APRIL 2012
A Premier Tourism Marketing publication www.leisuregrouptravel.com
COVER STORY
VOL. 22, NO. 2 • APRIL 2012
contents COVER STORY filled with cutting-edge fare and much-anticipated revivals.
52
FEATURES
COLUMNS
18
6
52 Broadway Boom
by randy mink
new york city stages offer groups a spring and summer calendar
The Essential Costa Rican Nature Experience
by jeff gayduk
by lance harrell
21
Switzerland Attracts Religious Travel Groups
8
Southern Mansions
On Tour by marty sarbey de souto
by don heimburger
26
On My Mind
10
by dave bodle
On Reunions by edith wagner
36
Music in the Mountains
40
Minnesota Milestones
46
Curtain Call in Pennsylvania
50
10 Top Iconic Sights of New York City
55
by manny vega
21 SWITZERLAND
On the Record
58
On Marketing
by randy mink
by coley nelson
by randy mink
Historic Homes & Gardens of California by marty sarbey de souto
12
by dave bodle
ON THE COVER: Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana (Jeremy Daniel, Richard Termine Costume: Alan Hranitelj ©2011 Cirque du Soleil)
NUMBER CRUNCHING
ON LOCATION While normally behind the scenes heading up Leisure Group Travel’s art department, Production Director Rob Wyszkowski spread his wings on a recent trip to the Grand Canyon.
6,400 Windows in the Empire State Building
7 Active volcanoes in Costa Rica
WHAT’S ONLINE? many articles in leisure group travel feature an “Online Exclusive” tab directing readers to a story that appears only on our website. these “extras” expand on the subject in print or cover other destinations in the same region. we always have much more to tell you than space allows, so watch for “Online Exclusive” icons and log on to LeisureGroupTravel.com.
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41
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Fireplaces in Hearst Castle
70,000 Population of St. Gallen, Switzerland
ELEVATING SEARCH we’re excited to introduce GroupTravelDirectory.com 5, the easiest way to plan your next group vacation. integrated maps, intuitive search bars, oneclick contact with suppliers and complete social media integration make this the best GroupTravelDirectory.com yet! save favorites in your trip ideas bucket – email them to yourself, print, or map out a new trip. Log on and check it out!
13,770 Height in feet of the Grand Teton
1886 Year the Statue of Liberty was dedicated Switzerland Tourism Photos
EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!
32 Boeing 747s that could fit inside Mall of America
on my mind ❖
On My Mind jeff gayduk
❖ jeff gayduk
It’s Showtime!
Vol. 22, No. 2 April 2012 Editorial & Advertising Office
621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Senior Editor – Dave Bodle
Welcome to the annual theater
readers tell us that they like this maga-
issue of Leisure Group Travel, our
zine for the great travel ideas our editorial
showcase of live entertainment across
team digs up, not extra large pictures of
the United States.
seafood.
dave@ptmgroups.com
Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com
You can’t cover theater and not include New York! As Randy Mink articulates in “Broadway Boom” (pg. 52),
onlIne – AlWAyS GroWInG At press-time we are flipping the switch
Regional Business Development Managers Illinois – Jim McCurdy
from Spider-Man to Blue Man, there’s
on the latest version of our uber-cool
lots new on the Big Apple theater scene.
directory search engine, GroupTravel-
Traveling west on I-78 opens up a
Directory.com. Version 5 takes the art
whole world of theatrical possibilities in
of search to a new level where you can
Northeast & Eastern Midwest/Canada – Harry Peck
Pennsylvania – dinner shows, big-time
plan a complete group vacation online.
concert halls and historical venues.
The site is comprehensive without being
P 330.830.4880 • F 630.794.0652 harry@ptmgroups.com
Newcomer Coley Nelson covers eight
daunting. Big maps help you zero in on
must-see theaters in “Curtain Call,”
geographic regions. Easy search bars
page 46.
help refine look-ups. Browse videos,
This issue also has a strong international flair, with two of my favorite destinations – Costa Rica (Lance Harrell,
photo galleries and supplier deals in a new “Groups Wanted” section. Our new TourItineraries.com website
pg. 18) and Switzerland (Don Heimburger,
is growing nicely. Already with 250+ fresh
pg. 21). Though separated by 5,800
itineraries for your group, by summer’s
miles, the commonality between the two
publishing of this magazine’s fifth annual
is their natural beauty and commitment
Itinerary Planning Guide we’ll have over
to environmental tourism.
500 posted.
We are always trying to make
Not to be outdone, our flagship
Leisure Group Travel the most readable
website, LeisureGroupTravel.com, will
publication in the group travel market.
debut a new look in May. It’s the most
We continue to roll out design and
visited magazine site in group travel
content changes to further your reading
according to Compete.com, driving 2.5
enjoyment. Wider columns, bigger
times as many visitors per month as our
pictures and a more readable font are
nearest competitor.
just a few recent enhancements. These
We’ve been doing online “right” for a
are done within the context of a trade
long time. I’m proud of our accomplish-
magazine as we strive to focus on the
ments, and what’s to come.
written word, understanding it’s the most important element of a good magazine.
Mid Atlantic – Ellen Klesta
P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com
Southeast/West Coast – Cheryl Rash
P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com
Southern – Dolores Ridout P/F 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com Florida & Caribbean – Evelyn Stetler P 321.235.6002 • F 321.235.6094 evelyn@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published bi-monthly by Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.
Send Address Change to:
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Enjoy the show! A
I have seen other magazines take re-
publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
designs to excess by removing complete editorial sections for ginormous photos.
Jeffrey Gayduk, Publisher
That’s awesome…if you’re Vogue, but
jeff@ptmgroups.com
6 April 2012
P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 jim@ptmgroups.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
On Tour
❖ marty sarbey de souto, ctc
isn’t it time for a Cruise Close to home? Many of us think of a cruise as a
wears the title of president proudly.
winter journeys between Memphis and
romantic trip to somewhere far away
The company is known for small,
New Orleans. Itineraries range from
and exotic – or at least different from
informal, yacht-like cruising on U.S-
three to 10 nights. Antebellum decor
what we see and do at home in our
registered and U.S.-crewed ships that
and showboat-style entertainment will
daily lives. Our travelers may be
carry 66-98 passengers. The itineraries
be featured, including Dixieland jazz,
dreaming of the day they can board a
are particularly appealing to active,
swing and Big Band music. (greatamer-
sea-going cruise ship to historic ports
mature travelers. Its founder designed
icansteamboatcompany.com)
of the Mediterranean or the colorful
ships with a retractable pilot house to
American Cruise Lines offers trips
islands of the Caribbean. But perhaps
allow for passage under low bridges,
that emphasize American history and
just thinking of traveling so far from
and many of its ships feature low
culture. The Queen of the West is
home, or being so distanced from
ramps in the bow to allow one to walk
running seven-night trips on the
family and friends or the safety of
right off the vessel onto the beach.
Columbia and Snake rivers through
known surroundings, may make them
The company’s unique itineraries
Washington and Oregon following in
push this trip to the back burner in
include the Erie Canal, a 10-day trip
the steps of Lewis and Clark’s expedi-
order of priorities in their lives.
along the East Coast called “Cultures
tion. Another itinerary, called “New
Yet, perhaps you could bring the cruise experience to these same close-to-home folks if you lured them into their first such trip on a North
Hook travelers on a domestic cruise and they’ll go farther next time
American river or coastal trip. Once they have that first cruise under their belts, they’re more likely to travel on
and Traditions – Charleston to the
England Islands,” sails out of Provi-
future cruises with you, looking back
Chesapeake” and three itineraries
dence, R.I. and visits Nantucket,
on that first happy experience. And,
on the Mississippi. Also of interest is
Martha’s Vineyard, Newport and more.
for those who have led a life that
a New York-to-Toronto trip, cruising
“Great Rivers of Florida” includes
included past cruises, but now in their
the Hudson, St. Lawrence Seaway,
Ocala National Forest, St. Augustine
senior years may be less active or
Thousand Islands and on to Quebec
and Amelia Island, ending in Jack-
less affluent, a closer-to-home cruise
and Montreal. (blountsmallshipadven-
sonville. (americancruiselines.com)
may be just the ticket.
tures.com)
Of course, one shouldn’t forget our own states of Alaska and Hawaii to
WatER, WatER EVERyWhERE But where can you send them and
DiXiELanD anD aLL that JaZZ Another possibility is the Great
round out the mix of endless possibilities right here at home. So whether
with which companies? There are a
American Steamboat Company’s
you select ships big or small, sedate
number of opportunities you may wish
paddlewheeler, the 436-passenger
or rollicking good fun, East or West,
to explore – many of them are what
American Queen. April 2012 is the long-
our country has a panoply of options –
we often call “small ship cruising.”
awaited comeback of this, the third
right in our own back yard.
The first might be Blount Small Ship
“Queen” of the former Delta Queen
Cruises (formerly known as American
Steamboat Company. She will ply the
Canadian Caribbean Line). The new
Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers,
name is a tribute to founder Captain
with special fall foliage cruises slated
Luther Blount, whose daughter now
for September into mid-November and
8 April 2012
Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor who designs and leads tours. Her travel industry consulting and educational firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).
LeisureGroupTravel.com
On Reunions
❖ edith wagner
What are Reunions, Anyway? EvERyonE hAs An idEA about what
very creative so they’ve not had to
reunions are. But since those ideas
cancel or postpone reunions. They
Mention of funerals is important in
spring mainly from personal experience,
understand some of their members
the formation of reunions because they
everyone’s ideas are different.
have difficulty affording a reunion so
are often the occasion when family
they make many adjustments. They
members look around the room in
magazine as a product (over 24 years
cut the number of reunion days. They
earnest and see a generation dying
ago), I’d posit my idea to anyone who
go camping instead of staying in hotels.
and other generations not connected.
would listen. At the time it was focused
They have a picnic closer to home
Ask anyone how their family reunion
to a great extent upon adoption/birth-
instead of traveling. They have fewer
started and a very high percentage will
parent reunions, which most said was
activities that cost but more that are
answer that someone at a funeral sug-
of no interest to them. But without
free or low-cost. But they all add the
gested meeting during happier times.
missing a beat, they’d say, “But let me
codicil that they look forward to a time
There is the strong undertone that they
tell you about my reunions”…which
when they can add the extras back in.
are also honoring those who are gone.
included family, class, military and
Overall, reunions are still important
When I was developing Reunions
Often reunions are the only places where cousins see one another
reconnect with important relatives.
REUnions ARE FUn! The reunion planner is a magician who, over a year or two, develops a party that can last from a couple hours to a long weekend or even weeks. Well-planned
other reunions. It was that last list
enough that most make the sacrifice to
reunions include
that really got my attention and once I
plan them and to be present.
access to fun and
began to review all their ideas, focus
Reunions continue to be the way
of the magazine began to take a 180-
most people stay in touch with what
degree turn toward the kind of reunions
was important in their lives (school
people really were interested in.
friends, military buddies) and what is important to stay connected to
REUnions ARE iMPoRTAnT Reunions, everyone said, were not
(families). Reunions maintain connections to
games that many Reunion organizers will find valuable ideas in the 12th edition of Reunions Workbook, a stepby-step guide published by Premier Tourism Marketing as a planning supplement to Reunions magazine. Subjects range from choosing a date and location to budgeting and setting up committees. Also covered are accommodations, meals, activities and fundraising. To order Reunions Workbook ($9.95), log on to groupuniversity.com.
just important but “very” important. We
the past and, for family reunions, to
revisited the question immediately after
the future. In an American society
9/11 and lately during the economic
whose mobility is sometimes at warp
crisis because both seemed able to
speed, reunions serve the very impor-
negatively affect reunions. But the
tant purpose of sustaining connec-
“very” importance of reunions was
tions. For many families the reunion is
maintained in both instances with a
where cousins meet and bond. Early
members enjoy together and reunion
slightly different point of view. After
on I learned about a grandmother
after reunion. And many reunions
9/11 the response was that “terrorists
who, at the funeral of her husband,
occur every year because for some
are not going to stop our reunion!”
realized her grandchildren did not
families reunion time is the only time they get together. And they cherish it.
