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52 Wyoming Travel & Tourism
VOL. 23, NO. 2 • APRIL 2013
contents ON THE COVER:
COVER STORY
Letting off steam inYellowstone National Park (Photo courtesy of Wyoming Travel & Tourism)
52 Best of Wyoming
BY CAITLIN KERFIN
Scenery and outdoor activities at Yellowstone and Grand Teton, two of America’s most treasured wilderness reserves, draw groups to the state’s northwest corner.
FEATURES 16 Dinner Theaters Set the Stage
18
Minnesota’s Great River Road
24
Wild West Kansas
28
Experiential Tourism, Southern-Style
39
Savoring California’s Napa Valley
43
Hitting the Jackpot in Laughlin
47
New Thrills Await Groups on Broadway
55
North Central Pennsylvania
60
Lands of the Maya
62
Kingdom of Jordan
BY STEPHEN KAMINSKI
10
BY JOHN KLOSTER
BY SUE ARKO
On My Mind
24 Can-can girls strut their stuff on a Dodge City saloon stage
BY MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO
12
On The Record
On Family Travel
66
On Marketing
4 April 2013
Recent incidents involving attacks on tourists or Carnival cruise ships floating aimlessly in the Gulf of Mexico underscore the need for travel insurance. But when choosing travel insurance for your clients, it’s important you choose wisely. OurTravelProtector.com is the exclusive travel insurance provider for InSite e-newsletter subscribers. They love the net rates and “cancel for any reason” policies. Learn more at OurTravelProtector.com.
BY DAVE BODLE
On Tour
BY NANCY SCHRETTER
TRAVEL INSURANCE – DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT
BY VANESSA DAY
BY CINDI BRODHECKER
BY JEFF GAYDUK
8
BY DAVE BODLE
BY LANCE HARRELL
COLUMNS
6
BY RANDY MINK
WHAT’S ONLINE?
BY DAVE BODLE
47
ON LOCATION
NUMBER CRUNCHING
9 Casino resorts in Laughlin, Nevada
Steve Weinstein
Not as ominous as it seems, the digital sign on this tour bus identifies the “Russian Border” shore excursion from Kirkenes, Norway, for passengers on a Hurtigruten coastal cruise. The tour was offered on a six-night, early March voyage made by Leisure Group Travel managing editor Randy Mink, shown here.
Population of Wyoming
1939
SAVE ON GROUP HOTEL BOOKINGS
Year the first Little League game was played in Williamsport, Pa.
2.8
Thousands of groups have saved millions of dollars on this system. Give it a try, there’s nothing to lose!
Pounds of grapes in a bottle of wine
575 Miles of the Great River Road in Minnesota
Kinky Boots: A springtime triumph on Broadway
63.4 Percentage of Broadway theater-goers (2011-2012 season) classified as tourists
Matthew Murphy
As the economy picks up, those rock-bottom hotel rates we’ve grown accustomed to are harder to find. Next time you’re planning a group trip, use our automated group hotel RFP system and you could save 50% or more. Here’s how it works: 1) Visit grouptravel.hotelplanner.com 2) Post your group request directly in our RFP system 3) We contact hotels on your behalf with your request 4) They submit a quote based on your group requirements 5) You work directly with the hotel on payments and terms
563,626
417 Length of Kansas in miles
on my mind ❖
On My Mind jeff gayduk
❖ jeff gayduk
Vol. 23, No. 2 April 2013 Editorial & Advertising Office
How to Be More Social CELEBRITIES DO IT. Athletes do it. Even politicians do it. Major corporations and teenagers are obsessed with it. And based on our recent poll of readers, not enough of you are doing it. By doing it, I’m referring to the use of social media. While the group tour industry is never known as a leading indicator of anything technological, it’s important that we understand that the game has shifted in how consumers digest information. More and more, they rely on social media and the younger the client you’re seeking; the more they use this medium. Just ask the intern in our office who gets his news via Twitter! Why is social media so embedded in celebrities’ personal lives, athletes’ careers and Fortune 500 corporations’ marketing? Simple – it’s word-of-mouth marketing at its finest. Translate this to your business and the success of your travel offerings. Often the quickest path to new customers is an endorsement from a current one. These conversations typically take place in coffee shops, local stores and community gatherings. Today, increasingly they’re happening online via one’s social network. You know you do a good job. Your customers know you do a good job. By connecting with them on social media your referral business can skyrocket. How much? Well, some tour planners are almost exclusively using Facebook to promote their tours. What, no more paper cuts? What social media medium is right for you? Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but here’s a quick rundown of the top social media platforms. Facebook is the king of social media in terms of users with over a billion. In fact, if Facebook was a country it would be the third largest on the planet. Chances are your customers (even seniors) are on Facebook communicating with their friends and “liking” brands they engage with. A Like is an endorsement, so to speak, so as friends of your friends view their Facebook profile page, you’ll be in the conversation. It’s viral marketing 101. Twitter is what’s referred to as a micro blogging device. It allows people to send short messages (limit 140 characters). While brands 6 April 2013
use Twitter to communicate special offers and promotions, it’s most popular with celebrities and sports personalities whose fan base hangs on every Eggs Benedict they eat for breakfast. The jury is still out on whether Twitter has a practical application for small travel brands as a marketing tool. What Facebook is to consumers is what LinkedIn is to business. LinkedIn is a resume on steroids for business professionals, with growing communities called “groups” where like-minded individuals communicate amongst themselves. There are dozens of travel-related groups on LinkedIn, which can be beneficial in building your network. Social media’s rising star is Pinterest which has just surpassed Twitter in real users. This site allows you to “Pin” photos you like and group them into categories. For example, you could pin photos of upcoming destinations and share them. What better way to get folks excited about a destination than beautiful photos of what they will experience? While daunting at first, other than the time you spend, setting up accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest is completely free. And if you’re worried about the time, or complexity of social media, hire your nephew, son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter, or college student. Social media is second nature for this generation and what could take you days or weeks to set up they could do in hours. Buyer beware, though. If you’re already established on social media, watch who monkeys with your account. See On the Record comments in this edition for real world horror stories. There are also volumes of how-to guides and publications on getting started on social media. Visit GroupUniversity.com for our free guide – http://groupuniversity.com/educationalcenter/other-resources/. And when you get online, remember to connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest. We’re waiting for you!
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
Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com
Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com
Regional Business Development Managers Northeast & Eastern Midwest/Canada – Harry Peck P 330.830.4880 • F 630.794.0652 harry@ptmgroups.com
Mid-Atlantic/Wisconsin – 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 Frontier & Mountain West/ Illinois/Minnesota – Linda Ragusin P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 linda@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: Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527
A
publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
Jeff Gayduk, Publisher
LeisureGroupTravel.com
On Tour
❖ marty sarbey de souto, ctc
Get Them Involved ONE OF THE SECRETS of great
conversation of some of the salient
visit, or it could even be a silly little
tours is to get your tour members
issues raised in the quiz.
poem. Here’s one somebody wrote
actively involved in the day’s activities. Just sitting there on the coach listening to you or a step-on guide lecture them
about me one day:
3
Go to events where your tour participants don’t just observe
There once was a leader named Marty
won’t do it. They can easily gaze out
how others do something, but rather
Who thought she was quite a smarty
the window, think of other things or
do it themselves. Since I specialize
She served us wine and cheese
try to chat with their seat mate while
in tours for women, I usually try to in-
And other snacks to please
you’re talking and tune you out.
clude something about food, cooking,
My many years of teaching
recipes, etc. I have seen them attend
And our tour turned into a party!
travel/tourism have taught me that a
demos of famous chefs but then go
good teacher is not one who stands
home and not be able to reproduce
in front of the classroom talking AT
the recipe. Far better when I can
the students but talking WITH the
arrange to take them to a venue where
a game through the trip – be it a
students – that is, interacting with
they not only observe the expert, but
one-day excursion or a three-week
them. Although I never took a course
they also have the option of rolling up
tour. I may have mentioned in the
Not literature for sure! But fun and a happy tour member. I also sometimes have them run
in classroom teaching techniques, I soon developed my own. They
Go to events where your tour participants don’t just observe how others do something, but rather do it themselves
included walking around the room and stopping to interact with this one and that one as I moved around. It included having them work in twos, talking with each other and then reporting their findings to the classroom as a whole. It included their
their sleeves and doing it themselves
past a contest I ran when touring
working in teams developing a scenario
(under the supervisory eye, of course,
England wherein I had each tour
or itinerary. The same techniques
of the chef).
member keep a list of British words versus their American counterpart…
can be used, but modified, in tour groups. Here are five suggestions for starters:
4
Give out handouts – something
for example the British word “lorry”
you prepared at home before
for the American word “truck.” The
embarking on the trip. Maps, terms
winner was a woman who came up
Include a visit to a place where
1
pertinent to what they’re going to
with over 100 such words that differ
tour members walk around and
see, short historic tidbits – all can be
between British English and Ameri-
interact with locals. For instance, they
included in your handout. It gives
can English.
could visit an orphanage, a kinder-
clients something to take home with
garten, a hospital – and talk with the
them to show what they learned en
ideas of ways to liven up your tours.
residents.
route (but may not have been able to
Let me hear what they are. I love to
retain without the handout for referral
hear from my readers.
2
Hand out a quiz for each tour
later).
member – something they can
fill out before the visit or after the visit. You, as leader, can then collect them and guide an on-the-coach 8 April 2013
I’m sure you’ll come up with some
5
Ask each member to write something – it can be a paragraph say-
Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor who designs and leads tours. Her travel industry consulting and educational firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).
ing what they learned on the particular LeisureGroupTravel.com
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Variety of Choices
Fresh Salad Sensations
On Family Travel
❖ nancy schretter
Multigenerational Travel Shows Significant Growth MULTIGENERATIONAL travel, fueled
important factor since 9/11.
significant, steady growth in multigener-
by the demographics and psychograph-
Today’s grandparents are more
ics of today’s baby boomers and socie-
active, living longer and want to share
specializing in family travel include
tal trends, is a major growth market.
memories – rather than things – with
Thomson Family Adventures, Adven-
Family members are traveling together
their children and grandchildren. In
tures by Disney and Tauck Bridges.
to destinations throughout the country
addition, many grandparents are finan-
and around the globe.
cially able to travel and are willing to
great guides. Dan Austin, director of
Consider these statistics from
ational trip bookings. Other companies
Choose the right destinations and
underwrite some or all of the vacation
Austin-Lehman Adventures, says,
MMGY Global’s 2012 Portrait of Ameri-
costs, with 67% saying that children are
“Picking the perfect destination, led by
can Travelers study:
never too old to be treated to a family
perfect guides” is particularly important
vacation.
for multigenerational travel. Austin-
• 40% of all active leisure travelers have taken at least one multigenerational trip over the last year.
• 25% of all leisure travelers are grandparents and 37% traveled with their grandchildren.
• Grandparents travel almost 25%
Many tour companies are benefiting from this trend. Todd Smith, director of
Lehman maintains at least a 6-1 guestto-guide ratio with guides who can
Many grandparents are able to treat their children and grandchildren to a family vacation
more than the average leisure traveler, taking four or more trips yearly.
• 22% of grandparents traveled with their grandchildren alone. These figures portray a market size
AdventureSmith Explorations, says
relate to “both the young and the young
multigenerational bookings have grown
at heart.”
at a rate of 35% per year over the past
Create itineraries offering oppor-
three years. Norwegian Cruise Line
tunities for all ages. The best multi-
of substantial proportions. More than
reports that multigenerational groups
generational itineraries offer something
20.8 million travelers in the United
comprise approximately 15-20% of
for everyone. Monika Sundem of Ad-
States alone traveled on a multigenera-
guests on many of their cruises.
venture Life notes that multigenerational
tional trip of three or more generations
So how can leisure travel group
travelers require options, “so while
in 2011, according to the Preferred Hotel
organizers harness this trend? Here
younger ones in the family are off doing
Group. Those numbers will continue
are a few tips:
a zipline, less agile members are free
to climb, as 77 million Americans are
Know your customers’ needs.
to go on a short guided rainforest hike.”
expected to turn 65 years of age over
Take the time to understand the specific
the next 18 years.
needs of the multigenerational travel
aries. Kurt Kutay, president of Wildland
In today’s fast-paced world, travel
Offer customized private itiner-
market and get an accurate profile of
Adventures, says that while some of
is increasingly seen as the best way
the interests, abilities, preferences and
their family adventures work well for
for extended family members to bond.
dynamics of those going on the trip.
multigenerational travelers, many
Families are living farther apart geo-
Work with family travel specialists.
groups request customized itineraries
graphically than any time in history, so
Organizers who don’t want to handle
since most are large enough to meet
a multigenerational trip can often be
their own intricate trip details can work
the minimum size requirements for
the only option for families to gather in
with companies that focus on the family
favorable group size tier pricing.
one place. In addition, researchers say
and multigenerational travel market.
the “togethering” trend reflecting an
Austin-Lehman Adventures and Wild-
increased commitment to spending
land Adventures, established leaders in
time with loved ones has been an
family travel tours, are experiencing
10 April 2013
Nancy Schretter is managing editor of the Family Travel Network (www.familytravelnetwork.com) and an industry consultant in family and multigenerational travel.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
what do you call a place with something for everyone? we call it columbus.
Columbus is filled with unforgettable experiences your group is sure to love. Learn dance moves from a ballerina. Create wine from start to finish. Blow your own glass ornament. It won’t be an ordinary outing but what else would you expect from a city that’s been marching to its own drummer for over 200 years? Start planning your Columbus visit today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours or by calling 800-354-2657.
On The Record Social Media: A Valuable Business Tool LAURA LOTHRIDGE
MELINDA HUGHEY
KAREN CRANE
FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to the question: How are you using social media in your business? Are you having any success with Facebook, Twitter, Linked In or Pinterest in promoting your tours or company? Or is it a waste of your time?
