Select Traveler Summer 2023

Experience Worldwide Group Travel with

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I’ve enlisted in the great American travel migration to Europe this year and I can’t wait.

My wife and I will join three other couples on a Danube River cruise with Avalon Waterways in September. The two of us have traveled with Avalon twice before, most recently on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia in 2016. What a cultural feast that was. These couples had originally booked their cruise for 2020, and we had passed due to other travel plans that year, but after the groups rescheduled three times due to COVID, they checked with us again this year and we joined the party.

Steve Born of Globus Family of Brands has worked with me on other Avalon trips, and when I contacted him, he had

the trip set up the next day.

I’ll cover this one in our winter issue of Select Traveler. Since I have done several river cruises, my angle this time will be to see the trip through my friends’ eyes. This will be their first, and I’ve told the guys there is nothing like heading back to a ship the in late afternoon for a beer or bourbon. After a fascinating day in a city like Prague or Salzburg, the top deck of a ship that is untying and preparing to make way provides one of the best settings for a drink you’ll ever enjoy.

At our recent Select Traveler Conference, I heard story after story from planners about joining the travel renaissance that is upon us. I hope you and your group are leading the way in your community.

Mac Lacy — Publisher

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

checking in

WITH DAQUAN MICKENS

DAQUAN MICKENS

Sales Manager

VISIT BEAUFORT PORT-ROYAL AND THE SEA ISLANDS

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA

Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and Sea Islands is the destination marketing organization for the north Beaufort County region of South Carolina. It was previously combined with the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce until about five years ago. Now, Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and Sea Islands welcomes visitors to its archipelago, which features natural beauty, a rich history and abundant activities. The organization leisure travel, group travel, meetings and sporting events.

HOMETOWN: Spartanburg, South Carolina

EDUCATION: Mass communications degree from Lander University

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: After graduating from college, Mickens moved to Beaufort sight unseen for his wife’s job. He worked as the communications coordinator for Every Second Counts Escape Rooms until he joined Visit Beaufort Port-Royal and The Sea Islands in 2021.

FAMILY: Mickens has been married to his wife, Mariah, for five years. They have a 2-yearold Weimaraner-mastiff mix named Saber.

HOBBIES: Mickens is a Carolina sports fanatic, supporting his home teams the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

BY REBECCA TREON

Daquan Mickens moved to Beaufort, South Carolina, four years ago without having ever been there. You could say he moved for love, because it was his wife Mariah’s nursing career that brought the couple there. The couple met while in college in Greenwood, South Carolina, not far from Spartanburg, where Mickens was raised.

“She got a job offer at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, and we decided to go for it,” said Mickens. “We didn’t know anything about Beaufort — we had heard of it but had never been there. We knew Hilton Head, so we actually stayed there while she interviewed. We thought we’d see what the town was like, and we loved it immediately. We like the environment of a small town and the feeling that Beau-

fort has. Our family asked us to move back, but we just can’t do it — we just love it here so much.”

Mickens put his degree in mass communications to use by getting a job as the communications coordinator for Every Second Counts Escape Rooms, a Beaufort staple that offers themed escape rooms that are a hit with tourists and locals alike. During his time at Every Second Counts, Mickens met Robb Wells, president and CEO of Visit Beaufort-Port Royal and the Sea Islands. That was the start of Mickens’ networking in the area.

Great Escape

Like everything else, Every Second Counts shut their doors when Covid hit. Mickens continued to do marketing on-

Daquan Mickens poses solo on a trip to Puerto Rico (left) and with his wife, Mariah, in downtown Beaufort (right).

line for the business from home. Meanwhile, Mickens was on the lookout for new opportunities as he and his wife got to know their new hometown.

“I always thought I’d live in a bigger city, and I’ve never lived near the water,” said Mickens. “Everything here is at a slower pace — we like to say we’re on ‘island time’ here. This area is actually made up of 66 islands. Growing up, I had only ever been to the coast every few years on vacation, and here, we’re surrounded by water. It’s so nice having that coastal lifestyle.”

That small-town vibe turned out to have its advantages. Mickens had already been introduced to Wells, who is involved in the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, of which Every Second Counts is a member. In fact, the chamber and the CVB were once the same organization and only split about five years ago. In Mickens’ case, that everybody-knows-everybody network was an advantage when he went looking for new opportunities.

“I saw the sales manager position posted with Visit Beaufort and called Robb,” Mickens said. “One thing led to another, and I got the job, which I love because I love promoting this area.”

Show Stoppers

As sales manager, Mickens works with Linda Jefferies, director of sales, to promote the region at conferences and trade shows.

“We help planners who are planning trips, whether that’s motor coach, family reunions, sports tournaments, work retreats or conferences, to show them what kinds of options we have in Beaufort,” said Mickens. “We have a lot to offer, so we want to show them a sample itinerary and use our relationships to give them leads on hotels, restaurants and attractions that will be the perfect places to host them.”

As a sports fan, Mickens also works closely with the Beaufort Sports Council, promoting Beaufort as a prime location for a wide range of sports organizations to hold tournaments and expand into different markets. Beaufort offers opportunities for baseball, basketball and softball team tournaments, and also for more off-radar sports like kayaking, Olympic lifting and red fish fishing.

“I’m kind of biased because I played football in high school and in college, so my biggest passion is sports,” said Mickens. “To be able to be in sports, talk sports and bring sports to this area is one of my favorite things about my job.”

Discovering Beaufort’s Roots

One thing that surprised Mickens was discovering how rich the area’s history is, particularly from the Reconstruction era after the Civil War.

“The Reconstruction era is overlooked — you go straight from the Civil War into the

next segment, but in Beaufort after the war, slaves became citizens and had to work to be seen as equal, so I think that’s a really cool story,” said Mickens. “There’s a lot of African American history in town. The Penn Center was one of the first schools opened to teach newly freed slaves to read and write. Martin Luther King spent some time here, and he actually started to pen some of his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech while in Beaufort. Harriet Tubman spent time in Beaufort, too, and is getting a monument.”

The area is also part of the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, a National Heritage Area along the Southeast coast that highlights the history and culture of the descendants of enslaved Africans, whose traditions have been preserved in their music, language and culture. One significant citizen from Beaufort was Robert Smalls, a five-term congressman who was born enslaved.

“My younger brother was learning about him in high school and told me about him,” said Mickens. “Smalls was on the CSS Planter, commandeered the ship, and surrendered to the Union army and escaped to freedom with his family. It’s really cool to see that history.”

As Mickens grows in his role, he continues to learn more about the area he now calls home. He and Mariah have discovered that their favorite places aren’t like Hilton Head, with its resorts lining the beachfront, but rather rustic, undeveloped sanctuaries like Hunting Island State Park.

“It’s definitely the place I want to start a family and raise kids,” said Mickens. “I really can’t imagine leaving, because a lot of people end up retiring here, too.”

TOUR GROUPS ARE WELCOME!

Our large venues uniquely combine made-from-scratch Italian/American cuisine with private spaces, bowling lanes, and bocce courts that can accommodate outings of any size. Whether it’s a sports team, student tour or an adult travel group, we enjoy catering to visitors and travelers who seek a fun and unique experience!

Pinstripes offers menu packages for groups of all sizes and budgets, and we would love to celebrate with you and bring meaning to your moments!

281.608.2604 PINSTRIPES.COM

BY BRIAN JEWELL

it still pays to create loyalty

Membership has its rewards. Or does it?