When, more recently, the economy
know one another. So she, of course,
has been the issue, it affects individuals
started a family reunion. Often reunions
who have problems affording the
are the only places cousins see one
reunion but does not affect reunion
another. And if the tradition starts early
events. Reunion planners have gotten
enough, they are eager to attend to
10 April 2012
Edith Wagner is founder and editor of Reunions magazine. Visit reunionsmag.com for reunion planning ideas and to request a free sample copy of the magazine.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
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on the record ❖
On The Record How Can Special Events Bolster Tour Itineraries? FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to the question: How have you successfully integrated special events into your tours? What big national events, city festivals or small-town fairs have captivated your groups?
Tall Stacks, Customized Ohio Travel Treasures has utilized big events as a backdrop to tours. We have found that creating special events within a national event is something that we can control. An example would be Tall Stacks in Cincinnati. Even though the event itself is a draw, with all the steamboats and their billowing smokestacks, it is just one component that we put into a customized itinerary. We bring in major shows, charter our own boats and have even had groups watch a major artist
DAWN DORNES
DIDIER HENSSEN
markt and offers group members a chance to experience a taste of Germany. On this event we partnered with the local CVB (DuBois County) and were able to procure a dinner function in the local monastery prior to opening-night events. This has been a huge hit with the group tour market since it is something that has never been done before. It takes a little creativity to make a huge impact and that is what Ohio Travel Treasures is noted for—taking something
On a smaller city scale, we take a look at the event and then decide if it is tour group-worthy. create Tall Stacks prints (which each group member receives as a remembrance gift). We can control the deposits on our own events and not have to follow the non-groupfriendly deposits and final payments that the bigger event demands. On a smaller city scale, we take a look at the event and then decide if it is tour group-worthy. An example is an ABA Top 100 event in Ferdinand, Ind. This is an authentic Christkindl12 April 2012
known and then adding a little sparkle and controllable features. Diane Sphar, President Ohio Travel Treasures LLC, Cincinnati, OH
Specializing in Events Travel For the past six years, Free Spirit Vacations has been moving in a new direction—namely, including special events in most if not all itineraries. Selected events may be big, stand-alone festivals and
KAY COLLINS
parades (like Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta or Tournament of Roses Parade) or a combination of several smaller events such as a holiday vacation to Arizona. Almost every community has activities taking place in December, and by combining several of the best, such as the Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights, Red Rock Fantasy in Sedona and Zoo Lights in Phoenix, a statewide five-day itinerary becomes attractive. Free Spirit Vacations and Events also partners with destinations to create new special events especially for tour operators. These are events planned by a tour operator for tour operators who have a loyal customer base and need to provide reasons for repeat guests to return to a destination. Events are fresh and add flavor, value, novelty and excitement to existing itineraries and previously-visited destinations. Several such events include Mesquite’s BransonFest Out West (Mesquite, NV), HOPEFest (Palm Springs area) and From Nashville to Memphis Festival (Nashville). Sue Arko Free Spirit Vacations & Events, Gilbert, AZ LeisureGroupTravel.com
Coast to Coast We have used the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena with great success over the years. And, while we’ve never actually attended because of the huge crowds, the Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center in New York always happens when I have groups in Manhattan for Shoppers’ Week each December. We always go after the crowds have dispersed to oooh and ahhhh at this national holiday icon and almost always pause for a group picture at the tree. This year, for the first time ever, we are taking a group to the Portland (Oregon) Rose Festival in June, a tour that sold out immediately! Not only do we take the pain out of
LeisureGroupTravel.com
On a more local/regional level, we have successfully incorporated many of the festivals offered in our own back yard into consistently sold-out day trips. crowd navigation, we make sure to include any special “extras,” such as admission to the group hospitality tent at the Balloon Fiesta and premium seating and admission to the float decorating/building at the Rose Parade. On a more local/regional level, we have successfully incorporated many of the festivals offered in our own back yard into consistently sold-out day trips. Tennessee is abundantly blessed with these estivals and they never fail to gener-
ate good sales. We’ve sold them straight-up but have also offered many of them as Mystery trips. Some of our favorites (and most highly rated) that we enthusiastically recommend are those in Historic Downtown Franklin (especially the Main Street and Dickens of a Christmas festivals), the CMA Festival (formerly Fan Fair) in Nashville, National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburgh, Apple Festival in Erwin, Appalachian Folk Festival in Norris, Country Ham Festival in
April 2012 13
on the record ❖ Spring Hill, Mule Day in Columbia, Host of Christmas Past Festival in Fayetteville, Memphis in May, Jack Daniels Barbeque in Lynchburg, National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, and the WinterFest Lights Holiday Festival in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Each of these events has enhanced local itineraries and been used as the end-destination. My client club coordinators love them because they can easily turn everyone loose to explore and enjoy lunch on their own, which keeps costs down. Plus, these festival-based itineraries have stood the test of time by attracting multiple coaches for us and repeat visits by our groups over the years. Melinda Hughey The RH Factor, Pulaski, TN
Chicago’s North Shore is home to many world-class attractions and is 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. You’ll find many dining and lodging options perfect for groups. For personalized assistance and to make group reservations, contact us today. Caryn Shulman 847.763.0011 Ext. 25 · cshulman@cnscvb.com
Festivals are perfect for us and easy to set up. Most of them are a minimal fee so we can sell tours affordably, plus you can just drop them at the festival and they’re on their own. From Wine to Cheese I incorporate many events large and small into our tour itineraries. We travel to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, July 4 celebrations in New York, Lake George and Boston, Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and Vermont Quilt Festival every year. This year we are featuring Opsail 2012 on July 1 in Boston, doing a harbor cruise to see the Tall Ships. We go to the Hudson Valley Food Festival and
the Garlic Festival. New this year we will be going to the Cheese Makers Festival in Vermont and the War of 1812 Weekend in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Festivals are perfect for us and easy to set up. Most of them are a minimal fee so we can sell tours affordably, plus you can just drop them at the festival and they’re on their own. Donna Schien, Tour Coordinator Wade Tours, Schenectady, NY
TREAT YOUR GROUP to the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden, complete with a tram ride. Combine with other area attractions: • Ravinia Festival • Illinois Holocaust Museum • Bahá’í House of Worship • Charles Gates Dawes House • Fabulous Cooking Schools • Guided Architecture Tours
groups.visitchicagonorthshore.com 14 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 15
on the record ❖ Ethnic Milwaukee Milwaukee hosts several annual ethnic festivals at Henry Maier Festival Park on the lakefront that bring in many groups. Festivals such as German Fest, Festa Italiana and Irish Fest will become part of a group’s itinerary. We then focus on the influence those particular
ethnicities had on Milwaukee for the rest of the tour. For instance, during German Fest we’ll provide a city tour explaining the influence the German immigrants had on the city, visit a Bavarian-style brewery, a German Catholic church, perhaps the home of Captain Frederick Pabst and shop at Usinger’s Sausage. The visitors
learn about the history and enjoy the modern day pride of the ethnic groups who make up Milwaukee. At the festivals they enjoy music, dancing, cultural exhibits, and, of course, food and drink. Kay Collins KBC Tour Company, Milwaukee, WI
Quebec’s Winter Bash The Quebec Carnival was a huge success with our groups this year, with everyone taking advantage of the secure destination that is Quebec City, so close to all the Northeastern states. Snow gear were on for a few days of concentrated winter fun! With French-Canadian culture, exhibits, wondrous sights and activities, Le Carnaval de Quebec is the winter place to be. Didier Henssen Prométour, Montreal, Quebec
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16 April 2012
We are presenting the “Trains and Canyons of the Southwest featuring the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta” in October and the annual Fiesta is a big draw for this tour. In 2010 we sold over 80 seats as we featured the Passion Play in our “Alpine Country and the Oberammergau Passion Play” tour. The “Tulip Time River Cruise” featured the local tulip festival in May and was definitely the most exciting part of the trip. These are all great ways to sell a tour, and there are so many more of these types of events offered, so take advantage of them and use them to sell your tours. L. Kay Estep, GO Club Coordinator F & M Trust Company, Chambersburg, PA
Mid-Atlantic Festivals We have had great success with integrating special events into our LeisureGroupTravel.com
tours for 2012. The Star-Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore in June has been a huge hit among our preformed groups. We offered several options for the groups to include with the special events going on that week—Spirit Cruise, Maryland Historical Society, Ft. McHenry—to name a few. Our groups are very excited about being a part of such a wonderful celebration! Another special event we targeted is the Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. This has become a perfect tie-in with many of the wonderful attractions in the D.C. area and fits well with the wide variety of groups we work with. The annual Azalea Festival and International Tattoo in Norfolk has been a long-time favorite among our groups. It’s another wonderful destination with a large variety of attractions, restaurants and tours to choose from. We also have had great success with the Annual ICE Attraction at the Gaylord National Resort in National
IN THE JUNE ISSUE of Leisure Group Travel, our On the Record column will look at online marketing. Please send us your response to this question:
How are you using online tools— websites, email, social networking— to grow your business?
Harbor, Md. This amazing attraction has drawn many of our groups (young and old) to experience Christmas on the Potomac. Last but not least is the annual Pella (Iowa) Tulip Time Festival. We have had a great response to this wonderful package filled with beautiful tulips, Dutch attire, parades, food and fun.
Integrating these types of special events into our tours has made tour planning so much easier. Half the work is already done for us, and promoting the event is a breeze with the help of the CVB or organization sponsoring the event. Dawn Dornes, Group Tour Coordinator Elite Coach, Ephrata, PA
Group events are all about enjoying each other’s company. So why not plan yours in the place with the most thrilling attractions and versatile accommodations – “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” Not only do we have the largest concentration of waterparks in the world, we also have a pretty good concentration of smiles. groups@wisdells.com | (800) 223-3557 MeetInTheDells.com
Along with your comments, please include your name, company name and location. Also for publication, send a high-resolution photo of yourself. A selection of responses will be printed in the June 2012 issue. Thanks in advance for your valuable opinions. Send to: Randy Mink, randy@ptmgroups.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 17
on location: central america ❖
lance harrell
Costa The essenTial
Scenic beauty and exotic wildlife await tour groups in this eco-tourism hotspot
n
The lush rainforest sweeps down to idyllic beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park, a slice of paradise bordering the Pacific Ocean.
estled in the cradle of the Central American subcontinent and
can also explore the lowland rain forest, swamp forest,
caressed by the waters of both the Pacific Ocean and
beaches and lagoons that cover the park.
Caribbean Sea lies one of the world’s last great ecological treasure troves, Costa Rica.
Due to the remoteness of the region, which is only accessible by boat or air, and the limited number of available
Touted as one of the greenest places on Earth, this former
accommodations, it is recommended that your group use a
banana republic now prides itself on being a thriving eco-
tour operator to handle the trip and that you set aside at least
tourism destination with over 25 percent of its landmass pro-
two nights to avoid being rushed.
tected in national parks and preserves, more than any other country.
Let’s look at some of the highlights:
Tortuguero National Park Sprawling along the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero
Manuel Antonio National Park Arriving in Manuel Antonio is like stepping into a postcard of paradise. The verdant forests, bleach-white beaches and abundant fauna of Costa’s smallest park seduce you into a state of tranquil bliss.
National Park is one of Costa Rica’s true natural wonders. With
This national park is one of only two places where you can
an endless network of canals, the park is sometimes referred
see all four species of Costa Rican monkey (howler, spider,
to as the “Venice of Costa Rica.” Its name actually means
squirrel and white-faced capuchin). Even outside the park
“Turtle Region,” and turtles are exactly what you will find.
proper, it’s not uncommon to see them frolicking along the high
The park encompasses the nesting grounds of four species of giant sea turtle, which evidence suggests have been using
ropes that have been strung across the roads to provide them safe passage.
the area for this purpose since as early as the 1500s. Green,
In addition to our primate cousins, inside the park you
hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles use the
are likely to see sloths, crabs, red-eyed green tree frogs,
more than 21 miles of beach to lay their eggs, and guided tours
bats, countless butterflies and numerous bird species. When
can be arranged to watch both the depositing of eggs and
you’ve had your fill of terrestrial wildlife watching, enjoy the
emergence of baby turtles from their sandy womb.
sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, surfing and canopy tours
Although the turtles are the star of the show here, groups 18 April 2012
that abound in the area. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Rican
n aTuRe expeRienC e
The jungles of Costa Rica’s national parks abound with toucans, sloths, red-eyed green tree frogs and other intriguing creatures.
