolic displays.

Old Capitol Museum

Rural Life Museum historic building

USS Kidd

Jeffersonville • Clarksville • New Albany www.SunnySideOfLouisville.org • Contact Kate Kane (812) 282-6654 • kkane@SunnySideOfLouisville.org

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Capitol Park Museum Mardi Gras float

VISIT

VICKSBURG The Key to the South THE KEY TO HISTORY

THE KEY TO ENTERTAINMENT

THE KEY TO DINING Lucky Dogs exhibit

CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM A 48-foot wooden shrimp boat, a glittering Mardi Gras float and a two-row sugar cane harvester all loom large and grab the attention of visitors to the Capitol Park Museum. Focused on the culture and history of Louisiana, the museum uses interactive and flashy exhibits to place guests inside the historic narrative rather than simply explaining with words.

“If your group has never been to Louisiana, the museum gives them a very overarching glimpse of how we celebrate life and culture,” said Juarez. “They also have a lot of photo ops, such as an actual Lucky Dogs hot dog stand that you would see in the French Quarter.”

The museum highlights the state’s many intertwined cultures , such as American Indian, French, British, African American and Cajun. Some of this rich culture has influenced music, which guests can hear in the music section of the museum.

Sounds of Cajun, zydeco, swamp pop, Baton Rouge blues and New Orleans jazz reflect the state’s overlapping heritages.

Exhibits also showcase Louisiana’s historic events with artifacts such as a rare Civil War submarine and trophy antlers won

by Robert E. Lee in the Great Steamboat Race of 1870.

www.visitbatonrouge.com

THE KEY TO ADVENTURE

THE KEY TO SHOPPING

Scan this QR to visit our mobile site and get your keys to Vicksburg.

Contact Ashley Gatian, Sales Manager, for itinerary planning assistance.

800-221-3536 ï ashley@visitvicksburg.com

www.VisitVicksburg.com /VisitVicksburg

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known

F O R

SIGNATURE

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

R E D W O O D N AT I O N A L PA R K

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA, AND COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG get mixed up quite a bit. And that’s fair: Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum that encompasses part of a historic district within the city of Williamsburg. In the living re-creation of a Revolutionary-era town, horse-drawn carriages clop along the Duke of Gloucester Street, and guests can watch as craftsmen and artisans ply their trade. During an Apprentice Tour, a new group option introduced in June, guests can get their hands dirty making candles at the candlemaker’s, doing needlework at the milliner’s or working the bellows at the blacksmith shop.

“What the public demands nowadays, what they expect and what we’re working hard to curate is engaging, hands-on experiences,” said spokesman Joe Straw.

At the musket range that opened in March, visitors can learn about and fire the two most common guns of the era: a British military musket known as a “Brown Bess” and the popular 18th-century Fowler shotgun.

The village’s open-air Market House, the last major public structure to be rebuilt, celebrated its grand opening in November, and “it’s the commercial and social heart of the city,” Straw said. Every afternoon, guests can participate in real public auctions like those that would have been held daily in the 1700s. Visitors can bid on and buy items made by Colonial Williamsburg’s tradespeople, as well as re-created architectural elements, such as doors or old windows.

Courtesy National Park Service

AS RECENTLY AS A CENTURY AGO, old-growth coastal redwoods stretched from the Oregon border to south of San Francisco. Today, fewer than 5 percent of the original redwoods remain, and of those that do, nearly half are protected in Redwood National and State Parks’ 132,000 acres.

The parks can be a bit challenging for large groups to visit, mostly because of parking and maneuverability issues.

But there are still plenty of group options. The Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center offers interpretive exhibits, a film and ranger-led programs and talks during the summer. Prairie Creek Visitor Center also has ranger-guided walks and evening campfire programs in the summertime.

The center is located on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a 10-mile road that runs north-south through Prairie Creek State Park and is one of the best options for groups, Poole said. Today, the 30-minute drive includes several trailheads, a resident herd of elk and Big Tree Wayside, where visitors can try to wrap their arms and minds around Big Tree’s 68-foot circumference.

Depending on staffing, groups may be able to arrange special ranger programs. Several stables provide group horseback trail rides through the parks, and outfitters provide group kayaking and standup paddleboarding on Smith River or biking through the towering trees.

WWW.NPS.GOV/REDW

WWW.COLONIALWILLIAMSBURG.COM

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ATTRACTIONS LAMBEAU FIELD

BY RACHEL CARTER

EIFFEL TOWER

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

PARIS, FRANCE Courtesy Greater Green Bay CVB

UNLIKE MOST NFL TEAMS and their stadiums, the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field “are owned by the community; we don’t have a billionaire owner,” said Brenda Krainik, director of marketing for the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. The 80,000-person stadium is the physical testament to the fans’ sense of ownership, pride and community.

“Lambeau Field is sacred to football fans,” she said. “We learn that when we have so many tours that go through the stadium.”

The Classic Tour takes visitors to the atrium, a private suite and to field level to walk through the players’ tunnel, where they hear the sound of roaring fans and thumping game-day music as they walk onto the field. The Championship Tour adds the south end zone with some of the best views of Lambeau Field, and groups of 20 or more can book tours in advance.

The Packers Hall of Fame reopened in September with hightech, interactive exhibits. In the circa 1960s re-creation of Vince Lombardi’s office, visitors can read digital versions of Lombardi’s letters on a touch screen built into a large conference table.

From late July through August, the public — including groups — can watch Packers training camp at Ray Nitschke Field and participate in a rich tradition; every day, a player chooses one child and rides that child’s bike (or carries them both) to practice. A trolley that leaves from training camp will take groups on an hour-long tour of the Packers Heritage Trail, which features downtown sites significant to the team.

Courtesy Société d’Exploitation de la tour Eiffe

MORE THAN THE LOUVRE. More than the Arc de Triomphe.

More than the Mona Lisa. More than perhaps anything in the City of Light, the Eiffel Tower says “Paris.” It’s a touch ironic then that what was intended to be a temporary installation has become one Paris’s most enduring and iconic attractions.

Since its inauguration, nearly 250 million people have visited the tower. Today, the monument gets about 7 million visitors a year, and nearly three-quarters of them come from around the globe, making it the most-visited paid attraction in the world, according to the organization that operates it.

The tower was built for the 1889 International Exposition of Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel and his architecture company were already well known for their impressive ironwork and metal construction — Eiffel oversaw the internal construction of the Statue of Liberty from 1879 until its completion in 1883 — when exposition organizers chose Eiffel’s entry for the International Exposition.