There was a time when most banks, chambers of commerce and alumni groups restricted their trips to people who met certain qualifications a deposit threshold, a minimum age, membership in their organizations, etc. Over time, though, more and more affinity organizations have moved to an “everyone is welcome” model that uses trips as a way for outsiders to get to know the organization.

This open approach has its benefits, of course, but there’s still something to be said for the value of loyalty. If you’re interested in increasing the number of card-carrying members of your affinity organization — or you simply want to reward people who travel with you frequently — consider some of these perks for your club members or most loyal customers.

trip discounts

In an environment where travel prices are increasing at record paces, discounts can be a powerful tool for motivating behavior. If you want to encourage more customers to formally join your organization, consider deploying a two-tiered pricing system for your trips. You can list a full-freight price for the general public, then offer a members-only price for people who have already joined your organization. Even if the price is only $100 per person lower, the discount will both reward current members and incentivize others to join — especially those who already have been considering membership.

free upgrades

An unexpected upgrade can take a trip from good to great. If travelers or members have been on a lot of trips with you, consider rewarding them by giving them an upgrade when they reach a certain milestone. That could mean putting them in a hotel suite or a balcony cruise ship cabin on their 10th or 20th trip, for example. Or you could surprise them with an in-room gift basket when they recruit friends or family members to come along. Another option? Host a members-only cocktail reception at the beginning or end of a tour.

VIP swag

Everybody loves swag — “stuff we all get” — and travel-themed swag is among some of the most popular. If there’s a mix of members and nonmembers on an upcoming trip, consider having some exclusive merch that you hand out to the loyal members who come along. This could be something simple like a T-shirt, a pair of sunglasses or a tote bag with your logo on it. These perks serve three purposes: They make your members feel special; they increase the perceived value of your travel package; and they turn your customers into walking billboards for your brand.

public recognition

Sociologists have told us for years that people tend to highly value being recognized in front of their peers. That’s why coaches award MVPs and companies name employees of the month. So why not employ a similar approach in your organization? On each trip, pick one member to recognize and celebrate. Tell the entire group how long this person has been a member, where they’ve traveled with you and what you love about them. Then hand them a fun token of your appreciation — like a silly hat or beauty-pageant sash — along with a gift card they can spend for something they’ll enjoy.

early access

When you hit on a travel product that really resonates with your audience, there’s a good chance that trip will sell out. And while that’s good news for you, it can be frustrating for loyal customers who don’t commit in time to get a seat. Solve that problem by offering early access to members. Open registration for them a couple of weeks ahead of when nonmembers can buy into a trip. Not only does this reward your loyal members, it also creates an incentive for nonmembers to join if there’s a trip they don’t want to miss.

connection

Select Traveler Conference Celebrates Travel’s Return

BUYERS SEE GROWTH AHEAD FOR THEIR TRAVEL PROGRAMS

BY MAC LACY

The 2023 Select Traveler Conference drew 258 upscale travel planners, industry members and vendors to Branson, Missouri, March 27–29, where both the host city and attendees confirmed the robust return of travel across the globe. In a city almost unrivaled for tourism vitality, buyers and sellers alike spoke of 2023 as a record year in the making.

Branson is one of America’s greatest tourism success stories of the past 50 years and draws more than 10 million visitors annually to southwest Missouri. Home to more than 100 live musical, comedy and faith-based shows, Branson also features a thriving outdoor scene that draws fishermen, golfers, hiking enthusiasts and others to its Ozark Mountain foothills.

“Branson wowed our delegates for three days and showcased many venues and activities for Select Traveler

“Branson wowed our delegates for three days and showcased many venues and activities for Select Traveler groups to enjoy.”

— CHARLIE PRESLEY, GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY

TGC

PHOTOS/BRANSON, MISSOURI

groups to enjoy,” said conference partner Charlie Presley of the Group Travel Family. “Chateau on the Lake Resort was a superb host, and our four sightseeing options arranged by Explore Branson were entirely filled. What a beautiful afternoon we got for showcasing the area’s vast entertainment scene and heralded outdoors.”

Delegates dined one evening at a local favorite, McFarlains, with live traditional music; enjoyed an offbeat performance by Buckets ‘n Boards Comedy Percussion Show; were treated to a personal audience with the Haygoods entertainment family following their show at Clay Cooper Theatre; and relaxed at the chateau overlooking Table Rock Lake.

Bud Geissler of GroupCollect delivered a keynote address on new technology for tour management, and two marketplace sessions offered travel destinations and tour operators appointments with tour planners who are trav-

eling again throughout America and the world.

Major meal sponsors included Collette, which offered a program around its worldwide travel destinations and held a drawing for a trip to Northern Italy, won by Margie Zieber of Farmers State Bank in Cameron, Missouri. U.S. Tours hosted a breakfast to introduce new European itineraries and their well-established domestic programs for groups. 2024 Select Traveler Conference host Visit Buffalo/Niagara sponsored an interactive event at its breakfast hosted by step-on guide service Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tours.

“Excitement for going to Buffalo/Niagara next year is really high,” said Presley. “Our day of arrival is St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, and the city has a nationally known parade and celebration for that international Irish event. It should be an exciting Select Traveler Conference in that great city.”

PHOTOS BY MAC LACY, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

Branson highlights, left to right: Catherine Haygood performs “Let It Go” on the harp; Timothy Haygood performs “Dancing on the Ceiling!”; Buffalo’s favorite cop cracks down on delegates.

TGC

PHOTOS/BRANSON, MISSOURI

Breakout session energizes buyers

“Please continue showcasing independent travel companies and bus companies at this conference — don’t Walmart travel.”

That was one of many comments turned in during this year’s buyer breakout session at the Select Traveler Conference held in Branson, Missouri.

Many travel planners who attend the conference are regular participants in this popular session, a longtime fixture on the first day of the three-day meeting. More than 40 planners made time to attend this year’s session, which was moderated by volunteers Lisa Passley of Southwest Missouri Bank in Joplin, Missouri, and Margie Zieber of Farmers State Bank in Cameron, Missouri.

“Once we get everyone settled in at tables, the conversations flow,” said conference partner Mac Lacy. “This is the only time all year that these influential planners can let their guards down and share ideas with one another in a noncompetitive environment. They will share their best ideas with one another and not think anything about it. It’s a pretty cool couple of hours.”

A couple of telling survey statistics jumped out from the session this year:

• 79% of travel planners said their program membership is growing again after the pandemic.

• 75% of planners are either very or extremely optimistic that new members will join their groups in the next three years.

“We email the summaries of the breakout session to all the attendees as a benefit of attending the conference, and the document serves as a credible gauge for travel activity in the year ahead,” said Lacy. “I think this session energizes a lot of planners and reassures them that they aren’t alone in navigating the challenges they face as global travel generators. Our thanks again to Lisa and Margie for moderating this year’s meeting.”

Cathy Greteman of Star Destinations reviews AV with Kris Danklef

Jack Fuller and Collette’s Jim Edwards

Buffalo/Niagara breakfast hosts

Talking travel in the marketplace

Sponsor auction action

Buckets and Boards from Branson

Buyer breakout session

Charlie Presley at podium

“This year’s

look a lot

What delegates are saying

TRAVEL BUYERS

“The leisure group market is changing. It’s not just older travelers anymore. It’s students, performance groups, special interest groups and more. The future looks great for groups here in Branson. We devote a lot of dollars to this market, and the Select Traveler Conference fits our interest in quality over quantity.

“We’re emphasizing nature and health now. People of all ages want to be physically and mentally whole. It’s a mindset people have had since COVID. It plays well here, and once people come to Branson, they come back.”

