AUGUST 2013
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.
14 VOL. 23, NO. 4 • AUGUST 2013
contents COVER STORY 12 Adventure Travel: The Future of Tourism ©Michael S. Nolan
BY VANESSA DAY
An expert gives his take on one of the industry’s hottest trends.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL SPECIALS
14
Adventure Cruising
19
Exploring Peru
36
Utah’s Red Rock Country
BY CINDY BERTRAM
BY LANCE HARRELL
BY SUSAN DILILLO
FEATURES
18
Circle Wisconsin’s Midwest Marketplace
23
Blazing Trails in Western Illinois BY RANDY MINK
28
Cleveland Rocks
34
New Jersey’s Southern Shore
38
Riding the Rails in Nevada
40
10 Boston Must-Sees
42
Arkansas Odysseys
46
Casino Best Bets
51
Trip-Worthy U.S. Museums
COLUMNS
BY RANDY MINK
6
BY BECKY NEEMS
On My Mind BY JEFF GAYDUK
BY STEPHANIE BAILEY
BY SUE ARKO
8
BY MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO
BY RANDY MINK
10
BY DAVE BODLE
BY RANDY MINK
On Tour On Girlfriend Getaways BY LISA KASANICKY
36
16
On the Record
59
On Marketing BY DAVE BODLE
NUMBER CRUNCHING ON LOCATION Lance Harrell, director of online media for Leisure Group Travel, visits one of the great wonders of South America—Peru’s Machu Picchu.
52
Stories in Cleveland’s Terminal Tower
196,000 WHAT’S ONLINE? TELL US ABOUT THE BEST GROUP TRAVEL SUPPLIERS oting is open in Leisure Group Travel’s 11th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s your chance to reward superior service by selecting your favorite domestic and international destinations, hotel brand, tour operator, Broadway show, museum, rail trip and cruise line. Cast your vote by returning this month’s Instant Info card (and update your subscription too!), or go online to www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and click on the Reader’s Choice logo.
V
Approximate population of Little Rock
37 Height in feet of Fenway Park’s Green Monster wall
MAKING IT EASIER FOR YOU n response to reader requests, we have recently changed the way in which we publish the digital edition of Leisure Group Travel. You can now access the complete contents of the magazine in mobile-friendly format at LeisureGroupTravel.com, as well as view the newly enhanced digital page flip edition. Also in response to your input, we have made requesting information on the suppliers featured in the magazine available online as well, as an alternative to mailing in our reader service card. We invite you to take these new features for a test drive and of course, as always, if you have any suggestions or comments, we welcome them. Just send them to lance@ptmgroups.com.
I
ON THE COVER: Utah Office of Tourism
Machu Picchu, the ruins of an ancient Incan civilization in the Andes Mountains, captivates travelers on adventure trips to Peru. (Photo by Leo Tamburri/G Adventures)
160 Miles between the Quad Cities and both Chicago and Des Moines
5 National parks in Southern Utah
1864 The year Nevada became a state
3,800 Slot machines at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in North Carolina
on my mind ❖
On My Mind jeff gayduk
❖ jeff gayduk
Vol. 23, No. 4 August 2013 Editorial & Advertising Office
Partnering for Prosperity WE JUST FINISHED up our annual company meeting here at Premier Tourism Marketing (parent company of Leisure Group Travel). Even after 14 years of doing this, it’s still rewarding to be able to get the whole team together at one place and time. After all, I usually only get to yell at them over the phone and email, and let’s face it, those triple-exclamationpoint emails lose luster after a while ☺. Though everyone who draws a paycheck from us wasn’t in attendance, we had the full sales & marketing team, plus representatives from editorial, production and reader services. When you have over 25 “cooks in the kitchen” as we do, at times there’s a Hatfields & McCoys relationship between company departments, and these meetings go a long way towards breaking down barriers. During one presentation, Associate Publisher Dave Bodle (see inside back cover) talked to the team about what it takes to put a tour together. Throughout his presentation he emphasized the value of trust and relationships in this business, stating “no tour operator is going to book a tour in this hotel if they don’t trust this property.” True indeed, as we’re often slammed by fly-by-night offers from suppliers who have holes in their schedule. Those who think rate sells need a lesson on partnerships. When planning this meeting, I reached out to many of our good partners in the city to help us put together a memorable Chicago event. Starting in the afternoon and extending through the night, our excursion allowed us to step outside the meeting room for a day of camaraderie and fun. From the motorcoach charter (used a guy I have known for 25 years) to the Shoreline Architectural Tour on the 6 August 2013
Chicago River (solid product) to the theater and dinner reservations, I knew our staff wouldn’t be disappointed because I trusted these partners to deliver a “beyond the brochure” experience. They didn’t disappoint! In the magazine business we have two types of partnerships—those with our readers and those with our advertisers. It’s a delicate balance, as our job first and foremost is to tell the truth by presenting destinations and themes that help you plan better trips. At the same time, we want to make sure our advertisers are communicating their message so they are best able to reach you. After all, they are making an investment in the group market, and that investment means that Leisure Group Travel and LeisureGroupTravel.com both come to you free of charge. Understand that we balance these relationships so one side doesn’t dominate the other. This allows us to put out a publication that’s truly helpful to readers while making sure the advertiser’s message is being seen and heard. REWARDING GOOD PARTNERS What destinations, attractions, hotels and suppliers go above and beyond the competition for your groups? Tell us in the 11th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards in Leisure Group Travel. You can cast your vote by returning this month’s Reader Service Card by mail, fax or email, or vote online at LeisureGroupTravel.com by clicking on the Reader’s Choice tab. Every vote counts!
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
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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.
Happy Traveling, Partner!
Jeff Gayduk, Publisher LeisureGroupTravel.com
On Tour
❖ marty sarbey de souto, ctc
Stuck With The Same Old Trips? ARE YOU LOCKED into same old,
booking with a family adventure
spans lend themselves nicely to inten-
same old? Caribbean one-week
company (example: Thomson Family
sive junkets to our nearby neighbors.
cruise, check. Shopping jaunt to the
Adventures’ Costa Rica year-end
For example, a Quebec City/Montreal
mall, check. One-day gambling jaunt,
holiday teen adventure).
combination or a Vancouver/Victoria
check. Hey—it’s time to get out of your rut and try something new! Granted, there may always be
Other thoughts might be a cruise
experience. What about a week in
with a theme (country-western
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—a
dancing, Big Band era) or an onboard
favorite of American snowbirds looking
those who want to go to the mall,
lecture series. Some of your more
for Spanish-colonial atmosphere,
those who like to gamble, and those
upscale cruises often offer a program
history, art and architecture, perhaps
who don’t care where they go. But is
with intellectual depth. Viking River
with a class or lecture or two at the
that your role? To take them to the
Cruises offers wonderful “Christmas
well-known art institute there.
same tried-and-true place just because
Markets in Europe” cruises on the
Also, don’t forget our own home-
you know they’ll go—over and over
grown spots with a Spanish flavor.
and over?
Four-hundred-year-old Santa Fe,
I don’t think so. While perhaps we need at least one “tried-and-true” trip on our annual calendar, I think folks look to us for new opportunities..... opportunities to spice up one’s social life, challenge our intellect, or satisfy some hidden yearning. Trips your
Perhaps a trip with a focus like gardens, music, cooking or even a gentle hiking tour
travelers couldn’t do on their own,
New Mexico offers colorful open-air crafts markets, fiestas, rodeos and a summer opera season, and is known worldwide for its art galleries. Another attractive Southwest destination is San Antonio, Texas with its distinctive River Walk, the Alamo, Spanish missions, history and fiestas.
trips they’d be afraid to try on their
Maybe you’ve always wanted to
own, trips they wouldn’t even know
Rhine or Danube. You might want to
check out a new destination but never
how to begin on their own. Maybe
design your own “Big Apple” visit to
had the time, money or inclination to
trips they’d read about or dreamed
New York including theater, a United
do so on your own to see if it’s a
about or heard about from friends but
Nations visit, the Stock Exchange or
viable future group destination. So
assumed they’d never get to do such
one of the city’s wonderful museums
why not announce that you’re going
a trip themselves.
(check dates of special exhibits and
on a “scouting trip” and invite a few of
make advance reservations for admis-
your good sport travelers to join you as
sion and a docent guide).
paying participants. They’ll feel honored
So, what kind of new trips could we be looking at for the future? Some far-away destination well off the typical
Lots of ladies on your trips? If so,
to be included in your “inner circle.”
tourist track? An evening pub crawl/
locate a fashion show; even if your
dine around to new restaurants right
folks aren’t potential buyers, most
food for thought. Now it’s your turn.
in your home town? Maybe one of
women like to see what’s new in the
Let me know what new trips you come
these new eco-tourism trips? Perhaps
world of ready-to-wear. Some depart-
up with for your travel calendar!
a trip with a focus like gardens, music,
ment stores offer fashion shows on a
cooking or even a gentle hiking tour.
regular basis, like Galleries Lafayette
Celebratory trips for Mother’s Day or
in Paris and its Friday afternoon
Thanksgiving weekend can often be
champagne with fashion shows.
a draw. You might even consider 8 August 2013
These few ideas should give you
Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor who designs and leads tours. Her travel industry consulting and educational firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com).
Long weekends or four- to five-day LeisureGroupTravel.com
Go to www.gulfcoast.org for all the information you need to plan your next tour, including sample itineraries, step-on guides, and tour friendly restaurants and lodging properties.
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❖ lisa kasanicky
On Girlfriend Getaways Girlfriend Trips with a Side of Something Different THE LAST TIME I uttered the words “I
District of Portland, Oregon. Get a
Check out: whitewatertours.com and
want something different,” I ended up
walking map at explorethepearl.com.
americanwhitewater.com
with a haircut in the shape of a mush-
● Crafts and quilts in Amish Country,
● Sea kayaking in the San Juan
room. A wild, lopsided mushroom.
Ohio. The Berlin Village Gift Barn is a
Islands, Washington. For calmer
Bad haircuts aside, when it comes to
must (oldeberlinvillage.com).
waters, plan a trip that explores the
group trips, my guess is that you
● Antique shopping in Mount Dora,
often hear that request. Travelers
Florida. Close enough to entertainment
Islands by kayak. Start at: out-
want something other than the “same
central in Orlando, this quaint town
doorodysseys.com and shearwa-
ole, same ole” but with a tinge of
was once dubbed the “antique capital.”
terkayaks.com
shores of the San Juan
familiarity so that the trip has broad appeal, especially with those tagged as girlfriend getaways. The trick is to pick a destination rich in diversions
Getaway ideas range from thrift shops to whitewater rafting adventures
that keep everyone happy. Here is some food for thought (hold the mushrooms please) when brainstorming themed girlfriend getaways. Retail Therapy For many of us, shopping is a sport. According to recent studies, a sweet
Water Adventures Everybody loves a beach vacation.
Festivals and Events Here’s what I know
But with your planning expertise,
about fairs, festivals,
your group can get more than just
concerts and special
their feet wet.
events: You’ll eat too much, blow way
Getaways with a splash:
too much cash and have a blast. The
● Snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
build-up and planning that goes into
find on the sale rack and the din of the
As a native Floridian, I can person-
events are often what shapes a com-
cash register can truly enhance your
ally attest that The Conch Republic
munity and as “outsiders,” your group
mood. Even better when you are among
is nothing like most people think who
will get a front-row seat to the sights,
friends. But remember that shopping
haven’t yet visited this diverse string
sounds, tastes and culture of an area.
can take many forms, from mega malls
of islands. Islamorada, Marathon,
Events worthy of a getaway:
to back-street antique shops.
the Lower Keys and of course, Key
● Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Themed shopping getaways:
West, offer a slew of diversions with
● Thrift store and outlet shopping
snorkeling among the “key” ways
● New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
in Palm Springs, California. Amazing
to get wet. Top snorkeling spots:
Festival (nojazzfest.com), late April-
things end up in thrift stores, especially
scubo-do.com, diveflakeys.com and
early May
in areas where celebrities go to, errr
divekeywest.com
… uh, retire. (Gypsyland and Revivals
● Whitewater rafting in Northern
are among the top rated.) If all else
California. With rafting trips for all
fails, the Cabazon and Desert Hills
levels, the American and Truckee
Outlets offer miles of retail.
rivers take in the scenic northern Cali
● Furniture shopping in the back
river coast and are within short shots
roads of High Point, North Carolina.
to Lake Tahoe, wine tasting and apple
Not sure where to start? Where You
orchards. For produce lovers, a trip
Need to Go offers insider tours
to Davis Ranch in Sloughhouse
(whereyouneedtogo.com).