Facebook Works I manage the social media for six Florida hotels and three sightseeing/dining vessels in Tampa Bay (StarLite Cruises). We’ve had good success by promoting our destination and partners as well as our product. We’ve created a dialogue with our followers and have received bookings as a result. We’ve also run a few contests and have been able to collect emails for future marketing purposes. One of my hotels received a lead for 75 room nights their first week on Facebook. We like to refer our potential weddings guests to our Facebook page as it is easy for us (and the brides) to upload pictures and share them. Laura Lothridge, President Hospitality Solutions Tampa Bay Clearwater, FL
Discover the other New Mexico.
Whether it’s hitting the casino, the golf course or the indoor pool, Inn of the Mountain Gods is the perfect escape for business or pleasure. Complete with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, luxury rooms and suites, and award-winning dining, your perfect mountain getaway is closer than you think.
InnoftheMountainGods.com | 1-800-545-6040 Booking Info: jakazhe@innofthemountaingods.com Mescalero, NM near Ruidoso FULL CASINO | LUXURY RESORT | CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF | The Mescalero Apache Tribe promotes responsible gaming. For assistance, please call 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
Success in Kansas Tour Kansas uses Facebook as a resource to reach our members and group travel planners alike. Our page, www.facebook.com/tourkansas, started out with just a few likes and was more of a member-tomember contact method. Once we decided to utilize our page as a way to reach members, planners and the public, our page likes increased and today, we are at 329 page likes and growing. Facebook is a great tool to reach our fans in an instant, plus we can LeisureGroupTravel.com
share the good news of our members, exciting new tours, upcoming events, articles about Kansas travel, general information and much more. In April, we are launching a tour planner contest to generate interest in Tour Kansas and our efforts as the only statewide association marketing exclusively to tour planners. Check us out! Karen M. Crane, KDS CTA Director, Merriam Visitors Bureau
here at The RH Factor. With an audience growing faster than the number of McDonald’s hamburgers served around the world, my question is, “Why wouldn’t you take advantage of social media in any form?” Every time I finish building an itinerary, I build a Facebook page for that tour and invite my contacts to take a look. I can regularly update that events page with photos, reminders, itinerary highlights and
send follow-up messages and e-mails to those who request it. It’s fast and it’s FREE. What more could you ask? Melinda Hughey The RH Factor Pulaski, TN
Can’t Do Without It This is a marvelous moment for that question. I have been using Facebook very successfully for a couple of years. I’ve built friends among both my sup-
Merriam, KS
Falling Behind I have shown “the powers that be” everything in the industry I can get my hands on and talked until I’m blue in the face, but our bank does not allow ANY of it! I feel it’s really going to start being a hindrance! Brenda Eaton Elite Advantage Director, Hawthorn Bank Clinton, MO
Promoting North Dakota For us at North Dakota Group Travel, we are using social media as an extension of our existing marketing strategies. It allows me to develop new relationships where I might not have the opportunity in the traditional way. For example, Twitter: I can engage companies that apply to our market by targeting potential group tour operators, travel industry leaders, motorcoach operators and more. On Facebook: I can showcase our location or image of our state through our fabulous photographs and also comment or interact with the group travel industry. Deanne Cunningham, CTIS Group Travel Marketing Manager North Dakota Tourism Division Bismarck, ND
Facebook Fan I’ve found Facebook to be an exciting, creative and invaluable tool in building awareness for what we do LeisureGroupTravel.com
When it comes to group fun, you’ll find out Wisconsin Dells is more than just “The Waterpark Capital of the World!® ” From boat tours to dining, wineries, historic attractions and more, Wisconsin Dells is the group tour destination that keeps on giving. MeetInTheDells.com | groups@wisdells.com | (800) 223-3557
on the record ❖ pliers and customers. I pick up intelligence on the marketplace, I get hints that a hotel is thinking about a promotion, or that a customer is thinking about a tour. I’m fully engaged. Facebook is a wonderful tool for my business. Now the funny part. I’ve been doing my Facebook on a personal site and have been told repeatedly that I need to move it to a business site. So, having just hired a bright young man,
I asked if he could make the change and migrate all of my friends over. He said, “Yes sir, I’ll give it my best.” And he did. That young man tried hard, I’ll not fault his effort because I was hoping to save a few dollars, but he lacked experience and I lost an important tool. So, my opinion as to how important social media is, is proved by the fact that this afternoon I hired a social media company to repair
his work. I’m paying them a premium to fix this problem immediately, this week, not next, to bring back the connectivity that I had. I’ve been down for several days. I’m losing money. Step two: Talk with professionals at length, this company and another, get competitive bids on building a social media marketing program and do it right. I’m like the guy who immediately regrets his divorce and says you don’t know what you had until you lose it. Bob Cline, President US Tours Parkersburg, WV
Alabama Uses Social Media At the moment, our social media channels are geared toward the leisure market. We do not have any social media channels specific to the group market. The Alabama Tourism Department feels social media is a great marketing tool. Jo Jo Terry Alabama Tourism Department Montgomery, AL
Reaching Out to Groups We use social media on a regular basis to reach out to our groups and to share highlights from each of their trips. We share photos of their trips on Facebook and communicate with them during their trip through Twitter. LinkedIn is a great way to promote our company and the events that we offer. Pinterest, however, is a new concept for us. We are always looking for new ways to provide our student groups with information about travel trends, though Pinterest seems to be more of a “do-it-yourself” option. Social media has been a great way for us to promote our company and to offer a more personal form of marketing. Greg Dotson, CSTP/CTIS Kaleidoscope Adventures Orlando, FL LeisureGroupTravel.com
TREAT YOUR GROUP to the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden, complete with a tram ride. 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
groups.visitchicagonorthshore.com
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
on theater ❖
Dinner Theaters Set The Stage!
O
mond, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, John Denver, the Andrew Sisters and the Four Seasons. In November and December the holiday shows take over and are typically “coach fillers.” Playlists feature holiday variety shows and classics like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
ffering a restaurant-quality meal and an evening of pro-
Groups also like the intimacy of a dinner theater. Instead
fessional entertainment in one place, dinner theaters
of being lost in a sea of seats far from the stage, theater-
seem custom-made for group tour organizers. Any itinerary
goers easily connect with the performers as they belt out
planner will tell you that treating clients to a dinner and show
their tunes, sometimes just feet away. Expect good sightlines
under one roof—without even changing seats—makes his or
and tiered seating.
her job just that much easier. No need to worry about pulling
Ticket prices, moreover, are much lower than the big-city
your group away from an early dinner, piling them onto the bus
houses—and a fraction of Broadway shows in New York. For
and rushing over to the theater before the curtain rises.
less than what you might pay for a show alone, you get both
Dinner theater has always been a staple of bus tours. Many
the show and a multi-course meal. Groups, of course, re-
of America’s best-known dinner show venues have been
ceive attractive discounts, and a comp may be granted for
around for decades, a reassuring thought for tour planners
every so many guests booked. The bus driver is usually
counting on a no-surprises experience for their guests. Derby
taken care of, too.
Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, Ind., has been operating for
Dinner theater owners know that food quality is just as im-
nearly 40 years. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, housed in a re-
portant as the show being staged, so their meals rival the best
stored 1921 movie theater in Rock Island, Ill., has entertained
restaurants in town. Many theaters boast all-you-can-eat buf-
Quad Cities-area guests since 1978.
fets, offering a choice of meats, potatoes, pasta, hot vegeta-
The emphasis at these happy venues is on lighthearted
bles, rolls and more. There may be a salad bar or the server
entertainment, with fresh comedies and time-tested Broad-
may bring salad (or soup) to the table. Luscious desserts are
way musicals comprising most of the offerings. Planners can
a hallmark of these showplaces, and most have full bars.
expect middle-of-the-road theater fare—rarely any worries
Many dinner theaters belong to the National Dinner Theatre
about material that’s too racy. You can’t miss with standbys
Association (NDTA), which offers professional development
like Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific,
workshops at its two annual conferences. Sessions spotlight
Singin’ in the Rain and The King & I. The antics of The Church
cutting-edge issues ranging from marketing and fiscal man-
Basement Ladies is another reliable crowd-pleaser. Some
agement to employee relations and new technical wonders.
theaters also present concerts, from Beatles and Motown re-
Smart tour planners find that scheduling an evening or af-
vues to Big Band nights to Branson-style shows and musical
ternoon of food and fun is a no-brainer. In fact, a dinner the-
tributes to beloved performers like Elvis Presley, Neil Dia-
ater visit could be your itinerary’s star attraction. LGT
A R I Z O N A
A R I Z O N A
ndta.us
THEATERS ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY STATE
Sweet Charity
Sweeney Todd
The Full Monty
Surprise Show
The King & I
Because It’s Christmas
april – may
may – june
june – august
september – october
C A L I F O R N I A
the 2013 season
october – november november – december
The Sound of Motown A R K A N S A S
august – september
s XXX UIFDQEU DPN
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
ndta.us
THEATERS ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY STATE
Minnesota Historical Society
Padelford Packet Boat Company
Saint Paul crowd-pleasers include Historic Fort Snelling, built in the early 1820s, and Mississippi River cruises aboard Padelford Riverboats.
M I N N E S O TA’S
GREAT RIVER ROAD As this National Scenic Byway celebrates its 75th anniversary, now is the perfect time to chart a path following America’s most storied river By Randy Mink
M
innesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it is also
NORTHERN REGION
the source of one big river—the mighty Mississippi. Slic-
The Mississippi begins its 2,552-mile journey to the
ing through northwoods wilderness and pine-studded lake
Louisiana delta in the humble headwaters at Lake Itasca. Vis-
country to rolling farmland, a major metro area and rugged
itors to Itasca State Park, located southwest of Bemidji and
bluffs along the Wisconsin border, the
north of Park Rapids, can wade in the
Great River Road in Minnesota covers
ankle-deep water, a short walk from
575 miles, the byway’s longest stretch in
Mary Gibbs Headwaters Visitor Center.
any of the 10 Mississippi River states.
Snapping a photo of the Headwaters
Established back in 1938 when
Post, a tree trunk sign that signifies the
Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, the
river’s source, is de rigueur. Motorcoach
epic road is a gateway to the river val-
groups can visit the headwaters on a
ley’s colorful history and awesome
park tour guided by a step-on natural-
scenery. The concept of a Great River
ist. The river at this point is only 20 to
Parkway along the Mississippi was de-
30 feet wide, the narrowest stretch of its
veloped by the governors of the 10
entire length. Besides the headwaters, Minnesota’s
cided that rather than building a new
oldest state park (established in 1891)
continuous road, the existing network of
provides a variety of things to see and
rural roads and fledgling highways would
do. There are hiking trails, a fishing pier
Explore Minnesota
states. To conserve resources, they de-
become the Great River Road. The green Pilot’s Wheel signs that marked the route decades ago still herald the byway today. 34 April 2013 18
Giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox provide stellar photo ops in Bemidji.
and swimming beach. Groups can learn about flora and fauna, Ojibwe culture and the park’s history as a resort through excellent exhibits at the Jacob V. Brower LeisureGroupTravel.com
Explore Minnesota
Summer visitors to Minneapolis can catch a Minnesota Twins baseball game at Target Field, where private group tours are available.
Visitor Center. Nearby are the rustic log buildings of the 1905
ing the Forest History Center. On customized group tours,
Douglas Lodge. As an alternative to cabins or the main lodge,
costumed re-enactors portray life in a 1900 logging camp, and
groups might choose the 10-bedroom Clubhouse, which has a
a traditional lumberjack meal is served in the cook house.
common area, fireplace and six washrooms.
Climb the fire tower for panoramic views, especially stunning
From the Douglas Lodge pier, the 141-passenger Chester
in fall. Other options include music/storytelling and nature craft
Charles II offers a two-hour, naturalist-narrated excursion on
programs, plus team-building challenges such as wood-chop-
the lake, following the route taken by the
ping and tug-of-war competitions.
Indian guide Ozawindib in 1832 when
Groups in Grand Rapids can extend
he led British explorer Henry Rowe
their logging experience with a tour of the
Schoolcraft to the source of the Missis-
massive Blandin Paper Mill. The town’s
sippi. The lodge can prepare a picnic
Myles Reif Performing Arts Center
lunch for the cruise.
presents everything from Broadway to
Bemidji, situated where the Missis-
Big Band to ballet. Fans of the actress
sippi passes through Lake Bemidji, is
who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz
known as the “First City on the Missis-
will revel in exhibits at the Judy Garland
sippi.” A must for groups in downtown
Museum. It’s attached to the white frame
Bemidji is a photo stop at the painted
house where Frances Ethel Gumm
statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the
(Judy’s real name) grew up in a musical
Blue Ox, larger-than-life symbols of the
family that was considered a curiosity in
lumberjack lore in this part of the world.
this Northern Minnesota logging town. Meet Minneapolis
Located at the travel information center, they have been fixtures on the shores of Lake Bemidji since 1937. Groups also enjoy touring Bemidji Woolen Mills and shopping in its factory outlet
Shopping at Mall of America in Bloomington is a must for any group touring the Twin Cities.
store. Buena Vista Logging Village,
CENTRAL REGION The Mississippi River meanders south through the Brainerd Lakes Area and Granite Country surrounding St. Cloud as it flows toward the twin cities
at a ski area outside of Bemidji, offers a chuckwagon-style
of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. St. Cloud, home to four col-
lunch and horse-drawn covered wagon rides to the “Top of the
leges and universities, makes a good base for Great River
World,” a ridge that overlooks nine lakes. For evening enter-
Road itineraries in Central Minnesota.
tainment in summer, consider a Paul Bunyan Playhouse production in the historic Chief Theatre.