— SAMANTHA GUTTING SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GROUP SALES EXPLORE BRANSON

“Branson is back. Last year, we surpassed 10 million visitors. We are not your grandmother’s Branson anymore. We’ve beaten that. In addition to all our shows, we have the outdoors and Table Rock Lake. We have the boating life, fishing, championship golf courses, Big Cedar Lodge nearby and lots of first-class hotels to enjoy.

“Groups have always been some of our best ambassadors. When they go back home, they tell everyone about Branson. We want them to be completely satisfied while they’re here because they create word-of-mouth awareness that cannot be bought.”

— ANTHONY STACY BRANSON’S IMAX ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX BRANSON RESTAURANTS INC.

“Prior to COVID, we were doing two major international trips each year. Our members became concerned about getting stuck somewhere overseas during COVID, but they are feeling better about traveling internationally now. We have a river cruise on the books for next year, and I expect to bring Europe back into the picture fully in 2024. We’re traveling again in the U.S. this year. Our trips here at home are great.”

—JOYCE LECHTENBERGER VICE PRESIDENT, GOLD CLUB DIRECTOR FIRST SECURITY BANK MOUNTAIN HOME, ARKANSAS

“We’ll run three trips this year, including Mackinac Island this October. I think our program will continue to expand. People realize now that life is short, so they want to travel. Last year, I took 10 members on a river cruise on the Rhone River in France, and that sold me on river cruising. We’ll probably do the Danube next. I’m sure everyone who did the Rhone will come on that one, plus a lot more.”

— CHERYL FINLEY GO CLUB COORDINATOR WEST PLAINS BANK WEST PLAINS, MISSOURI

“I started working with our bank group six years ago and became director in 2020. Our club has been around a long time; some say it’s 60 years old. Last year, we did two Alaska cruises with land tours. In 2016, we took 180 people on the Rhine and had the ship to ourselves. In 2024, we’re doing a Danube River cruise with Mayflower, and we’re hoping to do the same thing. We’re also doing Autumn in the Adirondacks, a Tennessee Christmas, and just got back last week from doing Florida’s National Parks.”

— BETH HUBBARD VISTA CLUB MANAGER FIRST STATE BANK MENDOTA, ILLINOIS

BRANSON HOSTS

US Tours’ Tish Knudsen

Branson entertainer Yakov Smirnoff

Explore Branson’s Jonas Arjes

PHOTO BY JEREMIAH BEGLEY

TRAVEL COMPANIES & DESTINATIONS

“People know now that we are not guaranteed time. They are buying all the extensions we offer, and many are buying itineraries back-to-back. Some will do our Alaska 12-day trip and then add our nine-day Vancouver trip. The demand we’re seeing is remarkable. Our infrastructure throughout the world took a century to build and now it’s paying off. I come to the Select Traveler Conference because I like to see things for myself. I want my finger on the pulse, and your conferences allow me to do that.”

— JIM EDWARDS VICE PRESIDENT, U.S. AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT COLLETTE

“This is the first time I’ve attended the Select Traveler Conference in several years. We’re seeing the potential of this market for Savannah. My division targets groups of 10 rooms or more, so I also work closely with travel agents and home-based agents who can deliver groups of that size. Savannah markets to upscale groups like those represented here, and this is an introductory approach for me.”

— ANJULI KING DIRECTOR, DOMESTIC GROUP TOUR AND ENTERTAINMENT SALES VISIT SAVANNAH

“We’re expanding into international destinations, and it’s a great avenue for us with Select Traveler buyers. I’ve traveled internationally and can make suggestions about companies we use overseas, so I’m pretty involved in this expansion. We’re creating tours in western Europe, Israel, Egypt and Greece. We specialize in customization, so a group can work with us on what they want to include. As a longtime breakfast sponsor, we’re pretty invested here.”

— TISH KNUDSEN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER U.S. TOURS

The Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers on incredible sightseeing journeys through the majestic Rocky Mountains in the U.S. and Canada.

Enjoying the scenery on a Rocky Mountaineer train ride

An engine on the Adirondack Railroad

A train ride through the Great Smoky Mountains

A steam engine on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Now Leaving

Trains bring autumn to life

BY RACHEL CRICK

There’s something magical about train travel.

Perhaps that magic comes from the abundance of fictional trains that whisk characters into whimsical worlds. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of travel from an era before automobiles. Whatever the reason, traveling by rail is a perennially popular opportunity for groups. This is especially

true in autumn, when crisp air, seasonal festivities and, of course, fall foliage can light up any trip.

A traveler doesn’t need to be a seasoned leaf peeper to fawn over the warm reds, golds and oranges that set the countryside ablaze. To enjoy some of the most colorful and scenic trips of the year, check out breathtaking autumn railway excursions on these railroads.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD BRYSON CITY, NORTH CAROLINA

The “smoke” on the Smoky Mountains is actually fog created by moisture lifting from dense, deciduous forests. These same forests display beautiful autumn foliage beginning in mid-September at higher elevations, peaking during October. Red maples, sugar maples, scarlet oaks and sweetgum trees bring vibrant reds to the mountainside, while beech, hickory and birch trees add shades of orange and gold.

Groups can experience this gorgeous collage of colors aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina. One of the railroad’s most scenic trips, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, is offered on both steam and diesel trains.

“It’s a beautiful sight that is best experienced in person, aboard one of our many historic train cars,” said Kord Walls, marketing manager at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

An Outer Space Exploration

At about four hours roundtrip, this excursion is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and see the Smokies. Trains depart from the Bryson City Depot and travel through the mountains along the Nantahala and Tennessee rivers. The historic Fontana Trestle carries the train over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. Passengers then spend an hour layover in the gorge by the river, where they can sightsee, take pictures and enjoy the autumn weather. Varied seating options are available, including the premium openair gondola, with some of the most stunning views. Firstclass ticket options come with upscale onboard dining; groups can also opt for a box lunch.

gsmr.com

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES, CANADA

The majesty of the snowcapped peaks of North America’s largest mountain range is undeniable. The Rocky Mountains, which stretch about 3,000 miles from western Canada to the southwestern U.S., are home to an unparalleled natural beauty and national parks. Rocky Mountaineer, a tourist train with several routes in the Rockies, is one of the best ways to experience the magnificent mountains among friends.

Groups can choose from routes in Canada and the U.S. during September and October to see the foliage change. The trains’ glass-dome coaches ensure none of the journey’s beautiful backdrop is missed.

Discover More in Rocket City

Home to the world’s largest space museum, “Rocket City” has much to explore. Featuring world-class attractions and amenities, breathtaking outdoor vistas, a diverse culinary scene, and tours and trails for everyone, Huntsville, Alabama, has true cosmic appeal.

1-800-Space-4-U | huntsville.org

The First Passage to the West is a two-day journey from Vancouver to Lake Louise or Banff with an overnight stop in Kamloops. Because of the higher elevation in the Rockies, leaves usually hit their peak in September and early October. Groups will be treated to the sight of wildlife, like deer and elk, as well as larch trees, which transition from lush forest green to gold. In the U.S., the Rockies to the Red Rocks route travels from Denver to Moab, Utah, with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Aspen, maple and cottonwood trees are a show along the way

“You travel alongside the Colorado River for a while on

COURTESY BRYSON CITY –SWAIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / TDA

A bridge over Fontana Lake

ALL ABOARD AMAZING.