(davisranchproduce.com) for sweet
● Boutique shopping in the Pearl 10 August 2013
(scottsdalefest.org), early April
● Rodeo Santa Fe (rodeodesantafe.org), mid-June ● Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California (gilroygarlicfestival.com), late July Lisa Kasanicky is author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Girlfriend Getaways (Alpha Books, 2009) and founder of AZSpaGirls.com − a girlfriend-to-girlfriend guide to spas, salons, beauty and wellness. The book offers travel details on more than 70 destinations in the United States and Canada ideal for female-focused group travelers.
corn harvested daily is worth the trek. LeisureGroupTravel.com
on adventure travel ❖
ADVENTURE
TRAVEL
“The growth pattern in adventure travel is extremely high. It’s because people want more from their vacation, they want something transformative, they want it to be memorable.”
THE FUTURE OF TOURISM
S
By Vanessa Day
hannon Stowell, president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, talks about about opportunities in this fastgrowing segment of the industry Imagine snorkeling off the Norwegian coast, floating in the
chilly Atlantic Ocean as a group of killer whales swims just a few feet below the surface waiting to capture their meal. Tourists can witness the orca’s unique feeding behavior only
Shannon Stowell President of ATTA
a few times a year, making for a truly rare experience. Mingling with whales is just one of many tour options that fall under the category of adventure travel, a market that
ATTA’s president, an avid adventurer himself, has traveled the world.
holds huge growth potential. The adventure travel industry has experienced a major boom in recent years, with hundreds of new tours popping up and more operators and companies entering the lucrative business. “The growth pattern in adventure travel is extremely high,” says Shannon Stowell, president of the Adventure Travel
in Nepal. There is some variation in the definition in the traveler’s mind.” As adventure travel has become more popular, the selection of tours has grown substantially, making it tough to know where to begin for travelers who have never done an adventure trip.
Trade Association (ATTA). “It’s because people want more
“The beauty of adventure travel is it’s so broad and
from their vacation, they want something transformative, they
varied that I think if a person has a fascination with a place or
want it to be memorable.”
an activity, it is what they should pursue,” Stowell says.
ATTA, a global organization formed to grow and promote the
A seasoned traveler, Stowell has journeyed to some off-the-
adventure travel market, has some 800 members, from tour op-
map destinations. One of the most interesting, he notes, was
erators to travel agents to media providers. One of its goals is
a trip to Kurdistan in Northern Iraq, mostly because it is lightly
to encourage more people to get out and explore the world.
traveled by people from the West. A destination such as this
Since the term adventure travel elicits a variety of images and ideas for each person, ATTA tries to help define what ex-
is certainly a possibility, though few novice travelers may want to start there.
actly it is and establish an understanding among customers
Classic destinations include Machu Picchu in Peru, or
and businesses. Stowell says a trip must have three ele-
any city in Brazil, a personal favorite of Stowell’s. In fact, South
ments to categorize it as adventure travel. First, it has to
America is a current hotspot, according to a survey
have some sort of physical activity, not necessarily extreme.
of some 400 ATTA members. Norway, one of the few places
In fact, hiking is probably the most common pursuit on ad-
where travelers can ski to the ocean, is also popular,
venture tours. Second, there has to be some kind of con-
offering activities from dog sledding to horseback riding
nection to nature, such as a wildlife tour or a trek through the
and hiking.
forest or mountains. Third, it has to include some kind of cultural experience.
One trend is a boom in soft adventure travel, a mellower category that can include anything from walking and biking
“It can be extreme or it can be quite mellow,” Stowell says.
tours to sightseeing and boating. Custom itineraries are also
“A walking tour in Scotland can be an adventure tour for
popular, and tour operators are getting into the action by cre-
somebody, and for somebody else it could be hiking
ating programs with activities that have rarely been done on
12 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
certain trips or in specific locations.
That has been achieved over the last 20 years through
Part of ATTA’s mission is to educate tour operators on the
“community conservancy.” These are basically plots of land
best practices of adventure travel and help them boost their
with a tourism-interest site composed of one or many
reputations as quality companies. Stowell recommends
lodges. The owners and local communities sign a legal
listening to what customers want and experimenting with a
agreement whereby the communities benefit from what the
few different itineraries to gauge interest. Many companies
lodges earn from tourists. The lodges, in turn, succeed by
may have a current experience or trip that could be changed
having incredible wildlife for customers to see. It puts every-
or given a new twist, he says.
body in charge of protecting the wildlife.
Consumers should check companies’ qualifications to
“It’s an amazing model and it’s working,” Stowell says. “We
make sure they meet specific standards. For example, it is
wanted the tourism professionals to come and see how this
essential for the company to have experienced, well-trained
works, and possibly apply a version of it wherever they can.”
guides with proper certifications, as high-quality leaders
This fits with ATTA’s commitment to responsible and sustain-
make for a more personalized experience. And ATTA is there
able travel because “tourism should be a protective force, not
to lend a hand to companies. The organization will be
a destructive force,” Stowell adds. And he is not alone in this
launching an educational program aimed at the trade to
mentality.
increase knowledge about adventure tourism. The program
At the summit in 2012, Taleb Rifai, the secretary-general of
will include skills training, such as certification for rafting
the World Tourism Organization, left the crowd with an in-
or mountain guiding. The idea is that ATTA will have an
sightful observation: “Adventure travel is what travel should be today and will be tomorrow.” Adventure travel, with its strong focus on nature and culture, has the opportunity to be a preserver of human and natural capital, according to Stowell. He, along with Rifai, sees adventure travel as a way to explore the world more responsibly. As for where adventure travel can go, it seems unlimited. “I
think
adventure
travel is an expression of the creative interest Shannon Stowell advocates for a commitment to responsible travel.
of
humans,”
Stowell
says. As long as hueducational offering that increases the professionalism and
mans remain curious
opportunities for travel companies and destinations.
about the world, the ad-
“We exist to try to grow the sustainable side of the adventure travel industry,” says Stowell. “We’re really serious about trying to help companies increase their adventure tourism businesses and to do it responsibly.”
venture tourism industry will continue to thrive. “The interesting thing about adventure tourism
A large part of that initiative is the Adventure Travel World
is that it’s about people
Summit, which gathers hundreds of tourism industry profes-
exploring, so the direc-
sionals in one exciting location to learn and invest in adven-
tions it can go, I think,
ture travel, which many consider to be the future of tourism.
are incredibly diverse,”
This year’s summit will be held in Namibia, marking the first
says Stowell. “We haven’t
time the event will take place in Africa.
even
thought
about
So why Namibia?
some of the things that
“The core reason for Namibia is it is one of the shining
will be offered as tours
stars in Africa now for wildlife conservation,” Stowell says.
five years from now.” LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 13
on adventure travel ❖
Adventure Cruising on the Upswing Exotic options tempt seasoned travelers with a thirst for the offbeat
G Adventures
By Cindy Bertram
©Michael S. Nolan
Whether navigating the Amazon River in Peru with G Adventures or exploring Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions, it’s no ordinary cruise.
A
s the cruise industry continues to evolve, so does the actual experience. Interest in adventure cruising has really taken off in the past decade as travelers
seek active, mind-expanding vacation experiences to write home about. From niche cruise lines to high-end ones, there are more options than ever before. Adventure cruising is something to seriously consider when dreaming up your next group cruise. The world has become smaller because it’s so much easier to navigate. Does your group want a cold- or warm-weather adventure? Frosty-weather fans choose Antarctica, a continent that was virtually untouched by humans until the 20th century. tions. Seabourn Cruise Line just unveiled plans to offer four “Ultimate Antarctica and Patagonia” voyages, with the first departure this fall. If your group prefers a balmy clime, consider the Amazon
Celebrity Cruises
Today more cruise lines than ever are offering Antarctica op-
Celebrity Xpedition passengers encounter unusual wildlife in the Galapagos.
River or Galapagos Islands. Both Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xpedition and Lindblad Expeditions offer year-round cruising in
yacht that accommodates just 94 guests. Celebrity Xpedition
the Galapagos.
has two exclusive itineraries that call on more than 20 island
Celebrity Cruises is the only major cruise line that sails to
locations and works closely with the Galapagos National Park
the Galapagos. Its Celebrity Xpedition is an intimate mega-
to ensure low-impact travel, leaving the islands pristine. All
14 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
©Ralph Lee Hopkins
©Michael S. Nolan
Camera-toting Lindblad travelers keep their cameras poised off Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska and along the icebound coast of Antarctica.
sailings are accompanied by naturalist guides certified by the
ship, the Prince Albert II, offering a new product that combined
national park.
adventure cruising with its trademark ultra-luxury ambience. In
Another nice touch? The Celebrity Xpedition is a seamless
2011 the line renamed the ship the Silver Explorer and contin-
all-inclusive experience. The price covers all beverages (bot-
ues to market itineraries ideal for adventure-seeking travelers
tled water, beer, wine, spirits, as well as coffee and tea service,
who appreciate returning to Silversea’s pampering after a day
including espresso and cappuccino), gratuities and shore ex-
of authentic experiences in wild places. The 132-passenger
cursions. All snorkeling equipment is provided—wet suits, fins,
ship roams the world, from Antarctica and Polynesia to Nor-
masks, snorkels and vests. Three levels of excursions are
way, Iceland and Northern Canada. The line’s newest addition,
ranked according to the activity involved.
the 100-guest Silver Galapagos, starts seven-night Galapagos
Celebrity Xpedition’s seven-night cruise departs on Sun-
cruises in September.
days. The cruise can be combined with pre- or post-cruise hotel
The Silverseas expedition leader works closely with the cap-
stays in Quito, Ecuador, creating a 10- or 11-night experience.
tain to make sure opportunities for exploration and adventure
A post-cruise Peru visit also can be part of the package.
are the best possible, based on weather, wildlife activity and
G Adventures recently increased capacity on the Amazon
other factors. Zodiac excursions are led by the expedition team
River with the launch of its newly refurbished purpose-built ves-
or a guest host. Activities vary with the actual itinerary and are
sel, the Queen Violet. Departures began in May and continue
designed for different levels of physical ability and interests.
through January 2014. The Queen Violet accommodates only
Shore excursions are complimentary. Another nice touch: The
32 guests, and each journey includes visits to local villages
itineraries follow a tentative schedule, which allows for some
where guests can spend time with a family.
flexibility as far as staying longer at a site of particular interest.
A company that created quite a legacy, Lindblad Expedi-
Seabourn Cruise Line’s new, all-inclusive Antarctica/
tions was the first to take travelers to places where only
Patagonia cruises include five days touring the White Conti-
scientists had gone. Sven Lindblad has continued what his
nent. The Seabourn Quest departs Nov. 20, Jan. 4 and Jan. 25
father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, pioneered. Lars was among the first
on 21-day cruises, while a special 24-day holiday version de-
to take explorers to many offbeat destinations, including
parts Dec. 11 and includes South Georgia Island. Passengers
Antarctica (1966) and the Galapagos (1967).
will be able to view glaciers and wildlife while cruising along
Lindblad has increased the size of its owned and chartered
the shore in Zodiac rafts. While in Antarctica, guests will be led
fleet to 10 ships, with two of them based in the Galapagos.
by a team of naturalists, scientists and historians. Seabourn
Worldwide options range from West Africa to the Arctic. It has
ensures that these itineraries will have a minimal impact on the
added some new programs to its expeditions, such as kayak-
environment. For instance, guests will be required to disinfect
ing in the polar regions and the Galapagos.
their shoes before traveling to and from shore. Once on land,
In 2004 Sven Lindblad created an unprecedented alliance
they must stay in a small, contained group. Because of the
with the National Geographic Society, and since then guests
great interest, Seabourn plans to offer a few more Antarctica
have been able to travel with National Geographic explorers,
voyages later in 2014.
scientists, writers and other experts in diverse fields. Lindblad’s
With the increased demand for offbeat travel and authentic
96-passenger National Geographic Endeavor and 48-passen-
experiences, adventure cruising appears to be a growth niche
ger National Geographic Islander expedition ships offer 10-day
that group planners should not ignore. These trips are not for
trips in the Galapagos. A 16-day option combines the cruise
everyone, but for those with the time, the money and a sense
with a visit to Peru.
of wanderlust, an expedition to the Galapagos, Antarctica or
Silversea Cruises in 2008 launched its first expedition LeisureGroupTravel.com
the Amazon promises to be the trip of a lifetime. LGT August 2013 15
on the record ❖
On The Record U.S. Destinations Lure Foreign Travelers FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to our inquiry: With more international travelers coming to America than ever before, what has your business done to welcome foreign guests? Have you seen an influx in overseas visitors? If so, from where?
