2016 Group Travel Directory by Premier Travel Media

9.95

Planning Resources at your Fingertips

Group Travel Directory Volume 9 Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

s a group travel organizer, you’re dealing with a time of fundamental change in consumer travel habits, and a changing economy. You need ideas that work - that cut through the noise - from companies that understand what it takes to be group-friendly and deliver outstanding experiences. The quickest way to make the best-informed choices is right here. You can scour the internet from dawn till dusk and you won’t find a better collection of top travel suppliers. Within these pages are the companies who have stepped up to help groups like yours. They know what works, and what doesn’t. We have organized this directory by state, so you can hone in on those resources where you geographically have needs. There’s also a section in the back listing tour operators and national companies. Here you will find the biggest and best brand names plus scores of hidden jewels, just waiting to be explored. Keep this directory as a desk-top reference as you plan trips throughout the year. And when you’re searching online, bookmark GroupTravelDirectory.com for the industry’s largest supplier database. Our web traffic beats our nearest competitor by a 5-1 margin according to independent traffic ranking services because we break through the clutter and only deliver targeted results to group travel buyers. Good luck in 2016 planning! Sincerely,

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Director of Online Media – Lance Harrell lance@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com

Vice President – Theresa O’Rourke theresa@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/New England/ Wisconsin/Arkansas – Ellen Klesta P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com

Southeast/West Coast – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

Frontier & Mountain West/ Illinois/Minnesota/Southwest – Linda Ragusin P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 linda@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.

Group Travel Directory is an annual resource for subscribers to Leisure Group Travel magazine, published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 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 $9.95 each.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

publication

Table of Contents

PAGE

ALABAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ALASKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 ARIZONA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 ARKANSAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 CALIFORNIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 SHOWCASE: SACRAMENTO CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 COLORADO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 CONNECTICUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 WASHINGTON D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 DELAWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 GEORGIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 HAWAII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 IDAHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 ILLINOIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 INDIANA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 IOWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 KANSAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 KENTUCKY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 LOUISIANA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 MAINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 MARYLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 MASSACHUSETTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 MICHIGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 MINNESOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 MISSISSIPPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 MISSOURI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 SHOWCASE: BRANSON CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 MONTANA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 SHOWCASE: VISIT BILLINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 NEBRASKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 NEVADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 NEW HAMPSHIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 NEW JERSEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

SHOWCASE: ATLANTIC CITY/MEET AC . . . . . . . . . . .52 NEW MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 NEW YORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 SHOWCASE: LAKE GEORGE AREA IN NY’S ADIRONDACKS . . . . . . . . . . . .57 NORTH CAROLINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 SHOWCASE: CRYSTAL COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 SHOWCASE: FAYETTEVILLE NC AREA . . . . . . . . . . . .61 NORTH DAKOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 OHIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 SHOWCASE: EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS . . . . . . . . . . .64 OKLAHOMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 OREGON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 PENNSYLVANIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 RHODE ISLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 SOUTH CAROLINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 SOUTH DAKOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 SHOWCASE: RAPID CITY CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 SHOWCASE: SIOUX FALLS CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 SHOWCASE: BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS . . . . . . . . .76 TENNESSEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 TEXAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 UTAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 VERMONT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 VIRGINIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 SHOWCASE: VIRGINIA BEACH CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 SHOWCASE: NORFOLK CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 WASHINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 WEST VIRGINIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 WISCONSIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 SHOWCASE: WISCONSIN DELLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 WYOMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 NATIONAL SUPPLIERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

2016 Group Travel Directory

grouptraveldirectory.com

There’s something for everyone in your group, including you. From our homestyle cooking that satisﬁes the pickiest eaters to our country store ﬁlled with gifts and games for everyone. With our designated tour bus parking*, dedicated group phone line, and large party seating accommodations, it’s like we were custom built just for you. And as always, a meal for your driver and guide is on the house. It’s just one of our ways of making sure everyone on the road is taken care of.

crackerba el.com/tourgroups • 1-800-576-7693 Sunday–Thursday 6 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 6 a.m.–11 p.m. All locations company owned and operated. *DESIGNATED TOUR BUS PARKING AT MOST LOCATIONS. ©2015 CBOCS PROPERTIES, INC. “CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE” NAME AND LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF CBOCS PROPERTIES, INC., REG. USPTO.

ALASKA

ALABAMA

ntering Alabama the sign reads: “Welcome to Alabama the Beautiful!” Whether it’s a girlfriend getaway, history, soft adventure or student tour, that spirit of friendship greets everyone. Huntsville is home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and America’s largest seasonal butterfly house at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Birmingham boasts historic civil rights sites and the Roman god Vulcan, the largest cast-iron statue in the world.

334-242-4493

Downtown Birmingham features jazz and dance clubs, theater and fine dining. Montgomery’s downtown has the birthplaces of both the American Civil War and the American Civil Rights Movement at the Alabama State Capitol and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. In Mobile, beautiful historic homes, moss-covered oak trees and a city nestled along the bay invite good times. Mobile is the home of America’s first Mardi Gras.

Alabama.travel

2016 Group Travel Directory

907-269-5734

Bellingrath Gardens & Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 Shanna Bennett 800-247-8420 sbennett@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org The historic 65-acre estate Garden and Museum Home on the Fowl River near Mobile is a renowned group travel attraction because of the year-round beauty visitors can enjoy.

Alaska Native Heritage Center 8800 Heritage Center Dr. Anchorage, AK 99510 Melissa Stanley 800-315-6608 mstanley@alaskanative.net www.alaskanative.net The Alaska Native Heritage Center, a renowned cultural center and museum in Anchorage, is an exciting place where all people can come to expand their understanding of Alaska’s Indigenous people.

Greater Birmingham CVB 2200 Ninth Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 Sara Fuller Hamlin 800-458-8085 shamlin@birminghamal.org www.birmingham.org A vibrant, beautiful city nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains serves up nationally recognized dining, shopping and entertainment, world-class attractions, events and things to see and do.

Alaska Railroad 327 West Ship Creek PO Box 10750 Anchorage, AK 99510 800-544-0552 www.akrr.com The Alaska Railroad is a fantastic fit for groups. Our trains offer a great atmosphere for groups to kick back and mix with each other. Group planners love how efficient it is to keep groups in one place, while still offering space to enjoy the trip.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center 1 Tranquility Base Huntsville, AL 35805 Tom White 256-721-7124 tom.white@spacecamp.com www.spacecamp.com The U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers out-of-thisworld adventures. Visit the museum or join a Space Camp or Aviation Challenge Camp program. 8

laska - it is the journey and the destinations that make dreams a reality. From the breathtaking vistas of the highest peak in the nation to the ice caves of the mysterious and spectacular Glacier Bay, Alaska has something for everyone. It is a place that lures visitors with its natural wonders and wildlife, native cultures, pristine wilderness and spirited people. Visitors can experience the thrill of kayaking, whale watching, fishing, skiing, Aurora Borealis watching, wildlife viewing,

Anchorage CVB 524 W. Fourth Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 800-446-5352 tourism@anchorage.net www.anchorage.net From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses wild adventures and metropolitan appeals that form larger-than-life experiences.

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ARIZONA glacier cruising and flightseeing. Every day offers an unforgettable memory, so when planning make sure to allow enough time for the regions you want to see and the things you want to do. Alaska has a wide range of accommodations and dining to suit every budget.

TravelAlaska.com Juneau CVB 800 Glacier Ave., Suite 201 Juneau, AK 99801 800-587-2201 info@traveljuneau.com www.traveljuneau.com Juneau - hub of the Inside Passage. Accessible glaciers, abundant wildlife and historical charm make Juneau a must on the Golden Circle or other Alaska itineraries. White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad PO Box 435 Skagway, AK 99840 info@wpyr.com www.wpyr.com Experience the breathtaking panorama of the mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage parlor cars. Wrangell CVB PO Box 1350 Wrangell, AK 99929 800-367-7373 wrangell@wrangell.com www.wrangell.com Wrangell is a hidden jewel, waiting to be discovered by you. There are adventures and experiences to last a lifetime for everyone. History, cultural sites, wildlife, natural beauty, glaciers and excitement await you here.

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here’s no place on earth like the Grand Canyon State. It’s the landscapes - mountains, rivers, grasslands and cactus. It’s a storied past thousands of years old. It’s the people, a vibrant blend of cultures. These elements, and the way they come together, make visiting Arizona an unforgettable experience. Did you know that more than 4.8 million pennies’ worth of copper can be found on the roof of the Arizona State Capitol? With countless attractions

602-364-3693

ranging from museums, to shopping centers, to lively nightlife, it’s no wonder Phoenix’s greater metro area is home to some 4.3 million residents, making it the largest city in the desert Southwest. FUN FACT: On February 14, 1912, after nearly 49 years as a U.S. territory and thousands of years as a sacred home to indigenous peoples, Arizona became the 48th and last of the contiguous states to enter the Union of the United States of America.

VisitArizona.com

Arizona Renaissance Festival 12601 E. U.S. Hwy. 60 Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 Janet Baptist 520-463-2600 tickets@renfestinfo.com www.renfestinfo.com Experience a medieval amusement park, a 13-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, 200 arts and crafts shops, a jousting tournament and a feast—all rolled into one non-stop, day-long adventure. Grand Canyon West 5001 Diamond Bar Rd. Peach Springs, AZ 86434 Kurtis Shaul 928-769-2000 marketing@grandcanyonresort.com www.grandcanyonwest.com Welcoming millions of visitors each year to tour the area, including the Hualapai Lodge, Ranch, River Runners and Grand Canyon Skywalk. Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art 2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-252-8848 adulttours@heard.org www.heard.org Through innovative programs, world-class exhibitions and unmatched festivals, the Heard Museum sets the standard nationally for collaborating with Native people to present first-person voices.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Mesa CVB 120 North Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201 480-682-3646 tourism@visitmesa.com www.visitmesa.com Mesa is a great group travel spot, boasting outdoor activities, attractions, museums, arts and culture, entertainment and group-friendly accommodations. Itinerary planning and FAM opportunities available. Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square 113 N. Sixth St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 Heather Roberts • 602-261-8063 info@heritagesquarephx.org www.heritagesquarephx.org Explore early Phoenix history with a tour of restored 1895 Victorian Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square.

Arkansas State Parks 1 Capitol Mall Little Rock, AR 72201 Joan Ellison 888-287-2757 joan.ellison@arkansas.gov www.arkansasstateparks.com Arkansas’ 52 state parks are natural treasures set on gorgeous mountains, lakes, streams, and forests. Guided park programs and activities will help you get in touch with nature and create lifelong memories. Park lodges, cabins, and campsites offer unforgettable stays in scenic settings. Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa 239 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901 Gaye Hardin 800-643-1502/501-629-2558 ghardin@arlingtonhotel.com www.arlingtonhotel.com Traditional grand old Southern hotel, with full spa services and the Thermal Bath House, three incredible restaurants and a national park waiting outside any door. Clinton Presidential Foundation 1200 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201 Megan Moore 501-748-0419 mmoore@clintonfoundation.org www.clintonfoundation.org The William J. Presidential Library is more than just a research library with millions of pieces of presidential records; it has a 20,000-sq.-ft. modern museum and is the caretaker for around 100,000 presidential gifts. Eureka Springs CAPC 121 E. Van Buren, 3B P.O. Box 522 Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Karen Pryor 479-253-7333 karen@eurekasprings.org www.eurekasprings.org Make your trip extraordinary; Experience Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, come see why Eureka Springs has enchanted guests for years. grouptraveldirectory.com

ARKANSAS

ffordable vacations are abundant in Arkansas. Go hiking and camping and explore the world’s only public diamond mine. Attend festivals and annual events; explore the scenic beauty of Arkansas. Centrally located, Arkansas, The Natural State, warmly welcomes visitors. With scenic mountain vistas, clear blue lakes, babbling rivers and streams, mountaintop lodges, historic untainted downtown districts, outdoor concerts and performances (indoor too), thoroughbred and greyhound

800-872-1259 Fayetteville Visitors Bureau 21 S. Block Fayetteville, AR 72701 Julie Pennington 800-733-5469 jpennington@experiencefayetteville.com www.experiencefayetteville.com The area's attractions are just minutes away with the best ones located within our city limits. Our tour packages will show you the region's best activities, then bring you back to the most energetic city in Northwest Arkansas - Fayetteville. Fort Smith CVB 2 North B St. Fort Smith, AR 72901 Carolyn Joyce 800-637-1477/479-783-8888 tourism@fortsmith.org www.fortsmith.org Creatively combining the history of the Old West with the soft charm of the antebellum Old South, Fort Smith offers group travelers glimpses into its distinctive past. Heart of Arkansas P.O. Box 1958 Little Rock, AR 72203 Angela Rogers 501-835-3399 angela@angelarogersgroup.com www.heartofarkansas.com Welcome to the Heart of Arkansas, where our events, attractions, shopping, restaurants and accommodations make Central Arkansas a unique and unforgettable destination for groups of all types and sizes and offer something for everyone in your group to enjoy.

racing, riverboat cruises, beloved museums and galleries galore, the nation’s 12th Presidential Library, and Heifer International and Heifer Village, Arkansas has something for everyone in your group.

Arkansas.com Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa 994 Mountain Harbor Rd. Mount Ida, AR 71957 870-867-2191 Patti Brown pattibrown@mountainharborresort.com www.mountainharborresort.com Mountain Harbor Resort offers the perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Situated on the shores of wilderness Lake Ouachita, the area offers stunning scenery and an abundance of outdoor adventure - you name it, Mountain Harbor Resort has it. Outlets of Little Rock 11201 Bass Pro Pkwy. Little Rock, AR 72210 Melissa Boyle 501-455-9100 tours@outletsoflittlerock.com www.outletsoflittlerock.com Outlets of Little Rock is a truly distinctive shopping destination located in the heart of Arkansas.

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QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK LODGE

L O D G E S

O F

S T A T E

MATHER LODGE, PETIT JEAN STATE PARK

A R K A N S A S P A R K S

THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE STATE PARK

DEGRAY LAKE RESORT STATE PARK LODGE

DRY CREEK, OZARK FOLK CENTER STATE PARK

Mountain lodges, lake lodges, forest lodgesâ&#x20AC;Ś We pretty much have the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lodgingâ&#x20AC;? thing down. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an intimate getaway for two, a family vacation, reunion, or corporate UHWUHDW WKH /RGJHV RI $UNDQVDV 6WDWH 3DUNV KDYH \RX FRYHUHG &KHFN RXW WKHLU Ă&#x; UVW FODVV accommodations and scenic locations, including the completely renovated Queen Wilhelmina Lodge on Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second highest mountain.

888-AT-PARKS â&#x20AC;˘ LodgesofArkansas.com

#ARStateParks

THE HUNTINGTON

Nature, Art, Culture...

CALIFORNIA

alifornia possesses a spectacular array of landscapes, from the foggy redwood forests of the North Coast to granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada to surreal desert landscapes of Southern California. Each of the state’s 12 regions has its own character. In California, you can ski in the morning, shop, visit a theme park, golf, or even surf in the afternoon. Incredible sights and attractions in close proximity make it possible to experience many things in one trip.

Vibrant and cutting edge, chaotic yet beautiful, California’s cities have a unique way of combining culture, nature and the 21st century. For many, Los Angeles embodies the essence of California: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, beautiful people and sunny weather. With its eternally perfect ocean breeze, San Diego boasts one of the country’s most blissful climates. San Francisco is a beautiful city graced with the Golden Gate Bridge, fog, picturesque houses and parks.

Group Tours Specialists

916-444-4429 Authentic California Vacations P.O. Box 6169 Lakewood, CA 90714 Suzanne Slavitter 562-920-2450 suzanne@authenticcaliforniavacations.com www.authenticcaliforniavacations.com Welcome to Authentic California Vacations - Your concierge to the Southwest. Complete planning to destinations throughout California for groups of all sizes. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Gabriele Madison 760-325-1449 ext. 121 gmadison@pstramway.com www.pstramway.com

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VistCalifornia.com

626-405-2240 | Pasadena, CA-adjacent Tours@Huntington.org

Elevate your group by visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which has the world's largest rotating tramcars. Group ride and/or meal packages available. Sacramento CVB 1608 I St. Sacramento, CA 95814 Nick Leonti 916-808-7304 nleonti@visitsacramento.com Your visit can begin with food because you will be in America's Farm-to-Fork Capital; it can begin with history because the Gold Rush started here; or it can begin with nature because rivers, trails and parks wind through the city.

2016 Group Travel Directory

SACRAMENTO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Sacramento – California Begins Here

916-808-7304 www.VisitSacramento.com/groups Nick Leonti • nleonti@visitsacramento.com

f you'd like to create a Sacramento group tour – or add Sacramento to a Northern California itinerary – we can help you find out why "California Begins Here." From developing custom itineraries to helping negotiate hotel room commitments and rates, the Tourism department at the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau is here for you. Sacramento is also the perfect destination for your Northern California hub & spoke itinerary and the ideal gateway to California's Wine Country, Gold Country, California Redwoods, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Reno and Yosemite. Visit America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital – Sacramento's world-class chefs take full advantage of what's produced right in their own backyard as they use the freshest local ingredients to create unforgettable culinary experiences. With over 15 breweries and 200 wineries in the area, Sacramento is a beer and wine lover's dream as well. Those looking to take a more "hands-on approach" can enjoy cooking classes, food tours, behind-the-scenes tours, winemaker dinners and farm visits. Follow in the Footsteps of History – The California Gold Rush is one of history's most loved subjects, and Sacramento was at the heart of it all. Experience the Wild West for yourself. Get Outside – From the American River Bike Trail – which runs right through the heart of the city – to wildlife refuges and hiking trails, Sacramento attracts outdoor and nature lovers. And don't forget Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are just a short drive away. Stay in a Group-Friendly Hotel – Sacramento's hotels welcome your groups with open arms and look forward to making your stay a pleasant one.

The Huntington Library 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108 Jane Sandmeier 626-405-2240 tours@huntington.org www.huntington.org The Huntington is an oasis of art & culture on 120 acres of breathtaking gardens. Features American & European art, library treasures, group tours, tea and more. The Outlets at Tejon 5701 Outlets at Tejon Pkwy. Tejon Ranch, CA 93203 661-858-2155 info@tejonoutlets.com www.tejonoutlets.com Shop fashion's new frontier with savings as far as the eye can see. Save up to 65% at more than 70 brand-name stores. Located south of the I-5 & Hwy 99 interchange, between Bakersfield and Los Angeles. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation 40 Presidential Drive Simi Valley, CA 93065 Melanie Salvesen 805-522-2977 msalvesen@reaganfoundation.org www.reaganlibrary.com A must-see attraction. Authentic Air Force One, President Reagan’s Memorial Site, Oval Office replica and more. New for 2016: “Vatican Splendors” exhibit. Visit Vallejo 289 Mare Island Way Vallejo, CA 94590 Mike Browne mike@visitvallejo.com www.visitvallejo.com Located 35 minutes from San Francisco and 15 minutes from the Napa and Sonoma wine countries, Vallejo offers all the comforts and attractions of a big city with the charm of a small town. Westfield San Francisco Centre 865 Market St. Box A San Francisco, CA 94103 www.westfield.com/sanfrancisco The Westfield Travel Collection features shopping centers with world-renowned retailers, restaurants with world-class chefs, personalized services by spas and salons, and seasonal events, concerts, exhibitions and celebrity appearances.

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2016 Group Travel Directory

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Colorado Springs CVB 515 S. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2250 Amy Long 800-888-4748 amy@visitcos.com www.visitcos.com Located just 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs, Colorado is the ultimate travel destination for groups to enjoy unrivaled scenery and the great outdoors.

COLORADO

alf the fun in group travel is the company you keep; the other half can be found in Colorado. Whether you are experiencing our enriched culture, mouthwatering cuisine, outdoor amusement or taking in our picturesque views, Colorado is sure to create a memorable experience for all. No matter the season or the reason, Colorado is the ideal destination for your next group vacation. For an outdoor adrenaline-seeking group, Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warmer seasons offer

888-311-8687

kayaking and whitewater rafting adventures, as well as hiking, horseback riding and camping. Winter is all about snow, offering ski, snowboard and snowshoeing trails galore. For groups seeking a leisure trip, Colorado offers scenic golf getaways, wine tours, train rides, art and music festivals, as well as fine art museums.

TourColorado.org

Denver Art Museum 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Denver, CO 80204 Group Services Department 720-913-0088 groupsales@denverartmuseum.org www.denverartmuseum.org Explore, imagine, share, escape, create, discover at the Denver Art Museum. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or moreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;advance reservations required. Durango Area Tourism Office 802 Main Ave. Durango, CO 81301 Grace Shepard 970-828-1039 groups@durango.org www.durango.org Durango: a picturesque mountain town nestled at the southwestern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Four Corners region where Colorado meets Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. New Belgium Brewery 500 Linden St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-221-0524 nbb@newbelgium.com www.newbelgium.com Call or email to reserve tickets for your tour. Tours are free, 90-minute strolls around the brewery that incorporate beer sampling. Sky Ute Casino Resort 14324 US Hwy. 172 N. Ignacio, CO 81137 Barbara Cogswell 970-563-1752 barbara.cogswell@skyutecasino.com www.skyutecasino.com If you would like to incorporate the culture of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe into your visit, Casino Native American Heritage Dancers are available to welcome your group, dressed in full Native American regalia and accompanied by a Native Drum Group. Visit Denver 155 California St., Suite 300 Denver, CO 80202 800-880-9059 tourism@visitdenver.com www.visitdenver.com Welcome to Denver, where 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods and natural beauty combine for the world's most spectacular playground.

2016 Group Travel Directory

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WASHINGTON D.C.

CONNECTICUT

ne of the 13 original colonies, Connecticut is a lacework of New England experiences with cosmopolitan style. The state, strategically situated between Boston and New York City, came to prominence during the 19th century, creating a legacy of Victorian architecture, military firearms, Industrial Revolution manufacturing, literature and theater, and American Impressionist art. Visit Kent Falls State Park to see impressive Kent Falls, which tumbles 250 feet over rock ledges on its way down to

860-256-2800 Central Regional Tourism District 1 Constitution Plaza, Second Floor Hartford, CT 06103 Debbie Giantonio 860-787-9640 debbieg@centerofct.com www.centerofct.com In Central Connecticut, groups love fairs and festivals, farmers’ markets and orchards, bed & breakfasts, and innovative burger bars. After all, the region is home to the American birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 1 Railroad Ave. Essex, CT 06426 Bob Bell 800-377-3987, ext. 206 bobbell40@comcast.net www.essexsteamtrain.com Essex Steam Train & Riverboat takes groups on a 2.5-hour, 12-mile, narrated roundtrip adventure through the heart of the pristine Connecticut River Valley. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center 110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, CT 06338 Bernie Shea 800-411-9671 groupsales@pequotmuseum.org www.pequotmuseum.org Come to know the land and its Native people during an immersive, eye-opening journey through time. Explore history and today's vibrant American Indian cultures. 20

2016 Group Travel Directory

the Housatonic River. Other popular state parks include Hammonasset Beach, west of Clinton; Rocky Neck, near Niantic; and Sherwood Island, in Westport. World-class theater, music and art museums contribute to the state’s trove of cultural treasures. The Philip Johnson Glass House in New Canaan is one of Connecticut’s architectural highlights. Art lovers can peruse paintings by famous artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh at New Haven’s Yale University Art Gallery.

