2018 June Leisure Group Travel

LEISURE JUNE 2018

GROUP TRAVEL

Galapagos Islands

Ecuador’s Ecological Wonderland

Top Scenic

RAILROADS 5th Annual

IOWA TOUR GUIDE Massachusetts

GARDENS

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conquer something

new

Ever dreamed of taking on a class II-IV whitewater rapids course in the middle of a city? Then hop in a kayak or raft and hit the water at OKC RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures, as the gleaming buildings of Oklahoma City gaze down on the action.

Prefer a slower pace? Stand-up paddleboarding and flatwater kayaking are waiting for you right next door on the river.

Whatever your speed, you’ll soon discover that our range of water sport attractions isn’t just new. It’s OKC new.

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June 2018, Vol. 28, No. 3

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL

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A GUIDE TO SCENIC RAILROADS Train excursions and museums worth a slot on your next itinerary

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MIDWEST MARKETPLACE CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL 5TH YEAR Circle Wisconsin and Grand Geneva Resort host travel professionals

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NTA TRAVEL EXCHANGE HEADS TO MILWAUKEE The National Tour Association gears up for its November convention

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5TH ANNUAL IOWA TOUR GUIDE Appealing itinerary ideas in the heart of the Midwest

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OHIO ARTS DISTRICTS BY MILES DOBIS Galleries and museums lure groups passionate about the arts

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OHIO HALLS OF FAME BY MILES DOBIS These museums honor legends in aviation, sports and music

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MADE IN OHIO BY MILES DOBIS Factories turn out everything from whistles to Airstream campers

WEST

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6 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CULTURAL DISTRICTS BY DAVE BODLE Artistic enclaves in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Pedro and Lancaster

SOUTH

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GREATER MIAMI ART VIBE BY DAVE BODLE Indoors and outdoors, Miami’s visual art is always on display

EAST

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9 MASSACHUSETTS GARDENS BY DAVE BODLE Horticultural splendor is in full bloom throughout the Bay State

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EQUATORIAL EDEN BY RANDY MINK Unusual wildlife intrigues cruise visitors in the Galapagos Islands

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ON MY MIND BY

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ON TOUR BY

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JEFF GAYDUK

June 2018

MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO, CTC

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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  n a state that encompasses thriving urban centers like Chicago as well as scenic natural vistas that will take your breath away, there is simply no end to the travel opportunities that await groups in the Land of Lincoln.

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Featured Articles: The Finest Products Are Illinois Made, Follow the Light on a Spiritual Odyssey, Illinois: Shopping Central, 12 Magnificent Illinois Museums 6 Sample Itineraries Including: Chicago’s Ethnic Neighborhoods; Sampling a Slice of Suburbia; Rivers, Railroads and Architects

Check out the online version or download a print copy at: bit.ly/2wKHzJr

        Check out our recent Online Exclusives at bit.ly/2uK063d • The Adventuresome Traveler’s Guide to Latin America • 7 Tour Operators Specializing in LGBT Travel • Wildlife and Wonder on an UnCruise Adventure

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Wellesley College Botanic Center in Wellesley, Massachusetts

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

et weekly digests of all the best online content with InSite, our free Friday e-newsletter, at: bit.ly/2nJBpje

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ON THE COVER: The colorful Sally Lightfoot crab is commonly found in the Galapagos Islands.

(Photo courtesy of Collette)

June 2018

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Vol. 28, No. 3 June 2018

By Jeffrey Gayduk

 

     

  

 

 

ongevity in the travel business doesn’t come easy. Many of the best-known brands are subject to economic downturns, corporate buyouts or changing consumer interests. In the 1990s, I remember the dominant vacation package companies were MTI, Thomson and Funjet, battling it out for supremacy in Chicagoland. Thanks to Apple Vacations’ recent buyout of Funjet, none of these brands exist as independent companies today.

Airlines like Eastern, Pan Am, Braniff, Piedmont, Northwest and TWA fly today as credenza-top airplane models.

Tour companies tend to be generational businesses. If they are fortunate enough to be founded by a passionate, dedicated owner, a solid tour operation might have a 25-year run before it’s passed down to the next generation (often with less than stellar results), sold or folded. Mayflower Tours, an operator synonymous with group tours, persevered 39 years under the guidance of owners John and Mary Stachnik. Earlier this year, Mayflower was gobbled up by the Scenic Group, an Australian tour and cruise conglomerate. While they pledge to keep the name, the Stachnik stamp is gone after nearly four decades.

It’s rare to see a company pass through generations successfully, but some brands have managed the test of time. Westport, Connecticut-based Tauck has been under continuous ownership since 1925, Globus has been under the leadership of the Switzerlandbased Mantegazza family since 1928 and the Trafalgar brand has been operated by the Tollman family for over 70 years.

But nobody tops Collette Vacations.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, Collette underwent an ownership change back in 1962 when Jack Collette sold his tour business to Dan Sullivan. Dan Sr. and now Dan Jr. have propelled the Collette brand to unprecedented heights. Now, a third generation is involved, and while it’s grown to become a huge company, Collette is still run with the passion and care of a family-run enterprise.

I had the opportunity to get an insider’s perspective of Collette’s operation at the

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June 2018

annual President’s Club Summit, a gathering of top group customers from around the country.

During the three-day event in Providence, Rhode Island, Collette executives opened their books and shared why and how they are successful. They talked about the emphasis on safety and security for their travelers while articulating their vision for the future of group travel by focusing on reaching the growing (and affluent) age 60-74 population.

Product managers took the stage to debut exciting new products for their best group leaders to salivate over. The highlight for me?

The entire crew got an insider’s tour of Collette’s Pawtucket, Rhode Island headquarters. Here, 400 passionate individuals keep the Collette machine humming. (Collette employs 650 worldwide.)

Collette has a customer-centric philosophy built on accountability, collaboration, culture, integrity, innovation and social responsibility.

Culture is perhaps the hardest thing to develop. but on the tour of headquarters, culture was oozing from nearly every cubicle. As we roamed from department to department, we got to see how each department interfaces with another. Our group got caught up at the inside sales department as Collette team members and group customers rekindled relationships as if they were at a high school reunion. Heck, the accounting department gave an impassioned presentation about how they interface with customers. Accounting?

That’s typically where they hide the people who don’t talk to customers!

Through the decades, I’ve walked into hundreds of tour operators, cruise lines, tourist offices and airlines. While I can never remember them all, Collette left an indelible impression on me.

Congratulations, Collette. Here’s to another 100!

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           

 

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    

      

   

  

      

    

                               

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   

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Jeff Gayduk Publisher

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO

MOHEGAN SUN Sign up your group for a bus charter today

BONUS $30 CASINO INCENTIVE PACKAGE* Monday – Friday Package consists of: One $15 Meal/Retail Credit and One $15 Free Bet Coupon Meal/Retail credit can be used in any restaurant, a full buffet or shop at Mohegan Sun.

BONUS $25 CASINO INCENTIVE PACKAGE* Saturday – Sunday Package consists of: One $15 Meal/Retail Credit and One $10 Free Bet Coupon Meal/Retail credit can be used in any restaurant, a full buffet or shop at Mohegan Sun.

Group Leaders receive an additional $30 PACKAGE Contact Stephen Olender at 860.862.8988 or solender@mohegansun.com or visit mohegansun.com/charter to get your next outing on the road today. * In order to receive package, bus group must stay for a minimum of 5 hours. Packages and offer subject to change without notice. mohegansun.com

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Globus

Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC

Globus is a well-known operator with experience in Africa.

 t’s important that when you decide to offer an itinerary for a group trip that you know specifically what’s in it and, conversely, what’s NOT in it, and that you understand the specifics of tour operations in that particular destination.