Sightseeing highlights in St. Cloud, nicknamed the Granite City for the area’s granite works, include Munsinger and
Grand Rapids, an old lumber town just over an hour east of
Clemens Gardens, two distinct but complementary gardens on
Bemidji, boasts a number of group-friendly attractions, includ-
the banks of the Mississippi. Clemens Gardens are laid out in a
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 19
on location: midwest
72 (;3/25( ,1 0,11(627$ 9,6,7 ::: 75$9(/75$'( (;3/25(0,11(627$ &20
formal European style, while Munsinger Gardens command a wilder setting. In the Mississippi River town of Little Falls, north of St. Cloud, groups can tour the Charles A. Lindbergh House, boyhood home of the famous aviator. The Lindbergh History Center next door shows a film of his life, and visitors can climb inside a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis’ cockpit.
Start Planning Now! Contact the group hospitality department for information on discount days, free bus parking, catered picnics and more! Call (651) 288-4306 or email groups@mnstatefair.org
Near Elk River, southeast of St. Cloud, the Oliver H. Kelley Farm features 19th century farming techniques
Aug. 22 through Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013
and livestock breeds. Costumed farmers at this Mississippi River homestead encourage visitors to help out with chores
FREE Admission
like butter churning or slopping the pigs. Both Saint Paul and Minneapolis overflow with group possibilities, many of them along the river. The Mississippi River Visitor Center in downtown Saint Paul is a good place to start. Located just off the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, it offers free exhibits and
16,500 square feet of SPAM . Whoa. ®
FREE Admission!
Classic
ranger programs on river culture, biology
SPAM Museum ®
and history, plus information on activities
guests can stroll among dinosaurs, cre-
Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday Noon - 5 PM CLOSED: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
ate a tornado, drive a tug up the river and
1101 N. Main St., Austin, MN 55912
play mini golf in the Big Back Yard over-
800-LUV-SPAM
looking the Mississippi. The domed Om-
spam.com spamgift.com
in the urban area’s Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a 72-mile river park. In the science museum,
nitheater is a star attraction. At Harriet Island, a riverside park across from downtown Saint Paul, groups can board a Padelford Riverboats sightseeing cruise or catch a play or old-time melodrama at the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. On bluffs above the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, costumed soldiers and settlers bring frontier days to life at Historic Fort Snelling. The Minnesota History Center and neighboring Minnesota State Capitol are other Saint Paul crowd-pleasers. On the Mississippi River in downtown
• 1 Block from Mall of America with FREE shuttle to & from • 2 Pools - Largest Indoor in the area and the only Outdoor Pool - The Backyard Outdoor Pool & Bar
• 2 miles from MSP with 24 hour complimentary airport shuttle • FREE WiFi throughout entire hotel and guest rooms Phone: (Direct) 952.854.3411 • (Toll Free) 1.800.328.1931 E-Mail: Info@RamadaMOA.com www.RamadaMOA.com
Minneapolis, Mill City Museum, housed 20 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: midwest ❖
Obtain Minnesota visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
in the ruins of the Gold Medal Flour mill, tells the story of the flour milling industry and the river’s role in building brands like Pillsbury and Betty Crocker. Next door is the state-of-the-art Guthrie Theater. The St. Anthony Main district, easily reached from Mill City Museum by the Stone Arch Bridge, abounds with restaurants and night spots. Hear the pounding of St. Anthony Falls as you cross the bridge and read interpretive displays on Red Wing Visitor & Convention Bureau
how the river was harnessed to turn the wheels of industry. For a different take on Minneapolis, consider booking your group on a Mississippi River paddling tour offered by Above the Falls Sports, an urban kayak specialist. Its 2.5-hour “Working the Local Channel” tour explores the waters above the lock and dam and down river from the Plymouth Avenue bridge. Halfday, full-day and luncheon trips also are available.
See the “World’s Largest Boot” at the Red Wing Shoe Museum.
A Twin Cities itinerary is not complete without a visit to Mall of America in Bloomington. The nation’s largest shopping and
the shoes and work boots the company has been making since
entertainment complex continues to add new stores and
1905. Groups can choose from several pottery shops and
restaurants and just welcomed its first on-site hotel, Radisson
showrooms in town and see potters at work. The 1904 Sheldon
Blu. Group programs include the popular “Meet & Greet,” a
Theatre offers a variety of music and drama performances.
scavenger hunt organized by Dick’s Last Resort and customized educational presentations for students.
A popular lunch spot affording views of the Mississippi is The Veranda restaurant in the historic St. James Hotel. Or have
On their way to Southeastern Minnesota, groups on the
brick-oven pizza at the Falconer Vineyard Winery. Red Wing
Great River Road can stop in Hastings for some fun in the dirt
Brewing Co., a new microbrewery, has brought back two beers
at Extreme Sandbox. In this 10-
that were brewed in town at the turn of the 20th century.
acre playground, adults get a
Wabasha, another river town full of yesteryear charm, is
chance to operate bulldozers and
best known to tour groups as the home of the National Eagle
other heavy construction equip-
Center. Visitors can meet the resident bald eagles and attend
ment as expert instructors guide
an eagle presentation conducted by trained handlers.
them through precision obstacle courses and activities.
Downtown Winona attracts museum buffs with the Winona County History Center, Polish Cultural Institute and Museum, and Watkins Heritage Museum at the nationally
Minnesota Historical Society
SOUTHERN REGION
Minneapolis’ industrial heritage comes to life at the Mill City Museum.
known home products company. From spices and organic fla-
The Great River Road in
vorings to body oils and foot creams, Watkins products are
Southeastern Minnesota leads to
made from natural ingredients in the company’s block-size
charming towns that captivate
complex, a downtown fixture since 1885. The museum gift
tour groups with vintage buildings
shop sells more than 350 products.
and specialty shops. From atop
A Trester Trolley tour of Winona includes Garvin Heights
river bluffs, the fall foliage viewing
Overlook, which offers vistas extending as far as 30 miles on
is some of the best in the Mid-
a clear day. For groups, a catered dinner with wine tasting can
west, and there’s great eagle
be arranged at Garvin Heights Vineyard.
watching in winter and spring.
Whether a group chooses to concentrate on one section of
Other migrating birds flock to this area, known as the Missis-
the Mississippi River Valley or has time to cover more territory,
sippi Flyway.
the Great River Road, as it has for 75 years, provides an en-
Red Wing has been home for over a century to Red Wing
chanting path to new discoveries.
Shoe Co. and Red Wing Pottery. The shoe manufacturer offers
For sample itineraries highlighting sights along Minnesota’s
factory tours from late May to October. The free-admission Red
Great River Road, see Explore Minnesota’s 2013 Minnesota
Wing Shoe Museum on Main Street features the “World’s
Group & Packaged Travel Planner and other useful tools at
Largest Boot,” which stands 16 feet tall; an attached store sells
traveltrade.exploreminnesota.com. LGT
22 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: midwest ❖
WILD
WEST
KANSAS
G
roups traveling through the Sunflower State have many
chances to experience the days of the Wild West. Numerous Indian tribes have called Kansas home, and some of them are still around today. The Cherokee, Chippewa,
Attractions and events across the state recall days on the rugged frontier By Stephen Kaminski
Kaw and Shawnee are just a few of the
the lifestyle adjustment Native Americans made as a result. Shawnee Mission was established in 1839 as a training school for boys and girls from such tribes as the Shawnee and Delaware. Exhibits tell the story
of Indians in Kansas, displaying woven
tribes that inhabited this vast land, and
baskets, beadwork, drums and other
tourists are able to visit sites that preserve
artifacts that have been passed down
their cultures. Rodeos, parks and museums
through generations.
also provide vivid reminders of frontier life,
To the south along the Missouri bor-
offering insight into pioneer days on the
der, Fort Scott National Historic Site,
Great Plains.
on the edge of downtown Fort Scott,
After crossing the Kansas-Missouri
served as a military outpost in the
border, Kansas City is the first place
mid-1800s. Structures such as in-
visitors can stop to witness Native
fantry barracks, a hospital, stables
American heritage. The Huron In-
and powder magazine have been
dian Cemetery was created in the
restored. Exhibits explain the fort’s
1840s to bury members of the Wyan-
role in westward expansion, protect-
dotte Nation after they were forcibly
ing the American Indian frontier and
moved from Ohio to Kansas. It is be-
the Bleeding Kansas era when the
lieved that there are more than 400
Kansas territory was a battleground
buried there. Only minutes away, Lewis
between pro- and anti-slavery forces.
and Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point
In Topeka, the state capital, Old
commemorates the expedition that went
Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site
deep into western territories. In June of 1804 Point, near the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. The 10-acre park features an education pavilion and interpretive signs that
spotlights the city’s early history. An 1870s
Visit Topeka
the Lewis and Clark expedition stopped at Kaw
Victorian home, a log cabin, general store, church,
Experience Kansas’ Western heritage at the Topeka PRCA Rodeo in August or a re-enactment at Fort Scott, a frontier military outpost.
a vintage dentist’s office and working soda fountain are among the buildings on-site. The property has guided tours where visitors can
detail the expedition’s path through
dress in 19th century clothing and
woods bordering the rivers. Located in
stay for a picnic basket dinner. Also in Topeka is the Kansas
City, the park has an outdoor am-
Museum of History, which has dis-
special events. Also in the metro area, Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site in Fairway sheds light on westward
24 April 2013
Kansas Travel & Tourism Division
the center of metropolitan Kansas phitheater for live performances and Hat Photo/Clipart.com
expansion in the 19th century and
plays on pioneer and Native American heritage. The annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow in September honors Native American culture with a weekend of traditional ritual dancing.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Wamego was originally inhabited by the Konza and
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a sampling of other group-friendly attractions in Kansas, go to LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this numerical code: 33795.
Potawatomi Indians and then used as a support community for the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Wamego Historical Museum
at events like the Flint Hills Rodeo in Strong City. The longest-
and Prairie Village tells the story of the city’s humble begin-
running rodeo in Kansas (now in its 76th year), a Professional
nings with authentic buildings from the 1800s, including a
Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned event, is set for June
one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin and the first jail in Pot-
6-8. Groups touring the Flint Hills around Strong City will want
tawatomie County. The historic Oregon Trail passed just north
to visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which pro-
of Wamego, and wagon ruts from that time can still be seen.
tects some 10,000 acres of the kind of unspoiled countryside
(On Wamego’s main street is the Oz Museum, which boasts
that once blanketed North America. The preserve includes a
one of the world’s largest privately-owned collections of
historic 1881 ranch and one-room schoolhouse. Free, 90-
Wizard of Oz memorabilia.)
minute bus tours through the prairie are available. Living His-
At nearby Fort Riley, home of the First Infantry Division, the U.S. Cavalry Museum chroni-
tory Ranching Weekends feature blacksmithing, soap making, roping and other skills.
cles the history of the mounted horse
Wichita, once a base for cattle drives
soldier from the Revolutionary War
on the Chisholm Trail, is home to
through World War II. Its art
the Old Cowtown Museum,
collection includes works by
where visitors experience life
Frederic Remington.
in the 1870s. Sights, sounds
Flint Hills Discovery
and activities common to a
Center is a tribute to the
Midwestern cattle town put
last major stand of tall-
the “living” in this 23-acre
grass prairie in the world.
living history museum, a
Located in Manhattan, home
collection of more than 40
to Kansas State University,
restorations and reproduc-
the interactive center explores
tions of buildings from 1865-
the ecology and history of the Flint
Visit Topeka
Hills region through exhibits and a
re-enactors, wagon rides and a visit
15-minute multimedia experience. Lazy T Ranch in Manhattan is a working family ranch where groups
1880. Groups enjoy costumed to the home of the town’s founder,
The Kansas Museum of History chronicles westward expansion in exhibits like this 1880 steam locomotive.
can enjoy cowboy entertainment, a chuckwagon supper and hayrack ride through the Flint Hills.
Darius Munger. Wichita’s Mid-America All-Indian Center celebrates
Native American cultures. Dodge City, in southwest Kansas, had the reputation of
Abilene’s cowboy roots go back to 1867, when the Kansas
being the wildest town in the West and became immortalized for
Pacific Railroad and the Chisholm Trail intersected, making
a later generation that watched the television show Gunsmoke.
Abilene the first “cowtown” in the American West. Herds of cat-
Boot Hill Museum, a re-creation of Dodge City in 1876, is an
tle, numbering in the millions, were driven up the Chisholm
open-air Western history attraction. During the summer, visitors
Trail from Texas and shipped to Eastern markets, satisfying the
can take stagecoach rides and see gunfight re-enactments and
nation’s hunger for beef after the Civil War. At Old Abilene
a Long Branch Saloon variety show. Historic trolley tours, the
Town, a reconstructed cattle town, groups can learn about
Kansas Heritage Center and Dodge City Roundup Rodeo (July
cowboys and cattle drives and might catch a staged gunfight or
31-Aug. 4) also showcase the town’s Western roots.
dance hall show. The American Indian Art Center in Abilene
In Garden City, 50 miles west of Dodge City, wannabe
is Kansas’ only completely Native American art gallery and craft
cowboys and cowgirls can shop for their Western wardrobes
shop, featuring well-known artists from around the country. The Wild West comes alive at rodeos staged in arenas all across Kansas. See bull and bronc riders show off their skills
at Crazy House. Billed as the largest Western store between Wichita and Denver, it’s known as the “Boot King of Kansas.” To get into the spirit of the Old West, city slickers captivated by visions of cowboys, Indians and frontier adventure
Obtain Kansas visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
should saddle up and hit the trail for rip-roaring fun on the plains of Kansas. LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 25
Little Apple ...