CTVisit.com Mohegan Sun Casino 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT 06382 Steve Olender 860-862-8988 solender@mohegansun.com www.mohegansun.com Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the nation with 364,000 square feet of gaming space. It’s located along the Thames River and offers dining, shopping, a luxury hotel, spa and golf. Mystic Seaport - Museum of America & The Sea 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355 Rebecca Shea 888-973-2767 rebecca.shea@mysticseaport.org www.mysticseaport.org A quintessential New England experience, Mystic Seaport offers visitors of all ages a unique link to our seafaring past and endless, year-round opportunities to immerse themselves in new worlds of hands-on history. The Maritime Aquarium 10 N. Water St. Norwalk, CT 06854 Chris Loynd 203-852-0700 cloynd@maritimeaquarium.org www.maritimeaquarium.org The Maritime Aquarium focuses on one body of water: Long Island Sound, the “Estuary of National Significance.” An arm of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sound is rich in aquatic life.

nown as the historical center for the U.S., it’s no surprise that Washington D.C. is among the most popular destinations for groups in the United States. From its various monuments and building tours to its fascinating museums, there are too many attractions in D.C. to see in one weekend, but there are a couple of highlights that you must not leave without seeing. The first is one of the oldest in the city, the Washington Monument, which also is the tallest at 555 feet tall. The White House is another can’t-miss, with its

202-789-7056 Bike and Roll D.C. 955 L'Enfant Plaza S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024 Group Sales 202-842-2453 groups@bikeandrolldc.com www.bikeandrolldc.com/groups Bike and Roll is your group’s go-to place for the best bike and Segway tours of Washington, D.C. CitySights DC 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 Rivka Schwadel 212-812-2700 groups@citysightsdc.com www.citysightsdc.com Experience the best views of Washington D.C.’s historic landmarks and explore cosmopolitan neighborhoods by day or night on top of City Sights DC’s double-decker buses. Ford's Theatre 514 10th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 Group Sales 202-638-2367 groups@fords.org www.fords.org/groups Plan a group visit to the Ford’s Theatre campus, which includes the museum, theatre, Peterson House and Center for Education and Leadership.

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Madame Tussauds DC 1001 F N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 Taylor McKinley 202-942-7310 taylor.mckinley@merlinentertainments.biz www.madametussauds.com Have the ultimate fame experience at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.

obvious historical significance and lavish interior. Also, while your groups are stationed in the D.C. area, there is nothing more prominent or expansive in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism sector than the Smithsonian Museum and Research complex, with 19 museums and nine research centers. The Newseum, African American Civil War Museum, Howard Theatre, and International Spy Museum are some other great examples of our capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings. Contact: www.washington.org.

National Building Museum 401 F St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Stephanie Dabek 202-272-2448, ext. 3561 sdabek@nbm.org www.nbm.org The National Building Museum takes your group into history with an inside look at the building, designing and engineering development in the U.S. Newseum 555 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Linda Jeffries 202-292-6690 ljeffries@newseum.org www.newseum.org/visit/groups Each of the seven levels in Newseum is packed with interactive exhibits that explore how news affects our shared experience of historic moments.

O. Street Museum 2016 O St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Tracey Holiday 202-496-2070 cmo@omansion.com www.omuseum.org Hosting a variety of cultural artifacts and arts, O. Street Museum is dedicated to preserving the creative process and traditions of various cultures around the world Smithsonian Institution 1000 Jefferson Drive S.W. Washington, D.C. 20560 Pauline Bonilla 866-868-7774 groupsales@si.edu www.si.edu/groupsales The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum complex consisting of 19 museums and the National Zoo. Enhance your group's experience by contacting group sales.

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Washington.org International Spy Museum 800 F St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 Group Sales 202-654-0943 groupreservations@spymuseum.org www.spymuseum.org/visit/bringing-a-group The only public museum in the United States soley dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20566 Group Sales 202-416-8400 www.kennedy-center.org/tickets/groupsales The Kennedy Center hosts award-winning shows of all types. From theater to ballet to jazz to chamber music, there's something awaiting every member of your group. Koshland Science Museum 525 E. St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Nell Champlin-Scannell 202-334-1201 ksm@nas.edu www.koshland-science-museum.org Interactive exhibits will inspire your students to think critically about how science can solve real-world problems.

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2016 Group Travel Directory

DELAWARE

estled in the heart of the MidAtlantic, Delaware is a year-round destination with attractions, fairs, festivals and other events catering to virtually any lifestyle or taste. Visitors flock to the First State’s coasts for its five-star beaches, each with its own distinct feel ranging from family fun to party central. Away from the summer months, Delaware draws with its history and culture. Hagley Museum highlights contributions to the Industrial Revolution, Winterthur Museum houses one of the most important collec-

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FLORIDA tions of early American artifacts and arts, and the 100-year-old Delaware Art Museum boasts an amazing anthology of American art and illustration, as well as works by the British Pre-Raphaelites. For those interested in architecture, schedule a tour at Nemours Mansion and Gardens, which offers garden walks and a mansion designed in the late18th-century French style. Sports fans can watch minor league baseball’s Wilmington Blue Rocks or get their motors running at NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway.

VisitDelaware.com

ith countless groups traveling to Florida each year, it’s obvious they enjoy Florida’s year-round sunny weather, varied attractions, diverse hotels & resorts and amazing natural beauty. Numerous natural and cultural assets make Florida an appealing destination for groups. From those interested in seeing where the first group to visit America settled in St. Augustine in the 1500s, to groups looking to experience a space shuttle

850-488-5607 Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel 2201 Second St., Suite 600 Fort Myers, FL 33901 Candice Cocco 239-338-3500 ccocco@leegov.com www.fortmyers-sanibel.com White sand beaches, warm Gulf waters and endless sunshine. It’s easy to relax, reconnect and reminisce when you are here. CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort 7400 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Elaine Cavanaugh 321-206-4380 elaine.cavanaugh@cocokeyorlando.com www.cocokeyorlando.com Perfect location with outstanding hotel with water park attraction all in one. Emerald Coast CVB 1540 Miracle Strip Pkwy. S.E. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Sherry Rushing 850-651-7647 srushing@co.okaloosa.fl.us www.emeraldcoastfl.com/groups-meetings The Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast is a breathtaking setting for faith-based gatherings. Rejuvenate your spirit in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.

2016 Group Travel Directory

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The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art 445 N. Park Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 Amy Roviaro 407-645-5311 ext. 312 aroviaro@morsemuseum.org www.morsemuseum.org/plan-your-visit Home of the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his 1893 chapel interior and objects from his home, Laurelton Hall.

launch, Florida offers groups adventure for a variety of tastes. Groups can dive into Florida’s myriad of refreshing springs or the world’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí art, charter boats for sports fishing, dine on Floribbean cuisine or simply recline at the beach.

Visit Jacksonville & The Beaches CVB 208 N. Laura St., Suite 102 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Bob Meyer 904-421-9183 bmeyer@visitjacksonville.com www.visitjacksonville.com Visit Jacksonville’s accredited and experienced team works with over 400 groups annually to plan, promote and execute their events in our exciting destination.

Just a short ride away, Jacksonville is the perfect getaway destination. With amazing beaches, a world-class symphony, a vibrant artist series, championship golf and much more, there’s something fun for everyone. To book your group excursion, email Bob Meyer at bmeyer@visitjacksonville.com or call 904-421-9183.

VisitFlorida.com Palm Beach Outlets 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite E121 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-515-4400 info@palmbeachoutlets.com www.palmbeachoutlets.com Palm Beach Outlets is the perfect one-stop shopping destination. Featuring over 100 outlets, this beautiful, new development offers a completely different experience for area shoppers and is the only outlet center of its kind in the area. Shoppers enjoy savings of up to 70% off at this eco-friendly outdoor shopping destination. Ron Jon Surf Shop 4151 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Tracey Gray 321-799-8880 ext. 1048 traceyg@rjss.com www.ronjonsurfshop.com Ron Jon Surf Shop of Cocoa Beach is the world’s largest surf shop and open 24 hours a day. Free bus parking and group discounts available. St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB 29 Old Mission Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084 Evelyn Vazquez 904-209-4431 evazquez@floridashistoriccoast.com www.floridashistoriccoast.com St. Augustine on Florida’s Historic Coast is the oldest European settlement in the U.S. Experience history and natural beauty with more than 60 attractions and 42 miles of Atlantic beaches. grouptraveldirectory.com

2016 Group Travel Directory

HAWAII

GEORGIA

rom Georgia’s energetic and lively cities to the relaxing coastline and breathtaking mountain scenery, Georgia boasts rich experiences that are unparalleled. Georgia’s borders encompass one of the country’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes, offering a variety of eco-friendly outdoor adventures and activities. Atlanta offers endless attractions, heart-racing sports and stunning theater performances. Ranging from the World of Coca-Cola to the Georgia Aquarium

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to more than 11,000 permanent works at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta has something for everyone in your group. Georgia’s historic sites span the breadth of American history from colonial coastal forts to major Civil War battlefields and civil rights locations. The most infamous military attraction is the prisoner-of-war camp at Andersonville, where thousands died of diseases resulting from overcrowding and malnutrition. From the extreme to the tranquil, Georgia offers the best of the South.

ExploreGeorgia.org

Atlanta Opera 1575 Northside Drive, NW Building 300, Suite 350 Atlanta, GA 30318 Rebecca Danis 404-881-8801 rdanis@atlantaopera.org www.atlantaopera.org The Atlanta Opera strives to expand the experience of its patrons with memorable and exciting performances reflecting the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum 453 Freedom Pkwy. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-865-7114 jimmycarterlibrary.gov The Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1977-1981). An exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters are also featured. A permanent exhibit of significant events occurring during Jimmy Carter's life and political career includes photographs with interpretative text.

Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St. Atlanta, GA 30313 Sarah Dollacker 404-581-4189 sdollacker@georgiaaquarium.org www.georgiaaquarium.org Georgia Aquarium features more animals than any other aquarium in more than 10 million gallons of water. Through a path of more than 60 exhibits, the Aquarium tells a global water story.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises P.O. Box 10086 Savannah, GA 31412 800-786-6404 info@savannahriverboat.com www.savannahriverboat.com Book tours and tickets online and save. Call us tollfree for assistance with reservations, group tour bookings and private charters. We offer discounted rates for all of our cruises and reserved seating for our dinner, lunch and brunch cruises.

Inside CNN Studio Tour One CNN Center - Atrium Level Atlanta, GA 30303 877-426-6868 www.cnn.com/insidecnn The Inside CNN Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of the working studios at the global headquarters of CNN Worldwide in Atlanta.

Visit Savannah 101 E. Bay St. Savannah, GA 31401 Mindy Shea 912-644-6419 mshea@visitsavannah.com www.visitsavannah.com Waiting to charm you with tree-filled squares and perfectly preserved historic buildings. Savannah mesmerizes you with the past and her unforgettable natural beauty.

2016 Group Travel Directory

he Hawaiian Islands offers a world-class group experience found nowhere else. Six beautiful islands Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii - present a collection of first-rate resorts and fun activities. The most visited attraction in Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses the summit of the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, and the world’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa. The pleasantness of Hawaii’s balmy year-round climate is complemented by

808-923-1811 Aston Hotels & Resorts 2155 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 500 Honolulu, HI 96815 Group Sales 800-336-5599 groups@astonhotels.com www.astonhotels.com/groups Great Oahu, Maui and Kauai locations, specially discounted group rates and a variety of rooms to choose from. Our staff is dedicated to making sure your group is completely satisfied with their stay in Hawaii. Hawaii VCB 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 801 Honolulu, HI 96815 800-464-2924 info@hvcb.org www.hvcb.org Escape to a serene tropical paradise and enjoy the floral air, warm waters and breathtaking natural scenery unlike anywhere else. The Hawaii VCB can help connect your group to the resources they need for the best trip possible. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel 2525 Ka’anapali Pkwy. Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761 800-262-8450 sales@kbhmaui.com www.kbhmaui.com Stay in luxury at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, voted the "Best Budget Hotel," and surround yourself with traditional Hawaiian culture, award-winning island cuisine and the best views the area can offer.

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IDAHO the warmth of its Aloha Spirit. Hawaii’s native culture is celebrated in all walks of life, and the 50th state’s multi-ethnic diversity fosters a comfortable, inviting and invigorating atmosphere. Spectacular outdoor adventures await in Hawaii, inviting visitors to enjoy the wonders of the tropics.

GoHawaii.com Polynesian Cultural Center 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy. Laie, HI 96762 800-367-7060 westbound@polynesia.com www.polynesia.com Go native and experience authentic Polynesian village life and culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center, including dining, activities, events, luaus and live entertainment. USS Arizona Memorial 1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, HI 96818 808-422-3300 php@pacifichistoricparks.org www.pacifichistoricparks.org At Pearl Harbor groups can walk through a piece of WWII history when they visit the final resting place of the USS Arizona and its crew. Waikele Premium Outlets 94-790 Lumiania St. Waipahu, HI 96797 808-676-5656 traveltrade@premiumoutlets.com www.premiumoutlets.com/waikele Over 50 outlet stores, incredible savings and the best brand names, all in one conveniently located shopping complex. Group tours are available.

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spectacular and impressive state, Idaho is a land of startling contrasts. From rugged, forested mountains to the high desert, Idaho has many unique characteristics. Within her borders there’s a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon (Hells Canyon), a waterfall higher than Niagara Falls (Shoshone Falls), sand dunes taller than Death Valley’s (Bruneau Dunes) and historical trails as old as the U.S. itself (Lewis & Clark and the Oregon Trail). An abundance of publicly held land is

208-334-2470 Beamers Hells Canyon Tours and Excursions P.O. Box 12436 Lewiston, ID 83501 800-522-6966 jill@bhct.net www.hellscanyontours.com Special discounts available for groups of 20 or more. We offer customized tours for your group to choose from or let us create an excursion specific to your group’s needs. Boise CVB 250 S. Fifth St., Suite 300 Boise, ID 83702 Terry Kopp tkopp@boisecvb.org www.boise.org Whether it’s your destination or simply a stop along the way, Boise makes an ideal place to explore all the West has to offer. Coeur D'Alene Casino Resort Hotel U.S. Hwy. 95 Worley, ID 83876 Amanda Weinclaw 800-523-2464 aweinclaw@cdacasino.com www.cdacasino.com Coeur D'Alene Casino Resort Hotel is a hub of gaming and Native American hospitality. With 300 luxury rooms and over 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, it is considered the premier casino in Idaho.

the playground for activities in any season. For downhill skiing, Bogus Basin, 16 miles north of Boise; Silver Mountain, south of Kellogg; and Sun Valley will satisfy your need for speed. Idaho’s waterways provide rafting, kayaking and canoeing. The Grand Tetons, Sun Valley and Yellowstone feature scenic trails for equestrian activities.

VisitIdaho.org Idaho Falls CVB 630 West Broadway Idaho Falls, ID 83402 866-365-6943 www.visitidahofalls.com Nestled among the Rocky Mountains in the Snake River Plain, beneath the shadow of the Grand Teton, Idaho Falls is a place worth exploring. Rexburg Chamber 127 E. Main St. Rexburg, ID 83440 Donna Benfield 800-634-3246 donna@rexburgchamber.com www.yellowstoneteton.org Whether your itinerary includes activities or sightseeing near the west entrance or excursions and adventures centered around the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park, be assured that this region will provide a lifetime of memories. Snake River Adventures 227 Snake River Ave. Lewiston, ID 83501 800-262-8874 sratours@gmail.com www.snakeriveradventures.com Snake River Adventures offers a myriad of exciting and fabulous adventures ranging from half day to full day Jet Boat Tours. Charter a guided fishing trip on the Snake, Salmon or Clearwater river.

2016 Group Travel Directory

ILLINOIS

llinois has something for everyone: world-class shopping, historic sights, indoor and outdoor adventures. It’s a geographically, historically and culturally diverse state with a plethora of offerings. During the summer months, Illinois has endless options for splendid scenery. Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, which extends for 20 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan, has paths for biking, running and skating. If you’re brave enough to visit Illinois in the colder months, prepare for a

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2016 Group Travel Directory

TourIllinois.org

Aurora Area CVB 43 W. Galena Blvd. Aurora, IL 60506 Mike Pfeiffer 630-256-3194 mpfeiffer@enjoyaurora.com www.enjoyauroora.com The Aurora Area of Illinois features 10 cities unique in character and charm, yet unified by their location in Chicago's Fox River Valley.

Burr Ridge Hotels 7660 County Line Rd. Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Phil Yaeger 216-233-4560 contact@burrridgehotels.com www.burrridgehotels.com 18 miles from downtown and close to attractions, the Village of Burr Ridge is the closest suburban hotel district to Chicago. Voted Chicago’s #1 Suburb.

Blackhawk Waterways CVB 201 N. Franklin Ave. Polo, IL 61064 Lori King 800-678-2108 office@bwcvb.com www.visitnorthwestillinois.com Blackhawk Waterways region in Northwest Illinois offers group-friendly attractions and accommodations, Ronald Reagan and John Deere historic sites, antiques and more.

Celebration River Cruises 2501 River Dr. Moline, IL 61265 Susan Yarolem 800-297-0034 susan@celebrationbelle.com www.celebrationbelle.com Enjoy the 100-mile, day-long cruise from the Quad Cities to Dubuque, Iowa where groups are delighted with three homemade meals and live entertainment.

Broadway in Chicago 17 N. State St., Suite 810 Chicago, IL 60602 Gemma Mulvihill 312-977-1701 gmulvihill@broadwayinchicago.com www.broadwayinchicago.com Book groups for Broadway's hits at Chicago's finest theaters with Broadway in Chicago. Don't miss our exciting line-up for 2016.

winter wonderland. To take in art, nature, history and culture, visit one of Chicago’s many museums, including the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry. From the Magnificent Mile and Route 66 to wine trails and scenic byways, Illinois offers a wide variety of destinations for your next group trip.

Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614 Audrey R. Womack 312-799-2162 grouptours@chicagohistory.org www.chicagohistory.org/grouptours At the Chicago History Museum visitors of all ages can experience the past and understand the present through the galleries, lectures, bus and walking tours.

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Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge 1200 Burr Ridge Pkwy. Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Jill Rinozzi 630-568-7834 jill.rinozzi@marriott.com www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/chiswchicago-marriott-southwest-at-burr-ridge/ Minutes from downtown Chicago, come stay at the Chicago Marriott Southwest in Burr Ridge and save over 40% off downtown Chicago prices.

Days Inn Chicago 644 W. Diversey Pkwy. Chicago, IL 60614 Jacqueline Gregory 773-525-7010 ext. 108 jgregory@daysinnchicago.net daysinnchicago.net Enjoy complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and an on-site fitness room. Surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, theaters and minutes from Wrigley Field, Magnificent Mile, McCormick Place and Navy Pier.

Chicago Southland CVB 2304 173rd St. Lansing, IL 60438 Tobie Fitzpatrick 888-895-3211 grouptour@visitchicagosouthland.com www.tourchicagosouthland.com Chicago Southland offers accessibility, affordability and versatility all with a full complement of services. Chicago Southland is the ideal group tour location.

Effingham CVB 1505 Hampton Drive Effingham, IL 62401 Jodi Thoele 800-772-0750 thoelej@ci.effingham.il.us www.visiteffinghamil.com Effingham is a centrally located community with fantastic culinary attractions including Firefly Grill, John Boos & Co. and Tuscan Hills Winery.

Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 Aimee Willetts 312-665-7300 groupsales@fieldmuseum.org www.fieldmuseum.org Home of SUE, the world’s largest T. Rex. Discover 23 Egyptian mummies, Aztec temples, new China Hall, 3D theaters and a dazzling Gems Hall.

Illinois Railway Museum 7000 Olson Rd., Union, IL 60180 Ed Rosengren 815-923-4391 erosengren@sbcglobal.net www.irm.org Located 55 miles northwest of Chicago, the Illinois Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the United States.

Chicago’s North Shore CVB 8001 Lincoln Ave., Suite 715 Skokie, IL 60077 Caryn Shulman 847-763-0011 cshulman@cnscvb.com www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Bordering Chicago along Lake Michigan, Chicago's North Shore is the most scenic area in metropolitan Chicago combined with the abundance of attractions, dining and shopping choices. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse 1828 Third Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201 Brett Hitchcock 309-786-2667 bhitchcock@circa21.com www.circa21.com One of the nation’s premier dinner theatres, serving up top Broadway musicals and comedies for 38 years. The majority of the actors who appear on the Circa ’21 stage are hired from New York and other professional auditions across the country. City of Geneva 10 S. Third St. Geneva, IL 60134 Jamie Heflin 630-938-4555 grouptours@geneva.il.us www.geneva.il.us Geneva, Illinois is located just 40 miles west of Chicago. It's a picturesque town known for excellent dining and shopping in the historic district.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Kankakee County CVB 1 Dearborn Square, Suite 1 Kankakee, IL 60901 Vicki Layhew 800-747-4837 vicki@kccvb.com www.visitkankakeecounty.com Kankakee offers affordable getaways just one hour south of Chicago. Visit with your group and discover 57 miles of winding river, rural and urban destinations, rich history and natural beauty. Lyric Opera 20 N. Wacker, Suite 840 Chicago, IL 60606 Joel Friend 312-827-5927 jfriend@lyricopera.org www.lyricopera.org Enjoy an evening at the opera with the finest singers, immortal classics and a world-renowned orchestra and chorus. Metropolis Tourism 607 Market St. Metropolis, IL 62960 Group Sales 877-424-5025 info@metropolistourism.com www.metropolistourism.com If you find yourself in Southern Illinois, Metropolis offers premier gaming and is the home of one of Illinois' most beautiful state parks. Plan your next Midwest group trip through Metropolis.

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Shoreline Sightseeing 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 Amy Hartnett 312-373-7258 groups@shorelinesightseeing.com www.shorelinesightseeing.com/group-tours/ Explore your Chicago in a whole new way on a Shoreline Architecture River Tour, Classic Lake Tour or Fireworks Tour. Great group rates MarchNovember.

Visit Lake County 5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100 Gurnee, IL 60031 Jayne Nordstrom 800-525-3669 jayne@lakecounty.org www.visitlakecounty.org/meetings_groups.cfm Just north of Chicago, we are the home to Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills, Ravinia, Tempel Lipizzans, Gold Pyramid House, Great Lakes Naval Base and more.

Tempel Lipizzans 17000 Wadsworth Rd. Old Mill Creek, IL 60083 Emily Riccio-Robbins 847-244-5330 emily@tempellipizzans.com www.tempelfarms.com Witness the history, art and beauty of the Lipizzaner horse at one of the summer performances, set to classical music, or a Behind-The-Scenes Tour. Visit Champaign County 108 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 Leah Longueville 217-351-4133 leahl@visitchampaigncounty.org www.visitchampaigncounty.org Discover something outside of ordinary in Champaign Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;art, culture, food and more in a micro-urban oasis, home to the University of Illinois.

Visit McHenry County 11879 E. Main St. P.O. Box 1106 Huntley, IL 60142 Tammy Townsend-Kise 815-893-6280 sales@visitmchenrycounty.com www.visitmchenrycounty.com From farm tours to private estate experiences, we offer small-town ambiance with big-city amenities just 50 miles northwest of Chicago.

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Railway Museum!

The Illinois Railway Museum is composed of over 400 Railroad & Transportation vehicles representing different aspects of United States railroading. Ride trolleys, interurbans and coaches on our railroad! Hours of Operation:

G A LIVIN RY HISTO MUSEUM is Illino Union

Sundays: April - October: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: May - October: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekdays: Memorial Day - Labor Day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call 1-800-BIG-RAIL or visit: www.irm.org 7000 Olson Rd., Union IL 60180

An Endangered Breed

Rescued by the US Military Preserved in Lake County, IL Let The Tempel Lipizzans enchant you with their graceful dances, strength and spirit. Public Performance Season runs from June through September. Rain or Shine. Offseason Behind The Scenes Tours available. Special Group Prices For Performances And Tours!

www. tempelfarms.com 847-244-5330

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2016 Group Travel Directory

shows with a tasty buffet meal, all in a conveniently located, intimate setting. Ample free parking and great group rates are available. Blue Chip Hotel & Casino 777 Blue Chip Drive Michigan City, IN 46360 219-879-7711 www.bluechipcasino.com More than 1,500 slot machines, plus blackjack, craps, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, mini baccarat and pai-gow poker. Two on-site restaurants and 188room hotel on property.

INDIANA

rom the sand dunes of Lake Michigan in the north to the rolling hills in the south, Indiana offers diverse opportunities for travelers. Family fun, girlfriend getaways and romantic weekend options abound in all of Indiana’s six tourism regions. Wineries, bed & breakfasts and scenic beauty help visitors relax and rejuvenate. Amusement parks, worldclass attractions and the beaches of Lake Michigan provide fun for all ages. Gaming, golfing and resort hotels cater to those who wish to be pampered.

800-677-9800

Indiana’s historic sites educate travelers who seek to learn more. Festivals celebrating covered bridges, historic automobiles, German culture, music and more are held annually in communities around the state. For a big-city feel, Indianapolis is home to first-class museums, restaurants, arts & culture, sporting events, nightlife and shopping. Whatever your taste or need, Indiana is a perfect way to “restart your engines.”

