Select Traveler September October 2017 by The Group Travel Leader, Inc.

THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

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EXPLORING ST. CHARLES |

SHIPS AHOY

| LOUISVILLE AWAITS SELECT TRAVELER DELEGATES

ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

summer yields

to autumn in

WISCONSIN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

THE MAGAZINE FOR BANK, ALUMNI AND CHAMBER TRAVEL PLANNERS

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T R A V E L E R

VOL.25 NO.5

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

WISCONSIN:

ABOUNDING CULTURAL RICHES Courtesy Olbrich Gardens

contents

ON THE COVER: This field of sunflowers demonstrates the rural beauty found throughout Wisconsin. Photo by Dendron.

artsy

16 canada 20

COMMUNITIES

checking in:

KIM THOMPSON

toolbox:

FREE TIME

exploring marketing:

ST. CHARLES

CRISIS

career: EDUCATIONAL

MANAGEMENT

TOURS

8 10 36 46 48

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

STACEY BOWMAN

888.253.0455

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

STACE Y@ BANK TR AVELMANAGEMENT.COM

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

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BY TRAIN

cruise

F O R E C A S T

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.

We’d like to be your custom publishing partner. The Group Travel Leader Inc has two decades of expertise in working with industry partners to produce stunning print pieces. We write, design, sell, and mail your finished magazine. You’ll be surprised by how easy and affordable it can be.

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perspective P U B L I S H E R ’ S

have an invitation for our Select Traveler readers who manage travel programs: Consider joining us for one of our highly regarded OnSite familiarization trips. OnSite familiarization trips began as readership events when the Jordan

Tourism Board North America hosted our first group in its remarkable country almost three years ago. I accompanied that group, and we had a list of highly

qualified attendees that included planners for banks, museums, associations and other travel organizations. Since that inaugural event, the Georgia Department of Economic Development has hosted OnSite groups in the springs of 2016 and 2017, the Kentucky Department of Travel hosted another for a faith-based itinerary in June 2017, and we recently completed a fifth for Experience Columbus, the convention and visitors bureau for Ohio’s capital city. The success of these site-inspection trips for our hosts depends on attendance by qualified travel planners for groups. Many of the most qualified travel planners with whom we work are readers of this magazine. We are now talking with destinations that want to host OnSite readership events, and we’re already working with Georgia on a third trip there next spring. You’ll be notified of these opportunities by email as they arise, so if one of them works for your schedule, please join us. We’d love to have you with us for an upcoming OnSite familiarization trip.

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

Mac Lacy

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P L A N N E R S

T A L K

B A C K

how do you use travel clubs to build loyalty for your organization? PATTI MANVILLE

JEAN JECH

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT AND TOUR COORDINATOR EAGLE BANK

JUBILEE DIRECTOR | HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

FAIRFIELD BAY, ARKANSAS “We are the only travel club in our area, so anyone that hears about us and is interested in travel comes to see me and opens an account. I feel that because of our travel club, we gain accounts that may have gone to some of the other banks in the area. Being a family-owned bank, we can give them a more personal experience that makes them a loyal customer.”

ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA “We are very conscious that everything we do is a reflection on our bank and make it a point to offer only high-quality events with the best seats in the house. This results in members very proud of their club and great word-of-mouth exposure. One guest per member is welcome to attend our events at an additional nonmember cost, resulting in most then joining our club due to our quality.”

ASHLEY TAYLOR

HARVEST CLUB DIRECTOR | FIRST STATE BANK

SALLY MCKAY

OWNER | MG TRAVEL OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA “I specialize in plein-air painting groups that like to travel together. They always have something new they have tried to share with the group, such as a different technique they have tried. When they find out how well we cater to their group, they tell others that we did not know even existed.”

BARBOURSVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA “Our travel club provides activities, events and travel, as well as local social outings. We schedule free events throughout the year to members only. Our motto is, ‘Get the service you deserve.’ Our unique offerings encourage loyalty.” Bourbon Heritage Center, Heaven Hill Distillery

JUDY MATTY

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AND CLUB DIRECTOR ANSTAFF BANK MOUNTAIN HOME, ARKANSAS “It doesn’t take long to realize the loyalty side of banking comes from relationships. There is no stronger means of building relationships than escorting customers to destinations they’ve always dreamed of going but haven’t. After taking these customers on just a few trips, they are so comfortable with that bank employee, they wouldn’t dream of banking anywhere else. The connection and loyalty becomes stronger with every new adventure, as does their banking relationship.”

How does a place so small become the Bourbon Capital of the World®? Start with the second-oldest town in Kentucky, add a plethora of bourboninspired restaurants and shops, sprinkle with seven distilleries, and serve on a scenic countryside. Visit Bardstown – the small town with big escapes.

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www.visitbardstown.com 800.638.4877

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checking in KIM THOMPSON

W I T H

K I M

T H O M P S O N

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR DIVERSITY AND OPERATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

Bucknell University alums pose together on a cruise to Cuba.

LEWISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA A private liberal arts college, Bucknell University was established in 1846. The college’s 52,000 alumni living around the globe benefit from the alumni association’s robust travel program, which offers about 30 trips a year to graduates, parents and friends. Born: Washington, D.C. Education: B.A. in elementary education from Fairmont State University Employment: Prior to Bucknell, she worked in health care for West Virginia University Medicine. She worked as an interim director for the alumni association before beginning current role. Family: Two children with her husband, Harrison Hobbies: Travel, golf, gardening and reading

BY ELIZA MYERS

im Thompson’s first introduction to her job as a travel planner took place aboard a small vessel off the coast of Italy. This bewitching country with its enchanting coastal villages, historic ruins and delicious cuisine proved the perfect place to lure Thompson into travel planning. “I hosted the trip prior to taking on the travel planning full time,” said Thompson, associate director for diversity and operations for the Office of Alumni Relations for Bucknell University. “It was great onthe-job training.” Thompson hosted the trip while serving as interim associate director before accepting her current position in 2014. Previously, she had worked in health care, a far cry from loyalty group travel planning. Since the perks of managing the alumni travel program were apparent, Thompson gladly took on the challenge along with her job’s many other responsibilities.

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“The travel program is just a piece of my job, but it’s a fun piece,” said Thompson. “It’s a pleasure to host trips and engage with other Bucknell alumni.” Though the college’s travel program is one of many tasks under Thompson’s jurisdiction, it’s a joyful one she loves because of the connections she makes to the destination and to other alumni members.

JUG G LI NG A C T

Thompson’s list of responsibilities at the Office of Alumni Relations is staggering. It includes managing staff, regional clubs, the Black Alumni Association, the LGBTQA Alumni Association and many other organizations and events. With so much on her to-do list, Thompson can’t join all Bucknell’s trips, as much as she would like to. However, she didn’t want the quality of Bucknell’s long-established travel program to diminish, so she shared the opportunity with other co-workers.

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“I was in Cuba in January,” said Thompson. “That’s the last tour I’ve done. I don’t have time to be out of the office, so I’ve shared hosting opportunities with my colleagues. I like sharing the trips. It’s based on seniority who is offered the trips first.” Of the 30 trips offered each year, Thompson will send a host from the college only if the trip sells enough to comp the host’s trip. To make sure staff properly cater to the traveling alumni, Thompson will instruct new hosts on how to pamper members while not distracting from the experience. “We don’t want to insert ourselves into someone else’s vacation, so it’s kind of a fine line,” said Thompson. “We typically have a reception for the alumni. It’s usually in a corner of the ship, where we’ll put up the Bucknell banner. We have appetizers and hand out swag. I like to do that early in the trip so we can get to know one another.” Thompson and other Bucknell hosts also reserve group dinners together on a couple of nights and stick Bucknell magnets on travelers’ doors. When on a cruise, Thompson hustles to request the crew to fly the Bucknell flag before anyone else beats her to it with a different flag.

C RUIS IN G L IF E

“We’ll interview alumni about their trips and include that in the article,” said Thompson. “We’ll then link the blog article to various other platforms.” The blog articles spotlight the destination through the eyes of the alumni, a focus on the travelers themselves that Thompson keeps at the forefront of her program. She enjoys introducing the alumni to one another and herself. “You develop wonderful memories because we are on a small ship that is very intimate,” she said. “I really get to know the alumni, and it is so exciting to hear them talk about their time at Bucknell and their favorite professors. I like to ask them about the last time they were on campus. Bucknell alumni are amazing, smart, fun people.”

T R A V E L

tips

It’s a group leader’s dream: a packaged tour where travelers can follow their own whims while still sharing a full itinerary of experiences. • Make a list of all the items you don’t want This convenient setup is why Bucknell University’s travel program has to forget. focused almost exclusively on cruises for many years now. “We do some domestic trips on buses, but for the most part, our trips • Make a copy of your passport, and pack it in are cruises,” said Thompson. “We book a lot of small-ship cruises to the a suitcase. Mediterranean. Our alumni tend to like the riverboat cruises especially.” • Be flexible and have fun. The cruises allow alumni plenty of freedom while still encouraging connection during certain mealtimes and excursions when the group travels together on a separate small bus. Thompson doesn’t want all the cruises to blend together, so she works with tour operators to offer standout cruising products. “We keep a running log of the trips we’ve taken and the number of people who have taken the trips,” e p l o re said Thompson. “If there is a trip that isn’t that popu10- to 14-Night Alaska Cruisetours lar, we’ll drop it and try another one. If it’s popular, onboard Celebrity Millennium® like Cuba and Alaska, we’ll offer more trips. “Right now, we are considering family-friendly Seward/Vancouver departures e p l o re trips,” said Thompson. “That’s the next thing on May 2018/2019 May-1-September 2013 June –September September 14, 2012 the agenda.” 10- to 14-Night Alaska Cruisetours

VA CATIO N ED U C AT I O N S

Though Thompson traveled domestically and abroad before planning tours, she makes a point to distinguish those trips as vacations and says they were different than the types of trips Bucknell offers. Rather than an excuse to lounge by the cruise ship’s pool, the college’s trips feature strong educational components. “The alumni are very inquisitive,” said Thompson. “The tours typically feature a professor or an expert who will present an educational program on the trip. They are always interesting and give people the opportunity to learn more about the area and to ask questions.” To promote these scholarly experiences, Thompson sends out information to alumni through brochures, social media platforms and articles written for the alumni program’s blog.

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T R A V E L

T O O L B O X

don’t be afraid of free time

BY BRIA N JE W E LL

t’s all the rage in the tour industry right now: Everyone says that to attract younger travelers, you need to include more free time on trips. But making this change while keeping your existing customers happy will require more strategy than just clearing a couple hours of time on an itinerary. In many traditional tours, free time often amounts to an hour or two in a shopping district. That’s fine for retail fans, but people who don’t particularly enjoy shopping often find themselves bored during these breaks. And although giving travelers free time in a city center or at a resort may offer more options, it’s not a panacea — some value-minded travelers resent free time, believing that the money they pay for tours should include full-time activity. Smart free time can add a welcome measure of independence to group travel, but doing it right requires some planning and hand holding for travelers who may not want to be alone. Here are five techniques to make your group’s free time effective and enjoyable.