You may be inventing your own private itinerary for a group, or you may be buying into an existing trip that has been designed by someone else – perhaps by an experienced tour operator. And if it is a fairly simple trip made up of coach services, one or two hotels and a couple of sightseeing activities, perhaps you can operate it yourself for the client organization.

But if, on the other hand, it’s a more complicated itinerary requiring knowledge of the destination and experience in tour operations there, you may be better off having an existing group tour operator handle it for you.

There is a myriad of operators, but you need to find one who not only has experience in the selected destination but with whom

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you feel comfortable and can work smoothly.

I would suggest you start by examining brochures of a selection of operators.

Compare itineraries of a deluxe operator with a standard one and then with a budget tour operator as well to determine which you feel would best be a good fit for your participants.

A deluxe operator will most likely be accustomed to working with smaller groups (15 or even less participants) whereas, at the other extreme, budget trips often try to fill a large coach. Well-known operator Globus, for example, publishes that average group size on its U.S./Canada tours is 39 travelers. Cosmos, a value-minded operator in the Globus family of brands, includes daily buffet breakfasts, while other companies may simply say “B” in their literature for breakfast or “CB” for continental breakfast (a light coffee and roll affair).

Most tour operators nowadays are including daily breakfast per the custom of the hotel and country and then some additional meals.

Most operators are not including all meals as they’ve discovered that tour members like some flexibility with options to eat outside the hotel on their own part of the time.

However, most operators like to start the tour off with a group welcome dinner the first evening and finish the trip with a festive farewell dinner the last night on tour.

Budget tours tend to give quite a bit of free time for independent interests or for purchase of additional activities on the spot.

Certainly one of the important factors affecting the trip price will be how many complimentary trips you expect. If you need to have a free trip for yourself to accompany the group as leader and also a second complimentary for the president of your client organization, you’ll have to cost these in as most operators will not automatically be pricing it accordingly from the outset.

You’ll want to be sure you are clear about tipping – which tips the tour operator pays on behalf of each tour participant and which tips the traveler must be prepared to pay as the trip progresses. I’m always surprised by which tips many operators cover and those they don’t. Some operators are now offering the option for passengers to pre-pay a package of expected tips for the travel director and the coach driver as many travelers do not know correct tipping protocol on tour.

There are other factors you’ll want to consider when selecting an operator to work with. You’ll want to know payment schedule – when you must put up deposits and ongoing payments. You’ll want to know in advance what risk you are undertaking in case your private tour doesn’t sell adequately. And from the outset you’ll want to be sure to budget into the trip price promotional costs: advertising, brochures, direct mail and so forth.

All in all, being responsible for a successful tour for an organization – be it for students, seniors, a church, or perhaps a sister city visit, sporting event or just for fun – can be an accomplishment of which you can be proud. LGT                    

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The Adirondack Scenic Railroad showcases the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks in upstate New York.

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OREGON COAST SCENIC RAILROAD regon Coast Scenic Railroad transports groups back in time on their historic steam and diesel locomotives. Departing from either Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi, the 1.5-hour excursion awes riders with its spectacular view of the Oregon coast. A three-hour dinner train offers a variety of seating and meal options. Special train excursions such as Fall Splendor, which showcases the changing colors of the Nehalem River area, take place seasonally. (oregoncoastscenic.org)

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Rockaway Beach and Garbaldi, Oregon

BOONE & SCENIC VALLEY RAILROAD very year, thousands of people from across the state, the nation and around the world make the trek to Boone to ride the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. The line, known for its 156’ Bass Point Creek High Bridge (offering a breathtaking view of the Des Moines River Valley) offers a popular dinner train, classic excursions, special events and the 9,000-square-foot James H. Andrew Railroad Museum. (bsvrr.com)

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Boone, Iowa

BLUEGRASS RAILROAD MUSEUM he Bluegrass Railroad Museum offers groups a scenic 11-mile, 90-minute train excursion through the horse farms of central Kentucky. The museum uses interactive displays to showcase the railroad’s past, including a working telegraph that sends Morse code messages. Visitors will see stones from the first railroad ever built in Kentucky dating back to 1831. Other rare artifacts, such as friction-bearing trucks, are also on display. (bluegrassrailroad.com)

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Versailles, Kentucky

DELAWARE AND ULSTER RAILROAD elaware and Ulster Railroad takes passengers on a 24-mile, two-hour roundtrip excursion between Arkville and Roxbury, traveling through the Catskill Mountains and Delaware River Valley. The train passes rural hamlets, farmland and historic sites such as the Hubbell Family Farm in Kelly Corners and the Round Barn in Halcottsville. Lunch is served in the popular Dome Car. Special ride events such as Twilight on the Rails music trains are held on specific dates. (durr.org)

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ADIRONDACK SCENIC RAILROAD

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he Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers a variety of options with trains departing from two stations. The Utica station offers a Soda Fountain Lunch Train, Beer & Wine Train and seasonal rides like The Polar Express. The Thendara station features the Princess & Superhero Train Ride and a Haunted History Evening Excursion. Thendara also offers seasonal rides such as Fall Foliage and the Santa Train. Discounts for groups of 25 or more are available. (adirondackrr.com)

Utica, New York

GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM he Galveston Railroad Museum has an array of unique exhibits showcasing railroad history. The Peoples Gallery/Depot was an active passenger depot until 1967 and highlights railroad events from the past. An exhibit on the Panama Railway explains how oceans were connected by rail, and Restaurants on Rails spotlights the dining car experience. The museum also has a collection of historic train cars outside. (galvestonrrmuseum.com)

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Galveston, Texas

MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILROAD

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ne of the only two cog railroads in the United States, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is the oldest cog line in the nation (1869). Originally thought to be impossible to build, it ascends 6,288-foot-high Mount Washington and takes passengers to Mount Washington State Park, which features hiking trails, an observatory and a visitor center. On a clear day, you can see four states while locomotives do the hard work of getting your group to the top. (thecog.com)

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

BERKSHIRE TOUR COMPANY

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ravel some of the East’s most scenic train routes with the Berkshire Tour Company. Berkshire offers group packages on itineraries filled with natural wonders and popular attractions.

Groups booking for fall 2018 can observe moose under New Hampshire’s evening sky, hop on different trains chugging through several states or marvel at autumn's beauty in the mountains of New England. Other seasonal tours revolve around holiday cheer, food tasting and educational experiences.

(berkshiretourco.com)

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CUMBRES AND TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD he Cumbres & Toltec, located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, is run by coal-fired, steam locomotives that worked the original Denver & Rio Grande Western Route. Get a glimpse into the past by enjoying the scenery of the authentic West. Trips run from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October.

Your group can choose from full-day, half-day, sunset and sunset dinner trips. (cumbrestoltec.com)

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Chama, New Mexico & Antonito, Colorado

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD & MUSEUM he Durango & Silverton operates out of its original 1882 depot and takes passengers on a breathtaking ride through San Juan National Forest. The historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. Guided tours of the 12,000-square-foot museum can be arranged for your group. Special events such as the Durango Blues Train and Durango Brew Train are held throughout the year. (durangotrain.com)

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Durango, Colorado

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Midwest Marketplace Celebrates Successful 5th Year

early 150 travel professionals converged in south-central Wisconsin this April for the fifth annual Midwest Marketplace trade show. Circle Wisconsin welcomed independent tour operators and representatives from CVBs, attractions and hotels as they gathered for three days to forge connections and encourage camaraderie throughout the region’s travel industry.

Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan were all represented at an event that included sales floor sessions and evening entertainment. The event was hosted by Walworth County: Lake Geneva and Beyond at the Grand Geneva Resort, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired hotel complex that includes a golf course, gourmet restaurants, ski hill and expansive ballroom space for meals and presentations.

“Our members were very complimentary towards the Grand Geneva,” said Circle Wisconsin Executive Director Wendy

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     Dobrzynski. “The layout ensured the entire event was self-contained, and the service was excellent.”

Circle Wisconsin, a membership-based organization that promotes statewide tourism, created the marketplace in 2014 with the goal of establishing a smaller and more manageable trade event with distinct emphasis on the Upper Midwest. “Midwest Marketplace was something we wanted to develop to really showcase regions and attractions that can sometimes get lost in the crowd at larger

conferences,” said Dobrzynski. “Most of these buyers and sellers are nearby geographically, so it benefits everyone attending that we have a tighter regional focus.”

Unlike many trade shows, Midwest Marketplace encourages a casual and contained atmosphere, with the entire sales floor fit into one ballroom. Tour operators were encouraged to socialize freely in between sessions, enjoy a variety of refreshments and visit a convenience station across the hall that featured free pharmaceutical and office supplies.

First-time attendees immediately felt comfortable, citing the collaborative environment.

“We’ve already generated several quality leads,” said Alana Fuller of Comfort Suites Urbana-Champaign. “This is my first time at Midwest Marketplace, but it’s already evident that they’re really trying to reinforce a community atmosphere that makes the operators feel comfortable.”

Dobrzynski believes Midwest Marketplace’s goal to match every tour operator and every >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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attraction for at least one meeting gives it an advantage. Buyers and sellers were matched for six-minute appointment sessions for a total of nearly 3,000 one-on-one meetings.

“What makes our conference impressive is the number of connections suppliers and operators can make,” said Dobrzynski.

“Some trade shows are limited to only 20 appointments, but we can guarantee nearly double that, which gives us an edge.”

Sonya Nash, director of group & experiential sales and marketing for Elkhart County, Indiana, agrees. “The buyer-supplier ratio is very equitable,” she said. “There are clear benefits of talking with potential buyers when you don’t feel rushed and know you’ll be socializing with them later.”

Midwest Marketplace’s other strength is its friendly and communal atmosphere.

Cocktail breaks are frequent between sessions, attendance is limited to encourage personal connection and tour operators are encouraged to dress casually and mingle with new acquaintances.

“The smaller pool of buyers ensures you’re not enveloped at a conference like ABA,” said Kristal Painter, group experiences curator for Visit French Lick West Baden.

“The intimate and personable atmosphere really distinguishes the event.”

The event is also notable for its strong regional emphasis. Only Midwest DMOs and attractions are invited to attend, and the approach allows operators to develop strong regional itineraries without diluting the focus of the event. “What distinguishes Midwest Marketplace is its focus on the Upper Midwest,” said Mary Ross, group sales and marketing director for Madeline Island Ferry and a Circle Wisconsin board member.

“Many other trade shows are so geographically spread out that it can be overwhelming for operators, but this event really allows those DMOs and attractions to shine.”

Dobrzynski and her fellow organizers excelled at evening activities and showcasing local Geneva attractions. Conference-goers embarked on an evening aboard a Lake

Forward Photography

Wendy Dobrzynski Executive Director, Circle Wisconsin

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Midwest Marketplace encourages a casual and contained atmosphere with ample time to socialize.

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Geneva Cruise Line sightseeing tour that included views of mansions belonging to the famous Driehaus and Wrigley families. Dinner and entertainment were later provided at the Riviera Ballroom, a beautiful space that hosted local magician Tristian Crist, entertainment by the talented performers Mark and Gretch of Rosewood and booths that highlighted Walworth County attractions.

“I really enjoyed the entertainment that was scheduled this year,” said Madison County CVB marketing director Maureen Lambert. “It’s always encouraging to see local attractions and talent being showcased.”

With this excellent reception, Midwest Marketplace looks to solidify itself as one of the best travel conferences in the nation. “We’re continually expanding our membership and always encouraged by the positive feedback we receive, and this year was no exception,” said Dobrzynski. “This was our fifth year, and we’re not planning and slowing down any time soon. “ The 2019 Circle Wisconsin Midwest Marketplace is set for April 7-9 at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois. LGT

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NTA’s Travel Exchange Heads to Milwaukee Annual event is slated for November 3-9, 2018

ravel Exchange, the National Tour Association’s annual convention, is heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin this November. It’s a chance for NTA members to meet the travel world under one roof, share ideas and turn handshakes into partnerships.

“Milwaukee is a great city to host the NTA Convention because of its amenities, its beauty and its accessibility,” said Brian Hutchings, convention sales manager at Visit Milwaukee. “With over 150 downtown restaurants, 17 museums, 25 theaters, plus our location on the shores of Lake Michigan and our vibrant and unique neighborhoods, Milwaukee is a must-experience destination.

Our downtown is very walkable, we have over 130 miles of dedicated park trails for nature lovers, and don’t forget our new streetcar, The Hop, which begins its free rides this fall.

NTA attendees will have a great time, and Milwaukee will be ready to welcome them.”

Pam Inman, president of NTA, said, “After talking with several of our Wisconsin members recently and learning more about the cool things they’re cooking up for us there, I am more excited than ever about Travel Exchange ’18. And it’s coming at a time when NTA members are exploring innovative ways to engage and do business together. I’m telling you—Milwaukee will be memorable.”

The opening night reception is being hosted at the world-famous Harley-Davidson Museum. Barbara Smyrl, the museum’s operations lead, said, “The Harley-Davidson Museum is thrilled and honored to be the host for the kickoff of the 2018 NTA Travel Exchange. Throw on some leather and get ready to throw a leg over an iconic

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Harley-Davidson motorcycle for this gathering of old friends and new. We guarantee the Icebreaker party will be the hottest ticket in town.”

DOWN TO BUSINESS TREX features new travel products from every U.S. state, Canadian province and 30+ countries. With 80 percent of NTA operators only attending Travel Exchange, it’s an

opportunity to meet unique tour operators.

Appointment sessions include the Destination Pavilion, where DMOs have 10-minute prescheduled appointments with buyers, organized by region and country. Unlike “reverse trade shows,” DMOs are seated in booths with buyers visiting them. Additionally, the Supplier Exchange features hundreds of seven-minute, prescheduled appointments between tour operators and travel suppliers.

In this one-on-one business format, the tour operators are seated in booths and tour suppliers visit them.

PRE-FAMS HEAD WEST AND NORTH Two familiarization trips are scheduled from November 1-3. The first visits the Middleton (Madison) area including the National Mustard Museum and House on the Rock, then on to southeastern Wisconsin and Kenosha’s Civil War Museum and Racine’s Frank Lloyd Wright landmark buildings.

The second fam heads north to Cedarburg, where the group will experience the Wisconsin Quilt & Fiber Art Museum before moving on to Green Bay to visit Lambeau Field and the Oneida Nation, ending in Fond du Lac. “Circle Wisconsin is excited for NTA TREX18 coming to Wisconsin and Milwaukee,” said Wendy Dobrzynski, executive director of Circle Wisconsin, the state’s group tour association. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the fun, unique and educational experiences that groups can enjoy in our wonderful state. Everyone attending is sure to have a fabulous time.”