TAMMY JOHNSTON
ANTHONY FUCCILLO
MAURA ALDRICH
Shoppers from Brazil Over the last few years we’ve seen a bigger influx of international visitors than we’ve had in years. Our biggest influx at the moment is from Brazil. We offer free shuttles for individuals to over 62 area hotels and a free VIP shuttle for groups of 20 or more from any hotel in the greater Orlando/Kissimmee area, plus lots of special coupons.
Rhode Island and Vermont with a primary mission to increase tourism to the New England region from overseas markets — with a particular focus on the core markets of the United Kingdom/Ireland and Germany. Maura Aldrich Falmouth Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Tammy Johnston
Falmouth, Cape Cod, MA
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando, FL
Provincetown Rolls Out Welcome Mat Promoting Cape Cod This year the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Cape Cod and Hyannis Chambers, the Steamship Authority, Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Harborview Hotel and Red Jacket Resorts in a collective effort to bring visitors to Cape Cod and Falmouth in 2014 and beyond. In June I joined colleagues at the IPW International marketplace trade show in Las Vegas. In just three days of intensive pre-scheduled business appointments, I joined colleagues and more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations from every region of the USA and more than 1,200 international and domestic buyers from more than 70 countries to conduct business negotiations that would otherwise be generated only through an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips. According to the U.S. Travel Association, the event was expected to generate an estimated $3.5 billion in travel to the United States over the next three years and at least $350 million in future economic impact for the host city — Las Vegas. In May I represented Falmouth in Stowe, Vermont at Discover New England (DNE), the official tourism organization representing the New England region. It is a cooperative marketing entity funded by the participating states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 16 August 2013
Our location is Provincetown, Mass., at the very tip of Cape Cod. We have seen a considerable increase in international travelers to our town. Many from Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom over recent years. This year we have seen a considerable increase from China, Japan, Korea and Brazil. To make their stay welcoming and comfortable, we have many multi-lingual guest houses, the attractions offer translations in many languages, and we are known for restaurants as diverse as our visitors. Also, we have high-speed ferries from Boston to maximize the marine travel to our charming town. Provincetown is America’s oldest continuous art colony with a world-class art museum and the birthplace of modern American theater. In addition, Ptown is steeped in history. The Mayflower Pilgrims landed here in November 1620 before they later settled in Plymouth. The first American democratic document, the Mayflower Compact, was written and signed by the Pilgrims in Provincetown. Anthony Fuccillo, Director of Tourism Provincetown, MA
Kicks on Route 66 Over the course of the last few months, Pontiac has welcomed tour company operators and tour promoters LeisureGroupTravel.com
from all across the globe. There have been folks from Spain, Germany, China, and other countries. In June, one of these guests told us that at a recent international travel industry trade show, he was told that if he was putting together a Route 66 tour for his European clients, making the trip to Pontiac, Illinois was a “must do” assignment. After spending an afternoon exploring our museums, murals and Abraham Lincoln heritage sites, that tour manager told Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell that he now understood why everyone he spoke to sang the praises of Pontiac. “It is one of the cleanest, nicest and most friendly towns I have ever visited,” he commented. Ellie Alexander Pontiac (IL) Tourism
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For more reader responses on inbound travel, log on to www.leisuregrouptravel.com and enter this code: 35405.
New Midwest Trade Show to Launch in 2014
C
ircle Wisconsin, the organization representing group
and 75 sellers with each delegate
travel interests throughout the state, is launching a new
having up to 50 one-on-one appoint-
trade show in May 2014.
ments. Bitzer indicates that there has
Titled Circle Wisconsin’s Midwest Marketplace, the event
also been an overwhelming re-
will take place May 4-6 at the Marriott Madison West in Mid-
sponse to sponsorships with many
dleton, Wisconsin. The organization is targeting pre-qualified
key functions and sponsorships al-
tour operators, bank travel clubs and group leaders that cur-
ready sold for the 2014 show.
Getting To Madison, WI With easy access from Interstates 90 and 94, Madison is within a few hours of major Midwestern cities.
rently promote Midwestern destinations, matching them up
I
via one-on-one appointments with leading travel suppliers
CONVENIENT LOCATION
I
from the region. The state of Wisconsin will be prominently
The event will be held at the
I
featured; however, the organization will open up seller regis-
upscale Marriott Madison West in
trations from states that border Wisconsin, including Min-
Middleton, Wisconsin. This prop-
nesota, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois.
erty is just minutes from down-
“I have contemplated starting a Midwest trade show for
town Madison and the University
years, but the timing never seemed right,” stated Peggy Bitzer,
of Wisconsin. It offers a blend of
executive director of Circle Wisconsin. “Looking at the land-
convenience, outstanding service
scape of the market, I believe the time is now and we are
and welcome amenities with the
super excited to launch this new endeavor.”
largest convention space in the
There is strong early interest from both buyers and sellers
I I I I I
Milwaukee .........80 miles Chicago ...........150 miles Minneapolis.....270 miles Des Moines .....290 miles Indianapolis ....330 miles St. Louis ..........360 miles Omaha.............420 miles Detroit .............420 miles
area. The region was chosen
for this event, signaling pent-up demand for Midwestern desti-
because of its central Midwest
nations. Buyers are anticipated from as far as California to the
location, making it an easy drive
west and Florida from the south. The goal is to have 75 buyers
for delegates (see chart). For those traveling by air, Dane County Regional Airport offers non-stop service from the following locations: Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, DallasFort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, Orlando and Washington, DC. There are no pre- or post-familiarization tours associated with the Midwest Marketplace. However, if a tour buyer wants to schedule an independent fam, they can do so directly with participating destinations. That doesn’t mean the event won’t have personality. Circle Wisconsin is a known commodity in the group travel industry and Bitzer packs plenty of personality and know-how. Bitzer adds, “We’ll greet them with hugs, say goodbye with kisses.” A tentative tour buyer registration will be out in October. For more information about the new Midwest Marketplace,
Marriott Madison West in Middleton will host Circle Wisconsin’s show.
18 August 2013
contact 715-833-1100. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: south america â?&#x2013;
Peru
Adventure Central Vestiges of an ancient empire, along with exotic flora and fauna, flavor an unforgettable trip featuring iconic wonders like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca By Lance Harrell
Photo By Lance Harrell
View of the Andean mountains from the doorway of a dwelling in Machu Picchu
J
ust a few more steps. You plant your hiking poles into the earth one last time, catch your breath in the thin, brisk mountain air, and attempt to absorb the magnificence of the sprawling vista below. A wellspring of mild euphoria envelopes you,
temporarily washing away the weariness in your muscles and the chill permeating your fingers and toes. Temporarily, only because the journey you undertook to reach this destination has been an arduous one. Embarking four days before, you have hiked 26 miles, reached heights of 13,800 feet, climbed thousands of handcarved stone steps, survived Warmiwañusqa (“Dead Woman’s Pass”), endured weather ranging from scorching sun to windwhipped snow, and wondered at the ruins of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. All this along a path kept secret for almost half a millennium to protect a last refuge of an ancient, powerful, yet defeated empire.
Leisure Group Travel’s Lance Harrell gave out school supplies to children on his trek route.
The Lost City of Machu Picchu, Peru
sunlight crests the top of a far-off mountain and pierces the Sun Gate that resides there. The beam of light streaks across the deep valley and strikes the window of the Sun Temple, marking with exact precision one of only two days a year when the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to its orbital path around the sun. You marvel at this ancient calendar made of stone and light—more accurate than even its modern day contemporary—as it will continue on without need for adjustment for another 11,000 years, unlike ours that needs to be adjusted
Photos By Lance Harrell
You reap the reward of your predawn rising as you watch
every four (leap year).
the first rays of the morning sun crest the Andean mountains,
The moment passes and the reality of your own accom-
ignite the air in an almost mystical illumination and gently fall
plishment awakens within you. You have conquered the Inca
upon the nearly perfectly preserved ruins sleeping silently on
Trail and delivered yourself to one of the most iconic loca-
the mountaintop below.
tions in the world. You have arrived… at Machu Picchu.
You have been fortunate enough to arrive on the summer solstice, allowing you to bear witness to an example of the in-
Through Hell and Back Again
credible astronomical, mathematical and architectural prowess
While hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu could arguably
of this civilization, the Sun Temple. As you stand transfixed, the
be considered the shining jewel in your Peruvian crown, you
20 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Lance Harrell
Plaza de Armas, Cuzco, Peru
cannot afford to miss experiencing the myriad of other re-
and the village of Infierno (Hell), the latter so named because
splendent locations spread across this South American coun-
of its unforgiving soils and summer temperatures that can
try. At the edge of the Amazon Rainforest lies one such
reach 133 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Tambopata is a
destination, a massive 3.5 million-acre park serving as a
far cry from a journey on the River Styx. With a watchful eye
gilded repository to a cornucopia of unique flora and faunaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;
you can add caimans, piranha, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, the
Tambopata National Reserve.
giant river otter, countless species of birds and even the
To reach the handful of lodges inside the reserve, one must venture up the Tambopata River via Puerto Maldonado
worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest rodent, the cabybara, to your checklist of sighted creatures.
Visiting a traditional alpaca wool weaving community
LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 21
on location: south america ❖
For a deeper look into the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, go to LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this numerical code: 35348
Children of the Sun Farther south, spanning the border between Peru and Bolivia, you can set sail upon the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. Home to threatened species such as the large Titicaca water frog and the flightless Titicaca grebe, the island-studded lake is held in Incan mythology as the place from which the world was created, when the god Viracocha came out of the lake and created the sun, the stars and the first people; and where Manco Capac, the first Inca king, was born. Touching these waters is like touching the soul of the
Lance Harrell
Incan people.
History in Motion Those seeking a more metropolitan-centered experience need look no further than the formal capital of the Incan empire,
The Temple of the Sun, Cuzco, Peru
Cuzco. Here you can immerse yourself in the proud and tragic history of the Americas’ greatest ancient empire by visiting the
Machu Picchu, Tambopata National Reserve, Lake Titi-
wealth of museums that abound upon its architecturally de-
caca and Cuzco would not be the completion of your journey
lightful streets. Or travel just outside the city and surround your-
in Peru. However, they are a touchstone upon which your po-
self in the living history of ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, the
tential adventure can be judged. These names elicit wonder,
site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizarro's men
but the thought of planning an excursion to them may also
charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca. At night, seek out
seem overwhelming. Do not become discouraged—there is
a culinary adventure or two and try the local delicacies of al-
help available. I was lucky enough to be in the capable hands
paca and guinea pig, or merely enjoy a latte on a balcony over-
of G-Adventures, who made the process so effortless that all
looking the Plaza de Armas and feel the pulse of the city as
I had to do was pack my bag, open my front door and take…
you recoup, reflect and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
just a few more steps. LGT
Finishing the Inca Trail and overlooking Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Photo by Jim Old
22 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
on location: midwest ❖
Blazing Trails in Western Illinois Tour possibilities abound in group-friendly places like Moline, Galesburg, Nauvoo and Peoria By Randy Mink
Visitors to the blacksmith shop at Historic Nauvoo get a lesson in pioneer craftsmanship and the history of Mormon migration from Illinois to Utah.
hen it comes to Illinois tourism, the Chicago area
Visitors roaming the exhibit floor climb into tractor cabs and
undoubtedly grabs the lion’s share of the atten-
see a wide variety of products, including logging and con-
tion. Abraham Lincoln sites in Springfield, the
struction equipment. Taking up one end of the building is a
state capital, thrust Illinois into the national and international
mammoth combine with a suggested price of $510,885. A
W
spotlight as well. Smart tour planners know that top-notch attractions also await in Western Illinois—a less-heralded region that stretches to the Mississippi River and neighboring Iowa. Tourist-friendly away from the skyscrapers on Lake Michigan’s shores. Western Illinois, however, has its own metropolitan areas,
Randy Mink
towns only three or four hours from Chicago seem light years
Wagon rides provide an overview of Historic Nauvoo, a Mormon settlement in the mid-1800s. Top inset: Carl Sandburg house in Galesburg. Below: Bishop Hill artisan studio.
one of them a collection of communities that straddles Illinois and Iowa on a section of the Mississippi that runs east-west, not north-south. The Quad Cities consists of five large communities—Moline, East Moline and Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa (yes, that’s five, not four)—plus a few other towns. The area is equidistant (160 miles) from Chicago and Des Moines. Moline is the corporate home of John Deere & Company, the farm implement manufacturer. Its chief attraction is the free-admission John Deere Pavilion, a glass-enclosed showplace for those shiny green machines with the yellow deer logo. LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 23
on location: midwest ❖
Obtain Illinois visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
video about Deere’s role in world agriculture, “Anthem: A Song
group itineraries. The government’s largest arsenal has man-
of the Land,” is shown in the mini-theater. On two-hour tours of
ufactured weapons, parts and armor, even tanks and artillery,
John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, visitors get
for more than a century. Step-on guides are provided for tours
close to the combine assembly lines.
that include a museum with an outstanding firearms collection.