Chirripo National Park
Corcovado National Park
Those who desire to take their travels to new heights flock
Occupying nearly half of the Osa Peninsula along the south-
to the Talamanca Mountain Range in southern Costa Rica,
ern Pacific Coast, Corcovado National Park is considered one
where Chirripo National Park boasts the tallest peak in the
of the most isolated places on the planet and contains the
country. Both the Caribbean and Pacific are visible on a clear
largest continuous expanse of virgin lowland rainforest in
day from the summit.
Central America. If you can stand up to the nearly 250 inches
Near the trailhead outside the park are lodges where you will sleep before starting the 5 a.m. hike. The number of
of annual rainfall and oppressive heat and humidity, you will be able to count the experience among the greatest of your life.
people allowed in the park at one time is limited, so be sure to
Home to an unbelievable abundance of fauna, including
secure your passes several months in advance, especially if
more than 150 species of mammals, 120 species of amphib-
your group is large.
ians and reptiles, and 380 species of birds, the park is within
The hike itself can be grueling, but it is far from impossible
day-trip reach of Cano Island Biological Reserve.
even for the amateur hiker. You’ll ascend approximately 7,000 feet along the nine miles of trail, reaching the lodge where you will spend the night before climbing the final 1,500 feet to the 12,532-foot summit. While an experienced hiker can reach the peak and return in a day, I recommend taking a slower pace and spending at
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Long before you reach the end of the steep and winding dirt road that approaches the town of Monteverde, you will understand the origins of its name, which translates into “Green Mountain.”
least one night at the lodge so as not to miss the other sites,
The area was originally settled by Quakers from the United
including secondary trails and one-of-a-kind sunsets. You are
States in 1951. Recognizing the need to preserve the rare
also likely to encounter tapir, white-lipped peccary, puma,
cloud forest that blankets the mountaintop, they set aside a
jaguar, ocelot, jaguarondi, rabbit, coyote and a variety of frogs
large tract of adjacent land that eventually became Monteverde
and other small amphibians. Among the birds in the region
Biological Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.
are the dazzling quetzal, black-faced solitaire, hummingbirds, flycatchers, wood creepers and warblers. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Shrouded in the misty air of the reserve’s 25,688 acres is hidden an unbelievable diversity of life, with more than 2,500 April 2012 19
on location: central america â?– plant species, of which 400 are orchid species, plus 400 different bird species and over 100 species of mammals.
Obtain International visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
Monteverde Cloud Forest has six hanging bridges.
Cahuita National Park If you are looking for a true Caribbean experience, Cahuita’s reggae rhythms, blue-green waters and tranquil pace will not leave you wanting. This small, charming town has been a mecca for the hippie and backpacker crowd for years, due in no small part to Cahuita National Park, which abuts its southern end. The park encompasses a 55,000-acre marine park that includes a magnificent coral reef, one of the largest in the Caribbean. Snorkeling and diving in the park are tightly controlled, but you will have no trouble finding a licensed guide that can take you to a few of the more hard-to-find areas. However, if swimming with the resplendent blue parrotfish
Costa Rica offers groups a variety ecological travel options,
or angelfish is not your cup of seawater, then take a stroll along
but the experiences in the country are by no means limited to
the four-mile trail that skirts the coastline and stake out an
that arena. Costa Rica also has many language learning, cul-
isolated spot on the endless white sand beach. While soaking
tural exchange, volunteerism, adventure tourism and luxury
up the sun and listening to the waves gently lapping against the
experiences available as well. For more information on all of
sand, do not be surprised to encounter the occasional sloth,
these options, keep an eye out at LeisureGroupTravel.com for
monkey or iguana that has come to share the experience.
our upcoming series of Site InSpections on Costa Rica. LGT
Switzerland AttrActs religious trAvel groups St. Gallen, a town of ecclesiastical treasures and Old World charm, observes a special anniversary
By Don Heimburger
F
aith travel groups have a particu-
lection of books reveals the development
The Abbey Llibrary contains 150,000
larly enticing reason to venture to
of European culture and documents the
volumes, but its true treasure lies in the
Switzerland in 2012.
Abbey of St. Gall from the 8th century to
manuscript collection. Roughly 2,000
the monastery’s dissolution in 1805.
manuscripts are archived, and some
That’s because one of the country’s
most important faith destinations is cel-
During its first few centuries, the
400 are more than 1,000 years old.
ebrating 1,400 years of religious tradi-
abbey grew rapidly, becoming a flour-
Particularly significant are the Irish-
tion. St. Gallen’s Jubilee this year looks
ishing spiritual and cultural center, fa-
Celtic manuscripts. Although many of
back on more than a millennium of reli-
mous for its writings and the illumination
them were lost, the collection is one of
gious heritage and will feature an array
of manuscripts. A number of the abbey’s
the most important in the world. Also
of festivities to mark the occasion.
invaluable is the Latin-German dictionary that originated in 790; it is the oldest
ST. GALLEN ON DISPLAY IN 2012
German book known to exist.
St. Gallen, population 70,000, is
History shows that around 612 AD
close to Lake Constance and nearby
an Irish monk from Belfast named
Mt.Säntis and is a gateway to the tow-
Gallus built a hermitage and a house of
ering Appenzell Alps. It is the capital
prayer in the Steinbach Valley here. It is
city of the canton of the same name.
said that Saint Gallus, upon first walk-
An economic center and railway hub for Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen is
Weinstein Castle vineyards, St. Gallen Rhine Valley
internationally renowned for its textile in-
ing through the area toward Rome with other monks, became ill and was left on the shores of nearby Lake Constance
dustry, which dates to the 15th century.
creative monks made important contri-
to recuperate. When Gallus was better,
The town’s most famous landmark is
butions to the cultural history of Europe.
he came to a clearing near the Stein-
its Baroque cathedral and the Abbey
Between 1758 and 1767, abbots
bach River, and approached by a hun-
Library, which houses thousands of pre-
Cölestin Gugger von Staudach and Beda
gry bear, offered the bear some food.
cious historical documents, some hand-
Angehrn commissioned building of the
In return, the bear brought Gallus wood
written and some more than 1,000 years
library’s magnificent Baroque hall, which
for a fire, and Gallus took that as a sign
old. The library, open for tours, is one of
was decorated and furnished by master
he should build a church, which was the
the most important monastic libraries in
craftsmen from the Lake Constance
Monastery of St. Gallus. Today, many
the world and has been designated a
region. The hall is considered to be one
icons of the monk and the bear can be
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its col-
of the finest of its kind.
located in town.
Switzerland Tourism Photos
View towards Mt. Kronberg and Mt. Saentis, Canton Appenzell
A Baroque jewel: The magnificent hall of St. Gallen’s Abbey Library
Gallus’ Irish ancestry forms an impor-
region of St. Gallen will celebrate with
Center will make the Abbey District
tant part of this tradition, which has been
tours, theater performances, a variety of
more welcoming, and new signage will
handed down through generations, says
outings, art exhibitions and culinary
make it easier to navigate.
St. Gallen Tourism Director Boris
specialties in city-center restaurants.
An opening-day ceremony in the
Tschirky. “The 2012 Gallus Anniversary
“The 2012 Gallus Anniversary is
Cathedral and inauguration of the
will draw on this. The bond with Ireland
intended to astonish, delight and touch
Visitors Center, opening of residents’
has always been an important part of the
people, to encourage them to reflect
homes in the Abbey District for small
remembrance of Gallus; within the
and to inspire them,” St. Gallen Mayor
events, a culinary market, street artists
framework of the anniversary, this bond
Thomas Scheitlin says.
and musicians in more than 22 locations,
is both maintained and deepened.” JUBILEE EVENTS Between April and October, the
The main focus of Jubilee 2012 will
and a festival in the Old Town will be part
be in the Abbey District, a UNESCO
of the anniversary celebration. The
World Heritage Site, and the surround-
Abbey Library will display manuscripts
ing Old Town. A newly-created Visitors
and prints that document life in the area.
a Call to adventure
ZURICH AND LUCERNE
Lucerne to host annual meeting of adventure travel specialists
Christianity in Zurich, home of the Swiss
For many groups, Zurich’s airport will be the gateway to Switzerland. Reformation, began in the 4th century. Zurich made a significant mark in Christian history in the 16th century when the city council voted to become a Protestant city. Catching a train or other convenient transportation from Zurich to other historical faith sites is easy. Lucerne, one hour by train from Zurich, traces its roots to the St. Leodegar monastery, a small 8th century Benedictine cloister on the Reuss River. For centuries people and goods have passed this way to and from the
f your group is like a lot of adventure travelers, cutting-edge sports and stimulating outdoor activities are the name of the game. Switzerland has been at the forefront of exciting travel quests for decades. With glaciers, lush forests and nature parks, extensive hiking paths and mountain huts, resplendent lakes and rushing streams, this eye-popping country rates high on the adventure charts. In addition to the many adventure activities, the Swiss Alps’ jagged peaks, gushing waterfalls and postcard-worthy alpine villages are a visual delight. The diversity of climates, moreover, gives outdoor lovers a wealth of choices. In one day you can go from snow-capped summits to lakes lined with palm trees in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, known for its Mediterranean lifestyle. The list of activities for the serious adventurer is long. You can go parasailing on the many exquisite lakes, or mountain climbing or hiking in the regions of Lucerne, Zermatt or the Bernese Oberland, all spectacularly beautiful areas. You can go boating, hang gliding, kayaking or sailing in the central part of the country, or snowboarding, skiing, swimming or bicycling in the Jura Mountains. These mountains are dotted with caves—some of the largest in Switzerland—and covered with forests and unique geological formations. The area also has the longest hiking season of any of the country’s mountain regions, so it’s great for a spring or fall trip. Numerous groups come to Switzerland each year to inhale the fresh air, test their endurance and soak in the sights. You can go from level plateaus to mid-range
I
24 April 2012
mountains to on-top-of-the-world views in a short period of time. An interconnected, well-planned transportation system, from trains and cable cars to chairlifts and funiculars, can easily handle groups who want to get to their jumping-off point quickly and easily. Conveniently, major cities are in close proximity to mountain resorts. At the end of an active day you’ll find some of the best cheese (like Vacherin Mont d’O), chocolates and hospitality awaiting you at the many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and pensions. To carb-up for the next day’s adventure, Swiss fondue, raclette and rosti dishes await the hungry adventurer, along with a good glass of wine or beer. And the Swiss are known also for their excellent spa facilities that treat the weary traveler after a long, hard day. It’s no wonder then that the Adventure Travel Trade Association has scheduled its ninth annual Adventure Travel World Summit for Oct. 8-11 at the Culture and Congress Center in Lucerne. As many as 600 adventure tourism professionals from more than 50 nations will gather in this supreme adventure travel destination. As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Switzerland is ready for the adventurer in all of us. From rails to sails to trails, from hikes to bikes, from skiing to snowshoeing, this small country is the essence of big adventure.
Gotthard Pass, and pilgrims have followed St. Jacob’s Way to Santiago through Lucerne. The stretch between Schwarzenburg and Fribourg includes the 600-year-old Frybourgstrass, a path that leads through forests and over
streams,
past
castle
ruins,
chapels and shrines. Lucerne is the springboard for trips to numerous lakeside communities and attractions, all accessible via Lake Lucerne Navigation Company’s 20 boats. Since 1837 these boats have been a vital link in the area’s transportation system, carrying passengers in style and offering delicious meals and snacks on board. The boats are available for group charters. Lucerne-area attractions accessible by lake boats, trains or buses include:
• 6,995-foot-high Mt. Pilatus, home
of the world’s steepest cogwheel rail-
way, where you can get a 360-degree view of Switzerland. A day excursion to the “Dragon Mountain” can include a spectacular ride down by aerial cableway and panorama gondola.
• Mt. Rigi, “Queen of the Mountains,”
offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, 13 lakes and views as far away
as Germany and France. The railway to the top features old-fashioned LeisureGroupTravel.com
Lucerne’s trademark covered bridge on Lake Lucerne
steam trains, which can be chartered.
inscriptions, an Anabaptists Bridge and
For information on the 2012 Gallus
Numerous hiking paths thread the
even the Anabaptists Archives with
Anniversary and heritage tourism in
mountainside.
unpublished documents.
Switzerland, visit gallusjubilaeum.ch or
SO MANY OPTIONS
must-see in Geneva. The building once
The Museum of the Reformation is a
myswitzerland.com/heritage.