Learn more about NTA’s Travel Exchange by visiting https://ntaonline.com/convention/. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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   The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) this summer moves into a new home fronting the Chicago River, just above the dock for the popular Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The Wacker Drive location will Chicago Architecture Center

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The Illinois Office of Tourism has unveiled the Frank Lloyd Trail, a self-guided architecture adventure that showcases 13 buildings designed by one of America’s most iconic architects.

Wright lived in Illinois during the first two decades of his career and is known for his American Prairie style and famous structures such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum. Stops along the trail include Chicago, Geneva, Rockford, Belvidere, Springfield, Kankakee, Hampshire, Dwight and Oak Park— where visitors can tour Wright’s home and studio. Enjoy Illinois has created two separate itineraries, each with stops at Wright buildings along with suggestions for nearby restaurants, attractions and historic homes. (flwright.org)

From October 9, 2018, to January 6, 2019, the Figge Art Museum in Davenport will present the exhibition French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950 from the world-renowned collection of the Brooklyn Museum in New York. The exhibition, organized by the Brooklyn Museum, brings together 60 paintings and sculptures by some of the world’s most treasured artists including Monet, Cezanne, Renoir, Matisse, Degas and Rodin.

It tells the story of one of the most exciting centuries in the history of art, when artists turned from the academic art tradition to focus on subjects from everyday life, portrayed with vivid colors and bold brushstrokes. (figgeartmuseum.org)

house expanded exhibition space and one of the best gift shops for Chicago books and souvenirs as well as serving as the orientation center for docent-led architecture tours of the downtown area’s famous buildings. The CAF is relocating from a Daniel Burnham-designed building on South Michigan Avenue to the concourse and plaza levels of a steel-and-glass tower designed by the studio of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the master of mid-century modernism. The dramatic Skyscape Gallery, overlooking the river and Michigan Avenue Bridge, will feature a permanent exhibit on skyscrapers in Chicago and around the world. (architecture.org)

Field Station Dinosaurs, the state’s newest family attraction, just opened in the Wichita suburb of Derby. Thirty life-size animatronic dinosaurs roam the $6.5 million theme park.

Visitors to the 14-acre dino domain can dig for fossils, walk the paths beside the life-like giants, learn about dinosaurs unique to Kansas and play a themed miniature golf course. (fieldstationdinosaurs.com/kansas)

  Arc of Dreams, set for completion in August, is a massive stainless steel sculpture that will span the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. It will be nearly the length of a football field. A 15-foot gap at the center of the sculpture will tower 70 feet above the river and represent the leap of faith visionaries take to make their dreams come true. The Arc will serve as a capstone for the renowned Sculpture Walk. (siouxfallsarcofdreams.org) LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Field Station Dinosaurs

Brooklyn Museum

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Monet’s Rising Tide at Pourville, 1882

   The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn will present Enduring Ideals: Rockwell, Roosevelt & the Four Freedoms, the first comprehensive traveling exhibition devoted to Norman Rockwell’s iconic depictions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear. Organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, the exhibition (October 13, 2018, to January 13, 2019) illuminates both the historic context in which FDR articulated the Four Freedoms and the role of Rockwell’s paintings in bringing them to life for millions of people, rallying the public behind the war effort and changing the tenor of the times. In telling the story of how Rockwell’s works were transformed from a series of paintings into a national movement, the exhibition also demonstrates the power of illustration to communicate ideas and inspire change. (henryford.org) June 2018

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Warner Winery and Tasting Room

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to experience in

P AW P A W Paw Paw offers group travelers the perfect hub to Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan attractions. Find great value with a charming downtown and affordable lodging options.

Explore the area and plan tasting trips to over 20 wineries, visit beachtowns along Lake Michigan, and enjoy authentic restaurants.

Learn more and arrange your groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lodging at www.stayinpawpaw.org Oak Cove Resort

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n this four-day swing through Wisconsin’s South Central Crossroads region, treat your group to a classic supper club, Broadway-quality theater, circus nostalgia and Norwegian heritage. Cap your visit with a stop at one of the state’s premier cheese shops.

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Circle Wisconsin

The Sun Will Shine Along 39 Day 1 Beloit, Janesville, Fort Atkinson Your first stop is in Beloit, one of the state’s southernmost cities. Be inspired at an angel museum and enjoy a charming Wisconsin supper club, a newage burger joint and the Historic Auto Attractions museum. Make a stop at the only working gristmill in the state. Known as “Wisconsin’s Park Place,” your next stop is in Janesville, where themed itineraries include “Blooms, Brews & History” and “Field to Table.” There’s a self-guided walking tour of downtown and a guide to the barn quilts in the area.

Travel to Fort Atkinson, located along the Rock River. Explore a historical museum and dairy farm retail store. The town offers a variety of dining opportunities such as an Irish pub and sandwich shop.

For one of the most popular group dining experiences, make plans to stop at the Fireside Theatre. From a personal greeting and escort to the many beautiful dining rooms to the over-the-top gift shop, your group will be entertained even before the main show.

Then enjoy a Broadway-quality show in an intimate theater-in-the-round.

Day 2

On to Middleton, which is just minutes from the state’s capital, Madison. Attractions include a brewery, mustard museum and fantastic shopping. This is a great hub & spoke location for your urban experience in this area. Located between two lakes, it blends politics with art, sports with academia.

Day 3 Spring Green, Baraboo Prepare to be entertained and amazed at the House on the Rock, built atop a chimney of rock.

This collection of collections includes the world’s largest carousel, automated music machines, a transportation building, an ice cream parlor, a Santa display during the holidays and, of course, the house that Alex built.

If your group is traveling in late July, be sure to include a trip to Baraboo in your tour. That’s when the greatest show on earth comes to town to celebrate the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Baraboo’s Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration.

Featuring a grand marshal, 75 traditional circus parade units, a concert, carnival games, food vendors and live performances, this one-of-a-kind festival is a must in your Wisconsin plans.

Day 4

Stoughton, Mt. Horeb, Middleton

CIRCLE WISCONSIN Wendy Dobrzynski wendy@circlewisconsin.com 414-545-1100 CircleWisconsin.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Your day begins with a short drive to Stoughton to learn about its Norwegian heritage and early immigrants. This quaint town incudes a museum, tobacco farm, Victorian architecture and a secondstory opera house. Head west to Mt. Horeb, known as the “Troll Capital of the World.” Rich in Norwegian history, the town features the Trollway with shops, galleries and restaurants. Be sure to have a group picture taken with these winsome characters.

Monroe As you leave the state, make a stop in the heart of southern Wisconsin’s cheese country at the Alp & Dell Cheese Shop in Monroe. Shop for cheese curds, nine varieties of Swiss cheese, medium-to-aged cheddar cheese, five different types of Farmer’s cheese and a variety of summer sausage and imported cheeses. As their saying goes: “Eat cheese and live well.”

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orthern Illinois’ McHenry County is home to an array of unique experiences filled with culture, cuisine, shopping and artisans. Let Visit McHenry County assist you in planning an authentic experience to visit some of the area’s many makers. Indulging chocolatiers, craft brewers, hand-crafted custards, luxurious soaps and more will leave your group intrigued and excited to return.

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McHenry County, Illinois

McHenry County MADE Day 1 Woodstock, Harvard Start your morning at Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters and enjoy the best economically and environmentally sustainable coffees in the Midwest.

Learn from the in-house coffee roaster about how Conscious Cup selects the highest quality coffee beans from the world’s best coffee farms.