Moline’s best-known historic homes were built by Charles Deere, who took over the company from his father at the age of
Visitors also can view the barge traffic and lock operations at the Mississippi River Visitor Center at Locks and Dam 15.
21. The 1872 Deere-Wiman House, the residence of Charles
Bishop Hill State Historic Site, southeast of the Quad
and his wife Mary, sits on seven acres overlooking the Missis-
Cities, is an idyllic, Swedish-flavored village that attracts groups
sippi. Across the street he built Hillcrest (now the Butterworth
with its specialty shops, artisan studios and 19th century his-
Center) in 1892 for his daughter Katherine and her husband,
tory. Settled in the 1840s by immigrants from Sweden, Bishop
William Butterworth, the third president of Deere.
Hill was a religious utopian community that thrived for 15 years.
In downtown Moline, a short walk from John Deere Pavilion, is Lagomarcino’s, a local institution. This third-generation soda fountain and candy shop, a slice of yesteryear with ma-
Original buildings have museum exhibits. Eateries serve Swedish meatballs, and shops offer Swedish imports. Galesburg, the home of Knox College, offers great shopping in its revitalized downtown.
floor, offers a full menu and
The Galesburg Antiques Mall
can accommodate groups. A
Co., in a magnificent building
good shopping stop, the store
at the corner of Main and Semi-
has everything from home-
nary, has three floors of old
made truffles and toffee to
treasures, from vintage jewelry
seasonal
like
and baseball cards to well-pre-
caramel apples and chocolate
served issues of Life magazine
Easter eggs. The hot fudge
from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. A
favorites
sauce is to die for. The Celebration Belle, celebrating its 30th year of Mississippi River cruising from
Moline,
Quad Cities CVB
hogany booths and a terrazzo
one-block section of Seminary Street abounds with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse presents musicals and other light-hearted fare in a restored 1921 theater in downtown Rock Island, Ill.
welcomes
including Stray Cat Art, Denim & Pearls, and Landmark Cafe &
groups on its lunch, dinner and sightseeing trips. Circa ’21
Creperie. Just down the street is the Galesburg Railroad
Dinner Playhouse, housed in a beautifully restored 1921
Museum, next to the Amtrak depot.
vaudeville-movie theater in downtown Rock Island, is another
Literary buffs in Galesburg head to Carl Sandburg State
Quad Cities staple. Guests are served by a talented waitstaff
Historic Site to see the humble cottage where the Pulitzer
that performs a 15-minute revue before the main show, which
Prize-winning poet and Lincoln biographer was born in 1878.
is usually a comedy or Broadway musical. Upcoming shows
The adjacent visitors center has an orientation video and
include A Christmas Story: The Musical, Buddy: The Buddy
Sandburg memorabilia. A small park behind the birthplace fea-
Holly Story and Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and
tures Quotation Walk, a winding path of stepping stones in-
Marriage.
scribed with short quotes from Sandburg’s poetry and prose.
Many sample itineraries crafted by the Quad Cities CVB include a tour of Boetje’s Mustard, which has made its stone-
The ashes of the “Prairie Poet” and his wife are buried beneath Remembrance Rock (named after his novel).
ground Dutch mustard in Rock Island since 1889. Another
The town of Nauvoo, situated on a bend in the Mississippi
behind-the-scenes option is the Isabel Bloom Studio in Dav-
River, abounds with Mormon history. It was here in 1839 where
enport, where artisans carry on the legacy of the Iowa sculp-
Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., who established The Church of
tor who studied under Grant Wood.
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his followers settled in
The historic Rock Island Arsenal, an active U.S. Army fa-
1839. The town became the largest in Illinois and flourished
cility on an island in the Mississippi River, plays a key role in
until 1846, when Brigham Young led church members to Utah, leaving behind violent anti-Mormonism. (Smith was killed by a
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a sampling of brew pubs in the Quad Cities, see Randy Mink’s article at www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this code: 33822.
24 August 2013
mob while in jail in nearby Carthage.) Historic Nauvoo, a tract of tree-shaded, riverfront land LeisureGroupTravel.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 25
on location: midwest ❖ framed by split-rail fences, contains original and reconstructed homes and shops furnished with 1840s-era artifacts and staffed by Mormon missionaries from various states. Blacksmithing, brick-making and other pioneer crafts are demonstrated. Narrated horsedrawn wagon rides provide an overview of this Colonial Williamsburg-style attraction, and the 20-minute film Remembering Nauvoo is shown in the visitors center. An outdoor stage on summer evenings presents the folksy variety show Sunset on the Mississippi, plus Brigham Young
University
performance
groups. The nighttime Nauvoo Pageant (early July to early August), complemented by daytime festivities, is a tribute to Joseph Smith and Mormon settlers. Admission to all buildings, musical shows and plays is free. Joseph Smith Historic Site, adjacent to Historic Nauvoo, has its own visitor center and offers walking tours ($3 pp.) of Smith’s homes, store and gravesite. The Nauvoo Temple’s hilltop grounds afford stunning river panoramas. The adjacent business district on Mulholland Street has small shops and restaurants. Hotel Nauvoo is famed for its dinner buffet. Many of the shops sell religious items. Tour groups in Nauvoo also might consider a tour and tasting at Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery. Founded in 1857, Illinois’ oldest winery is a fifth-generation family enterprise. Quincy, another historic Mississippi River city, lies about 50 minutes south of Nauvoo via the Great River Road. Many tours visit the Quincy Museum, which occupies the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion, and Villa Kathrine, a Mediterranean-style castle that serves as Quincy’s tourist information center. The big news in Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River (metro population 462,000), centers on the Caterpillar Visitors Center and adjacent Peoria Riverfront Museum, a major downtown development. Guests can watch a short movie about the Peoria-based heavy equipment manufacturer and hop into the cabs of a bulldozer, excavator and other giant, yellow-and-black vehicles. LGT 26 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
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.
TREAT YOUR GROUP to the fall beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden, complete with a tram ride. Combine with other area attractions: • Ravinia Festival • Illinois Holocaust Museum • Bahá’í House of Worship • Charles Gates Dawes House • Fabulous Cooking Schools • Guided Architecture Tours
Caryn Shulman 847.763.0011 Ext. 25 cshulman@cnscvb.com groups.visitchicagonorthshore.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 27
on location: midwest ❖
CLEVELAND
ROCKS Good times await tour groups on the shores of Lake Erie By Randy Mink
Goodtime III − Cleveland’s largest excursion boat.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a shining star on Cleveland’s lakefront.
Photos Courtesy of Positively Cleveland
I
n Cleveland your groups can cruise on a Great Lake, enjoy
other, you know you’ve discovered itinerary gold. How could
big-league sports and sample cheese at a historic food
you call this place dull?
market. They can try their luck at a new casino, marvel at
The glass pyramid that houses the Rock and Roll Hall of
marine wonders in a new aquarium and see where a quirky
Fame and Museum has become a city landmark and a
cult Christmas movie was filmed. You might have trouble tear-
tourism-generating powerhouse. With seven floors of exhibits,
ing some of them away from what many consider to be the
the museum deserves as much time as you can give it.
city’s star attraction—the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Mu-
Whether a fan of Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or
seum; even a two-hour visit there just isn’t enough.
Madonna, everyone remembers a certain era and revels in
A good rule of thumb for tour planners: Devote more time to
nostalgia as they peruse the photos, videos, costumes and in-
Cleveland than you originally had intended. Once you realize
struments. There are the pioneers like Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee
the diversity of attractions and their relative proximity to each
Lewis and Buddy Holly. Motown is represented by the Jack-
28 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
See vintage cars and planes at Crawford Auto Aviation Museum.
PlayhouseSquare is downtown Cleveland’s theater district.
son Five, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and Diana Ross
The rock music shrine is just one of several attractions
and the Supremes. Beatles memorabilia includes a Yellow
fronting Lake Erie in downtown’s North Coast Harbor District.
Submarine toy and jackets worn by the Fab Four. See Elvis’
A short walk away is the Great Lakes Science Center, which
white-beaded jumpsuit and film clips of “The King” in concert.
offers an Omnimax theater and the NASA Glenn Visitor Cen-
Listen to disc jockeys from your city.
ter, a collection of exhibits on aeronautics and space explo-
Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction, running through
ration. The science museum’s Steamship William G. Mather,
next March, is the museum’s first ever major exhibition cap-
a restored Great Lakes freighter built in 1925, is moored on
turing the band’s long career. Chronicling the Stones from the
the lakefront and open for visits from May to October. Next
mid-1960s, it includes personal items that have never been
door to the Science Center is Cleveland Browns Stadium,
seen before by the public. The exhibit, with film and interactive
which offers behind-the-scenes tours.
technology, takes up two-and-a-half floors. LeisureGroupTravel.com
From North Coast Harbor, the city’s largest sightseeing vesAugust 2013 29
on location: midwest ❖
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: For a look at Cleveland’s West Side Market, see the article at www.LeisureGroupTravel.com and enter this code: 31656.
sel provides a good orientation to Cleveland. For captivating
FirstEnergy Powerhouse, guests can walk through the Shark
skyline views, consider a narrated Lake Erie/Cuyahoga River
SeaTube with sharks and fish swimming overhead. One ex-
cruise aboard the 1,000-passenger Goodtime III. Lunch and
hibit features freshwater species native to Ohio. One- and two-
dinner sailings are available. Another popular cruise boat is the
hour tours of Cleveland on Lolly the Trolley depart from the
Nautica Queen, which offers lunch and dinner cruises from
Powerhouse.
The Flats, a riverside district that has grown in popularity with
Terminal Tower, a 52-story skyscraper on Public Square,
the opening last year of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. At
is the most recognizable beacon on Cleveland’s skyline, and its
Ohio’s only free-standing aquarium, located in the historic
enclosed observation deck is open to group visits at any time (only on weekends to the general public.) The top of the Art
Side Trips from Cleveland
Deco masterpiece, dedicated in1930 and once the tallest build-
Cleveland makes a good base of operations for touring Northeast Ohio. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
and special occasions.