Switzerland offers many other faith
served as an apartment complex for
travel options, such as a monastery or
Huguenot refugees; it in turn is built on
Faith-based travel planners have a
abbey stay; the convent of St. Muestair
the ruins of St. Peter’s cloister. Some of
number of good reasons to bring their
offers an overnight in a mountain hut.
the oldest French language Bibles in the
groups to St. Gallen and other historic
The Abbey of Einsiedeln, an hour east
world, plus Calvin’s biblical commen-
Swiss religious sites:
of Lucerne, is the home of the Black
taries, are found here, as are caricatures
Zurich’s location in the heart of
Madonna and has attracted the devout
and pamphlets used to argue Protestant
Europe makes it a convenient entry
for 1,000 years.
or Catholic perspectives.
point (70 airlines fly into the airport). The
GETTING AROUND SWITZERLAND
In the Jura region west of Lucerne is
Switzerland provides numerous reli-
Zurich airport has been named on nu-
the Anabaptist Trail where Anabaptists
gious travel possibilities, and the main
merous occasions as “Europe’s Leading
fled in the 17th century. Here you can
question will be: When does your group
Airport.” Zurich offers easy access to a
visit secret meeting places with early
want to go?
number of Swiss attractions and other countries. The Swiss travel system is one of the most advanced in the world, from
The world’s steepest cogwheel railway climbs to the top of Mt. Pilatus.
swift cross-country trains, to buses that connect major cities with rural areas, to lake boats, aerial cableways and mountain railways that further make travel so convenient in this country of eight million people. Surprisingly, 97% of the Swiss people live within two miles walking distance of public transportation. A Swiss Pass entitles groups to unlimited travel on numerous modes of transport and offers free entrance to 450 museums (including the Abbey Library in St. Gallen). The Swiss, while having four official languages (German, French, Italian and Romansch), for the most part also speak English. LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 25
on location: south ❖
dave bodle
SOUTHERN MANSIONS
Maymont, an example of Gilded Age opulence in Richmond, Va., boasts 33 rooms.
Plantations, cabins and other homes steeped in history enhance itineraries in the 11 Travel South states
T
he South’s mountain ranges, endless plains, abundant harbors and magnificent rivers can all tell stories of our nation’s history. However, if walls in the historic homes
could talk, what wonderful tales they might spin. From palatial plantations to humble cabins, so much of our culture can be Savoring a taste of Old England during Summer City Fest at Agecroft Hall in Richmond, Va.
seen and experienced. Each home is unique for its residents, its use and its place in our past.
VIRGINIA Virginia’s presidential homes or its James River Plantations may come to mind first, but just off I-95 in Richmond two special houses welcome groups. A visit to Agecroft Hall is a step into 15th century Europe. Built in England during the late 1600s, Agecroft was the home to the distinguished Langley and Dauntesey families. Upon falling into disrepair it was purchased at auction in 1925 by Richmonder Thomas C. Williams. He had it dismantled, crated, shipped across the Atlantic and reassembled in a Richmond neighborhood known as Windsor Farms. With authentic pieces from as early as 1485 to 1660, the Tudor estate brims with history. (agecrofthall.com) During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often termed America’s Gilded Age, vast fortunes were amassed. Maymont, its 100 acres and 25 outbuildings are a testimony to the wealth of James Dooley and his wife Sallie. The Dooleys’ gift of May26 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Where every visit creates lasting memories Motorcoach travelers know that Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to make memories. Could be because there’s so much to see and do here … shopping, shows, Dollywood® or the majestic beauty of our Smoky Mountains. Or it could be that warm welcome they receive, kind of like visiting an old friend. Whatever the reason, they know that every visit creates memories that will last a lifetime.
PigeonForgeTours.com 1-800-285-7557
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 27
on location: south ❖ mont to the City of Richmond is a tribute to their generosity.
The Franklin B. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Mu-
Watch for the 24th annual Maymont Flower & Garden Show, a
seum in Myrtle Beach serves residents and visitors of Horry
spectacular event held in early February at the Richmond Con-
and Georgetown counties. In 1924 textile mogul Eugene Can-
vention Center. (maymont.org)
non built a large wood-frame, oceanfront cottage in what is today Myrtle Beach. Twenty years later the house was sold to
WEST VIRGINIA
another textile titan, Colonel Elliot White Springs. By 1975 the
Today so much of West Virginia’s appeal is tied to its spec-
house was being surrounded by high-rise condominium build-
tacular mountains and outdoor recreation. Early settlers,
ings and the family traded the villa for a new home. Through
though, farmed a rich, fertile land and played an important role
generous donations and community effort, the home by 1997
in the Civil War.
had been moved to its present location and established as a
In Philippi you’ll find Adaland Mansion and Historic Barn. The barn was built in 1850 and the brick mansion followed in
wonderful art museum with expansive ocean views. (myrtlebeachartmuseum.org)
1870. The original owners farmed, and emancipated slaves
Just off I-95 in Yemassee sits the Frampton House, serv-
from the farm worked on the construction of the house. In June
ing as the Lowcountry Visitors Center and Museum. The house
of 1861 the first land battle of the Civil War was fought in
was part of the original King’s Grant to the Frampton family in
Philippi. (adaland.org)
the 1700s, but in 1865 the house was burned by General Sher-
Although the most famous battles of the Civil War took
man’s troops. Rebuilt in 1868 in today’s location, the house
place in other states, West Virginia experienced its share of
saw major renovations in 1930. In 1993 Wymann Boozer do-
tragedy. The Dr. Robert B. McNutt House was the only build-
nated the Frampton House for creation of the visitors center.
ing left standing in Princeton after the town was burned during
(southcarolinalowcountry.com)
the Civil War. It was used as headquarters for Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes and Sgt. William McKinley, who both went on to become U.S. presidents. (pmccc.com/mcnutt_history.htm)
GEORGIA Few Southern states have cities matching the cosmopolitan sizzle of Atlanta, but we often forget that Georgia is also a win-
NORTH CAROLINA
dow to our past.
From the coast to the mountains the historic homes of North
Located on the Georgia College campus in Milledgeville,
Carolina reveal much about our culture and spirit. Two in par-
the Old Governor’s Mansion was completed in 1839.
ticular play to our creativity.
As the residence of Georgia’s chief executives from 1839-
Affiliated with Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, the
1868, the National Historic Landmark showcases the
Reynolda House Museum of American Art is the restored
antebellum, Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Slavery, the
19th century country home of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Com-
difficulty of the social order and gender positions all shaped
pany founder. In addition to works by Mary Cassatt, Fredric
the history of the building. On Nov. 22, 1864, Gen. William
Church, Jacob Lawrence and Georgia O’Keeffe, the museum
T. Sherman claimed the mansion during his March to the
features changing exhibits. (reynoldahouse.org)
Sea. (gcsu.edu/mansion)
The memory and literary insights of author Carl Sandburg
The Isaiah Davenport House in Savannah portrays an
are on display at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site,
appealing story of the American Dream both then and now.
located in Connemare (near Asheville and Henderson). The
The tale begins with a young New England carpenter
National Park Service is the steward of this first historic site to
achieving success in his adopted city. A demonstration of
honor an American poet. Sandburg, an Illinois native, moved
his building skills, Davenport’s fine home, noted “for the
there in 1945. More than one third of his works were penned in
simplicity of the exterior and the charm of the interior,”
this peaceful, 262-acre farm setting. (nps.gov/carl)
housed his family and the enslaved people that worked for him. In the mid-19th century the house passed out of the
SOUTH CAROLINA
Davenports’ hands and became a dilapidated tenement by
With Charleston’s colorful Rainbow Battery, the magnifi-
the mid-20th century. The work of seven Savannah women
cent rice plantations and the Upstate homes from the colonial
coming together in 1955 saved the house and led to the
era, South Carolina is a treasure chest of history. South Car-
founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation. (davenport-
olinians, an ingenious people, have put many of those great
housemuseum.org)
homes to work. 28 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
The art of COUNTRY, BLUES and ROCK ’N’ ROLL .
Blues in Helena-West Helena
Entertainers Hall of Fame, Pine Bluff
Go on tour around The Natural State – cruise the Rock ’N’ Roll Highway to visit the places where legends were made, explore the musical birthplaces of the Delta, and pay respect to the greats in the Entertainers Hall of Fame. 'Ğƚ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟ ŽŶ Ăƚ
ArkansasGroupTravel.com or call 1-800-872-1259
un i q u e vi s it s
DeGray Lake Resor t State Park
888-AT-PARKS • ArkansasSt at eParks.com
Johnny Cash Music Festival, Jonesboro
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b2 March 3 – September 16, 2012
The St. Louis Cardinals
“Play Ball� will feature decades of memorabilia from one of our country’s most storied franchises, the St. Louis Cardinals. This exhibition will feature over 100 items such as the World Series trophies from 2006 and 2011 and championship rings. For A Limited Time Only! t +VMZ +VMZ o 8PSME 4FSJFT 5SPQIZ t +VMZ 4FQUFNCFS o 8PSME 4FSJFT 3JOH t "VHVTU 4FQUFNCFS o 4UBO .VTJBMT OFXMZ SFTUPSFE VOJGPSN +PJO VT BT XF SFnFDU PO UIF KPZ UIF IFBSUBDIF BOE UIF GVO UIBU DPNFT XJUI being a baseball fan.
On loan from St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum 1SFTJEFOU $MJOUPO "WFOVF t -JUUMF 3PDL "SLBOTBT t t DMJOUPOQSFTJEFOUJBMDFOUFS PSH
on location: south ❖ KENTUCKY
the Civil War. As a courier, he was captured in November 1863,
With the Civil War Sesquicentennial being commemorated
and upon suspicion of espionage and failure to divulge informa-
through 2015, it’s a good time to ponder Kentucky’s place in
tion, the Union Army executed him after a captivity of only seven
that history. Although a Southern state that accepted slavery,
days. He died on his 21st birthday. Davis’ story, a rallying point for
Kentucky refused to secede from the Union. Curiously, the
the Southern cause in the closing days of the Confederacy, is re-
presidents of both the USA and Confederacy were born in Ken-
vealed at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. Southern clergy
tucky, less than 100 miles apart.
often spoke of him in Christ-like terms. (samdavishome.org)
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville focuses on Lincoln’s early childhood from his 1809
ARKANSAS
birth and portrays our 16th president’s humble beginnings. Sit-
There are hundreds of ways to explore the beauty of
uated on 116 acres of Thomas Lincoln’s Sinking Spring Farm,
Arkansas. Part of that scenic attractiveness is the wealth of
the birthplace features an early 19th century Kentucky cabin
magnificent Victorian-era homes.
symbolizing the one in which Lincoln was born. The cabin is
The Victorian era, which corresponds with the reign of
enshrined within the Memorial Building, the first building to
Queen Victoria in England from 1837 to 1901, was noted for its
honor Abraham Lincoln. Events surrounding Lincoln’s time in
attention to high morals and modesty—with a few exceptions.
Kentucky helped mold his formative years. A land dispute
The prominent apple green-and-cream structure in Fort Smith,
forced the family to move north when Lincoln was seven years
Miss Laura’s, was a bordello in its earlier days. Originally built
old. (nps.gov/abli)
as the luxurious Riverfront Hotel just before the 1900s, the
Jefferson Davis Monument State Historic Site in Fairview
city’s premier bawdyhouse now serves as the town’s Visitor
is a Kentucky state park preserving the 1808 birthplace of the
Center. Completely restored, Miss Laura’s is the only former
president of the Confederate States of America. The birthplace
house of prostitution listed on the National Register of Historic
home is no longer, but in 1924 construction of a magnificent
Places. (fortsmith.org)
monument was completed. At the age of 3 young Jefferson and
On a more genteel note, the entire town of Eureka Springs
his family moved to a Mississippi plantation, but by age 7 he
is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Eureka
was attending schools back in Kentucky. Born just a year and
Springs Historic District. The city has steep winding streets filled
100 miles apart, Lincoln and Davis both strived to preserve the
with Victorian-style cottages and manors. Built in Carthage in
Union. However, after South Carolina’s secession the latter felt
1891, the Queen Anne Mansion was dismantled, moved to
compelled to resign from the U.S. House of Representatives
Eureka Springs and reconstructed 100 years later. German and
and return to his Mississippi home. Soon after he was named
Italian artisans carved classic Victorian oak and cherry fireplace
president of the CSA. (kentuckytourism.com)
mantels as well as pocket doors. With more than $400,000 of antique furnishings, it is considered an elegant place for wed-
TENNESSEE
dings and receptions. (thequeenannemansion.com)
Although many travelers are familiar with Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, some are discovering Tennessee’s less heralded historic homes.