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PRE PA RE OP TIONS Instead of turning travelers loose in a destination and expecting them to fend for themselves, consider preparing a menu of optional activities from which they can choose for their free time. These options could include, for example, a spa treatment, a round of golf and an outdoor adventure. You can arrange with some suppliers ahead of time so they are ready when your travelers arrive. At the end, participants can pay for the activities themselves or, if you really want to make an impression, you can include the cost of these activities in the tour price and give travelers who chose not to participate a gift card for the difference.

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INCLUDE A G UIDE D ACTIVITY Though many baby boomers enjoy free time on group trips, there’s always someone traveling with you who prefers to stick with a guide the whole time. Maybe they are traveling alone, uncomfortable navigating unfamiliar places by themselves or simply shy. These people will be grateful if one of the optional free-time activities is an excursion they can do with you or the tour director, perhaps a trip to a local museum or a casual tasting tour at a nearby market. Make sure the group knows what you will be doing during the free time and that anyone is welcome to join you.

HE LP W ITH DINING Letting people dine around town on their own can be a great way to give your travelers some independence. And though some people will want to explore the restaurant scene on their own, others would benefit from guidance. Work with the CVB or other local partners to pick some area restaurants your travelers might enjoy, and then hand out a map with those places highlighted. If you’re in a busy area, you might even make some reservations at a few places so your people don’t have to wait for tables.

T OUCH BA S E W ITH TRAVELERS When you reach a block of free time during a trip, it’s important for you as the group leader not to disappear. Make sure your travelers understand all the options you have arranged for them and are aware of any important schedule details. Then, as people prepare for what they’re going to do, check in with them individually to see if they have any questions, need any help or would like to join you for your activity. In addition to providing a great customer-service moment, this also allows you to keep track of where your

M A K E U S E O F T HE M OTORCOACH

travelers are going so you can track them down should the need arise.

If your group is using a motorcoach to get around your destination, have the vehicle and the driver help with the logistics of your free time. You could have the coach make a couple of scheduled runs between the city center and the group hotel, giving travelers the choice to return to their accommodations at various times. Or if you have planned several optional activities, have the coach drop off and pick up people in those places at predetermined times. You have already paid for the service, so you might as well make the most of it.

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C O N F E R E N C E

connection

SELECT A WINNER JOIN US IN LOUISVILLE FOR AN INCOMPARABLE CONFERENCE

Twickenham Antebellum District

BY DAN DICKSON

entucky loves its bourbon, and 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is produced right in the commonwealth. Kentuckians enjoy making it, and visitors love drinking it. Bourbon has enjoyed surging popularity in recent years as mixologists, chefs and distillers rediscover the flavors and heritage of “America’s spirit.” Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, is jumping aboard this speeding train. “You cannot come to Kentucky, especially not to Louisville, without talking about bourbon,” said Saundra Robertson, tourism sales manager for the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bourbon is made right in downtown Louisville, on Main Street no less. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a cool artisanal distillery and museum that celebrates Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. In 2013, it was the first to open downtown. Now, along what has become known as Whiskey Row, there are several more where you can tour and taste. Old Forester, owned by Brown-Forman and headquartered in Louisville, will open yet another distillery on Main Street in June 2018. Several other new distilleries — Angel’s Envy, Mi-

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chter’s and Rabbit Hole — are being planned for next year as well. “The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and Copper and Kings, which produces brandy, are rumored to be the most group friendly out of the downtown distilleries,” said Robertson. “They work well with the group market.” Louisville is on the Kentucky-Indiana state line and has a population of about 625,000. It has transformed itself through civic and commercial improvements over the past few decades and is now emerging as an exciting mid-South U.S. city. The Select Traveler Conference will take place in Louisville February 4-6. The official conference hotel will be the Galt House. Registration is ongoing.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Louisville, of course, is known for a lot more than spirits. It has quite a few other unique destinations. “We have a lot of Louisville original attractions here,” said Robertson. “We have the Belle of Louisville, the oldest river steamboat in operation in the nation. We have the Muhammad

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Left to right: Belle of Louisville; Evan Williams Bourbon Experience; Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs

Ali Center right downtown on Main Street. We also have the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and Churchill Downs, and the Kentucky Derby Museum. For a second-tier city, we have a lot of attractions that are known worldwide.” The types of groups that Louisville frequently hosts are conventions and other large meetings, plus niche markets that include seniors, students and church organizations. The city is within a few hours’ drive of Cincinnati; Nashville, Tennessee; Indianapolis; and St. Louis, Missouri, which means people from those metropolitan areas like to come to Louisville for a change of pace. “We attend the marketplaces at various travel trade shows where we do a lot of marketing,” Robertson said. The city encourages group travel planners to schedule Louisville familiarization tours to educate themselves about the strengths of the city as a unique, fun destination. “Just about every time we do FAM tours, we are successful and get a lot of business out of them,” said Robertson. “People didn’t necessarily think of Louisville in a negative way. They just didn’t know what to think of us. It really opened their eyes to what we have to offer.”

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All photos courtesy Louisville CVB

Susan Dallas, senior marketing communications manager for the Louisville CVB, said her city’s hospitality is unmatched. “And we are very accessible, group friendly and affordable. There are many unique things you can see and experience here that you can’t get in other places.” Louisville’s CVB is offering special packages for groups that want to try out the River City. For example, various tour combinations may include a visit to the famed Churchill Downs for live racing. Special group seating can be arranged on Millionaires Row or the Skye Terrace, both high above the track, along with a buffet lunch or dinner. While visiting the track, many groups also tour the popular Kentucky Derby Museum, which smartly chronicles the history of the most famous thoroughbred horse race in the world through a heart-pounding sight, sound and light show. Another fun group activity involves one of those Louisville originals previously mentioned. Fans of baseball or not, visitors will enjoy touring the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory on Main Street. This is where the famed Louisville Slugger baseball bats are produced by Hillerich and Bradsby. This museum is

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C O N F E R E N C E

connection hard to miss: A giant baseball bat, as tall as a building, leans up against the entrance to the facility.

Muhammad Ali Center

FROM BASEBALL TO BOXING

Louisville’s professional baseball team, the Louisville Bats, is the AAA-level affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team plays its home games at Louisville Slugger Field; 70 or so home games are played during the spring and summer. The park offers groups special ticket prices and group meal options. The CVB promotes various combinations of activities: Bourbon and Baseball is a tour where visitors can visit the bourbon distilleries and the Slugger museum, all in the same compact area of downtown Louisville. Another combo activity is Bats and Boats. This one involves the bat museum and a trip up the Ohio River on the charming paddleboat the Belle of Louisville or on the slightly smaller Spirit of Jefferson. Both launch right from the Louisville waterfront. The Muhammad Ali Center is a museum and cultural center on Main Street downtown. Ali, a native of Louisville, was a world champion heavyweight boxer, but he also touched the lives of millions around the world through his six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Also downtown is the Frazier History Museum. Louisville has a fascinating history, and it developed, in part, because of the location of the Falls of the Ohio River, which forced boats to unload cargo onto wagons for transport downriver past the falls to continue their journeys. As a result, Louisville became a busy and important river town. The Frazier Museum tells that story and hundreds more about the city and area. The museum stop could be paired with a visit to Louisville Stoneware. Opened around 1815, it is one of the oldest stoneware companies in the United States. Groups can tour the factory and shop in the store for beautiful dining and home accessories.

FLAVORS AND CELEBRATIONS

Louisville likes to eat and is gaining a national reputation for its culinary scene. Southern Living magazine named Louisville “one of the Top 10 tastiest towns in the South.” Bon Appetit said Louisville was one of the “best foodie small towns in America,” though Louisville is hardly small. The city is known for a few originals, like the Hot Brown, created at the historic Brown Hotel; Derby Pie, a nutty, chocolaty treat that screams “Don’t count the calories;” and Benedictine, a sandwich spread that’s made with cream cheese and cucumbers. Some believe the classic cheeseburger was invented in Louisville. Seasonal celebrations Louisville officials wants group travel planners to know about include fall and holiday activities. The CVB is now focusing on fall activities for groups in Louisville. One is fall racing at Churchill Downs. Another is the monthlong Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park, with

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Louisville skyline

LOUISVILLE LIKES TO EAT AND IS GAINING A NATIONAL REPUTATION FOR ITS CULINARY SCENE. SOUTHERN

LIVING

MAGAZINE

NAMED

LOUISVILLE “ONE OF THE TOP 10 TASTIEST TOWNS IN THE SOUTH.”

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5,000 artistically carved pumpkins lining a quarter-mile walking trail, illuminated at night as an art show. Cruises on the Belle of Louisville to see the fall foliage are popular. The CVB has sent out three-dimensional promotional mailer boxes to travel planners. Inside are the ingredients to make a s’more, a treat that is associated with cool autumn nights and campfires. It’s designed to encourage people to book trips to Louisville. There is also an incentive for new groups to come to Louisville. It’s called 15 Rooms to Love. If a group has not been to the city before or in two or more years, stays one night and takes 15 guest rooms, it gets the option of a $500 shopping spree at the city’s visitors center or a check for $250. The group leader can share the incentive cash with other group members. Louisville is always planning ways for visitors to enjoy the holidays in the city. Some fun and interesting activities for visitors are the new “Nutcracker the Exhibition” at the Frazier History Museum and Lights Under Louisville at Louisville Mega Cavern. Various Victorian mansions in historic neighborhoods will be decorated for the season, the Louisville Ballet will present “The Nutcracker,” and the Actors Theatre of Louisville will offer the always-touching and visually stunning “A Christmas Carol” onstage.

Louisville Slugger Museum

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PEOPLE &

PALETTES

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Guests can shop for beautiful handmade items, such as pottery, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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Courtesy Tourism Santa Fe

ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

these towns know the best art is shared BY RACHEL CARTER

t’s the age-old question: Which came first, the artists or the art community? The answer is pretty much always the artists. It may start with one person who has a vision, or it may be part of the fiber of a place going back centuries. No matter how it begins, the love of art often swells into the founding of an art colony, the creation of annual arts festivals, the opening of galleries across a city and the investment in public art collections. Visitors will be immersed in art appreciation and education, and can immerse themselves in hands-on art classes, in these art communities.