Tourism.IN.gov Amish Country of Northern Indiana 219 Caravan Drive Elkhart, IN 46514 Sonya Nash 574-903-1148 sonya@amishcountry.org www.amishcountrytours.org Third largest Amish community, located 120 miles east of Chicago. Quilt Gardens. Family-style dining. Theater. Flea Market. Brown Bag Tour. Country-themed hotels and shops. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre 301 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 Meghan Armitage 317-876-0503 groups@beefandboards.com www.beefandboards.com/groups/ Beef & Boards serves up professional Broadway

2016 Group Travel Directory

Derby Dinner Playhouse 525 Marriott Drive Clarksville, IN 47129 Cindy Nevitt • 812-288-2632, ext. 113 groups@derbydinner.com www.derbydinner.com A 500-seat dinner theater featuring Broadway musicals and comedies. A freshly prepared homestyle buffet is included in the ticket price. Group rates available. Gaither Family Resources 1617 S. Park Ave. Alexandria, IN 46001 Linda Creason • 800-520-4664, Ext. 3 vtanner@gaithermusic.com www.gaitherfamilyresources.com The Complete Gaither Experience. Shop and dine at Gaither Family Resources, tour Studio C and the Gaither museum, and see the Gaither hometown. Harrison County CVB 310 N. Elm St. Corydon, IN 47112 Stacy Pirtle • 888-738-2137 stacyp@thisisindiana.org www.thisisindiana.org Come visit Historic Corydon and Harrison County, Indiana, only 30 minutes from Louisville, Kentucky and two hours from Indianapolis. Oakwood Resort 702 E. Lakeview Rd. Syracuse, IN 46567 Tamra Henry 574-457-7100 tamra.henry@oakwoodresort.com www.oakwoodresort.com Waterfront hotel featuring 77 spacious rooms and luxury suites, beach, tour boat, The Pier Restaurant & Bar, Aveda Salon/Spa, banquet facility and conference center.

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Holiday Inn Express 1201 Canal Shore Drive LeClaire, IA 52753 Barbara Epton • 563-289-9978 barbara.epton@glmghotels.com www.hiexpress.com/leclaireia Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and a convenient location near Interstate 80.

IOWA

owa offers a sense of place, from the Mighty Mississippi River to the Missouri on the state’s western border. Along the Great River Road, tour the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium to discover the natural and human history of America’s greatest river. For a romantic destination, wander through the Bridges of Madison County, made famous by the novel and Hollywood film. The Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark, comprise seven

888-472-6035 Dubuque CVB 300 Main St. Dubuque, IA 52001 Julie Kronlage 800-798-4748 jkronlage@traveldubuque.com www.traveldubuque.com Looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path getaway for your group? Dubuque, Iowa is overflowing with memorable options. Dubuque, "Masterpiece on the Mississippi," is Iowa's first city. German American Heritage Center 712 W. Second St. Davenport, IA 52802 Janet Brown-Lowe 563-322-8844 admin@gahc.org www.gahc.org The German American Heritage Center is a museum that promotes and preserves German immigrant contributions with a permanent exhibit, two temporary galleries and gift shop. Gladbrook Theater & Matchstick Marvels 319 Second St. Gladbrook, IA 50635 JoAnn Ruopp 641-473-2410 glbktheater@iowatelecom.net www.matchstickmarvels.com What's so impressive about a 13-foot-long, true-to-scale model of the battleship USS Iowa and a 12-foot lighted model of the United States Capitol? They’re made completely out of ordinary wooden matchsticks. grouptraveldirectory.com

German villages settled in the 1850s. Fast forward to the 21st century and the excitement of Iowa’s newest casino resorts, offering gaming, dining, spas, golf and more. Urban centers offer a variety of dining and lodging options, along with festivals and entertainment. And the beauty of Iowa’s rolling countryside is never more than a few minutes away.

TravelIowa.com Greater Des Moines CVB 400 Locust St., Suite 265 Des Moines, IA 50309 Katie Stien 800-451-2625 katies@catchdesmoines.com www.catchdesmoines.com Catch a ride to Des Moines and discover world-class attractions awaiting your group. Behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on experiences and more.

Honey Creek Resort State Park 12633 Resort Drive Moravia, IA 52571 Todd Bordenaro 641-724-9600 toddb@honeycreekresort.com www.honeycreekresort.com/groups Honey Creek Resort, with its inspirational lakeside campus, magnificent architecture and exceptional service, is where business and pleasure meet in Iowa. Hotel Ottumwa 107 E. Second St. Ottumwa, IA 52501 Sara Gerot • 641ó682-8051 sara@hotelottumwa.com www.hotelottumwa.com A full-service historic hotel offering lodging, food, lounge, entertainment and events in the heart of downtown Ottumwa. Flexible menu options and a grand ballroom. Muscatine CVB 215 Sycamore St. Muscatine, IA 52761 Ky Cochran • 800-257-3275/563-264-1550 kcochran@muscatineiowa.gov www.meetmuscatine.com

Greenfield Tourism 215 S. First St. Greenfield, IA 50849 Stacie Hull 641-743-8444 director@greenfieldiowa.com www.greenfieldiowa.com From its Lancaster Square with thriving shops, a restored Opera House and Historic Hotel to the tranquil rural countryside, Greenfield offers a world of good living and opportunity. Heartland Acres Agribition Center 2600 Swan Lake Blvd. Independence, IA 50644 Craig Johnson 319-332-0123 craig@heartlandacresusa.com www.heartlandacresusa.com Heartland Acres Agribition Center shares with its visitors the past, present and future of Iowa agriculture.

2016 Group Travel Directory

The eastern edge of this East Central Iowa town touches the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, and the river has played a major role in shaping the town's history and identity. Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum, Mahaska CHS 2211 Nelson Lane Oskaloosa, IA 52577 Kelly Halbert 641-672-2989 curator@nelsonpioneer.org www.nelsonpioneer.org Visit with Aunt Matt Nelson, the feisty spinster, while she tells about the family farm, pioneer secrets, growing up and growing old in Oskaloosa. Okoboji Tourism Committee 243 W. Broadway Arnolds Park, IA 51331 Carina Woodward 712-332-2209 carina@vacationokoboji.com www.vacationokoboji.com Meet with confidence in Okoboji. We're Iowa's #1 vacation destination and the ideal location for business meetings, conventions, weddings, celebrations and group getaways. Riverboat Twilight Front Street Pier LeClaire, IA 52753 Carrie Stier 800-331-1467 info@riverboattwilight.com www.riverboattwilight.com 1- and 2-day Mississippi River cruises aboard the Victorian-styled Riverboat Twilight. Our captain is your guide to eagles, towering bluffs and historic river towns. Tyden Farm No. 6 Tours 1145 300th St. Dougherty, IA 50433 Judy Pitzenberger 641-426-5277 tyden6@netins.net www.tydenfarm.com Emil Tyden, a Swedish emigrant, contributed to safety, jobs and agriculture. See a grand farm preserved from the 1930s and modern farm techniques. Waterloo CVB 500 Jefferson St. Waterloo, IA 50701 Erin Schmitz 800-728-8431 erin@travelwaterloo.com www.travelwaterloo.com Dig deeper in Waterloo. Rich in heritage and plentiful in history, award-winning attractions, and local shops and restaurants. There are so many reasons to dig Waterloo for your next group tour. Winneshiek County CVB 507 W. Water St. Decorah, IA 52101 Charlene Selbee 563-382-2023 director@visitdecorah.com www.visitdecorah.com Decorah, a historic and culture-rich community surrounded by towering limestone bluffs and rolling farm land, welcomes you to the Midwest's premier destination. 32

2016 Group Travel Directory

KANSAS

ansas is a diverse state with so many things to see and experience. Kansas is known for frontier history, Wild West legends, diverse wildlife, scenic nature trails, geological wonders, rich aviation history and agricultural venues. The Sunflower State boasts maple forests, the rolling Smoky Hills, Cimarron National Grasslands and sand dunes.

785-296-2009 Boot Hill Casino & Resort 4000 W. Comanche Dodge City, KS 877-906-0777 bhcrgrouptours@boothillcasino.com www.boothillcasino.com If you like feeling the rush of action-packed gaming, Boot Hill Casino & Resort is your place to play. Saddle up and head for legendary Dodge. Dodge City CVB 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. Dodge City, KS 67801 Chris Haselhorst 800-653-9378 christinah@dodgecity.org www.visitdodgecity.org Named True West Magazine’s #1 True Western Town, Dodge City, Kansas is the perfect location for a charming and historical group getaway. With over a century and a half’s worth of history, there’s plenty to learn, see and experience in Dodge City. Liberal CVB 1 Yellow Brick Rd. Liberal, KS 67901 Sally Fuller 800-542-3725 tourism@cityofliberal.org www.visitliberal.com If a trip down the Yellow Brick Road sounds like a good time to your group, head down to Dorothy’s official hometown of Liberal, Kansas for your next trip. Liberal offers picturesque views, a charming culture and history, breathtaking sunsets and a large array of attractions and activities.

Explore one of the 26 Kansas state parks for hiking and biking trails, camping options, or an up-close look at the state's scenery and wildlife. For those looking for a more social experience, Kansas offers a variety of music, theater, dance and entertainment hot spots. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing trip, Kansas is sure to deliver.

TravelKS.com Oakley Chamber 3083 US Hwy 83 Oakley, KS 67748 785-671-1000 tourism@discoveroakley.com www.discoveroakley.com Oakley is the birthplace of the “Legend of Buffalo Bill.” It was here in Logan County in 1868 that William F. Cody won his title of Buffalo Bill in a buffalo-hunting contest with William Comstock. The twice-life-sized bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill on his horse in pursuit of a running buffalo is one of the largest bronzes of its kind anywhere in the world. Enjoy the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, outdoor storyboard and picnic area. Rolling Hills Zoo 625 N. Hedville Rd. Salina, KS 67401 Debbie Tasker 785-827-9488 ext. 114 dtasker@rollinghillszoo.org www. rollinghillswildlife.com Rolling Hills is fun for the young and the young at heart, and the scenery is unbeatable. Let zoo staff be your hosts for your group's next event - you can rest assured it will be unforgettable. Visit Salina 120 W. Ash Salina, KS 67402 Sylvia Rice 877-725-4625 srice@salinakansas.org www.visitsalinaks.org Salina...a blend of 'big city' amenities and relaxed 'small city' charm is the right place for you. Located in America's heartland at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135. Whether you are looking for a quick getaway, doing some shopping, taking in a concert, theatre performance or sports event, your reason is the right reason to Visit Salina. grouptraveldirectory.com

Belle of Louisville 401 W. River Rd. Louisville, KY 40202 866-832-0011 www.belleoflouisville.org Experience spectacular views of downtown Louisville as you cruise the beautiful Ohio River for lunch or dinner.

KENTUCKY

here’s only one Kentucky, and only in Kentucky can you explore the longest mapped cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park. While here, tour the distilleries where 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is produced; visit the birthplaces of both Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, and Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass music; and discover the museum dedicated to the fastest two min-

800-225-8747

utes in sports, the Kentucky Derby Museum. Enjoy the beauty of the rolling Bluegrass Region, the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, the relaxation of our many lakes and the nightlife of our cities. Be it rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, fishing or enjoying fine Southern dining, you will find it all in Kentucky. All options provide for a restful or action-packed vacation.

KentuckyTourism.com

Galt House Hotel 140 N. 4th St. Louisville, KY 40202 Karli Shannon 502-568-3460 kshannon@galthotel.com www.galthouse.com The Galt House Hotel maintains a reputation as the largest hotel in Kentucky, offering a vast array of beautiful rooms, dining options and luxurious amenities. Louisville Slugger Museum 800 W. Main St. Louisville, KY 40202 877-775-8443 groupsales@sluggermuseum.com www.sluggermuseum.org A visit to the museum shows you how the sport has changed a bit between then and now, but the crack of the bat remains one of the sporting world's most thrilling moments. National Corvette Museum 350 Corvette Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101 Debbie Eaton 270-467-8808 debbie@corvettemuseum.org www.corvettemuseum.org Museum featuring more than 70 Corvettes in period settings, prototypes, special exhibits, cafe, store. New for 2016: “Corvette Cave-In” experience. Open daily. Easy interstate access. National Quilt Museum 215 Jefferson St. Paducah, KY 42001 Amanda Ball 270-442-8856 aball@quiltmuseum.org www.quiltmuseum.org The museum is the world's largest and most prestigious museum devoted to quilts and fiber art. A destination for art enthusiasts worldwide, it annually welcomes visitors from all 50 U.S. states and over 40 foreign countries. Renfro Valley Entertainment Center 2380 Richmond St. Mt. Vernon, KY 40456 www.renfrovalley.com Chris Carosello 800-765-7464 ccarosello@renfrovalley.com Renfro Valley Entertainment Center “Kentucky’s Country Music Capital.” A tradition since 1939 with country, gospel and bluegrass music ringing from rafters of two unique theaters.

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2016 Group Travel Directory

New Orleans Plantation Country 2900 Hwy. 51 LaPlace, LA 70068 Megan Ryburn 985-359-2783 megan@visitnopc.com www.neworleansplantationcountry.com In New Orleans Plantation Country, your group can embark on a scenic swamp tour, enjoy Cajun and Creole food and visit majestic plantations.

LOUISIANA

ou’re always welcome in Louisiana. In fact, we’re already planning the party. Louisiana boasts more than 400 festivals each year. If it walks, crawls, swims or flies, Louisiana will salute it with a festival before we toss it in a gumbo pot. Festival themes vary—jazz, strawberries, frogs and po’boys, just to name a few. And you better come hungry. A meal in Louisiana is not simply nourishment but an affectionate nod to history and family. For generations, Louisianians have blended ingredients of French, Spanish, Native

225-342-8100 Audubon Nature Institute 1 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130 800-774-7394 air@auduboninstitute.org www.auduboninstitute.org The Audobon Nature Institute includes a zoo, aquarium, butterfly garden and insectarium, theater, golf and a cafe. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours 110 Frenier Rd. LaPlace, LA 70068 504-467-0758 info@cajunprideswamp.com www.cajunprideswamp.com Cajun Pride Swamp Tours is a privately owned wildlife refuge just 25 miles from New Orleans. We invite you to join us for a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations by offering authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tours, plantations tours, city tours and combination tours. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Metairie 2713 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70002 Gina Abernathy 504-835-4141 gabernathy@cismetairie.com www.countryinns.com/metairiela Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Metairie is the perfect 10. Just minutes from downtown New Orleans and the Airport.

2016 Group Travel Directory

American, African, Caribbean and Acadian cultures—seasoned with Italian, German, Irish, Asian, Hungarian and Middle Eastern influences—to create Cajun and Creole cuisine. Customary dishes vary by region but one thing is constant —no one walks away hungry. There’s always something to celebrate in Louisiana. Discover the state’s rich history, world-class cuisine, or plan a visit during Mardi Gras, the biggest bash of them all. Pick your passion and book a trip today— the party is just getting started.

LouisianaTravel.com Iberia Parish CVB 2513 Hwy. 14 New Iberia, LA 70560 Doobie Judice 888-942-3742 doobie@iberiatravel.com www.iberiatravel.com Iberia Parish is home to famous attractions including the Tabasco® pepper sauce factory and America's oldest rice mill. Groups also enjoy lush tropical garden tours and Cajun/Creole cuisine and music. Longue Vue House and Gardens 7 Bamboo Rd. New Orleans, LA 70124 504-488-5488 info@longuevue.com www.longuevue.com Longue Vue's mission is to preserve and use the historical and artistic legacy of Longue Vue and its creators to educate and inspire people to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives. New Orleans CVB 2020 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 Thu Tran 504-566-5053 ttran@neworleanscvb.com www.neworleanscvb.com New Orleans entices visitors with charm and sophistication. Stroll through the eclectic boutiques and galleries, listen to live music and dine on world-famous cuisine.

Oak Alley Plantation 3645 Hwy. 18 Vacherie, LA 70090 Hillary Loeber 225-265-2151 hloeber@oakalleyplantation.org www.oakalleyplantation.org See Oak Alley Plantation's historic grounds on a guided tour of the Big House, Civil War Encampment Exhibit and Slave Quarter Exhibit. Groups are also invited to dine and enjoy the Cajun/Creole cuisine. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau 629 Spring St. Shreveport, LA 71101 Erica Howard 800-551-8682, ext. 104 ehoward@sbctb.org www.shreveport-bossier.org/groups Bring your next group to Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side. Discover a variety of group-friendly attractions, affordable accommodations, riverfront shopping, Southern food and year-round festivals. Steamboat Natchez 600 Decatur St., Suite 308 New Orleans, LA 70130 Group Sales 800-365-2628 groups@neworleanssteamboat.com www.steamboatnatchez.com The Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz and Daytime Jazz cruises run daily, year round, in the style of authentic steamboats in New Orleans for centuries. Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality steamboat style. Vermilion Parish 1905 Veteran's Memorial Drive Abbeville, LA 70510 337-898-6600 director@vermilion.org www.vermilion.org Over 150 years in the making, Vermilion Parish is a multicultural, coastal parish with wandering bayous and farmlands, authentic local cuisine, family-friendly festivals and Cajun towns.

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MARYLAND

MAINE

ew England’s largest state offers group experiences that are uniquely Maine. Stunning coastal scenery, historic downtowns, lighthouses, watchable wildlife and distinctive cultural attractions are just a few of the opportunities that await. In Maine, your only boundaries are the state lines. With more than 3,500 miles of coastline, the highlights of many Maine itineraries are explorations of our maritime history and seafaring industries. Groups can explore historic forts, climb light-

207-624-9808 Greater Bangor CVB 330 Harlow St. Bangor, ME 04402 info@visitbangormaine.com www.visitbangormaine.com The Greater Bangor region offers a surprising mix of cosmopolitan experiences and Old World traditions. The unique spirit of the Greater Bangor Region is evident in its charming shops, delicious dining and world-class performing arts. The opportunity to indulge in culture and nature will beckon you at every turn and is all within the city limits or just a short drive away. Kennebunkport Historical Society P.O. Box 1173 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-2751 www.kporthistory.org Come see our historic house tours, village walking tours and exhibits, including a one-room school, shipyard office, old jail cells, blacksmith shop and Pasco Exhibit Center. Len Libby Handmade Candies 419 U.S. Route 1 Scarborough, ME 04074 Group Sales 204-883-4897 lenlibby@lenlibby.com www.lenlibby.com Come visit us and see the world's only life-size chocolate moose, Lenny, made of 1,700 pounds of the finest milk chocolate, hand sculpted on-site.

2016 Group Travel Directory

house towers, take a lobster boat excursion and pull traps, dine on the freshest seafood or sail into the sunset aboard a 100-year-old windjammer. Inland, our mountains and lakes offer stunning vistas in all seasons along with the opportunity to take a moose safari, learn to sluice for gems, or for the more adventurous, embark on a mountain-side zip line tour. In Maine your passengers not only get a vacation, they get a unique experience they will never forget.

VisitMaine.com Maine Maritime Museum 243 Washington St. Bath, ME 04530 207-443-1316 reservations@maritimeme.org www.maritimeme.org See the full-scale evocation of the world's largest wooden sailing ship Wyoming, built on this site, the largest sculpture in New England. Expansive lobstering exhibit tells history of industry in Maine plus the Victorian home of the shipyard owner's family. Maine State Music Theatre 1 Bath Rd. Brunswick, ME 04011 Katie White 207-725-8760, ext. 118 promotions@msmt.org www.msmt.org/group-tickets See a show at Maine State Music Theatre and enjoy all that the Southern Midcoast Maine Region can offer. Witham Family Hotels 215 High St. Ellsworth, ME 04605 Kelly Wilder 207-288-8279 kelly@withamhotels.com www.withamhotels.com Witham Family Hotels provides uncompromising commitment to quality to ensure that your group gets the most out of its East Coast visit. Your group can choose from 14 properties across the state of Maine.

aryland offers a wide variety of travel experiences all within easy driving distances. The state’s diverse landscape – from the mountains of Western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean – presents an abundance of enticing group-tour opportunities. Popular Maryland destinations include: Baltimore, birthplace of our National Anthem; Annapolis, home of the U.S. Naval Academy; Ocean City, “White Marlin Capital of the World;” Hagerstown, crossroads of the Civil War; and National Harbor, a

866-639-3526 Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa 4165 Mears Ave. Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732 Lorin Johnson 866-312-5596 lorin.johnson@chesapeakebeachresort.com www.chesapeakebeachresortspa.com Conveniently located near DC along beautiful Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa is a must for any groups that are looking for a relaxing place to stay during their vacation. Garrett County Chamber of Commerce 15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry, MD 21541 Jen Durben 301-387-5238 jen@garrettchamber.com www.deepcreekgroups.com Experience the mountains of western Maryland. Our region offers an abundance of group-friendly activities in every season to suit every taste. National Aquarium 501 E. Pratt St., Pier 3 Baltimore, MD 21202 410-576-3800 www.aqua.org Explore an Australian river gorge, descend through an Atlantic coral reef, travel to a tropical rain forest, meet dolphins and sharks, and interact with animal experts. Admission includes all this and more.

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MASSACHUSETTS complex with hotels, restaurants, shops, marina and an amphitheater by the Potomac River near our nation’s capital. Follow a scenic byway en route to a Maryland crab house. Take a cruise on the bay. Arrange a tour of prestigious museums. Hop aboard an old-time steam train in Western Maryland. Tap into the energy of major urban centers. Enjoy the atmosphere of waterfront villages. A Maryland excursion can suit the needs of any group – seniors, students or individual travelers.

VisitMaryland.org Ocean City CVB 4001 Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, MD 21842 Norma Dobrowolski 800-626-2326 ndobrowolski@ococean.com www.ococean.com Start with one of America's cleanest beaches and a famous three-mile boardwalk. Then add championship golfing, historical museums and legendary wild horses and you'll see why groups can do more in Ocean City, Maryland. Toby's Dinner Theatre 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 Cheryl Clemens-Everidge 410-730-8311 colgs@tobysdinnertheatre.com www.tobysdinnertheatre.com Toby’s Dinner Theatre is Maryland's destination for unforgettable live theatre. Visit Hagerstown 16 Public Square Hagerstown, MD 21740 Audrey Vargason 888-257-2600, ext. 15 audrey@visithagerstown.com www.visithagerstown.com Washington County is home to great golf, upscale and outlet shopping, restaurants, museums, theater, and superb hotel and meeting facilities.

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assachusetts is a unique and historic state where so much has happened in the past: from the start of the Revolutionary War to the birthplace of great presidents to where the remnants of the international whaling community of the 19th century still linger. Massachusetts is a petite state, packed full of events, activities, the arts, outdoor recreation, and more tours and sightseeing than often imagined. Fish, camp, hike or bike in the spring. Eat ice cream and cheer on the Red Sox at Boston’s Fenway

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Park in the summer. Dogsled or ski at one of the 12 ski areas during the winter. It’s a state where ocean views, beaches and mountaintops are a short drive away, where you can travel back to the ´witch hysteria, ´ the Pilgrims’ landing and the Underground Railroad. So come and see for yourself: Massachusetts, It’s All Here.

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Fire + Ice 205 Berkeley St. Boston, MA 02116 Estelle Kasal 617-482-3473 ekasal@fire-ice.com www.fire-ice.com Fire + Ice is a create-your-own meal concept. Guests choose their own ingredients, and grill chefs cook the food in front of you on the world’s biggest grill. Greater Merrimack Valley CVB 40 French St., Second Floor Lowell, MA 01852 Deb Belanger 978-459-6150 sales@merrimackvalley.org www.merrimackvalley.org Welcome to the Greater Merrimack Valley—the region where freedom began. Groups will love the plethora of history, culture, arts and dining options. The House of the Seven Gables 115 Derby St. Salem, MA 01970 Ryan Conary 978-744-0991, ext. 104 rconary@7gables.org www.7gables.org/visit/group-tours Discover The House of the Seven Gables. Built in 1668, this National Historic Landmark is a treasure of American history.