The Eiffel Tower stands 1,063 feet tall with three levels open to visitors, including restaurants on the first and second levels. The first floor reopened in 2014 after a refurbishment project that installed a transparent floor 187 feet above the ground.

WWW.TOUREIFFEL.PARIS

WWW.GREENBAY.COM

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YOUR GENRE

AWAITS

BY ASHLEY RICKS

THERE’S A MUSEUM FOR YOUR MUSIC

Courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame

P

lato once said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

Here are five music museums that celebrate the world’s love of music. Whether your group likes to sing along to “My Girl,” belt out the heart-wrenching lyrics to “With or Without You” or get out on the dance floor and shake their hips to “Jailhouse Rock,” everyone can find something to enjoy.

Courtesy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Top: The Country Music Hall of Fame displays many historic photos, such as this image of Jim Reeves performing at RCA Studio B. Bottom: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizes artists who influenced the evolution of rock and roll.

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ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

CLEVELAND The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, situated on the shores of Lake Erie, stays true to the words of Billy Joel, who said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

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Younger groups will likely enjoy “Right Here, Right Now,” which features personal items and costumes from currently trending artists like the Black Keys, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. There are exhibits dedicated to legendary performers including Metallica or U2, as well as one of the most comprehensive collections of Beatles memorabilia in the world. Artifacts from all four Beatles, some never before displayed to the public, are on exhibit.

“Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics,” which opened in May, is already proving to be a big draw. The exhibit combines recordings, videos, photography and artifacts to show the impact of music and how musicians have helped shape popular opinion and the political stage. Items on display include Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” Fender Stratocaster and correspondence between the FBI and Priority Records about Public Enemy’s song, “Fight the Power.”

The exhibit, said Sharrona Burns, director of sales, is “just fantastic and very pertinent with what’s happening right now in the country with the presidential election coming up.” The exhibit will run through the end of the year, but if you miss it in Cleveland, it opens at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., in January 2017.

This summer the museum hosts the “Summer Jams” concert series, featuring 40 days of live music on the plaza. The series is “something we haven’t done at this level since we opened,” said Burns.

THEATER and ENTERTAINMENT

WWW.ROCKHALL.COM

National Blues Museum entrance Guitar from “Louder than Words” exhibit Courtesy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

NATIONAL BLUES MUSEUM

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the perfect jumping-off point for a visit to Grand Tetons.

Courtesy National Blues Museum

ST. LOUIS The National Blues Museum has been in the works for years but was finally realized in April when the museum opened its doors in St. Louis.

The museum celebrates great blues musicians like B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf.

As they enter the museum, visitors will see a wall of suitcases that tell the story of the genre and where the blues came from. According the Dion Brown, the museum’s founding executive director, “It’s really touching, to see what it represents.“ Artifacts and instruments, such as Lucille, B.B. King’s guitar (on loan from the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi), and photos of famous blues musicians also help tell the story.

The museum’s interactive exhibits have quickly become popular with groups. At “Jug Band Jammin’,” visitors can play the washboard, spoons or wood sticks. After practicing for a few moments, they can watch their jam session, played back on a screen. As groups make their way through the museum they can also become blues musicians by writing and performing their own lyrics then pairing them with music tracks to create their own sample, complete with cover art. Their finished tune can be emailed to them at the end of their visit.

The National Blues Museum has partnered with other organizations to bring music to the public in the Gateway City. In August the museum and City Arts will stage a blues festival at the Gateway Arch. The museum also has live music every Saturday.

WWW.NATIONALBLUESMUSEUM.ORG

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COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

Country Music Hall of Fame

Deck the Hall holiday concert series

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum should be on the bucket list of any country music lover, alongside a visit to the Ryman Auditorium and a ticket to the Grand Ole Opry. Visitors can tour the museum’s exhibits, the Hall of Fame, historic RCA Studio B and the letterpress printshop Hatch Show Print.

“When we have groups here we want to make them feel like stars, too,” said Dana Romanelle, group sales manager. The “Star for a Day” experience lets groups record their own single in RCA Studio B, where legends such as Elvis, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson recorded some of country music’s biggest hits. “It’s almost overwhelming to stand in front of that microphone and think of all the history that has taken place in that room” said Romanelle.

After finishing their recording and touring the museum, groups can dine at the Wild Horse Saloon, the museum’s on-site restaurant. They will be introduced as Nashville’s newest recording artists when their music recording is played.

Exhibits at the museum cover a broad spectrum of country music history, from classic performers to contemporary hit makers. The current exhibit, “Blake Shelton:

Both photos courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame

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Based on a True Story,â&#x20AC;? covers Sheltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rise to fame as well as memorabilia from his megastar career. From now through November, visitors can see his lyrics and performance costumes, as well as Sheltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair from the hit TV show â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voice.â&#x20AC;? Groups seeking a special experience will enjoy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sharing the Art of Songwritingâ&#x20AC;? where they work with a songwriter to co-write a song. Deck the Hall holiday concert series is also a popular event for groups visiting Nashville at the holidays. They get to hear some of country musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous singers share their favorite Christmas songs and personal memories of the holiday season.

WWW.COUNTRYMUSICHALLOFFAME.ORG

Elvis Presley recording at RCA Studio B

RCA Studio B

Both photos courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame

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Tour

SOUTHEAST INDIANA

Twilight Tour Progressive Mansions Dinner

Venture down the Ohio River Scenic Byway to tour and dine in historic Aurora, Indiana’s landmark estates – Hillforest Victorian House Museum and Veraestau Historic Site.

“Great Hospitality, Great Dining!”

- Tours for You, Bardstown, KY

Guides in costume, Hillforest

Delicious desserts, Veraestau

OHIO

GRACELAND

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE The Graceland mansion in Memphis was the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, but the destination awes visitors with much more. The complex now includes numerous buildings and The Heartbreak Hotel and the Guest House at Graceland.

Graceland’s dining room The Guest House is the largest hotel project in Memphis Courtesy Graceland.com since the construction of the Peabody Hotel. The project, overseen by Elvis’ former wife Priscilla Presley, will include 450 rooms, two restaurants and four theaters. The hotel will open in October and is taking reservations.