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

In May, the artsy Arkansas town of Eureka Springs marked a big occasion: the 30th annual May Festival of the Arts. Every May for the past three decades, the city showcases its thriving arts community fueled by the 350 artists living and working in town. The monthlong festival is packed with art exhibits and demonstrations, live performances and music in the park. It kicks off with the ArtRageous Parade and peaks with the annual White Street Studio Walk, a street party thrown by the artists themselves that marked its 27th year this past May. Artists take over White Street, where many of them live, and open their private homes and studios to visitors to view their latest works. Another 40 guest artists from the Eureka Springs area spread across yards, set up on driveways and line sidewalks to showcase their weaving, watercolors, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and more. Visitors can meet and chat with artists and enjoy wine and snacks along the way. Eureka Springs School of the Arts has seven studios and contracts with instructors to teach classes that range from one to five days and cover a wide variety of media. The school also offers a “build your own workshop” option for groups that want to customize their experience, said executive director Kelly McDonough. With enough advance arrangement, the school will find an instructor to teach workshops in jewelry-making, painting, woodworking — basically any medium the group wants to explore. During its season, which runs March through October, the school also offers weekly studio strolls, when guests can explore the campus and watch demonstrations from that week’s instructors. Galleries stay open late during the Second Saturday Gallery Stroll every month from April through November, but art can be found ev-

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erywhere in town. “The Up Project” mural is a twisting rainbow tree and waterfall cascading down a long flight of concrete stairs, and benches painted by local artists dot Basin Springs Park. WWW.ESSA-ART.ORG

BEREA, KENTUCKY

Forty miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, the city of Berea is known for two things: the tuition-free Berea College and the town’s thriving arts and crafts community. The Old Town Artisan Village is a one-block district that’s home to about 20 working artists’ studios and shops. It’s there the Berea tourism office can arrange for hands-on art classes for groups, including more than one class at a time. “What makes Berea unique is, not everybody in the group has to do the same class; I can run six to eight classes at the same time,” said group tour coordinator Connie Mondine. Groups can split up into a variety of classes. Some of the most popular include glassblowing, basket weaving, jewelry-making and building a barn-wood birdhouse. Each class lasts between two and three hours, and if one class finishes before the others, people can explore other Artisan Village shops. Gallery 123, also in Artisan Village, is open daily and is home to the Art Accelerator Program, an initiative of Berea Tourism. Emerging artists are selected for 16-month fellowships that provide them with studio and gallery space, as well as a stipend, all while helping artists learn how to run their own businesses. Berea Tourism also offers step-on guides. The basic tour includes an overview of Berea’s history and stops at two of the city’s art districts — College Square and Old Town — so travelers can explore and shop on their own. Step-on guided tours can be customized to a group’s interests; for more arts, “we can go to the college art gallery and arrange for special demonstrations,” Mondine said. The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is a visitor center on Interstate 75 that features rotating special exhibits and a shop that represents over 700 Kentucky craft artists. On Saturdays, the center always runs artist demonstrations, and groups can eat at the on-site cafe. WWW.VISITBEREA.COM

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

The desert light, the expansive landscapes, the inclusive community: Those factors and more are why artists began to flock to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the 1920s and 1930s. The city has “always been attractive to the renegade who can come

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Glass blowing in Berea Courtesy Berea Tourism and Convention Commission

Santa Fe handmade bracelet

and be left alone out here,” said Joanne Hudson, public relations manager for Tourism Santa Fe. Georgia O’Keeffe is easily the area’s most famous example. Although she lived an hour outside of Santa Fe in the remote town of Abiquiú for nearly 40 years, she moved into the city for the last two years of her life. Groups can tour her historic home and studio in Abiquiú and visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. The city has a few well-known arts districts, but the one-mile stretch of Canyon Road that’s lined with more than 100 galleries is by far the densest. Groups will also find galleries throughout the downtown Historic Plaza, along with gift shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Railyard is the redeveloped historic rail hub that is now an arts-and-entertainment district. The area is home to an eclectic mix of tenants, including the Hispanic cultural center El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe; Warehouse 21, an art center for teens; and Site Santa Fe, a contemporary art space. Site has been closed for the past year as it undergoes an $11 million expansion and renovation. It will reopen in October with additional gallery space and an auditorium, and the new Site Lab space, lobby and shop will remain open year-round. The city has a slew of studios that offer hands-on classes. Art Adventures in the Southwest leads a three-hour “Sketching and Painting Santa Fe” program — usually outdoors — and Bullseye Glass Co. offers group glassblowing classes. Several companies also offer guided studio and gallery tours. WWW.SANTAFE.ORG

GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA

Courtesy Tourism Santa Fe

Grand Marais

Courtesy Grand Marais Art Colony

Grand Marais, Minnesota, is a tiny town about two hours up the Lake Superior coast from Duluth, Minnesota. Its remoteness and its picturesque scenery are part of the reason Birney Quick spent the better part of three decades championing it as an arts destination. In the mid-1940s, Quick, an arts professor in Minneapolis, established a summer program for art students to live, work and paint in Grand Marais. And he campaigned his fellow artists, musician friends and patrons to move to Grand Marais, where craggy basalt rocks dot the scenic Superior shoreline, and two lighthouses flank the harbor. “He basically spent over 30 years encouraging people to come here and move here and make art here,” said Amy Demmer, executive director of the Grand Marais Art Colony. The two-block business district has a number of galleries, including the Sivertson Gallery, which focuses on art of the North, and Joy and Co., which features emerging and local artists. The Grand Marais Art Colony offers classes and workshops in its painting, pottery, glass and eco-friendly print studios and provides artist demonstrations every Saturday. The colony’s biggest event of the year is the Grand Marais Arts Festival in July, with over 80 juried artists showing, selling and demonstrating their work in downtown. Art Along the Lake puts on two studio tours, one in the fall and another over Memorial Day weekend, that allow visitors to go into artists’ home studios. The Betsy Bowen Art Studio is a converted historic church that houses several studios and gallery space.

“HE BASICALLY SPENT OVER 30 YEARS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE T O C O M E H E R E A N D M O V E H E R E A N D M A K E A R T H E R E .” — AMY DEMMER, GRAND MARAIS ART COLONY

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The North House Folk School offers a range of courses in fiber arts, basket weaving, woodcarving and more. Passengers can also board the school’s restored 50-foot-long schooner for a two-hour sail on Lake Superior from June through August. WWW.GRANDMARAISARTCOLONY.ORG

ROCKPORT, TEXAS

Thirty miles up the Texas Gulf coast from Corpus Christi, Rockport is a historic port town that sits on a peninsula. As much as the city is a hub for coastal business, it has carved out a name for itself as an arts haven. The Rockport Center for the Arts’ three galleries are free and open to the public six days a week throughout the year. New shows open every few weeks, and everyone is welcome to attend free opening receptions, which are always the first Saturday of the show’s run. With enough notice, the center can also arrange custom art parties for groups. The center’s 10,000-square-foot Sculpture Garden, located in Rockport Harbor with water on both sides, is open 24/7 and features a dozen pieces. Every Fourth of July weekend, the center puts on the two-day Rockport Art Festival, which features more than 120 artists and craftspeople, as well as food and drink vendors, live music and performances. The three-day Rockport Film Festival always takes place the first weekend of November and screens over 40 independent films. Self-guided tours of Rockport’s downtown gallery district are always popular, and visitors should look up from their plates while dining because many local eateries also display and sell local artwork.

Sculpture workshop

Courtesy Rockport Center for the Arts

Artist talk in Grand Marais

WWW.ROCKPORTARTCENTER.COM

Iron studio Courtesy Grand Marais Art Colony

Courtesy Eureka Springs School of the Arts

crystal bridges museum of american art, bentonville

plans

crystal bridges museum

Naturally Made

Groups of all sizes love The Natural State because of our seemingly endless variety of things to see, do and experience, like world-class museums, national historic sites and more. Plan your trip at arkansas.com or call (501) 682-1219. What will you make in Arkansas?

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TRANSCONTINENTAL MEALS, PEOPLE & PLACES HEADLINE A VIA RAIL TRIP ACROSS CANADA WHISTLER AND THE SEA-TO-SKY HIGHWAY

Trains run through vast expanses of Canadian wilderness on Via Rail journeys. Courtesy Via Rail

BY SAVANNAH OSBOURN

f you have never been to Canada, there are few better ways to experience it than taking a four-day train ride across 60 percent of the country. Working with Anderson Vacations and Via Rail, I planned a six-day itinerary from Vancouver to Toronto aboard a train called the Canadian. Many travelers prefer the route from Toronto to Vancouver, with the anticipation of seeing the Rocky Mountains at the end of the trip, but peak season made it difficult to find a ticket opening, so I opted to start my journey in Vancouver. I arrived in Vancouver close to midnight because of several hours of airline delays. However, the delay had one pleasant consequence: As we were landing, I saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time, with the setting sun casting a golden and purplish hue over the water. Jim Warren from Anderson Vacations picked me up from the airport and drove me to my hotel as orange lights flickered on throughout the darkening city.

I spent the night at the beautiful Sheraton Wall Centre hotel in Vancouver. The next morning, Warren picked me up to show me some of the region’s highlights before I boarded the train later that evening. For our first stop, we drove an hour and a half north of Vancouver to visit the picturesque ski-resort town of Whistler. We followed a scenic route known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway that connects the oceanfront to soaring mountain landscapes. Along the way, we stopped by several landmarks, including the old Britannia Copper Mine, the Tantalus Lookout surveying the snow-capped Tantalus Mountain Range and Shannon Falls Provincial Park, which features the third-largest waterfall in British Columbia. When we arrived in Whistler, the town was teeming with mountain bikers and other outdoor-adventure enthusiasts. Many groups pass through the area to visit Whistler Olympic Park, a remnant of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, which features toboggan hills, crosscountry ski trails and a biathlon range. Warren and I took a brief tour of the First Nation Museum, also known as the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. The museum pays homage to the native Canadians who originally settled the land, primarily the Squamish and Lil’wat nations. Afterward, we strolled through Whistler’s cobblestone streets and stopped for lunch at Longhorn Saloon and Grill, where I enjoyed a mouthwatering bleu bacon burger and Vancouverbased craft cider.

VANCOUVER AND BOARDING THE CANADIAN

Back in Vancouver, Warren and I spent the remainder of the afternoon driving around the city. There are few cityscapes as vibrant as Vancouver’s, surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one end and sparkling oceanfront on the other. We drove through Granville Island, a colorful shopping and entertainment district near a marina, then stopped in Stanley Park to eat ice cream by the seawall and watch boats sail under the bridge. We ate dinner at Seasons in the Park Restaurant at the summit of Queen Elizabeth Park, which is the highest point in the city and overlooks downtown Vancouver as well as the distant mountains. There, we met with several representatives from Via Rail, including Ryan Robutka, Opposite page: A couple enjoys the view on a trip across Canada with Via Rail.

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ENCOUNTERS A TH

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Courtesy Via Rail

O THANK • VI E T A

Via Rail room interior

Vancouver All photos by Savannah Osbourn, except where noted

the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior manager of sales and marketing, who planned to accompany me on the train as far as Edmonton. Afterward, Warren and I said our farewells at the train station, and I prepared to board the Canadian with Robutka. Before getting on, we made sure to schedule our meals for the following day, since mealtime is typically divided into two seatings. An attendant showed me to my cabin and gave me a brief rundown on how everything in the room worked, from the toilet to the chairs that are folded back at night to make room for the beds. There are two main classes of sleeper cars on the Canadian: Manor Sleeping Cars and Prestige Cars. Berths are booth-style seats that convert into semiprivate, curtained bunk beds at night. A cabin for one offers a seat, a toilet and a vanity, which transform into a bed at night. A cabin for two features a toilet, a vanity and two chairs that convert into bunk beds, with some space adjacent to the bed. Suites consist of two combined cabins for two. A communal shower down the hall includes a small changing area. Prestige Class is an exclusive section at the back of the train that includes private washrooms and showers, flat-screen TVs, heated floors and complimentary bar service.