Make your way north to historic Woodstock Square.

At Silver Prairie Natural Soap Company, owners Annette and Chrissy and possibly one of their Swiss dairy goats will welcome you into their shop. After a soap-making demonstration, the group will have time to explore other shops throughout the square before lunch at Ethereal Confections, which offers bean-tobar chocolates and a variety of sandwiches and soups.

Following lunch, enjoy a chocolate pairing where the group will be walked through the chocolate-making process and sample the rich truffles.

Continue your day with a visit to the Midwest’s finest steelpan drum band, Potts & Pans. The trio will play the sounds of the islands and some of today’s hits on steelpan drums made right in their studio, or enjoy a more interactive experience with a drum circle.

Your day continues with a visit to Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, known for using local sustainable ingredients to make exceptional gourmet dishes.

Finally, enjoy a nightcap at Crystal Lake Brewing with a tour and samples of distinct craft brews.

Day 2 VISIT McHENRY COUNTY Kristine Austin Sales and Marketing Manager kristine@visitmchenrycounty.com 815-893-6280 VisitMcHenryCounty.com

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Richmond, Harvard, Union, Algonquin First up is a stop at Ginger Blossom in Richmond.

As you arrive at this oasis in the country, you will be

greeted by Ginger herself, who will share her experiences of exploring the world and finding treasures that you can find in few Midwest stores. Ginger makes it a priority to purchase fair-trade items, including ethnic and traditional crafts, rugs, furniture and antiques, housed in her barn and outbuildings.

No trip to Richmond is complete without a stop at Anderson’s Candy Shop, which has been making chocolates since 1919.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the winding country roads of northern McHenry County on your way to Rush Creek Distilling for a catered buffet lunch, a tour and samples of its artfully crafted whiskeys, gins and vodkas.

At the Illinois Railway Museum your group can experience North America’s largest operating demonstration railroad. Feel the rumble of a 1918 steam locomotive, get up close and personal with a sleek Zephyr or hop aboard a streetcar.

Dinner is at group tour favorite Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin, which has been offering seafood for over 50 years. Just up the street you will stop by Scorched Earth Brewing, where the group can enjoy a craft beer and handmade custard pairing with Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard.

Day 3 Barrington Hills No trip to McHenry County is complete without seeing the unbelievable Sanfilippo Estate.

The Sanfilippo family may call this home, but they open their doors to group tours to explore their elaborate collection of automated music machines, a European salon carousel and 8,000-pipe Wurlitzer theater organ. This is a three-hour, docent-led tour, so make sure to leave plenty of time in your schedule for this stop.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Tour Guide

IOWA

HISTORICAL IOWA Traveling down the past lane Special Supplement

LEISURE June 2018

GROUP TRAVEL

FARM TO FORK Feasting on Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich bounty HIDDEN GEMS Treasures off the beaten path

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ith all that’s going on in the world these days, sometimes it’s comforting to go back in time and commune with the past. Iowa abounds with places where your group can do just that. Here are some museums, historic houses and communities that provide a peek at the way things used to be.

The town of West Branch in Eastern Iowa celebrates a man who went from humble beginnings to being elected America’s 31st president. At the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, visitors learn not only about the White House years (19291931) but Hoover’s work as a mining 

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engineer, U.S. commerce secretary and administrator of relief programs to feed Europeans over the course of two world wars.

The adjacent National Park Service site contains several buildings from Hoover’s youth, including the tiny cottage where he was born in 1874 and Quaker meetinghouse where he worshipped. Herbert and First Lady Lou Hoover are buried near the museum.

Celebrity hounds thirsting for a little Hollywood glamour will find it at the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, about 45 minutes southwest of Des Moines.

The largest exhibit of artifacts devoted to the actor, best known for his Westerns, features Cover Photo: Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville Chamber)

original movie posters, one of Duke’s last customized automobiles, and film wardrobe items and props, including the eye patch that Rooster Cogburn wore to Oscar glory in True Grit. In seats originally from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, you can watch a documentary on Wayne’s career. Adjacent to the museum (which opened in 2015) is the modest four-room home where he was born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907.

For another dose of entertainment nostalgia, tour the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. Known for its place in rock and roll history, it hosted Big Bands in the 1940s and was where in 1959 that Buddy Holly, J.P. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Living History Farms, an open-air museum located near Des Moines, is a 500-acre showplace of rural life in Iowa.

“the Big Bopper” Richardson and Richie Valens played their final concert just hours before a plane crash north of Clear Lake ended their lives. A record player spindle sculpture honors the trio at Three Stars Plaza in a nearby park.

Some of Iowa’s historical attractions revolve around the European ethnic groups that settled the state in the 1800s. The Dutchflavored town of Pella offers a virtual trip to Holland, with gabled buildings, places to shop for Delftware and other Dutch imports, and plenty of tulips in April and May. Pella Historical Village comprises two dozen artifact-filled buildings, including a working LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

windmill, country store, log cabin, blacksmith shop and wooden shoe workshop.

Kalona Historical Village, a collection of museums and restored buildings spotlighting Amish and Mennonite culture, occupies a block in the heart of Kalona, 80 miles east of Pella. It consists of an 1879 rail depot, Mennonite museum, quilt galleries, one-room schoolhouse and other reminders of days gone by. The 90-minute “Amish By-Ways Tour” into the countryside sheds light on the largest Amish population west of the Mississippi.

Racks full of traditional crafts and foods produced by Amish families in the Bloomfield area, from baskets and quilts to jams and

Living History Farms

candy, greet visitors to the Amish Country Store and Southern Iowa Welcome Center in Lamoni, near the Missouri border. Also on site are a Maid-Rite Diner, an Iowa institution known for its loose meat sandwiches, and a one-room schoolhouse.

Another religious group with origins in German-speaking Europe established the Amana Colonies, a communal society that lasted until 1932. Located 30 miles north of Kalona, the tourist-friendly Amana Colonies are made up of seven closely united villages.

The popular village of Amana is home to artisan shops, a winery, German restaurants and the three-building Amana Heritage June 2018

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Among Iowa’s other historic house museums is the 1885 W.A. McHenry House in Denison. Noted for its gingerbread architecture, beautiful woodwork, parquet floors and stained-glass windows, it contains four floors of local artifacts, including the Oscar of hometown girl Donna Reed.

The historic house most associated with Iowa is just steps from the American Gothic House Center, a tourist attraction in Eldon, a town of 1,700 southwest of Iowa City. You can pose in front of the actual 1881 white frame house that Iowa artist Grant Wood chose for his American Gothic, a painting that depicts a farmer and his spinster daughter.

In nearby Albia, old house lovers and antique hounds will find plenty of Victorian charm in the 92-building district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For groups wishing to travel in the past lane, Iowa offers a bounty of attractions that preserves its proud heritage. LGT

John Deere

of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

In Central Iowa, pioneer history comes alive at the Fort Museum & Frontier Village in Fort Dodge. Collections of military, pioneer and Native American artifacts are displayed in 18 original and replica buildings, including a livery stable, drugstore, jail and 1850s fort.

More military history awaits at the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo. Covering conflicts from the Civil War to the present, it is named after the five Waterloo brothers who died aboard a Navy cruiser in World War II. Filled with interactive exhibits, the shrine to veterans is part of the Grout Museum District, which includes the Grout Museum of History & Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium and Rensselaer Russell House Museum. The latter, an 1861 Victorian brick mansion restored to the 1890s, was the showplace of the community and features an 1889 Steinway grand piano.