Guests can peruse the many artifacts at the mansion and other buildings in the complex. The “I Shot Elvis” exhibit is a collection of photography covering two decades of Elvis’ life in the public eye. The exhibit will run through this fall. Another popular exhibit is Elvis’ car collection, which includes his pink Cadillac and the Jeep from the film “Blue Hawaii.”

Groups that take the Graceland VIP tour will Graceland’s main entrance see the exclusive exhibit, “Elvis in Hollywood: From Teen Idol to Leading Man.” The exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the premier of his first film, “Love Me Tender” and focuses on Elvis’ Hollywood exCourtesy Graceland.com perience. Highlighted in the exhibit are scripts, costumes and other memorabilia related to his 31 films. This exclusive VIP experience will be offered through March.

WWW.GRACELAND.COM

Indianapolis Indi ianapolis

IND INDIANA

1

Cincinnati

KENTUCKY

Louisville

Lexington

South of I-74 & west of I-275, 20 minutes west of Cincinnati

www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com 800-322-8198

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MOTOWN MUSEUM

DETROIT Fans of Motown will recognize the bright blue-and-white house dubbed Hitsville U.S.A. on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, but few knew how revolutionary the new recording label, Motown Records, would be when Berry Gordy started it back in 1959. Today the Motown Museum is located in the same building where Motown Records began and is a National Historic Landmark.

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During the 1960s, when racial tensions were at their height, Motown Records was able to break down prejudices and bring African American music into the mainstream with songs like “Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Dancing in the Streets” and “My Girl.” Some of the first recording artists the label signed included The Miracles, The Temptations and The Supremes, all of which are featured throughout the museum.

Among the most popular exhibits is Studio A, the original studio where many early Motown hits were recorded.

“When you enter it, you feel like you’re in the same spot the famous people were in where history was made,” said Shanel Adams, public relations coordinator. “I’ve seen people fall to the floor, I’ve seen tears and you can just feel it. It’s so powerful if you’re a Motown fan.”

The studio is set up just as it was when it was in use and pictures of the famous artists who recorded there, including Aretha Franklin, line the walls.

Michael Jackson’s glove is on permanent display, and the special exhibit “Boulevard to Broadway” will run through the end of 2016. “Boulevard” tells the story from Motown’s beginnings to its impact on the national stage and features original costumes, instruments and photographs.

Groups can enjoy special events at the Motown Museum, including the spoken-word series Motown Mic, and includes Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Motown Museum

WWW.MOTOWNMUSEUM.ORG

By Bill Bowen, courtesy Detroit Metro CVB

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marketing Y O U R

P R O G R A M

COMFORT AND ADVENTURE

BY ELIZA MYERS

O

n the one hand, meeting a Maasai tribe in Kenya sounds unforgettable. On the other hand, an unfamiliar African country that may or may not have American amenities might be less tempting.

When tours find a balance between sought-after experiences and upscale amenities, they often appeal to a wider audience.

Instead of tours that speak only to luxury lovers or that focus on culturally enriching programs, group travel planners should seek itineraries that embrace both.

Many American travelers are shocked when they are immersed in an exotic culture. To combat this issue, travel planners should find ways to balance the unfamiliar and the comfortable.

ALL ABOUT AMENITIES

Wandering through the streets of India with nothing but a backpack will immerse visitors in a destination, but that is an experience that would attract fewer people than a tour that retained some Western amenities. For example, because the traditional Indian bathroom looks terrifying to most Americans, an upscale tour operator tor might make sure that all pit stops offer Western-style toilets. ets.

Many locally minded ded tour operators, such as Go Ahead Tours, strive to attractt groups by weaving upscale experiences into the tour. ur.

“Balancing the authentic hentic experiences with the amenities our ur travelers are used to is always on our ur minds,” said Brandi Longtin-Saade, the company’s head of business development elopment and partnerships. “Basically, y, the rule of thumb is to make suree people have a comfortable and qualityy home base, especially when they are somewhere really exotic.”

Go Ahead Tours blends ends local and luxury in tours to destinations like Peru, where groups stay in ecofriendly lodges in the Amazon with close access to wildlifee

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and the cozy feel of an upscale hotel.

For some destinations, planners might book a cruise to ensure guests enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep in a foreign land. MSC Cruises specializes in sophisticated cruises that introduce passengers to foreign cultures.

“I think cruising is a unique way to handle exotic locations, because you are in a different country every day, while the cruise ship is your home,” said Ken Muskat, executive vice president of sales, public relations and guest services for MSC Cruises.

“You’ve got all the luxurious amenities the ship offers alongside the authentic shore excursions.”

COMFORTABLE CULTURE

While amenities may bring peace of mind, travelers often book one trip over another because of the promised local encounters. A cheese-making class in Switzerland or a coffee plantation tour in Costa Rica attract curious group members who seek a memorable experience.

“We never want people to see the destination from the outside,” said Longtin-Saade. “Staying true to the destination is part of who we are. We offer cooking classes with local chefs, volunteer work, art workshops or other opportun opportunities to get up close with the culture.”

Tour operators like Go Ahead Tours cra craft experiences that entertain as they teach participa participants about the destination. The company’s smaller tours also help ensure a more authentic feel than is sometimes possible pos on an unwieldy packed full of people. motorcoach pac Cruises similarly offers exMSC Cruise periential perienti excursions, such as camel rides, visits to ca artist art studios and local concerts. co The cruise line also tries to li bring authentic exb periences p on the ship through local cuisine, th entertainment and reente tail ta options.

“We will make sure there are a few culinary options that represent the

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CAN COEXIST local area on our menu,” said Muskat. “We also provide other dishes familiar to the passengers. If we have North rth Americans on board, we serve typical North American food d so they have that option.”

PREPARE EXPECTATIONS

Supplying information beforehand can aid visitors’ interactions with a disparate culture. Many groups want ant to wander through a foreign land unguided, which can lead to real interactions but also to problems for unprepared visitors. s.

Travel planners should provide plenty of information rmation on local customs and safety tips for their travelers. MSC SC Cruises offers shopping lectures at each port for those wishing to wander on their own.

“It educates people on what to look for,” said Muskat. “We want to make sure they aren’t being ripped off. We tell them the best places to shop, what items the area is known for and a fair price for those items.”

Other destinations like Cuba benefit from a lot of upfront information, since tour operators cannot control some of the amenities the country still lacks.

“We stay in the best hotels Cuba has to offer, but even the nicest hotels in Cuba don’t always have all the amenities we are used to in America,” said Longtin-Saade.