ALABAMA To the pleasure of many travelers this is the “Year of Ala-
The James K. Polk Ancestral Home in downtown Colum-
bama Food.” Although groups are similar to armies and move
bia is the only surviving home of the 11th U.S. president (outside
on their stomachs, you will need to take a break from the table
the White House, of course). Built in 1816, it displays original
and explore an historic home. We’ll have you back for dinner.
belongings of President and Mrs. Polk. The Polk family moved
On July 4, 1881 the Tuskegee Normal School was estab-
from North Carolina to Tennessee when James was 10. Polk
lished by the State of Alabama to educate newly freed slaves.
was focused on politics his whole life and began his career in
At the age of 26, Booker T. Washington became the first princi-
1823 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. In 1844 the
pal of the newly formed school. His home, The Oaks, was built
Democrats were having difficulty nominating a candidate and fi-
in 1899 using bricks made by students. At the time it was the
nally nominated Polk on the ninth ballot. He narrowly defeated
only residence in the county with running water and electricity.
Henry Clay. During his term the United States extended its ter-
Today the home (with original furnishings) is part of Tuskegee
ritory from the Atlantic to the Pacific. (jameskpolk.com)
Institute National Historic Site, located on the campus of
Called the “Boyhood Hero of the Confederacy,” Sam Davis
Tuskegee University. The National Park Service site also in-
served in various combat roles in the Confederate Army during
cludes the George Washington Carver Museum. (nps.gov/tuin)
32 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Play Well With Others
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, just east of New Orleans, you’ll find a Tour Operator’s dream. A place of natural beauty, boasting 62 miles of coastline graced by centuries-old live oaks. Add the excitement of 11 casino resorts and you’ve got a real winner! Go to www.gulfcoast.org for all the information you need to plan your next tour, including sample itineraries, step-on guides, and tour friendly restaurants and lodging properties. Let our sales staff take care of everything, so you can play!
Play Your Way!
Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.gulfcoast.org
Call: Janet Harrington, Manager Leisure Sales Group Travel at 888-467-4853 (Ext. 228) Email: janeth@gulfcoast.org
Biloxi Historic Tours/Biloxi Tour Train Contact: Carla Beaugez Phone: 228-374-8687 Email: info@biloxitourtrain.com
Salute and Lookout Steakhouse Contact: Rob Stinson Phone: 228-343-1755 Email: RRS1@cableone.net
Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites Contact: Sherry Queen Contact: Talia Simms Phone: 228-388-2627 Email: taliacsimms@gmail.com Email: squeen@sbbiloxihotel.com
Welcome to Biloxi. Celebrating 51 years, we invite all aboard for this genuine adventure through Biloxi’s cultural history! The original Biloxi tour is like no other and guests love it! Relive our colorful past and learn of our spirit as only Carla can share them. Come for history, for the fun, or just to enjoy the ride!
Whatever you need, you’ll find at Salute and Lookout Steakhouse. Busloads of hungry tourists can dine on the same cuisine as Mississippi’s locals. Whether your mouth waters for authentic Chicken Parmesan from Salute or Lookout’s Shrimp & Grits you can all sit down together to an affordable meal served by the Gulf Coast’s finest staff.
Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi is scheduled to open Summer 2012. The resort will have a 26,000 sq. ft. casino, a signature Margaritaville restaurant, a buffet uniquely themed and a multi-purpose events center. The marina will have complete facilities for 12 vessels and tie-up space for an additional 30-40 boats.
Welcome to Biloxi’s only beachfront hotel located on the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast. Close to Casino Row and popular Biloxi attractions, South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites is a one-of-a-kind, ultra luxury, allsuite hotel. Expect the best in guest suite amenities, the best in scenic views, and personalized service beyond your imagination.
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum Contact: Robin K. David Phone: 228-435-6320 Email: schooner@maritimemuseum.org
Four Points by Sheraton Biloxi Contact: Fallon McClain Phone: 228-546-3111 Website: www.fourpointsbiloxi.com
Silver Slipper Casino Contact: Aissa Wiggins Phone: 1-866-SLIPPER Email: a.wiggins@silverslipper-ms.com
Edgewater Mall
Take a step back in time! Sail the twomasted Biloxi Oyster Schooners! Full-day, Half-day, 2.5-hour charters and Walk-on sails. Pier complex is available for special events, reunions and weddings. Visit our museum located at Edgewater Mall, Biloxi for one of a kind artifacts.
Work or play, stay the way you like at the all new Four Points by Sheraton, Biloxi Beach Boulevard. Relax in one of 195 stylish rooms featuring beautiful gulf views and “four comfort” beds. From our Terrace you can relax by our saltwater pool overlooking the Gulf, or enjoy GT’s Restaurant & Bar. Four Points has you covered.
30,000 sq. ft. of non-stop gaming action with exciting new promotions and the best Southern Hospitality on the Gulf Coast! Group packages available: 1-866-Slipper, 228-469-2712 or a.wiggins@silverslipperms.com. Website: www.silverslipper-ms. com.
Great stores. Great style. Great all-weather shopping. It’s all in the largest enclosed mall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You’ll find us on the beach and you’ll find everything you love!
Contact: Michelle Rogers Phone: 228-388-3424 Email: mrogers@edgewatermall.com
on location: south ❖ In 1820 Alabama became the nation’s 22nd state, and in Tus-
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a sampling of great Southern festivals, see the article at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=26866.
Robert Snow in 1962. (wpnet.org/waverley_mansion.htm)
cumbia a simple home was built and became known as Ivy
Prior to the Civil War, when “cotton was king,” Natchez
Green. Just east of the main home is the annex that became
boasted more millionaires per capita than New York City. Today
Helen Keller’s birthplace. Later it became her residence along
many of their palatial mansions are open for tours. Lyman
with teacher Anne Sullivan, “The Miracle Worker.” The moving
Harding, a Massachusetts transplant, acquired considerable
story tells how a child living in darkness overcame blindness and
wealth in Natchez and had a young cabinetmaker, Levi Weeks,
deafness. Helen Keller went on to become an extraordinary
design and build a plantation home. Auburn Museum & His-
woman, bringing courage and inspiration to millions. Decorated
toric Home, the first built in Natchez utilizing an actual archi-
with much of the family’s original furniture, the home and mu-
tectural plan and a model for buildings that followed, features
seum display mementos, books and gifts accumulated during
an entirely unsupported spiral staircase. (auburnmuseum.org)
Keller’s lifetime of travel and lectures. (helenkellerbirthplace.org)
MISSISSIPPI
LOUISIANA Louisiana portrays fullness for life in its food, music, culture
Mississippi’s collection of historic homes is impressive.
and recreation. The constant thread, though, is the state’s
From antebellum mansions and the home of a Nobel Prize
incredible history as viewed though its antebellum plantations.
winner to the simple birthplace of “The King of Rock n’ Roll,” Mississippi’s famous houses graciously welcome visitors.
On the Great River Road near Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation’s magnificent, quarter-mile mile passageway formed by 300-
Located between West Point and Columbus, Waverley Man-
year-old live oaks exemplifies what many picture as the “Old
sion is considered one of America’s astonishing homes. Visitors
South.” The site for the plantation had its beginnings in the early
with an architectural interest marvel at its self-supporting, curved
1700s when a French or Spanish settler planted the oaks that
staircases and octagonal cupola. The mid-19th century grandeur
would become the alley. The real history begins in 1836 when
of Waverley sat in ruins for years until purchased by Mr. and Mrs.
Valcour Aime sold the plantation to J. T. Roman, his brother-inlaw and dear friend. Construction on the home began in 1837; its elegance reflected the epitome of Creole society. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, the family was forced to sell. Hard times continued and eventually the property was boarded. In 1925 Andrew and Josephine Stewart, the last resident owners, purchased the plantation. Recognizing its significance, Mrs. Stewart established a non-profit foundation to keep the legacy alive after her death. (oakalleyplantation.com) Laura: A Creole Plantation, a short drive form Oak Alley, shares a similar story of Creole culture. A sugar farming complex, Laura Plantation at one time encompassed more than 12,000 acres. It had its beginnings when Guillaume Duparc, a French naval veteran petitioned Thomas Jefferson for land. It was granted and in return Jefferson received Duparc’s loyalty to the new United States. Construction of the home began in 1804. From the 1820s to the 1840s Laura Plantation saw unprecedented profits due to the high demand for sugar and cotton. The Civil War and its aftermath saw the demise of Laura Plantation. (lauraplantation.com) LGT
34 April 2012
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April 2012 35
on location: west â?–
manny vega
Music in the Mountains
Groups in Wyoming enjoy high-brow culture at high altitudes
S
oon after the midsummer mark, musicians from all over the country flock to
Teton Village, Wyoming, an oasis of civilization amidst multiple national parks and forests. Known as Jackson Hole, this valley houses the municipalities of
Jackson as well as Teton Village, the home of the Grand Teton Music Festival. The Grand Teton Music Festival hosts orchestra and chamber concerts in the summer festival and a short concert series in the winter. During the festival over 200 orchestra musicians from all over the country assemble in Jackson Hole to make music together. Many of them come from prestigious orchestras such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. Some musicians have been coming back every summer for over 25 years. In addition to the impressive roster of musicians, the festival’s concert facility, Walk Festival Hall, has been praised by both listeners and performers for its superior acoustics and friendly atmosphere. Built in 1974, the hall has comfortable, amphitheaterstyle seating with clear sightlines, a professional sound system, and enough space to accommodate on-stage receptions and banquets. The hall had a grand re-opening in 2007 after a 10-month, $4.85-million project to maintain its acoustics. The hall also received additional soundproofing as well as functional and aesthetic upgrades. If having renowned performers and an excellent concert hall were not enough, the
36 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Donald Runnicles directs the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra as it performs a Mahler symphony during a 50th anniversary performance.
The Festival’s Music in the Hole event on the Fourth of July draws 8,000 people.
Grand Teton Music Festival is also proud to have Music Director Donald Runnicles leading the charge. “The festival is very lucky to have him as its music director,” says Mike Swanson, co-director of marketing. “He oversees everything dealing with artistic direction including programming, musician and guest artist selection, and all commercial releases.” Originally from Scotland, Runnicles has achieved international fame in the fine music industry and is consistently acclaimed as a conductor of opera and symphonic music. “He is a renowned opera conductor and has been slowly introducing this genre to Jackson Hole,” says Swanson. “We are the only place that offers The Met: Live in HD in Wyoming, and this summer he will be leading the Festival Orchestra in excerpts from Wagner’s most famous opera, Die Walküre, with three guest vocalists.” Along with the work he does with the GTMF, Runnicles is also the general music director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony and principal guest conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Grand Teton Music Festival is an active member of the Jackson Hole community and spreads the joy of music through educational programs as well as performances. The festival puts on various programs that expose young adults to classical music. As part of its community outreach, the GTMF offers pre-concert talks, open rehearsals and
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 37
on location: west â?–
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Read about the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=26819
the option to download music from
Festival Hall was built six years later.
past seasons.