Big Attractions
Come get to know the home of Country Stampede; savor our local dining; cheer Big XII sports; wander into our quaint shops, eclectic art galleries, museums and outdoors. Get caught in the beauty of The Little AppleÂŽ!
www.visitmanhattanks.org Call for a free Visitors Guide - 800-759-0134 Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau 501 Poyntz Avenue • Manhattan, KS 66502
26 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 27
on location: south ❖
Experiential Tourism
e South rn STYLE
here was a day when we traveled with a group and were perfectly content to watch the dolphins and manatees from the comfort of a boat. Now, we want to swim with them. Maybe it’s the advent of the reality shows that entices us to hunt for alligators and distill moonshine. So, why the change in what we find interesting? One opinion might be that we’re simply more curious than ever before. Maybe it’s television that has introduced us to activities beyond our imagination. Possibly, it’s the Internet that has opened doors to exploring new options. Either way, knowledgeable tour operators, group leaders and destinations are responding. Southern destinations play an important role in the trend called experiential tourism, and every state has something special to offer. Here are just a few experiences to pique your interest:
T
Travel’s hottest trend puts the emphasis on getting tour members involved By Dave Bodle
Groups can go shrimping off the coast of Georgia’s St. Simons Island, learn about furniture making in Hickory, N.C. and climb with Red River Outdoors guides in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.
% ALABAMA
lowed her early explorer sweetheart to the mountain. Accom-
Art is alive and well in Alabama and groups are invited to
modations in the 24-room Mather Lodge were renovated in
participate. A great place to start is BlackBelt Treasures in
2012 along with the restaurant’s main dining room. Bird watch-
Camden. The Black Belt Region, named for its rich black top-
ing and hiking to Cedar Creek Falls are favored activities, while
soil, has grown some remarkable artists. BlackBelt Treasures
many prefer fishing and boating.
represents more than 350 artists, including painters, sculptors, potters, basket-weavers, quilters and woodworkers. Classes can be arranged for groups visiting the area. If glass is your medium, a visit to Adam Burges at The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is in order.
% GEORGIA Like an army, groups move on their stomachs. We like to eat and Georgia is well known for its Southern cuisine. This time, though, we’ll work for our food.
A BFA graduate of the University of South Alabama, Adam in-
Lauri Jo’s in Norman is a delightful addition to any itinerary.
vites you to “come play with the toys.” Under the watchful eye
How can you go wrong with a tagline “Preserving the South
and supervision of a master glass blower, groups can partici-
One Jar at a Time.” What began as an enjoyable hobby soon
pate in the “Make Your Own Glass” program.
flourished and became a business. Now, they offer more than
Monroeville is home to Harper Lee’s magnificent piece of
24 truly Southern products in 41 states.
American literature, To Kill a Mockingbird. The plot and characters are loosely based on the author’s observations of her
Groups in Orange Beach, Ala. can learn the art of glass blowing at the Coastal Arts Center’s Hot Shop.
family and neighbors, as well as a 1936 event that occurred when she was 10 years old. Live the plot by taking a walking tour of downtown Monroeville and then do a small painting of your adventure.
% ARKANSAS Many of us recall summer visits with our families to state parks. Back in the day many of the parks were pretty primitive with only the bare essentials for camping. A visit to Arkansas reveals these are not your grandpa’s state parks. There are 52 state parks in The Natural State. While most offer interpretive programs, trails and camping, a few provide accommodations for tour & travel, student/youth and reunion groups. DeGray Lake Resort State Park Lodge offers 94 rooms with all the amenities, a wonderful restaurant, and spectacular views of the lake and mountains. Of the activities you’d associate with a lakeside resort, two stand out. Summer snorkeling, from lessons through participation, is a great way to explore the lake. From late November through February an eaglewatching boat tour is a must. Land lovers are not forgotten with a championship 18-hole golf course on site.
Get ready for a roll-up-your-sleeves, how-to canning school.
For someone living at sea level, it’s difficult to explain the
Groups arrive on a summer Friday afternoon, tour the facility,
thrill of watching light clouds slowly drift by at eye level from
and go over rules and regulations for the class. Next, everyone
my balcony. But there is considerably more to Mount Maga-
goes to a farm and picks their produce. Return for a dinner that
zine State Park than the panoramic views from 2,753 feet
features Lauri Jo’s products.
above sea level. The well-appointed, 60-room Lodge at Mount
After a restful evening in a nearby hotel, the group returns
Magazine and Skycrest Restaurant are both rustic and mod-
the next morning for breakfast at Lauri Jo’s. Then classes
ern. An ATV guide service is available for those ready to ex-
begin and at noon the group prepares a Southern lunch. The
plore the mountain. Mountain biking, horseback riding and
afternoon canning class is completed by 4 p.m. and groups
hang gliding are all there for the outdoor sports enthusiast.
depart with 24 jars of two different products they’ve made.
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’s oldest (constructed by
The “Shrimpin’ Excursion” departing St. Simons Island
the Civilian Conservation Corps) and known for the legend of
aboard the Lady Jane is another culinary adventure. In the
Petit Jean, the young French girl disguised as a boy who fol-
protected waters of St. Simons Sound, you’ll be shrimping
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 29
on location: south ❖ on a vessel that has been certified by the Coast Guard to carry 49 passengers. The Lady Jane has plenty of deck space, an air-conditioned cabin and restrooms. When the nets come up, guests help sort the shrimp from the catch of other species. When your work is done, enjoy the fresh-caught shrimp, boiled and served while onboard the Lady Jane.
% KENTUCKY
The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville lets visitors create a festive hat.
On the first Saturday in May, many of us are in our family
museum and then take it home.
rooms anticipating the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” the
Maybe your group is looking for something with a little more
running of the Kentucky Derby. Prior to the actual race, much
action. Look no further than Eastern Kentucky and the Red
of the television coverage will focus on the horses, the owners,
River Gorge area of Natural Bridge State Park. Known as a
the trainers and… the hats.
premier rock-climbing destination, the area also offers zip lines,
What lady or gentleman doesn’t want a special hat for
hiking, camping, canoeing and other outdoor activities.
that special afternoon? There’s no better place to create your
Whether you simply want to enjoy the exquisite beauty or
own Derby chapeau than the Kentucky Derby Museum in
are ready for a true adventure, Red River Outdoors is the
Louisville. This exclusive group activity provides the guests
place to begin. For smaller groups, cabins are available with all
with a hat and all the Derby-inspired ornamentation. When it’s
the comforts of home. Full kitchen, bath, linens, heat and a/c,
perfect and to your liking, you can wear it as you explore the
TV and gas grill are standard.
American spirit WHERE THE
catches the world’s eye.
UBass Reeves Statue, Fort Smith SCAN FOR INFO
UClinton Library, Little Rock
UOzark Folk Center, Mountain View
UHemingway-Pfeiffer Museum, Piggott
WELCOMING THE WORLD. Since opening its doors in 2004, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center has welcomed more than two million visitors from around the world. The Center is an educational and cultural venue offering a variety of special events, exhibitions, educational programs and lectures throughout the year.
Jazz: Through the Eyes of Herman Leonard
Opens March 2 © Herman Leonard Photography, LLC
Oscar de la Renta: An American Icon
Opens May 2013
George Washington’s Personal Copy of the Acts of Congress
Opens June 29
CLINTONPRESIDENTIALCENTER.ORG 501-374-4242
on location: south ❖
Obtain Southern state visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
% LOUISIANA Lafayette, in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country, is rich in traditions known worldwide. Authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine is a staple of the culture, but just as important is Zydeco Cajun dance music. Usually played on accordion, guitar, and violin, it combines traditional French melodies with Caribbean and blues influences. The music is not for sitting and listening —wallflowers are discouraged. So, do you want to dance? There’s no shortage of Cajuns ready to share their love of dance and hospitality. Allons Á Lafayette, Inc., a receptive company, is happy to arrange a complete South Louisiana tour, including dance lessons. Philip Gould
If you watch the History Channel, you’ve probably come across Swamp People. Viewers are awed at these self-reliant Visitors can learn the local dance steps in Louisiana’s Cajun Country.
Climbing is a way of life for Red River Outdoors guides, and
Cajuns of the Atchafalaya Swamp and the risks they take to “fish gators.” Groups, too, can get up close and personal with Louisiana’s oldest residents.
they enjoy guiding both experienced and novice climbers. For
Covington Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery, directed by
groups seeking to enjoy the beauty and excitement of the Red
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, offers well-respected student
River, Kentucky’s only National Wild and Scenic River, a canoe
tours that meet state and national learning standards. Guided
or kayak is the way to go. The Middle Gorge is Class 1+. The
tours are designed to be age-appropriate. Insta-Gator Ranch
three- to five-hour trip is self-guided, but Red River Outdoors
is entering its 25th year harvesting alligator eggs. Ask about
provides the shuttle, launch and pick-up.
holding a hatching alligator egg.
An afternoon at a lunch counter. A thousand arms linked at the elbow. A line of fire hoses. A pack of German Shepherds. A letter from a Birmingham jail. A children’s crusade. A devastating explosion. A world that would never be the same. The year was 1963, and as the whole world watched, events in Birmingham sparked the beginning of the end of a centuries-long struggle for freedom. In the year leading up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the city’s most courageous citizens fought for a world where we could all live as equals. And now, we celebrate their courage, their strength, their defiance — and their hard-won victory over oppression. Join us as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Birmingham Civil Rights Campaign and experience some of the most prominent landmarks and monuments of the era, such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Walk in the footsteps of the citizens who changed the world forever. For more information on upcoming events planned for the Birmingham commemoration, visit 50yearsforward.com.
GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU | WWW.BIRMINGHAM.TRAVEL | 800.458.8085 HISTORIC PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS
on location: south ❖ % MISSISSIPPI When visiting Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, taking advantage of numerous fishing options is the way to go. Whether your interest is pier, surf, wading, inland fresh water or deep sea fishing, you’ll find it here. More than 13 piers await the casual anglers in your group. Many offer equipment rentals and purchases, or find the right equipment and get a fishing license at Wal-Marts, K-marts, sporting goods stores, and bait
Tourists in Hickory, N.C. can observe and then try their hand at furniture making.
shops and fish camps. Enjoy an afternoon in the fresh air and don’t be afraid to ask for some help and direction. Other pier fishermen are pleased to share their knowledge. More than 60 charter boat captains stand ready to offer professional guide service to saltwater spots where the big ones are found. More than 25 species make their home in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters.
% NORTH CAROLINA At one time North Carolina produced 25 percent of all the furniture in the world. Hickory is one of the cities with a proud tradition in furniture-making. In 1901 the Hickory Furniture Co. opened, utilizing the abundant timber in the area and a labor force that would pass
Once you’ve put some nice fish in the boat and the crew
their skills from generation to generation. The industry grew
has helped you clean and prep them, have a cookout. Any
steadily, survived the Great Depression and exploded at the
park with a grill and some picnic tables will do just fine.
end of World War II. In 1960 a handful of manufacturers hosted an event for retailers and wholesalers in what is now the
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Mississippi’s Gulf Coast stages its own rousing Mardi Gras. See the article at www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this code: 34047.
34 April 2013
Hickory Furniture Mart. In 1985 the doors were opened to the public, and today the mart welcomes more than a half-million
LeisureGroupTravel.com
THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY FIVE MILES ON ANY ITINERARY. Give your next tour group more memories per gallon. Bring them to a place that makes eyes go wide and mouths grin ear to ear. A destination with more shows. More shopping. More arts and crafts. More mountain views. And more down-home cooking. A city that offers a wide range of fun for anyone at any age. Welcome to a detour from the ordinary. A rest stop from monotony. Welcome to The Land of More.
%#!+* +.#! +1./ċ +)ƫđƫāġĉĀĀġĂĉĆġĈĆĆĈ
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 35
on location: south ❖ visitors to their factory outlets, showrooms and galleries.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a look at Alabama’s officially designated food trails, see Dave Bodle’s article at www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this code: 33984
% SOUTH CAROLINA
Exclusively for groups, the furniture mart is developing a
In a mountain region of South Carolina named the Dark
package that combines a tour of a Hickory manufacturer with
Corner, a hearty group of Scots-Irish immigrants was quite pro-
a hands-on skill experience from building to upholstering a
ficient at distilling alcohol from grain. After the Civil War, taxes
chair. With newfound knowledge and appreciation for manu-
were placed on distillers and although some obliged and actu-
facturing, groups return to the Hickory Furniture Mart to see
ally sold to the government, many took their skills to the for-
the retail side of the industry. A final date for the tour’s intro-
est. Working at night so the smoke could not be seen by
duction has not been set.
revenuers, they got into moonshining. Today Dark Corner Distillery is producing award-winning spirits and opening its doors to groups. Its Distilling Class, a Greenville CVB Signature Event, shows how to make moonshine, providing hands-on training in producing high-quality distilled spirits. Lunch is provided. Upon graduation, each student receives a DCD Certificate of Completion. In the Myrtle Beach area groups are regular visitors to both La Belle Amie Vineyard and Grapefull Sisters Vineyard. Both offer tours and tastings. Make sure you purchase one of their wines because you’ll need it on your next stop. New to Myrtle Beach, Wine and Design invites groups to drink wine while learning how to paint. A corkscrew and all the art supplies are provided. Then follow along as an artist helps you create your masterpiece. Charleston, of course, is history and what better way to investigate the past than a Drayton Hall archaeology program. A landscape walk follows an archaeology-focused house tour. Several former excavation sites are visited. Throughout the tour images of artifacts from Drayton Hall’s collection will be interpreted. Hopefully you paid close attention. With newfound knowledge you’ll investigate an 18th century building to determine how it was used over a 200-year span.