“It’s really all about setting proper expectations for our travelers. So we make sure they understand there may not always be Wi-Fi or hot water even in the nicest hotels.

As long as people know what to expect, they love what Cuba has to offer.”

Cuba’s popularity proves groups will brave a little discomfort for exciting cultural experiences.

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C A R E E R

C O R N E R

growing your group

WORKING PROS

your new travelers be working MAY STILL

BY BRIAN JEWELL

F

or decades, the group tour industry took its demographics for granted: Everyone knew that tours were for retirees. But in today’s changing economy, successful affinity travel coordinators are rethinking those assumptions.

The concept of retirement has shifted from what it was even a generation ago. Many baby boomers, who don’t have the cushy pensions their parents did, are even after they reach retirement age to bolster their lagging 401(k) accounts or to supplement their investment earnings. Today’s seniors also are much healthier than previous generations, and many choose to work into their late 60s and beyond simply because they still enjoy their careers and feel like they have more to contribute.

As a result, many group tour planners are finding the pool of traditional retiree travelers shrinking. In order to keep affinity travel programs alive and well, it’s important to offer products that are attractive to working professionals. In addition to bringing more baby boomers into the fold, these types of trips might also be more attractive to Generation X and millennial travelers, bringing the potential for loyalty programs to reach a broader audience and build a sustainable future.

IT’S ABOUT TIME

In order to attract working travelers on group trips, planners need to understand what kind of experiences these people want and what kind of resources they have available to pursue them.

“Everyone these days is so time poor,” said Anbritt Stengele, the young founder of tour company Sports Traveler. “What we have been noticing is that the trips that working folks are looking for are shorter

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— usually two nights. Our events are all on the weekends, because they revolve around sports, and every major sporting event encompasses the weekend.”

Stengele said that her company’s average traveler is 44 years old and male — a demographic that is the polar opposite of the 70-something female population that has driven the group travel market for years. Trips to football games skew younger, while packages for the Masters and other golf events tend to attract a 50+ crowd. And some high-profile sports tours have a multigenerational appeal.

“We have events like the Tournament of Roses Parade or the Kentucky Derby which are becoming more family-oriented,” Stengele said. “We’re seeing people want to bring their children along.

When that happens, the type of hotel you use becomes very important. Families gravitate more toward an Embassy Suites-style hotel, where you can have more space and close the door between a living room and a bedroom and get more family members into the room.”

In addition to fitting into short timeframes and offering appropriate hotel amenities, Sports Traveler has found that offering the right kind of experiences is key to succeeding with their target demographic.

“Sports travel is actually really popular with working folks,” Stengele said. “We have made our trips shorter and more inclusive, so they don’t require a rental car. All the transportation is included, and we usually have a hospitality party at the event. People want to be able to drink, have fun, meet an NFL player and get autographs, all in a short period of time.”

Keeping trips short helps keep prices low and allows the company to focus its resources on providing great experiences that travelers wouldn’t be Top: Beach in Indonesia, courtesy G Adventures Bottom: Travelers by cathedral in Columbia, courtesy G Adventures

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able to arrange for themselves if they made a trip to the game on their own.

“Everyone is looking for good value, but in sports travel, that value means access,” Stengele said. “That’s access to areas or experiences that aren’t readily available to the general public. That means going on a behind-the-scenes tour, meeting a former player or taking part in some kind of exclusive event. Access and exclusivity are things our clients demand and expect.”

VALUING INDEPENDENCE

G Adventures, a global tour company that is quickly earning a reputation in the United States for its immersive cultural experiences and intimate group size, has a line of products aimed at the 18-to-39-year-old market. Called YOLO — a popular acronym for “you only live once ” — these tours feature 170 itineraries to worldwide destinations and most are only eight days long, allowing travelers to fit the experience within one week’s worth of vacation time.

Danny Tyrell, the company’s U.S. director of sales, said that these itineraries cater to younger travelers’ independent tastes and attitudes.

“Oftentimes in these packages, we don’t have a ton included,” he said. “We take care of your accommodations and make sure you have a guide, but almost none of the meals are included. That demographic would prefer to explore and set their own budget instead of going with the whole group to a restaurant to eat off a limited tour menu.

“We include all the essentials and make sure you see the must-see sights, but we leave a ton of freedom and flexibility. We want to make sure that millennial travelers can make their own experiences.”

Some of the company’s most popular YOLO trips include Costa Rica, Belize and Colombia — destinations that are easy to reach and that offer a lot of value for the travel dollar. Tours to Southeast Asia are longer, lasting up to a week and a half, but include visits to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia at a very low cost.

“You can’t promote a two-week river cruise and expect a millennial to get on it,” Tyrell said. “But if you promote an eight-day adventure tour for $999, you’ll get their attention.”

Tyrell said that independence, affordability and a sense of community are important selling points for bringing young working professionals into group travel.

“We really try to emphasize the meaningful connections that group travel can provide,” he said. “An affinity group is like-minded people, and young people can make strong bonds through this type of travel. So we emphasize things like fun and shared curiosity to that audience more than talking about what is included.”

REDEFINING THE WINDOW of OPPORTUNITY Welcome to the most unique accommodations in river cruising, where waking up to vistas of enchanting castles, lush rolling hills and ancient villages will take your

breath away. That’s because we designed our staterooms to be more spacious with the beds facing the window,* and river cruising’s one and only Open-Air-Balcony,® a space where your Group can relax and enjoy the incredible views. With Avalon, the views are yours for the taking, so go ahead seize the opportunity. Book your Group’s Avalon Waterways experience today!

To learn more, contact us at 866.821.2752 or go online to GlobusFamilyGroups.com

Above: Seahawks fans at tailgate party, courtesy Sports Traveler *Over 70% of the Avalon Europe fleet feature beds that face the window.