•
Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton. Fresh from a major renovation/expansion, the hall captures defining moments of football history and profiles greats of the game through videos and high-tech, interactive exhibits. Touch screens provide bios of all inductees. (profootballhof.com)
•
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron. This 65-room Tudor Revival manor house, built in 1912-15 for Goodyear company co-founder Frank A. Seiberling, showcases treasures from around the world. (stanhywet.org)
•
Cedar Point, Sandusky. This amusement park on the shores of Lake Erie boasts 16 roller coasters, including some of the tallest and fastest in the world. Also enjoy the beach, miniature golf and Soak City water park. (cedarpoint.com)
•
Hale Farm & Village, Bath. Journey back to the 19th century at this outdoor living history museum in the Cuyahoga Valley. A property of Western Reserve Historical Society, it includes dozens of historic buildings and a working farm staffed by roleplaying interpreters who demonstrate pioneer crafts. (wrhs.org)
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Independence. Take a nostalgic three-hour ride in a classic rail car pulled by a 1950s diesel locomotive. Traveling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the excursion train traces the Cuyahoga River and Ohio & Erie Canalway, traversing meadowland, forest and farms. Fall color tours are especially popular. (cvsr.com) Some of the world’s premier roller coasters dominate the skyline at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
ing outside of New York, is bathed in colored lights for holidays The lower levels of Terminal Tower contain shops, restaurants and an 11-screen cinema. Called Tower City Center, the complex has a food court with eateries like Nathan’s Famous and McDonald’s. The Hard Rock Cafe at Tower City serves the brand’s signature burgers, fries and shakes. For groups it offers a package that includes admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The restaurant has its own collection of rock music memorabilia, from a Rolling Stones guitar to Madonna’s shoes. Creating the latest buzz at Terminal Tower is Horseshoe Cleveland, a full-service casino that opened last year in the former Higbee’s department store. Highlights include 1,900 slots, 89 table games and a buffet called The Spread. The nearby East 4th Street District, a block-long brick pedestrian street, is a nightlife hub with hotspots like the House of Blues, Hilarities comedy club, Pickwick concert venue and celebrity chef Michael Symons’ Lola. Corner Alley, an upscale bowling center with casual dining at 4th Street Bar & Grill, has 12 lanes accented by video walls. A walk down Euclid Avenue leads to PlayhouseSquare, a cultural magnet centered around five restored theaters. On almost any night you can catch a Broadway show, Shakespeare play, concert, opera, ballet, play or top comedian. The Great Lakes Theater Company and Cleveland Playhouse, among the top regional theater companies in the country, provide a wide variety of fare. All five theaters—the Allen, Ohio, State, Palace and Hanna—were built between 1919 and 1921 as vaudeville or movie theaters. They closed in the 1960s but were saved from the wrecking ball; renovations began in the ’70s. Theater tours can be arranged. Not far from PlayhouseSquare are Progressive Field (Cleveland Indians) and Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland Cavaliers). Tours of Progressive Field include a dugout, the visitors’ clubhouse, bullpen, indoor batting cages, press box and exhibits on the team’s past. Quicken Loans Arena, or “The Q,” is also home to the AHL Lake Erie Monsters and arena
32 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Obtain Ohio visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
football’s Cleveland Gladiators and hosts major concerts. Many of Cleveland’s cultural institutions are clustered in the University Circle area, a few miles east of downtown. The Cleveland Museum of Art (free general admission), undergoing an extensive renovation and expansion, spans 6,000 years
wrapped package full of goodies for groups of all ages. While the lakefront certainly has summertime appeal, groups will find merriment here any time of the year. For travel information, contact Positively Cleveland CVB, positivelycleveland.com. LGT
of art, offering everything from Egyptian antiquities to French Impressionists and modern American art. You can view vintage cars and planes at the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, part of the Western Reserve Historical Society, which also
Wander The Wonders of Wayne County
encompasses The History Museum. Other University Circle attractions include Cleveland Botanical Garden, which has a conservatory that houses the ecosystems of the Madagascar desert and Costa Rican rainforest; the new Museum of Contemporary Art; Cleveland Museum of Natural History; and magnificent Severance Hall (home of The Cleveland Orchestra) on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. The West Side Market, one of America’s great historic food halls, is a favorite with tour groups and Cleveland residents. More than 100 tenants sell everything from meats and fish to spices, nuts and baked goods. Many stalls have remained under individual family control for much of the life of the market—a few dating back to its 1912 opening. Architecturally distinguished by its vaulted, tiled ceiling and landmark clock tower, the market makes a great lunch stop. Many vendors offer free sam-
To discover what you have been missing visit www.wccvb.com or call 1-800-362-6474 2013 WCCVB
094 061113
ples, or your group can eat its way through the market with Taste Cleveland Food Tours and meet its colorful entrepreneurs at the same time. Fans of A Christmas Story will want to visit the Christmas Story House, the restored house used in the classic 1983 movie about a 9-year-old boy who wanted an air rifle for Christmas. The companion museum across the street has props, costumes and other movie memorabilia, including Randy’s snowsuit and the family car. Cleveland, as more and more tour planners are discovering, comes as a neatly LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 33
on location: northeast ❖
By Becky Neems
New Jersey’s Southern Shore
Groups find fun, frivolity and ocean breezes in the Wildwoods, Cape May and Ocean City
The Southern Shore is a summer escape hatch where vacationers frolic in resort communities like the Wildwoods. Diversions range from thrill rides and carnival games to sunbathing and simple strolls along the boardwalk.
and eclectic shops. Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Wa-
tion spots, a perfect destination for group travel with
terparks, with three amusement piers on
plenty of options for relaxation and recreation. Known for its
the Boardwalk, is a great place to start a
boardwalks and beaches, the Wildwoods invites groups to
Wildwood getaway. It boasts more than
walk along the pier, go on rides, and enjoy the sand and surf.
100 rides and attractions and two beach-
The Wildwoods consist of three areas that cater to diverse
Cape May County Tourism Photos
O
n the southeastern coast of New Jersey, the Wildwoods are one of the Jersey Shore’s premier vaca-
front waterparks, one featuring a beach club with cabanas.
tastes: Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Each
The Doo Wop Experience Museum is filled with neon
area has its own personality. The nearby towns of Cape May
lights and funky designs recalling Wildwoods of the 1950s and
and Ocean City also attract tour groups.
’60s. Bus tours from the museum spotlight the architecture of
A recipient of many awards, the Wildwoods were selected
seaside motels designed in the ’50s.
in 2013 as the Favorite Beach by NJ.com. They were named “Best Beaches in New Jersey” in the 2012, 2011, 2010 and
Wildwood Crest
2008 Top Ten New Jersey Beaches public survey. The 2012
At the southern end of the Wildwoods, Wildwood Crest is
list of TripAdvisor’s “15 Destinations on the Rise” included the
known for its water sports and family-friendly environment.
Wildwoods, and Home.com voted the Wildwoods one of
Atlantic Parasail Inc. has sent riders on over 200,000 flights.
“America’s Top 10 Scenic Seasides of the Summer.”
Starlight Fleet offers dolphin- and whale-watching cruises. A
Here’s a quick look at the Wildwoods and the southeastern shore:
20-block stretch of Ocean Avenue has examples of the Doo Wop architectural style popular in the ’50s. Turtle Gut Park and Memorial commemorates the site (near Sunset Lake)
Wildwood In the center of the vacation area, Wildwood offers five
of the only battle of the American Revolution fought in Cape May County.
miles of free beach and a boardwalk with more than 70,000 planks that stretches for two miles. Nothing is more New Jersey than its boardwalks with saltwater taffy, carnival games 34 August 2013
North Wildwood Boasting New Jersey’s best sports beach, special events LeisureGroupTravel.com
and a diverse nightlife, North Wildwood is
The Cape May Lighthouse dates from 1859.
full of attractions. Night spots include 2nd Street Annie’s, Beach Creek Oyster Bar and Grill, Blue Water Grille at the Bolero and Casba Comedy Club. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse features free, award-winning gardens and a view looking over the Atlantic Ocean along the North Wildwood seawall.
Historic Cold Spring Village is an
Cape May
open-air, living history museum consist-
At New Jersey’s southernmost tip,
ing of 25 restored buildings. Interpreters
Cape May is another option on the South-
demonstrate such 19th century crafts as
ern Shore. Enjoy the beaches and Victo-
broom making and blacksmithing.
rian architecture of this classic seaside resort town.
Ocean City
Climb 199 steps to the top of 157-foot
In the northern end of the Southern
Cape May Lighthouse for views of the
Shore, Ocean City features beaches,
Cape May peninsula. The beacon, still in
boating, sports and attractions. The Dis-
use, was built in 1859 with the original
covery Seashell Museum displays cone
bricks of the 1847 lighthouse.
shells and bulk shells, among many oth-
Cape May Whale Watcher, serving
ers, plus seashell art, jewelry, hermit
Cape May, Wildwood, and the rest of the
crabs and the opportunity to learn about
Jersey Shore, offers whale- and dolphin-
sharks, butterflies and plants. If looking
watching cruises on its new vessel, the
for spooky fun, look no further than Ghost
110-foot Spirit of Cape May. Bird-watch-
Tours of Ocean City. It sheds light on the
ing and dinner cruises are available as
secrets of the Boardwalk, Flanders Hotel
well.
and legend of the Jersey Devil.
Another place to view wildlife is the
For
amusements
and
relaxation,
Cape May County Park and Zoo. The
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Gillian’s
free-admission park features some 250
Island Water Park and Adventure Golf
species of animals and includes picnic
are great destinations. The Wonderland
areas, nature trails, playgrounds and bike
Pier is a pay-as-you-go park featuring a
paths. Nearby is Leaming’s Run Gardens
Giant Wheel as well as 35 other rides. The
with its themed gardens and re-created
water park features the Serpentine Slides,
colonial farm.
Lazy River and cabana rentals. LGT
LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 35
on location: west ❖
By Susan DiLillo
Tourists admire Mother Nature’s handiwork at Canyonlands National Park.
Adventures in Utah’s
RED ROCK COUNTRY Outfitters and tour companies abound in little Moab, the gateway to two national parks tunning landscapes, along with outdoor activities from
S
Canyons, which explores Moab’s wilderness through rock
water sports to land excursions, makes Southern Utah
climbing and desert hiking; Canyon Voyages Adventure Co.,
one of the greatest spots for adventure trips in the
which offers a variety of guided adventure trips in the Moab
American Southwest. Whether it’s for one day or multiple days,
area; Moab Rafting & Canoeing Company; and Western
the red rock country will not disappoint groups looking for
Spirit Cycling (guided bike trips).
recreational opportunities or sightseeing marvels. Moab, a small town in Southeastern Utah, is located at the
Arches and Canyonlands national parks, located just a few miles outside of Moab, are two of the most scenic places in
foot of the La Sal Mountains and overlooks the Colorado River. It is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to natural wonders in places like Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The town, with about 5,000 residents, offers many lodging options, including hotels, resorts, and campgrounds. Moab is home to many adventure travel enterprises. Moab Utah Office of Tourism Photos
Adventure Center, for example, offers a variety of packages, some including lodging options. The outfitter’s travel packages for church groups, business and school trips work for up to 19 people. Full-day and multi-day plans feature guided tours and hikes, off-road safaris and river rafting. Other outfitters, to name just a few, include Moab Cliffs and 36 August 2013
Whitewater adventures on the Colorado River are offered by adventure tour companies in Moab. Trips can be tailored to various abilities.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Obtain Utah visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
Utah. Visitors come to view the red sandstone formations and slickrock domes. Arches National Park, set high above the Colorado River, has over 2,000 natural arches. Moab Adventure Center offers hikes and bus tours that allow close-up looks at Arches’ sandstone creations. The Fiery Furnace hike is a guided five-hour trek through the twists and turns of Arches’ towers and spires. The Tower Arch Trail is a 2.4-mile
Dead Horse Point State Park showcases the splendor of Utah’s red rock country.
trip that winds through sandstone formations, providing vistas of the Arches’
loop is Intrepid, followed by Great Pyra-
life, and a rock, mineral and dinosaur
most famous landscapes. There are
mid and Big Chief, the most difficult.
bones display.
hikes for people of varying physical ca-
For a risk-taking adventure experi-
Southeastern Utah is a great place
pabilities. Bus tours give a view of the
ence, Hell’s Revenge Trail, 10 minutes
for adrenaline-seeking adventurers.
Courthouse Towers, La Sal Mountains,
east of Moab, offers ATV tracks with
Whether your group is looking for a
Petrified Dunes and other much-pho-
challenging obstacles and steep slick-
breathtaking fall from the sky or a chal-
tographed sites.
rock climbs for seasoned and beginning
lenging bike ride topped off with sunset
riders. Routes travel through the La Sal
views of the landscape, red rock coun-
Mountains and Arches National Park.
try is the perfect place to experience it
The Green and Colorado rivers divide Canyonlands National Park into three sections. These include Island of
Moab’s dramatic landscape can be
the Sky, elevated 2,000 feet above the
seen from a unique perspective while
rivers; the Needles, where colorful sand-
falling thousands of feet from the sky.
stone structures tower over the land;
Arches Air Sports offers tandem and
and the Maze, an area of flat rock walls
accelerated free-fall skydiving. The 30-
and abrupt drop-offs. Canyonlands of-
minute plane ride allows one to view all
fers hiking, boating, camping, biking,
the wonders of the area. Arches Air
horseback riding and rock climbing.
Sports can accommodate up to 10 divers.
Canyonlands is known for its great
For a group activity that will build
mountain bike terrain, especially the
trust, confidence and communication,
100-mile White Rim Road. Trips around
Moab’s Rope Course Adventure lets
the Island take three to four days by bike.
one crawl up a 40-foot climbing wall, ride
The Green and Colorado rivers are per-
a skateboard zip line and walk a 25-foot
fect for canoeing and kayaking. Island of
balance beam. It offers one-, two-, three-
the Sky and the Needles have areas for
and six-hour rope course expeditions.
short walks, hikes and backpacking.
For a taste of the historic side of
Many years of geological history
Utah, Moab has a collection of muse-
have made Dead Horse Point State
ums. The Moab Museum of Film and
Park, located 30 miles outside of Moab,
Western Heritage takes you back to
one of the most photographed scenic
the years of black-and-white film mak-
vistas in the world. In addition to the pic-
ing. The red rock country’s rugged ter-
turesque red rock and 21-site camp-
rain has made it a great location for
ground, Dead Horse has areas ideal for
Westerns such as Rio Grande and The
mountain biking and bird viewing.
Comancheros starring John Wayne.