Sylvia Hotel Courtesy Via Rail

I had the luxury of staying in a cabin for two. Since my cabin was technically designed for two passengers, I appreciated the space to stand and move around by the bed and sink. It was a retro-style compartment like something out of an Agatha Christie novel, with leather pouches fastened at the head of the bed and other parts of the room for placing items like a cellphone or a book. There was also a narrow closet just big enough to hang a dress or two, and a shelf above the vanity and bathroom. As the train left the station, I joined Robutka in the panorama car for the Bon Voyage Celebration of sparkling wine and hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres. True to its name, the panorama car features a sweeping view of the passing scenery through six-foot-wide glass windows and a six-and-a-half-foothigh glass dome. By the time I returned to my cabin, the attendant had flipped down my bed over the two seats. Many people had warned me prior to the trip that I would have difficulty sleeping on the train. As I settled down for bed, the variety of noises was disorienting at first, from the rhythmic clack of train wheels to the gentle creaking in the walls, but I was soon tired enough to tune it out. By the second night, I barely noticed the sounds and motion.

Squamish Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;wat Cultural Centre

Squamish boat exhibit

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Panorama Car Courtesy Via Rail

Dining car meal

JASPER AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

The next morning, I woke up about 7:30 and made my way to the dining car for breakfast, which was served on a first-come, first-served basis. Since space in the dining area is limited, passengers are seated wherever there is room, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with new people. I sat with a middle-aged Indian couple and their young daughter, who spoke with me at length about their cultural background and travels throughout North America. After breakfast, guests typically schedule their time slots for lunch and dinner. Afterward, I spent a large portion of the day exploring the train. Beyond the dining car, the best window seats could be found in the panorama car and the dome car. The dome car featured a second-level observation dome where guests could look out over the top of the train. While guests sat and read or observed the passing landscape, a train staff member announced any upcoming scenic highlights, such as a waterfall or a bison herd. Though I failed to spy any moose, I did manage to spot some elk and coyotes. Throughout the day, passengers could also take advantage of scheduled events in the activity car, such as beer tasting, wine tasting, chair yoga, nightly movies and trivia. The movie choices were all tasteful, award-winning films, such as “Jackie,” starring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, and “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” a thought-provoking comedy featuring Blythe Danner and Sam Elliott. In the afternoon, we often enjoyed small concerts from a local folk singer. Via Rail offers a special travel package for Canadian musicians, which allows them to travel free

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Courtesy Via Rail

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The view from CN Tower

Via Rail dinner

of charge in exchange for daily performances. The most significant stop along the trip was the charming, alpine town of Jasper, nestled amid the Canadian Rockies. Many travelers choose to get off the train in Jasper, where they can tour nearby attractions like Lake Louise and Banff National Park along the scenic Icefield Parkway. Other passengers, like me, made the most of their brief time in town by exploring the quaint shops and boutiques, with local favorites such as the Jasper Brewing Company, the Candy Bear Lair and the Bear Paws Bakery. Following our departure from Jasper, the train passed through the most scenic portion of the journey: the Canadian Rockies. The dome car was the prime location to appreciate this breathtaking sight, and I nearly exhausted my phone’s memory taking photos, though not a single shot did it justice.

CANADIAN PRAIRIES AND LAKE COUNTRY

On the second morning of the trip, I raised my window shade to an entirely different view: flat, sweeping grassland with dark-tempered clouds overhead. Mealtimes continued to be a highlight of the day. I met all kinds of travelers, from a New Zealand couple to an Australian man traveling solo and several French-speaking Canadians from Quebec. In addition, the cuisine was world class, and there was no such thing as a poor choice on the menu. A couple of my favorite meals were roasted duck with Saskatoon berry chutney and a colorful fusion salad of corn, black beans and edamame.

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Pyramid Falls

That night, the train crew switched out in Winnipeg. Though it had only been two and a half days since the journey began, I had become well accustomed to the familiar faces of the staff, so it was strange to wake up to new ones. The third day was by far the most relaxing point on the trip, my having fully adjusted to the daily routine on the train. I spent several hours in the dome car watching thick pine forests and pockets of lakes slide past the windows, taking occasional trips down to the activity car for refills of hot tea. Long stretches on the rails made me wish I had brought more reading material, though I was able to acquire a thriller novel from the Australian traveler I had met. Robutka had suggested that I ask the attendant to leave my bed down during the day in case I wanted to come back and nap, or just sit in bed, and I took his advice for the duration of the trip, leaving a “Do not disturb” sign outside my door, which served as a convenient marker for my room. Since most of the cars look the same, it is surprisingly easy to pass your cabin on the way back from a meal or activity. By this point, it became clear that the train was running nearly eight hours late. Since freight trains take priority on the track, the Canadian must stop and wait for each one to pass, thus falling increasingly behind schedule. Though this clearly created a setback for anyone trying to catch a connecting train or flight, most people were good-natured about the delay. After all, we were not just trying to reach a destination; we were there for the experience.

ARRIVAL IN TORONTO

Though I had not expected another full day on the train on Saturday, I made the most of it by lounging in the dome car throughout the afternoon, watching sun-glossed lakes glide past under thick white clouds. Around 5 p.m., we finally arrived in Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. After spending four days virtually removed from the world, the chaos of Union Station was startling at first, especially since the city was flooded with visitors for Pride Weekend. I spent my final evening in Canada down by the waterfront observing the boats and throngs of people, and then closed out the night with a trip to the summit of the CN Tower, the highest observation deck in North America.

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Canadian Rockies train route

ANDERSON VACATIONS

VIA RAIL

403-245-6200

1-888-842-7245

WWW.ANDERSONVACATIONS.CA

WWW.VIARAIL.CA/EN

Courtesy Via Rail

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Volunteering in Peru led to the creation of Turismo Cuida, an affiliate that has granted over $200,000 to tourism projects across the region.

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S T A T E

o f

M I N D

saunter across southern wisconsin MADISON ANCHORS THIS SCENIC GETAWAY BY HERB SPARROW

“Y

ou are on the same path Laurence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn walked.” Becky, our guide, was leading us to the entrance of Ten Chimneys, the longtime home of mid20th-century theater stars Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne near Genesee Depot, Wisconsin. The house and several other buildings, filled with memorabilia and stories of the glittering array of Broadway and movie stars who regularly visited, was the first stop for my wife, Marcheta, and me on a four-day swing through southern Wisconsin. As we drove through the rolling green hills past numerous neat, well-tended dairy farms with red barns, using the Madison suburb of Middleton as a hub, we discovered an intriguing combination of history, nature, art and European heritage, along with an eclectic mix of entertainment from dinner theater to acrobatic circus performers and equally acrobatic lumberjacks.

Thai reflecting pool at Olbrich Gardens

STAR-STUDDED RETREAT

Between the mid-1920s and 1960, the Lunts were among the most critically acclaimed and highest-paid stage performers in the United States. And they mentored and were friends with a legion of famous performers. “Everything I know about acting, I learned from Alfred Lunt,” said Olivier. The 60-acre estate includes the 18-room main house, a five-room cottage and a Swedish-style log cabin studio, along with an L-shaped swimming pool and a pool house. The buildings are filled with original furnishings, art and artifacts, and the guides regale visitors with stories of famous visitors.

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Courtesy Olbrich Gardens

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WI S CO NS I N DELLS

ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

M ADI S O N

GENES EE DEPO T

S P R IN G G R EEN

FO R T ATK I N S O N

Wisconsin Dells Courtesy Wisconsin Dells VCB

After leaving Ten Chimneys, we attended a performance of “South Pacific” at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson. What began in 1964 as a pyramid-shaped restaurant with its namesake fireplace in the center has grown into one of the top motorcoach destinations in the Midwest. Owned and operated by the third generation of the Klopcic family, the Fireside has a welldeserved reputation for quality food and entertainment and unsurpassed hospitality.

Circus World Wagon Ten Chimneys

By Herb Sparrow By Herb Sparrow

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Groups are personally greeted at the door, often by a member of the Klopcic family, and led to the restaurant for a sit-down meal and then to the theaterin-the-round for a show. There are also several well-stocked gift shops, and groups are given cookies from the Fireside bakery when they depart.

BETWEEN TWO LAKES

The heart of downtown Madison sits on a narrow isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, with the large granite state Capitol dominating the skyline. The Capitol, which is marking its centennial this year, underwent an extensive and lengthy renovation and restoration between 1988 and 2002, and now proudly displays an ornate interior that includes 43 varieties of stone from around the world. “We try to show six rooms, but this is a working office building,” said guide Ken Rosenberg. To illustrate his point, members of the governor’s staff were filing into the Governor’s Conference Room for a meeting as we were looking at the ornate red and gold gilt ceiling. Rosenberg also took us into the dome, the only granite dome in the United States, where you can stand in a small Plexiglas inset and look down into the rotunda.

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Across State Street from the Capitol is the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, an impressive facility that traces the military history of Wisconsin since the Civil War. Although it has a large collection of artifacts, many displayed in realistic dioramas, it is the museum’s emphasis on the human stories that makes it emotionally appealing. There are more than 2,000 oral histories on touch-screen computers throughout the museum. “We can have all these things [artifacts], but they don’t mean anything without the story,” said Jennifer Van Haaften, assistant director. “That is our mission: to tell the stories.”

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

SKYLINE ADDITIONS

Two eye-catching additions to the Madison skyline are the Overture Center for the Arts

“Beauty and the Beast”

and the adjoining Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMCA) with its three-story, glass-enclosed stairway that juts out toward State Street. “We have become an icon for Madison,” said Erika Monroe-Kane, director of communications for MMCA. However, it is the museum’s collection and programming that draw visitors to its four Courtesy Wisconsin Veterans Museum galleries. “We select art that we think will be compelling, get people Fireside Dinner Theatre involved,” said Monroe-Kane. “We display a range of styles and media.” With rotating exhibits from its 6,000-piece permanent collection and guest artists, “there is always something new.” At the Overture Center for the Arts, the 2,255-seat Overture Hall was designed to accommodate large-set traveling Broadway shows such as “Phantom of the Opera” while Courtesy Fireside Dinner Theatre also hosting concerts and serving as home to the Madison Opera, the Madison Ballet, the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. The center also features three other smaller performance spaces, four art galleries and the 1928 Capitol Theater, which was renovated to its original ornate appearance.

CAMPUS LIVING ROOM

Courtesy Fireside Dinner Theatre

Olbrich Gardens

Overture Performing Arts By Herb Sparrow

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Courtesy Overture Performing Arts

The University of Wisconsin’s multifaceted Memorial Union, which is wrapping up a $100 million, seven-year renovation this year, is a center of campus life. “We are known as the campus living room,” said Shauna Breneman, the Union’s communications director. The Union, whose original building was constructed in 1928, has more than 10 restaurants, where you can get made-to-order sandwiches, pizza and fudge-bottom pie — “which has been here as long as the Union has been here” — and the Freshman 15 at the Daily Scoop, which features 15 scoops of ice cream and five toppings. The Union is famous for its outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Mendota and its approximately 1,000 iconic metal sunburst chairs and the smell of brats from the Brat Stand. The Union also has a 1,165-seat concert venue, an art gallery and studios where groups can arrange art classes.

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museum

M U S T A R D

lthough there are more than 6,000 styles and brands of mustard at the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, one brand jumped out at me: High on Rose. The mustard had been developed and sold by the restaurant and bar of the same name at the corner of High and Rose streets in Lexington, Kentucky. The restaurant, a popular University of Kentucky hangout, is now the office of Select Traveler and its parent company, The Group Travel Leader Inc. “We have mustards, mustards and more mustards,” said Barry Levenson, the curator and self-styled chief mustard officer at the museum.