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W H E R E

w e ’ v e

B E E N

first state bank connect club MARION, IOWA TRIP: Spectacular Costa Rica All-Inclusive TOUR OPERATOR: Trips DATE: January 2016 For eight days, the FSB Connect Club embraced the laid-back atmosphere of the all-inclusive Costa Rica experience. Members escaped winter for the week in the Puntarenas province at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Central Pacific in El Roble. ìThere were some optional tours that people could take if they wanted to see the volcanoes, rain forests, coffee plantations and other places of interests. However, the majority of the group enjoyed the activities at the hotel, poolside, relaxing and getting to know one another. It was great to be able to have dinner when you wanted to and just be on your schedule. Probably one of the nicest things about this tour was that we didnít have to change time zones and the U.S. dollar was accepted everywhere.î

— JOLENE BUCHHOLZ, FSB CONNECT CLUB DIRECTOR

carroll university alumni travel WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN TRIP: Alaska TOUR OPERATOR: Travel Leaders DATE: July 2015 Alumnus and professor emeritus of geography and environmental science David Block, PhD, served as a tour guide for 42 alumni and friends during a 12-day tour through Alaska. The group explored Athabascan Indian Village, Hubbard Glacier, Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park and Juneau. ìThe highlight of the trip was seeing Denali clearly three days in a row and Alaskan animals. Travelers appreciated the experience and the ability to connect with this beautiful land and others on the trip. One alum told me, ëI will say that being on this trip has invigorated a strong alumni spirit in me.íî

— DOLORES OCAMPO BROWN, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT 50

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MARQUEE 2016

TRAVEL SHOWCASE

ECEA S E U RLQS H O W A MT R AV E Select Traveler le magazin magazine asked these great companies and destinations to share their Marquee travel ideas for the coming year with our readers. Find the right one for your group today!

52 TOUR OPERATORS 57 DESTINATIONS 64 ATTRACTIONS

M A R Q U E E T O U R O P E R AT O R S

COLLETTE

COLLETTE’S REDISCOVER CUBA 9 DAYS • 17 MEALS • 4 CITIES • 2 COUNTRIES Visit Cuba and explore its art, history and culture!

Experience the power of travel to unite two peoples in a true cultural exchange.

SOUTH PACIFIC WONDERS 19-24 MEALS • 8 CITIES • 2 COUNTRIES From the tropical splendor of the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the ethereal beauty of New Zealand’s glacial fjords, enjoy the best of two amazing countries.

SHADES OF IRELAND 10 DAYS • 13 MEALS • 11 CITIES • 2 COUNTRIES Set out on our most popular Irish adventure. Experience all of the charms of this enchanted country, including its welcoming people.

SPAIN’S CLASSICS 11 DAYS • 14 MEALS • 7 CITIES • 2 COUNTRIES Explore Spain’s priceless treasures of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountains.

REFLECTIONS OF ITALY 10 DAYS • 13 MEALS • 9 CITIES • 1 COUNTRY Explore the exquisite cities of Rome, Venice and Florence as you revel in the magic of one of the best vacation spots in the world: Italy.

THE BEST OF EASTERN CANADA 8 DAYS • 11 MEALS • 6 CITIES • 1 COUNTRIES From the elegance of Quebec City to thundering Niagara Falls, an unforgettable journey awaits in the heart of Eastern Canada.

COLLETTE 800-852-5655 • www.gocollette.com Contact: Jim Edwards • jedwards@collette.com

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EMERALD WATERWAYS

EXPERIENCE THE EXCEPTIONAL EMERALD VALUE Enjoy the Emerald Waterways difference. Our ships offer panoramic views of the scenery, feature contemporary boutique hotel styling, fine dining options and exceptional service, all included in price.

8-DAY SENSATIONS OF SOUTHERN FRANCE Romantic settings, quaint country villages, stunning scenery and rolling vineyards are yours to discover on your river cruise through Lyon, to Chalon-Sur-Saône, Avignon and Arles.

8-DAY JEWELS OF THE RHINE A river cruise along the Rhine introduces you to historic castles that stand proud along the riverbanks, enchanting forests to explore and spectacular cities home to stunning European architecture.

8-DAY SECRETS OF THE DOURO Travel through the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on our new Portugal river cruise. Stops include the lively town of Porto, Regua and in Spain - Vega de Terron & Salamanca.

8-DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NETHERLANDS & THE BEAUTY OF BELGIUM Experience Amsterdam’s eternal spring among the blooming tulips at Keukenhof Gardens, cruise the intricate maze of the city’s canals and visit quaint Dutch & Belgian towns.

8-DAY DANUBE DELIGHTS Discover ‘Old Europe’ as you sail along one of Europe’s most romantic rivers.

Uncover ancient abbeys, historic landmarks and explore vibrant cities such as Vienna and Budapest.

EMERALD WATERWAYS 855-222-3214 • www.emeraldwaterways.com Contact: Heather Lemire • heather.lemire@emeraldwaterways.com M A R Q U E E

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ADD IT UP! GROUP TRAVEL = GREAT SAVINGS.

GLOBUS

When you travel with Globus, you’re considered a “group” when there are 8+ people traveling together, and that’s when you start earning special benefits.

EUROPE GROUP TOURS Orchestrated by the world’s finest Tour Directors, our Europe vacations allow you to take in the must-see sights and make the most vivid memories.

SOUTH AMERICA GROUP TOURS GLOBUS 866-821-2752 www.globusjourneys.com/groups/ groupsrequests@globusfamily.com

Colorful is the best word to describe South & Central America, with the varied history, cultures, historic sights, natural attractions, and wildlife opportunities.

ASIA GROUP TOURS Discover the beauty of Asia with Globus’ many guided tours to this captivating continent. With Globus, you’ll not only see Asia, you’ll experience it!

ISLANDS IN THE SUN CRUISES & TOURS, INC.

WE SELL WHAT WE SAIL AND GIVE YOU THE WORLD!

We sail the ships, and travel to the destinations that we sell - to assure the best quality and experience for your club. We customize each group and provide personal service and expert knowledge!

CUBAN CULTURAL IMMERSION CRUISE-TOURS Explore Cuba’s cultural heritage and meet its people while on a 700 passenger luxury ship. Visit colorful Havana and 2 other cities with full day tours included. Relax and re-energize on the sea days!

AWESOME ‘HEART OF ALASKA’ CRUISE-TOURS ISLANDS IN THE SUN CRUISES & TOURS, INC. 800-278-7786 www.crus-sun.com • info@crus-sun.com Russ and Susan Rosenberry

Everyone dreams of going to Alaska - the Great Land - and the best way is by both Land & Sea. Our custom fully-escorted cruise-tours highlight the glaciers, mountains, wildlife and unique heritage.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ‘SHARE THE ALOHA’ CRUISE-TOURS Embrace the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a cruise-tour that sails smoothly through these idyllic islands. Enjoy the sand, sea, and hospitality. It is popular with first-timers and gains many repeaters too!