ROCKIES TO THE RED ROCKS

Experience the unseen American Southwest on Rocky Mountaineer’s US route, Rockies to the Red Rocks. Embark on a voyage between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, on the expansive glass-dome coaches and enjoy a panoramic view of vast canyons, colorful deserts, and enchanting hoodoos. This stunning rail route is filled with breathtaking sceneries complemented by vibrant onboard storytelling, regionally inspired cuisines, and impeccable service.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR GROUPS

• 2-day rail journey including overnight hotel stay in Glenwood Springs, short packages with pre/post night, or longer full itineraries available.

• Earn complimentary seat for group leader on any package type.

• Marketing collateral to assist with promotions.

TWO-DAY RAIL JOURNEY STARTING AT $1,680* USD PER PERSON

Contact Rocky Mountaineer Sales Team at groups@rockymountaineer.com

OR your favorite North America Tour Operator

MOAB DENVER GLENWOOD SPRINGS

SilverLeaf Service

that trip, so there is a good opportunity to see fall foliage as well,” said Nicole Ford, vice president of communications, sustainability and stakeholder relations for Rocky Mountaineer. “It’s mostly reds and oranges on that route.”

On each of these routes, trains travel by day and offer onboard dining using seasonal and local ingredients. The train’s staff narrates the routes and tells stories for nonstop entertainment, and guests are encouraged to socialize and move around the train cars to enjoy the view.

rockymountaineer.com

THE JACOBITE SCOTLAND

West Coast Railway’s Jacobite is perhaps one of today’s most famous trains, known for being the real-life Hogwarts Express from the beloved Harry Potter film series. This steam train’s 84-mile, six-hour roundtrip is highly acclaimed for all travelers, not just fans of the wizarding world. It offers views of the Scottish Highlands, which can be equally whimsical and are exceptionally beautiful in the fall. Autumn in Scotland infuses the green countryside with ambers, golds and reds between September and November. Among its most colorful trees are oak, beech, birch and horse chestnut.

The Jacobite is a great way to enjoy the scenery of the Highlands. It departs from Fort William, near Ben Nevis, Britain’s

highest mountain, and heads to Mallaig, a fishing port. Along the way, the train crosses over Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument on a famous and picturesque viaduct. Passengers will also see the Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe, and Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain. The train stops in the village of Glenfinnan, where groups can visit the West Highland Railway Museum in the station. In Mallaig, passengers have 90 minutes to eat fish and chips and shop. During the train ride, a buffet carriage serves tea, coffee and snacks.

westcoastrailways.co.uk

ADIRONDACK RAILROAD NEW YORK

Winding north through the Adirondack Mountains over hills and through rock cuts, the Adirondack Railroad is the longest tourist railroad east of the Mississippi. The New York railroad offers fall foliage trips from mid-September through mid-October. Since the Adirondack Mountains region boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, these trips are a prime opportunity for leaf-peepers. Some of the most vibrant trees in the landscape are varieties of maple and aspen trees, which turn bright red, orange and yellow in late September and early October. One of the best ways to see them is on this train journey.

“It allows you to see the fall colors close up in a totally different view,” said Amanda Hill, director of customer communications at the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society. “You get a spectacular view you’re not going to get from the road or hiking.”

The route runs from Utica to Old Forge, and the railroad offers a 5.5hour quick-turn trip and a 9.5-hour layover trip, depending on the day. During the ride, groups can check out the café car for refreshments as they pass the breathtaking New York scenery. If they purchase first-class or diamond-class tickets, their trip comes with hors d’oeuvres, treats and beverage service. On the layover trip, there’s time for travelers to stretch their legs and wander around Old Forge, a quaint Adirondacks hamlet with small shops, boutiques and eateries to explore.

Scenery on a Rocky Mountaineer train ride COURTESY ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Bluegrass

BY RACHEL CRICK

The thundering hooves of Thoroughbreds, rolling hills covered in bluegrass and the sweetness of bourbon whiskey, the state’s most revered spirit — these gems are among Kentucky’s most appealing offerings.

Kentucky welcomes any visitor with Southern hospitality that imbues even its most metropolitan areas, as its small towns radiate an easygoing charm. The state’s signature industries and its wealth of one-of-a-kind attractions blend leisure and excitement in a landscape of picturesque natural scenery and bustling industry.

For the perfect itinerary, travel planners should schedule stops at these charismatic Kentucky cities.

LOUISVILLE

Kentucky’s largest city was founded in 1778 on the Ohio River and was named to honor King Louis of France for his contributions to the American Revolution. The invention of the steamboat led to an explosion of industry in the 19th century, cementing Louisville’s position as Kentucky’s most populous city.

“This is one of the most exciting cities you’ll ever eat, drink, explore and meet in,” said Saundra Robertson, senior tourism sales manager at Louisville Tourism.

One of Louisville’s most iconic sites is Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Tours can be arranged through the Kentucky Derby Museum, conveniently located next to the racetrack. Groups can tour the museum and take a guided tour of the track to watch horses complete their morning training and stroll through the track’s gardens and greenhouses. The Derby Café and Bourbon Bar, the museum’s on-site restaurant, offers buffets with Southern fare and Kentucky classics. Louisville is also home to several distinct museums. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is easy to locate, thanks to the Big Bat, a 120-foot-tall wooden baseball bat that leans against the factory wall. At the Muhammad Ali Center, groups can learn about the legendary boxer’s career and legacy as they tour multiple floors of interactive exhibits.

Whiskey Row is one of the most varied bourbon attractions in the country. The one-block entertainment district’s historic buildings have cast-iron storefronts; the buildings once served as offices for bourbon distilling companies. Today the block is home to distilleries and bars where visitors get a taste — or a pour — of Kentucky’s favorite spirit. Well-known brands like Old

COURTESY GEORGETOWN/SCOTT COUNTY TOURISM

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM

Georgetown’s historic downtown

Rolling a barrel at Old Forester

LEXINGTON

LOUISVILLE GEORGETOWN SHEPHERDSVILLE

A bourbon tasting at Angel’s Envy

NEWPORT COVINGTON

Forester Distilling Company and Angel’s Envy have distilleries on the row that offer tours and tastings for groups, each with their own special twist. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience even offers a tour that finishes with a bourbon and charcuterie tasting. Whiskey Row is also a good place to grab a bite to eat. Groups can try some of the city’s best fried chicken and Southern cooking at Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen. gotolouisville.com

SHEPHERDSVILLE

Just south of Louisville, the small township of Shepherdsville in Bullitt County makes a great stop for groups. Bullitt County has long been known for being industrious, and its rich history is fun to explore.

“The buffalo made the pass into Shepherdsville and Bullitt County for the salt licks,” said Troy Beam, executive director of Shepherdsville-Bullitt County Tourism. “Pioneers followed them in and ended up doing salt mining, then iron ore.”

Today, the town’s major industries have

shifted to all things spirits, wine and ale. Groups can enjoy a tour and a tasting at the county’s two bourbon attractions, four wineries and brewery. One of the more famous options is the James B. Beam Distillery, where eight generations of the Beam family have been producing one of the world’s most popular bourbons since 1795, with a little break for Prohibition. Groups can tour the distillery and visit the Kitchen Table, the distillery’s restaurant, for an upscale dining experience.