The state park has three hiking and
The Museum of Moab tells about
biking loops (one to nine miles) with
Moab’s past, featuring Ute Indian arti-
varying degrees of difficulty. The easiest
facts, photographs of Moab’s pioneer
LeisureGroupTravel.com
all. LGT
August 2013 37
For a nostalgic ride back in time, groups can hop aboard an authentic steam train from the Nevada Northern Railway’s museum in Ely.
on location: west ❖
R IDING THE RAILS IN NEVADA Nevada Commission on Tourism
Scenic train excursions highlight a creative itinerary in the Silver State By Sue Arko
iscover a region where mountains seem to touch
Southern Railroad, operated by the museum, takes passen-
the sky, where clear rivers flow over polished rocks,
gers on a 40-minute, six-mile roundtrip excursion along the
where wildlife abounds, and where the American
Sacramento River on a portion of the Walnut Grove branch of
D
West is alive and well. Experience this and more when riding
the former Southern Pacific Railroad.
Amtrak between Sacramento, California and Elko, Nevada,
The next morning, board Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one
and making vintage rail excursions in the Nevada towns of Ely,
of the most scenic rail excursions in America. Whether seated
Carson City, Virginia City and Boulder City.
in the VistaDome, a private compartment, the dining car, snack
The best way to begin the journey is in Sacramento, home
bar or in coach, breathtaking scenery can be found around
to the California State Railroad Museum. Located in Old
every curve while traveling over Donner Pass and along the
Sacramento, the museum features 21 lavishly restored loco-
Truckee River. A late afternoon arrival in Reno allows for an
motives and railroad cars, some dating back to 1862. The
entertaining evening in “America’s Biggest Little City.”
“Sierra Scene” is a large-scale replica of a construction scene
Then, it’s only a short motorcoach ride from Reno to Carson
representing Donner Pass around 1867, featuring the loco-
City, Nevada’s capital and home of the Nevada State Railroad
motive Gov. Stanford. Other exhibits tell the story of how rail-
Museum. Preserving the Silver State’s railroad heritage, the
roads changed life in America by interpreting the role of the
museum features locomotives and cars of the famous Virginia
“iron horse” in connecting California to the rest of the nation.
& Truckee Railroad and other lines. Many were bought from
Next to the museum’s main building on Front Street is
Hollywood studios, where they were made famous in movies
a reconstruction of the 1870s-era Central Pacific Railroad
and television shows. Guests enjoy train rides, handcar rides,
passenger station, which houses historic and contemporary
lectures, exhibits and special events at the museum, which has
railroad equipment. During the summer, the Sacramento
an active research and restoration program.
Heritage Clubs Heads to Laughlin for 2014 Conference eritage Clubs International, America’s premier bank travel organization, has selected Laughlin, Nevada as the site for its 2014 Peer Group meeting. The event will be held March 10-14 at Harrah’s Casino and Hotel. The conference brings bank travel club managers together with the organization’s preferred tour operators, destinations and travel industry suppliers for networking, educational seminars and a trade show. “We are so excited to go to Laughlin for HCI’s 2014 Peer Group conference!” said Diane Susong, Heritage Clubs’ advisory board chair. “Nevada partners have been fabulous to work with over the years and we look forward to learning more about all of the fabulous things the Laughlin area has to offer to our bank clubs.”
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38 August 2013
Laughlin is strategically located near iconic touring locations, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, and just an hour-and-a-half drive to Las Vegas.
Member banks are also eager about coming back to the area. Mary Jean Hagedorn from F&M Bank in West Point, Nebraska said, “It's an automatic travel for us every other year. There are so many things to do – a huge shopping center, movie theaters and live shows with good entertainment, plus the Riverwalk along the Colorado River. Something for everyone!” Through networking, education, innovation and industry expertise, Heritage Clubs provides its members with the resources and opportunities to be the most knowledgeable and successful in their field. For more information about the 2014 Peer Group conference, contact 877-881-0229 or visit heritageclubs.com. LeisureGroupTravel.com
In the afternoon, ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to
Obtain Nevada visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
Virginia City, either in an open-air car or the covered caboose. The conductor presents the story of Nevada’s late 19th century mining boom when Virginia City was the richest city on earth,
Scenic two-hour roundtrip excur-
with more millionaires than anywhere else. As mining in
sions operate on the weekends
Virginia City began to decline in the 1880s, the railroad focused
from early April through January,
more on transporting passengers than ore. After 1924, mining
with weekday operations from Me-
had virtually stopped and ever-increasing use of the automo-
morial Day through September.
bile caused the railroad to close in 1950. In 2005, reconstruc-
Special event excursions include
tion of the line started and today the Virginia & Truckee offers
the BBQ Train, Wine Train, Choco-
rides using both steam and diesel locomotives. Highlights of
late Train and Polar Express.
this excursion include: Tunnel No. 4 – the last tunnel before Virginia City, one of five built for the 1600-foot descent to the valley floor.
Finally, continue by motorcoach to historic Boulder City, just south of Las Vegas, and enjoy the Nevada
VisitRenoTahoe.com
Comstock mines – transporting silver and gold from the
Southern Railway as it travels across the 1931 route to the
mother lode to the mills was the Virginia & Truckee’s original
Railroad Pass Hotel and back. This 45-minute roundtrip fea-
purpose. Pass by eight mines.
tures three air-conditioned/heated cars, an open-air car and a
Gold Hill – rich in history, where the Comstock Era gold
generator car, following the route that supplied materials to
strikes began and the train depot was built at one of the few flat
Boulder City during the construction of Hoover Dam. There are
places in town.
four scheduled trips each Saturday and Sunday departing from
On the nostalgic “Toast of the Canyon” tour, guests sip
the station at Yucca Street.
local wine and snack on hors d’oeuvres while gazing into the
For groups yearning to experience the rhythm of the rails
valley, which has remained largely unchanged since the min-
and colorful narration by train personnel, along with spec-
ing era.
tacular scenery, American history and a wide variety of en-
Return to Reno by motorcoach for a late-afternoon, eastbound departure on the California Zephyr to Elko. Follow the
tertainment options, Nevada’s railroad destinations have just the ticket. LGT
path of what was a major Indian trail and the Humboldt River, a path followed by pioneers and those with dreaming of striking it rich in the mines. See dramatic geology, two distinct rivers and unique Nevada communities along the way. Travel by places out of Nevada’s past (Preble, Prince Royal and Star City) and, depending on the time of year, enjoy a glorious sunset before reaching Winnemucca, the town founded by Frank Baud after he arrived in the early 1860s to work on the Humboldt Canal. Arrival time in Elko is around 9:30 p.m. Many group-friendly accommodations are available, and there is plenty of nightlife in the casinos. A stop at Elko’s new California Trail Interpretive Center is a must. It is a free attraction with multimedia exhibits, life-size dioramas, original art and videos on America’s westward expansion. Continue by motorcoach to Ely and ride the Nevada Northern Railway for a journey back in time when the iron horse ruled the rails. This living, breathing, operating historic railroad allows groups to experience a working 19th century steam railroad. It’s gritty. It’s dirty. It smells of coal smoke, creosote and sweat. It is the last of its kind, the sole survivor from a grand era of railroading in the Silver State. An excellent museum can be found at the depot, which is now a National Historic Landmark and America’s best preserved short-line railroad facility still in existence. LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 39
on location: northeast ❖
By Randy Mink
Must-See Boston
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ompact and walkable, New England’s largest city is crammed with tour attractions, many of them landmarks relating to the birth of our nation. While Boston is inevitably linked to events that led up to the American Revolution, it’s also a modern, youthful city at the forefront of the latest trends. A good place to start explorations is along the famous Freedom Trail that winds through central Boston. Marked by a red line made of brick or paint, the 2½-mile path spotlights people and events right out of the history books. Some of these colonial sights make our list of 10 must-sees on a tour of quintessential Boston. Faneuil Hall Marketplace entered around historic brick buildings, this festival market is the perfect place to shop, eat, people-watch and absorb a little Revolutionary history. Food stalls in the 1826 Quincy Market building abound with treats, from gourmet cookies to fresh-shucked oysters. The cobbled alleys bustle with pushcart vendors, and you’ll find chain stores and specialty boutiques in the North and South Market buildings. Pause to watch jugglers, escape artists and other street entertainers, or pop into 1742 Faneuil Hall, a meeting place where early patriots gathered to protest British rule. (faneuilhallmarketplace.com)
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Boston Common & Public Garden oston Common, starting point of the Freedom Trail, and the adjacent Public Garden provide a green oasis in the heart of the city. Boston Common, the country’s oldest public park, dates back to 1634, while the Public Garden was established as America’s first botanical garden in 1837. Pedal-powered Swan boats, accommodating up to 20, offer a leisurely cruise on the Garden’s lagoon, framed by weeping willows. Both parks abound with monuments. The Garden has a majestic bronze statue of Gen. George Washington on horseback. (swanboats.com)
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USS Constitution t anchor in Charlestown Navy Yard, this threemasted frigate is better known as “Old Ironsides.” Part of Boston National Historical Park and a major stop on the Freedom Trail, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat was launched in Boston Harbor in 1797 and saw action in the War of 1812. Active-duty sailors show visitors around the ship. Just inland is the USS Constitution Museum. National Park Service rangers give free tours of the U.S. Navy base. Nearby is Bunker Hill Monument. (history.navy.mil/ussconstitution)
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40 August 2013
Old North Church ocated on the Freedom Trail in Boston’s North End, the city’s oldest church (1723) is famous for the role it played in the American Revolution. Two lanterns were placed in its steeple to signal to horseback messenger Paul Revere that British troops were coming (“one if by land, two if by sea”). There are plaques and markers throughout the church, one indicating the Revere family pew. In adjacent Paul Revere Mall stands an equestrian statue of the patriot and silversmith; nearby is the 1680 Paul Revere House, the oldest house in Boston. (oldnorth.com)
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Boston Duck Tours rom a vantage point high above street level, reconditioned World War II amphibious vehicles provide a rollicking ride through central Boston, offering a good overview of the city. Wacky guides (called “conDUCKtors”) give lively narration as the brightly-colored Ducks cruise by dozens of famous sights, including Bunker Hill, Old North Church, Boston Common and Quincy Market. Making a splashdown into the Charles River highlights the popular excursion. Group charters are available. (bostonducktours.com)
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Fenway Park hick with legend, the home of the Boston Red Sox is a beloved pilgrimage site for followers of America’s national pastime. Built in 1912, the oldest Major League ballpark in the country features a handoperated scoreboard and 37-foot-high left field wall—the Green Monster. Year-round tours may include a dugout, the press box, a walk on the warning track and Red Sox Hall of Fame. Game tickets for the coveted, but cramped seats are hard to come by. (redsox.com)
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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum verlooking Dorchester Bay next to the University of Massachusetts campus, this shrine to our 35th president captures JFK’s legacy. See clips of the Boston native’s inaugural address and debates with Richard Nixon, and view a replica of the Oval Office. Exhibits spotlight Robert Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the civil rights movement, space program, and Cuban Missile Crisis, plus the 1963 assassination and funeral. (jfklibrary.org)
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Museum of Fine Arts, Boston he Art of the Americas wing, which opened in 2010, has 53 galleries showcasing about 5,000 works, from pre-Columbian treasures to late 20th century art, including silverwork by Paul Revere, colonial New England furniture and18th century portraits by Boston-born John Singleton Copley. Asian art connoisseurs enjoy the tranquil Japanese Temple Room and a large collection of Japanese art, plus works from India and China. The world-class museum also boasts superlative Impressionist paintings. Ancient Egypt and Classical Greece are also well represented. (mfa.org)
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New England Aquarium he centerpiece of this waterfront attraction is the Giant Ocean Tank, a coral reef community that contains sharks, turtles, moray eels and hundreds of tropical fish, all visible from a ramp that winds around the four-story structure. It’s fun to watch the scuba divers at feeding times. Also popular are the Amazon Rainforest and a penguin habitat. Just outside the doors is the Atlantic harbor seals exhibit. The aquarium also has an IMAX theater. (neaq.org)
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Prudential Center Skywalk he enclosed observation deck on the 50th floor of the 52-story Prudential Tower affords 360-degree views of Boston, Cambridge and beyond. See the gold dome of the State House, parks of the “Emerald Necklace” stretching into the distance and the Boston Harbor Islands. Enhancing the visit are interactive exhibits on Boston, an audio tour and the “Wings Over Boston” video in the theater. Two floors up is Top of the Hub restaurant and lounge. Lower levels of the Prudential Center house an indoor shopping mall with a food court. (prudentialcenter.com)
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LeisureGroupTravel.com
Arkansas’ brand “The Natural State” is quite fitting. Scenic splendor abounds with more than 600,000 acres of lakes, 9,000 miles of rivers and streams, and mountains covering half of the state. Arkansas is proud of its natural beauty and puts it on display at more than 30 state parks. Whatever outdoor interest guests might fancy, they’ll enjoy the experience in an Arkansas state park. From boating, fishing and swimming to biking, hiking and equestrian trails, your playground awaits.