Iowa favorites: John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo and a museum honoring President Hoover in West Branch.

Iowa Tourism Office

Museum, which shows a video about the settlement’s history.

French Icarian Village, a living history museum under development just outside of the southwestern Iowa town of Corning, tells the story of a utopian colony established by immigrants from France in 1852. The museum can arrange a group lunch in the 1878 communal dining hall and visits to the cemetery and 1860 schoolhouse. Future plans call for vineyards, orchards and gardens along with replicas of log cabins, barns and other buildings.

In the Czech Village District of Cedar Rapids, the National Czech & Slovak Museum looks at another ethnic group that arrived in Iowa from the Old World. The nation’s foremost institution for the preservation of Czech and Slovak history and culture displays folk art and costumes, glass and ceramics, military artifacts and other items.

A restored house reflects the lifestyle of immigrants.

Living History Farms, an open-air museum near Des Moines, is a 500-acre showplace of rural life with interpreters in period dress recreating daily routines of early Iowans. Visit the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1875 Town of Walnut, 1900 HorsePowered Farm and modern Exhibit Center.

Tractors played a key role in the development of the Midwest as an agricultural powerhouse, and the history of their design and manufacturing is on display at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo. The museum, which opened in late 2014 on the site of the first very first John Deere tractor factory, traces the company’s growth over time and engages guests through rare artifacts and interactive features.

The gift shop has John Deere apparel, toys and collectibles.

For another look at America’s industrial heritage, visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, once the fifthlargest rail center in the U.S. Housed in a 1903 Carnegie library, it chronicles the history of the Union Pacific company, from the building of its first transcontinental railroad to modern-day operations. Highlights include an exhibit featuring video-game technology and one on the heyday of passenger rail travel.

In Dubuque, Iowa’s oldest city, the restored 1934 dredge boat William M. Black preserves another chapter in transportation history. The National Historic Landmark, one of the few surviving steam-powered dredges, is open for tours as part of the 10-acre riverfront campus

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A LOT TO DIG ABOUT

WATERLOO

#IDIGWATERLOO TRAVELWATERLOO.COM | (800) 728-8431

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crossroads for centuries, Iowa blends the new ideas of visitors with the practical Midwest spirit of its residents. The result is distinct contributions in the fields of art, education, technology and—most deliciously—food. An unprecedented interest in locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus has resulted in an explosion of farm-to-table restaurants throughout the nation, and Iowa’s rich agricultural tradition has fueled the growth in hyper-local culinary opportunities throughout the state.

These restaurants and markets provide a unique window into Iowa’s farms and culinary culture. 

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Groups seeking a behind-the-scenes glimpse of an operating dairy farm and an accompanying meal should consider the family-owned Cinnamon Ridge in Donahue, where over 200 Jersey cows graze freely.

Educational tours allow visitors to touch baby animals, learn about the farm’s state-of-the-

art milking technology and ride on a tractor for an up-close look at corn harvesting. Tours conclude at the Country Cupboard, the farm’s adjoining store that features cheese samples aged on site, hormone-free bacon and cheese curds awarded the top prize at the Iowa State Fair.

For a thorough agritourism experience, stay for Cinnamon Ridge’s Farm to Table event, an evening of food, drink and education provided by the friendly Cinnamon Ridge farmers. Groups will dine on white tablecloths outside the farmhouse and can sample local produce, ride farm equipment and chat with local growers in between courses. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Farmer’s Table welcomes a rotating lineup of chefs and local farmers to dine with groups and discuss the culinary process in a relaxed setting.

Living History Farms in Urbandale, a 500-acre outdoor museum that chronicles Iowa’s development since 1700, recreates entire villages populated with historic reenactors and authentic farming equipment.

Several villages also host multi-course meals where guests dine with period-accurate utensils and chefs use 19th century technology.

After an afternoon of touring the museum campus, stroll along the lamp-lit boardwalks of Walnut Hill to the 1875 Tangen House.

Here you’ll sip spiced punch beside the fireplace before indulging in a meal of stuffed ham roast, locally grown vegetables and rolls with churned butter. For a Victorian dining experience, consider the Flynn Mansion Dinner, where your group will be waited on by servants in proper 1870s clothing and learn proper high-dining etiquette. For a lighter meal, the mansion also hosts Victorian Tea, where ladies and gentlemen can experience LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

tea service with sandwiches and cakes.

For a more rustic farm-to-table experience, choose Living History’s 1900 Farm Dinner. A horse-drawn wagon carries visitors to a farmhouse where they can read the Montgomery Ward Catalog, play parlor games and embark on a lantern-lit tour of the historic barn. The locally sourced meal resembles what Iowa prairie families ate in the late 1800s, with courses that include roasted chicken, Flemish carrots and homemade apple pie.

Decades before the farm-to-table trend emerged, the Machine Shed endeavored to provide American comfort food from locally sourced ingredients. Since opening its first location in Urbandale in 1978, the restaurant has expanded to six locations throughout the Midwest, and use local dairy, meat and produce to provide delicious food with low environmental impact. A waitstaff dressed in overalls will serve your group salads with Iowa Maytag Blue Cheese, classic fried chicken and roast pork loin that won the Great Iowa Pork Off. In Kalona, home to Iowa’s largest Amish colony, enjoy a hearty meal for groups of 10 or more. Served family-style in a Conservative Mennonite home, the spread includes Amish staples like chicken or roast beef, dressing or noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, vegetables, tapioca pudding and home-baked bread with apple butter or Amish-style peanut butter. Save room for angel food cake with fruit topping or peanut butter pie. The meal can be combined with a full-day tour of Amish Country for an in-depth exploration of the Mennonite and Amish lifestyles.

Let your group wander and savor Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday morning from May through October. Producers from 51 Iowa counties sell everything from herbs, flowers and freshpicked fruits and vegetables to cheeses, wines and baked goods. Recognized as one of America’s best farmers’ markets, it spans nine city blocks in the Historic Court District and attracts an average of 20,000 visitors and more than 200 vendors.

Home to the University of Iowa’s innovative agricultural program, Iowa City is a hotbed for organic cuisine and farm-to-fork experiences.

To admire the city’s historic downtown and taste the full spectrum of its restaurant scene, come in August for the annual Farm-to-Street Dinner. Entire sections of downtown are blocked off for this showcase for local chefs and growers. A coordinated effort by the Iowa City Farmers Market, Downtown Distract

and local restaurants, the event consists of six courses that integrate local corn, pork and lettuce.

For a farm-fresh (and indoor) tapas experience, head to Devotay in Iowa City. A diverse array of small-plate options emphasizes sustainable cuisine and features grass-fed meats, locally made tofu and vegetarian options with Spanish flair. Groups can enjoy Iowa lamb meatballs, roasted parsnips and braised pork shank. The area’s other innovative dining experience is Farmer’s Table, the brainchild of local chefs Chris and DeeAnn Grebner. A rotating lineup of hosts welcomes groups to dine on the property and enjoy a prix fixe menu customized by a local chef

Devotay in Iowa City specializes in fresh entrees like paella, a traditional Spanish dish of rice, clams and shrimp.

or farmer. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and will learn how produce arrives on their plate from the field.

Hosted by Bloomsbury Farm near Cedar Rapids, the Cuisine in the Corn event invites groups to dine directly in the fields. After a cocktail and hors d’ oeuvres hour in the Party Barn, guests are transported by hayrack to the heart of Bloomsbury’s cornfields for a candlelit sunset dinner. The four-course meal includes a fresh green salad, cold corn chowder, pork chops and cupcakes. Chefs and farmers are on-hand throughout the evening to explain techniques, and live piano music accompanies the meal.