The Four Roses Warehouse and Bottling facility is the second bourbon related attraction in the area. Four Roses, a popular brand with a distillery in Lawrenceburg, is known for using 10 distinct recipes to craft its signature bourbons. Groups can take a guided tour and tasting at the warehouse to learn more about what makes the brand so well loved. In addition to bourbon experiences, groups can visit MillaNova Winery, Forest Edge Winery, Wight-Meyer Winery and Brooks Hill Winery to sample Kentucky varietals and take in views of the countryside. They can also

COURTESY SHEPHERDSVILLE-BULLITT COUNTY TOURISM

A wooden sculpture at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

taste what’s on tap at Gallant Fox Brewing Company, the county’s first brewery, which opened at the end of 2022.

A visit to Shepherdsville’s Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is another must. This 16,000-acre nature preserve has 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, wildlife and plenty of programs for groups, including themed, educational tours of the forest. Isaac’s Café, in the bright visitors center, uses fresh ingredients from the Edible Garden to prepare its healthy offerings. travelbullitt.org

GEORGETOWN

Bourbon enthusiasts will recognize the name Elijah Craig, but when it comes to Georgetown, that name takes on a special significance.

“A lot of people are not aware it was founded by Elijah Craig,” said Bailey Gilkerson, marketing director at Georgetown/ Scott County Tourism. “He did a lot of great things for our community.”

Local legend says Craig, who founded the town in 1784, was the first to dis-

till bourbon. While this is hotly disputed by other Kentucky towns that claim to be the birthplace of bourbon, Craig is credited with being the first to age bourbon in charred oak barrels, a method that became a requirement when producing Kentucky’s favorite spirit.

Kentucky’s other major industry, Thoroughbred racing, also plays a major role in Georgetown. Groups can spend half a day at the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm and attraction for all things equestrian. The park hosted the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Each day, horses are paraded in front of visitors during the Parade of Breeds and other scheduled programs. Exhibits at the park’s International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian affiliate, detail the history of these magnificent animals and their relationship with humans.

Old Friends, another horse attraction, is a farm where retired racehorses go to live out their days. Silver Charm, the oldest living Derby winner, is a current resident. During tours, visitors meet some of these famous horses, feed them carrots and take

COURTESY GEORGETOWN/SCOTT COUNTY TOURISM

COURTESY SHEPHERDSVILLE-BULLITT COUNTY TOURISM

A horse at Old Friends Thoroughbred Farm

James B. Beam Distillery

selfies as they learn about each horse’s career and learn about the farm’s operation.

In addition to its handsome Victorian architecture, downtown has plenty of shopping and dining to enjoy. For an afternoon on their own, tour members can meander on their own through antique shops, boutiques, galleries and museums. They can also hit favorite local eateries like Fava’s, Galvin’s and Desserts by Rebecca. For a group meal and country cooking, Wilshire’s Restaurant is known for catfish, country-fried chicken and bourbon-glazed salmon.

georgetownky.com

LEXINGTON

Lexington’s thriving downtown is surrounded by miles of serene horse farms, offering a blend of city and country living. Although this central Kentucky city is the state’s second largest, it doesn’t always feel like it.

“One of the things we love about Lexington is that you get the best of both worlds here,” said Martina Barksdale, director of communications at VisitLex.

Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World for good reason. The city is

home to Keeneland Race Course, which has two meets each year, one in April, the other in October. Groups can tour the track, or if they’re in town during a meet, they can catch a race. Tours of area horse farms can be arranged through Horse Country, a local organization dedicated to promoting the horse industry in the Bluegrass. These tours are a way to see privately owned horse farms where some of the most famous racing legends were born and bred.

Lexington is surrounded by bourbon distilleries, but several are also within city limits. The James E. Pepper Distillery, a recently reopened historic distillery in the aptly named Distillery District, offers a signature bourbon experience. After a tour and a tasting, groups can enjoy an afternoon in the revitalized historic district, home to Goodfella’s Pizzeria, local craft ice cream shop Crank and Boom, and the Burl Arcade. Those with a passion for craft beer will be delighted to find two stops on the local Brewgrass Trail, Ethereal Brewing Company and Wise Bird Cider, in the district.

Lexington is also a foodie’s paradise. It’s a hub for locally owned restaurants with a wide range of cuisines, from Hawaiian to Cajun to barbecue. A trip to town warrants

a visit to any one of James Beard-nominated Chef Ouita Michel’s many restaurants, including Honeywood, in the popular Summit shopping district; Wallace Station, renowned for its award-winning burgers; and Windy Corner Market, in the country, serving up po’boys and Southern fare. Groups are also in for a treat when they dine at group-friendly, signature Lexington restaurants, such as Epping’s on Eastside and Coles 735 Main.

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, northern Kentucky is made up of Newport, Covington, Florence and several other small communities, each with amenities and attractions.

“In northern Kentucky, we pride ourselves on having a little bit for everyone who comes,” said Lorey Hall, leisure sales manager at the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Newport was nicknamed “Sin City” long before Las Vegas claimed the title. On a Newport Gangster Tour offered by American Legacy Tours, groups can walk the streets of Newport and hear tales of mobsters, gamblers and illicit casinos. Also in Newport, the Newport Aquarium has a stunning variety of marine animals, from playful penguins to colorful jellyfish.

For a tasty meal accompanied by views of the Cincinnati skyline, BB Riverboats offers dinner cruises. Upscale, fresh seasonal meals are served as the boat glides along the Ohio River. For authentic Bavarian food and beverage, the Hofbrauhaus Newport Brewery and Restaurant’s menu features plenty of German cuisine, like bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut, and, of course, a wide selectin of “bier.”

Another big draw is the Ark Encounter, a ship of the same proportions as Noah’s Ark is described in Genesis. This 510-footlong, seven-story structure shows what the Ark might have looked like and doubles as a museum, with exhibits throughout that tell the story of the flood. Groups can tour the massive structure and pair their outing with a trip to the Creation Museum, a 40-minute drive from the Ark. Outside the Ark, the fun continues with a petting zoo and zipline course.

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COURTESY VISITLEX

The Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky

COURTESY ARK ENCOUNTER

COURTESY VISITLEX

A meal at Epping’s on Eastside in Lexington

Drinks at Lexington’s Ethereal Brewing

At the heart of America’s inland waterways, you’ll find a sophisticated rivertown that inspires. Paducah, Kentucky, is a confluence of cultural heritage and creativity where art is a way of life.

A designated UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is gaining acclaim as a destination for those who crave rich, authentic cultural experiences!

Immerse yourself in history, art and culture through unique experiences created exclusively for groups.

Plan your experience at Paducah.travel

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Surf Cities

THE ATLANTIC DEFINES THESE VIRGINIA MAINSTAYS

BY TOM ADKINSON

The southeast corner of Virginia sparkles with attractions, historic sites, natural wonders, food experiences and municipalities — but not a totally unifying identity. A dozen cities and organizations now promote the expansive region as Coastal Virginia.

“Visitors don’t really care about city limits

signs,” said Jim Coggin, tourism sales manager for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “All of us [in tourism] want people to explore the region. We want people to stay, to hub and spoke, and to enjoy all of Coastal Virginia.”

Here’s a look at four of Coastal Virginia’s big destinations.

A statue of King Neptune overlooks the Virginia Beach boardwalk and oceanfront.

VIRGINIA BEACH

With almost half a million residents, Virginia Beach is the state’s most populous city. The municipality, famous for its beachfront, spreads across 500 square miles, and groups can enjoy it on land, in the air and on the water.

On land, the star is the three-mile-long Virginia Beach Boardwalk. On one side is the glistening Atlantic Ocean, and on the other are vendors, outdoor restaurants, hotels and other businesses, plus four stages (nightly entertainment in summer).