Last year the festival observed its 50th
The Grand Teton Music Festival
anniversary with special dedications
has come a long way since its humble
and celebrations.
beginnings in 1962. The festival was
The festival’s summer season be-
originally produced by the Fine Arts
gins in July and runs well into August
Guild as part of the Jackson Hole Fine
with events scheduled most days of
Arts Festival. Local volunteers gave
the week. The festival offers many
time, money and energy to put it all to-
discounts and special deals. Groups
gether. The first few seasons included
of 12 or more to a single concert re-
dance, film, visual art and music; ven-
ceive a 20% discount off single-ticket
ues included gyms, lodges and lawns.
prices. The festival also offers din-
The festival moved to Teton Village
ner-and-concert packages.
in 1967, when it was given a rent-free
When not attending festival per-
site for a concert tent, but it soon be-
formances, visitors to the Jackson
came clear the program would need
Hole area will find plenty to do. The
a permanent hall and a full-time music
festival is located in the heart of Teton
director. In 1968 the festival hired Ling
Village and within walking distance of
Tung, a prominent violinist turned con-
lodging, restaurants and shops.
ductor, as music director, and Walk
Those interested in the history of fur trapping, mountaineering and
Obtain Wyoming visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
pioneer settlements in the West can The festival orchestra at Walk Festival Hall
GRAND TETON MUSIC FESTIVAL
visit the Jackson Hole Museum in Jackson. Guided walking tours of the
historic downtown area are available. The town square, accented with wooden sidewalks and elk antler arches, abounds with retail activity. The Jackson Hole Playhouse, a block from the square, offers dinner theater fare. This summer’s production is The Ballad of Cat Ballou. The National Museum of Wildlife Art boasts more than 3,000 paintings, sculptures and photos of wildlife. For upclose views of the real thing, groups can embark on half, fulland multi-day trips with companies like Wildlife Expeditions. Guided by wildlife biologists, eight-passenger safari-style ve-
JULY 4 – AUGUST 18, 2012
hicles explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. The gate to Grand Teton National Park, open year round,
Grand Teton Music Festival has developed a reputation as one of the nation’s most important summer music festivals. Located in Teton Village at the base of Rendezvous Mountain, concerts in Walk Festival Hall allow visitors to hike all day and enjoy a world-class concert at night. Dress is casual and groups are welcome!
is right outside Teton Village; admission is valid in both Grand
Tues: Free Chamber Music Wed: Spotlight Concerts—Various Genres Thur: Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Fri/Sat: Festival Orchestra Concerts with Special Guests
north of Teton Village.
20% GROUP DISCOUNT FOR 12 OR MORE!
‡ *70) 25*
38 April 2012
Teton and Yellowstone. Grand Teton itself has over 200 miles of trails, game fishing, mountain climbing, horseback riding, wagon rides, and boat and canoe rentals. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, features the iconic hot water geysers and other geological wonders. It is about two hours For the best in serious music and mountain majesty, groups should give serious consideration to a rhapsodic adventure in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. For information on the Grand Teton Music Festival, call 307-733-1128 or log on to gtmf.org. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 39
on location: midwest ❖
randy mink
t’s hard to believe that Mall of America is 20 years old this
I
SPAM at 75. The Southern Minnesota town of Austin,
year. To many of us, the mega-mall seems just as fresh as
home of the Hormel Foods meat-packing plant, will be in a
when it opened in 1992. Twenty years is a real milestone.
festive frame of mind this year as it celebrates 75 years of the
A look at some other tourist favorites in Minnesota also re-
SPAM brand. Much of the hoopla will be across the street
veals milestones worth observing. Here are some of the most
from the factory at the free-admission SPAM Museum, and
noteworthy:
Hormel will stage a community festival in July. In animated TV
MINNESOTA MILESTONES Group-friendly attractions throughout the state mark special anniversaries in 2012
The Pepsi Orange Streak careens through Nickelodeon Universe, the amusement park in Bloomington’s Mall of America, now in its 20th year.
40 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
commercials you’ll see the brand’s first spokescharacter,
importance of SPAM to his troops during World War II. On a
Sir Can-A-Lot, as he crusades to “rescue the world from
make-believe production line, you can don a white butcher coat
routine meals.”
and race against the clock. A 15-minute video chronicles the
Manufactured in Austin since 1937, SPAM consists of pork
history of SPAM.
shoulder, ham trimmings and spices, all cooked and neatly
The gift shop sells all SPAM varieties, including ones that
packaged in that familiar blue-and-yellow pull-tab can. In 1989
might not be in your local store, plus cookbooks, oven mitts, T-
SPAM discontinued the attached key for twisting off the lid, one
shirts, mouse pads and other SPAM logo items. The Wall of
of many facts a museum visitor learns from a self-guided tour
SPAM at the museum entrance, a great photo backdrop, con-
or a “SPAMbassador” guide (often a retired Hormel employee).
tains 3,390 empty cans. (spam.com)
And did you know that Hawaii residents are the most ardent SPAM fans, annually consuming 11 cans per capita?
Minnesota History Center at 20. This great repository of all things Minnesota had its grand opening in 1992, the same
The SPAM Museum is a wonderland of memorabilia, from
year as Mall of America. An impressive building located near
radio jingles and TV commercials to a Monty Python tribute
the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, the museum captures
and a letter from General Dwight Eisenhower recognizing the
the essence of the state in interactive displays and videos. Popular permanent exhibits include Minnesota’s Greatest Generation, a look at those who grew up during the Depression, came of age during World War II and participated in the post-war boom. Visitors view classic film clips in a 1930s-style movie theater, get behind the counter of a soda fountain from the era, watch a re-creation of a WWII combat flight and join a Rosie the Riveter-style assembly line packing ammunition shells. A temporary exhibit on Depression-era art that adorned public buildings showcases 56 paintings produced under the auspices of the federal government’s Public Works of Art Project for unemployed artists. Organized by the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum, 1934: A New Deal for Artists runs from June 2 to Sept. 30. Don’t miss the museum’s Weather Permitting exhibit, which covers ice fishing, snow shoveling, skiing and dog sledding; a six-minute show, complete with howling winds, sounds of breaking glass and recollections of victims, recreates living through a tornado. (minnesotahistorycenter.org) Mall of America at 20. After 20 years, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex under one roof still reigns supreme as one of the Midwest’s blockbuster attractions. Last year was a record-setter for the Bloomington mall, which reported a sales increase of 10 percent and welcomed 26 new tenants; traffic rose by 3.5 percent. Renovations in the area being vacated by long-time anchor Bloomingdale’s and more new stores are on tap for 2012, not to mention a full slate of 20th anniversary events. The mall’s Nickelodeon Universe, America’s largest indoor amusement park, welcomes two new rides that will up the scream quotient. On Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock, guests are able to control their seat, which can rotate wildly like a plane propeller or a gentle teeter-totter, making no two ride experiences the same. The ride is based on the new animated television series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which will premier later this year on Nickelodeon. Other MOA fun options include SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Moose
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 41
on location: midwest ❖ Mountain Adventure Golf and a 14-screen movie theater. Mall of America, located 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, features 520-plus shops that annually draw more than 42 million visitors, including some four million international guests. The mall’s Phase II plan calls for up an additional 5.6 million square feet, with high-end hotel, retail and medical facilities, including a Radisson Blu hotel opening in 2013. (mallofamerica.com) Walker Art Center at 85. Established in 1927, the Walker Art Center became the first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest and began its focus on contemporary art in the 1940s. A major expansion opened in 2005, and today the Walker is one of the nation’s five most-visited modern/contemporary art muSpoonbridge and Cherry, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
seums in the U.S. Besides featuring the works of major 20th and 21st century artists, the museum is revered for the vitality of its performing arts, film and education programs. A vital force for bringing new visitors into the Walker has been the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which opened in 1988. Its centerpiece is Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Brugen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry, a whimsical symbol of the Twin Cities. Together the garden and Walker Art Center attract more than 600,000 visitors a year. (walkerart.org) MSP Airport’s Terminal 1-Lindbergh at 50. MinneapolisSt. Paul (MSP) International Airport has come a long way since opening in 1962 with 24 aircraft gates on two concourses, or “piers.” Today it has 117 gates on seven concourses. Airlines carried about 33 million passengers to and from MSP last year, compared to fewer than 2 million in 1962. On average, some 80,000 people a day now fly through Terminal 1-Lindbergh. Of the seven airlines that served MSP when the terminal opened, only United Airlines still exists. The others – Braniff, Eastern, North Central, Northwest, Ozark and Western – succumbed to acquisition, merger or liquidation. MSP became a major hub in 1986 with the merger of the two largest carriers at the airport, Northwest and Republic, creating the world’s fourth largest airline. Although Delta Air Lines didn’t begin serving the Twin Cities until 1984, it became the dominant carrier in 2008 when it acquired Northwest Airlines. Because it was the only active terminal at MSP when it opened for business in 1962, Terminal 1-Lindbergh wasn’t actually named until 1985, when it was rededicated to famous
Source of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park 42 April 2012
Explore Minnesota Tourism Photos
Minnesota aviator Charles A. Lindbergh. Naming the terminal had become necessary with the introduction of a second terminal in 1986, the Hubert H. Humphrey International Charter Terminal. A numeric designator was added to both terminal names in 2010 in an effort to win approval from state and federal highway officials for signs directing drivers to the correct terminal for their airline. (mspairport.com) LeisureGroupTravel.com
Family Fun: ofAmerica America® has the widest variety of enter entertainment Fun: Mallof tainment options under one roof, including the largest indoor Nickelodeon® theme park – Nickelodeon Universe.® World-Class World-Class Shopping: Shopping: 520 stores all in one location with no sales tax on clothing and shoes! For more infor mation, contact Millie Philipp in Mall of America TTourism information, ourism at 952.883.8843, mphilipp@mallofamerica.com or visit www .mallofamerica.com www.mallofamerica.com
Diana: Diana : A Celebration Celebration February Februar y 4 - June June 10, 10, 2012 2012 elebrating tthe he An a An award-winning ward -winning e exhibition xhibition ccelebrating ales. llife ife a nd w ork o iana, P rincess o and work off D Diana, Princess off W Wales. Photo: Photo: M Mario ario TTe Testino e s t in o
M a ll o merica, LLevel evel 4 Mall off A America,
/MallofAmerica /MallofA America @MallofAmerica @ MallofAmerica
on location: midwest ❖ Paul Bunyan and Babe at 75. On the shores of Lake Bemidji in downtown Bemidji, the Bemidji Tourist Information Center greets guests with the colorful statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, a photo opportunity if there ever was one. Reflecting the state’s northwoods heritage, the iconic cultural figures have awed millions of vacationers since 1937 and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Made of steel, cement and wood, the giant, painted statues (designed on a three-to-one scale) are touched up each year before the summer tourism season begins. Four blocks west of the mythical lumberjack and his ox is the Bemidji Woolen Mills outlet store, which brims with the warm clothes it’s made for loggers and outdoorsmen since 1920.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, a Bemidji must-see
The fourth-generation family company makes the signature cotton sweater vests worn by Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum. (visitbemidji.com/bemidji/paulbabe.html) Discovery of Mississippi River Headwaters, 180th anniversary. For decades European explorers were on the quest to find the headwaters of the Mississippi River, the “Father of Waters.” It was not until 1832 that Anishinabe Indian guide Ozawindib led British explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft to the source of the river at Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota. The source was disputed until the late 1800s when land surveyor Jacob Brower proved the source and led efforts to preserve the remaining pine forest at the site through creation of Minnesota’s first state park, Itasca State Park, in 1891. Today tourists make pilgrimages to the Mississippi River Headquarters site, where the mighty river begins as a humble stream flowing out of Lake Itasca on its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. A trail leads from the Mary Gibbs Headwaters Visitor Center to the Headwaters Post, a tree trunk sign that signifies the river’s source. Some people wade across; others negotiate the neatly placed stepping stones. (http://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/narrative.html) Hjemkomst Viking Ship Voyage 30th Reunion. The Hjemkomst, a replica Viking ship, was built by local history teacher Robert Asp and his family to prove the Vikings could have sailed to the center of the North American continent. The 77-foot ship and its story, including a documentary movie about the harrowing 1982 journey from Duluth, Minn. to Bergen, Norway, are on display at Hjemkomst Center, in Moorhead.
Hjemkomst replica Viking ship in Moorhead, Minnesota 44 April 2012
Explore Minnesota Tourism Photos
At a 30th reunion celebration on July 21, the captain and crew will discuss their historic voyage. The museum on that day launches a special exhibit on the event that will run through 2012. A platform allows visitors to look down into the massive oak vessel with 32 sets of oars. Also on the grounds is a full-scale replica of a 12th century Norwegian stave church. (hjemkomstcenter.com) LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com
72 (;3/25( ,1 0,11(627$ 9,6,7 ::: 75$9(/75$'( (;3/25(0,11(627$ &20
FREE Admission
16,500 square feet of SPAM . Whoa. ®
FREE Admission!
Classic
SPAM Museum ®
Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday Noon - 5 PM CLOSED: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day 1101 N. Main St., Austin, MN 55912
800-LUV-SPAM Mall of America shoppers enjoy extra savings as Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
spam.com spamgift.com
April 2012 45
on location: northeast ❖
coley nelson Classics like Hamlet take the stage every summer at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
Curtain Call
Dinner shows, historic theaters and big-time concert venues provide special evening options, setting the stage for can’t-miss itineraries
In
Pennsylvania W hen it comes to Pennsylvania, most visitors
Lee A. Butz
think immediately about the historic sites of
interest among travelers of all ages.