2016 Group Travel Directory

800-513-6424 Cornwell's Dinner Theatre 18935 15 1/2 Mile Road Marshall, MI 49068 Patti Cornwell 800-228-4315 patti@turkeyville.com www.turkeyville.com A quaint, one-of-a-kind restaurant in Marshall, Michigan. Since 1984, this facility has evolved into a full-fledged entertainment complex boasting a unique performing arts experience. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Ave. Detroit, MI 48201 313-494-5808 tours@thewright.org www.thewright.org The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the world's largest institution dedicated to the African American experience. The world-renowned facility has outstanding exhibits that celebrate significant events and accomplishments of African Americans. Tulip Time Festival 74 W. Eighth St. Holland, MI 49423 Hannah Rogers 616-396-4221, ext. 112 hannah@tuliptime.com www.tuliptime.com Tulip Time began in 1929 celebrating Holland, Michigan’s Dutch heritage while beautifying our community with tulips. Enjoy parades, Dutch dancers, shows, Dutch market and millions of tulips.

the nation for fun and recreation by Places Rated Almanac. While here, plan a trip to the John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum or the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

CircleMichigan.com

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ichigan is rich with diverse natural, man-made, and cultural offerings. With activities ranging from aquariums to zoos, museums, galleries, lighthouses, waterfalls, stunning gardens, award-winning wineries, and of course, Motown music and automotive history, there are endless options, all waiting to pamper your group. And with over 3,200 miles of shoreline and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any other state. Visit Grand Rapids, voted #3 city in

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MICHIGAN

2016 Group Travel Directory

Red Wing VCB 420 Levee St. Red Wing, MN 55066 Arloa Bach 800-498-3444 arloa@redwing.org www.redwing.org Are you looking for a unique destination for your group? Red Wing, Minnesota, famous the world over for its fine shoes and pottery, is also becomng one of the most exciting group travel destinations in the Midwest.

MINNESOTA

here are lots of superlatives to be found in describing Minnesota: the Mississippi River headwaters, the Great River Road and the Grand Rounds (and 20 other Scenic Byways), Lake Superior and the world’s largest freshwater port. Minnesota has nearly 12,000 lakes for a combined total of 90,000 miles of shoreline – more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined. The Mississippi River begins its journey at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, trickling over step-

800-657-3600 Bloomington CVB 7900 International Drive, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55425 Jan Kroells 866-435-7425 jkroells@bloomingtonmn.org www.bloomingtonmn.org From an exhilarating walk in a wildlife refuge to a relaxing dinner at an exceptional restaurant, we've got you covered. Discover St. Louis Park 1660 Hwy. 100 South St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Brent Snyder 952-641-5570 bsnyder@discoverstlouispark.com www.discoverstlouispark.com Comfortably close to all the Minnesota metro area has to offer, rich with historical sites and modern marvels, St. Louis Park is home to Nordic Ware, the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting and Minnesota's only urban winery. Down In History Tours 215 Wabasha St. S. Saint Paul, MN 55107 651-292-1220 office@wabashastreetcaves.com www.wabashastreetcaves.com Down In History Tours make history fun. Bus tour guides are character actors who entertain your group. Try the Historic Cave Tour.

2016 Group Travel Directory

ping stones before its long stretch southward. Over 25% of the great river’s path lies within our state, as well as the river’s only waterfalls, right in downtown Minneapolis. Grand describes the sights in the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area, like the historic State Capitol in Saint Paul and the Mill City Museum on Minneapolis’ waterfront, or endless cultural options, including the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Science Museum of Minnesota.

ExploreMinnesota.com International Wolf Center 1396 Hwy. 169 Ely, MN 55731 218-365-4695 office2@wolf.org www.wolf.org/wolves/experience/programs/ group_planningguide.asp Let the International Wolf Center plan the adventure of a lifetime for your group of 10 or more. Visit Minnesota's wolf country for a few hours or a week. We'll custom-design an adventure to fit your budget, educational standards and your dreams. Mall of America 60 E. Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425 952-883-8499 info@mallofamerica.com www.mallofamerica.com The nation's largest retail complex under one roof offers the ultimate shopping experience for your group trips, boasting over 520 stores and 50 restaurants, the world's largest indoor amusement park and a world-class aquarium. Owatonna Area COC 320 Hoffman Drive Owatonna, MN 55060 Katie Godfrey 800-423-6466 kgodfrey@owatonna.org www.visitowatonna.org Owatonna is the perfect getaway with small-town charm within an hour of the Twin Cities, Rochester and Mankato.

Roseville Visitors Association 1700 W. Hwy. 36, Suite 405 Roseville, MN 55113 Carrie Ford 877-980-3002 cford@visitroseville.com www.visitroseville.com Roseville is perfectly positioned just 10 minutes north of Minneapolis and St. Paul with convenient access to hotels, sporting venues, delicious dining options, shopping and more. Experience the excitement that the Twin Cities has to offer, while enjoying the peace and quiet just minutes away. SPAM Museum 1101 N. Main St. Austin, MN 55912 507-434-6503 giftcenter@hormel.com www.spam.com At the SPAM Museum, you’ll have a chance to take in one of the most meaningful and meaty-filled experiences of your life. The SPAM Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of spiced pork artifacts. St. Cloud Area CVB 1411 W. St. Germain St., Suite 104 St. Cloud, MN 56301 Jean Robbins 800-264-2940, ext. 129 jean@visitstcloud.com www.visitstcloud.com St. Cloud is conveniently located for a day tour from Minneapolis/St. Paul or an overnight stop en route to North Dakota. The Museum of Russian Art 5500 Stevens Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55419 Lynda Holker 612-821-9045 lholker@tmora.org www.tmora.org Experience through art the forest foods that feed social and cultural life in this vast and varied country. As docents point out culinary connections in exhibit paintings, they will also guide you through cookbooks filled with tempting recipes. Visit Duluth 21 W. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 Kim Kervina 218-625-8115 kim@visitduluth.com www.visitduluth.com/groups Enjoy gorgeous views of majestic Lake Superior, explore a relic ore boat, take a cruise on the harbor and even try your luck at fishing in the big lake. grouptraveldirectory.com

MISSISSIPPI

roup travelers can find their true south in Mississippi. Music lovers will see and hear the lifestyle that gave birth to the blues, country music and Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n Roll. Gaming enthusiasts can try their luck at Mississippi’s spectacular casino resorts. History buffs will converse with hoop-skirted ladies in palatial antebellum mansions and witness stirring re-enactments staged upon hallowed Civil War sites. Your groups can explore literary land-

888-868-7267

2016 Group Travel Directory

VisitMississippi.org

Corinth CVB 215 N. Fillmore St. Corinth, MS 38834 Christy Burns 662-287-8300 cburns@corinth.net www.corinth.net Find tranquil, tree-lined boulevards, distinctive shopping, tasty restaurants and unique attractions in Corinth to accommodate your Southern group trip. Corinth can provide all your Mississippi group travel needs.

Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB 2350 Beach Blvd., Suite A Biloxi, MS 39531 Janet Harrington 888-467-4853 janeth@gulfcoast.org www.gulfcoast.org Come visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and miles of scenic coastal beaches. Adventure junkies, golf enthusiasts and all other members of your group trip will find their passion along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

DeSoto County Tourism 4716 Pepper Chase Drive Southaven, MS 38671 662-393-8770 info@sodesoto.com www.sodesoto.com Authentic Southern charm and hospitality are trademarked here. Within close proximity of Tunica and its glittering shows and casinos, and also the worldfamous music and museums of Memphis.

Natchez CVB 640 S. Canal St. Natchez, MS 39120 800-647-6724 www.visitnatchez.com When we say Natchez is what you love about the South, you'll know just what we mean once you dive into the vibrant, rich history of our charming city on the Mississippi River.

Holly Springs Tourism Bureau 148 E. College Ave. Holly Springs, MS 38635 888-687-4765 www.visithollysprings.com Enjoy a glimpse of the Old South, in the Antebellum Capital of the Mid-South. Featuring home/garden tours, historic museums, art galleries, shopping, camping and unique shrine to Elvis.

marks, beautiful beaches, and scenic routes such as the famed Natchez Trace. They’ll sample Southern delicacies and visit museums honoring everything from Kermit the Frog to B.B. King. In Jackson, the state capital, visit first-rate museums, like the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

Yazoo County CVB 110 N. Jerry Clower Blvd., Suite S. Yazoo City, MS 39194 Dawn Davis 800-381-0662 info@visityazoo.org www.visityazoo.org/what-to-do Yazoo County, Mississippi is colorful, authentic and unique...just like you. With award-winning accommodations, unique shopping, authentic blues, outdoors and more, Yazoo County welcomes you.

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Jefferson City CVB 100 E. High St. Jefferson City, MO 65101 Marianne Thies • 573-632-2820 marianne@visitjeffersoncity.com www.visitjeffersoncity.com Plan your next group outing in Jefferson City, Missouri, recently named by Rand McNally as “America's Most Beautiful Small Town.”

MISSOURI

hether you are seeking a view of the soaring St. Louis Gateway Arch, a stroll along Mark Twain’s Main Street in Hannibal, the glittering Kansas City Country Club Plaza, a taste of Jesse James’ Wild West or the unparalleled entertainment of Branson, Missouri has everything and anything you need. The state is diverse in both geography and culture. From cosmopolitan cities to small, quaint towns rich with history and charm, you can find it in Missouri.

800-535-3210

Give your guests the hands-on experience of creating their own glass sculpture, participate in the restoration of 1800’s artifacts, take a behind-thescenes tour at an art gallery or get a backstage look at how Branson theaters really execute all those fantastic performances. This and more is waiting for you in Missouri.

VisitMo.com

Branson Travel Planning Association 2743 State Hwy. 248 Branson, MO 65616 Toyea Youngblood 417-348-1434 bransontravelplanner@gmail.com www.bransontravelplanning.com Savor the flavor of Branson featuring entertainment from 20+ top entertainers, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef cook-offs, character storytelling and vintage marketplace.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park 2038 W. State Hwy. 86, Lampe, MO 65681 417-779-5983 info@dogwoodcanyon.org www.dogwoodcanyon.org Crystal-clear trout streams, cascading waterfalls, ancient burial caves, hand-built bridges, bottomless blue-green pools, green pastures, and lush forests will take your group back to a time when life was simple and nature was undisturbed.

Branson/Lakes Area CVB 269 State Hwy. 248 Branson, MO 65616 Julie Peters 417-334-4084, ext. 317 jpeters@bransoncvb.com www.explorebranson.com/groups Branson, Missouri, ideal reunion destination for family values and budgets, offers breathtaking scenery and Ozarks hospitality all year round. Memorable and meaningful experiences abound.

Greater St. Charles CVB 230 S. Main St. St. Charles, MO 63301 Greg Maxon 636-946-7776 gmaxon@historicstcharles.com www.historicstcharles.com St. Charles is a river city just west of St. Louis with a unique historical perspective, beautiful sites, friendly people and a pace just a little slower than that of a big city.

Cape Girardeau CVB 400 Broadway, Suite 100 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Chuck Martin 800-777-0068 alage@visitcape.com www.visitcape.com Here you’ll discover historical treasures, familyfriendly attractions, outdoor adventures, gaming, shopping and more. For an unforgettable group experience, make your destination Cape Girardeau.

Harry S. Truman Library and Museum 500 W. U.S. Hwy. 24 Independence, MO 64050 Anita Henderson 816-268-8221 anita.henderson@nara.gov www.trumanlibrary.org From humble beginnings in the small town of Independence, Missouri, Harry S. Truman rose to become the most powerful man in the world.

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Missouri Division of Tourism 301 W. High St., Truman Bldg., Room 290 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Donna Cordle-Gray • 800-535-3210 donnacordle@legacydimensions.com www.industry.visitmo.com/plannersandgroupoperators/tabid/295/Default.aspx From the birthplace of Route 66 to the home of Mark Twain, wineries to barbecue and blues music, Missouri accommodates groups at every turn. Missouri Wine and Grape Board 1616 Missouri Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109 Danene Beedle • 800-392-9463 missouri.wine@mda.mo.gov www.missouriwine.org MWGB supports the research, development and promotion of Missouri grapes, wines and juices in order to strengthen the state’s wine industry. Moon River Theatre 2500 W. 76 Country Blvd. Branson, MO 65616 Tammy Felton 800-666-6094 tammy.felton@gmail.com www.andywilliamstheatre.com Electrifying performances, beautiful surroundings and central location make the Moon River Theatre a favorite among groups. Pony Express National Museum 914 Penn St. St. Joseph, MO 64503 Cindy Daffron 816-279-5059 pxdirector@ponyexpress.net www.ponyexpress.org You can visit the very stables that started the Pony Express, which marked a great triumph in American history. Visit and relive the history. St. Joseph CVB 109 S. Fourth St. St. Joseph, MO 64501 Jolene Dempster 816-233-6688 jdempster@stjomo.com www.stjomo.com The Pony Express may be the pride and joy of St. Joseph, but the city has much more to offer groups. Ste. Genevieve Tourism 66 S. Main St. Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670 Sandra Cabot 800-373-7007 info@visitstegen.com www.visitstegen.com Scenic and charming Ste. Genevieve is Missouri's oldest town. Discover rare French Colonial architecture, handcrafted pewter artistry, costumed step-on guides, unique dining, shopping, wineries. 2016 Group Travel Directory

BRANSON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Groups Feel Right at Home in Branson, Missouri

ocated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri is one of the premier vacation destinations in the central United States. With lots of live entertainment, three pristine lakes, championship golf, and miles of hiking and biking trails, Branson offers something for all ages. This one-of-a-kind travel destination also has dozens of attractions and museums, a full range of dining options, and lodging properties that include hotels, motels, condominiums, cabins, resorts, RV parks and campgrounds. Best known for live music shows, Branson boasts dozens of theaters with acts including comedy, rock n’ roll, country, magic and more. You also can visit one of the world's Top 10 theme parks, Silver Dollar City, which has roller coasters, water rides, live shows, artisans and crafts, and tours of Marvel Cave. Branson is a shopper’s paradise with brand outlet malls and

800-214-3661 www.ExploreBranson.com/groups/tours Lenni Neimeyer, CTIS, CSTP • lneimeyer@bransoncvb.com

dozens of boutiques and specialty shops full of hand-made works of art ranging from quilts to hand-blown glass to heirloom-quality furniture. Historic downtown Branson, with more than 100 quaint shops and restaurants, is located next door to Branson Landing, which features a one-mile Taneycomo lakefront boardwalk, a town square, over 25 specialty food shops and restaurants, and 100 retail stores. Branson is America’s affordable, wholesome family entertainment mecca that emphasizes fun, comfort and the feeling of being right at home. The community embodies essential Midwestern values such as patriotism, faith, courage and generosity of spirit – together these values exemplify its timehonored Ozarks hospitality. Rest assured the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to provide you all the information you need to organize the perfect group trip. Start planning your trip today.

THE PERFECT STAGE FOR GROUPS TO

PLAY TOGETHER BALDKNOBBERS JAMBOREE

There’s a reason Branson has consistently been voted a top group travel destination; we take vacationing together seriously. To learn more about group travel packages or to request information on Branson’s 8th Annual Professional Travel Planner FAM April 19-22, 2016, contact Lenni Neimeyer | CTIS, CSTP at lneimeyer@bransoncvb.com.

VISIT BILLINGS Discover Billings: Montana’s Trailhead

he largest city in Montana, shaped by the Yellowstone River and sheltered by the sandstone Rimrocks, connects visitors to the authentic, historical West. From outdoor adventures to cultural enrichments, there’s no shortage of experiences in Billings. Along the Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, take a leisurely walk or cast in a line. Beartooth Highway is the most beautiful gateway to Yellowstone National Park, just 60 miles from Billings. Or enjoy a scenic drive along the Rimrock Bluffs and take in the views of Billings from 500 feet above. At Pictograph Cave State Park, find evidence of habitation dating back 2,500 years. Pompeys Pillar has some of the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Catch a live performance at one of several impressive theaters in

406-245-4111 www.VisitBillings.com Stefan Cattarin • stefan@visitbillings.com

downtown Billings or find the authentic West during one of the many rodeos held annually. At Chief Plenty Coups State Park, learn the history of the Apsáalooke people's last traditional tribal chief. Stop by the Visitor Center, walk the grounds and explore Chief Plenty Coups' home. Billings provides various itineraries covering themes such as Western culture, battlefield history, culinary arts and natural adventure. Billings not only serves scenic surroundings with a side of rustic charm, but its position in the region works to its advantage, with air service, lodging (5,000+ sleeping rooms) and convention accommodations, including a 10,000-seat arena, and proximity to natural wonders and historic sites. Check out visitbillings.com to see how Billings sets the stage for unforgettable group trips.

MONTANA

he Big Sky Country. The Land of the Shining Mountains. The Treasure State. Montana has a myriad of nicknames as well as landscape, adventure, culture and history within its borders. Take a scenic drive over the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park or drive over the Beartooth Highway from the charming town of Red Lodge to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park. Historic trails such as the Lewis &

800-548-3390 Big Sky CVB 3091 Pine Drive Big Sky, MT 59716 Kitty Clemens 800-943-4111 info@bigskychamber.com www.bigskychamber.com There's a lot more to Big Sky than the endless views and the big, wide-open skies that give this Montana town its name, although this is kind of the like icing on the cake. Adventures and entertainment options to suit groups, from all-guys or girls trips, family reunions and leisure tours. And, of course, there's Yellowstone National Park. Butte CVB 1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701 800-735-6814 info@buttecvb.com www.buttecvb.com The spirit, individuality and pride of the people here are as palpable as the day gold was discovered on Silver Bow Creek. It’s that character that enchants, that wide-armed hospitality that invites. Butte has comfortable hotels, great restaurants, spirited nightspots and a wealth of attractions and outdoor activities, all waiting for you.

2016 Group Travel Directory

NEBRASKA Clark Trail and the Nez Perce Trail wind their way through Montana’s landscapes. Explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls or climb Pompeys Pillar near Billings to see Clark’s signature. Walk in the footsteps of Lt. Col. George Custer where he made his “last stand” at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. FUN FACT: There are fewer people living in the entire state of Montana than in the city of Phoenix.

VisitMT.com Great Falls CVB 101 First Ave. N. Great Falls, MT 59405 Rebecca 406-750-1198 rebecca@visitgreatfalls.org www.genuinemontana.com Great Falls is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Sun rivers. Little more than an hour from the Great Falls Airport, wilderness enthusiasts can explore the world in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Center. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center 201 South Canyon West Yellowstone, MT 59758 Peggy Russell 800-257-2570 peggyr@grizzlydiscoveryctr.com www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org See live bears and wolves at this wildlife park and educational facility. Enjoy a world-class exhibit, demonstrations and presentations. Two blocks from Yellowstone Park. Open all year. Visit Billings 815 S. 27th St. Billings, MT 59107 406-245-4111 info@visitbillings.com www.visitbillings.com Billings, Montana's Trailhead, is a place of forever views and forever memories, where modern convenience meets the edge of the genuine frontier.

icture-perfect sunsets. Exceptional shopping and small-town charm. A night at the opera. A day at a worldclass zoo. Frontier history amongst striking scenic beauty. Welcome to Nebraska, where a bounty of attractions and activities awaits you and your group. Nebraska boasts a diverse landscape— rolling Sandhills, pine-studded buttes, rich prairie lands and rugged river valleys— that provides the perfect playground for adventure and entertainment. Scenic byway excursions, winery tours, wildlife

877-632-7275 Kearney Visitors Bureau 1007 Second Ave. PO Box 607 Kearney, NE 68848 Roger Jasnoch CTP 800-652-9435 rjasnoch@visitkearney.org www.visitkearney.org Looking to entertain your group with entertainment or a special performance, check out our events calendar to see what's going on in the area. Kreycik Elk & Buffalo Tours 88971 517 Ave. Niobrara, NE 68760 Chris Kreycik 402-857-3850 kreycikelkranch@yahoo.com www.nebraskaelktours.com Nestled down in the rolling hills along the scenic Niobrara River is one of the most beautiful picturesque views you'll see. Here is the home to Kreycik Elk & Buffalo Ranch covered wagon tours. Strategic Air & Space Museum 28210 West Park Hwy. Ashland, NE 68003 Angela Roeber 800-358-5029 aroeber@strategicairandspace.com www.strategicairandspace.com A walk through the Strategic Air & Space Museum is a walk through living history. Group Tours are available to groups of 20 or more and must be scheduled at least two weeks prior to your visit. grouptraveldirectory.com

NEVADA viewing, water recreation and big-city cultural events: you’ll find endless possibilities for exciting group travel itineraries in Nebraska. Along the way, enjoy accommodations ranging from simple to exceptional and an array of delicious dining choices. If you’re searching for an urban-style adventure, head to Omaha and Lincoln, where you’ll find colorful historic districts featuring quaint shops, popular restaurants and a variety of cultural activities.

VisitNebraska.com

evada boasts some of the best opportunities around for group travel. We’re a state built to accommodate. Top attractions in Reno include the 100,000-square-foot National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art and Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which offers six-mile round trip rides from Virginia Hill to Gold Hill or take the train all the way down the mountain to Carson City. Take a day trip to a historic mining town like Virginia City, hike through

702-486-6859 Blue Man Group Luxor Hotel & Casino 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89119 Jessica Juadines 702-697-1655 lasvegasgroups@blueman.com www.blueman.com/las-vegas/groups/discounts No one brings a group experience to life like Blue Man Group. Circus Circus Hotel Casino Las Vegas 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89109 800-634-3450 www.circuscircus.com Circus Circus offers some of the best deals in Las Vegas. The hotel's 3,767 guest rooms, including 135 suites, provide comfortable, affordable accommodations with easy access to all the excitement the city has to offer. Cirque du Soleil RSD 980 Kelley Johnson Dr., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Linsey Hull 702-352-0238 lindsey.hull@cirquedusoleil.com www.cirquedusoleil.com Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based company recognized all over the world for high-quality, artistic entertainment. Since its dawn in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has constantly sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotions of people around the world.

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beautiful Red Rock Canyon, or make a heli-skiing run in the Ruby Mountains. Of course, there’s always that thing Nevada is most famous for: gaming. No place in the world can compare to the casino action and entertainment Las Vegas offers. With mind-expanding shows like Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group, to big-name stars, Las Vegas is one of a kind.

TravelNevada.com Laughlin Visitors Bureau 1555 S. Casino Drive Laughlin, NV 89029 Meg McDaniel 877-685-2845 mmcdaniel@lvcva.com www.visitlaughlin.com From top-notch amenities, restaurants and entertainment, to activities on the Colorado River, Laughlin helps groups of all sizes have a memorable experience. The Mob Museum 300 Stewart Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Brandon Rowe 702-724-8628 browe@themobmuseum.org www.themobmuseum.org The Mob Museum, a world-class museum, tells true stories of the Mob and law enforcement through hundreds of artifacts, multi-sensory exhibits and immersive storytelling. Zephyr Cove Resort 760 Hwy. 50 Lake Tahoe, NV 89448 775-589-4907 www.zephyrcove.com For generations, visitors have found the setting and simplicity of Zephyr Cove Resort & Lake Tahoe Cruises a refreshing alternative to the densely developed areas of South Lake Tahoe – the perfect hub for launching all your South Lake Tahoe activities and adventures. 2016 Group Travel Directory

NEW HAMPSHIRE

ew Hampshire is a small state tucked within the heart of New England, offering diverse activities that appeal to groups ranging from students to adventure enthusiasts to seniors. From river valleys, quaint historic towns and culturally rich urban Main Streets to pristine lakes, the White Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, New Hampshire offers a unique experience in

603-271-2665 Canterbury Shaker Village 288 Shaker Rd. Canterbury, NH 03224 Elizabeth Pappas 603-783-9511 epappas@shakers.org www.shakers.org Guided and self-guided tours, accessible historic buildings, activities, exhibits, educational programs, special events, unique shopping, exceptional dining and breathtaking grounds offer you more than you can do in a day. Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce 500 Market St. Portsmouth, NH 03802 Valerie Rochon 603-610-5517 tourism@portsmouthchamber.org www.portsmouthchamber.org It's hard to imagine a typical day of leisure in the Seacoast. So here's some help--nationally acclaimed theater and music, biking, hiking, fishing, sailing, whale watching, bird watching, sunset cruises, tax-free shopping and so much more. Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce One Lafayette Rd. Hampton, NH 03842 603-926-8718 www.hamptonchamber.com Located near the center of the New Hampshire Seacoast, Hampton has something to offer everyone.

2016 Group Travel Directory

NEW JERSEY each season and in every region. Visit one of New Hampshire's many state parks, go downhill or cross country skiing; visit a waterfall; visit the Museum of New Hampshire History or one of the many other museums and historic sites that New Hampshire has to offer. Groups enjoy homemade New England cuisine and lobster bakes, cruises and train rides, top events, tax-free shopping, history and outdoor recreation.