Perhaps the most photographed boardwalk “celebrity” is at 31st Street. There stands King Neptune in bronze, 24 feet tall and tipping the scales at 12 tons. The statue is the gateway to Neptune Festival Park. Get a group photo, watch surfers, rent some bikes, soak up the sun — the boardwalk indeed has variety.

To get up in the air, visit the Military Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest private collections of World War I and World War II aircraft. Among them a Curtiss P-40 (of Flying Tiger fame), a P-51 Mustang, a B-25 bomber, a PBY Catalina flying boat, a Curtiss Jenny, a Sopwith Strutter and even a bright red Fokker DR1 triplane like the Red Baron flew in World War I.

While eating a box lunch, groups can visit with pilots and mechanics who fly and work on the airplanes. Some groups arrange a vintage biplane flight and have a contest or drawing to see who gets to fly over the beachfront.

A popular on-the-water experience is a Virginia Aquarium outing to see migrating whales in winter and bottlenose dolphins in other months. Its boats, the Atlantic Explorer and the Atlantic Scout, get close to nature’s action.

Coggin also brags on four institutions — collectively the Virginia Beach History Museums — that offer interesting group tours such as a Colonial tea, a historic lantern tour and a haunted stories tour.

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM

HAMPTON

“’First from the sea, first to the stars’ is a slogan Hampton enjoys using,” said Bruce Newton, Hampton’s vice president of tourism.

“Sea” refers to the arrival of European colonists’ sailing ships here 400 years ago. “Stars” refers to Hampton’s role in America’s space program because of the NASA Langley Research Center. Space history is on prominent display downtown at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. It chronicles more than a century of aviation history, showcases more than 30 aircraft and has a hands-on space exploration gallery.

Because of Hampton’s strategic Chesapeake Bay location, its history has many chapters. Groups explore much of that history at Fort Monroe, the largest stone fort in America. The stories told here in a new $9 million visitor center predate the fort’s construction.

It was here that the first enslaved Africans arrived in English North America in 1619. It was here that the English and Native Americans clashed. It was here that a moody soldier named Edgar Allen Poe served. It was here that enslaved men sought refuge during the Civil War. And it was here that Confederate President Jefferson Davis was held

briefly after the Civil War. (After exploring the visitor center, check out the Casement Museum inside the fort.)

Efforts to educate the formerly enslaved led to what now is Hampton University, and the Hampton University Museum is another recommended destination. It is the oldest Black museum in the U.S. and one of the oldest museums in Virginia.

“The Hampton University Museum is a treasure that more people need to visit,” Newton said.

Another, he said, is the Emancipation Oak. This gigantic tree was the site of the first Southern reading of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The National Geographic Society labeled the Emancipation Oak among “the 10 Great Trees in the World.”

VISITHAMPTON.COM

NEWPORT NEWS

All of Coastal Virginia has a maritime history, but Newport News has some special claims. For instance, Newport News Shipyard is where all American aircraft carriers are built; remnants of the USS Monitor, the federal ship in the first battle between ironclad ships, are here; and dozens of trawlers that ply nearby waters for seafood served at the region’s restaurants call the city home.

So much seafaring lore is here that the Mariners’ Museum has a congressional designation as “America’s National Maritime Museum.” Visit the museum, located in a 550-acre park, to see some of its 35,000 artifacts — model ships, wooden figureheads, paintings, small craft from around the world.

Shift gears inland at the Virginia Living Museum to sample outdoor Virginia’s adventures. Its exhibits cover the entire state, from the misty Appalachians to the sometimes-foggy Atlantic coastline. Displays feature 250 animal species.

A special treat is the Newport News Park — 7,780 acres of woodlands, lakes, trails, Civil War fortifications and more. Ranger Robert Brooks and others lead numerous hikes and programs for groups, and Brooks also is a stepon guide for tours on numerous topics. His college work was in political science and history, and he’s been a historical reenactor, so he knows his stuff.

Another Newport News tour attraction is scattered through the city. It’s a public art driving tour past more than three dozen outdoor sculptures and memorials.

NEWPORT-NEWS.ORG

COURTESY HAMPTON CVB

The Mariner’s Museum

Statues at the Fort Monroe Museum

NORFOLK

Variety is the watchword for Norfolk. Groups can tour a battleship, admire 5,000 years of art, watch glassblowing demonstrations, explore a very art-conscious neighborhood or get some exercise on an urban waterfront trail — and that’s just the start.

Nauticus is a logical component of any itinerary. This maritime discovery center is on the downtown waterfront, and indoor attractions include a new interactive exhibition called “Norfolk in Time,” a newly designed aquarium space and an explanation of Norfolk’s importance in worldwide ocean commerce.

Its gigantic exhibit is the USS Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship that the U.S. Navy built. It served from World War II through the First Gulf War and officially became a city of Norfolk facility in 2010. Groups can explore much of the massive ship on their own or arrange guided tours.

A more placid setting is the Chrysler Museum of Art, where 50 galleries display a portion of the museum’s more than 30,000 paintings, sculptures and other pieces. A special treat is the museum’s Perry Glass Studio, which offers narrated glassmaking demonstrations Tuesday through Sunday.

Leaving the Chrysler, groups can stroll or ride through the NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) District, Norfolk’s first official arts district, to admire colorful murals, do some shopping or perhaps catch a show at the Push Comedy Theater.

Of course, you can get out on the water, too, with a Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise or an American Rover Sailing Cruise. VISITNORFOLK.COM

Museums to parks. shopping to fine dining — Newport News, Virginia asks you to bring your sense of ADVENTURE, and we’ll supply the BREAKTHROUGHS.

Start planning your trip and request a Visitor Guide today to discover the perfect breakthrough experiences for your family.

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NORFOLK

A tall ship in Norfolk

Perry Glass Studio

Celebrate the gifts of land and sea with epic Virginia Beach adventures the entire group can enjoy safely. With 400 square miles of wide open space, revel in hands-on experiences and unique access to a group tour that’s as safe as it is memorable.

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Steeped in mystery and mythology, Greece welcomes guests with stunning landscapes, incredible monuments and a proud, vibrant culture. Much of what we think of as “Western civilization” sprang from this mountainous country, including democracy, trial by jury, libraries, lighthouses, standardized medicine and theater — making Greece a must on any culture vulture’s bucket list.

The Hellenic Republic is a history-lover’s dream, home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 100 archaeological museums and countless remnants of its ancient occupation. Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were here: the magnificent Colossus of Rhodes (as tall as the Statue of Liberty) and the majestic gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus at Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics.

More than 6,000 islands dot the three seas — Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean — that surround the mainland, and no point in the country is farther than 85 miles from the turquoise waters that lap its 16,000 miles of coastline. The people are as warm as the sun-soaked beaches, and philoxenia (literally “friend to the stranger”) is the guiding principle of legendary Greek hospitality that — like the sirens in the Odyssey — lures visitors back again and again.

Aegean Adventure

GREECE AND ITS ISLANDS REMAIN CLASSICAL DESTINATIONS

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY GREEK NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE BY Y. SOULAS

Overlooking the city of Athens, the Acropolis is one of Greece’s most historic and most visited attractions.

Dining al fresco in Athens

Athens

BY K. KOUZOUNI

can’t miss DESTINATIONS unforgettable FLAVOR

Traditional Greek cuisine is a Mediterranean melange that relies on seasonal ingredients bursting with freshness and redolent with just-picked herbs and silky, grassy olive oil. Enjoy a little bit of everything with meze — an array of small plates traditionally served with drinks. There’ll be olives, of course, along with sharp, tangy sheep’s cheese and lamb keftedes (meatballs). Pickled foods are popular, so you may find artichokes, small sweet red peppers and even octopus. Accompany the feast with fresh-from-the-oven pita rounds dipped in fragrant olive oil.