The American Music Theatre in Lancaster features a va-
Gettysburg or Philadelphia or the chocolate-fla-
riety of original shows and touring concerts in its 1,600-seat
vored attractions Hershey has to offer, but groups
venue. Since opening in 1997, the theater has welcomed
should not rule out the Keystone State as a hotspot for en-
Grammy, CMA, Tony and Oscar winners to its stage. Upcom-
tertainment. With curtains rising in theaters across the state
ing shows include Country Classics (May 2-June 30), Frankie
for musicals, concerts and dinner shows, tour planners have
Valli and The Four Seasons (May 17) and The 50’s Dance
countless opportunities to add some razzle-dazzle to their
Party (July 13). (800-648-4102, amtshows.com)
itineraries. National headliners, classic Broadway hits, reli-
Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster is the nation’s largest
gious dramas and the grandeur of old-time architecture spark
faith-based live theater group and hosts nearly 800,000 visi-
46 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Choices range from concerts at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh to shows like 9 to 5 The Musical at Lancaster’s Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
tors each year between its Lancaster and Branson, Mo.
art-covered ceiling enhance the stunning architecture. The
locations. On its impressive 300-foot wrap-around stage, the
Venice-themed auditorium presents shows like Memphis (April
company has performed shows such as Daniel and the Lion’s
10-15), Mamma Mia (June 26-July 1) and Beauty and the
Den, In the Beginning, Ruth and Voices of Christmas. Jonah,
Beast (July 24-29). Go behind the scenes on the “Spotlight
the current production, will be running through December. The
Tour” to see the dazzling improvements completed in its recent
story of Jonah features larger-than-life props and an inspiring
restoration. (717-534-3405, hersheytheatre.com)
musical score. Behind-the-scenes tours of the theater are available through October. (800-377-1277, sight-sound.com)
Heinz Hall, home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, accommodates nearly half a million visitors per year. The
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster opened its
building, originally completed in 1927 as a movie theater
curtains in 1987 and has been performing classic Broadway
called Loew’s Penn, was renovated and dedicated as Heinz
shows like A Chorus Line and Cats ever since. The menu
Hall in 1971. Today the theater is used for symphony concerts,
varies depending on the show but includes a buffet of tradi-
pops concerts, touring Broadway shows and children’s shows.
tional American cuisine featuring items such as prime rib,
Its dramatic architecture, sparkling chandeliers and gold-leaf
turkey breast and a plethora of desserts. The 2012 season in-
decoration make it a historical gem. Tours are available by ap-
cludes 9 to 5 The Musical (through April 28), Annie Get Your
pointment for groups of 10 or more. (412-392-4900, pitts-
Gun (May 3-June 17), Legally Blonde the Musical (June 21-
burghsymphony.org)
Aug. 4), A Second Helping: Church Basement Ladies 2 (Sept.
Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater and Innovation Studios to-
27-Nov. 10) and A Swingin’ Christmas (Nov. 15-Dec. 23). (717-
gether make up the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
898-1546, dutchapple.com)
in Philadelphia. What began as two separate projects under
Hershey Theatre in Hershey is a must-see for theater
the direction of the Philadelphia Orchestra and former Mayor
goers and chocolate lovers in the “Sweetest Place on Earth.”
Ed Rendell merged to create a vision for a center hosting or-
Completed in 1933, the theater is rich in history and beautifully
chestra concerts, ballets and theater productions. To celebrate
designed. The lobby’s Italian lava rock floors, marble walls and
its 10th anniversary, the Kimmel Center has added several
Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour at historic Hershey Theatre and enjoy biblical epics at Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster.
on location: northeast ❖
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Hershey Gardens in ChocolateTown U.S.A. is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Read about it at http://leisuregrouptravel.com?p=26723.
new features including dinner and a show. Groups can dine on-site and enjoy cuisine catered by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. (215-790-5800, kimmelcenter.org) A theater company from DeSales University performs the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival on the campus in Center Valley each year. The summer festival runs from the end of May to the beginning of August and produces Shakespeare shows plus mainstream musical theater productions and children’s shows. Productions this season include: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (June 1-Aug. 4), Sweeney Todd (June
Lancaster’s Sight & Sound presents the best in Christian theater.
13-July 1) and Much Ado about Nothing (July 11-Aug. 5). Performances take place in one of the two indoor theaters, but the company recommends your group come early to enjoy fresh air and music on the green. (610-282-9455, pashakespeare.org) Nestled in the mountaintops of the Poconos resort town of Jim Thorpe, Penn’s Peak is an ideal spot for all types of concerts. The venue overlooks the Appalachian Mountains, and on-site Roadie’s restaurant serves classic American cuisine. Musical groups coming to Penn’s Peak this season include Beatlemania Now (May 3-4), the Harry James Orchestra (May 23-24), The Diamonds (June 6-7) and The Swing Dolls (October 23-24). The venue hosts luncheon shows, evening concerts and special themed nights for concert-goers. (866-605-7325, pennspeak.com) The Station Dinner Theatre, originally a 1922 train car, is located in Erie. It is home of the original Canterbury Festival, the longest-running medieval dinner theater in the country and features a wide array of musical comedies themed around Wild West, Roaring ’20s and ’50s Jukebox Hop. Performances for 2012
Book Group Tickets NOW for the 2012–2013 Season. Giselle Balanchine / Wheeldon / Tharp A Midsummer Night’s Dream Carnival of the Animals with Ballo Della Regina
include: The Chicago Speakeasy (May), Not Now, Darling! (June) and The Carol Burnett Show (July). (814-864-2022, canterburyfeast.com) Whether the audience ends up laugh-
and Stravinsky Violin Concerto
ing, crying or singing along, Pennsylva-
Forsythe & Kylián
nia’s theater scene is sure to impress your
Call today for the BEST seats at the BEST price! 215.587.6921 or abackman@paballet.org
48 April 2012
group. LGT Obtain Pennsylvania visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
LeisureGroupTravel.com
10 Top
Iconic Sights of New York City
N
By Randy Mink
enclaves and neighborhood pizza joints, the
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
ew York City abounds with all kinds of
nooks and crannies that entice the curious. From offbeat museums,
unusual tours and vestpocket parks to ethnic streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn and other boroughs beckon the inquisitive wayfarer with hidden gems. For the city lover, New York is an endless feast, a place with countless pleasures, enough to last a lifetime. But if you’re taking a group of fledging travelers to the Big Apple, you have to concentrate on the obvious—those iconic, must-see sights known around the world, locales that are part of our national vocabulary, the stuff of travel posters
The mighty 102-story landmark reigns supreme on the Manhattan skyline 81 years after its completion. Enjoy 360-degree views from the outdoor promenade of the 86th floor observatory. (esbnyc.com)
and calendars. There’s nothing like that initial glimpse of the Statue of Liberty or plugging in to the electricity of Times Square for the first time. Here we offer a sampling of popular sights that define New York City for the wide-eyed tourist.
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL The 6,200-seat Art Deco theater is the home of the high-kicking Rockettes and The Christmas Spectacular. Take the one-hour “Stage Door Tour” for a behindthe-scenes peek of the 1932 landmark. (radiocity.com)
50 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL A beehive of activity in midtown Manhattan for almost a century, the world’s largest train station is one of New York’s grandest public spaces. Self-guided audio tours are available. (grandcentralterminal.com)
NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL An eight-acre expanse of trees and water, New York’s newest must-see occupies the site of the World Trade Center towers that collapsed after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. (national911memorial.org)
TIMES SQUARE
CENTRAL PARK
The throbbing pulse of New York is most evident amid the sea of electric billboards here at the “Crossroads of the World.” To many visitors, Times Square is New York. (timessquarenyc.org)
A cherished resource, this escape hatch in the middle of Manhattan encompasses more than 800 acres of woods, lawns and meandering paths. Walk, bike, hop a horse carriage or rent a rowboat. (centralparknyc.org)
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
CONEY ISLAND
Take the NBC Studios tour, watch The Today Show from Rockefeller Plaza and ascend 70 floors to Top of the Rock in the 70-story GE Building. Magical winter highlights: the Christmas tree and ice rink. (rockefellercenter.com)
Soak in beach, boardwalk and amusement park nostalgia at this Brooklyn crowd-pleaser. Enjoy classic rides like the Cyclone coaster and Wonder Wheel. Have a hot dog at the original Nathan’s Famous. (lunaparknyc.com, wonderwheel.com, nathansfamous.com)
STATUE OF LIBERTY
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
A beacon of freedom for generations of immigrants who arrived in New York Harbor, this colossal figure remains a symbol not only of New York but of America. Liberty Island ferries depart from Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park. (nps.gov.stli)
A walk across this 19th century engineering marvel spanning the East River is a quintessential New York experience affording views of harbor traffic, Liberty Island and Manhattan’s financial district.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 51
on location: northeast ❖
A
randy mink
s warmer weather hits the streets of little old New York,
exciting plays with big-name stars, are in the mix.
the Broadway theater scene promises to be red-hot, of-
Martin says the musicals to watch are:
fering tour groups a dizzying array of choices.
Jesus Christ Superstar. The Stratford Shakespeare Fes-
This spring, in fact, will be “the busiest season I ever could
tival’s new interpretation of the classic rock opera by Andrew
have imagined,” said Dennis Martin, director, group sales pro-
Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, one of the most popular musicals
grams, Broadway.com/Groups. “When one show closes, no
of all time, just opened at the Neil Simon Theatre.
more than a day and half goes by before another moves in.”
Evita. A new production of Webber and Rice’s legendary
Martin said not a single theater—Broadway has 40 of
show won critical acclaim when it premiered in London in 2006.
’em—will be empty by the end of April, the deadline for shows
Superstar Ricky Martin and its London original star, Argentine
to open if they want to be considered for a Tony Award this
actress Elena Roger, head up a cast that includes Tony Award
June. At least seven new musicals, plus revivals and some
winner Michael Cerveris. The first-ever Broadway revival of Evita
From cutting-edge productions to revivals of old favorites, New York City stages offer groups a tempting spring and summer calendar
BROADWAYBOOM 52 April 2012
Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, a mind-blowing theatrical adventure, continues to create buzz on Broadway.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: See the article on Manhattan’s budget-friendly Apple Core Hotels at http://leisuregrouptravel.com/?p=26095.
All 40 Broadway theaters, most of them on streets off Times Square, will have tenants this spring.