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RITZ TOURS

MEMORABLE JOURNEYS TO ASIA & BEYOND We promise you 5-star hotel comforts and seamless memorable experiences under the expert guidance of our caring and knowledgeable ground team at fantastic group value.

CHINA TOUR: YANGTZE ESSENCE (11 NIGHTS) Experience rich diversity of China through the most famous cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai plus a cruise on the Yangtze River. Follow ancient footsteps at many UNESCO World Heritage Sites & more.

THAILAND TOUR: BANGKOK, PATTAYA & CHIANGMAI (8 NIGHTS) Enjoy tropical paradise on Earth in Amazing Thailand through the cities of Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiangmai. Be prepared to be awed by friendly hospitality, exotic culture, and spectacular sightseeing.

VIETNAM TOUR: VIETNAM DISCOVERY (9 NIGHTS) Explore hidden gem of Southeast Asia through a wondrous journey via cities of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Witness emergence of rustic Asia into prime destination.

CAMBODIA & VIETNAM TOUR: MEKONG RIVER EXPLORER (10 NIGHTS) Cruise an ancient lifeline connecting two ancient economies in Southeast Asia.

Explore shore excursions along the way to gain great insights into local cultures plus culminating visits to key cities.

INDIA TOUR: INCREDIBLE INDIA & DUBAI (8 NIGHTS) Visit India’s Golden Triangle cities and the City of Gold in Dubai. Immerse into the colorful cities of New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Dubai and more. A journey of exotic opulence not to be missed.

RITZ TOURS 888-345-7489 • www.ritztours.com Contact: Max Chew • max.chew@ritztours.com M A R Q U E E

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TRIPS

TRAVEL — THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED — DELIGHTFULLY EXECUTED Looking for something special? Look no further than TRIPS! From domestic tours and cruises to Europe and beyond, TRIPS always puts that special spin on each and every departure. It’s the TRIPS way!

QUINTESSENTIAL CAPE COD You haven’t done Cape Cod until you’ve done it the TRIPS way! Find out why it’s the all time favorite tour of group leaders. Lobster clambake on the dunes, Nantucket, wine tasting & Martha’s Vineyard!

ULTIMATE SCANDINAVIAN CAPITALS FEATURING 2 DAYS IN ST. PETERSBURG TRIPS 888-55-TRIPS www.gotripsinc.com • mikki@gotripsinc.com Mikki Walker

Travel with a TRIPS representative as you visit Berlin, Helsinki, Tallinn, Copenhagen & Stockholm. Experience TRIPS private shore excursions and see why customers rave abut our cruises!

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RAIL ADVENTURE Experience four iconic rail journeys from the Napa Valley Wine Train to Yosemite! See San Francisco and 17 Mile Drive, wine tasting, the Monterey Aquarium and the redwoods all with TRIPS on this new tour!

Photo credit: Bruno Vega

With more than 2.5 million travelers visiting Peru’s 11 World Heritage Sites each year, it comes as no surprise that the country’s $168 million annual tourism revenue is on the rise.

That’s why in 2011, Tourism Cares selected Peru for a sustainable tourism initiative that engaged peers from both the North American and Peruvian tourism industries to make an impact through volunteering and distributing $80,000 in grant funding.

THIS LLAMA IS VALUED AT $168 MILLION.

Join a growing roster of industry-leading companies committed to preserving the places we love and depend on.

Visit TourismCares.org to see how your company can help make global sustainable tourism a reality.

M A R Q U E E D E S T I N AT I O N S

COLUMBUS, O H I O

COLUMBUS’ NEW & NOW Columbus is full of unforgettable, hands-on experiences, charming neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind factory tours. Start planning your visit to Ohio’s capital city today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours.

CRAFT BEER ALONG THE COLUMBUS ALE TRAIL After a stop and a stamp at four participating brewers, redeem your Columbus Brew Book for a pint glass (keep the passport as a souvenir). Talk with one of us about delivering glasses to your group.

SO MANY DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS TO VISIT Stroll along brick streets and tour private homes in German Village. Or, find something unique in the eclectic Short North Arts District. Nearby, top off the night in the lively Arena District.

HANDS-ON AND VIP EXPERIENCES Take a selfie with a giraffe, hand-set vintage type on a letterpress, learn moves at a nationally-renowned ballet company, gain VIP access to a major retailer before the store opens, and more!

NEWLY EXPANDED COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART Its rotating display of exhibits and gorgeous year-round collection are sure to wow.

Natural light pours into a new 50,000-square-foot wing. Stop by restaurateur Cameron Mitchell’s Schokko Art Cafe.

CUISINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT THE CELEBRATED NORTH MARKET Sweet and savory smells abound at the North Market, home to 35 merchants and farmers sharing cuisine from around the globe. Nibble your way around this historic downtown Columbus institution.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS 800-354-2657 • www.experiencecolumbus.com Contact: Roger Dudley • rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com

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EUREKA SPRINGS, A

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THE EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPE! One of the most celebrated resort cities in America invites YOU to come see for yourself what all the fuss is about!

HISTORIC TRAM TOUR Take the guided tour around our Historic District. Learn the history, see the architecture and experience the local flavor that makes Eureka Springs famous!

THE GREAT PASSION PLAY EUREKA SPRINGS CITY ADVERTISING & PROMOTION COMMISSION (CAPC) 479-253-7333 • www.eurekasprings.org Karen Pryor, CTIS • karen@eurekasprings.org

HUNTSVILLE, A L A B A M A

America’s #1 attended outdoor drama celebrates its 50th season in 2017.

150 actors, along with dozens of animals depict the last days of Christ’s life on earth.

TURPENTINE CREEK WILDLIFE REFUGE Lions, tigers, and yes, even bears are rescued from distress from anywhere in the U.S. Trained staff are available to guide you around the premier big cat refuge in the world.

MEET HUNTSVILLE Experience first-hand how a small, Southern cotton town became Rocket City USA and so much more!

U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER Embrace adventure at Alabama’s #1 attraction, the world’s largest space museum, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Visitor Center and home to Space Camp.

LOWE MILL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Shop the excitingly eclectic artist market, sample Pizzelle’s [delectable] Confections or Suzy’s Gourmet Pops and stay for a concert with a Happy Tummy picnic and a sip of Irons One Whiskey.

ROCKET CITY USA 256-551-2204 • www.huntsville.org Pam Williams • pam@huntsville.org

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COMING SOON TO THE HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN The new Visitor Welcome Center, designed like one of the gorgeous Southern antebellum homes of the Twickenham Historic District of downtown Huntsville.