Known for iconic landmarks including the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the ancient Agora, the country’s capital is filled with must-see attractions. The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are among the best in the world, but there are modern pleasures to be found as well. Athens puts Broadway to shame with 148 theatrical stages — the most of any city in the world — so don’t miss seeing a performance in the birthplace of acting and theater. Spend some time strolling the narrow, mostly car-free streets of the Plaka. The oldest part of the city, this district in the shadow of the Acropolis has tons of shops and tavernas and an intimate, village vibe.

Delphi

Dedicated to the god Apollo and revered by ancients as the “navel of the earth,” the ruins at Delphi are second only to the Acropolis as the country’s most popular archaeological attraction. Located two and a half hours from the capital along the slopes of imposing Mount Parnassus, the Temple of Apollo was presided over by a series of oracles — priestesses believed to have the gift of prophecy. The current temple dates from the fourth century B.C. Above it, and well worth the climb, sits a theater that could hold 5,000 spectators, as well as a stadium that played host to the Pythian games.

Santorini

It’s wildly popular with tourists — and for good reason. Rated as one of the most scenic sites in all of the Greek islands, Santorini’s unique geography is the result of a powerful volcanic eruption that occurred 3,600 years ago, at the height of the Minoan civilization. The blast, one of the largest in recorded history, created an enormous caldera that’s mostly submerged beneath the Aegean’s impossibly blue waters. Today whitewashed sugar-cube houses perch on cliffs above the sea, and holiday-makers bask on the island’s red, white and black sand-and-pebble beaches.

BY Y. SOULAS

The Santorini coastline

The ancient gods gathered on Mount Olympus, and their magic still makes a nightly appearance. The beauty of Greek sunsets is legendary, and no evening should pass without observing the grandeur. Now open to mortals, Mount Olympus guarantees a spectacular view, as do the steps of the Acropolis and Oia, Santorini’s bougainvillea-bedecked village. Each sunset should be a celebration, and at least one should be spent on the water, enjoying a cruise while the golden sun slips into Homer’s “wine-dark sea.”

hidden

TREASURE

For millennia an ancient sunken ship called the Peristera Wreck remained truly hidden, resting under 80 feet of water in Europe’s largest protected marine park. The large merchant vessel went down about 2,500 years ago, carrying a trove of two-handled wine amphora and other relics. Dubbed “the Parthenon of shipwrecks,” the site was closely guarded and restricted to scientists. Now it’s open to the diving public as Greece’s first underwater museum. Nondivers can experience a virtual reality tour at the information center, located on the island of Alonissos.

BY H. KAKAROUHAS

favorite SOUVENIR

No one wants the evil eye, and the brilliant blue charms that protect against it may be bought inexpensively by the handful at almost any market. (They make great stocking stuffers too!) Spirits aficionados will appreciate a bottle of anise-kissed ouzo, while cooks will clamor for artisanal olive oil. But for yourself, bring home as much Cretan honey as you can carry. Legend has it that Zeus himself was born in a cave here, attended by a hive of sacred bees. Regardless of myth, Crete’s honey is legendary, flavored with pine, thyme and other wild herbs that grow in abundance on the rugged island.

Athens’ Temple of Olympian Zeus

Ports OF Call

BY PAULA AVEN GLADYCH

Waterfront cities adorn the Midwest

Group travelers who seek beautiful waterfront destinations don’t need to fly to California or the East Coast — there’s an abundance of such places in America’s heartland.

These seven Midwest locations, perched on rivers and lakes, offer sun-soaked beaches, riverfront parks and plenty of water sports, historical sites and attractions.

Clarksville, Indiana

Right across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, Clarksville is best known as the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. William Clark’s brother had a home near the site, and the explorers used the area as their home base, recruiting members of the Corps of Discovery from the surrounding settlements.

Groups visiting the area won’t want to miss Falls of the Ohio State Park, a riverside attraction with an interpretive center that explores the geology of the area. Visitors can then walk down to the riverside and explore exposed prehistoric Devonian fossil beds, full of shells, mussels, crinoids and brachiopods. Clarksville’s newest attraction, Origin Park, gives canoers and kayakers access to the only remaining whitewater along the Ohio River and the only stretch of the river that is closed to commercial traffic.

Derby Dinner Playhouse, one of the country’s oldest continuously operating dinner theaters and a top group attraction, offers Broadway musicals and comedies and a buffet meal. Ashland Park, along Clarksville’s riverfront, offers views of downtown Louisville and contains part of the Ohio River Greenway trail, which connects downtown Jeffersonville, Clarksville and downtown New Albany.

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Clarksville overlooks the Ohio River and the Louisville skyline.

Falls of the Ohio Park

Clarksville’s Rosie the Riverter statue

Interpreters at Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Situated on the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers many opportunities to get outside and into nature. Groups can rent standup paddleboards or kayaks from SOKO Outfitters in the Czech Village and put in at Prairie Park Fishery or Cedar Lake. They can fish or hike at Pinicon Ridge, or rent canoes or kayaks for a quick trip down the Wapsipinicon River.

Indian Creek Nature Center, one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the country, includes a bird sanctuary, exhibits, trails and an outdoor theater. It is a favorite spot for farm-to-table dinners.

The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library has a number of group experience packages, including admission to all exhibits, a movie, a docent-led tour of the Sieger Immigrant Home and a visit to Skala Bartizal Library, which focuses on genealogical research. For an additional fee, groups can add on a box lunch or coffee and kolaches. The Czech Lunch Experience includes the self-guided museum experience, a buffet-style Czech meal and a private space for dining.

TOURISMCEDARRAPIDS.COM

Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon, Michigan, one of a string of beach towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline, has 26 miles of lakefront (including Pere Marquette Beach), 22 inland lakes and more than 65 miles of trails for walking or biking.

With one of the deepest ports on Muskegon Lake, the city has a rich history in shipping and lumber. Visits to the Muskegon Museum of History and Science, the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry, and five historic sites are good ways to learn about its past.

The Hackley and Hume Historic Site is two Queen Anne homes, built side-by-side for two lumber barons.

The Hackley and Hume City Barn, which the two families shared, sits between the two residences and features an old carriage and groom living quarters. Two blocks away, the Historic Fire Barn and the Scolnik House can be toured on the same ticket.

There are three light towers and a lighthouse in the county, and two of them are open for tours. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum offers group tours of the World War II submarine, a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and museum.

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Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of author Mark Twain, and the inspiration for many of his books, overlooks the Mississippi River. A one-hour sightseeing tour takes visitors through historic downtown, Riverfront Park and its scenic overlooks of the river and Mark Twain Cave. Hannibal’s riverfront recently underwent a $3 million renovation, making it a nice stop to grab a picnic lunch and watch boat traffic on the river.

Groups can take a one-hour sightseeing cruise or a twohour dinner cruise with live entertainment on the Mark Twain Riverboat. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, a block from the river, has eight buildings along Main Street and offers a self-guided tour. Twain fans will also want to visit Mark Twain Cave, an inspiration for “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” There are no stairs, and the cave is group friendly.

Rockcliffe Mansion’s hour-long docent-led tours explore the Gilded-Age home. And Molly Brown Birthplace and Museum, Hannibal History Museum and Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center.