Angela Lansbury, Candice Bergen and Eric McCormack of television’s Will and Grace. Other Martin recommendations opening in April are End of the Rainbow, a drama with music about the final months of Judy Garland, and for younger audiences, Peter and the Starcatcher, a prequel to the tale of Peter Pan. Disney Theatrical Group’s The Lion King, the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history, opened in
opens April 5 at the Marquis Theatre. Ghost The Musical. Bruce Joel Rubin has adapted his Academy Award-winning original screenplay for the stage. The score includes the iconic song “Unchained Melody,” performed in the 1990 film by The Righteous Brothers. The new musical opens April 23 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Nice Work If You Can Get It. Two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick (The Producers) and three-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara (South Pacific) star in this brand-new Gershwin musical comedy, a song-and-dance spectacular set in the Roaring ’20s. Songs include “But Not for Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “I’ve Got a Crush on You.” It opens April 24 at the Imperial Theatre. Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Sister Act—hot new musicals that opened last spring—continue to pack in the crowds, Martin said. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which debuted last spring with Daniel Radcliffe (of Harry Potter fame), now stars Nick Jonas (of the Jonas Brothers) and Beau Bridges. The must-see new comedy, Martin said, is One Man, Two Guvnors. The National Theatre of Great Britain’s production, laced with low-brow British humor, is “wet-yourpants funny.” It opens April 18 at the Music Box Theatre. Revivals of three classic plays also are creating Broadway buzz, according to Martin. They are Death of a Salesman, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman; A Streetcar Named Desire; and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man, a political drama starring James Earl Jones, LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 53
Hot tickets this summer: Cirque du Soleil’s surreal Zarkana at Radio City Music Hall and the wild musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
on location: northeast ❖
people. With a cast of 75 international artists, the rock opera
Jeremy Daniel, Richard Termine Costume: Alan Hranitelj ©2011 Cirque du Soleil
blends circus arts with the surreal to create a world where November of 1997 and is still going strong. Only Phantom of
physical virtuosity rubs shoulders with the bizarre, a slightly
the Opera, which opened in 1988, and Chicago (1996) have
twisted fantasy universe where, little by little, chaos and crazi-
been on Broadway longer than The Lion King. Other long-run-
ness give way to festivity and love.
ning current shows: Mamma Mia (2001), Wicked (2003) and
The story follows Zark, a magician who has lost his pow-
Jersey Boys (2005). Disney’s Mary Poppins, now in its sixth
ers—and the love of his life—in an abandoned theater popu-
year, also continues to be a group favorite.
lated by a motley collection of off-the-wall characters and
One of New York’s hottest tickets this summer will be Cirque
incomparable acrobats. He runs into the Mutants, four sirens
du Soleil’s Zarkana. Running from June 6 through Sept. 2, the
as sinister as they are fabulous, who are determined to divert
acrobatic spectacle returns to Radio City Music Hall after a tri-
him from his quest. Zarkana has been playing Moscow’s Krem-
umphant 2011 premiere season that drew more than 500,000
lin State Palace Theatre and moves to Las Vegas this fall. Blue Man Group, the long-running OffBroadway hit, continues to dazzle groups at New York’s Astor Palace Theatre and just introduced new material in March. New passages include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads,” a perceptive look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale featuring an original music score. Much of the new content is from the company’s
larger-scale
productions,
adapted for use in the intimate venues. “We like to call it ‘alternative Broadway’— a synthesis of our intimate Off-Broadway roots with the spectacle we created for our larger shows,” said Chris Wink, who cofounded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. Stanton said, “Many of our audience’s favorite passages, including ‘Paint Drumming’ and ‘Gum Balls/Marshmallows’, will continue to be a part of the production. And yes, the first few rows still will need to wear ponchos.” LGT NEW YORK
BOSTON
1.800.BLUEMAN
54 April 2012
CHICAGO
BLUEMAN.COM
LAS VEGAS
ORLANDO
NATIONAL TOUR
Appearing exclusively at sea onboard
Obtain New York visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: west ❖
marty sarbey de souto, ctc
C
alifornia may be known for lots of things—Hollywood
women’s group looking for an entire trip designed around this
and the movies, the Gold Rush, Golden Gate Bridge,
focus. Here are a few of the many possibilities:
beaches and breathtaking Pacific views, Silicon Valley, the in-
FILOLI, Woodside. If you remember the ‘80s, you may re-
tellectual centers of Stanford and Berkeley, and much more.
member this house as the Carrington Mansion in the popular
But perhaps it is not as well known as it should be for its wealth
TV series Dynasty. Home for nearly 20 years to William Bowers
of historic homes and gardens. These sites reflect the rich his-
Bourn II, owner of one of California’s richest gold mines, the es-
tory of the state and unique tastes of former owners, whether
tate got its name by combining the first two letters from his credo:
they were community leaders, gold prospectors or an occa-
“Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.”
sional bordello madam.
Located about 25 miles south of San Francisco, it’s set in 16
Let’s take a look at a handful of the many possible visits that
acres of formal gardens surrounded by a 654-acre estate. The
could be included in the next itinerary you develop to Califor-
gardens were laid out in 1917-1922 by horticulturist Isabella
nia. It might be a garden here or an unusual home there, sprin-
Worn, who designed the plantings and fixed the original color
kled in a standard tour. Or, it could be a specialty tour featuring
scheme, supervising the garden’s maintenance for 35 years.
a number of homes and gardens for your local garden club or
Historic Homes
&
Following the death of the Bourns in 1936, it was bought by Matson Navigation heir Lurline Matson Roth. Her contribution was the impressive collection of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas as well as the screened-in teahouse and serene swimming pool.
Gardens of california
Architectural gems spotlight the Golden State’s glorious past
Formal gardens grace Filoli, south of San Francisco. Inset photo: Hearst Castle at San Simeon.
on location: west ❖
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Check out the attractions in Orange County, Calif. Log on to http://leisuregrouptravel.com?p=26672.
A visit might be paired with other sites south of San Fran-
Inspired by the writings of John Ruskin, the Arts and
cisco such as Stanford University in Palo Alto or even further
Crafts movement expressed a reaction to the mechanization
south to the Carmel/Monterey area. (filoli.org)
of the Industrial Revolution with its speedy assembly line
MARSTON HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS, San Diego.
construction. It idealized the craftsman taking pride in his
This house is known as one of California’s best examples of
personal handiwork and often featured rooms and furniture
the Arts and Crafts movement, built in 1905 for local civic lead-
deliberately rustic, unfinished and referred to as “cottagey.”
ers George and Anne Marston. The movement denoted a style
Surface texture was admired in ordinary materials such as
of architecture, interior design and decorative arts prevalent in
stone and tiles. The house is surrounded by five acres of
the period 1910-1925.
rolling lawns, manicured formal gardens and rustic canyon gardens. (marstonhouse.org) McELROY OCTAGON HOUSE, San Francisco. A unique eight-sided, cupolatopped house dating back to 1861, it’s one of 68 octagon houses built in the United States before the Civil War and included on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Those who chose to build a house in this shape believed that living in an octagonal home resulted in a longer, healthier life. Now a museum under the auspices of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, it contains a variety of documents from Colonial and early American history, including one signed by 54 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. It also showcases decorative arts from the Colonial and Federal periods. (Phone: 415441-7512) KIMBERLY CREST HOUSE AND GARDENS, Redlands. Built in 1897, this is a three-story French chateau-style Victorian mansion. John Kimberly, co-founder of Kimberly-Clark paper company, purchased the home to escape Wisconsin winters. The surrounding gardens were created in 1909, complete with statuary and koi ponds, are examples of the Italian style, so popular at the turn of the 20th century. The home has a French Revival parlor with gilt furniture and silk damask wall coverings. Lily ponds feature radiant koi as well as vivid red, pink and yellow lilies. Kimberly’s daughter challenged the city to raise the funds to purchase 39 acres surrounding the property and turned it into a botanical park, which she bequeathed as today’s Prospect Park. (kimberlycrest.org)
56 April 2012
LeisureGroupTravel.com
HEARST CASTLE, San Simeon. If the phrase “A man’s
supply. The two-story wood frame home, built in historic
home is his castle” ever had meaning, Hearst Castle must be the
Carpenter Gothic Victorian style, features twin porches,
ultimate example in the United States. And 36 million visitors
dormer windows, a marble fireplace and European crystal
since it first opened to the public in 1958 will attest to its grandeur
chandeliers.
and unique contribution to America’s house and garden scene.
A visit may be combined into an interesting day with a tast-
Located high on a hill overlooking the Pacific midway be-
ing at one or more of Sonoma’s well-known wineries and time
tween San Francisco and Los Angeles, it was the brainchild of
to browse the attractive shops surrounding the downtown
publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and the work of
plaza. Also include a visit to the Mission San Francisco Solano
prolific Berkeley architect Julia Morgan.
de Sonoma, the last and most northern of the 21 Franciscan
The Hearst Castle project developed over years as Hearst’s
missions, located on the northeast corner of the plaza. A sec-
palace where he and his mistress, Marion Davies, entertained
ond day could be added to include Jack London country, nearby
vacationing guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill
Napa with its tony restaurants and perhaps adjoining Yountville
and a young John F. Kennedy. The hillside complex includes 41
and St. Helena for elegant shopping. (parks.ca.gov/?page_id
fireplaces, 25 grand guestrooms, 25 upstairs suites, 25 cottages
=22773) LGT
and kitchens, a 4,000-book library and entire rooms of artwork from European castles. But the centers of attraction are the two stunning swimming pools: the outdoor Neptune pool and indoor tiled Roman pool decorated with eight statues of Roman gods. First-time visitors are well advised to take the “Grand Rooms Museum Tour” as it has the least stairs to climb up and down (106). There are three other tours including an unusual evening tour offered at times. Tour planners should be sure to check with management regarding walking and steps. (hearstcastle.org) LACHRYMA MONTIS, Sonoma State Historic Park. This was the home of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, commander of California Travel and Tourism Commission/Blaise
the northern Mexico frontier, founder of the Pueblo of Sonoma and a member of the first Constitutional Convention of California. Built in 1850-51, it was known as Chiucuyem (Crying Mountain) by the local Indians, which Vallejo renamed to the rough Latin equivalent “Tears of the Mountain.” Its name was derived from the springs that now are the source of Sonoma’s water LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2012 57
Sande Lollis
Rooms like the library at Hearst Castle and kitchen of the Marston House in San Diego offer intimate peeks into the California’s past.
On Marketing
❖ dave bodle
Enhance Your Business With the Newest Technology This columN iN ThE February
the newer technology. Some will work
2012 issue kicked off the New Year
handsomely with what you are already
with a few simple, cost-effective, tech-
doing. Here are a few to consider:
nology-based travel marketing ideas. It was determined a good website is essential if you’re going to keep up with
3
leverage suppliers wisely. One of the biggest assets that
tour operators can add to their toolbox is a supplier that can help market a
1
marry your marketing materials
tour to their destination. The majority
and QR codes. Here’s a great
of CVBs and tourism offices will have
today’s tech-savvy traveler. Realizing
way to combine the new with the tried
footage that they can edit to fit just
that web search engines like fresh,
and true. QR codes are those little
about any possible visit to their area.
new content it was determined regular
squares with all the squiggly black
That’s exactly what you’ll need on
additions to your site are indispensable.
designs. It’s barcode technology and
the QR Code-to-website video link. Of
And thoughts were shared on how to
can easily be added to any marketing
course, one of the best assets a sup-
have your website visitors interact
piece. Most printers, graphic designers
plier can have in the marketing tool-
through video views and e-newsletter
and video producers can handle the
box is just such a video. Photographs
sign-ups.
task. Potential clients with a smart-
will always have a place, but video is
phone can scan the code and link to
becoming increasingly important.
There certainly was a ton of good business done “back in the day” with
your web page with offer details, an
catalogs, flyers and brochures. Con-
informative video or a testimonial. That
the new technology and how it will
tinue those tried-and-proven methods
web page can provide considerably
impact the tour & travel segment. I’m
if they are working for you. However,
more information than a single-sheet
all about partnerships and programs
keep the toolbox unlocked and look at
flyer. Of course, the video has that
that blend the proven with something
wonderful ability to demonstrate.
new that will enhance results. New
You can sense my excitement for
technology offers just such an oppor-
2 Spring Ahead to Our
• • • • • • • • • • •
mobile marketing is coming to tour & travel. There’s more to
tunity. On the other hand, some of the
mobile marketing than presenting a QR
new technology-based opportunities
Code and driving customer/prospect
simply do not work for me and I wonder
JUNE ISSUE
traffic to an online spot of your choice.
about their return on investment. If
Washington State North Dakota Washington, DC West Virginia Montana Iowa Delaware Sightseeing Cruises Scenic Railroads Canada/South Pacific Group Itinerary Planning Guide
The United States is moving towards
you’re not a writer, why waste your
having as many mobile phone subscrip-
time maintaining a blog? What good is
tions as there is population. In most
Twitter if you’re limited to a set number
major cities there are more households
of characters? Who hasn’t lost interest
without landlines than there are with
in Facebook and the absolute drivel
the traditional telephone service. The
that’s mixed with a few posts of
opportunities in the travel business are
substance?
See our page-flip edition & past issues at
LeisureGroupTravel.com We can help showcase your business to groups. Call us 630.794.0696 or advertising@ptmgroups.com
58 April 2012
endless. Consider Bluetooth proximity
The simplest way of looking at the
marketing. Suppliers at a tradeshow/
new marketing technologies is remem-
marketplace blast a message to all
bering who brought you to the dance,
Bluetooth-enabled phones promoting
but realizing a look around the dance
a special at their booth or seminar. At
hall really doesn’t hurt.
that same marketplace a tour operator looking to partner with another operator may send out that very message.
Contact Dave at 843-712-1140 or email dbodle@sc.rr.com.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
A R K A N S A S
I L L I N O I S
I N D I A N A
P E N N S Y L VA N I A
T E N N E S S E E
W Y O M I N G
ndta.us
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