ROYAL GIFT

Olbrich Gardens, Madison’s serene 16-acre botanical oasis, has a colorful, aromatic and diverse collection of plants and grasses spread among 13 gardens. Among them are a traditional English-style garden enclosed by a shrub hedge, a rose garden with a limestone two-story tower and a sunken garden with an 80-footlong reflecting pool that leads the eye toward Lake Monona. What makes Olbrich stand out from other botanical gardens is its red-and-gold Thai pavilion, a gift to the University of Wisconsin from the Thai government and the Thai chapter of the university’s alumni association. The ornate 40-foot-long, 30-foot-high building, known as a sala in Thailand, features gold leaf etchings, a lacquer finish and intricate decorations. It is one of only four outside Thailand. “It is considered a gift from the king,” said Jeff Epping, Olbrich’s director of horticulture.

NORWEGIAN HERITAGE

Madison and Middleton make a convenient hub, with several interesting sites within an hour away. Twenty miles southeast in Stough-

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National Mustard Museum By Marcheta Sparrow

Levenson has accumulated mustard from all 50 states and more than 70 countries, along with antique mustard pots and tins, vintage advertisements and assorted other mustard memorabilia. And it is all displayed with Levenson’s great sense of humor. “Mustard goes back centuries, and we try to tell the whole story, some tongue-in-cheek,” he said. “You have to have fun with mustard; we are a fun place to visit.” At the mustard store, you can buy more than 400 kinds of mustard and an assortment of mustard-related merchandise and sample mustards provided by a “confidential condiment counselor.” We tried raspberry, sesame, root beer, dill and garlic, passion fruit, black truffle and praline mustard glaze.

ton, the two-year-old Norwegian Heritage Center is a delightful surprise. The center, known as Livsreise, Norwegian for “life’s journey,” uses imaginative, cuttingedge technology to trace the journeys of hundreds of thousands of Norwegians who immigrated to the United States between 1825 and 1910. “We are telling the story of Norwegian immigrants from the slant of the people who came through this area,” said center manager Marg Listug. Traditional artifacts augment the exhibits, but it is the technology that captures you. Turn the pages of digital storybooks to see photos and stories of families from Stoughton, see social and economic conditions that contributed to mass emigration on a mixed-media wall and learn about Norwegian culture and heritage at five interactive kiosks. At “Map Your Journey,” you choose a vocation, pack your

“WE ARE TELLING THE STORY OF NORWEGIAN IMMIGRANTS FROM THE SLANT OF THE PEOPLE WHO CAME THROUGH THIS AREA.” — MARG LISTUG N O R W E G I A N H E R I TA G E C E N T E R

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trunk and buy a ticket from options on an interactive table; then a large multiunit map on the wall traces your journey from Norway on Google maps.

CONTRASTING INDIVIDUALS

Some 40 miles west of Madison, the small town of Spring Green offers two contrasting examples of iconic individualists. Taliesin is the 800-acre estate, home, studio and school of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who transformed American architecture in the first half of the 20th century. Nature inspired Wright in his visions of free and open floor plans and horizontal designs, and you see that in the beautiful rolling farmland where Wright spent his childhood summers helping his Welsh grandparents on their farm. “That hill was his favorite as a teenager,” said Aron Meudt-

Norwegian Heritage Center

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin

Courtesy Taliesin

Circus World elephant show

Courtesy Wisconsin Dells VCB

Thering, communications coordinator for Taliesin, pointing to where a section of the main house is located. “He went there to get away from farm work.” Wright began construction of the house in 1911, naming it Taliesin, Welsh for “shining brow,” and continued building and modifying for the next half-century, making more than 200 changes as he developed his ideas of organic architecture, a departure from his earlier Prairie School works. “This was his sketchbook,” said Meudt-Thering. “He would try out designs for his clients. He was always experimenting.” Wright started a school for Courtesy Norwegian Heritage Center architects, which still operates from the separate Hillside complex. Tours include the assembly Taliesin exterior hall where students still gather to have meals, their working studio and a theater. The main house includes a living room with sweeping views of the countryside and Wright’s personal studio. Courtesy Taliesin “We have a nice mix of stories and architecture; we try to keep it engaging for all audiences,” said Meudt-Thering. Circus World Just five miles up the road, the House on the Rock challenges description, sort of a Frank Lloyd Wright meets “American Pickers.” When Alex Johnson started construction in 1945, he intended to build only a weekend retreat atop a 60-foot rock formation. However, Johnson said “one thing just sort of led to another,” passersby became curious, and he opened his house to the public in 1960. But it didn’t stop there. Johnson worked nearly every day on his project for the next 28 years, adding more buildings to house his burgeoning collection of eclectic, exotic and whimsical items. Johnson sold the house in 1988, a year before his death, to collector and businessman Art Donaldson, who has continued to expand the attraction. Tours are divided into three sections and include many ramps, stairs and uneven surfaces. Groups can select any or all of them, although all three would be demanding. One section is the original 14-room house, with its unsupported Infinity Room that stretches 218 feet from the House on the Rock. The house twists and turns with its rooms in-

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show By Herb Sparrow

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By Marcheta Sparrow

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novatively tucked in and around the rock. The other two sections include a cornucopia of displays on just about anything you can imagine, from dolls and suits of armor to massive whimsical musical machines designed by Johnson to what is billed as the “world’s largest carousel,” with 269 exotically handcrafted figures, 20,000 lights and 182 chandeliers.

ACROBATS AND LUMBERJACKS

We experienced the excitement of the circus about an hour north of Madison at Circus World in Baraboo. This sprawling museum not only has a huge collection of historic circus buildings and memorabilia; it is also alive with a variety of shows and animals. Located where the Ringling Brothers Circus began in 1884 and had its winter headquarters for years, Circus World’s centerpiece is its collection of more than 200 carefully restored circus wagons, with an array of designs and bright colors. Another highlight is the twice-daily, one-hour show under a large red-and-white big top that features an equestrian act, jugglers, aerialists, a balancing act, clowns and two elephants. Fifteen minutes from Baraboo is Wisconsin Dells, which bills itself as the “water park capital of the world.” However, Wisconsin Dells was a major tourist destination before the advent of — ARON the water parks, with boat M E U D T-T H E R I N G tours on the Wisconsin River TA L I E S I N through unusual glaciercarved limestone formations. Tours of the Upper and Lower Dells are still popular, with a variety of options, from tour boats to jet boats to amphibious World War II vehicles known as ducks. We had lunch at the popular motorcoach stop Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty, complete with large statues of Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. The Shanty serves food family style amid North Woods lumberjack decor. Next door we experienced the real thing at the seasonal Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, where talented young men take part in competitions of lumberjack skills such as logrolling, speed climbing, ax throwing and chopping, and log sawing with axes, hand saws and powerful chain saws.

“THAT HILL WAS HIS FAVORITE AS A TEENAGER. HE WENT THERE TO GET AWAY FROM FARM WORK.”

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Superb Musicals | Memorable Dining Family Hospitality | Spectacular Shops 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 800-477-9505 | www.firesidetheatre.com

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NO END IN

SHIPS AND CRUISES CONTINUE THEIR REMARKABLE RUN

BY ELIZABETH HEY

Courtesy Gervasi Vineyard

SIGHT

Courtesy Cunard Cruise Line

Courtesy Royal Caribbean

Top: Passengers dine in luxury aboard Cunard Cruise Line vessels. Bottom: Royal Caribbean cruise arrives in a Cuban port.

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ruising continues to grow in popularity with groups, and for good reason. Recent innovations range from cuttingedge ships with the latest amenities to new itineraries with distinctive ports. And creative onboard programming and excursions with local flavor have upped the culture quotient on many lines. The advantages of choosing a cruise for your group are numerous. Besides ease of planning and group rates, cruises are purchased in U.S. dollars, so there’s no worry of currency fluctuations — whatever the destination. Higher staff-to-guest ratios than most resorts ensure first-rate service. Activities cater to many interests and physical abilities, both on sea and on land. Dining options accommodate every palate and dietary need. Best of all, your travelers can experience multiple destinations but only have to unpack once. According to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), demand for cruising has grown by 62 percent in the past 10 years. Growth is expected to climb to nearly 25 million passengers this year. Whether it’s exploring Europe’s cities and charming villages on a river cruise, escaping winter in the Caribbean’s turquoise waters or getting close to glaciers and wildlife in Alaska, the cruise possibilities are almost endless. If your group loves to cruise , or if you’re considering adding a cruise to your travel offerings, check out these new industry developments to add excitement to your 2018 adventures.

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RIVER CRUISING

Budapest, Hungary

RIVER

Courtesy Emerald Waterways

A meal aboard Emerald Waterways

Exploring the world’s great rivers has never been more accessible than on a well-appointed river cruise. Magnificent scenery around every bend, from castles in Europe to temples beside the Mekong, make each itinerary a visual feast. And since many towns were built along the water, passengers can conveniently walk right off the ship for sightseeing. Emerald Waterways has steadily added vessels since 2014. It has added several four-star ships this year: the Emerald Liberte on the Rhone; the Emerald Destiny on the Rhine, the Danube and the Main; and the Emerald Radiance on the Douro. In 2018, the chartered Emerald MS Rossia will sail the Volga River. In southern France and Bordeaux, sister company Scenic Cruises touts five-star ships that have undergone major renovations and added the Scenic Culinaire program, plus fitness and wellness centers. “Next year, we’re adding 28 new Emerald Active options, including yoga on the deck, biking, hiking and walking tours with varied difficulty levels,” said Lisa Norton, vice president of brand management for Emerald Waterways groups and charters. “For groups with full charters on either Emerald or Scenic, we can modify the Douro, Rhine/Main/Danube and France itineraries.” Viking River Cruises is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with two additional Viking Longships in Europe. In March, the Viking Ra will sail the Nile River with 48 guests on a new 12-day cruise tour, Pharaohs and Pyramids; every tour will be led by Egyptologists sharing archaeological and historical significance. This year, Uniworld rolled out its Jewish Heritage program, and in 2018, the Remarkable Rhine itinerary will explore Jewish heritage and will feature a new biking tour. The bike tour embodies Uniworld’s ongoing partnership with adventure travel tour operator Butterfield and Robinson and is like its current itineraries along the Danube and Rhone. Also notable, Uniworld’s SS Joie de Vivre was the first Super Ship to sail the Seine River and dock in the heart of Paris. Another new development, U by Uniworld will be the first river cruise line designed exclusively for travelers ages 21 to 45. Beginning in April, the program’s two ships will feature communal dining tables, streetfood-inspired cuisine, creative mixologists and international DJs.