VisitNH.gov Manchester CVB 54 Hanover St. Manchester, NH 03101 603-792-4119 www.manchester-chamber.org From sports to restaurants to arts and culture, the city of Manchester has lots to offer the seasoned traveler. Mount Washington Cog Railway 3168 Base Station Rd. Mount Washington, NH 03589 603-278-5404 groupsales@thecog.com www.thecog.com Experience Mount Washington, New England's highest peak, on the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway. Since 1869 this National Historic Engineering Landmark has been the vacation highlight of visitors from around the world. The Margate Resort 76 Lake St. Laconia, NH 03246 Aimee Jones 603-524-5210 groupsales@themargate.com www.themargate.com The Margate Resort is nestled on the edge of Winnipesaukee's beautiful waters, surrounded by a landscape of soaring pines and deep blue skies.

ew Jersey is a great place to visit whether you are planning for tweens, teens, seniors or

families. New Jersey claims the world’s largest theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari Off Road Adventure. The Hippo Haven exhibit at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium creates a new and vibrant experience that immerses students in the sights and sounds of an African river.

609-292-2470 Atlantic City/Meet AC CVA 2314 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Heather Colache 609-449-7151 hcolache@meetinac.com www.doatlanticcity.com When you’ve done everything else, DO Atlantic City. It’s all about the stories and AC has many. Greater Newark CVB 60 Park Place, Suite 104 Newark, NJ 07102 973-735-2135 ask@ newarkhappening.com www.newarkhappening.com/groups Just 8 short miles from New York City, the greater Newark region is the ideal location for group travel. You’ll save big bucks and get access to an endless parade of possibilities. Grounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors Way Hamilton, NJ 08619 Yoriko Franklin 609-586-0616 yfranklin@groundsforsculpture.org www.groundsforsculpture.org Since its founding, the park has collected more than 270 works including sculptures by famous artists from all over the world. Grounds For Sculpture was created as a place where audiences could observe sculpture in a welcoming and informal setting.

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VisitNJ.org

Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08234 609-441-0007 atlantic_city_sales@hardrock.com www.hardrock.com/cafes/atlantic-city Find out what dishes we have to offer you on your group’s next trip to Hard Rock. Reservations available for groups of 15 or more. Hunterdon Hills Playhouse 88 Route 173 W. Hampton, NJ 08827 800-447-7313 reservations@hhplayhouse.com www.hhplayhouse.com Since 1981, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Dinner Theatre has welcomed and entertained millions of enthusiastic patrons. McCarter Theatre Center 91 University Place Princeton, NJ 08540 Group Sales 609-258-6500 groups@mccarter.org www. mccarter.org McCarter Theatre Center is known as one of the United States’ leading theaters and is the sole organization in the nation that is both a major presenter of the performing arts and a professional producing theater.

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Paper Mill Playhouse 22 Brookside Drive Millburn, NJ 07041 Carolyn Esman 973-376-4343 cesman@papermill.org www. papermill.org Paper Mill Playhouse preserves and nurtures the American musical theater art form and aspires to be a vital artistic and education center recognized throughout the region and the nation for its highquality, innovative theater and training programs. Renault Winery Resort & Golf 72 North Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 Michelle Skanes 609-965-2111 mskanes@renaultwinery.com www.renaultwinery.com We offer a unique family-style lunch or dinner with a complimentary wine tasting and tour of our wine making facilities. Renault Winery can accommodate groups from 45 to 600. Resorts Casino Hotel 1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Meg Lewis 609-340-7715 mlewis@resortsac.com www.resortsac.com Resorts Casino Hotel is a one-stop shop for groups. Gaming, entertainment, dining, ocean views and the largest standard rooms on the boardwalk welcome groups. Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center 1501 Glasstown Rd. Millville, NJ 08332 Group Sales 856-825-6800, ext. 109 groupsales@wheatonarts.org www.wheatonarts.org/visit/group-rate Home of the Museum of American Glass, artist studios, Down Jersey Folklife Center and museum stores. Picnic area, full-service restaurant and hotel.

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New Jersey’s largest outlet mall brings a new brand to Jersey Gardens - The Outlet Collection. With no tax on clothing and shoes, New Jersey is an attractive destination for those looking to shop. More battles were fought and won during the American Revolution in NJ than any other state. Visit famous historical sites like Fort Lee, Washington’s Crossing and Monmouth Battlefield State Park.

Ocean Place Resort & Spa 1 Ocean Blvd. Long Branch, NJ 07740 Group Sales 732-571-4000 sales@oceanplace.com www.oceanplace.com Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, marine-themed rooms and the most luxurious stay imaginable. The resort offers a restaurant, two bars, a lounge, spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and more.

Find this entire directory online at –

Montreal Beach Resort 1025 Beach Ave. Cape May, NJ 08204 800-525-7011 groupinfo@montrealbeachresort.com www.montrealbeachresort.com What you see on the inside is just as spectacular as the view outside. Start your day at the oceanfront pool, right next to the patio at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, and finish it in the serenity of newly redesigned guest rooms and suites.

2016 Group Travel Directory

ATLANTIC CITY/ MEET AC

Year-Round Fun by the Sea

xperience beautiful Atlantic City, where you can find many ways to enjoy the seaside city—fun for the young and young at heart. Atlantic City’s attractions, hotel resorts, dining options, shopping, entertainment, casinos, beach and other amenities make it a popular year-round destination. Atlantic City offers roundthe-clock fun and excitement. Atlantic City features miles of scenic white sandy beaches and an iconic Boardwalk that you can enjoy at any time of the year. Take a stroll on the famous historic Boardwalk, sample the original saltwater taffy or check out the latest amusement rides at Steel Pier. While in town, try your luck on the table games or slot machines at any of the area’s eight casinos. You can unwind and dine with plentiful dining options all customized to fit your taste buds with brand-name eateries and celebrity chefs. A hotspot at Resorts Casino Hotel and on the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the innovative Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville entertainment complex transforming into a destination appealing to visitors yearning for an island adventure. Shopaholics can shop ‘til they drop at high-end retail options at The Playground shops and The Quarter at the Tropicana or discounted brand-name fashions and accessories at Tanger Outlets The Walk, with tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes. Visit doatlanticcity.com to find out more about the resort destination.

888-228-4748 www.doatlanticcity.com Heather Colache • hcolache@meetinac.com

15 #

My Bucket List

34. WALK ON WATER

CHECKING OFF YOUR LIST IN ATLANTIC CITY! #15. Ghost Hunting In The Lighthouse #28. Dinner At An English Pub #07. Ride An Elephant On The Beach #55. Meet A Legend On The Boardwalk #19. Live Like An Emperor Celebrity chefs and award-winning dining, brand name tax-free shopping, show stopping entertainment, the arts and culture, and a world famous beach and boardwalk, one visit to Atlantic City can really check off your Bucket List. Heather Colache is available at 609.449.7151 or hcolache@meetinac.com to help you DO AC.

D o A t l a n t i c C i t y. c o m

NEW MEXICO

very region of New Mexico offers diverse sites and activities to satisfy visitors. The mystique and allure of the state carries a mystery that is nearly inexplicable, but it inspires a power that is quite real. For centuries, New Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people have lived side by side, sharing and celebrating cultural differences under vivid blue skies and star-filled nights. From dinosaurs to Spanish conquistadors, rocket sleds to aliens, folk art to fine art - New Mexico is indeed an adventure

505-827-7400 Albuquerque CVB 20 First Plaza NW, Suite 601 Albuquerque, NM 87102 800-733-9918 info@visitalbuquerque.org www.visitalbuquerque.org Come immerse yourself in a rich culture and heritage rooted in centuries of history. Soak in blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year - perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piĂąon, and you'll understand why Albuquerque is a destination like no other. City of Alamogordo 1301 N. White Sands Blvd. Alamogordo, NM 88310 800-826-0294 chamber@alamogordo.com www.alamogordo.com Nestled in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico and surrounded by three mountain ranges is an historic American railroading town founded just before the turn of the 19th century. In addition to White Sands National Monument, explorers can visit area attractions, film locations, and genuine exhibits of space history and research. City of Roswell P.O. Box 1838 Roswell, NM 88202 575-637-6224 www.seeroswell.com Located in southeastern New Mexico, Roswell is a city full of mystery and wonder. Much more than just the site of one very famous intergalactic event, Roswell boasts fantastic recreational areas like the Bottomless Lake and unique attractions like the Roswell Museum and Art Center.

steeped in culture, filled with wonder and packed with everything that comes to mind when folks dream of unspoiled wilderness, spectacular views and a genuine adventure that feeds the soul. The 9-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta commences the first full weekend of October. During the festival, visitors will see hundreds of brilliantly hued hot air balloons take to the sky. Other popular attractions include the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

NewMexico.org Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd. Mescalero, NM 88340 800-545-9011 www.innofthemountaingods.com Situated high in the picturesque mountains of Mescalero, just outside of Ruidoso. Guests return time and time again to Inn of the Mountain Gods to enjoy the clean mountain air, stunning panoramic views and exciting entertainment options. Pecos Benedictine Monastery 16 Guadalupe Lane Pecos, NM 87505 505-757-6415 guestmaster@pecosmonastery.org Pecos Benedictine Monastery offers group retreats, individual retreats, workshops, events and spiritual direction for groups looking to strengthen their faith. Rio Rancho CVB 3200 Civic Center Circle NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Gregory Pena 888-746-7262 gpena@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us www.rioranchonm.org Rio Rancho is home to a colorful tapestry of attractions, events and day trips. Experience the culture of New Mexico's past, present, and future at nearby Indian Pueblos.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Made in America Store 900 Maple Rd. Elma, NY 14059 716-652-0024 info@madeinamericastore.com www.madeinamericastore.com Made in America Store sells 100% American-made products including clothes, food, toys, hardware and stationery as well as products for outdoor use and your home, pets, health and beauty.

NEW YORK

reat adventures and culinary delights amid spectacular landscapes. Treasures of art, music, theater and architecture inspire visitors from around the globe. Travelers follow a “Path Through History” to museums, homes and forts where costumed reenactments are a regular occurrence. Abundant waters include renowned trout streams, the magnificent Niagara Falls, whitewater rapids, the Erie Canal and vast Atlantic Ocean. Explore a Scenic Byway or a High

800-225-5697 Blue Man Productions 599 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY 10012 212-260-8993 www.blueman.com Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. Broadway.com - Group Sales Box Office 729 Seventh Ave., Seventh Floor New York, NY 10019 Brenden Rogers 800-334-8457 brenden.rogers@broadwayacrossamerica.com www.broadway.com/groups New York City's premier theater ticket agency. We offer the best group discount pricing to Broadway, Off-Broadway shows, touring productions across the United States, Broadway Classroom Workshops and more. CitySightseeing New York 1430 Broadway, Suite 507 New York, NY 10018 Rivka Schwadel 212-812-2700 groups@newyorksightseeing.com www.newyorksightseeing.com Explore the famous sites of NYC with amazing views along the way on CitySightseeing New York’s iconic hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus and boat tours.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Peaks trail. Swim at a sandy beach or explore geological wonders. Shop along famous urban thoroughfares or quaint village streets, at craft colonies or worldclass outlets. Rally the team in a sports lovers’ paradise with legendary venues. There’s so much to choose from and always something new. Come discover what your group loves in New York State.

ILoveNY.com George Eastman House 900 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607 585-271-3361 gesc@geh.org www.eastmanhouse.org Reserve a private docent-led tour of the historic mansion, gardens or galleries and enhance your visit with additional insight into the life of George Eastman. Rotating photography and moving image exhibitions. Honor's Haven Resort & Spa 1195 Arrowhead Rd. Ellenville, NY 12428 845-210-3114 salesadmin@honorshaven.com www.honorshaven.com A four-season resort that provides the duality of hiking and golfing just steps away from a multi-faceted conference facility bursting with cosmopolitan touches and graceful decor, making it a favored Upstate destination. Jazz at Lincoln Center 3 Columbus Circle, 12th Floor New York, NY 10019 Frances Howorth 212-258-9800 fhoworth@jazz.org www.jazzatlincolncenter.org The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education and advocacy.

Madison Square Garden/ Radio City Music Hall 2 Penn Plaza New York, NY 10121 Catherine Brown 212-465-6080 group.sales@msg.com www.msggroupsales.com Enjoy exclusive group savings for the Rockette productions, family shows, MSG and Radio City venue tours, plus more. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 25 Main St. Cooperstown, NY 13326 June Dolhun 607-547-0312 jdolhun@baseballhall.org www.baseballhall.org Located in historic Cooperstown, New York, the Hall of Fame is surely the country's best-known sports shrine. The fully handicap-accessible museum features three floors of captivating exhibits. New York City Ballet David H. Koch Theater 20 Lincoln Center New York, NY 212-870-5692 groupsales@nycballet.com www.nycballet.com NYC Ballet, one of the world's foremost ballet companies, is accompanied by its own orchestra. For repertory seasons, groups enjoy discounts, priority seating and Group Adventures with a NYCB dancer or musician with an on-stage view of the theater. Niagara Falls State Park 332 Prospect St. Niagara Falls, NY 716-278-1796 www.niagarafallsstatepark.com Experience the beauty of one of the natural wonders of the world. Groups also love the Top of the Falls Restaurant, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Scenic Trolley and Cave of the Winds Tour. Niagara USA Tourism & Convention Corporation 10 Rainbow Blvd. Niagara Falls, NY 14303 877-325-5787 info@niagara-usa.com www.niagara-usa.com Home to a World Wonder, a cutting-edge wine trail, adventure and living history. Come explore Niagara USA and get an up-close and personal experience you’ll never forget.

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LAKE GEORGE AREA IN NYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADIRONDACKS

The Lake George Area in NYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adirondacks Welcomes Groups

f youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a tour planner looking for a unique destination with a small-town feeling and big-city attractionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all amongst a panoramic Adirondack backdropâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;look no further. Make your next group tour unforgettable in the Lake George Area. Situated in upstate New York, just 50 miles north of Albany, the Lake George Area is easily accessible and a direct drive from New York City, Boston and Montreal, making it a perfect destination for an extended stay or a welcome stopover on a long trip. The incredible variety of group-friendly activities has made Lake George a motorcoach destination for decades. Enjoy a cruise on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Queen of American Lakes,â&#x20AC;? 32-mile-long Lake George; plan a scenic train ride along â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mighty Hudson River;â&#x20AC;? visit the iconic Lake George landmark Prospect Mountain for a beautiful 100-mile view; or seek thrills at Six Flags Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amusement Park.

518-761-6575

VisitLakeGeorge.com Tanya Brand â&#x20AC;˘ brandt@warrencountyny.gov

ISIT THE

IN NEW

YORKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADIRONDACKS

a four-season, group friendly destination! â&#x20AC;˘ Scenic Lake Cruises call: 800-365-1050 or visitlakegeorge.com â&#x20AC;˘ Group Friendly EvenĘŚ for a free group travel planner! â&#x20AC;˘ eme Parks & M e !

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2016 Group Travel Directory

On Location Tours 6 W. 37th St., 2nd Floor New York, NY 10018 800-828-6206 groupsales@onlocationtours.com www.screentours.com On Location Tours offers the most unique and only TV and movie-themed bus tours and walking tours in New York City and Boston. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square 234 W. 42nd St. New York, NY 10036 Juan Peralta 212-398-3133 jperalta@ripleysnewyork.com www.ripleysnewyork.com Home to rare artifacts and thrilling interactive exhibits, this one-of-kind attraction is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the unusual, the unexpected and the unbelievable. The Jewish Museum 109 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10128 Theresa Hioki 212-423-3225 schedulingcoordinator@thejm.org www.thejewishmuseum.org/programs/group-visits Plan an unforgettable experience at the Jewish Museum with a guided tour of world-renowned exhibitions, led by knowledgeable and engaging docents.

The Lake George Area in NY's Adirondacks 1340 State Route 9 Lake George, NY 12845 Tanya Brand 518-761-6575 brandt@warrencountyny.gov www.visitlakegeorge.com Discover why tour operators and tour planners have chosen The Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks as their motorcoach destination for decades. Top of the Rock Observation Deck 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 12th Floor New York, NY 10111 877-692-7625 groups@topoftherocknyc.com www.topoftherocknyc.com Top of the Rock Observation Deck is New York’s most breathtaking view. On your way to the top, see photos and artifacts that tell the story of Rockefeller Center. WonderWorks Syracuse 9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-466-7700 tours@wonderworksdestiny.com www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind with 40,000 square feet of “edu-tainment.” It combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind.

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CRYSTAL COAST TOURISM AUTHORITY

North Carolina’s Gem™

252-726-8148 www.CrystalCoastNC.org Carol Lohr • carol@sunnync.com

ith more than 85 miles of beaches and nine distinct regions, the southernmost part of the famed Outer Banks offers everything from pirate legends to wild horses. The sandy shores of the Crystal Coast are perfect for swimming, shelling, surfing, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding. Take a ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore, where you can catch a glimpse of horses frolicking in the sands and climb to the top of a 150-year-old lighthouse. Tour historic buildings in Beaufort, called “America’s Favorite Town” by one travel magazine. The town’s North Carolina Maritime Museum has artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship. Tour itineraries also might include attractions like the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores or Core Sound Waterfowl Museum on Harkers Island. In Atlantic Beach ghost tours highlight the past at Fort Macon State Park’s Civil War-era fort. In Morehead City, the largest town on the Crystal Coast, groups enjoy the charming shops and waterfront restaurants. The area abounds with group-friendly accommodations, offering a wide choice of cottages, condos, hotels and motels. For seaside fun in North Carolina, nothing beats the Crystal Coast.

NORTH CAROLINA

ith one of the most extensive highway systems in the nation, North Carolina is easy for tour groups to navigate - from our beautiful Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, through the Piedmont’s rolling foothills to our 300 glorious miles of sandy beaches along the coast. Visit America’s largest home, Biltmore; drive along “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway; experience the speed of NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway;

800-847-4862 Billy Graham Library 1 Billy Graham Pkwy. Charlotte, NC 28201 Sonya Johnson 704-401-3255 libraryevents@bgea.org www.billygraham.org/library The Library is a multimedia experience that continues Graham's more than 70-year legacy of delivering the simple yet profound message of God's love. Crystal Coast Tourism Authority 3409 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 Carol Lohr 252-726-8148 carol@sunnync.com www.crystalcoastnc.org Over 85 miles and nine distinct regions of crystalline waters, warm sands, and a variety of attractions await your group at North Carolina’s Crystal Coast Fayetteville Area CVB 245 Person St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 Jessica Bennett 910-483-5311 jbennett@visitfayettevillenc.com www.visitfayettevillenc.com Fayetteville is proud to hold a rich role in our nation’s history and displays the friendly feel of a true hometown.

2016 Group Travel Directory

sip wine at one of 100+ wineries; stand in the very place where in 1903, the Wright Brothers made the world’s first flight. With vast, pristine beaches, relaxing mountains, vibrant cities and amazing culture, North Carolina provides the ideal atmosphere to create “deeper connections” with places, friends, family and yourself. See why North Carolina is the sixth most visited state in the United States.

VisitNC.com Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort 777 Casino Drive Cherokee, NC 28719 Matthew Pegg 828-497-8229 mpegg@cherokee.harrahs.com www.harrahscherokee.com Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort offers overnight accommodations, free slot play and full casino action, all in the heart of the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. High Point CVB 1634 N. Main St., Suite 102 High Point, NC 27262 Nancy Bowman 800-720-5255 nbowman@highpoint.org www.highpoint.org The High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes your group and is looking forward to helping plan your adventure to the region. Outer Banks Visitors Bureau 704 S. Hwy. 64/264 Manteo, NC 27954 Amy Wood 877-629-4386 wood@outerbanks.org www.outerbanks.org Beautifully natural, formed by centuries of wind, water and sand blown from the Atlantic Ocean, and home to a rich history, it's a place that inspires a true sense of adventure.

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FAYETTEVILLE NC AREA 18 Trails, 750 Miles, 250 Years Activate Your Freedom

magine a place where history, heroes and a hometown feeling come together in a unique combination of small-town American and metropolitan excitement. Home to Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield, Greater Fayetteville experiences are rich with patriotism. Our four Signature Tours represent our most popular group experiences. We stand ready to customize any itinerary for special needs and interests. All-American Sampler: Discover America's Hometown and experience our History, Heroes and Hometown Feeling. Hometown Heroes: Experience and embrace

the valor and heroism spanning Greater Fayetteville. Pledge to watch over those who watch over us. African-American Heritage: The hard labor borne by slaves, the entrepreneurship of free blacks, the devotion to religion and education, service to our country, and the desire to learn and preserve history and heritage await to tell your group a grand story. Pass The Class - Earn Your Rank: Branch out and add value to curriculums through recreation, hands-on history and mind-blowing exploration. Never a dull moment!

910-483-5311 VisitFayettevilleNC.com Jessica Bennett â&#x20AC;˘ jbennett@visitfayettevillenc.com

Bismark-Mandan CVB 1600 Burnt Boat Drive Bismarck, ND 58503 Rita Horner 800-767-3555 rita@discoverbismarckmandan.com www.discoverbismarckmandan.com Enjoy an authentic experience that most cities twice its size can't offer. Our scenery is distinctive and our hospitality is warm. But most of all, unlike being lost in large destinations, you'll be the No. 1 priority and receive VIP treatment.

NORTH DAKOTA

bountiful harvest of scenic splendor awaits as your group travels along North Dakota’s scenic byways and backways. Let the “Talking Trails” program be your tour guide, pointing out places of interest along your route. Envision yourself with the legends of North Dakota: Custer, Lewis, Clark, Sitting Bull and Theodore Roosevelt. Indulge in a “farm-to-plate” experience or sample culturally unique fare of Germans from Russia, Native Americans, Scandinavians and Ukrainians.

800-435-5663

Be immersed in beauty at the Romanesque Assumption Abbey, the exquisite Cathedral of Holy Spirit Skyscraper or one of many picturesque prairie churches. Capture the spirit of the explorers, fur traders, Native Americans and homesteaders with visits to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, State Museum at the North Dakota Heritage Center, On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village, Knife River National Historic Site, and Fort Totten and Fort Buford State Historic Sites. Get into the groove in North Dakota.

NDTourism.com

Discover Jamestown North Dakota 404 Louis L'Amour Lane Jamestown, ND 58401 Searle Swedlund 701-251-9145 searle@discoverjamestownnd.com www.discoverjamestownnd.com Roaming bison, outdoor adventures, frontier villages and so much more await your group at Jamestown, North Dakota. Our central location is easily accessible. Fargo Air Museum 1609 19th Ave. N. Fargo, ND 58102 Jed Brazier 701-293-8043 jed@fargoairmuseum.org www.fargoairmuseum.org See famous aircraft and aviation artifacts, military memorabilia and other real pieces of American history at Fargo Air Museum.

MEET THE OFFICIAL GREETER FOR YOUR TOUR GROUP.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit

North Dakota, and all its inhabitants, is ready to give your tour group a Legendary experience. Start your group tour’s journey at LegendaryND.com. 62

2016 Group Travel Directory

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Fargo-Moorhead CVB 2001 44th St. S. Fargo, ND 58103 800-235-7654 info@fargomoorhead.org www.fargomoorhead.org Bordering the state lines of Minnesota and North Dakota lies the destination of Fargo-Moorhead. Your group will find a wealth of cultural highlights, from modern, contemporary exhibits to historical museums, theaters and studios. Greater Grand Forks CVB 4251 Gateway Drive Grand Forks, ND 58203 Julie Rygg 800-866-4566 julie@visitgrandforks.com www.visitgrandforks.com The Grand Forks area is known for its exciting sports events, an energetic arts scene, a plethora of outdoor adventures including biking and hiking, plus a spirited downtown area. Minot CVB 1020 S. Broadway St. Minot, ND 58701 Phyllis Burckhard 701-857-8206 phyllis@visitminot.org www.visitminot.org Art galleries and studios, historic trains and aircraft, live entertainment, exquisite dining and the best events around. The Minot CVB can help your group trip. Petro Stopping Center #361 4510 19th Ave. S.W. Fargo, ND 58103 701-282-8105 www.ta-petro.com Petro Stopping Centers serve the traveling public both professional drivers and interstate motorists with locations from coast to coast, border to border. Petro has long been regarded as the "benchmark of quality" when it comes to travel plazas. Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation P.O. Box 198 Medora, ND 58645 Ermuun Bulgan or Sara Michael 800-633-672, ext. 8826 groupsales@medora.com www.medora.com Medora loves motorcoaches. Ask about group tour benefits like a complimentary guided tour of Medora and sarsaparilla welcome reception. We offer event and lodging discounts, baggage delivery service and free on-site motorcoach parking. Itineraries and promotional photos are available. Williston CVB 212 Airport Rd. Williston, ND 58801 Amy Krueger 800-615-9041 cvbsales@ci.williston.nd.us www.visitwilliston.com Where the history is legendary and the people are the friendliest, Williston is the perfect location for group tours. For groups looking for a hub from which to branch out for several days, there are lots of options. grouptraveldirectory.com

OHIO

hio is the perfect balance of quaint small towns and big cities, great restaurants, unique boutiques, culinary adventures, Amish Country, sky-high thrills, bargain hunting, picturesque wine country, fall foliage, agri-tourism, educational and performance opportunities, fun-filled festivals and group-friendly accommodations. Ohio is also rich with history. More U.S. presidents have come from Ohio than any other state. The Wright brothers’ workshop in Dayton launched today’s

800-818-6446

aviation industry. Arguably, Ohio’s most significant contribution to the nation’s history is the Underground Railroad. Music buffs will love the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, where inductees range from ZZ Top to Alice Cooper. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History contains remains of dinosaur skeletons, including those of the most well-known, “Lucy.”