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MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

MYRTLE BEACH - MAKE IT YOURS! Nowhere else can you find 60 miles of beach front accommodations, shopping and entertainment complexes, restaurants, live theaters and sculpture gardens all in one destination!

LIVE THEATERS Myrtle Beach theaters are the perfect complement to any group tour! The area has emerged as a hotspot for live entertainment, offering the best in shows, music, dance, comedy, dinner theater and more!

SHOPPING From trendy outlets to upscale shops and outdoor entertainment venues that offer it all including souvenirs and specialty shops, there are stores that offer something for everyone!

DINING Hundreds of restaurants offer everything from hamburgers to Coastal Carolina Cuisine. Or your group can enjoy one of our all-you-can-eat buffets with crab legs, carving stations, desserts and more!

HISTORY AND CULTURE Plantation homes, museums, art galleries and historic farms along with sculpture gardens and even a stone castle along with tours of the Gullah Geechee culture take you back to the early 1800’s!

HOLIDAY EVENTS There is plenty of holiday activities in this beach town! Festival of Trees, Night of Thousand Candles, holiday shows and more make this a festive time to visit the area!

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 800-488-8998 • www.MyrtleBeachGroups.com Sandy Haines • Sandy.Haines@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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RUTHERFORD CO. MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE

A TASTE OF THE SOUTH Featuring Civil War history, moonshine, Tennessee Walking Horses, line dancing, Southern home-cooking and more! This vibrant community is minutes from Nashville and miles from ordinary.

STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD Stand in the “Slaughter Pen,” explore one of the oldest national cemeteries in the country, and learn about one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles, where 81,000 soldiers fought in 1863.

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. RUTHERFORD COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 800-716-7560 • www.readysetrutherford.com Donna Klempnow dklempnow@rutherfordchamber.org

ST. CHARLES, M I S S O U R I

Take a fun, motorized tour through the multi-billion-dollar manufacturing plant that produces several of the top Nissan vehicles, and watch robots and people work together on the assembly process.

SHORT MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY Learn how Tennessee moonshine is made at Short Mountain Distillery, whose traditional process uses local stone-milled grain and Tennessee spring water to create a sour mash moonshine. Free tastings!

RICH IN HISTORY Founded in 1769, Saint Charles is the oldest city on the Missouri River. The brick-paved street in our 10-block Nationally Registered Historic District offers 120 shops, restaurants, and a casino.

COACH TOUR Our guide in period dress will board your motor coach for a 45-minute overview tour of some of our most historic attractions including buildings dating back to the 1760s through the early 1800s.

FIRST STATE CAPITOL HISTORIC SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI 800-366-2427 • www.historicstcharles.com Greg Maxon • gmaxon@historicstcharles.com

From 1821 to 1826, Saint Charles was the site of the first state capitol of Missouri. Eleven rooms of the complex, including the legislative chambers, have been fully restored to their original state.

LEWIS & CLARK BOAT HOUSE AND NATURE CENTER Enjoy learning about the many Indian cultures, plants and animals that Lewis & Clark encountered as they ventured from Saint Charles to the Pacific Ocean in this hands-on, self-guided museum.

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ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA

MEET, EXPLORE & CONNECT IN ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA Greater Ontario region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character that make it ideal for leisure travel.

ONTARIO MILLS Host to more than 24 million shopper visits annually, Ontario Mills is California’s largest outlet mall. With more than 1.5 million square feet and over 200 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.

JOSEPH FILIPPI WINERY The Joseph Filippi family, Cucamonga Valley winegrowers since 1922 are legends in wine making community. This fourth generation family owned and operated winery has earned many awards for excellence.

LAKE ARROWHEAD Nestled in the majestic mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, widely known as “The Alps of Southern California,” a stunningly beautiful, cozy and quaint mountain resort paradise.

SAN MANUEL INDIAN BINGO & CASINO So. California’s one-stop destination for entertainment and fun, the casino is just a short drive from the Ontario Airport. Guests enjoy 2,000 of the latest slots live poker and Vegas-style entertainment.

GRAEBER OLIVE HOUSE The Historic Olive House is home of world famous Graber Olives grown and produced by the Graber family since 1894. A rare delicacy has been created in Graber Olives.

GREATER ONTARIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 909-937-3000 • www.discoverontariocalifornia.org Contact: Sean Keliiholokai • skeliiholokai@ontariocvb.org

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SOUTHERN I N D I A N A

GET FESTIVE IN SOUTHERN INDIANA Southern Indiana offers many original group festivities for your groups throughout the year. Iconic music, one of a kind art and wine paired with unique boutiques sets the backdrop to a great tour.

ABBEY ROAD ON THE RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL Experience peace, love and music at the largest Beatle tribute festival Memorial Day weekend in Southern Indiana, one mile north of Louisville, KY. We are ready to show your group a groovy time.

ART IN SPEED PARK FINE ART FAIR SOUTHERN INDIANA, CLARK/FLOYD COUNTIES CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU 812-282-6654 • www.sunnysideoflouisville.org Kate Kane • kkane@sunnysideoflouisville.org

Fine art can be found at Speed Park in Southern Indiana that will allow your groups to meet the artists and possibly walk away with their own masterpiece. August 27-28, 2016.

STEAMBOAT DAYS SEPTEMBER 2-4, 2016 Celebrating the history of the steamboat era, Jeffersonville will also be celebrating Indiana’s Bicentennial with fun activities that include performance art, food and history.

VICKSBURG, M ISSISSIP P I

VICKSBURG: THE KEY TO THE SOUTH Bring your group to Vicksburg to learn American history, listen to Mississippi music and experience the Southern charm of this remarkable river city.

VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK The park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1,340 monuments, 16-mile tour road, restored Union gunboat and a national cemetery. Guided tours available.

MCRAVEN TOUR HOME VISIT VICKSBURG 800-221-3536 • www.visitvicksburg.com Ashley Gatian • ashley@visitvicksburg.com

Experience the most haunted home in Mississippi. Explore the architecture of three different time periods: Frontier, Empire and Greek Revival.

Historic tours daily and evening ghost tours are offered.

JESSE BRENT LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM The museum offers a glimpse of what life is like along the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore the past and examine the science behind water movement through interactive exhibits. Free admission.