An Emerald Waterways pool

Courtesy Emerald Waterways

Courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain resort

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Courtesy Emerald Waterways

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OCEAN CRUISING

With state-of-the-art ships and multimillion-dollar refurbishments, ocean cruising attracts both experienced and first-time cruisers. The industry’s inventive programming and itineraries are creating abundant stellar options for travelers into 2018 and beyond. In 2018, Scenic Waterways will launch the six-star Eclipse ocean cruise liner. As the world’s first discovery yacht, it will accommodate 220 guests and offer nine dining venues. Two helicopters and a submarine will also be onboard. Viking Ocean Cruises introduced the Viking Sky this past February and will debut the Viking Sun in October. Viking’s fifth ocean ship, the Viking Spirit, will join the fleet in 2018 and will sail to Australia, Asia and Alaska. Starting in January 2019, sailings between London and Bergen, Norway, on a northern lights cruise will establish Viking as the first U.S. line to offer a full-length winter itinerary in the Arctic Circle. Recently introduced, the Viking Resident Historian program features knowledgeable historians specific to each journey. Cunard, the luxury ocean-liner company that made the first transAtlantic crossings, spent $40 million to refurbish the iconic Queen Victoria. New itineraries debuting in March include the 12-night Canary Islands and Madeira, the17-night Venice and the Adriatic, and the seven-night The Fjords. Themed 2018 voyages on the Queen Mary 2 feature Transatlantic Fashion Week and A Journey of Genealogy, on which, for the first time, Cunard has collaborated with Ancestry.com to offer guests the opportunity to trace their family trees. This November, Princess Cruises will introduce Ocean Medallion on the Regal Princess. This wearable device is powered by first-of-its-kind interactive technology. Ocean Medallion personalizes and streamlines embarkation and disembarkation, stateroom access, onboard purchases and even locating family and friends around the ship. The Caribbean Princess underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that added interconnecting staterooms, new dining and luxury beds. After a four-year hiatus, the ship will offer 2018 summer Caribbean cruises, including Panama Canal transits. The Princess is hosting its largest Canada/New England season to-date in 2018, plus round-trip sailings from Los Angeles to Alaska in 2018/2019, which few lines offer. Boutique Azamara Club Cruises offers unique itineraries that don’t repeat during a calendar year, making it easy to book back-to-back voyages. In 2018, 30 of Azamara’s 228 ports will be new, bringing guests to smaller destinations that big ships can’t access, such as Dundee, Scotland and Geraldton, Australia. Voyage highlights will include visiting Churchill’s British War Cabinet Rooms in June 2018 and ringing in the New Year with Sydney Harbor fireworks. Azamara’s latest Country Intensive Voyages sail to multiple ports within one country, such as Japan or New Zealand. Its Cruise Global, Connect Local program is rolling out 13 different activity categories for authentic, local land experiences. Royal Caribbean’s 25th ship, the Symphony of the Seas, will spend its inaugural 2018 summer season sailing the Mediterranean before heading to Miami for seven-night Caribbean itineraries. It will claim the title of the world’s largest ship, touting new features and amenities, as well as all the groundbreaking innovations and experiences found on the Harmony of the Seas. Among them are the seven-neighborhood concept, Bionic Bar robot bartenders and the iconic AquaTheater. Creative programming headlines Holland America Line’s new offerings. Wine-focused shore excursions have been developed with Food and

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OCEAN

Azamara Club Cruise ship Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises

A lounge on the Queen Victoria

Courtesy Cunard Cruise Line

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Wine magazine, and America’s Test Kitchen adds shipboard cooking demonstrations and hands-on workshops. A new shipboard program, Rijksmuseum at Sea, was first installed on the Westerdam and showcases reproductions of famous artwork and opportunities to learn about individual pieces. Partnering with O, The Oprah Magazine, specific sailings focus on personal growth. And the line’s Alaska cruises will feature a special Alaska BBC Earth presentation and a program that showcases the state’s culinary offerings. Crystal Cruises offers 113 itineraries. This year, the line sailed its first New Guinea voyage and was among the first to visit Qatar. At year’s end, Crystal will offer its first African holiday cruise, round-trip from Cape Town. In 2018, luxury African safaris are on an itinerary that visits Madagascar and Mauritius. Boutique itineraries explore the Amazon, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuted its Seven Seas Wellness program this summer, inviting travelers to experience the Mediterranean in a renewed way. The program will be offered again starting in May 2018. A first for the industry, the program pairs a collection of wellness-themed shore excursions in 10 ports with five signature Canyon Ranch SpaClub treatments onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 16th ship, the Norwegian Bliss, will make its inaugural debut in Alaska in summer 2018 and sail to the Caribbean the following winter. The ship’s new connecting-staterooms options will span all room categories and be ideal for groups. The 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will be redeployed to Alaska in summer 2018 and will offer 16 dining options and some of the largest suites at sea.

cuba

world away, Cuba has been touted as a 500-year-old, Caribbean time capsule. Though it sits just 90 miles from the States, Americans were banned from visiting the Caribbean’s largest island for decades. Obama-era loosening of federal regulations allowed Americans to begin visiting the country again, and as a result, numerous cruise lines have announced Cuba products. Trips to Cuba are not free of regulation: American cruisers must have a people-to-people visa to enter the country, which indicates that their activities will consist of cultural exchange programs. Cruisers fill out the $75 visa onboard and must have a valid passport and medical insurance. Ports include Havana, some with overnight stays; Cienfuegos; and Santiago de Cuba. In May, Royal Caribbean International began its first yearlong program to Cuba on the refreshed Empress of the Seas, plus 58 sailings to Havana from January 2018 through March 2019 that include onboard cultural activities. Holland America Line rolls out its Cuba itinerary this year with a 12-day holiday sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, followed by 10 additional Cuba sailings and two summer departures from Boston. Carnival’s Paradise offers trips from Tampa, Florida. Norwegian will offer four-day cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, beginning May 2018. Oceania Cruises sails to Cuba in 2018 with in-depth itineraries, and Azamara Club Cruises offers 2018 sailings, several with two overnights in Havana.

Havana, Cuba

A suite on Cunard Cruise Line Courtesy Cunard Cruise Line

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SEEKING ST. CHARLES BY MAC LACY

Photos courtesy of St. Charles CVB, except where noted

this missouri river town has impressed guests for centuries

xplorers of all types find their way to St. Charles, Missouri. Frontiersman Daniel Boone left Kentucky in 1799 to help his son Nathan build a home here on 680 acres of wilderness when St. Charles numbered 400 residents. Five years later, Capt. Meriwether Lewis told William Clark to meet him in this small river town with 40 other men to launch their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase for President Thomas Jefferson. Beginning on May 19, 1804, they followed the Missouri River westward on their epic two-year expedition, one day after the city threw a dance for them that is still talked about. Today, bicyclists from many states gather in St. Charles just off its National Historic Landmark Main Street to embark from the Bike Stop Café on weeklong expeditions of their own. They come for the Katy Trail, a 240-mile-long scenic corridor that meanders through the Missouri countryside and offers food and lodging along the way in bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and pubs.

HUB FOR GROUPS

For most groups, the story of St. Charles begins with its magnificently preserved Main Street. Dozens of local establishments with colorful names like the Boone’s Lick Trail Inn and the Mother-in-Law House Restaurant occupy its pristine 200-year-old structures. Every building has a story, and free trolley car tours identify highlights for visitors. I arrived in July for lunch with Greg Maxon, the St. Charles CVB’s group travel sales manager, at Hendricks BBQ, where we discussed the types of groups that are coming for Main Street and more. “We’re popular for three types of trips,” he said. “We’re used a lot as a hub-and-spoke city for regional trips that might include St. Louis, Hannibal and other parts of northern Missouri. We’re also a stopping point for groups on their way to places like Branson [Missouri] or Paducah, Kentucky. And we’re a destination for day trips from nearby cities in Missouri and Illinois.” A roster of special events capitalizes on St. Charles’ period architecture and has been cultivated throughout the years. It’s easy to imagine a Dickens Christmas on its bumpy brick streets. “Christmas Traditions goes on for about five weeks,” said Maxon. “From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, we have thousands of people come to enjoy old-fashioned activities and characters. Jack Frost, Sugar Plum Fairy, Scrooge, Tiny Tim and others interact with guests, and merchants throw open their doors. It’s an authentic holiday gathering.” “As popular as that festival is, we’re hearing that Halloween is becoming more popular with travelers than Christmas,” said Maxon. “So, we started an October event called Legends and Lanterns. We have spooky characters roaming through town and all the seasonal foods and treats you can imagine. It’s bringing an added dimension to our fall visitation.”

“LEWIS WAS DETAIL ORIENTED. HIS JOURNALS AND MAPPING ABILITIES WERE REMARKABLE. ” — BILL BRECHT

ICONIC EXPEDITION

Maxon took me over to the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum, an interpretive facility built on pilings sunk 600 feet into the riverbank to withstand Missouri River floods. It overlooks the site from which the expedition was launched. Local river authority Bill Brecht walked me through the museum and discussed its dioramas, replica boats and journal entries by Lewis and the wilderness conditions encountered by the Corps of Discovery. “Thomas Jefferson sent his friend Meriwether Lewis to lead it,” said Brecht. “They gathered 42 to 45 men to go with them. They were to explore the Louisiana Territory and find the source of the Missouri while seeking an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean. “This is where they met up,” said Brecht. “Lewis was the commander, and Clark was his equal as lieutenant. They arrived on May 16. The town held a big dance for them the night before they left, and two crewmen were almost left behind for causing trouble.” I asked Brecht how the two men differed. “Lewis was detail oriented,” he said. “His journals and mapping abilities were remarkable. Clark had people skills. He was the one who managed the crew and the Native Americans who went along.”

FROM RAILCARS TO WATERCOLORS

This is a city that prioritizes preservation, so it’s not surprising its civic leaders found a new use for an old train-car factory just off Main Street near the river. The Foundry Art Centre showcases a World War II-era structure that built railcars, and a massive crane used for that purpose remains suspended above the lobby. Resident artists line each wall on the second floor, and galleries on the ground level welcome visitors. Interactive workshops are available year-round, and the Foundry Arts

Opposite page: Daniel Boone welcomes visitors to historic Main Street. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

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Centre is a focal point for the city’s Mosaics Festival for the Arts each September. “This is a beautiful facility to work in, and most of us make ourselves accessible to visitors,” said artist Ann Croghan, who has painted and taught in the center for six years. “I’ve sold art to visitors from out of town — just last week a couple came back in and bought a piece they looked at a year ago.” That evening, Elizabeth Phelps, assistant director for the St. Charles bureau, took me to dinner at Prasino in the city’s new urbanliving district, Streets of St. Charles. This busy development is an alter ego to Main Street, and I enjoyed the trendy change of pace with scores of other diners and residents who made this Tuesday evening feel like a Friday night.

CYCLISTS AND CAR BUFFS

The Katy Trail draws bicyclists to St. Charles.

My second day in St. Charles began with breakfast at ground zero for the city’s cycling guests, the Bike Stop Café. Phelps and I sat with owner Tony Caruso to talk about the popularity of cycling in this area. His cafe is housed in a historic warehouse just off the river, and cyclists were already gathering for early morning rides. The Katy Trail stretches westward from St. Charles almost to Kansas City. Many visitors to St. Charles rent bikes from the Bike Stop Café and do one-day rides into Missouri’s wine region. Others do much longer trips. “We get cyclists from Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri and other states,” said Caruso. “Some of them come in small groups, and they’re coming for a week or more on the trail. There are B&Bs along the way, and most people just get online and set it up themselves. September is prime time; the weather is perfect then.” Caruso is an active voice in the city’s tourism scene. “This downtown is very vibrant,” he said. “There are growing opportunities every year in St. Charles for new things to do.” “The historic district is very charming,” said Phelps afterward, “but interestingly enough, there is a strong tech sector there, too. Visitors wouldn’t necessarily realize that. We have several start-ups active there currently.” My itinerary called for trips to Daniel Boone’s home and Missouri

Tony Caruso begins his day at Bike Stop Café.