DiscoverOhio.com

Adventures in Northeast Ohio P.O. Box 211 Dover, OH 44622 Chrissy Blackwell 877-869-9911 info@adventuresinnortheastohio.com www.adventuresinnortheastohio.com Plan your next adventure in Northeast Ohio. Our Ohio destinations will please your group and our partners are ready to welcome you.

Carroll County CVB 61 N. Lisbon St. Carrollton, OH 44615 Kimberly Lewis 330-627-0103 kiml@carrollcountyohio.com www.carrollcountyohio.com Nestled in East Central Ohio, Carroll County offers visitors a chance to retreat, relax and rejuvenate while enjoying scenic vistas and lakes.

Akron/Summit CVB 77 E. Mill St. Akron, OH 44308 Jim Mahon 330-374-7560 jmahon@visitakron-summit.org www.visitakron-summit.org Greater Akron’s over 60 lodging options, 33 eateries and endless activities and attractions make it the ideal destination for your next group trip.

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal 1301 Western Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45203 Violet Rae Webster 800-733-2077 vwebster@cincymuseum.org www.cincymuseum.org Housed in historic Art Deco-style Union Terminal, the complex houses five institutions and attractions, unlike any multi-museum complex that your group has ever seen. A day spent hopping from facility to facility is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Cincinnati.

Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB 627 Wheeling Ave., Suite 200 Cambridge, OH 43725 Dixie Wyler 800-933-5480 groups@visitguernseycounty.com www.visitguernseycounty.com/group-toursmeetings/group-tours.html Where history and adventure await. Located in Southeast Ohio, Cambridge/ Guernsey County offers exciting and affordable experiences for your groups.

Das Dutch Village Inn Hotel & Banquet Center 150 E. State Route 14 Columbiana, OH 44408 Jacqueline Smith 330-482-5050, ext. 310 jacqueline@dasdutchvillage.com www.dasdutchvillage.com Das Dutch Village Inn is a beautiful Colonial-style hotel with a year-round professional dinner theater on site presenting musicals, mysteries and entertaining stories of faith. 2016 Group Travel Directory

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

Unforgettable Columbus

olumbus is full of unforgettable experiences, distinct neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind tours. Try one of these top picks, or one of the many more memorable experiences Ohio’s capital city has to offer. Hands-On Experiences As a leader in experiential tourism, Columbus knows first-hand that getting your group in the middle of the action and behind the scenes is important. Get up close to take a selfie with a giraffe, hand-set vintage type on an old-fashioned letterpress, learn moves at a nationally-renowned ballet company, gain VIP access to a major retailer before the store opens, and more. Factory Tours Go behind the scenes to see how it’s made at one of Columbus’ industry-leading specialists. Family-operated Anthony-Thomas Candy Company shows start to finish what it takes to produce their confectionery treats. The American Whistle Corporation, the nation’s only metal whistle manufacturer, divulges how the ball gets inside on their tour. And, America’s longest-operating peanut butter company, Krema Nut Company, reveals how they’ve been making peanut butter the old fashioned way for 100 years. Charming Neighborhoods Whether you’re planning a group activity or giving individuals time to explore on their own, several distinct districts welcome groups. In German Village, stroll brick sidewalks and take in quaint architecture in one of the nation’s most storied urban neighborhoods. Or, find the “art and soul” of Columbus in the Short North Arts District, home to the historic North Market and countless boutiques and galleries. To the city’s north, Old Worthington’s heritage folds neatly into its modern-day charm.

Adorned with cobbled streets and Old-World architecture, German Village – just south of downtown Columbus – is one of the nation’s most storied urban neighborhoods.

800-354-2657 www.experiencecolumbus.com/tours Roger Dudley • tours@experiencecolumbus.com

Candle Lab

What was Ohio like in the 1950s?

The Kitchen

How do you throw an authentic festa italiana? From exploring charming neighborhoods to sampling old-country flavors, wines and more, Columbus is full of unforgettable hands-on experiences perfect for groups of all sizes. Start planning your Columbus visit today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657. Ohio Historical Center

How does a 200-yearold letterpress work?

Igloo Letterpress

Krema Nut Company

Destination Geauga P.O. Box 846 Middlefield, OH 44062 Lynda Nemeth 440-632-1538 lynda@destinationgeauga.com www.destinationgeauga.com Experience a simpler time in the fourth largest Amish community in the world. The rural countryside, charming shops and tasty stops will cater to your group's needs.

Where History & Adventure Await visitguernseycounty.com 800.933.5480

Experience Columbus 277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 125 Columbus, OH 43215 Roger Dudley 800-354-2657 tours@experiencecolumbus.com www.experiencecolumbus.com Columbus is full of unforgettable, hands-on experiences, charming, historic neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind factory tours. Start planning your visit to Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city today at experiencecolumbus.com/tours. Goodtime III 825 E. Ninth St. Pier Cleveland, OH 44114 Bob Reilly 888-916-7447 groups@goodtimeiii.com www.goodtimeiii.com/site/group-sales -information Group cruises on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Cleveland's largest sightseeing vessel and the largest quadruple-deck, plus glass-enclosed lower deck, both heated and air-conditioned. Hard Rock Rocksino 10777 Northfield Rd. Northfield, OH 44067 Andrea Handyside 330-908-7772 tour-travel@hrrnp.com www.hrrnp.com One level of gaming with over 2,200 VLT machines, four restaurants, concert venue, comedy club, five bus bays and a bus lobby that seats 50. Lake Erie Shores & Islands CVB 4424 Milan Rd., Suite A Sandusky, OH 44870 Tiffany Frisch 800-441-1271 tiffany@shoresandislands.com groups.shoresandislands.com Located between Toledo and Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie - over 90 attractions, 8,000 guest rooms along with planning and welcoming services. Come Explore. Scioto Downs Racino 6000 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207 Misti Floyd 614-295-4019 mwilliams@sciotodowns.com www.sciotodowns.com A total entertainment destination with over 2,100 games to gamble on, exciting live harness racing May-September, year-round simulcast wagering, an array of dining options and live entertainment.

2016 Group Travel Directory

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Be Native Tours 1 East Sheridan, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Max Paty 405-767-8925 max.paty@benativetours.com www.benativetours.com Why treat your groups like tourists, when you can be native.

OKLAHOMA

klahoma is the do-it-all destination for group tours. Choose a highway and you’re only minutes away from an iconic Oklahoma adventure. From hip to historic, nightlife to wildlife, Oklahoma has more stories per mile of everchanging, always engaging culture, art, entertainment, heritage, cinematic terrain, outdoor adventure and authentic experiences. Revel in the great outdoors by hiking through rocky mountains, drop a line in

lakes and rivers statewide, or pitch a tent and enjoy the tranquility of a state park. Or, take a drive along the Mother Road of the nation, historic Route 66. With more drivable miles than any other state, Oklahoma is lined with an unforgettable, diverse landscape. We invite you to discover Oklahoma. It’s an exceptional journey filled with everything you’d expect - and so much more.

800-996-3349

TravelOK.com

Claremore "Oklahoma's Cast of Legends" CVB 400 Veterans Pkwy. Claremore, OK 74017 918-341-8688 Tanya Andrews tanya@visitclaremore.org www.visitclaremore.org Located just 20 miles northeast of Tulsa on Historic Route 66. Quickly becoming the Antique Shopping Mecca of Oklahoma, the historic downtown offers more than 300 antique, unique & collectible dealers, a Gallery of the Arts and local cafes. Elk City CVB P.O. Box 972 Elk City, OK 73648 Julie Lenius 800-280-0207 leniusj@elkcity.com www.elkcity.com Pack your bags and hit the Mother Road to Elk City, Oklahoma, where there is plenty to do that the whole group will enjoy. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum 1700 N.E. 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Aaron Martin 405-478-2250 aaronmartin@nationalcowboymuseum.org www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Featuring a superb collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s magnificent The End of the Trail. Oklahoma City CVB 123 Park Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Sandy Price 405-297-8913 sprice@visitokc.com www.visitokc.com Oklahoma City offers a distinctive history, worldclass attractions and events, plenty of culture, food and entertainment—all with friendly people and Oklahoma charm.

Why Treat Your Group Like Tourists,

When You Can Be Native! BENATIVETOURS.COM

PH 405.767.8925

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max.paty@benativetours.com

Oklahoma City National Memorial 620 N. Harvey Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Julie Likes 888-542-4673 jl@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Travel Portland 1000 S.W. Broadway, Suite 2300 Portland, OR 97205 Tori Pontrelli tori@travelportland.com www.travelportland.com Set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Hood, Portland combines a sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a refreshingly friendly, small-town warmth that makes it a natural for tours of all types.

OREGON

regon isn’t a place you see as much as you do. You can sight-see our beautiful coast, volcanic mountains, crystal-clear lakes and deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. But to really know our state, you have to get out and experience it. Which is why Oregon is one of the best places in the world for outdoor adventure. Oregon’s got warm high desert country to the east, a balmy coast to the west, and lush mountains, rivers and forests in between. If you’re looking for world-

800-547-7842 Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visit Lane County 754 Olive St., Eugene OR 97401 Meg Trendler 541-484-5307 meg@eugenecascadescoast.org www.eugenecascadescoast.org Real adventures, outdoor excursions, wine country and culinary delights await your group in Eugene, Oregon. Hellsgate Jetboat Excursions 966 S.W. 6th Ave. Grants Pass, OR 97526 Lori Kafler 800-648-4874 info@hellgate.com www.hellgate.com Not only do we build our own boats, but they function on a jet system without propellers allowing our pilots to skim over the water’s surface in just inches of water. This allows you to get up close and personal with the Rogue’s wildlife. Newport Chamber of Commerce 555 W. Coast Hwy. Newport, OR 97365 Lorna Davis 800-262-7844 lorna@newportchamber.org Newport has been a playground for visitors since the late 1800s. Nestled between the Coastal Mountains, Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay, the natural beauty of the area draws those seeking a unique and exciting coastal experience. 68

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class golfing, skiing, rafting, kayaking and epic cycling, look no further. If you want to experience cities and quaint small towns, award-winning pinot noirs, and some of the best food and craft beer in the country, Oregon is for you. Come visit and see for yourself what makes Oregon truly unique.

TravelOregon.com Oregon Coast Aquarium 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, OR 97365 541-867-3474, ext. 5301 contact@aquarium.org www.aquarium.org Take a plunge into the wonders of the deep sea with a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, located at Yaquina Bay in Newport. The aquarium is a worldclass marine life educational experience and a top attraction in the state. Special group offers are available.

Washington County Visitors Association 12725 S.W. Millikan Way, Suite 210 Beaverton, OR 97005 Sylke Neal-Finnegan 800-537-3149 sylke@wcva.org www.wcva.org A wealth of attractions that are appealing to visitors: wine, golf, tax-free shopping, natural areas and more. The region is, indeed, Portland's friendly next-door neighboor.

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Pioneer Place 800 S.W. 5th Ave. Portland, OR 97204 503-228-5800 www.pioneerplace.com In the center of downtown Portland, you'll find Pioneer Place, four city blocks packed with shopping, dining and entertainment. Add tax-free shopping to your adventure, and you're sure to have the time of your life. Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center 410 S.E. Spruce St. Roseburg, OR 97470 info@visitroseburg.com www.visitroseburg.com Roseburg is the heart of the scenic and recreational paradise known as the Land of Umpqua. Located within proximity to the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake and Eugene, the area boasts some of the most epic outdoor adventures and a blooming wine industry.

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Central Pennsylvania CVB 800 E. Park Ave. State College, PA 16803 Brenda Hall • 814-231-1401, ext. 305 brendah@visitpennstate.org www.visitpennstate.org/group-tours Plan your trip with the Central Pennsylvania CVB and we will help you with the logistics.

PENNSYLVANIA

ith a wealth of experiences waiting around the bend for discovery, groups can take in world-class culture, natural beauty and rich heritage. Pennsylvania welcomes you to immerse yourself in the history and stories of the Civil War, the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War through unique events and one-of-a-kind heritage sites. Pennsylvania’s Civil War Trails: Prelude to Gettysburg showcases the journey of our state’s soldiers, women and children, and the lesser-told tale of African-American

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contributions to the defense of the commonwealth. Discover the birthplace of independence and all the stops along the way. Pennsylvania is home to an assortment of arts and culture stops that add to any experience. Our artisan trails bring visitors to the doorsteps of talented national, regional and local artists, highlighting fine arts and craftsmanship across the state. Groups are invited to experience our wineries, outdoor recreation, shopping history, and to explore all that the Keystone State has to offer.

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Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 Denise Trupe 800-933-3759 dtrupe@pratherentertainmentgroup.com www.dutchapple.com Consistently providing top-quality productions, awardwinning food and exceptional service. The theater seats 380 guests and is located in the heart of the Amish Country in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse 3065 Lincoln Hwy. E. Paradise, PA 17562 Rachel Blauberg • 800-292-4301 sales@rainbowcomedy.com www.rainbowcomedy.com The all-new Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse is dinner theater with a difference. Same hysterical comedy plays with all-new dining and seating options. Scott Enterprises 2225 Downs Dr. Erie, PA 16509 Danielle Bootes • 814-868-9500, ext. 2711 danielleb@visitscott.com www.visitscott.com Scott Enterprises—Erie's Hospitality & Entertainment leader for over 75 years. We pride ourselves in beautiful properties and our promise to care. Steam Into History P.O. Box 128, 2 W. Main St. New Freedom, PA 17349 Debra Beshore 717-600-6535 dbeshore@steamintohistory.com www.steamintohistory.com Relive Civil War railroad history riding the rails President Lincoln rode on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Experience the magic. Turkey Hill Experience 301 Linden St. Columbia, PA 17512 Kim Dolly 844-847-4884, ext. 108 groupsales@turkeyhill.com www.turkeyhillexperience.com Discover how ice cream is made and create your own flavor, package and commercial. Bring this flavor to life at the Turkey Hill Taste Lab.

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Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board 1000 First Ave., Suite 101 King of Prussia, PA 19406 Marc Kaminetsky, CTIS 610-834-1550 kaminetsky@valleyforge.org www.valleyforge.org/group-tours Responsible for promoting tourism in Montgomery County, the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is here to make your tour a success. 2016 Group Travel Directory 69

RHODE ISLAND

hode Island is an unforgettable destination, boasting hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline, rich history and attractions for every interest. And our small size means your groups can take it all in easily. Visitors flock to the magnificent mansions along the ocean in Newport. Nature and sports lovers can explore the Blackstone River by kayak, pedal the East Bay Bike Path, or golf in South County, Warwick and the West Bay. There is a vibrant arts scene, and innovative theater,

401-278-9100 Blackstone Valley Tourism Council 175 Main St. Pawtucket, RI 02860 Dr. Robert Billington 800-454-2882 info@tourblackstone.com www.tourblackstone.com Relive our country's great industrial history, explore one of Rhode Island's outdoor recreational hotspots and prominent arts districts, and experience some of Rhode Island's finest, most unique dining establishments. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum 101 Ferry Rd., Route 114 Bristol, RI 02809 Tree Callanan 401-253-2707 tcallahan@blithewold.org www.blithewold.org Blithewold is a place where nature meets culture and where the wilderness of Narragansett Bay borders cultivated gardens full of indigenous and international plants that inspired our exhibit's regional, national and international artists. Discover Newport 23 America's Cup Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Alex Hurd 800-326-6030, ext.119 ahurd@discovernewport.org www.discovernewport.org Whether your group is visiting for the day or overnight, both Newport and Bristol County have a wealth of interesting attractions and events to include in your itinerary. 70

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music and dance in Providence to keep things lively. No matter when you visit, there’s plenty to do. Winter brings Christmas in Newport. Spring means Daffodil Days in Bristol and traditional May breakfasts. Summer brings music festivals and the oldest Fourth of July parade in the nation. Autumn might just be the best of all, when the leaves turn golden, and the scent of apple cider fills the air.

VisitRhodeIsland.com Newport Mansions 424 Bellevue Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Group Sales • 401-847-2251 groups@newportmansions.org www.newportmansions.org 11 historic properties and landscapes - seven of which are National Historic Landmarks - trace America’s architectural and social development from the colonial era through the Gilded Age. Providence Warwick CVB 10 Memorial Blvd. Providence, RI 02903 Kerri Furtado • 401-456-0241 kfurtado@goprovidence.com www.goprovidence.com/group-tour Providence combines the accessibility and friendliness of a small town with the culture and sophistication of a big city. With a thriving arts community, vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, outstanding hotels, a renowned restaurant scene and so many things to do, Providence is the perfect place to visit. South County Tourism Council 4808 Tower Hill Rd., Suite 101 Wakefield, RI 02879 401-789-4422 info@southcountyri.com www.southcountyri.com Get in touch with nature in South County, Rhode Island. We offer great tours such as our Lobster and Lighthouses tour, Brews and Spirits tour, Kayaks and Clams tour, By Land & Sea, Captain Ahab's tour and so much more. grouptraveldirectory.com

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and all the picturesque towns in between, your group has access to first-class entertainment and shows, historical sites and tours, one-of-a-kind restaurants, abundant shopping options, nature-based adventures and much more. It’s no wonder South Carolina is one of the most popular travel destinations in the nation. Contact individual destinations for information on group packages and planning. You can also visit us at www.discoversouthcarolina.com.

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Alabama Theatre 4750 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 Ellen Calhoun 800-782-2262 ecalhoun@alabama-theatre.com www.alabama-theatre.com Voted the Best Live Entertainment Theatre in Myrtle Beach by both visitors and locals numerous times, Alabama Theatre works hard to make sure its signature shows provide a special entertainment experience for each and every group. Captain Jack's Seafood Buffet 1400 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 Ramy Elshaer 843-427-4972 cptjacks03@gmail.com Captain Jack's Seafood Buffet isn’t just your average Myrtle Beach-area seafood buffet. It provides each guest with a generous, delicious meal that reflects a level of quality you would never expect at a seafood buffet. Charleston Tea Plantation 6617 Maybank Hwy. Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487 843-559-0383 briley@rcbigelow.com www.charlestonteaplantation.com Open daily for tours and tea tasting. Learn how tea is made on the trolley and factory tours.

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Florence CVB 3290 W. Radio Drive Florence, SC 29505 Holly Beaumier 843-664-0330 holly.beaumier@visitflo.com www.visitflo.com Florence's proximity makes it the perfect place to immerse yourself in culture, entertainment and southern hospitality. We can't wait to show you Florence. North Myrtle Beach COC 1521 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 877-332-2662 info@northmyrtlebeachchamber.com www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com With scores of great resorts, championship golf courses, entertainment, fine dining and some of the best fishing and boating on the East Coast, you couldn't pick a better place than North Myrtle Beach for your next group vacation. Sandcastle Resorts 1802 North Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 www.sandcastleresorts.com Our team is committed to create a vacation experience based on a foundation of customer care that nurtures and develops lasting relationships.

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outh Carolina’s got everything you need for your next Group Tour. From our pristine beaches and lush mountains, to quiet forests and thriving city centers, South Carolina has an endless selection of group touring opportunities and exciting destinations. Come experience true Southern hospitality again and again in our nearly year-round mild and enjoyable climate. South Carolina really does have something for everyone. Within our coastline and mountains,

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SOUTH CAROLINA

2016 Group Travel Directory

RAPID CITY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Discover the Best of South Dakota

entrally located to bucket-listworthy experiences, Rapid City, South Dakota is the ideal touring destination where every day has big potential. Witness remarkable human achievements such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which celebrates its 75th anniversary of completion in 2016, or the ongoing mountain carving at Crazy Horse Memorial. Where U.S. Presidents await on every corner and Lakota Sioux customs keep treasured culture alive, every day brings opportunity to “Do Big Things in Rapid City.” Reignite the spirit of discovery whether your group is exploring history and heritage at The Journey Museum & Learning Center or delighting in arts and culture at the Dahl Arts Center. Discover unique attractions, a spirited art scene and iconic history. The premier location for your Black Hills tour, Rapid City offers a vibrant, Main-StreetAmerica experience with urban pleasures including varieties of accommodations, local restaurants, wineries, breweries and boutique shopping. Whether roaming the Black Hills, visiting sites of the National Park Service in its 100th anniversary, or enjoying all Rapid City has to offer, touring here is a monumental experience you’ll surely love. Contact our local experts to assist your group’s big plans. The Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau will make your tour a success with planning assistance including: hotel quote assistance, itinerary suggestions like first-rate attractions, one-of-a-kind activities, local step-on guide referrals, brochures, maps, welcome gifts and more. Tour Rapid City and the beautiful Black Hills to make your group’s journey unforgettable.

605-718-8482 TourRapidCity.com Lindsey Beasley • beasley@VisitRapidCity.com

Come celebrate monumental moments. The 75th Anniversary of Mount Rushmoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Completion and the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service are just two big things happening in Rapid City. Get your free Travel Professionals Guide today by visiting TourRapidCity.comor calling 800-487-3223.

SIOUX FALLS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Sioux Falls Overflows with Group-friendly Attractions

ioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, is centrally located and provides distinctive attractions, customized itineraries and affordable conveniences for your next tour. Being located in the “Heart of America" at the junction of I-90 and I-29 offers drive-in convenience, and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport provides easy access by air. Sioux Falls has recently debuted new state-of-the-art entertainment facilities and hundreds of new hotel rooms. The new Denny Sanford Premier Center seats 12,000 and has hosted major acts from country to Cirque de Soleil and the Eagles. Falls Park, one of the must-see attractions in Sioux Falls and the city’s namesake, is located in on the edge of a vibrant downtown. The 123-acre park features a triple waterfall, visitor information center and five-story observation tower, Overlook Cafe and historic ruins all located on the banks of the Big Sioux River and visited by people from around the world. A few other attractions groups won’t want to miss: the Washington Pavilion, the city’s first high school featuring a performing arts center, visual arts center, and interactive science center; SculptureWalk, an exciting exhibit of 55 sculptures created by artists from the region, nation and around the world; and Strawbale Winery, a winery tucked away between a 100-year-old barn, shelter belt and grapevines in a farm setting. Wrap up your tour with hundreds of local cuisine choices, from farm-to-table options to Mediterranean, in historic settings to the comforts of a home-cooked meal.

605-373-2028 visitsiouxfalls.com/grouptour Alexa Steiner • asteiner@siouxfalls.com

BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Come and Experience Monumental Works of Man and Nature

he Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming are home to five national parks and monuments, including Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and Devils Tower. Make time to visit these national parks as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The other-worldly Badlands National Park is home to majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife. The Lakota gave this land the name “mako sica,” meaning “land bad.” The Badlands consist of 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. Join in the celebration of Mount Rushmore National Memorial’s 75th Anniversary in 2016. The Shrine of Democracy is a large-scale sculpture of four of America's most prominent presidents carved into a granite mountainside. Final work on the Mount Rushmore carving was completed on October 31, 1941. The completion is significant because it showcases art on a grand scale and the ingenuity, vision and tenacity of determined men and women to see the project through and because it created a place that visitors can come to reflect upon and learn about democracy, patriotism, American history, Native American history and the natural world. Come and experience the Black Hills, a region of infinite variety, where there are also scenic byways, historic Old West towns, Native American culture, gaming and a wealth of attractions offering an area abundant with activity.