% TENNESSEE If you want to become engrossed in country music and discover if your group can really capture the Nashville Sound, then you’ll just have to go to Nashville. It all starts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Historic RCA Studio B. With more than 1,000 Top Ten hits from 35,000 recordings (150 by Elvis!) you’ll know 36 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: south ❖ you’re on sacred music ground as soon as you walk into Historic RCA Studio B, a Music Row landmark operated by the Hall of Fame and Museum. The names ring like a country music Who’s Who—Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers, Willie Nelson, Eddy Arnold, Elvis Presley and many more. Studio B’s “Sharing the Art of Songwriting” program intro-
Groups get a chance to record a song at Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville.
duces your group to an accomplished songwriter, who leads the group in creating its own original song. Then the writer will record your song.
First-time paddlers might choose an expedition from Onancock and follow the calm waters that Captain John Smith dis-
If you know there’s vocal talent hidden within your group,
covered in 1608. A popular program is kayaking the Eastern
go directly to becoming a “Star for a Day.” A tour of the Historic
Shore National Wildlife Refuge observing birds in their native
RCA Studio B concludes with your group working directly with
habitat.
a sound engineer in a recording session.
% VIRGINIA The Eastern Shore of Virginia is the last wild stretch of coast
For those with an appetite for Virginia’s cherrystone clam, kayak clamming is for you. Visit an Eastern Shore aqua farmer and dig some fresh clams for your dinner. Your first dozen is included in the cost.
in the Mid-Atlantic. There is no better way to explore what’s
What better way to enjoy a day of paddling than to finish
just around the corner of the inlet than by kayaking. The out-
with award-winning wines. Enjoy a day on the water and con-
fitter to lead that exploration is SouthEast Expeditions, which
clude with a visit to Chatham Vineyards or Holly Grove Vine-
has more than 25 years of experience in kayaking. Certified
yards. Wine, kayak, gear and instruction are included at one
eco-tour guides lead the way.
reasonable price.
% WEST VIRGINIA Since opening in 1996, the strikingly handsome Tamarack, with its pointed façade representing the state’s mountain peaks, has been sharing the artistic traditions of West Virginia with more than 500,000 visitors annually. Located in Beckley, it truly represents the “Best of West Virginia.” At Tamarack there’s something for everyone. If it’s good to eat, you’ll find it in the gourmet food department. Wood, baskets, pottery and glass produced by West Virginia artisans seem in endless supply. Jewelry and apparel, an artist gallery, a food court, a theater and the Greenbrier Shop complete this statewide cultural center. Observing one of the five on-site artisans at work provides an introduction to textile, pottery, blacksmithing, woodworking and glass skills. An exclusive group activity provides one-on-one time with master artisans and welcomes all skill levels. Stained-glass or etched-glass ornaments are created. Specialty cards are made using fabric and paper. A Civil War figurine is hand painted and created from a thread spool. LGT 38 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: west ❖
Savoring California’s
Napa Valley
California Travel & Tourism Commission/thatgirlproductions.com
Visit Napa Valley
Trappings of the good life await groups touring America’s most famous wine region By John Kloster
Enjoy fine vintages on the Napa Valley Wine Train (above) or at Kuleto Estate Winery (top). Spread photo: Vineyards in autumn.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 39
on location: west ❖ veryone knows about California’s wine country and
Ranch. A charming in-town property is the Mount View
the iconic wineries in the Napa Valley and nearby
Inn, located on Lincoln Avenue, as are virtually all the
Sonoma County. And certainly most visitors to the
restaurants.
E
area are going to be interested in touring some of these
St. Helena has a short two-block downtown area that is
wineries to see how they turn grapes into a product that
one of the most picturesque anywhere and contains one-of-
sells for $40 a quart. But there are other options as well, from
a-kind tourist shops and restaurants. Top wineries include
Michelin-star restaurants, bountiful markets and fancy spas to
Duckhorn, Charles Krug and Joseph Phelps. Resorts include
train rides, balloon flights and
the Harvest Inn, Auberge du Soleil
bike trips.
in nearby Rutherford and Mead-
Getting around the Napa Val-
owood, where the restaurant has
ley is easy. There are two major
three Michelin stars.
north-south
highways
Favorite
going
restaurants in St. Helena include
through the valley, the Silverado
Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen by
Trail and Route 29.
Cindy Pawlcyn, who also has
Let’s travel through the major
Mustards Grill in Yountville, and
towns of the Napa Valley, starting
Terra. Greystone Restaurant is
in the north at Calistoga and
operated by the Culinary Institute
working south through St. He-
of America and staffed largely by
lena, Yountville and Napa to the
culinary students perfecting their
Carneros region. Each town has
craft under the supervision of ex-
good hotels, excellent restau-
perienced chefs.
rants and notable wineries. All but Yountville have weekly farmer’s
Yountville is a unique small Napa Valley Balloons offers early morning flights that afford dreamy views of Northern California wine country.
markets from May to October.
town. Although its population is less than 3,000, the town boasts
Calistoga was home to sev-
three Michelin-star restaurants,
eral Native American villages,
making it the culinary capital of
drawn by the healing powers of
wine country; arguably, it’s home
the local hot springs. By the mid-
to the greatest concentration
1800s a spa resort was built and
of fine restaurants in the world.
the completion of the Napa Valley
The first winery was built here in
Railroad allowed passengers to
1874 and operated until 1955.
ferry from San Francisco and
It is now V Marketplace, which
then train to Calistoga. Later a
holds shops, the Napa Style wine
local soda fountain owner was
bar and celebrity chef Michael
drilling for a water well and struck
Chiarello’s Bottega restaurant.
sparkling water. He opened a bot-
The top accommodations choice
tling line and Calistoga Sparkling
is the eco-conscious Bardessono
Water was begun. Also nearby is the Old Faithful of California geyser.
Inn and Spa right across the Visits to valley wineries give tour members close-up looks at the fruit of the vine and tastings of the end product.
The town today retains a Victorian aura with historic buildings, two-lane roads and no fast-food restaurants. It
street. Other hotel options range from the fabulous Hotel Yountville,
North Block Hotel and Vintage Inn to a variety of inns and B&Bs.
was cited by the National Trust as a Distinctive Destination.
The restaurant that really put Yountville on the map is
The cooler hillsides produce good zinfandel and chardon-
Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, where the menu changes
nay. Local wineries include Sterling, Schramsberg and
every day and offers a staggering number of small items. It
Chateau Montelena, known for winning a famous Paris wine
is always rated one of the best restaurants in the world.
tasting and depicted in the movie Bottle Shock. Notable high-
Keller has his own herb and vegetable garden. He also op-
end spa resorts include Solage Calistoga and the Calistoga
erates the more casual Bouchon Bistro, Ad Hoc (designed to
40 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Obtain California visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
be for locals) and Bouchon Bakery (pastries and sand-
the Westin Verasa, Andaz Napa, Napa River Inn, River Terrace,
wiches). Domaine Chandon winery’s etoile restaurant and
Meritage Resort and the Silverado Resort, located east of town
Richard Reddington’s Redd also are world-renowned. Bistro
in a secluded golf course community. Notable B&Bs include the
Jeanty, Redd Wood and Hurley’s would be top restaurants
Beazley House and the Inn on First. Napa also has some great
anywhere else.
restaurants. La Toque has a Michelin star and Iron Chef Masa-
The Rutherford and Oakville wine regions, between
haru Morimoto has Morimoto Restaurant here. Other great
Yountville and Napa, are home to Caymus, Opus One, In-
picks are Celadon, Fish Story and Hog Island Oysters at the
glenook, Plumpjack, Silver Oak, Cakebread and Robert Mon-
Oxbow Market (with oysters from its own farm on the coast).
davi. The Oakville Grocery is a historic site where you can purchase whatever you need for your picnic lunch. You can even enjoy it at the picnic area out back. Inglenook is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and is the site of his home and a boutique winery. Coppola recently completed his purchase of the land that comprised the old Inglenook winery and here you can tour the winery as well as visit the museum that tells the story of winemaking, history of Inglenook and history of cinema. Far Niente Winery includes not only a winery tour but visits to its 13 acres of gardens and collection of classic cars and motorcycles. The city of Napa, at the south end of the valley, is its commercial center. There aren’t a lot of wineries here, with the notable exceptions of Domaine Carneros and Michael Mondavi Family Estate. However, there are roughly 20 wine-tasting rooms where you can savor the vintages from a group of wineries. A Downtown Napa Wine Tasting Card offers tastings at 12 of them for 10 cents each. At the Oxbow Public Market you can taste wine, watch cooking demonstrations, and purchase artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and bread. Or grab some seafood or pizza and enjoy it on the plaza overlooking the river. There are many shops downtown, which stretches east to the river. Along the way you’ll see Napa Artwalk, a rotating temporary series of sculptures based on a theme that changes every two years. Accommodations in Napa include LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 41
on location: west ❖
Napa Valley Wine Train
Besides a dining car experience, guests on some Napa Valley Wine Train excursions may opt for a winery tour at Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford.
BEYOND WINE TASTINGS
between rides of two to four miles each. One follows roads
The Napa area is easy to tour by bicycle. Napa Valley Bike
and the other goes off-road at times to ride through the vine-
Tours offers self-guided bike tours on current-year Specialized
yards. Either way they bring you a picnic lunch and pick up
bikes where you set your own itinerary. They also offer two full-
your wine purchases along the way. (napavalleybiketours.com)
day guided rides, each of which visits three or four wineries in
Another option is the Napa Valley Wine Train, a scenic ride through the heart of Napa Valley. Each ride is three hours roundtrip and you have a choice of going for lunch or dinner. There are three price levels, which determine your car and your menu and beverage choices. You can choose to just ride the train roundtrip or book a lunch with winery visit and return on the train or motorcoach. (napavalleywinetrain.com) For something out of the ordinary, try a hot-air balloon ride with Napa Valley Balloons. The winds are the calmest and coolest at sunrise, so the trip starts very early. You start with a pre-dawn arrival for coffee, juice and pastry. Then you board in a group of 6-16 depending on the basket size. There is no sense of motion as you float with the winds up to 2,000 feet for about an hour. Your pilot points out landmarks and scenic highlights between the mountain ranges. After landing you finish the trip with full breakfast and sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon Winery’s Michelin-star etoile restaurant. (napavalleyballoons.com) For more information on California’s Napa Valley, go to visitnapavalley.com. LGT
42 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: west ❖
A
s a tour operator, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to write about a destination that means so much to you. Laughlin is such a place for me as my first tour was to Laughlin in 1981
Rollin’ on the River Laughlin’s compact hotel corridor lines the banks of one of the most pristine segments of the Colorado River. For a nominal fee, water taxis travel from one hotel dock to another on what some call Laughlin’s “main street” – the Colorado River.
when it was a sleepy little town with two casinos.
One of the most popular group activities is riverboat cruis-
It’s grown by leaps and bounds ever since and is
ing with two different paddlewheel-style boats offering narrated
a perfect destination for groups looking for value, outdoor adventure, gaming, dining and just plain fun. Combine the following features for
cruises. The Celebration and USS Riverside are double-deck vessels with climate-controlled lower levels and open-air top decks. In addition to scheduled cruises, charters are available for groups of up to 80.
a winning itinerary and happy guests:
This fun-filled oasis in the Nevada desert is lush with group-friendly options By Sue Arko
Hitting the
Jackpot Laughlin in
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 43
LAUGHLIN
Laughlin is known for its Fourth of July “Rockets over the River” show. The USS Riverside offers narrated excursions on the Colorado River.
on location: west ❖
use dirt trails, the 2.75-mile Horseshoe Trail Loop and threemile Desert Trail.
London Jet Boat Tours depart Laughlin and travel to Lake Havasu, home of the London Bridge. The full-day tour allows
Special Events
time for sightseeing, shopping and lunch on your own in Lake
Laughlin’s “Rockets over the River” is one of the most
Havasu before returning to Laughlin. Groups that like a little
spectacular July Fourth fireworks displays in the West. The
more soft adventure can canoe and kayak on the river with
fireworks, choreographed to patriotic music, are launched
Desert River Outfitters.
above the river directly across from the hotels. There can be one or two shows depending on where the holiday falls. The
Outdoor Adventure
viewing is ideal from the riverwalk.
Laughlin is located at the crossroads of three states – Ne-
Laughlin’s International Film Festival in October show-
vada, California and Arizona. Rugged mountain ranges that
cases the talents of independent filmmakers from around the
change colors with the sunset, majestic desert landscapes
world. The festival includes Q&A with the filmmakers and
and the mighty Colorado River set the stage for year-round
workshops for aspiring filmmakers. And it wouldn’t be a film
outdoor adventure.
festival without a red carpet gala.
The newest Laughlin attraction, the Colorado River Her-
Laughlin has hosted many military reunions over the years,
itage Greenway Park and Trails project, has been named one
and in November, Veteran’s Day weekend is celebrated with
of the nation’s most promising projects designed to protect
a party to honor veterans. The weekend includes live music,
special places and reconnect Americans to the outdoors. The
vendors, interactive displays and a guard ceremony. Laughlin
project consists of nine miles of trails for bicyclists, pedestri-
resorts host their own special events to complement the week-
ans and equestrians, and includes expansion of the Laugh-
end’s festivities.
lin Riverwalk. It enhances the area as a destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventure, and helps preserve some unique vistas and historic sites related to the construction of Davis Dam. Highlights include:
•
Dining There is something for every taste in Laughlin, ranging from elegant gourmet dining to ethnic cuisine to national
Three trail loops that extend south from Davis Dam for
fast-food chains to extravagant buffets, 24-hour cafes and
approximately two miles along the Colorado River and an ad-
decadent Sunday champagne brunches. The Range Steak-
ditional three-mile Desert Trail.
house at Harrah’s Laughlin has the perfect balance of a clas-
• The Riverwalk Exploration Trail Loop, an extension of
sic steakhouse menu, extensive wine list, warm ambience
the Laughlin Riverwalk, running two miles adjacent to the Col-
and beautiful river views. Another favorite gourmet dining
orado River from the hotel resorts up to the new Pyramid
experience with spectacular views of the river is the Riveside
Canyon day-use area at the base of Davis Dam.