“WE GET CYCLISTS FROM KENTUCKY, ARKANSAS, MISSOURI AND OTHER STATES. SOME OF THEM COME IN SMALL GROUPS, AND THEY’RE COMING

By Mac Lacy

Fast Lane Classic Cars

FOR A WEEK OR MORE ON THE TRAIL.” — TONY CARUSO

Daniel Boone’s final home By Mac Lacy

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A selfie with Lewis and Clark and their dog Seaman.

“WE’RE BRINGING MORE PEOPLE HERE ALL THE TIME. IT’S SUCH AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF CARS.” — ELIZABETH PHELPS

wine country after our breakfast stop, but Phelps inserted a stop to one of the coolest car places I’ve ever seen: Fast Lane Classic Cars is like a car museum, except the exhibits are for sale. Rows and rows of artfully restored muscle cars, foreign sports cars and vintage ’vettes are available for viewing — and for taking home. “We’re bringing more people here all the time,” said Phelps. “It’s such an amazing collection of cars; there is no admission charge, and they welcome guests from out of town. When you think about it, why wouldn’t they? They’re selling these cars to people from all over the world.”

PIONEER TO THE END

Main Street offers blocks of historic venues. By Mac Lacy

Willett Distillery Courtesy Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Missouri’s original Capitol remains in St. Charles.

Many Kentuckians like me have no idea what became of Boone after he crossed the Cumberland Gap to become the state’s most celebrated settler. So when Phelps offered me the chance to see where this early American icon spent the end of his life, I took it. The Daniel Boone Home sits in a setting worthy of its namesake in what is now Missouri wine country on a hillside that gently slopes back to a distant creek below. Boone and his son cleared much of this property themselves. Prominent from his time in Kentucky, Boone was named a judge for the territory and made his decisions from the base of his “judgment tree” near the home’s spring. A concrete casting of the tree was made years ago to preserve its place in history. We toured the two-story stone house that included a basement kitchen beneath. On the main floor, we peered into a bedroom that faced the front yard. “Daniel Boone died in this room— 21 years after moving here — at the age of 86,” said our guide. Phelps and I wrapped up my time in St. Charles with lunch at the Chandler Hill Winery, one of several wineries in this scenic countryside. I thought about the types of trips for groups Maxon had referenced the day before. I’d recommend the first. Stay in this historic city and work your way out from here. Any town that has drawn explorers like Boone and Lewis and Clark should probably draw a visit from your explorers, too.

www.historicstcharles.com

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known

F O R

BY RACHEL CARTER

SCENERY GONDOLA RIDE

Otherworldly rock formations, dramatic mountain peaks, sea-spray-speckled shores — the scenery is varied, but the results are predictably the same: pure awe. In the Utah desert, red spires and canyon cliffs rise from the desert floor. In the Louisiana swamp, the stillness is almost as thick as the mist and as close as the air. In Michigan, sculpted bluffs define a stretch of Lake Superior’s shoreline. In these destinations, travelers can’t help but enjoy the view.

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WHITEFISH, MONTANA SOME PEOPLE CONTEND THAT GLACIER is the most gorgeous of all the national parks, and most residents of Whitefish, Montana, on the park’s western edge, probably wouldn’t argue. Apgar Village sits at the head of Lake McDonald, and “you can drive there 365 days a year and see that beautiful view,” said Lisa Jones McClellan, public relations manager for Explore Whitefish. Groups can stop at Trail of the Cedars, a fully accessible boardwalk trail that meanders through towering cedars to Avalanche Gorge waterfall. The park highlight is Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 53-mile engineering marvel that was completed in 1933 and is a must-do for visitors. The road stretches the width of the park and spans the Continental Divide, offering plentiful pull-off areas to get every view. Two concessionaires offer Going-to-the-Sun tours: Red Bus Tours operates a fleet of red 1930s buses with roll-back canvas

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FISHING IN A LOCAL STREAM

G L A C I E R N AT I O N A L PA R K

Photos by Brian Schott, courtesy Explore Whitefish

roofs, and Sun Tours gives guests a Native American perspective of the park. Whitefish Mountain Resort watches over the town below and offers amazing views year-round, whether of ethereal, icy snow ghosts in the winter or fluffy, white beargrass in the summer. Guests can ride a chairlift or a gondola to the top of Big Mountain and dine at the recently renovated Summit House Restaurant and Bar. On the lower level, visitors can explore displays and hands-on activities at the U.S. Forest Service Summit Nature Center. The resort also has aerial adventure and zip-line courses. In town, Lady of the Lake provides private narrated cruises of Whitefish Lake for groups of up to 12, and the Lodge at Whitefish Lake has a deck overlooking the water. The marina also offers paddleboard, kayak, canoe, jet ski and pontoon boat rentals

“YOU CAN DRIVE THERE 365 DAYS A YEAR AND SEE THAT BEAUTIFUL VIEW.” — LISA JONES MCCLELLAN EXPLORE WHITEFISH

WWW.EXPLOREWHITEFISH.COM

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A L L I G AT O R I N L A K E M A R T I N

A I R B O AT T O U R

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA Photos courtesy Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

LAFAYETTE OFFERS VISITORS SEVERAL OPTIONS TO GET OUT AMONG MOSSDRAPED CYPRESS TREES AND ON GREENCARPETED WATERS.

THE EXPANSIVE ATCHAFALAYA National Heritage Area covers 14 parishes along the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers from Louisiana’s northern border to the Gulf of Mexico. But the section of swamp along Interstate 10 between Baton Rouge and Lafayette offers visitors several options to get out among moss-draped cypress trees and on green-carpeted waters. The state Atchafalaya Welcome Center in Butte LaRose is a favorite stop for visitors and good for groups, said Ashley Herrick Orlando, assistant director of the heritage area. At the welcome center, visitors can peruse exhibits about the area’s flora, fauna and culture; explore walking trails and picnic areas; and watch an educational movie. In Henderson, McGee’s Swamp Tours’ three boats can hold up to 48 passengers, and native guides talk about what it’s like to live on a houseboat and survive in the swamp. McGee’s also offers two-hour canoe paddling trips and small-boat sunset tours to spotlight alligators at dusk. The Bayou Teche Experience in Breaux Bridge can take groups of up to 45 on canoe paddle trips. In Lafayette, the Acadian Cultural Center has partnered with the Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District to offer 45- or 90-minute boat tours of the Bayou Vermilion tidal river on a traditionally built bateau called Cocodrie, which is French for alligator. WWW.ATCHAFALAYA.ORG

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MESA ARCH

C A N YO N L A N D S N AT I O N A L PA R K

MOAB, UTAH Photos courtesy Moab Area Travel Council

MOAB IS PERFECTLY SITUATED to give visitors the best of Utah’s red-rocks realm and has three state-designated Scenic Byways, two of which run alongside the Colorado River, said Elaine Gizler, executive director of the Moab Area Travel Council. On state Route 128, visitors can take in red-rock mountain vistas, including views of the famous Fisher Towers, or they can get off the road and into rafts to enjoy the same scenery from the Colorado River. Along state Route 279, groups can view petroglyphs, see dinosaur tracks and stop for an easy hike to Jug Handle Arch. Route 313 offers expansive views on the way to both Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. About 30 miles southwest of Moab, Canyonlands is a sunsetcolored canyon wilderness carved out by rivers and tributaries. The Island in the Sky Visitor Center delivers panoramic views from its mesa-top perch. Canyonlands by Night and Day offers daytime jetboat trips and evening dinners, followed by a boat ride and a lightand-sound show on the Colorado River. In Arches National Park, groups can stick to the roads for scenic drives, get in the saddle for a horseback ride or hit the hiking trails to glimpse more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and countless red-stained cliffs.

“MOAB IS PERFECTLY SITUATED TO GIVE VISITORS THE BEST OF UTAH’S RED-ROCKS REALM.” — ELAINE GIZLER MOAB AREA TRAVEL COUNCIL

WWW.DISCOVERMOAB.COM

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P I C T U R E D R O C K S N AT I O N A L L A K E S H O R E

G R A N D P O R TA L R O C K F O R M AT I O N

MUNISING, MICHIGAN Photos courtesy NPS

ROCK FORMATIONS JUT UP FROM THE LAKE, AND WATERFALLS PLUNGE INTO THE GREEN-BLUE WATER BELOW.

MUNISING IS BOTH THE LAUNCHING POINT and the home base for thousands of visitors who travel to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula every year to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The stretch of sculpted sandstone shoreline hugs the south side of Lake Superior. Rock formations jut up from the lake, and waterfalls plunge into the green-blue water below. Pictured Rocks Cruises offers narrated boat cruises that launch from Munising and take passengers past some of the shoreline’s most picturesque sites, including the restored historic East Channel Lighthouse; Grand Island; and famous rock formations such as Miner’s Castle, Grand Portal and Battleship Rocks. The company also offers private charters. The park has several visitor centers, and beginning this winter, the Munising Falls Visitor Center will be the park’s main visitor hub. Throughout the park, rangers lead guided walks, historic lighthouse tours and evening programs, all free, except for tours of the 1874 Au Sable Light Station. Near Twelvemile Beach, visitors can explore the two-mile, self-guided White Birch Nature Trail, and on the eastern end of the shoreline, the Grand Sable Dunes soar over Superior, with the best views from the trail beginning at the Sable Falls parking area. WWW.NPS.GOV/PIRO

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C A N O E R E N TA L AT A C A D I A N AT I O N A L PA R K

P I E R AT B A R H A R B O R

BAR HARBOR, MAINE Photos by Nancy McKechnie

JUST OUTSIDE BAR HARBOR, MAINE, visitors can stand in the spray of pounding surf as it explodes against the craggy coastline, or they can stand atop the highest point on Mount Desert Island — Cadillac Mountain — to take in sweeping views of the island-strewn Maine shoreline. Acadia National Park covers a big chunk of the island and surrounds Bar Harbor, which sits on the eastern shore. Visitors can explore the park’s historic carriage road system that includes 45 miles of rustic roads and 17 stone bridges, all gifts of John D. Rockefeller Jr., who wanted to be able to travel on motorless roads on the island. Groups can use the winding road system for bicycle treks or horse-and-buggy rides with concessionaires such as Carriages of Acadia and Wildwood Stables. Groups can also board a ranger-narrated boat tour or take guided park tours, either aboard a bus or Oli’s Trolley, which also offers guided city tours of Bar Harbor. Groups can rent sea kayaks and canoes or hike on any of the trails, including the walking trail around Eagle Lake. The Harborside Hotel, Spa and Marina sits on the shores of the Mount Desert Narrows and has oceanfront event space and guest rooms delivering views of sailboats dotting Frenchman Bay.

VISITORS CAN STAND IN THE SPRAY OF POUNDING SURF AS IT EXPLODES AGAINST THE CRAGGY COASTLINE.