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A Lake Michigan cruise in Muskegon

Mark Twain Riverboat COURTESY VISIT MUSKEGON

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Lindstrom, Minnesota

Called America’s Little Sweden, Lindstrom’s downtown is a block from South Lindstrom Lake, part of the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes. For those who like the outdoors, the Chisago Lakes Water Trail connects 24 small lakes that can be traversed by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. In the winter, visitors can cross country ski, ice fish, snowmobile or snowshoe.

To learn more about the area’s Swedish heritage, groups can visit the 125-acre Allemansrätt Swedish Heritage Wilderness Park and its 14-acre lake, glacial eskers, wetlands, a five-acre island, 33-acre peninsula and 1853 homestead. Many trails traverse the park.

A self-guided Lindstrom Historical Walking Tour passes the city’s historic buildings, Swedish-inspired murals, Swedish signage and famous coffeepot water tower. Gammelgarden Immigrant Heritage Museum, an open-air museum, promotes Swedish immigrant heritage through historic buildings, artifacts, special events and classes. Moody Lake Park Round Barn is another point of interest in Chisago Lake Township.

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On the sandy shores of beautiful Lake Michigan you’ll find Manitowoc – a friendly, historic and vibrant destination! Dive into planning your next trip with our help! We can craft unique itineraries filled with must-see museums, farm fresh restaurants, local craft brews and more.

Learn what your group can experience and discover when you visit Manitowoc by contacting us today!

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SJOSTEDT, COURTESY CITY OF LINDSTROM

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A farm dinner in Cedar Rapids

Muskegon’s South Pierhead Light

A Swedish barn quilt in Lindstrom

RaeAnn Thomas Destination Sales & Marketing Manager

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Nestled on the lower portion of Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is located between Milwaukee and Green Bay. The lake plays a major role in the community, and its lakeside park has a carousel, miniature train ride, boat rentals, a splash pad for kids and a lighthouse built in 1933. Visitors can try wind and kite surfing or rent pontoon boats, wave runners or a duck boat to get out on the lake.

The city is a mecca for groups that enjoy dining at waterfront restaurants and supper clubs or taking agricultural excursions. They can see homemade ice cream being made at Kelley Country Creamery; the ice cream is handmade from milk produced at the Kelley family’s 200-acre farmstead dairy. The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center shows visitors how their food gets from the field to their table, and Henning’s Cheese and LaClare Family Creamery demonstrate how cheese is made while visitors sample many different varieties.

There are distilleries and wineries to tour and Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, to explore.

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Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan, on the shore of Lake Michigan is in Lake County, a region rich in outdoor beauty, with 170 lakes and rivers to enjoy. Groups can visit Illinois Beach State Park in Zion or Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove or book a charter fishing expedition. The Illinois Beach Hotel is in the state park and offers many options for outdoor walks and to soak up the sun. Waukegan also has plenty of opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, bird watching or playing a round of golf. For example, Lake County Forest Preserves alone has nearly 31,000 acres to explore.

Other interesting stops include the Tempel Lipizzans, the world’s largest privately owned herd of Lipizzaner stallions, with performances and behind-the-scenes tours. The Gold Pyramid was built as a home and houses a collection of Egyptian furnishings, artifacts and paintings, including a reproduction of King Tutankhamen’s throne. Groups can tour the first floor and then sample some Gold Pyramid water or premium vodka. The Genesee Theatre, a restored 1920s movie palace, hosts concerts, plays and films. It offers private tours for groups and a Ghost Walk in October. VISITLAKECOUNTY.ORG

COURTESY DESTINATION LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION

Kelly Country Creamery in Fond du Lac

Lake County’s Gold Pyramid

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT LAKE CO. IL

The Temple Lipizzans

Illinois Beach Hotel

exotic animals on this ranch

Discover over 300 farm and Watch the cheese-making process

Break bread with friends

Girlfriends Getaway

Enjoy local cuisine & spirits

Shop at unique boutiques

Create one-of-a kind projects

Tour family vineyards

Learn

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Amish Country Tour

Explore the deep-rooted history

Try traditional Amish food Immerse yourself in the culture

See all five branches of the military

See Wisconsin’s largest collection

Get a first-hand look at more than of horse-drawn vehicles

200 historic planes

Snuggle

Taste farm fresh flavors

See a baby calf being born

going places

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Great Preparation Makes for Great Trips

Agreat tour should have no surprises — for you, that is.

As travel planners, we put many hours into organizing trips. So it’s frustrating when you’ve spoken to destination representatives in advance but upon arrival find that the staff is not prepared for you. This can lead to longer waits, with people standing on their feet for long periods, and customer complaints.

When a destination is not prepared for your group, it can reflect poorly on you as the planner.

Working strategically with upcoming destinations, hotels and attractions before and during your trip will help avoid the problem. Here are some of my favorite tips to prepare the next stop for your arrival.

Find a partner

After you decide your must-do activities, upon booking, speak to someone about your arrival. Ask to speak to someone who understands group tours and who can provide details about where your bus can unload and park. If a location does not have experience with motorcoach tours, provide them with information about your vehicle, including its size. Also alert them if some of your travelers aren’t capable of walking long distances.

In downtowns and during festivals, there may be no designated motorcoach parking spot. If this is the case, contact the city to ask for locations or to request a parking spot be marked off close to your destination. For a festival,

you might request a street in a desirable location for the city to mark off for your motorcoach. Remember it is not the transportation company’s job to arrange parking or to scout out loading zones.

It is always a good idea for a hotel or restaurant to know your tour group is coming, whether the restaurant is the main attraction or the tour is making a stop at the shopping mall for lunch. Some locations, such as lunch spots, are popular for buses for a reason. They might have deals for the bus driver and tour director and designated parking. Letting them know in advance is a great way to ensure all those benefits are received. And since some organizations don’t allow buses, it’s important to do your homework and have a couple of options in case your plans don’t work out.

Check your map

Also, as you do research, check your plans against a map. When I take a tour someplace new, I always check Google Maps. It helps me give my driver better directions. And, when in doubt, print it out. When I don’t know if I’ll be able to explain our logistics to my driver, I print out the map view and make notes about where to park. With an attraction that requires booking, call several months in advance and then again closer to the arrival date to finalize your payment. It is important to touch base five to seven days before arrival. Not only does it remind the staff about your visit, it allows you to iron out any last-minute details, such as a client who will need extra care.

Call on the way

You will also want to call the location two to four hours before you arrive. If I have a group of 40 people checking into a hotel, I want to speak to the hotel the day before and again a couple of hours in advance of our arrival. Remind your contact of everything you have requested, such as luggage handling and other services. Calling on the day of arrival ensures that staff members are aware of important information and helps eliminate communication issues.

One final note: Don’t forget to include your driver in all the arrangements and to listen to his or her advice. Your driver will appreciate a map of the locations and a daily meeting about the itinerary.

As travel planners, we can do a lot to avoid unpleasant surprises during our tours. We’ve all had horror stories about a location that was not prepared or, even worse, forgot about a tour group entirely. So it’s worth doing some extra work and check in repeatedly with each of your destinations. This creates a stress-free trip and gives your clients a streamlined experience.

Ashley Taylor is a longtime bank and travel club planner. She lives in Ashland, Kentucky, with her family of six.

GREECE FIT FOR THE GODS

From the coasts of the Mediterranean to the top of Mount Olympus, Greece is a destination grand enough for mythical gods and friendly enough for travelers alike. Uncover its ancient ruins, discover its wild landscapes, and be charmed by its whitewashed homes. This is only the beginning of the endless wonders your group will find in Greece. To learn more, visit

or your local Travel Advisor.