605-355-3600 BlackHillsBadlands.com Michelle Thomson • michelle@blackhillsbadlands.com

SOUTH DAKOTA

dventure, history and Native American culture are just a few of the things that make South Dakota a memorable destination. Visitors who come here enjoy summer adventures of kayaking, canoeing, biking and incredible hiking. They also enjoy winter sports like skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Today nearly 72,000 Native Americans live in South Dakota and the rich Dakota, Lakota and Nakota culture is prominent. Visitors can experience this vibrant culture

800-952-3625 Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association 1851 Discovery Circle Rapid City, SD 57702 Michelle Thomson 605-355-3600 michelle@blackhillsbadlands.com www.seetheblackhills.com Come and experience monumental works of man and nature in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show 2255 Fort Hays Dr. Rapid City, SD 57702 888-394-9653 office@forthaysreservations.com www.mountrushmoretours.com Enjoy the original Chuckwagon Supper followed by a great music variety show. A Western experience with good food and family fun for everyone. Mount Rushmore Resorts P.O. Box 649 Keystone, SD 57751 605-666-4250 info@mtrushmoreresorts.com www.mtrushmoreresorts.com Mount Rushmore Resorts offers four great choices for lodging near Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. All hotel properties are located in downtown Keystone, just minutes from Mount Rushmore, and offer group-friendly rates and service.

2016 Group Travel Directory

through a visit to a Native American community. From cowboys and outlaws to pioneering families and plains-dwelling Native Americans, the state of South Dakota has centuries of rich history. Whether it's a fossil dig near Chamberlain, a frontier cavalry march at Fort Sisseton or a Wild West shootout in Deadwood, South Dakota invites visitors to take a vacation back in time. Contact individual destinations for information on group packages and planning. You can also visit us at www.toursdakota.com.

TravelSD.com Royal River Casino & Hotel P.O. Box 326 Flandreau, SD 57028 Angie Henderson • 800-833-8666 angie.henderson@royalriver.com www.royalrivercasino.com Located only 35 minutes north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Royal River Casino and Hotel is the preferred entertainment destination in the upper Midwest, offering the biggest variety of gaming options and two restaurants. Sioux Falls CVB 200 N. Phillips Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Alexa Steiner • 605-373-2028 asteiner@siouxfalls.com www.visitsiouxfalls.com/grouptours Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, is centrally located and provides distinctive attractions, customized itineraries and affordable conveniences for your next tour. Visit Rapid City 444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N. Rapid City, SD 57701 Lindsey Beasley • 605-718-8482 beasley@visitrapidcity.com www.visitrapidcity.com Centrally located to bucket list-worthy experiences, like witnessing the remarkable human achievements of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the on-going mountain carving at Crazy Horse Memorial, Rapid City is the destination where every day has big potential.

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Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre 8204 Hwy. 100 Nashville, TN 37221 John Chaffin • 615-646-9977, ext. 11 chaffingroups@yahoo.com www.dinnertheatre.com Get a taste of Nashville culture (and our buffet) and come see local actors and actresses bring life to your group’s favorite play.

TENNESSEE

ennessee is waiting for you to discover the best of America’s great musical styles, friendly people and riveting history, including Civil War battle sites. Come to Tennessee for endless entertainment from Beale Street’s blues and Elvis’ rock ´n roll in Memphis, to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Music Row’s country, gospel and pop, to bluegrass at the Blueplate Special in Knoxville. World-famous events include BBQ cook offs in Memphis during May,

615-741-9069

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Gaylord Opryland and Jack Daniel Distillery. Tennessee invites travelers off-thebeaten path along the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways, or to spend a day at award-winning festivals like Chattanooga’s Riverfest, Clarksville’s Rivers and Spires, and Jonesborough’s International Storytelling Festival. To view Tennessee’s fine arts, visit galleries like the Frist in Nashville, the Hunter in Chattanooga or the Brooks in Memphis.

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Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum 222 Fifth Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203 Brad Henton • 615-461-2001 acarathers@countrymusichalloffame.org www.countrymusichalloffame.org Experience country music’s past and present through dynamic exhibits, priceless artifacts, live music, and more, while taking advantage of the most celebrated meeting spaces in the city. Visit Historic RCA Studio B, and iconic Hatch Show Print, both properties of the museum. Unique group packages available. Gatlinburg CVB 303 Reagan Drive 3 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 865-430-0527 dian@gatlinburg.com www.gatlinburg.com Gatlinburg lies next to the Great Smoky Mountains and each year attracts 11 million visitors who sample this mountain resort’s Appalachian hospitality. Gatlinburg prides itself on its walkability amidst mountain heritage and the arts, crafts and shops reflecting that tradition.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Grand Ole Opry 2806 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214 Wayne A. Chandler 615-871-5043 wchandler@opry.com www.opry.com Right outside downtown Nashville sits the heart and soul of country music - the Grand Ole Opry. Credited as the driving force behind the genre’s growth, the Opry is also the world’s longest-running live radio program. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery 903 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 865-436-6995 shine@osdistillery.com www.olesmoky.com A visit to Ole Smoky Distillery is the true moonshine experience. Our distillers like to visit with folks. They’ll be glad to answer your questions about the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee. After your tour, treat yourself to a free taste of homegrown shine. Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism P.O. Box 1390-I Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Joy McNealy 865-453-8574 jmcnealy@mypigeonforge.com www.mypigeonforge.com Nestled in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is one of the top group tour destinations in the United States. Rutherford County CVB 3050 Medical Center Pkwy. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Donna Klempnow 615-278-2014 dklempnow@rutherfordchamber.org www.readysetrutherford.com Vibrant Southern community with a Civil War national battlefield, antebellum mansions, Nissan plant tours, winery/distillery/brewery tours, Tennessee Walking Horses, antiques, world-class shopping and 300+ restaurants. Shular Hospitality Group P.O. Box 193 Pigeon Forge, TN 37868 Scott Harness 800-451-2376 vpsales@shular.com www.motelsinpigeonforge.com One of the most important decisions to make when coming to Pigeon Forge is where to stay. Most people want to be located in central Pigeon Forge to best take advantage of everything the city has to offer. Shular Hospitality can accommodate that request with five different hotels.

2016 Group Travel Directory

TEXAS

exas. It’s Like A Whole Other Country! Within its 267,000 square miles, there’s something for everyone. Texas is a world-class, year-round destination in its own right. Visitors to the Lone Star State are greeted with 600 miles of sparkling coastline, breathtaking national and state parks, an endless choice of luxury golf and spa resorts – plus outstanding arts and cultural facilities. Texas is so diverse that there’s a new adventure to experience every day of the

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year. Adventurous types will love the beautiful landscapes, just waiting for someone to hit the trails, careen through Big Bend, or zip-line through the towering pines. City-slickers can spend days hitting the shops in our world-class stores, or take a culture break at an opera or art museum. Local flavor, miles of beaches, golf resorts and countless attractions….no matter what your perfect vacation is, you’ll find it here, in Texas.

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Seguin Visitors Center 116 N. Camp St. Seguin, TX 78155 Jillian Boldway 830-401-0810 jboldway@seguintexas.gov www.visitseguin.com Founded by Texas Rangers, 1838, with small-town charm, historic sites. Visit the architectural wonder Sebastopol House, and the world's largest pecan and nutcracker collection. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza 411 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75202 Ken Crump 214-747-6660 Ext. 6652 groupsales@jfk.org www.jfk.org Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, the museum uses photography, text, videos and audio guides to interpret events of November 22, 1963. Visit Frisco 7601 Gaylord Pkwy., Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75034 Ryan Callison 877-463-7472 rcallison@visitfrisco.com www.visitfrisco.com Just north of Dallas, Frisco will captivate your tour group with four professional sports, iFly indoor skydiving, the new Museum of the American Railroad and over nine million sq. ft. of retail shopping.

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Thanksgiving Point 3001 Thanksgiving Way Lehi, UT 84043 Erica Brown 888-672-6040 ebrown@thanksgivingpoint.org www.thanksgivingpoint.com With more than 400 interactive experiences, you can choose a new adventure each time you visit.

UTAH

ome to the Mighty 5™ National Parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyons and Zion) and “The Greatest Snow on Earth®”, Utah represents the best of both the Rocky Mountains and the Desert Southwest. Whether it’s heart-thumping downhill skiing, hiking, thrilling whitewater rafting or just communing with nature, Utah has it all - holding true to the state’s “Life Elevated” motto. In Salt Lake City, Utah's capital, is the City Creek Center, with more than 100

800-200-1160 Cache Valley Visitors Bureau 199 N. Main Logan, UT 84321 Julie Hollist 800-882-4433 julie@visitloganutah.com www.visitloganutah.com Cache Valley is Utah's hidden treasure. It's a land of dairy farms, small towns, stunning mountains, modest cities, friendly people, higher education and internationally renowned live arts performances. Visit us to plan your Utah group trip. Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm 2180 E. Riverside Dr. St. George, UT 84790 Rusty Salmon 435-574-3466 tracksofdinos@gmail.com www.dinotrax.com The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm houses exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur tracks, fossil fish and plants, rare dinosaur remains, invertebrates traces and important sedimentary structures. This site is described by many paleontologists as "one of the ten best dinosaur track sites in the world."

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retail stores. City Creek features the Natural History Museum of Utah and The Leonardo and more than three dozen restaurants in the downtown core alone. Salt Lake - the “Crossroads of the West” - is a “must visit” city. Across the street from City Creek is group-friendly Temple Square. Visitors can experience the FamilySearch Center, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and great dining. Antelope Island State Park, to the north, is the largest island on the Great Salt Lake. It is home to free-roaming bison, bighorn sheep, deer and pronghorn antelope.

VisitUtah.com Frontier Movie Town 297 W. Center St. Kanab, UT 84741 435-644-5337 www.littlehollywoodmuseum.org Many of the old Western sets used in the Little Hollywood movies have been lovingly preserved in our free museum. As you walk through the movie sets, you will appreciate the fabulous illusions the film makers brought to the silver screen. Park City Chamber of Commerce/CVB P. O. Box 1630 Park City, UT 84060 Kim Davis 800-453-1360 kim@visitparkcity.com www.parkcitymeetings.com Fulfill a lifelong Olympic dream on a bobsled ride, tour the town in a hot air balloon, enjoy signature drinks while overlooking our Historic Main Street and relax and rejuvenate at one of the many world-class spas located throughout town. Temple Square Hospitality 15 East South Temple Joseph Smith Memorial Building Salt Lake City, UT 84150 800-363-6027 www.visittemplesquare.com Located in beautiful downtown Salt Lake City, with all the services needed for a wonderful visit. Amazing restaurants, exquisite gardens and interesting historical sites are found on the 35-acre site.

Utah’s Canyon Country P.O. Box 490 117 S. Main St. Monticello, UT 84535 Charlie Delorme 435-587-3235 delorme@sanjuancounty.org www.utahscanyoncountry.com We are located in the Four Corners region of the southwest United States. This is the heart of the Colorado Plateau with the textbook geology that created the breathtaking canyons and majestic mountains of Canyon Country. San Juan County provides a perfect, centralized base of travel to the world renowned parks and monuments that surround us. Western Leisure Tours 7231 S. 900 E. Ste., 200 Midvale, UT 84047 Michele Michalwicz 800-532-2113 michele@westernleisure.com www.westernleisure.com Custom tours is not a sideline, it is our only line. For over 30 years Western Leisure, Inc. has specialized in creating custom group tours which are "private labeled" for tour operators, travel agents, and groups. No matter what adventure your client groups, families, club or organization is interested in, we can make it happen. Xanterra Parks and Resorts 1 Zion Lodge Springdale, UT 435-772-7771 dhobbs@xanterra.com www.xanterra.com Welcome to Zion Lodge - The only in-park lodging at Zion National Park. The name Zion means a place of peace and refuge. Enjoy this sanctuary with over 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, diverse plant and animal life, and uninterrupted beauty. Zion Canyon Theatre 145 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767 888-256-3456 ziontheatre@infowest.com www.zioncanyontheatre.com See a spectacle of the Southwest in one enchanting 40-minute, giant-screen film. A must-see experience. The giant-screen feature film Zion Canyon Treasure of the Gods shows viewers the myth, magic, and beauty of Zion canyon and Southwest national parks that might otherwise take a lifetime to experience.

2016 Group Travel Directory

VERMONT

he very mention of Vermont brings to mind mountains - the Green Mountains and Green Mountain National Forest in central Vermont. The Green Mountain State is also a land of rivers, lakes and streams. Vermont is a versatile state. Hiking and biking trails also accommodate cross-country skiers and snowmobilers; fishing and boating become ice fishing and ice boating in winter; and ski slopes run alpine slides in the summer. If visiting during the warm weather months, be sure

800-837-6668 Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Route 100 Waterbury, VT 05676 866-258-6877 www.benjerry.com/waterbury Our 30-minute guided ice cream factory tour is fun and educational for all ages. We offer guests the opportunity to learn about our ice cream manufacturing process and explain how we incorporate valuesled decisions that drive our business. Cap off your visit with a stop in our Flavor Graveyard to pay your respects to our dearly de-pinted, retired flavors. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center One College St. Burlington, VT 05401 Gerianne Smart 877-324-6386 gsmart@echovermont.org www.echovermont.org ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is a 36,000 square foot, award-winning LEED-certified facility. ECHO welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually with interactive exhibits and education programs that include over 70 species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles; and more than 100 interactive experiences. Mount Snow Resort 39 Mount Snow Rd. West Dover, VT 05356 Doug Daniels 800-245-7669 ddaniels@mountsnow.com www.mountsnow.com 82

2016 Group Travel Directory

VIRGINIA to check out one of the many farmers’ markets that converge upon nearly 70 communities across Vermont. Enjoy a sample of Half-Baked or Whirled Peace on a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory tour, which features a seven-minute “movie” about the company’s founders. The Shelburne Museum, with works of art in 38 exhibition buildings, is another mustsee. Explore over 150,000 works of art that are displayed in 38 different exhibition buildings.

VermontVacation.com Use our Family Camp as your stress-free family reunion offering something for everybody and the arrangements are already done and waiting for you. All lodging, meals and an almost endless list of activities will keep your family happy and occupied and we are more than capable of arranging special events for your groups while they are here. Our all-inclusive program is a great fit for any reunion group. Trapp Family Lodge 700 Trapp Hill Rd., P.O. Box 1428 Stowe, VT 05672 Ryan Kukar • 800-826-7000 rk@trappfamily.com www.trappfamily.com Situated on 2,500 acres in beautiful Stowe, the Trapp Family Lodge is a unique, luxury mountain resort featuring Austrian-inspired architecture and European-style accommodations and a picturesque location for anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, family reunions and other special events. Vermont Marble Museum 52 Main St. Proctor, VT 05765 Desiree Moody 800-427-1396 desiree@vermont-marble.com www.vermont-marble.com Located in central Vermont’s Rutland/Killington area, we are the perfect inclusion to your New England itineraries. Visit the Hall of Presidents, see our artisans at work daily and learn the history and geology of marble. Don’t miss a visit to our unique gift shop.

irginia is a year-round destination where visitors can completely connect with each other, doing the things they love to do on vacation while exploring the special treasures of our heritage, culture, nature and epicurean delights. A trip to Virginia can be as diverse and beautiful as the state itself. Explore and discover sandy beaches of Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore, exhilarating amusement parks, majestic mountain vistas, iconic historic sites such as Jefferson’s

804-545-5543 American Shakespeare Center 20 S. New St., Fourth Floor Staunton, VA 24401 Julia King 540-885-5588, Ext. 24 groupsales@americanshakespearecenter.com www.americanshakespearecenter.com The internationally celebrated American Shakespeare Center performs one-of-a-kind, high-energy, interactive theater in the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater, the Blackfriars Playhouse. Birthplace of Country Music Museum 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol, VA 24201 Carey Kidd 423-573-1927 ckidd@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org The museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings that were influential in shaping the sounds and practices of early commercial country music Colonial Williamsburg 107 Visitor Center Drive Williamsburg, VA 23185 Sheila Marsh 800-228-8878 groupsales@cwf.org www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/grouptours Bring your group of 15+ to discover Colonial Williamsburg and join us on the streets where our forefathers walked and where our democracy was formed. grouptraveldirectory.com

Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership 706 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Lura Hill 866-405-3046 lhill@fredericksburgva.gov www.visitfred.com/groups-meetings Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership offers complete group tour services whether you’re planning a new tour, customizing a tour or expanding an established itinerary.

Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center P.O. Box 1607 Williamsburg, VA 23187 Group Reservations 888-868-7593 groupreservations@jyf.virginia.gov www.historyisfun.org History is an adventure at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. Experience the story of America's beginnings from the founding of America's first permanent English settlement in 1607 to the decisive Revolutionary War victory in 1781.

Monticello, Washington’s Mount Vernon and Williamsburg Historic Triangle, quaint small towns, picturesque wineries, idyllic state and national parks, diverse arts, music and culture, roaring NASCAR events, natural wonders, world-class resorts and hotels. See for yourself why we say that love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.

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8 YEARS IN A ROW WASHINGTON CITY PAPER’S BEST OF D.C.

BOOK YOUR 2016 GROUP TODAY! CONTACT FOR SHOW LISTINGS: 703.255.1851

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2016 Group Travel Directory

VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Live the Life in Virginia Beach

irginia Beach is famous for its iconic three-mile boardwalk, three distinctive beaches, fresh seafood, energetic downtown, abundant parks and waterways and mild weather. The year-round destination provides the venues, activities and personalized experiences groups deserve plus a bustling beachfront. Experience the city’s most popular attractions through more than 20 customizable “Live the Life Adventures,” which include itineraries in five categories. Culinary & Agriculture adventures take groups behind the scenes of Virginia Beach’s top breweries to indulge in an authentic Chesapeake Bay crab feast or meet local farmers while berry picking in the city’s Pungo farming community. Arts & Culture adventures showcase the best of Virginia Beach’s performing and visual arts with surfside performances, hands-on activities at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary

757-385-6642 VisitVirginiaBeach.com/grouptour Jim Coggin • jcoggin@visitvirginiabeach.com

Art or all-access passes to cast, crew and dress rehearsal at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Military & History adventures offer tours of a lighthouse authorized by George Washington; legends and true tales of shipwrecks, witch trials and the old Cavalier Hotel as told by Old Coast Guard Station; or the chance to visit the largest private collection of working WWI and WWII aircraft and take a ride in a WWII-era airplane. Outdoor & Eco-Adventures take visitors kayaking with dolphins, on educational eco-wildlife safaris and beachcombing. Mind + Body + Spirit experiences emphasize wellness with spa escapes, holistic healing experiences, dream reading and yoga—all through the Edgar Cayce A.R.E. Learn more and discover the “Live the Life Adventures” that are right for your group at visitvirginiabeach.com/grouptour.

VISITNORFOLK

The Heart of the Virginia Waterfront

800-368-3097 VisitNorfolkToday.com Melissa Hopper â&#x20AC;˘ mhopper@visitnorfolktoday.com

ituated in the center of the mid-Atlantic coastal region, Norfolk, Virginia is a city known for its scenic waterways, thriving port, historic sites, moderate climate, and diverse cultural and entertainment opportunities. Attractions celebrate the many facets of life in this historic city, which is one of America's oldest. Norfolk's universal allure is its vibrant waterfront location, attracting visitors from across the world. Cruise the harbor on a tall ship or lunch/dinner cruise. Dine at one of Norfolk's 80 chef-owned restaurants, explore the new NEON Arts District & Chrysler Museum Glass Studio or take a walk through the beautiful historic Freemason & Ghent districts. Experience more of Norfolk at the popular HarborfestÂŽ or Virginia International Tattoo. Norfolk's many historical sites can be reached within the city limits. Navy buffs engage in lively tours of Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval station and home to more than 100 ships in the Atlantic Fleet. Norfolk is also home to Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships in the world, which is docked in the city's picturesque harbor and has served in both WWII and the Gulf War. Guests will also be able to explore the deep blue sea at neighboring NAUTICUS, a museum complete with touch tanks, an IMAX theater and interactive exhibits. Located within a day's driving distance from two-thirds of the U.S. population, Norfolk is accessible from most major cities on the East Coast. Nearby Norfolk International Airport offers hundreds of flights daily.

Sheraton Reston & Westin Reston Heights 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20191 Leslie Bauman 703-262-5931 lbauman@chrco.com www.westinreston.com Easily accessible from Dulles International Airport and just minutes away from America's capital. Groups can experience resort amenities, a championship golf course, an award-winning restaurant and access to Washington, D.C. attractions. Virginia Beach CVB 2101 Parks Ave., Suite 500 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Jim Coggin 757-385-6642 jcoggin@visitvirginiabeach.com www.visitvirginiabeach.com/grouptour Virginia Beach is famous for its iconic three-mile boardwalk, three distinctive beaches, fresh seafood, energetic downtown, abundant parks and waterways, and mild weather. Visit Fairfax 3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420 Fairfax, VA 22030 Melissa McClure 703-752-9513 mmcclure@fxva.com www.fxva.com Located directly across the Potomac River from our Nationís Capital, Fairfax County places you at the heart of the Capital Region and Virginia tourism experience. VisitNorfolk 232 E. Main St. Norfolk, VA 23510 Melissa Hopper 800-368-3097 mhopper@visitnorfolktoday.com www.visitnorfolktoday.com VisitNorfolk offers complimentary group tour planning services and can help with everything from hotel availability to activities, attractions and group discounts. Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts 1645 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA 22182 Anne Janeski 703-255-1851 groupsales@wolftrap.org www.wolftrap.org Voted “Summer's Best Outdoor Venue” by Washington City Paper. Renowned for presenting the greatest names in music, dance and theater in an exquisite setting. Yorktown Sailing Charters P.O. Box 238 Riverwalk Landing Pier Yorktown, VA 23690 Laura Lohse 757-639-1233 info@sailyorktown.com www.sailyorktown.com Set sail for adventure aboard the Yorktown Schooners. Daily 2-hour cruises on the York River aboard the 105' Schooner Alliance for 49 passengers, or the 65' Schooner Serenity for 24 passengers. 88

2016 Group Travel Directory

WASHINGTON

ashington State offers a diversity unmatched by any location on earth: dazzling city skylines, majestic mountains, active volcanoes, enchanting islands, romantic vineyards, working guest ranches, rugged coastlines and mystical rain forests. Snowboard down a glacier, view wild Orcas, dine 500 feet above Seattle, mountain bike a forest trail, sample fair trade gourmet chocolate, enjoy “farm to table” slow food and sleep where ancient trees wear beards of lush green moss.

800-544-1800 Bellingham, Whatcom County CVB 904 Potter St. Bellingham, WA 98229 360-671-3990 tourism@bellingham.org www.bellingham.org Enjoy a fun getaway filled with magnificent scenery, a culture of outdoor recreation, Western Washington University, the Alaska Ferry, the Canadian border, Mt. Baker, the Salish Sea, local food, spirits, art and music. City of Lynwood 19100 44th Ave. W. Lynnwood, WA 98046 Mary Monroe mmonroe@ci.lynwood.wa.us www.lynnwoodtourism.com Located just 16 miles north of Seattle and minutes from ferries, mountains, wineries, casinos and more, Lynnwood is the ideal gateway to everything the North Puget Sound has to offer. Snohomish County Tourism Bureau 1133 164th St. S.W., Suite 204 Lynwood, WA 98036 Amy Spain 888-338-0976 visitor@snohomish.org www.snohomish.org Just 12 miles north of Seattle with hotel rates up to 40% less. Home to the Boeing Tour and Future of Flight Aviation Center, historic aviation collections, Seattle Premium Outlets, antiques and collectibles in historic Snohomish, tribal casinos, Hibulb Cultural Center, wineries and distilleries, and some of the best outdoor recreation in the region.

Located astride the same latitudes as the wine-producing regions of France, Washington has more than 650 wineries, many of them concentrated in the Yakima, Columbia and Walla Walla valleys. Sample locally brewed beer and ale at brewpubs in Seattle and Woodinville. In Washington, there isn’t much you can’t do.