WWW.BARHARBORINFO.COM

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marketing Y O U R

P R O G R A M

DON’T FORGET YOUR BY ELIZA MYERS

n October 1, 2013, Shelia Schwartz and her group, Platinum Adventures from Barrington Bank and Trust in Barrington, Illinois, headed out for their national and state park adventure in South Dakota. In 2013, Bonnie McCown received news that no group travel planner wants to hear on a national parks tour: The United States government had shut down. “We thought it was our worst nightmare,” said McCown, assistant vice president of the First National Bank of Pulaski. “Who would think in all the years that people have been going to the Grand Canyon that it would be shut down? You can either panic, or you can go with plan B. It turned out fabulous.” What kept McCown cool when her itinerary revolving around tours, lodging and meals run by the National Park Service became obsolete? She prepared for the worst and kept smiling, two principles that should be part of any group travel planner’s mantra.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

The best way to avert a crisis is by doing a lot of prep work. McCown knew the potential for the government shutdown, so she had created a second itinerary just in case. The more you know about the destination and the possible calamities that might befall the group, the better. Rely on travel experts, such as convention and visitors bureaus and tour operators, for insight into potential travel snags so you know what to prepare for. Most travel mishaps result from health issues, canceled plans, and stolen or lost items. Brace for medical disasters by telling travelers to disclose any health problems and pack extra medication. Also, ensure that either you or the tour operator has a health emergency plan for every step of the trip. To lessen the risk of stolen items during a tour, send out a list of pointers for your members who may not be as savvy as you about hiding their valuables. Especially stress that travelers make copies of their passports, one to bring with them and one to leave at home, since failing to do so can sometimes result in a major issue. Though you can lessen your group’s risk of some crises through careful planning, every group travel planner knows it’s only a matter of time before fate inserts itself into your itinerary. That is where travel insurance comes in. “A couple of years ago, we had a trip to the Rose Bowl Parade,” said Jill Becker, travel coordinator for First State Bank in Mendota,

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Illinois. “There were blizzard conditions in the Chicago area when our group was supposed to come back. They couldn’t get a flight home for five days. We had two of our coordinators that were with the group, so they added hotel accommodations and kept touring. It’s a great case of why you should always purchase travel insurance. It covered everything they were not planning on.”

RECIPE FOR LEMONADE Travel insurance can turn a flight disaster into a memorable adventure, with the insurance company footing the bill.

PHONE A FRIEND

Despite Mary Beth Kurasek’s attempts to overprepare for every trip, travel mayhem is sometimes unavoidable. Kurasek, director of the Busey Bank travel program, confronted one of these moments when a motorcoach broke down during a tour. “We worked quickly to get a boxed lunch at the museum instead,” said Kurasek. “Sometimes things happen, and you have to be flexible. You’ve got to find a solution right away.” Kurasek knew whom to call to ensure that her group ate lunch, which is important for any group travel planner organizing a trip on his or her own. Whether it’s the attraction, the hotel or a CVB expert, know whom to call to help you change course at the last minute. For overnight trips, especially international trips, many travel planners rely on tour operators for backup during an emergency. Dealing with various passengers’ medical issues during a trip to China might intimidate inexperienced travel planners. But Daniel Stypa, associate director of alumni programs at Rice University, did not panic when this happened on his tour of more than 50 travelers. “By having established such a great relationship with our tour director and local guides, we were able to assist each traveler and get them the care they needed immediately,” said Stypa. “If it wasn’t for the attentive service of our ground staff, these unexpected issues could have really disrupted the journey.”

Mosteller. “I said, ‘Right now, it might not be fun. But in a few years from now, you’re going to be laughing.’ And we still talk about that day.” With the power of positivity, Mosteller turned a cold and wet afternoon into one of her group’s favorite stories. If you stay upbeat and flexible, your group will likely follow your lead. This technique becomes more effective if you start fostering a relationship with travelers far before the departure date. “You have to build that trust with the client from the first payment to when they get off the bus,” said Mosteller. “You’ve got to sell yourself. You’ve got to love it, and they will know if you love it.” With trusted group leaders, members can see the adventure in all sorts of travel crises.

CONTAGIOUS CONFIDENCE

When a freezing downpour fell upon a group of 50 travelers during a dune buggy tour, Rosie Mosteller, Dalton Whitfield Senior Center’s travel club director, knew the importance of attitude. Instead of immediately looking worried and apologizing, she helped members take the long view of the incident. “I told them years from now, this is the part of the trip they’ll be talking about,” said

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C A R E E R

C O R N E R

SPECIAL

EDUCATIONAL

interest tours

teach me when I travel BY BRIAN JEWELL

hough many adults are more than glad their school days are behind them, for some travelers, learning is the best part of taking a trip. For bookworms, trivia buffs and other lifelong learners, vacation and education go hand in hand, and adult educational travel has grown exponentially since the concept was introduced in the 1970s. Though most traditional tours offer a certain amount of guide commentary on the history and culture of the places being visited, education-focused trips dial the intensity up a notch with learning and lectures provided by academics and other experts with deep knowledge of a destination. If your organization has an educational mandate, or if you have a lot of intellectually curious travelers among your membership, adding a learning-focused trip to your travel schedule may prove a delightful experience. We spoke with representatives of two well-respected educational travel organizations to get their insights on how to plan great learning adventures for your group.

1) IDENTIFY YOUR AUDIENCE.

It’s not every traveler who enjoys listening to long lectures during trips or geeking out over facts, figures and trivia. So if you’re going to try to sell an educational trip, make sure you identify the travelers in your organization who will be most likely to enjoy it. “Our core travelers are lifelong learners who are curious about the world,” said Karen Ledwin, general manager of Smithsonian Travel. “They tend to be well educated, and they come from all over the country. Many of them are still active in their careers.” Road Scholar, an organization that began in the 1970s under the name Elderhostel, sees a similar pattern in its customers. “They tend to be people that come from the educational professions, and learning is something very high on the scale of what they value in life,” said Road Scholar president and CEO Jim Moses. “People like that tend to be not only interesting but very interested in each other as well. So they form bonds and friendships that are really extraordinary.”

2) ENLIST EXPERTS.

The level of destination detail you’re likely to get from any given guide or tour director can range widely from trip to trip; some are generalists, and others can discuss history and culture in great depth. Education-focused travelers tend to enjoy the latter, so organizations that specialize in educational tours ensure there are experts traveling with the group in addition to the drivers and tour directors who handle logistics. “The vast majority of our trips have a Smithsonian Journeys expert accompanying them,” Ledwin said. “Besides giving talks throughout the trip, they’re also on the excursions and at the meals, so there are interactions possible to be able to Left: An audio tour, courtesy Road Scholar Right: An educational tour to western United States, courtesy Road Scholar Center: Exploring Key West, Florida, courtesy Road Scholar

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explore things and think about what you have seen that day.” In addition to putting their own academic experts on trips, Road Scholar sends out a recommended reading list in advance so travelers can get a perspective on the places they will be visiting.

3) PICK POPULAR PLACES.

Learning-focused trips will not appeal to all the potential travelers in your membership, but you can give them the best chance of succeeding if you pick destinations that pack a wide appeal. Educational travel companies operate trips in the United States and all around the world, and their best sellers track with general tourism trends. “Cuba has been pretty big for us for a long time,” said Moses. “Europe is a very big, interesting destination. In the United States, the National Parks experiences are certainly very popular. And New Orleans is popular too; a lot of people are very interested in it.” In addition to offering tours to popular places, Ledwin said, Smithsonian Journeys also offers excursions in a variety of lengths and travel styles, which helps working professionals and more active travelers find experiences that fit their lifestyles.

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“Fun Farm & Market Experiences!”

- Clarksville Parks & Rec, Clarksville, IN

4) DON’T OVERLOOK DESTINATION DETAILS.

Developing an itinerary for an educational trip can be a bit of a balancing act: You can’t take people to a world-famous destination without showing them the popular landmarks. But if you spend too much time at typical tourist sites, you’ll miss out on opportunities for more in-depth learning and more sophisticated experiences. Successful learning trips manage to combine elements of both. “Our itineraries are always trying to do a combination of the major attractions that everyone will want to see but also paying attention to things that you might not think about but that are really fascinating,” Smithsonian’s Ledwin said. “Those can give you a greater perspective or a new appreciation of a place. We also try to build in some people-to-people opportunities so that your tour guide is not the only person who is giving you a local perspective.”

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Top: The Galapagos Islands, courtesy Smithsonian Journeys Bottom: New England train ride, courtesy Smithsonian Journeys S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

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5) CALCULATE VALUE CAREFULLY.

If you’re looking for exclusive experiences or other VIP perks on a food tour, working with the experts at the local CVB can help take your trips to the next level. “Give us a call and let us help,” Dudley said. “We have some options with restaurants that we can get people into or that will work with us to open a private dining space that they don’t normally do for groups.” In New Orleans, the CVB can help connect travel groups with chefs and venues for memorable, customized events. “There are a lot of communal spaces around the city that lend themselves to groups that want to have a celebrity chef come in and teach them,” Sonnier said. “Chefs here are used to doing unconventional things in places like warehouses or park pavilions. They can provide excellent dining experiences in various settings.”

Top: Death Valley, courtesy Smithsonian Journeys Bottom: A group in Patagonia, courtesy Smithsonian Journeys

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Miami University OXFORD, OHIO TRIP: Exploring Iceland TOUR OPERATOR: Odysseys Unlimited DATE: August 2016 The Miami University Alumni Association explored Iceland on a 10-day, 1,400-mile motorcoach ride through lava fields and green mountains. Along the way, the group spotted whales in Akureyri, walked on the blacksand beaches of Vik and visited the capital city of Reykjavik. “Every location, every waterfall and every dish gave us a better understanding of the Icelandic culture. Miles of eerie landscapes followed by hikes on the edge of cliffs spoke volumes about a self-sufficient, humble and artistic culture that we want to revisit as soon as possible.”

— ANDREW SANDER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND EVENT MANAGER

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce DECATUR, GEORGIA TRIP: Cuba 2016 TOUR OPERATOR: Chamber Discoveries DATE: October 2016 For six days, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce explored the intriguing culture and stunning scenery of Cuba. The tour focused on the cuisine, traditions, art and local life of Havana, Vinales and other quaint Cuban villages. “We enjoyed the Plaza de la Revolucion where we took a selfie with the statue of Cuba’s national hero, Jose Marti. From Cuban art houses to local Cuban markets, Ernest Hemmingway’s Cuban retreat to a countryside drive to Vinales, this trip left us wanting more. We learned there is no better way to see Cuba than in the back of a 1957 convertible Chevy. But my absolute favorite part of Cuba was enjoying an authentic mojito under a Cuban sunset.”

— KATERINA TAYLOR, PRESIDENT AND CEO S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

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Feel the beat of Cuban music enter your soul as you visit this culturally rich island. Listen to the alluring rhythm of the Piquete bands and join in with the locals as they perform the Danzón, the national dance. Learn to salsa, make mojitos, and dive into the world of classic cars and historic cathedrals. With Collette, you’ll be able to personally experience Cuba’s passion for music, singing, dancing, and the past.

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