Petit Jean State Park, near Morrilton, abounds with scenes of pristine beauty.
Arkansas 42 August 2013
State park options range from hiking at Mount Magazine to water sports at DeGray Lake.
on location: south ❖
dave bodle
For groups, three of the state parks have a lodge and 12
Arkansas’ first state park, Petit Jean State Park, and the
have cabins. Soon to become the fourth park with a lodge is
legendary mountain where it is located are historic in their own
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, where renovations to both the
right. They are named after the young lady who tragically lost
lodge and restaurant are scheduled for completion the latter
her life as a stowaway following her lover on his New World
part of 2013. Located on Rich Mountain, Arkansas’ second
exploring expedition. The park and its focal point, the Mather
highest peak, and 13 miles west of Mena, the park has inter-
Lodge, began construction in 1933 as part of Franklin D. Roo-
pretative programs that showcase the area’s unique fauna and
sevelt’s New Deal and Civilian Conservation Corps.
flora.
The lodge features 24 guest rooms and a restaurant, both
Located in the town of Paris, Mount Magazine State Park
providing dramatic views of Cedar Creek Canyon. Cedar Falls,
is a six-hour or less drive from Little Rock, Dallas, Shreveport,
a 95-foot waterfall, is a must see, while 100-acre Lake Bailey
Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Memphis. Arkansas’
offers fishing, kayaking and pedal boating. Park interpreters
high-point state park (at 2,753 feet) provides absolute natural
offer numerous programs highlighting the nature and history
beauty with abundant recreational opportunities. From sight-
of the park that started what is Arkansas’ state parks system.
seeing to extreme sports, Mount Magazine has it all. The park’s centerpiece is The Lodge at Mount Magazine. The recently
Little Rock Area
renovated facility is perfect for groups, including tour, reunion,
The Natural State has more than beauty to welcome
religious and corporate. Sixty guest rooms each provide a
guests. There’s history, art and plenty of fun in the heart of
spectacular view and amenities like high-speed Internet. The
Arkansas, the Little Rock area. A good place to begin is the
Skycrest Restaurant serves three meals daily and provides
North Little Rock Visitors Bureau “Concierge” for an itinerary
banquet meals in the meeting and conference space.
that’s designed specifically for your group.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is Arkansas’ only resort
Numerous options are available in North Little Rock. Along
state park. With 94 rooms and the Shoreline Restaurant, the
the riverfront the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum/USS
lodge appeals to groups of all types. Park interpreters provide
Razorback features guided tours of the historic ship, along
guided hikes, sunset cruises and snorkeling trips in-season
with large exhibits and a theater. Close by is the Arkansas
and eagle watch cruises on the lake from September-February.
Queen Riverboat, a historic paddle wheeler with sightseeing
An 18-hole championship golf course is located on site.
and dinner cruises.
The two-night “DeGray Resort Lights & Lake” December
If you are a movie fan, you might recognize The Old Mill at
package combines nature and a visit to historic Hot Springs,
T. R. Pugh Memorial Park. With an appearance in Gone With
Odysseys Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism Photos
Combine the state parks’ natural splendor with sightseeing in the Little Rock area only 21miles away. The plan features a guided lake tour and
the Wind, the water-powered gristmill is a perfect photo op-
eagle watch, two dinners and two breakfasts, and a trip to
portunity. To round out a day of heritage and history in North
downtown Hot Springs for shopping and sightseeing. No visit
Little Rock, be certain to include the National Guard Museum,
is complete without a stop at Hot Springs National Park. Catch
Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Museum and the 1890s mil-
The Magic & Comedy of Maxwell Blade at the Maxwell Blade
itary installation Fort Roots.
Magic Lantern Theatre. Also visit the Gangster Museum of
Tuesday evenings come alive when you become part of
America across from Bathhouse Row and tour Garvan Wood-
the popular “Tales From the South,” a unique radio show fea-
land Gardens and the Holiday Lights presentation.
turing storytelling, Southern style. Every Tuesday the Starving
LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 43
on location: south ❖
Obtain Arkansas visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
“Inauguration” and “White House at Work.” The year was 1957 and it was the beginning of another school year at Little Rock’s Central High School. However, it was more than a constitutional struggle when the Little Rock Board of Education decided to gradually integrate the city’s Arkansas Dept. of Parks & Tourism
schools. Turning ordered desegregation into violence, Gov. Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the entrance of African-American students to the high school. President Eisenhower followed by ordering the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock. A large media presence in these early Little Rock’s River Market District makes a good shopping stop.
days of television broadcast the events across the nation. The National Park Service operates the Little Rock Central High
Artist Cafe opens its doors at 5 p.m. and dinner is served
School National Historic Site and Visitors Center. Although
from 5 to 7. There’s always music, and the first of three sched-
the original building is still an operational high school, tours can
uled storytellers begins at 7. The show is broadcast later on
be arranged by appointment.
World Radio Network.
There are many other attractions in Little Rock, including
On the opposite side of the Arkansas River, Little Rock has
the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Heifer Village,
much to see and do. Regardless of your politics, the William
Arkansas State Capitol, Old State House Museum and His-
J. Clinton Presidential Center provides an extraordinary look
toric Arkansas Museum. The Arkansas Arts Center fea-
at both the man and the presidency. Although the library por-
tures a world-class collection in addition to live theater, films
tion exists to house the presidential archives, the majority of
and dining. Sounds like you might need to plan an extra day,
guests come to view the exhibits, including “The Campaign,”
or two. LGT
HAVE FUN IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.
Let Julie Pennington show your group all of Northwest Arkansas – Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Clinton House Museum, Botanical Garden, Butterfield Stagecoach Route and much more. Her enthusiasm for Fayetteville is contagious. Experience it for yourself.
The Heart of Historic Hot Springs National Park
Relax at The Arlington Thermal baths and spa. A national park outside any door. Great dining choices. 4HE Twin cascading outdoor pools. Championship golf. 2 % 3 / 2 4 ( / 4 % , 3 0! Private beauty www.ArlingtonHotel.com and facial salon.
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Upstate New York's Turning Stone Resort Casino
CASINO BEST BETS Gaming resorts offer glittering nightlife and the chance to strike it rich By Randy Mink umptuous buffets, rousing entertainment, the magnetic
nos can choose from a number of diversions—from spending
allure of the casino floor – all ingredients for an electri-
a lazy afternoon at the pool to enjoying first-rate shows. Some
fying escape from the everyday. Include a casino visit
resorts offer tennis, golf, retail shops and spa treatments. High-
in the tour itinerary and you’re bound to have happy campers.
lighted here are some of the most group-friendly gaming prop-
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Besides tempting Lady Luck, guests at America’s top casi-
erties in America.
Mescalero, New Mexico
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino ituated in the Sacramento Mountains, just outside of Ruidoso, the resort is an enterprise of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Guests enjoy Vegasstyle gaming (830 slot and video poker machines, 37 table games), big-name entertainment, championship golf, an indoor pool, top-notch accommodations and a wide variety of restaurants. Recreational opportunities range from hiking and biking to fishing and hunting. Original works of art throughout the 273-room property provide a tranquil setting evocative of the American Southwest. (innofthemountaingods.com)
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Circus Circus ocated on the Las Vegas Strip, Circus Circus has over 101,000 square feet of gaming in four full-size casinos. The resort’s 3,767 guestrooms and 135 suites are housed in three towers and five, three-story buildings. Circus acts perform twice each hour on the Midway stage; surrounding the stage is a midway with carnival games. The five-acre Adventuredome, the largest indoor theme park in America, has a roller coaster, swinging pirate ship and 20-plus other rides and attractions. (circuscircus.com)
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Dice Photos Courtesy of Clipart.com
46 August 2013
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Potawatomi Bingo Casino ocated in downtown Milwaukee, Potawatomi Bingo Casino offers nearly 3,000 slot machines in denominations from 1 cent to $100, a 1,440-seat Bingo Hall and nearly 100 table games, plus the Off-Track Betting Room and 20-table Poker Room. Guests also enjoy six restaurants and headliner entertainment in the intimate 500-seat Northern Lights Theater, which has booth and table seating on the first level and traditional theater seating above. Coming in late summer 2014 is an 18-story hotel. (paysbig.com)
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Flandreau, South Dakota
Royal River Casino & Hotel oyal River’s casino floor features more than 350 slot machines, along with blackjack, roulette and a dedicated poker room. Guests at the 120room hotel enjoy spacious accommodations with whirlpool bath tubs, plus a swimming pool and hot tub. River’s Bend Restaurant is known for its sumptuous buffet. The Royal Room features nationally known musical artists and comedians. Group tours are welcome, with packages available for both day trips and overnight stays. (royalrivercasino.com)
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Atlantic City, New Jersey
Resorts Casino Hotel elebrating its 35th anniversary as the first casino to open in Atlantic City, Resorts just observed a new milestone—the opening of a $35-million Margaritaville casino and entertainment complex that includes the only yearround beach bar on the Atlantic City sand. Spanning 11 acres at the northern end of the Boardwalk, the resort features 942 guest rooms in two hotel towers, a casino with more than 2,500 slots and 80 table games, two theaters, six restaurants, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, and retail shops. (resortsac.com)
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Verona, New York
Turning Stone Resort Casino ocated in Upstate New York, 30 miles east of Syracuse, the Oneida Indian Nation’s destination resort boasts headliner entertainment, world-class golf on five courses, a day spa and 709 guest rooms in four hotels. More than 120,000 square feet of gaming space features 92 table games, 2,200 gaming machines, a poker room and bingo hall. The resort offers 19 restaurants and convenience food locations, plus 10 retail shops. The Sportsplex, adjacent to the Golf Dome, has tennis and racquetball courts. (turningstone.com)
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Tulalip, Washington
Tulalip Resort Casino ashington State’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated casino resort offers more than 2,000 slot and video poker machines, plus 50-some table games and a poker room. It boasts a variety of dining choices, world-class spa and multitude of live entertainment. Located on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, the luxury resort has 370 guest rooms and suites that feature premium pillow top beds and large walk-in showers with three body sprays. Shuttles serve the nearby Seattle Premium Outlets. (tulalipresort.com)
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LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 47
EMPLOYEE OWNED, LOCALLY OWNED
YOUR ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
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48 August 2013
LeisureGroupTravel.com
East St. Louis, Illinois
Casino Queen asino Queen, located on the Mississippi River across from downtown St. Louis, Mo., has more than 1,100 slot machines, plus tables for blackjack, baccarat, craps, Caribbean stud, roulette and three card poker. Guests enjoy three restaurantsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Market Street Buffet, Prime Steakhouse and Sevens, a sports lounge/nightclub. Casino Queen Hotel, offering impressive views of the St. Louis skyline, is located just steps from the casino floor and has an indoor pool. (casinoqueen.com)
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LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 49
Biloxi, Mississippi
Cherokee, North Carolina
Palace Casino Resort parkling from a recent expansion and renovation, Palace Casino is the only smoke-free casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It spacious gaming floor offers 1,000-plus slot machines and 26 table games. The resort offers luxurious accommodations and wide choice of restaurants—Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood, Stacked Grill (gourmet hamburgers, Palace Buffet, Palace Cafe & Bakery and Contact Lounge and Sports Bar. Other amenities include a spa and privileges at The Preserve Golf Club. (palacecasinoresort.com)
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Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort estled at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a mile from the North Carolina entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Harrah’s Cherokee recently completed a $650-million expansion. The Southeast’s premier casino offers 3,800 slots and 100-plus table games. Guests enjoy pampering at Mandara Spa and have preferred access to Sequoyah National Golf Club. The 21-story hotel has 1,108 rooms. Among the 10 restaurants are Chef’s Stage Buffet, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Brio Tuscan Grille. (harrahscherokee.com)
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Quapaw, Oklahoma
Downstream Resort Casino he Quapaw Tribe’s resort in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma, where the state meets Kansas and Missouri, features two hotel towers with 374 rooms, fitness centers, and indoor and outdoor pools. Gaming facilities include 2,000 slots, 150 video poker games, a poker room and table games. Guests enjoy Las Vegas-style entertainment, including nationally known acts, and restaurant options like Red Oak Steakhouse and Spring River Buffet. An 18-hole golf course is set in the foothills of the Ozarks. (downstreamcasino.com)
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Trip-Worthy U.S. Museums By Stephanie Bailey
very year, Americans troop into museums by the thousands. Whether your
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group is intent on understanding the intricacies of times past or looking for a quiet break between shopping trips, museums remain a popular and
A good museum should be a complete experience, with something for every member of your travel group. The best museums are more than just dusty collections of the old and the priceless; they offer a window into history – or even a way to become fully immersed in a particular time period, if only for a short time.