Resort’s Gourmet Room. The French cuisine is served
• The Equestrian Trailhead, offering access to two multi44 April 2013
tableside in a cozy, elegant setting. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Little did you know “VIP” stood for Very Important Planner.
Give people a cocktail party and they’ll probably give you a smile. Give people a cocktail party overlooking the Colorado River and a chartered dinner cruise, kayaking, waterskiing, championship golf 300+ days a year and spa facilities, all at an incredible value, and they’ll write a song about you. Plan a winning get-together by calling our Laughlin sales staff or filling out an RFP at VisitLaughlin.com/meetings/rfp.
LAUGHLIN
Enjoy the waterfront on a stroll along the Laughlin Riverwalk. August’s Colorado River Regatta sparks the area’s summer events calendar.
on location: west ❖
bingo. Special tournaments and players club promotions are offered regularly by each resort.
Pints Microbrewery at the Colorado Belle is not your typical sports bar. In addition to the usual fare like wood-fired
And Much More
pizzas, burgers and wings, you can build your own omelet
Laughlin is home to some terrific entertainment that you
or order flapjacks because they’re open 24 hours. For those
don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to see. Big-name artists
wanting a comfortable favorite, Outback Steakhouse and
perform in casino showrooms or outdoor arenas each week-
Joe’s Crab Shack bring their nationally recognized eateries
end, and lounge acts feature local musicians, dance floors and
to Laughlin. Outback is tucked inside the Aquarius Resort,
drink specials. Laughlin also has two classic car museums, a
and Joe’s at the Golden Nugget Laughlin has both indoor
34-lane, state-of-the-art bowling center with Cosmic Bowling,
dining and an extended outdoor deck along the river.
15 screens in two movie theaters and resort boutique shops. Within a couple hours drive is Oatman, an old Arizona min-
World-Class Gaming
ing town on Route 66; an exotic animal sanctuary; Grand
All nine Laughlin casino resorts offer 24-hour gaming and
Canyon Caverns; the West Rim of the Grand Canyon; and a
the latest in video and slot machines, table games, keno and
local winery and distillery. For the golf enthusiast, there are four 18-hole championship courses within minutes of the Laughlin resorts.
Value Laughlin is a remarkable value for groups. Comfortable accommodations at unbelievable group rates, reasonably priced food options, spa salons, fitness centers, free parking and no resort fees are but a few of the drawing cards. And saving money on room rates and food means more to spend on activities and entertainment. Overall, Laughlin is a relaxed, friendly, value-packed destination with something for everyone. For tour planners, it’s a sure bet. For more information, contact the Laughlin Visitor Information Center, 800-452-8445; visitlaughlin.com. LGT Obtain Nevada visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info Laughlin’s nine casino hotels offer a wide choice of nightlife options.
46 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: northeast ❖
Michael J. Lutch
A Broadway.com executive shares her thoughts about the Big Apple’s hottest new shows By Vanessa Day Matthew Murphy
New Thrills Await Groups on Broadway Andrew Eccles
New shows lighting up Broadway stages this spring include Kinky Boots (spread photo), a revival of Pippin (oval inset) and Motown: The Musical.
K
ick up your heels and move to the beat. The pulse of Broadway can be felt across the nation as dozens of exciting shows hit the stage.
Leisure Group Travel talked with Stephanie Lee, co-owner
and president of Broadway.com, who breaks down the up-
Leisure Group Travel: What new shows do you have coming up for the spring, summer and fall? Stephanie Lee: We have a jam-packed spring season. We have over seven musicals opening, and over 11 plays opening. LGT: Are there any you’re particularly excited about?
coming year on Broadway, which includes classics and some
SL: The one I’m really excited about is Kinky Boots. It’s
welcome surprises. Throw in some incredible stars making
based on a true story. And what’s really exciting is the music
their Broadway debut and novel talents making their mark on
and lyrics have been written by Cyndi Lauper, so this is her
the industry, and the bright lights of Broadway will continue to
debut on Broadway. Kinky Boots also had what I call our out-
beckon groups touring New York City.
of-town run in Chicago, and sold out …and [got] fantastic re-
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 47
on location: northeast ❖
Obtain New York state visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
We often times of late see so many revivals on Broadway that it’s so great when you find a new musical and know that it’s a great group show. LGT: Anything else you recommend? SL: The other one that I was fortunate enough to see out of town is Pippin. What’s fascinating about Pippin is that this is the 40th anniversary production of the 1972 musical, so it actually hasn’t been revived in 40 years. The director is a woman named Diane Paulus, and she’s just really innovative. What she’s done with Pippin is perfectly blend Broadway theater artists and performers with circus and created a mesManuel Harlan
merizing revival. LGT: That sounds like a really fun show. SL: It really is. There’s another new musical called Hands Matilda: The Musical is wowing audiences at New York’s Shubert Theatre.
on a Hardbody. It’s inspired by, again, true events. It’s based on a documentary...and it’s a story of a down-on-their-luck
Matthew Murphy
views and word of mouth. I was fortunate enough to see
Texas town. And Trey Anastasio (one of the members of the
it….What’s so interesting about Kinky Boots, despite its name,
band Phish) did the music. I don’t know how many Phish heads
which some people may think, ‘oh wait, is this right for my
are going to come to Broadway, but what we’re seeing is the
group, it’s got the word kinky in it?’ is it’s such a wonderful story.
younger, newer demographic saying, you know, ‘where is [Trey
It’s got great music, spectacular choreography and a really
Anastasio] going?’ He’s coming to Broadway! And it’s got a
wonderful message because it truly is about family, about
country twang, so it’s a different kind of music, which is re-
friends, about heartbreak, and there’s nothing off color about it.
freshing. I think that has a greater appeal to people.
Kinky Boots, with music by Cindi Lauper, is an uplifting show that, despite its name, has nothing off-color, says Broadway.com’s Stephanie Lee. 48 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
LGT: In regards to certain shows appealing to different types of groups, have you noticed any that have been particularly popular among group bookings? SL: Absolutely. Matilda. It’s a huge success in London, and it’s appealing to a wide variety of groups. What’s interesting about Matilda is it’s not pigeonholed just for student groups, and at this time, a
We do see more musicals and plays opening in the spring. And the trend for us with group bookings is that there are so many products to offer groups, for every type of group, that we’re seeing a significant increase. —Stephanie Lee
majority of our groups happen to be adults. The other one that’s doing really
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well for groups is Motown: The Musical, the story of Berry Gordy and his discovery of Diana Ross, and Smokey Robinson. It has all those hits of the Motown era. And that’s a lot of fun because you go in there and those songs carry you through. I think Motown is going to have
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huge appeal to so many different types of audiences. LGT: So when it comes to bookings,
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are you seeing any trends? Are there more groups buying tickets? Or are you seeing a younger group audience? plays opening in the spring. And the trend
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for us with group bookings is that there
–The Academy of Country Music
SL: We do see more musicals and
are so many products to offer groups, for every type of group, that we’re seeing
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a significant increase. For example, we LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 49
on location: northeast ❖ have clients who would not necessarily book two trips, but because they want to book both Matilda and Motown…they are deciding to book multiple trips. When you have such rich content with all these wonderful shows, it makes the group leader or the tour operator think outside the box and potentially book more than they normally would or certainly more than maybe last year. LGT: For these shows that you’re seeing a lot of interest in, how far ahead do groups have to book? SL: Right now, the lead time is anywhere between 60 and 120 days out. The group buyers are able to take advantage of the early bird discounts, which are offered to groups for new Andrew Eccles
shows. For example, Kinky Boots, I was able to book groups exclusively in October, and they were receiving over a 20% discount. They are deep discounts, but they’re for a limited time. So if a group leader or a tour operator is open to the idea
Brandon Victor Dixon stars as Berry Gordy in Motown: The Musical.
and is savvy enough to take advantage of that, they lock in deep discounts. Booking early has become customary for most
LGT: So lots of activity then?
of our groups. Since spring is pretty full, right now we see a
SL: There’s so much to offer and it’s such an exciting sea-
buying trend for groups booking for mid-summer through the
son this spring. There are great discounts, there are so many
end of the year.
shows to choose from, whether it’s one of the new shows, the revivals, or one of the long-running shows, there truly is a show for every group coming to Broadway. There’s a show that’s appropriate, there are discounts to be found. LGT: Have you noticed any other trends? SL: We’re seeing so many different kinds of groups, and we’re seeing phenomenal business from the Brazilian market in January and July. What’s fascinating about the groups that are coming from Brazil is that English, for most of them, is a second language. So they are more inclined to book a show like Spiderman, where they can watch and follow the spectacle or enjoy the music and not get lost in the dialogue. That’s one trend that’s really fascinating to watch. LGT: Do you see 2013 being just as successful? SL: Yes, definitely. I think Broadway has become more group-friendly. The group minimum, which for years was 20, varies now. There are some shows that are skewed, and in order to take advantage of the group discount, nine people
50 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
can become a group. Broadway.com has become more group-friendly, and there are certain courtesies with regard to groups. We can now hold inventory while a tour operator tries to sell their trip. Our company has also gotten better in making sure that a group leader has all the tools they need to successfully market and sell their trip. We’re constantly provid-
There’s so much to offer and it’s such an exciting season this spring. There are great discounts, there are so many shows to choose from, whether it’s one of the new shows, the revivals, or one of the long-running shows, every group coming to Broadway. —Stephanie Lee
© Blue Man Productions, LLC.
there truly is a show for
ing content about the show they might be considering, and if they book that, and we know that they are taking a risk booking it, we want to set the group leader up for success so that they’ll sell out their trip and hopefully book another one. That’s going to shift in our industry when their success is our success. LGT: Do you have any other thoughts about Broadway that you want to share? SL: We just want the groups to keep coming to Broadway…and they are! Broadway is ever evolving and it’s always going to be a number one destination, a global destination. It’s an exciting time.
EXPERIENCE THE PHENOMENON Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else, guaranteed to be an outing that your group will never forget.
Broadway just keeps churning out plays and musicals, so it’s such an exciting time
NEW YORK
to watch the industry. LGT
1.800.BLUEMAN
LeisureGroupTravel.com
BOSTON
CHICAGO
BLUEMAN.COM
LAS VEGAS
ORLANDO
NATIONAL TOUR
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April 2013 51
on location: west ❖
BEST OF WYOMING Stellar national parks showcase America the Beautiful By Caitlin Kerfin
orthwest Wyoming is blessed with two of our country’s grandest wilderness reserves. Indeed, the exquisite scenery in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks is right out of a picture postcard. With opportunities for sightseeing as well as outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, horseback riding and climbing, there is never a dull moment in these Rocky Mountain sanctuaries.
N
Old Faithful, one of the world’s most famous geysers and a symbol of Yellowstone National Park, shoots a plume of steam every 80 to 90 minutes.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Home of the world’s largest collection of geysers, Yellow-
Wyoming Travel & Tourism
stone National Park is located atop an active volcano sur-
the lake, however, due to its cold temperatures. The Red Mountains run just west of Heart Lake, providing a great place for hiking. The area also offers smaller lakes, creeks, streams, and lodgepole pine forests.
rounded by forests and extends into parts of Idaho and
Old Faithful, located between West Thumb and Madison,
Montana. Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy out-
is Yellowstone’s most iconic geyser and erupts every 80-90
door recreation and marvel at the natural wonders in America’s
minutes. Part of the Upper Geyser Basin, the vicinity offers
first national park, established in 1872.
many other thermal springs to explore as well as waterfalls,
Because Yellowstone is so large, visiting just one area may take an entire day. Planning beforehand is important. The Grant Village and West Thumb area features the park’s largest lake, Yellowstone Lake. Visitors can’t swim in 52 April June 2013 2008
rivers and lakes. Nearby visitor centers give approximate times the major geysers will erupt so you can plan accordingly. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center contains exhibits on hydrothermal features and volcanic geology. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Live the Legend of Cheyenne! July 19-28, 2013 July 18-27, 2014 ) Top Name Entertainers ) 9 PRCA Rodeos ) USAF Thunderbirds ) Free Pancake
Breakfasts and Parades ) Indian Village and More!
www.cfdrodeo.com 800-227-6336
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum Historic Cheyenne Depot and Museum Wyoming State Capitol and State Museum Nelson Museum of the West Western Shopping Galore Big Boy Steam Engine Terry Bison Ranch Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Bit-O-Wyo Horse Barn Dinner Show
Plus There’s So Much More!
At the I-80 and I-25 Intersection ~ www.cheyenne.org ~ 800-426-5009
The Rockies’ jagged peaks provide a stunning backdrop at Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone visitors view bathing buffalo from a tour bus.
on location: west ❖
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a look at group-friendly Wyoming events, see the article at www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this code: 33896.
The Madison area is one of the smaller parts of the park but
The park offers many types of lodging, from cabins and
still offers some interesting nature spots. A one-mile roundtrip
campgrounds to hotels like the historic Old Faithful Inn.
trail in the Artists Paintpots area contains two large mudpots,
Concessioner-led activities and tours are also available.
hot springs and a forest. Madison is also a great place for hiking and picnicking. Also consider a boardwalk tour of Ter-
Wyoming Travel & Tourism
race Springs.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Norris Geyser Basin is home to Yellowstone’s hottest and
The Snake River winds down from southern Yellowstone
oldest geyser, located in the Norris area of the park. The area
National Park to Grand Teton National Park. Including Jack-
features Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser in the world;
son Hole and the jagged Teton Range, the park spans 485
Roaring Mountain with steam vents; Gibbon River; and Virginia
square miles.