If your group is unable to attend this August event, Bloomsbury also hosts bonfires and wine tastings throughout the warm-weather months. LGT June 2018

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any surprises await travelers who stray from the beaten path. Here is just a sampling of overlooked Iowa treasures that merit your attention.

REIMAN GARDENS

AMES Located on the campus of Iowa State University, this 17-acre horticultural wonderland is a beautiful place to stroll and relax. Enhanced by a lake and other water features, it has 26 distinct gardens that include rose, herb and children’s gardens.

A tropical conservatory houses seasonal displays and a wing with hundreds of live butterflies from six continents.

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ALGONA NATIVITY SCENE

FIELD OF DREAMS MOVIE SITE

DYERSVILLE

The grouping of 65 half-size figures, built by six German prisoners of Camp Algona during World War II, tells the biblical story of Jesus’ birth, complete with Mary, Joseph, the manger, wise men, shepherds and camels.

Made of concrete over wood-and-wire frames, the pieces range from 12 to 56 inches high, and some are finished with hand-carved plaster. For the six Germans who worked

Set among cornfields northeast of town is the baseball diamond used in Field of Dreams, the 1989 film starring Kevin Costner. Visitors can sit in the bleachers, bat balls, play catch and walk the bases. Groups can arrange a guided tours of the field and farmhouse.

Anyone with a passion for the open road will revel in the display of more than 400 rare and vintage machines from around the world, one dating as far back as 1902.

Visitors to this Anamosa attraction also will see thousands of photos, posters and advertising art, a large collection of antique toy motorcycles and other memorabilia.

Located at Shady Oaks Campground just east of Marshalltown, the Big Treehouse is the six-story, 12-level hobby of Mick Jurgensen and his family. Begun in 1983, it boasts more than 5,500 square feet of floor space. Features include music, electricity, running water, telephone, refrigerator, grill, spiral stairway and 13 porch swings. Guided tours are available. 

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BOONE & SCENIC VALLEY RAILROAD & MUSEUM

BOONE Reiman Gardens

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

MARSHALLTOWN

Dyersville Chamber

ALGONA

ANAMOSA

BIG TREEHOUSE

Field of Dreams Movie Site

on the scene, it was a way to connect to their families back home. To the people of Algona, it represented a common faith and humanity shared with the captives living outside their town. The Nativity scene was donated to the community when the war ended. Today it is housed in a building at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds and cared for by the Men’s Club of the First United Methodist Church of Algona. The scene is open in December and by appointment year-round. Groups also can visit the Camp Algona POW Museum.

Besides viewing videos and artifacts from the glory days of railroading, visitors can take an excursion in 1920s-era coach cars pulled by diesel or steam locomotives, traveling from Boone to the old coal mining town of Fraser. Operating daily from Memorial Day weekend through October, the trip through the Des Moines River Valley lasts an hour and 45 minutes. One highlight of the 15-mile roundtrip is crossing a 156-foot-high trestle.

A dinner train option on the same route (two hours and 15 minutes) features 1950s passenger cars used on Union Pacific Railroad's famous City of Los Angeles and City of San Francisco streamliners that traveled between Chicago and the West Coast.

DUNNING’S SPRINGS PARK

DECORAH Minutes from downtown Decorah, this park features hiking trails, picnic areas and one of the great photo spots in northeast Iowa—a spectacular 200-foot waterfall that cascades over the rocks. Just down the road, the adventurous will want to check out the Ice Cave, which features ice deposits that last until late summer. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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MANNING HAUSBARN

LAKE RESORTS

CLARK TOWER

MANNING

OKOBOJI

WINTERSET

The town of Manning celebrates its German roots at the Manning HausbarnHeritage Park, whose centerpiece is a combination house and barn that was disassembled in Germany and reconstructed onsite in the 1990s. With its striking thatch and brickwork, the hausbarn from the Schleswig-Holstein region dates from 1660, a time when it was not unusual for families and livestock to live under the same roof.

The park also has a restored 1915 farmstead with a bungalow, carriage house, barn and outbuildings.

The Okoboji resort area in the state’s northwest corner features six interconnected lakes that offer summer vacation fun. Boating, fishing and other water activities are available, and the Queen II departs from Arnolds Park Amusement Park for narrated 60-minute cruises on West Lake Okoboji.

You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to medieval times when you climb to the top of Clark Tower in Winterset City Park, a castlelike structure erected in 1926 as a memorial to Madison County’s first pioneer family by its descendants. Constructed of native limestone, it stands 25 feet high and offers a commanding view of the Middle River Valley.

MATCHSTICK MARVELS

GLADBROOK Gladbrook master craftsman Patrick Acton has created some 70 works of art constructed entirely of ordinary wooden matchsticks. Scale models at the Matchstick Marvels Tourist Center include the Challenger spacecraft, Notre Dame Cathedral, U.S. Capitol and a 13-foot-long model of the battleship USS Iowa. The larger pieces involve hundreds of thousands of matchsticks and take hundreds of hours to complete.

Many of Acton’s models are on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums around the world.

BROWNS CENTURY THEATER

LE MARS Groups enjoy Branson-style entertainment in a new venue housed in a former bank building. Shows staged by the talented Brown family feature the best in patriotic, gospel, country, Celtic and Christmas music. A buffet meal is served in the Browns’ newly renovated Central Event Center across the street.

IT’S

EVERYONE’S STORY.

What would you do to be free? Go on this extraordinary journey through two World Wars, life under Communism and the pursuit of a better life in America. Faces of Freedom features more than 7,000 square feet of historic artifacts, interactive environments, riveting storytelling and more.

1400 Inspiration Place SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 NCSML.org 319.362.8500

WHITEWATER PARKS

MANCHESTER AND CHARLES CITY Raging rapids in Iowa? You’ll find them at two of the Midwest’s premier whitewater parks. In Manchester, over an 800-foot of the Maquoketa River, the course at Manchester Whitewater Park has been constructed to include a series of six, 18-inch drops that thrill kayakers, canoeists and tube riders.

The quarter-mile course at Charles City Whitewater, on the Cedar River at Riverfront Park, has three distinct features for paddlers of all abilities. Both parks are free and open seven days a week year-round. Local rentals are available.

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Pella’s Tulip Time celebrates Dutch culture with traditional dancing, a cheese market and floral arrangement demonstrations.

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TULIP TIME

Iowa State Fair

NATIONAL BALLOON CLASSIC

PELLA, MAY 2-5, 2019

INDIANOLA, JULY 27-AUGUST 4, 2018

Pella’s authentic 1850s Vermeer Mill and Low Country architecture reinforces its Dutch heritage, which is proudly honored with Tulip Time. This spring bloom festival celebrates the Netherlands’ rich culture with a costume style show, cheese market demonstration and presentation of the Tulip Queen and her court. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in Dutch dancing, tour the Pella Opera House and watch floral arrangement demonstrations.

Nearly 100 balloons dot the summer sky during the National Balloon Classic, an annual celebration of flight held in Indianola.

Balloon styles range from the traditional inverted teardrop to the wacky Flying Purple People Eater, and visitors can admire either the morning Dawn Patrol or evening Nite Glow while listening to live music. With advanced planning, your group can even book a hot air balloon ride with stunning views of the festival grounds.