The Newseum’s Berlin Wall Gallery
Mashantucket, Connecticut
Mashantucket Pequot Museum he Pequot Museum is dedicated to Native American arts, culture and local natural history. Tribes from all over the U.S. and Canada are represented by dioramas, live performances, artifacts and exhibits. While the steely modern structure that houses the Pequot Museum may not be your idea of a traditional building, it’s designed to be eco-friendly and to complement the local landscape. Stay for lunch, and you can sample various Native American cuisines at the restaurant. (pequotmuseum.org)
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Independence, Missouri
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum he years between the end of World War II and the finish of the Korean War brought massive changes to America. At the Truman Library and Museum, your group can view the events from the perspective of a president. The historical objects in this Independence museum, plus dozens of interactive and hands-on exhibits, paint a picture of the life and times of Harry and Bess, from their family life to world events. (trumanlibrary.org)
T Amy Elrod
Sam Kittner/Newseum
enduring draw.
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August 2013 51
Austin, Texas
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center n 1982 the former First Lady joined with actress Helen Hayes to preserve the native flora and fauna of central, southern, and western Texas. This 279-acre botanical garden is the result. Part of the University of Texas at Austin, it includes cultivated gardens, wild meadows and verdant woodlands, as well as local examples of architecture and sculpture, an observation tower and a visitors center. The blooming season peaks March through May. (wildflower.org)
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Art Museum ilwaukee might be famous for its beer, but art shouldn’t be far behind. The 30,000 works in this world-class museum run the gamut from 15th century European offerings to Haitian folk art to masters of American Modern. There’s a special emphasis on decorative arts, German Expressionism and the works of Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe. The building itself, with its iconic sunscreen resembling a ship’s sail, has become a landmark on the Lake Michigan shoreline. (mam.org)
Jeff Millies
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Cleveland, Ohio
Rock and Rock Hall of Fame and Museum he Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a perennial favorite for music lovers and one of Cleveland’s premier tourist attractions. As you might expect from this shrine to popular music, there are famous artifacts aplenty, from Pete Townshend’s Gibson guitar to John Lennon’s jacket. There are also a few surprises, including an exhibit dedicated to Midwestern music. The glasssheathed building, on the shore of Lake Erie, was designed by the great I.M. Pei. (rockhall.com)
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Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Oshkosh Public Museum shkosh’s Public Museum can rightly be called a museum-within-a-museum: its home, a 1909 English Tudor Revival residence with interiors by Tiffany Studios of New York, is located in a National Historic District. Tiffany’s window series “Angels Representing Seven Churches” is an exhibition that will be on display from Feb. 8 through May 11, 2014. The accompanying Living With Tiffany exhibit will showcase decorative objects created by Tiffany Studios for the home and everyday living. (oshkoshmuseum.org)
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Paducah, Kentucky
National Quilt Museum uilts as high art? That’s the theme of the National Quilt Museum in historic downtown Paducah, Kentucky. And the 160,000 visitors who stop by each year experience how quilts can indeed be art, with styles ranging from folksy to ornate to sleekly modern. Items come from places as far away as Japan; there are over 320 quilts in the museum’s collection. Continuous rotation in the main gallery ensures you’ll find something new on every visit. (quiltmuseum.org)
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August 2013 53
Nashville, Tennessee
Country Music Hall of Fame ince 1967, Nashville’s Country Music HOF has celebrated the 200-year-old roots of country music and greats from Hank Williams and Elvis Presley to Brenda Lee and Carrie Underwood. The core exhibit, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, features costumes, instruments, and film and audio clips. Find your favorite artist’s album on the Gold Record Wall. Reba: All the Women I Am, opening Aug. 9 and running through June 8, 2014, spotlights Reba McEntire. (countrymusichalloffame.org)
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Winter Park, Florida
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art ouis Comfort Tiffany was arguably America’s greatest artistic talent at the turn of the 20th century; Charles Hosmer Morse was unarguably his biggest fan. This museum houses the world’s most comprehensive overview of Tiffany’s works, including more than 200 objects from Laurelton Hall, his idyllic home in Long Island. There are other American arts represented in the Morse collection as well, including jewelry, pottery, art glass and an entire chapel interior. (morsemuseum.org)
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Tiffanyat the
Morse The Morse Museum houses the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. New Wing Now Open
445 n. park avenue winter park, ďŹ&#x201A; 32789 (407) 645-5311 www.morsemuseum.org
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August 2013 55
Columbus, Ohio
COSI ormally the Center of Science and Industry, this Columbus museum is not your average look-at-things-in-display-cases type of place. It’s particularly geared towards kids (both the young and grown-up kind), so there are more than 300 interactive exhibits – all of which are science-based. Live shows are presented throughout the exhibition areas. Interested in history, laboratory science, outer space, the ocean or the workings of your average farm? It’s all at COSI. (cosi.org)
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Washington, D.C.
Newseum ver 250,000 square feet of history, as told through the news media, are the focus of this Washington D.C. museum. From its handy location on Pennsylvania Avenue, visitors can tour exhibits ranging from 9/11 news to bits of the Berlin Wall. Other attractions include the front pages of Civil Warera newspapers, Pulitzer Prize-winning photos, and even a section dedicated to presidential pets. The Interactive Newsroom gives visitors a chance to play the role of a reporter or photographer. (newseum.org)
Sam Kittner/Newseum
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Little Rock, Arkansas
Clinton Presidential Center ill Clinton’s presidency, as filled with drama and debate as any, is the focus of Little Rock’s Clinton Presidential Center. Not only does it offer an insider’s glimpse of the Clinton era via photos and artifacts, it’s also home to the Clinton Foundation. There’s a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, plus a White House Cabinet room reconstruction. Other exhibits show the splendor of state events, holiday celebrations and how the Clintons made the White House their home. (clintonpresidentialcenter.org)
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library very wave of immigrants has a story, and at this Cedar Rapids museum the unique story of the area’s Slovak and Czech heritage is on display. Exhibits include a typical 19th century immigrant home, Czech art and handicrafts, and a replica of a steamer ship steerage section – the main mode of travel for the poorer passenger. An exhibit dedicated to World War II through the eyes of the Czechs and Slovaks rounds out the offerings. (ncsml.org)
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LeisureGroupTravel.com
rockhall.com â&#x20AC;˘ 888.764.ROCK To book your group tour at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum or to receive a Group Planning Guide, call 216.515.1228. LeisureGroupTravel.com
August 2013 57
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal tep aboard a side-wheel steamboat, view vintage cars, experience Cincinnati during World War II in the Home Front exhibition and engage with costumed interpreters at the Cincinnati History Museum. The Museum of Natural History and Science and hands-on Duke Energy Children’s Museum also make their home in Union Terminal, a former railroad station turned landmark. In addition, the 1930s-era Art Deco building has an Omnimax theater that shows movies on a five-story dome screen. (cincymuseum.org)
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Millville, New Jersey
WheatonArts his complex, located less than an hour from Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Cape May, shares the art and history of American glass and traditional New Jersey crafts. It includes the Museum of American Glass, which showcases objects dating as far back as the early 1700s to contemporary works by artists such as Dale Chihuly. While there, don’t miss the demonstrations of world-class glass being made first hand. Also see woodcarving and ceramics studios. (wheatonarts.org)
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Kent, Ohio
Kent State University Museum nterested in fashion and design? Then don’t miss the Kent State University Museum, which holds one of the nation’s largest collections of 18th through 21stcentury gowns and decorative arts. It offers eight galleries that feature a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 pieces along with changing exhibitions of work by the world’s best designers. An extensive collection of American glass, furniture, textiles and other decorative arts also give context to the study of design. (kent.edu/museum)
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Waterloo, Iowa
Grout Museum District he Grout Museum District focuses on different aspects of Iowa’s history through its five distinct museums. The Grout Museum of History and Science shares the area’s natural and cultural history while the Rensselaer Russell House Museum and the Snowden House focus on life in the Victorian age. The Bluedorn Science Imaginarium’s hands-on exhibits make learning science exciting, and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the sacrifice of Iowa veterans from the Civil War to today. (gmdistrict.org)
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Dallas, Texas
Sixth Floor Museum etter known by its old name, the Texas School Book Depository, this museum is located in the exact building from which President John F. Kennedy was shot in 1963. Explore JFK’s presidency, death and the timeline of events following the assassination through videos, artifacts and forensic evidence. The sixth floor holds permanent exhibits dedicated to the former president, while the seventh floor has temporary exhibits regarding the social culture of the ’60s and the Kennedys’ impact on America. (jfk.org)
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On Marketing
❖ dave bodle
Hopping Aboard the Social Media Bandwagon I’M ABOUT TO get serious with social
almost like “Here’s what’s going on the
here at Premier Tourism Marketing.
media. This past May I was privileged
next few weekends.” Of course, what
He’s probably forgotten more about
to be on a Media FAM hosted by the
we author at Leisure Group Travel is
online then I ever knew. In particular,
Georgia Department of Economic De-
directed to the group tour industry.
he understands social media and how
velopment and their partners, Georgia’s Lake Country and Northwest Georgia. During the trip, quite a few writers
We’re a trade publication and although our readers may be delighted
it can benefit our readers. By the time you read this column
to hear what’s going on this weekend
in the August 2013 issue of Leisure
were taking pictures with their smart-
in Northwest Georgia, there’s little they
Group Travel, it’s my hope you’ll already
phones and posting those images on
can do about getting a group there.
be following us on our Facebook
their blogs and websites. I too have a
Granted, I do post on my personal
page – “Group University” and our
smartphone, although admittedly I’m
Facebook when I return from a trip.
Pinterest page – “Group Traveler.” You
not the most technologically gifted. So,
The delay is necessary because if my
can always follow me on my personal
when some of these folks came up for
friends knew I was out of town, I might
Facebook page, but remember I do not
air, I’d start a conversation to find out
be missing a few Adirondack chairs
post until I return home. I have to keep
what they were doing.
upon returning home.
an eye on those Adirondack chairs.
I discovered that those posting regu-
Seriously, there has to be a way for
At Premier Tourism Marketing we
larly were mostly writing messages
a trade publication to become proactive
are fortunate to have Lance lead our
directed at family travelers. There was
in social media. Almost weekly we
online efforts. Not every company is so
a certain immediacy to their posts,
have a writer, editor or publisher on
privileged. However, a few words of
the road. We travel nationally and
advice are in order. Social media is
internationally to some of the coolest
here to stay and becoming more and
destinations in the world. It might be up
more a part of the business world.
Looking ahead to our OCTOBER ISSUE
• Religious Travel • Fall Foliage • Alumni Travel • Colorado • Idaho • Oregon • Wisconsin • Mississippi • Alabama • Louisiana • Vermont • New Hampshire • Culinary/Agritourism • Europe
to six months to even a year before
No longer can we afford to ignore
those trips appear online or in print.
social media, or worse, handle it like
I honestly believe many of our read-
a second-class media. Gone are the
ers would find our travels interesting.
days that the college intern handles
I do not mean we’d burden them with
this important duty. It’s now time to hire
1,000-word articles on social media
a professional. You may want to start
sites. What I am implying is posting
by hiring an outside group to handle
regular short snippets along with a pho-
your social media, just like you might
tograph of things we find of particular
have an advertising company help with
interest in a destination. A more in-depth
traditional media.
story would follow online or in print. There is just one minor problem with
Regardless of how you approach social media – with either a dedicated
this whole idea. I do not have a clue
employee or outside agency – remem-
how to do all these things. All I know is
ber two basic points: First, do not put
that I am primarily writing about the
social media off any longer. And most
Southeast and I’m fortunate to travel to
importantly, if I can figure it out, you
See our page-flip edition & past issues at
some really great places. I’d like to
certainly can.
LeisureGroupTravel.com
share some of the experiences.
We can help showcase your business to groups. Call us 630.794.0696 or advertising@ptmgroups.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Enter Lance Harrell to save the day. Lance is the director of online media
Contact Dave at 843-997-2880 or email dave@ptmgroups.com.
August 2013 59
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