Cascades. The Museum of the National Park Ranger shows
The Moose District in the southern part of the park includes
An American Legacy, a 25-minute movie about the National
Taggart, Bradley and Phelps lakes as well as Death Canyon.
Park Service.
Trails winding around the lakes provide viewing points for
The Mammoth area highlights Mammoth Hot Springs,
wildlife, including beavers, eagles, otters and moose. Visit the
where visitors can see Travertine sedimentary rock forma-
Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center for ranger-led ac-
tions. The North Entrance Road runs around the Gardner
tivities and hikes, informational displays about the park and a
River and Gardner River Canyon allowing for optimal wildlife
24-minute movie, Grand Teton National Park: Life on the Edge.
and scenery viewing. Stop along the 45th Parallel Bridge,
Jenny Lake District offers some of the most iconic scenes
halfway between the Equator and North Pole. The Albright
in the park, including Cascade Canyon, Hidden Falls, Inspira-
Visitor Center and Museum at Mammoth Hot Springs is in an
tion Point and Paintbrush Canyon. The Jenny Lake Visitor
old U.S. Cavalry building. The museum features an art gallery
Center offers exhibits on geology and ecology, an animated
with photography and paintings as well as Yellowstone histor-
geology film, and original paintings and photographs by park
ical memorabilia. Mt. Everts and Bunsen Peak are other des-
photographer and artist Harrison Crandall. South Jenny Lake
tination points in the area.
provides a boat ride over to Cascade Canyon.
In the Tower-Roosevelt area, the Petrified Tree is an
In the northern part of the park lies the Colter Bay District
ancient redwood. The largest concentration of petrified trees
with a variety of trails and scenic drives. Visit the Colter Bay
in the world may be found in Specimen Ridge. The area also
Visitor Center for exhibits or stop by the Flagg Ranch Informa-
offers Tower Fall, a 132-foot drop of Tower Creek, and calcite
tion Station for an overview of the park. The area offers Jack-
springs along the Yellowstone River.
son Lake and Grand View Point, great places for wildlife
Canyon Village area is home of the Grand Canyon of the
watching, fishing and hiking. Float, canoe or take a raft trip on
Yellowstone, the upper and lower falls of the Yellowstone, the
the Snake River or climb its nearby rocky areas. Colter Bay
Yellowstone River and Mt. Washburn. Hayden Valley is one of
offers campgrounds for tents and RVs. The park also offers
the best places in the park to view wildlife, including grizzly
other campgrounds, plus lodges and cabins.
bears, bison, elk, coyotes and many species of birds.
With gorgeous scenery, watchable wildlife and a variety of recreational activities, Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer
Obtain Wyoming visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
groups the ultimate in natural beauty and wilderness adventure. They’re exactly what national parks should look like. LGT
54 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: northeast ❖
W
illiamsport, located in Lycoming County, was really a delightful place to grow up. For an active boy living in “The Home of Little League”
there were plenty of organized leagues to join and, of course, we all played baseball. The Susquehanna River ran through town and provided great boating opportunities. Many of us learned to fish the local creeks with our dads and that one uncle who always seemed to catch his limit. Wonderful family and friends, coupled with a solid high school and college education, have led to some delightful memories. I was eagerly awaiting my recent return as a visitor. For motorcoach travelers, Wegmans grocery store on Route 15/220 in Williamsport, located midway between Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Washington, D.C., has always been a
Exploring North Central
Pennsylvania
Trolley tours showcase historic mansions on Millionaires’ Row in Williamsport.
By Dave Bodle
convenient lunch/dinner stop with a huge selection of everything from soups and salads to sandwiches, pizza and sushi. But tour groups today are discovering
All photos courtesy of Lycoming County Visitors Bureau
that the area has much more to offer.
Williamsport and other towns provide a bounty of itinerary possibilities in Lycoming County
The Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, a favorite with group tours in Williamsport, plies the Susquehanna River from early May through October. LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 55
on location: northeast ❖ Lycoming County history comes alive at the Thomas T. Taber Museum.
A smart way to begin a tour of the Williamsport area is a lunch buffet cruise on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, which makes a good introduction to the town’s rich history. Williamsport was formed in 1806 and rapidly became a logging center with the West Branch of the Susquehanna River serving as the transport vehicle for the industry. The area’s wealth grew and grew until at one time there reputedly were more millionaires on Williamsport’s West Fourth Street than any other street in the world. “Millionaires’ Row” seemed a fitting name for it. A tour of Millionaires’ Row might feature a step-on guide in period dress. A windshield tour is an hour or so, but you may want to consider the two-hour trolley tour of the lumber barons’ homes and churches. Titled the “Journey Through Time Tour,” it includes a visit to the Thomas
Williamsport Symphony Orchestra is part of the town’s rich cultural fabric.
T. Taber Museum, which chronicles the area’s history and features the Shempp Model Train exhibit, featuring more than 300 toy trains. A catered dinner with wine tasting at Bastress Mountain Winery or Eagle Rock Winery provides a pleasant ending to a busy day. A Williamsport-area tour continues the following day with museum choices that include the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum, Rowley House Museum and Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum. The Transportation Museum features one of only two fully restored 1949 Pennsylvania Pullman Railcars. “The Underground Railroad in Lycoming County” tour is new and very educational. The Rowley House, built in 1888, was prominently located among the lumber barons’ homes on West Fourth Street. Considered a spectacular example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture, the home has had only three owners and remains very much like it was. Every August as many as 60,000 visitors arrive in Williamsport for the Little League World Series, truly a world-class event as teams now come from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The 60-acre Little League campus includes lodging for the players, practice fields and the main fields where games are internationally televised. An important part of the campus is the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum. Undergoing a $4-million renovation, the museum is set to open in June 2013. Little League Baseball is chronicled from its beginning in 1939 to the present; participants represent 90 countries. Baseball at the Little League complex begins early each summer.
Williamsport is best known as the home of Little League Baseball.
The baseball camp at Williamsport, now in its 51st year, is open to campers from ages 9-14. From instructors and counselors with strong baseball backgrounds, youngsters
56 April 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
learn fundamentals, sharpen their skills and enjoy other recreational activities. A large swimming pool and dormitory-style housing adjacent to World Series Stadium enhance the experience. New to the camp in 2013 is the addition of the Easton Hit Lab, a swing analysis system. It is all about the science of hitting. Also new is a partnership with Baseball Factory. Each camper will receive a professional workout and evaluation of strengths and suggested areas of improvement. Also available will be a professionally filmed and edited video showing the camper’s performance at its best. The video will be part of each player’s web page, which will also display academic information and an evaluation. Little League Baseball is not the only item on the area’s sports and recreation menu. Historic Bowman Field, built in 1926, is the second oldest minor league baseball stadium in the United States and hosts the A monument to Chief Woapalanne (Bald Eagle) at Brandon Park, Williamsport
Crosscutters, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Williamsport Outlaws hockey team is the area’s newest
addition and plays outdoors on Airmen Pond at Bowman Field. Evening entertainment in the Williamsport area is plentiful. Every year since 1963 the Millbrook Playhouse has operated as a professional summer stock theater. The Playhouse’s 50th anniversary season runs from June 13-Aug. 4 in the Mainstage Theatre and June 21-Aug. 11 in the Cabaret Theatre. Near the end of 1989 the efforts of local businesses, residents and three key players came to fruition and a vision was realized. The 1928 Capitol Theatre was saved, renovated and became the new 2,100-seat Community Arts Center, which opened in LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2013 57
on location: northeast ❖
Obtain Pennsylvania visitor guides and itineraries and contact group-friendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
centers to antiques and country stores. The Purity Candy Company in nearby Allenwood and Lang’s Chocolates in Williamsport are both perfect for the sweet tooth in all of us. Central Pennsylvania has developed a considerable reputation for outstanding dining. With a strong Italian culture, the area has always offered some marvelous ethnic restaurants. Franco’s Lounge, Restaurant & Music Club has been a fixture for more than 20 years. Although small Vincenzo’s Italian Cuisine is a local favorite. Take a short drive to Jersey Shore, Pa. and you’ll find Santino’s Italian Cuisine. It’s well worth the visit. Numerous buffets and classic American dining restauMansions line Millionaire’s Row, or West Fourth Street, in Williamsport.
rants, including many that feature area favorites, are available throughout the Williamsport area. However, there are three fine
1993. Today it continues to offer a diverse calendar of music,
dining establishments in some memorable locations that may
dance, comedy, theater and films.
interest your group.
Founded in 1976 and now making its home in downtown
The Peter Herdic House on West Fourth Street is an ele-
Williamsport’s McDade Trade and Transit Center, the Com-
gant gourmet restaurant in two restored Victorian mansions.
munity Theatre League produces 10-12 plays and hosts 10
Open for lunch and dinner, it’s a delicious addition to a Mil-
special concerts a year. There’s always something playing
lionaires’ Row tour.
on the Williamsport entertainment scene.
The School of Hospitality operates Le Jeune Chef on the
The Williamsport area also has plenty of shopping oppor-
campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology. Groups will
tunities for tour groups, from the usual malls and shopping
enjoy a special dining experience as meals are created and
So many fairs and festivals, it’s like the whole region is a giant midway. Make sure Lehigh Valley Pa., is on your itinerary this year. You’ll discover that the area is one of the great festival capitals of Pennsylvania, with back-to-back-to-back fairs and festivals through spring, summer and fall. Groups have the opportunity to check out Musikfest, a 10-day celebration featuring dozens of different genres of music. Celtic Classic is an exciting celebration of Celtic culture, while Mayfair features plenty of arts and crafts. And that’s just three out of dozens. To request a free group tour planner, call Marc Kaminetsky at 1-800-MEET-HERE or visit DiscoverLehighValleyGroups.com.
Downtown Williamsport’s Community Arts Center, housed in a 1920s movie palace, presents a varied calendar of films and live entertainment.
presented by men and women preparing for careers in culi-
and enchanting local businesses, along with some award-
nary arts.
winning restaurants, combine for a delightful day trip.
The newest buzz on the Williamsport fine dining scene is 33
The Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven tells an
East. An atmosphere like no other paired with exceptional food
intriguing story of small plane aviation. Actually, many of the
and drink will have your group talking for years to come.
engines for the Piper Cubs were made in Williamsport at
Williamsport is an ideal location to launch hub & spoke
Lycoming Motors. A visit to Woolrich, Pa. and the Woolrich
tours of Central Pennsylvania. Just north is Wellsboro and
Flagship Store & Outlet should be on every group itinerary.
Tioga County, known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The
The story of John Rich and the company’s more than 180-
scenery is fabulous and outdoor activities are plentiful. Discover
year history of providing quality outdoor clothing is quite
Made in Tioga County products from pottery to maple syrup.
remarkable.
Just south is Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University.
From morning to night there’s much to see and do in the
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown
Williamsport area. It’s easy to design an itinerary that covers
Lewisburg is considered an architectural gem. Its showcase
all the bases.
is a 1941 Art Deco movie palace that’s still showing films, nightly. Shopping, including a Barnes & Noble at the university,
Begin planning by contacting the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau, 800-358-9900; vacationpa.org. LGT
on location: central america â?–
Lands of the
Maya
By Lance Harrell
M
ost residents of North America tend to look east to Europe or west to Asia when considering a historically-themed adventure. We seem to forget that
there were ancient civilizations that spanned the Americas and that their legacy remains to this day in dozens of spectacular ruined cities, right in our own metaphorical backyard. Let me take you through a brief exploration of just a few of these mythical cities left behind by one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations to grace Central America, the Maya. From modern day Mexico to Panama, the Maya reigned as the dominant culture for well over a thousand years. Although their civilization has been dead almost that long, anyone who witnessed the recent hoopla over the end of the world in 2012 cannot deny their influence on society today.
Teotihuacan, Mexico Our journey begins just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, where resting quietly atop the sprawling Mexican Highlands are the remains of one of the largest cities in the world during the 6th century. Although the exact date is unclear, archaeological evidence points to the founding of Teotihuacan sometime during the first two centuries B.C., after which it grew rapidly to nearly 150,000 residents during the following 200 years and became the preeminent center of religious culture for the surrounding region. Along the main thoroughfare, the aptly named Avenida de los Muertes (Avenue of the Dead), you can imagine the ancient city pulsing with activity—citizens walking from their multilevel apartment buildings in the massive Ciudadela, leaving the Temple of the Moon behind and making their way toward the imposing Temple of the Sun and the beginning of their day.
Tikal, Guatemala From Teotihuacan we point our travel compass southeast for the 900-mile trip into Mexico’s neighbor to the south, Guatemala, and the Mayan mecca of Tikal. Founded around the 4th century B.C., this pugnacious state was one of the 60 April 2013
Stone portraits, or stelae, line the central plaza in Copan, Honduras.
Ancient ruins captivate travelers in Central America
most powerful and feared of the Mayan kingdoms. It domi-
Valley. Best known for the beautifully intricate stone portraits
nated the region politically, economically and militarily for
(stelae), which line the central plaza, Copan was a southern
nearly 800 years until it was apparently conquered by Teoti-
seat of power for the Mayan empire until the 8th century.
huacan around the 4th century A.D., precipitating a slow de-
Two of the most interesting structures in Copan are the Hi-
cline until eventual abandonment sometime during the end of
eroglyphic Stairway, thought to be the royal palace of Yax Pasaj
the 10th century.