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S T. L O U I S , M I S S O U R I

ST. LOU...IS ALL WITHIN REACH St. Louis is a place where history and imagination collide, and the result is a Midwestern destination filled with one-of-a-kind attractions, restaurants, shops and adventures.

THE GATEWAY ARCH Standing 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch, the nation’s tallest man-made monument, anchors the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and stands as the iconic monument symbolizing the westward expansion.

THE NATIONAL BLUES MUSEUM The National Blues Museum is St. Louis’ newest attraction. It is the only attraction of its kind dedicated exclusively to preserving and honoring the history and legacy of Blues music.

FOREST PARK One of the largest urban parks in the US. The park is home to the Art Museum, Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box, History Museum and the Muny.

ANHEUSER-BUSCH BREWERY Tour Anheuser-Busch Brewery, visit the Brew House, Budweiser Clydesdale stable, beech-wood aging cellar and hospitality room.

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT LOUIS (NEW CATHEDRAL) One of the largest mosaic collections in the western hemisphere.

EXPLORE ST. LOUIS 800-325-7962 • www.explorestlouis.com Contact: Renee M. Eichelberger, CTP, CTIS • reichelberger@explorestlouis.com

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M A R Q U E E AT T R AC T I O N S

HOUSTON’S NEWEST HOTEL OPENED OCTOBER 2015

HYATT REGENCY HOUSTON/GALLERIA

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ouston’s newest hotel, situated across the street from The Galleria, is the ideal location offering upscale amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and lobby, a full-service concierge, and superior service. Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria is the perfect place to relax, connect and explore. Featuring 19 suites and 1 Presidential suite, along with Regency Club Level guestrooms, our Uptown Houston hotel offers stunning accommodations that inspire you to live well while you travel.

STAY AND PLAY

Explore Houston while staying in our newly built hotel which is just steps away from The Galleria Shopping Center. Houston is 2nd to New York in theater seats.

Time to go see a show? Book today!

HYATT REGENCY HOUSTON/GALLERIA Houston, Texas 832-397-5266

www.hyattregency houstongalleria.com

Melissa Malone melissa.malone@hyatt.com

FREE ONLINE!

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ON for your groups!

TEN CUSTOM-MADE ACTIVITIES FOR GROUPS

888.253.0455

W W W. G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M / E B O O K

M A R Q U E E AT T R AC T I O N S

BLUE MAN G R O U P

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LIVING IN FULL COLOR lue Man Group is the spectacular collision of comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one. This multi-sensory sensation will dazzle audiences of all ages, and since it’s performed with no spoken words, is perfect for all languages and cultures.

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The ultimate adventure awaits your groups, with exclusive ticket rates & special student group offers, VIP experiences and talkbacks/Q&A’s, dining and transportation packages, and so much more.

Join our celebration of 25 years of living in full color in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and Chicago, and be part of the phenomenon that has captivated over 35 million people worldwide.

DA RE TO LI V E I N F U LL CO LO R .

2016 IS BLUE MAN GROUP’S 25TH YEAR CELEBRATION!

Experience the collision of comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one. Join us in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and Chicago for an unforgettable adventure in full color.

BLUE MAN GROUP New York, NY 1-800-BLUEMAN • www.blueman.com Contact: Joe Tropia • jtropia@blueman.com

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SPACE CAMP AT THE U.S. SPACE &ROCKET CENTER

BOOK YOUR SPACE CAMP ADVENTURE TODAY! amily Space Camp is a weekend program for families with children ages 7 and up. It offers an exhilarating adventure as parents and children train like astronauts and take part in authentic simulated missions to space. The program includes simulated mission training and operations, rocket construction and learning the history and future of space exploration in one of the world’s largest spacecraft collections. Trainees experience astronaut training simulators such as the 1/6th gravity chair and the manned maneuvering unit. On-site meals and lodging are included in family camp programs. Book your family’s Space Camp adventure today!

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MEET AN ASTRONAUT THIS SUMMER! SPACE CAMP AT THE U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER 1-800-637-7223 www.spacecamp.com Tom White tom.white@spacecamp.com

Visit Space Camp this summer and have lunch with a real astronaut! Enjoy compelling stories of passion and perseverance each Friday from noon - 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25. Call 1-800-637-7223 for info.

MORE THAN YOU’D EVER EXPECT!

THE FIRESIDE D I N N E R T H E AT R E

xperience the magic of The Fireside Dinner Theatre, Wisconsin’s #1 year-round motorcoach attraction. Celebrating 51 years and three generations of family hospitality, the Klopcics treat you to superb dining, beautiful gift shops and professional Broadway musicals in a state-of-the-art theatre-in-the-round. The Fireside is a complete destination in itself or the perfect complement to any Wisconsin tour, located near Milwaukee, Madison, and Lake Geneva. We run performances Wednesday through Sunday year-round. Allow 5.5 hours for the entire experience. The Fireside is fully accessible to guests with disabilities with plenty of safe, free parking in our own lot.

E THE FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 800-477-9505 • www.firesidetheatre.com Jean Flynn • jean@firesidetheatre.com

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2017 SEASON ON SALE NOW

Our 40th Season of professional theatre includes MAMMA MIA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SOUTH PACIFIC, BACK TO THE 50’S, CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES, ELVIS LIVES, and MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET – THE MUSICAL. M A R Q U E E

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G R E A T E R

O N T A R I O

C A L I F O R N I A

e r o l p x e Meet, t c e n n o and c

Greater Ontario is excited to host the Select Traveler Conference in 2017!

Greater Ontario region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character that make it Ideal for leisure and business travel. We look forward to welcoming you February 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 to Ontario, California. The Ontario International Airport lets you ďŹ&#x201A;y right into the heart of Southern California.

A state-of-the-art convention center, world class shopping, awe inspiring weather, access to over 6000 guest rooms. All waiting for you when the business day is done.

Meet, explore, and connect in Greater Ontario, California. For more information on your next meeting experience, visit: discoverontariocalifornia.org/meetings 2000 E. Convention Center Way | Ontario, California 91764 909.937.3000 | 800.455.57.55 | info@ontariocvb.org

Go beyond the stage your group is treated to insider access with Collette

French Quarter, New Orleans

Get some of the best seats in town, relish in private backstage tours and delight in access to places you would never go on your own.

Beale Street, Memphis

Grand Ole Opry, Nashville

Offer the world to your travelers with journeys to seven continents. guided by travel

To learn about our extensive tour selection, call 800.762.5345 or your local Travel Agent.

CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279