WATourismAlliance.com The Space Needle 203 65th Ave. North Seattle, WA 98109 800-964-7695 groups@#spaceneedle.com www.spaceneedle.com From 520 feet up, enjoy 360-degree views that make the Space Needle an international marvel. Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau 801 Riverside, Suite 301 Spokane, WA 99201 Lisa McChaffie 800-662-0084 lmchaffie@visitspokane.com www.visitspokane.com If you're looking for a new travel destination that will offer your clients the perfect blend of relaxation, unbeatable natural beauty, memorable experiences and superb accommodations, consider the Spokane area. Washington State Fair 110 Ninth Ave. SW Puyallup, WA 98371 www.thefair.com Get ready to party big at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. For 17 glorious days enjoy delicious food, dazzling entertainment and fun. It's the biggest party in the state.

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Marion County CVB 1000 Cole St., Suite A Pleasant Valley, WV 26554 Leisha Elliot 800-834-7365 leisha@marioncvb.com www.marioncvb.com What do you like to do when you travel? Marion County has plenty for any traveler to see and experience. Check out our most popular itineraries, which highlight not only what there is to see here, but also throughout neighboring counties.

WEST VIRGINIA

est Virginia is the most northern of the so-called Southern states. The northern panhandle extends farther north than Pittsburgh, Penn. and the southern boundary falls south of Richmond, Va. With a mean elevation of 1,500 feet, West Virginia is the highest state east of the Mississippi River and lies wholly within the Appalachian Mountain range. Over 75 percent of the state’s surface is forested. Many of North America’s largest metropolitan centers lie within a 500-mile radius of Charleston, the

800-225-5982 American Mountain Theater 49 Martin St. Elkins, WV 26241-3490 Kenny Sexto • 800-943-3670 ksexton@americanmountaintheater.com www.americanmountaintheater.com If you are looking for something to do in West Virginia that everyone will love, look no further than the American Mountain Theater in the historic railyard district. The live shows will entertain groups of all sizes and ages. Cabell-Huntington CVB 210 11th St. Huntington, WV 25701 Tyson Compton 304-525-7333 anna@wvvisit.org www.wvvisit.org “Heritage Comes Alive” in the cool city of Huntington, West Virginia, a designated Certified Arts Community on the mighty Ohio River. Canaan Valley Resort State Park 230 Main Lodge Rd. Davis, WV 26260 Lenora Testerman • 800-622-4121 testermanl@canaanresort.com www.canaanresort.com Canaan Valley Resort is a four-season mountain destination providing the perfect escape from daily life. Fifteen miles long by three miles wide, Canaan Valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains, with a base elevation of 3,100 feet. Canaan Valley Resort is nestled on a plateau overlooking the valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. grouptraveldirectory.com

state capital. West Virginia is the only state born of the Civil War. Visitors to the Mountain State can relive the days of conflict at one of the many Civil War re-enactments or West Virginia’s Independence Hall in Wheeling. Other popular attractions in the state include the Cass, Potomac Eagle, and Durbin and Greenbrier Valley scenic railroads. The American Mountain Theater in Elkins offers family-oriented music programs.

WVTourism.com Comfort Inn Charleston West Virginia 102 Racer Drive Cross Lanes, WV 25313 Cindy Bagwell 304-776-8070 cindy@wv-hotel.com www.wv-hotel.com Comfort Inn, located at exit 47, I-64 - near casinos, shopping and many tourist attractions of Charleston, Huntington and Beckley. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad 315 Railroad Ave. Elkins, WV 26241 Matt Scott 877-686-7245 mattscottwv@gmail.com www.mountainrail.com Travel back in time behind century-old steam locomotives and vintage diesel-powered passenger trains on rail excursions through West Virginia's most remote mountain terrain. Greater Parkersburg CVB 350 Seventh St. Parkersburg, WV 26101 Debbie Zyla 800-752-4982 dzyla@parkersburgcvb.org www.greaterparkersburg.com Make your own history in Greater Parkersburg while exploring ours at Blennerhassett Island, Henderson Hall Plantation, Smoot Theatre or the Julia-Ann Square Historic District. Unique shops, special events and great dining await you.

New River Train 1323 Eighth Ave. Huntington, WV 25708 Chris Lockwood 866-639-7487 chrisl@newrivertrain.com www.newrivertrain.com New River Train excursions through beautiful New River Gorge in south West Virginia. As national parklands, the Grand Canyon of the East along the New River is majestic and breathtaking in fall colors in mid to late October. The Greenbrier Hotel 300 W. Main St. White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 Lynn Tuckwiller 800-675-1287 lynn_tuckwiller@greenbrier.com The Greenbrier is widely regarded as one of the finest luxury resorts around the world. Surrounded by the wondrous Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier offers exclusive services and amenities such as championship golf, fine dining, more than 55 activities, designer boutiques, a world-renowned mineral spa and a 103,000-square-foot gaming and entertainment venue. The Woods Resort P.O. Box 5 Mountain Lake Rd. Hedgesville, WV 25427 Joy Johnson 800-248-2222 joy@thewoods.com www.thewoods.com Bask in the tranquility of our 1,800 acres at the northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. The resort has 30 years of experience accommodating for reunions. U.S. Tours 2819 Murdoch Ave. Parkersburg, WV 26101 Bob Cline 304-485-8687 sales@ustours.biz www.ustours.biz America's most innovative wholesale travel company. Fresh, unique tour ideas from coast to coast. Every tour is customized to suit your wishes.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Horicon Marsh Boat Tours 311 B Mill St. Horicon, WI 53032 920-485-4663 blueheron@horicommarsh.com www.horiconmarsh.com For the past 50 years, Horicon Marsh Boat Tours has been serving groups of all kinds. School groups, family gatherings and groups of all kinds have discovered the beauty of the Horicon Marsh aboard our pontoon boats or on a guided canoe or kayak trip.

WISCONSIN

n Wisconsin, there are many reasons to say “cheese.” With 15,000 inland lakes and 25,000 miles of waterways, Wisconsin is an aquatic oasis. Experience these many waterways by sailboat, canoe, kayak, tubing on a lazy river, or even surfing along the Lake Michigan beaches around Sheboygan. The state of Wisconsin is home to “The Waterpark Capital of the World ®,” the Wisconsin Dells. Famous indoor water parks, scenic tours, lux to cozy accommodations and thrilling attractions

800-223-0652 Cave of the Mounds 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd. Blue Mounds, WI 53517 608-437-3038 groups@caveofthemounds.com www.caveofthemounds.com Celebrating 75 years since the cave opened for tours. Since then Cave of the Mounds has become the premier cave in the upper Midwest and the jewel box of America's major show caves. Guided tours of this geologic wonder follow paved, lighted walkways departing regularly every day of the year. Circle Wisconsin P.O. Box 20750 Milwaukee, WI 53220 Wendy Dobrzynski 414-545-1100 wendy@circlewisconsin.com www.circlewisconsin.com Circle Wisconsin is your first stop for planning that ideal group tour to Wisconsin. Door County Visitors Bureau 1015 Green Bay Rd. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Group Sales 800-527-3529 groups@doorcounty.com www.doorcounty.com Get in touch with nature in Door County, Wisconsin. Kick up some sand on our beaches. Try your luck at fishing, cross-country skiing, camping or golf. Exhilarating nightlife and so much more await your group in Door County.

2016 Group Travel Directory

make Wisconsin Dells an attractive destination for any group. Other appealing group activities can be found in the Wisconsin Rapids area, known as Cranberry Country. As you travel throughout the area, you’ll see cranberry bogs as well as shops selling cranberry products. If visiting during the fall harvest season, which runs from early September through most of October, take advantage and plan for a tour of a cranberry farm.

CircleWisconsin.com Fond du Lac Area CVB 171 S. Pioneer Rd. Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Mary Denis • 920-923-3010 mdenis@fdl.com www.fdl.com Fond du Lac is a convenient group tour location at the base of Lake Winnebago, the second largest freshwater inland lake in the United States. From Wisconsin supper clubs and iconic churches to waterfront restaurants and dinner theaters, from historic museums and interactive farms to awardwinning ice cream, goat cheese and chocolate and behind-the-scenes tours, we invite you to...C’mon in! Harley-Davidson Museum 400 W. Canal St. P.O. Box 300 Milwaukee, WI 53201 Barbara Smyrl barbara.smyrl@harley-davidson.com www.h-dmuseum.com More than a nostalgia trip for motorcycle enthusiasts. Have your group explore history and culture through the lens of an iconic American company; two restaurants, shop, factory tours, free parking. Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells S3214 County Road BD Baraboo, WI 53913 Brian L. Decorah 800-746-2486, ext. 7830 brian.decorah@ho-chunk.com www.ho-chunkgaming.com/wisconsindells Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells offers the best gaming experience in the state. We partner with area attractions to offer our guests a memorable experience.

Hudson Area COC 502 Second St. Hudson, WI 54016 Mary Weller 715-386-8411 mary@hudsonwi.org www.discoverhudsonwi.com Located on the banks of the scenic St. Croix River, historic Hudson, Wisconsin is just 20 minutes from the Twin Cities. Janesville Area CVB 20 S. Main St., Suite 17 Janesville, WI 53545 Lori Johnson 608-757-3171, ext. 101 sales.jacvb@jvlnet.com www.janesvillecvb.com/tours Conveniently located on I-90/39, Janesville is the perfect stop for your Midwest tour. Jelly Belly Visitor Center 10100 Jelly Belly Lane Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 866-868-7522 www.jellybelly.com Groups can take a tour of the Jelly Belly warehouse for free. Stop inside our candy store to sample every flavor of Jelly Belly jelly beans that we produce and grab a souvenir. Manitowoc Area VCB P.O. Box 966 Manitowoc, WI 54221 Jason Ring 920-686-3070 jring@manitowoc.info www.manitowoc.info Visit us along the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan and coast for a while. Milwaukee Art Museum 700 N. Art Museum Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-224-3842 grouptours@mam.org www.mam.org With world-class art and an iconic lakeside building, the Milwaukee Art Museum is a local gem with an international reputation, offering memorable, one-ofa-kind experiences with each visit.

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WISCONSIN DELLS VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

A Water Playground for Groups

lanning a group outing that will please the whole crowd has never been so easy. With the largest concentration of waterparks in the world along with exciting attractions and flexible accommodations, Wisconsin Dells is one place everyone can agree on. Groups of all kinds often head for the amenity-laden waterpark resorts. Some are sprawling and have multiple indoor and outdoor waterparks, while others are cozier and provide a more classic Dells experience. When not enjoying the wave pools, plunge slides and water roller coasters at some of the nation’s largest waterparks, groups often participate in other Wisconsin Dells rituals, like boat tours on the Wisconsin River, playing a round of mini-golf or competing on the gokart track. Grown-up groups will be pleased to know there’s an alter-ego to this community, too, one that includes championship golf courses, sophisticated spas, incredible wineries, microbreweries, distilleries, theaters, live shows and a popular casino.

800-223-3557 GatherInTheDells.com Alexandra Harjung, CMP • sales@wisdells.com

THERE’S A JUDITH IN EVERY FAMILY. She’s happy to join in, but she wants ® options. Luckily for you and Judith, “The Waterpark Capital of the World! ” is a crowd-pleaser. With countless group and individual activities from live shows to scenic boat rides, Wisconsin Dells will keep the Judith in your group smiling – something everyone can get behind. Contact one of our destination specialists for complimentary planning assistance.

GatherInTheDells.com | sales@wisdells.com | (800) 223-3557

Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center One John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 53703 Heather Sabin • 608-261-4015 hsabin@cityofmadison.com www.mononaterrace.com Monona Terrace bears Wright’s signature style with dramatic open spaces, breathtaking views and curvilinear design. Pair your tour with a wine and cheese or dessert reception. Or try other group offerings such as a scavenger hunt, architectural building activities or an in-depth Frank Lloyd Wright tour.

Wisconsin’s #1 Must-See Live Attraction The Dancing Horses Theatre OPEN YEAR-ROUND!

Holiday Performances NOVEMBER-JANUARY Adults $27.50 • Children $15.00 For Group Packages, Contact:

262-728-8200 ext. 2 www.thedancinghorses.com 5065 STATE ROAD 50 • LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN 53115

National Railroad Museum 2285 S. Broadway Green Bay, WI 54304 Brian Reignier 920-437-7623, ext. 23 breignier@nationalrrmuseum.org www.nationalrrmuseum.org The National Railroad Museum gives you the opportunity to explore the industry that has carried us from coast to coast for nearly two centuries. The museum is home to thousands of artifacts and over 60 pieces of rolling stock. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 1721 Canal St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 Lisa Pederson 414-847-7982 lpederson@paysbig.com www.paysbig.com Gather your group and plan a trip to Potawatomi Hotel & Casino for high-energy gaming, award-winning dining, bars, live music and luxurious accommodations. Skylight Music Theatre 158 N. Broadway St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 Mara McGhee 414-299-4964 maram@skylightmusictheatre.org www.skylightmusictheatre.org Skylight Music Theatre is an internationally recognized and renowned producer of the full spectrum of musical theater for over 50 years.

2016 Group Travel Directory

The Dancing Horses Theatre 5065 State Rd. 50 Delavan, WI 53115 Joyce Bicek • 262-728-8200 info@animalgardens.com www.thedancinghorses.com Groups are our specialty. We’re open all year round, in a comfortable, climate-controlled, 300-seat theater. Christmas performances November-January. The Fireside Dinner Theatre 1131 Janesville Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Jean Flynn • 800-477-9505 jean@firesidetheatre.com www.firesidetheatre.com/groups/general The Fireside Dinner Theatre is Wisconsin’s #1 yearround motorcoach attraction with professional Broadway musicals and revues, memorable dining, spectacular gift shops and fabulous service. Visit Milwaukee 648 N. Plankinton Ave., Suite 425 Milwaukee, WI 53203 Jill Hauck • 414-287-4249 jhauck@milwaukee.org www.visitmilwaukee.org/tour-operators Experience colorful neighborhoods, unique museums, historic mansions, a hotel/casino, brewery tours, gardens and a parade of festivals for fun throughout the year. Wisconsin Dells VCB 701 Superior St. P.O. Box 390 Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 Alexandra Harjung, CMP 608-254-7180, ext. 313 alexandra@wisdells.com www.wisdells.com/wisconsin-dellsconventions.htm Wisconsin Dells, “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”, is a crowd-pleaser, even for your toughest traveler. Discover beautiful Wisconsin Dells for yourself. Wisconsin Maritime Museum 75 Maritime Drive Manitowoc, WI 54220 Mike Johnson • 866-724-2356 mjohnson@wisconsinmaritime.org www.wisconsinmaritime.org Take a tour of the USS Cobia, moored on the Manitowoc River next to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and learn about what life was like at sea during WWII.

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NATIONAL LISTINGS DINING Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 305 Hartmann Drive Lebanon, TN 37087 Jayne Stegemiller 800-576-7693 guestrelations@crackerbarrel.com www.crackerbarrel.com/tourgroups With Cracker Barrel’s Country Coach Service there are more than 600 Cracker Barrel locations in 42 states ready to welcome your group.

WYOMING

yoming, in the Rocky Mountains, is home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and Devils Tower National Monument. Wyoming is the Cowboy State with Western destinations like Laramie, Jackson Hole, Cody, Sheridan and Cheyenne. Relive the Old West with cowboys, rodeos, Cheyenne Frontier Days (the world’s largest outdoor rodeo), dude/working ranches, cattle drives, herds of wild horses and Western shoot-outs. Enjoy biking,

800-225-5996 Blair Hotels P.O. Box 30 Cody, WY 82414 Shandi Quintana 307-587-3654, ext. 632 corpsalesrd@blairhotels.com www.blairhotels.com Blair Hotels provides five diverse hotels in three prime locations throughout the state of Wyoming. Special group rates available. Near Yellowstone National Park.

hiking, rafting and fishing. Winter options include destination ski resorts, snowmobiling and dogsledding. Visit Wyoming’s national parks and monuments during the winter season for a majestic experience in Wyoming’s most popular spots without the summer crowds. Remember, many of Wyoming’s attractions and charming towns lie slightly off the beaten path, so don’t be shy to turn off the interstates and explore the hidden treasures and incredible landscapes.

WyomingTourism.org Laramie Area Visitor Center 210 E. Custer St. Laramie, WY 82070 Fred Ockers 800-445-5303 director@visitlaramie.org www.visitlaramie.org Located in the southeast corner of Wyoming, Laramie and Albany County offer visitors excellent opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds.

Grand Teton Music Festival 4015 West Lake Creek Drive, Suite 100 Wilson, WY 83014 Brittany Laughlin 307-733-3050 brittany@gtmf.org www.gtmf.org Prestigious soloists and musicians from renowned orchestras flock to stunning Jackson Hole to renew their artistic inspiration and share their talents and passion.

Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce 220 Part St. MeriAnn Rush 307-864-3192 thermopolischamber@rtconnect.net www.thermopolischamber.org Visitors come to enjoy an assortment of attractions, including the mineral hot springs; a tour of Wyoming Whiskey; thrilling whitewater rafting trips down the Wind River Canyon; a tour of The Wyoming Dinosaur Center and so much more.

Jackson Hole Playhouse 145 W. Deloney Ave. Jackson, WY 83001 307-733-6994 jhplayhouse@gmail.com www.jacksonplayhouse.com At the Jackson Hole Playhouse your group can see timeless classics as well as new productions. Before the show, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Saddle Rock Saloon, and be served by a gun-slinging singing waiter from the show.

Visit Cheyenne 121 W. 15th St., Suite 202 Cheyenne, WY 82001 Darren Rudloff 800-426-5009 darren@cheyenne.org www.cheyenne.org Live the Legend of Cheyenne. Feast while surrounded by bison, enjoy several great Western museums or experience Cheyenne Frontier Days—the world’s largest rodeo.

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Earl Enterprises 877-955-2822 groupreservations@earlenterprise.com www.earlenterprise.com Earl Enterprises provides a great dining experience for groups with great brands like Buca di Beppo, Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich, Planet Dailies and Mixology 101.

ATTRACTIONS Merlin Entertainments www.merlinentertainments.biz Our business is about creating unique, memorable and rewarding visitor experiences, achieved through the passion and dynamism of our teams, and having a unique portfolio of iconic brands including: Madame Tussauds, SeaLife, The Eye Brand, Legoland and many more. SEA LIFE 234 W. 42nd St. New York, NY 10036 Jennifer Edwards 212-512-9600, ext. 277 jennifer.edwards@merlinentertainments.biz www.visitsealife.com From sharks to sea turtles, and jellyfish to seahorses, SEA LIFE Aquariums showcase over 10,000 sea creatures. Visitors come face to face with animals never before seen.

TOURS & PACKAGES CIE Tours International 10 Park Place, Suite. 510 Morristown, NJ 07962 800-243-8687 groups@cietours.com www.cietours.com Offering the largest range of scheduled escorted motorcoach tours to Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe with emphasis on quality and value. Costa Cruises 200 S. Park Rd., Suite 200 Hollywood, FL 33021 Barbara Holgate 800-462-6782 groupsales@us.costa.it www.costacruises.com Award-winning itineraries, 67 years of experience, 15 gleaming superliners and a festive yet stylish onboard atmosphere are what make cruising Italian style so popular.

2016 Group Travel Directory

TOURS & PACKAGES Country Travel Discoveries 13500 Watertown Plank Rd., Suite 107 Elm Grove, WI 53122 Steve Uelner 855-744-8747/262-923-8120 groups@countrytraveldiscoveries.com www.countrytraveldiscoveries.com/groups You’re not just another group to us. Group leaders seeking distinctive, hand-crafted, off-the-beaten-path tours - “Personalized, Different and, Real” - love partnering with Country Travel Discoveries. Down In History Tours 215 Wabasha St. S. Saint Paul, MN 55107 651-292-1220 office@wabashastreetcaves.com www.wabashastreetcaves.com Down In History Tours make history fun. Our bus tour guides are character actors who entertain your group. Try our Historic Cave Tour. E.D.I. Travel Kibbutz Gonen Gonen Upper Galilee, 12130 Boaz Shalgi 855-200-4334 boaz@editravel.co.il www.editravel-israel.com Your one-stop resource for traveling to the Holy Land. Ed-Ventures, Inc. 320 Elton Hills Drive N.W. Rochester, MN 55901 Paul Larsen 800-658-7128 pcl@ed-ventures.com www.ed-ventures.com Ed-Ventures leads the way in faith-based travel. We customize tours to Europe, the Middle East and Central America according to your objectives for the journey. GoWay 1200 W. 73rd Ave., Suite 1050 Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5 Barbara Norton 800-838-0618 barbara@goway.com www.goway.com One of the oldest and largest travel wholesalers in North America specializing in long-haul group travel to the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. Keytours Vacations 11096B Lee Hwy., Suite 103 Fairfax, VA 22030 Paul Julia 800-576-1784, ext. 5 groups@keytours.com www.keytours.com Keytours Vacations is the leading personalized group travel tour operator for Europe and South America. Offering custom trips from 10+ passengers with service above the ordinary.

2016 Group Travel Directory

Kuoni Group Travel Experts 5 Penn Plaza, Fifth Floor New York, NY 10001 Tommy Ryder 800-456-2004 groups.na@us.kuoni.com www.kuonigrouptravel.com Kuoni Group Travel Experts create and deliver tailormade programs for communities of travelers with a common interest, whether social, cultural or religious - or demographic. Mayflower Tours 1225 Warren Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 Mary Novak 800-728-0724 maryn@mayflowertours.com www.mayflowertours.com Providing life-enriching experiences on each and every holiday. Holidays are designed for travelers looking for the fullest travel experience at a great price value. Members of USTOA, ABA and NTA. Red Hot Celebrations P.O. Box 6169 Lakewood, CA 90714 Suzanne Slavitter 562-920-3395 suzanne@redhotcelebrations.com www.redhotcelebrations.com Red Hot Celebrations - Travel Trade's Event Connection is a comprehensive one-stop website to search for special events, festivals and specialty tour opportunities. Reformation Tours P.O. Box 854 Belleville, IL 62222 Rowena Drinkhouse 800-303-5534 info@reformationtours.com www.reformationtours.com Reformation Tours specializes in quality Christian tours, showcasing the best of Europe and the land of the Bible, with fun and spiritually enriching itineraries.

StudentUniverse 130 Turner St., Suite 530 Waltham, MA 02453 Evan Becker 855-742-0293 travelservices@studentuniverse.com www.studentuniverse.com/travelservices/group-travel StudentUniverse has relationships with over 70 airlines for discounted rates on airfare, along with online travel management tools and service from a dedicated travel specialist. Terra Lu Travel Pfarrstrasse 18 34576 Homberg, Germany germany@terra-lu-travel.com www.terra-lu-travel.com Castles, churches, rivers, Reformation history and all the wonders of Germany are waiting for your group with a tour by Terra Lu Travel. Take a tour through the history of your favorite authors, composers, leaders and historical figures. Vacations by Rail 309 W. Washington St., Suite 450 Chicago, IL 60606 Todd Powell 877-929-7245 tpowell@vacationsbyrail.com www.vacationsbyrail.com Vacations By Rail is the trusted authority on rail. Our knowledge and expertise saves you time and money on your group departures. Whether yours is an affinity group, incentive travel group or travel club, enjoy special savings and dedicated marketing services to help you promote your independent or fully-escorted rail vacation.

Son Tours, Inc. 2805 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 215 Duluth, GA 30096 John Nelson 888-554-2243 info@son-tours.com www.son-tours.com At Son Tours, we offer customized educational travel adventures to exciting destinations like NYC, D.C. and Philadelphia. Sports Empire Inc. P.O. Box 6169 Lakewood, CA 90714 Suzanne Slavitter 562-920-2350/800-255-5258 suzanne@sports-empire.com www.sports-empire.com Sports Empire is your ultimate authority in delivering sports and special event packages for over 25 years.

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NoThInG SaYs

Nashville LiKe ThE

SeE ThE ShOw Catch the new stars, superstars, and legends of country music every Friday & Saturday, plus Tuesdays March through December, and Wednesdays in the summer.

Go BaCkStAgE Tour the Opry House and go behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous. Times and schedules may vary based on Opry House availability.

cAlL tOdAy tO bOoK yOuR OpRy ExPeRiEnCe! WAYNE CHANDLER, CTP DIRECTOR OF SALES (615) 882-5435 wchandler@opry.com

JAMIE LYNN THOMPSON TOURISM SALES MANAGER (615) 882-5439 jthompson@opry.com

The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store logo is the registered trademark of CBOCS Properties, Inc.