Chan Yopaat, and the West Court. Both are wonderfully pre-
Considered one of the premier examples of classical Mayan
served and offer unique glimpses into the social and religious
architecture, the massive city contains thousands of structures
underpinnings of ancient Mayan culture and pay testament to
and does not leave you wanting, providing easy access to its
the importance of the city in regional politics.
plethora of temples, plazas, causeways and acropolises. Among the most well-known of these is unceremoniously labeled “Tem-
Tazumal, El Salvador
ple II,” although its native moniker, Temple of the Mask, has a lit-
The final destination on our tour of the ancient Mayan world
tle more punch. Dedicated to the wife of Jasaw Chan K’awill, this
takes us to El Salvador, less than 45 miles northwest of the cap-
beautiful monument to the long dead queen reflects the high re-
ital of San Salvador. Ominously translated as “the place where
gard in which Mayan rulers were held.
the victims were burned,” Tazumal, which maintained a sizeable population until the 12th century, is considered to be the coun-
Caracol, Belize
try’s most important and best conserved ruins.
Leaving the well-exhumed remains of Tikal behind, we travel
Artifacts point to Tazumal as being an influential trade hub,
about 150 miles due east, up onto the Vaca Plateau and deep
with a reach all the way from Mexico to Panama. The city also
into the Chiquibil Forest Reserve of Belize to Caracol. Still in the
contains a wonderfully preserved example of an intricate water
primary phases of excavation, the majority of Caracol lies re-
drainage system that protected the city against annual flooding
claimed by the wilderness, adding to the mystique and making
and an impressive specimen of a Mesoamerican ball court,
the experience feel more like a scene from Tomb Raider than a
where various sporting events were staged.
museum visit.
By no means all-inclusive, this list spotlights a few of the fasci-
One of the most important regional political centers of the
nating cities that collectively represent a broad cross-section of
classical Mayan empire, Caracol sprawled across an area much
the Mayan culture. From advanced astronomy and mathematics
larger than present-day Belize City, the largest city in the coun-
to social works programs and deep religious dogma, there is much
try. It is home to the Sky Palace, which is both the tallest Mayan
to experience for the seekers of many types of knowledge. When
building in Belize and its highest man-made structure.
considering your next travel destination, don’t forget to look south, where long dead civilizations
Copan, Honduras
still reach out to touch our
Our fourth destination takes us farther south, across the border into northwestern Honduras, to the fertile Copan River
curiosity and sense of wonderment. LGT
The Mayan city of Tikal is one of Guatemala’s premier tourist sights.
April 2013 61
on location: middle east â?–
JORDAN DISCOVERING
Ideal for faith-based groups, this small country packs a big punch By Cindi Brodhecker
Have you visited the Holy Land? Did it include the Kingdom of Jordan? If not, you did not have the full Holy Land experience. Consider a return visit for the rest of the story.
Ruins of Herod’s hilltop castle, Machaerus, mark the site where John the Baptist was beheaded.
62 April 2013
Photo by Peter Burgo
Several churches welcome visitors to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the site of Jesus’ baptism.
My personal travels have taken me to many areas full of Biblical history, both Old and New Testament sites, some multiple times, but my experience was not complete until a visit to Jordan last fall. The visit was during a period of upheaval in the Muslim world, and some travelers had concerns about safety. But our trip was without incident. Yes, I did see a protest in Amman, on my return if there were any protests or riots. The protest was a group of senior citizens on lawn chairs demanding
S. Kirkpatrick
the capital, and was quick to tell everyone about it when asked
higher retirement payments from the government. Obviously, no threat to safety.
Mount Nebo/Pisgah. A church on this mountaintop marks
The people of Jordan are friendly and family-oriented, look-
the site of Moses’ death. Take in the panoramic views of the
ing to give their families the kind of good life that everyone
Jordan River Valley and Dead Sea. This is a place to allow your
wants. One day our bus was parked along a street to visit the
group time for meditation. You will feel personal emotion as
USAID Center for Women, a shop/studio where pottery-making
you ponder Moses in this place. Deuteronomy 34:1, NIV: “Then
is taught. We waited for the last
Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top
members of our group to come
of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him
back to the bus when some chil-
the whole land—from Gilead to Dan.”
Greg Tarczynski
St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church is the main tour stop in Madaba, a city known for its mosaics.
dren walked by. One woman in
Machaerus (modern day Mukawir). This is the place
our group shared a candy bar with
where Herod imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist.
the children, breaking it into small
(Matthew 14:3-11)
pieces for everyone. The boys
Gadara (modern day Umm Quais). Great ruins and vis-
wanted their pictures taken with
tas highlight this old Decapolis city that overlooks the Sea of
the “nice lady.” An older gentle-
Galilee. It is where Jesus performed the miracle of chasing
man in Arab dress walked by and
the Gadarene swine down the hill and into the waters of the
stopped to make sure the boys
Sea of Galilee. (Matthew 8:28-34)
were not being a nuisance. “No,
Gerasa (modern day Jerash). The Bible does not men-
no we love to see them” was the
tion Gerasa by name, but it was one of the Decapolis cities
general reply. The man extended
(Jordan has six of the 10 ancient cities). A must-see, it is one
to all of us on the bus an invitation
of the most completely preserved cities of the ancient Greco-
to come to his house for tea—an
Roman world.
example of Jordanian hospitality.
Elath (modern day Aqaba). Today a modern Red Sea port
Jordan is a land of prophets, miracles, apostles, priests
and beach resort, this Southern Jordan city is mentioned in the
and wanderers. Travelers today follow in the footsteps of
Exodus as Ezion-geber (Elath). (Numbers 33:35). The area is
Abraham, Moses, Job, Ruth, Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus,
also associated with King Solomon and the kings of Judah and
Paul and others who traveled there. Sites on a faith-based
Edom. (Deuteronomy 2:8, I Kings 9:26 and II Kings 14:22).
group itinerary would include:
Amman. The capital city is a delight to visit. The people are
Bethany Beyond the Jordan. See the cave where John
friendly and it is easy to get around. Lodging choices range
the Baptist lived and carried out his work. This is the site of
from good 3-star hotels to luxury 5-star hotels. Biblical Amman
Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Here Jesus started his
is Rabath Ammon and is referenced in Deuteronomy and the
public ministry at the age of 30. Matthew 3:16-17, New Inter-
history of King Og, a “giant of a Man.” The Citadel, a hilltop
national Version (NIV): “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,
The ruins of Gadara in modern day Umm Quais
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” of Mosaics” is home to ancient floor mosaics in several churches. The region is referenced in the Old Testament during the life of Moses and the Exodus, David’s war with the Moabites. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Greg Tarczynski
Old Testament Medeba (modern day Madaba). The “City
Dunes, sculpted rocks and Bedouins cast a magical spell on visitors to Wadi Rum in Southern Jordan.
or perhaps by the fire under a starry desert sky, will have an unforgettable experience. My travel group spent the night in the desert under the watchful care of several Bedouins. We dined on a delicious dinner of meat, potatoes and vegetables cooked underground Randy Mink
in a metal container with shelves for each part of the meal. Buried in sand atop glowing coals, it’s the ancient version of our crock pots. Overnight accommodations were black tents
on location: middle east ❖
with cots and soft lighting (candles stuck in small cans with
archeological museum, is a treasure chest of ancient artifacts
as the last glow of the campfire faded.
sand for support). Some of the group fell asleep under the stars
and ruins from the Roman and Byzantine period.
Wadi Rum is best known for its connection with the enig-
The Kings’ Highway. You will travel this road during your
matic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based there dur-
visit to Jordan and it has some spectacular scenery, sunrise to
ing the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18, and as the setting for
sunset. The first mention of the roadway is from Numbers
the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.
20:17. The Kings’ Highway is the world’s oldest continuously
Dead Sea Resorts. A resort visit on the eastern shore of
used communication route. It used to link ancient Bashan,
the Dead Sea provides a relaxing
Giliad and Ammon in the north with Moab, Edom, Paran and
break from touring archaeological
Midian in the south.
sites and religious shrines. At
Petra. Designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of
1,312 feet below sea level, the
the World, the “Lost City” of Petra may have been listed by a
Dead Sea (actually a lake) is the
different name in the Bible, but today this archaeological site is
lowest spot on earth. Beach-goers
on the bucket lists of many travelers and the signature sight in
float effortlessly in the buoyant,
Jordan. Biblical history includes Old Testament kings, Moses
mineral-rich water, and many take
and the Israelites, Aaron (brother of Moses) and the kings of
a therapeutic mud bath with the
the nativity with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The
oily black mud gathered from the
“rose red city” of Petra is a full-day adventure for faith-based pil-
sea floor.
grims and adventurous travelers.
A resort’s infinity pool overlooks the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
Luxury resorts with lushly land-
In the adjacent modern town of Wadi Musa, the Petra
scaped courtyards offer freshwater
Kitchen offers a special dining experience. Your group will pre-
swimming pools, a wide choice of
pare dinner with travelers from around the world with the guid-
restaurants, and spa treatments
ance of the local staff. Everyone is divided by tables to make the
and therapies using products de-
evening meal. My group made a yogurt cucumber dill dip. Other
rived from the sea. The Dead Sea, about an hour from Amman,
tables made soup, the main entrée, appetizers and dessert.
is near many places mentioned in the Bible. From the Dead
Wadi Rum - Desert Majesty. Wadi Rum in Southern Jordan
Sea Highway, tour guides point out a dried pillar of salt said
is a journey to another world. A vast, silent place, timeless and
to be the remains of Lot’s wife (who was turned into a pillar of
starkly beautiful, Wadi Rum is one of the world’s most stun-
salt for disobeying God’s will).
ning landscapes and epitomizes the romance of the desert.
All too often church travel groups will visit Israel and
Now the home of several Bedouin tribes, Wadi Rum has been
think they’ve seen all of the Holy Land, but Jordan obviously
inhabited for generations. These friendly desert people live in
abounds with treasures and offers many opportunities for
scattered nomadic camps. Visitors who are invited to share
spiritual insight and renewal. Itineraries also can incorporate
mint tea or cardamon coffee in their black goat-hair tents,
Middle Eastern culture, adventure and sport, relaxation, and health and wellness. Jordan easily can be a stand-alone destination worth seven
A spice merchant in the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba offers his wares to curious tourists.
or eight days. If you visit for only a day or two, you will miss so much of what Jordan has to offer.
Randy Mink
For tour planning tips, visit www.myjordanjourney.com LGT
Cindi Brodhecker, president of Faith Travel Development and Consulting, is available to assist in creating the right itinerary for your group. Contact her at cindi@faithtraveldc.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
On Marketing
❖ dave bodle
Creating Effective Ads AS WE ENTER APRIL, it’s appropriate to review how the first quarter went
information that reinforces the point. When asked about credible sources
the best candidates to take advantage of the new product.
for both our personal fitness goals
for a brand, 38 percent of the con-
and our marketing fitness goals. OK,
sumers answered, “Another consumer.”
tent message (image) to your desired
let’s forget about that personal fitness
The brand itself as a credible source
customer (reach) over a period of
thing and focus on marketing fitness.
with consumers followed at 32 percent.
time. Some marketers believe a
After all, this is a marketing column.
Journalists were a surprising third on
customer must hear or see your
the list of credible sources.
message at least three times before
For tour operators and suppliers mutually, I certainly hope that 2013
So, if you place an advertisement,
Frequency is delivering a consis-
they retain it. Personally, I believe
got off to a good start. Did you go to
use a Brand Ambassador in that ad
that’s a gross understatement. With
the marketplaces (and they certainly
and convince the editor to give you
the advent of social media and the
came fast and furious this year) well
some ink, you should be good to go?
tremendous amount of exposure to
prepared? Who brought fresh ideas
Not so fast, my friends—we may be a
advertising clutter we face, I believe
to the table? Who’s followed up on
little premature. Let’s take a look at
frequency is difficult to measure.
those appointments?
the broader picture.
Regardless of the frequency your
In our February 2013 issue we men-
At the risk of oversimplification
budget allows, it does not pay to be
tioned Brand Ambassadors and their
there are three things every advertiser
importance in digital word-of-mouth
needs to look at before beginning to
advertising. I really don’t want to wear
create an advertisement: Reach,
there tomorrow and down the road
you out, but I recently came across
frequency and image. Whatever the
next Thursday. Pick the media that
parameters of your budget, the key
works best with your objectives and
components must be in play to assure
budget. Be consistent with your
your marketing fitness.
frequency and avoid those “special
Reach is an understanding of who
Spring Ahead to Our
JUNE ISSUE • Washington State • North Dakota • Washington, DC • West Virginia • Montana • Iowa • Delaware • Sightseeing Cruises • Scenic Railroads • Canada/South Pacific • Group Itinerary Planning Guide 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
is your desired customer. “Everybody”
You cannot be here today, over
one-time, I need to know today” deals. Image is the fun part of our three
is not an acceptable answer. Tour
components and much easier when
operators do not have product for
we address reach and frequency, first.
“everybody” and likewise, neither do
Suppliers need to avoid the “concrete
suppliers. Remember, new business
and steel” message that makes their
is the lifeline of any business. If you
hotel or attraction look just like the
don’t have a clear handle on “your most
next. Tour operators need to avoid
desired, potential customer,” how will
making every destination look and
you ever talk to them?
feel the same. Too many choices
In this issue of Leisure Group Travel
makes it to easy to choose nothing.
we shared a few Experiential Tourism
Here’s the important part. Every
opportunities in each of the Southern
bit of marketing you do, from sales to
states. Do these ideas fit with a tour
promotion to the product to the price
operator’s present customer base? Or,
itself, must reflect your company. That
does that tour operator need to reach
consistency is critical to your market-
“new desired potential customers” for
ing fitness.
that piece of business? Suppliers, when you develop new experiences, think about which tour operators are
66 April 2013
all over the place.
Contact Dave at 843-997-2880 or email dave@ptmgroups.com.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
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