NORTH IOWA BAND FESTIVAL

WORLD FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL

MASON CITY, MAY 23-27, 2019

DES MOINES, SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2018

Hometown of The Music Man composer Meredith Wilson, Mason City honors the show’s legacy with the annual North Iowa Band Festival. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2018, this event is the largest free marching band competition in the Midwest.

Young performers from around the nation showcase their talent at Mason City High School stage and a parade through the business district. Other activities include an open-air musician marketplace, memorial race and performances by local rock bands.

A selection of Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Bosnian and Greek cuisine greets visitors as downtown Des Moines is transformed into a global village. Whether it’s gallo pinto from El Salvador, dumplings from Korea or wine from New Zealand, your group will be sure to discover a brand new flavor. In addition to international offerings from over 50 food vendors, the festival supplies world music performances and cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend.

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PUMPKINFEST

ANAMOSA, OCTOBER 6-7, 2018 The pumpkin capital of Iowa, Anamosa welcomes autumn with a weekend of food, crafts and one of the state’s largest parades.

Activities include a 5K run, giant pumpkin weigh-off, a pumpkin recipe contest and carving exhibit that showcases the elaborate designs of local artisans.

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NELSON PIONEER FARM FESTIVAL

GLENN MILLER FESTIVAL

OSKALOOSA, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

CLARINDA, JUNE 7-11, 2018

Hosted on the grounds of Nelson Pioneer Farm, this festival transports visitors to the “Good Old Days” of the pre-industrial Midwest. Over 30 exhibits and demonstrations provide hands-on activities such as butter churning and rope-making, while other stalls allow guests to thresh oats, shuck corn and craft soap. A parade, country dinner and old-fashioned children’s game session round out the activities. Live entertainment includes a fiddle contest that attracts musicians from across the state.

International visitors and entertainers converge in Clarinda every June to celebrate the life of American composer and bandleader Glenn Miller. The trombonist scored more No. 1 hits than Elvis Presley and influenced generations of jazz musicians, many of whom perform over four days at Clarinda High School. Visitors can tour the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum, admire WWII historical displays and move to the Great American Songbook on a temporary dance floor.

MADISON COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL

WINTERSET, OCTOBER 13-14, 2018 Winterset, home to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, also showcases six extant covered bridges made internationally famous by the hit novel and 1995 Clint Eastwood/ Meryl Streep film. Guided bus tours stop at each bridge to explain their architecture and the life of designer Eli Cox. Lumber from nearby mills, sand from local creeks and lime burnt in Madison County kilns are all integrated into these iconic structures. In addition, visitors can enjoy a weekend of live music, cannonfiring and sheep-shearing demonstrations.

OKTOBERFEST

AMANA COLONIES, OCTOBER 5-7, 2018 Eastern Iowa transforms into Bavaria every autumn for Oktoberfest—a celebration of German culture and cuisine. After the official keg-tapping ceremony (where free beer is served until the keg is drained), live oom-pah music and plentiful schnitzel accompanies a weekend of dancing and craft exhibitions in the Festhalle. Visitors can also tour the Amana Colonies with a horse-and-buggy ride and sample German-inspired beer from the Millstream Brewing Co. IOWA IRISH FEST

WATERLOO, AUGUST 3-5, 2018 The spirit of the Emerald Isle visits Waterloo for a weekend festival that celebrates Irish cuisine, music and sport. The Lincoln Park festival grounds include a merchandise mart, food court serving Irish comfort food and stage showcasing Irish dancers and pub bands throughout the weekend. Other activities include a rugby match, whiskey tasting and Sunday mass accompanied by Celtic folk music.

IOWA STATE FAIR

DES MOINES, AUGUST 9-19, 2018 Where else can you witness a tractor race, taste award-winning pie and test your mettle on a thrill ride in one place? The Iowa State Fair, one of the largest in the nation, welcomes over 1.1 annual visitors over its two weeks and honors the Hawkeye State’s rich agricultural and livestock heritage with hundreds of booths and demo stages. The fair’s most famous attraction since 1911 is the Butter Cow, a life-sized bovine sculpted from 600 pounds of climate-controlled butter. Other areas popular with groups include the new Thrill Zone (which features roller coasters and bumper cars) and the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, which hosts an annual talent search.

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OHIO

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Severance Hall in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood is a grand example of Neoclassical and Art Deco architecture.

ARTS DISTRICTS 

alleries and art museums abound in the revitalized industrial neighborhoods and welcoming main streets of the Buckeye State. If your group aims to experience the rich cultural heritage of Ohio, these districts are filled with art and architecture to admire.

Once an underserved neighborhood between downtown Columbus and its affluent surrounding suburbs, the Short North district has flourished into one of the busiest culture districts in the Midwest. Its proximity to Ohio State University, the Arena District and the historic Victorian Village and Italian Village neighborhoods has resulted in a diverse array of cafes, stores and concert venues that lines North High Street. As your group passes under the famous arches that signify the neighborhood, admire works by local artists in 18 galleries, catch a rock concert at Skully’s Music Diner or people-watch with a fresh brew at LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Pedestrian-friendly and populated with welcoming artists, these neighborhoods are ideal for groups passionate about the arts

By Miles Dobis Mission Coffee.

Your group’s other essential Columbus experience should be the Franklinton Arts District. Nicknamed “The Bottoms” for its low-lying location between the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, the neighborhood is both a preserved village dating back to the 18th century and home to contemporary street artists.

The annual Urban Scrawl festival is Ohio’s largest urban renewal project and welcomes artists to contribute to enormous murals found throughout the neighborhood.

More murals await in Ohio’s northwest corner, where downtown Bucyrus features two wall-sized paintings to admire. The local Bucyrus bureau can offer tours of both the American Crossroads and Liberty Remembers murals. The former depicts downtown’s Sandusky Avenue at the turn of the 20th century with 80 figures that represent Midwestern fortitude, while the latter features Lady Liberty holding a wounded soldier with a background of veterans representing every American military branch.

Nearby Cleveland features several neighborhoods with clusters of galleries and world-class art collections. Located east of downtown, University Circle is the densest concentration of cultural attractions and June 2018

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American Crossroads Mural

performing arts venues in the nation. Encompassing the Case Western Reserve University campus and businesses of Euclid Avenue, the district is teeming with University Gothic architecture and welcoming cafes. Highlights of the neighborhood include the Cleveland Museum of Art (which houses works by Picasso, Monet and Caravaggio), Severance Hall (a concert venue and grand example of Neoclassical and Art Deco architecture) and the Cleveland History Center. This complex integrates historic mansions, an auto-aviation wing that includes over 150 vintage cars and the “Cleveland Starts Here exhibit,” which showcases iconic items like LeBron James’ championship shoes and a DeLorean car.

The city’s other exceptional arts hub is Gordon Square. Once populated by factories of Otis Elevator and Union Carbide during Cleveland’s industrial heyday, the neighborhood’s once-abandoned lofts and storefronts have been revived into a thriving home of boutiques and artist studios. As your group walks over painted crosswalks, stop into Océanne for hand-made jewelry, Fount for fine leather handbags and Hausfrau for rare vinyl.

Nearby is the Gordon Square Arts Space,

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a monthly rotating pop-up art gallery that hosts exhibitions and classes near the historic Capitol Theater.

Akron, less than an hour south of Cleveland, features a culture scene anchored by the Akron Art Museum. The striking, angular structure houses temporary exhibitions by international artists and permanent galleries that spotlight modern sculpture and the nature photography of Ansel Adams. First Saturdays of the month see downtown transformed into the Akron Artwalk, a collaboration between the Summit Artspace, Zeber-Martell Studio and Northside Market. Artists welcome guests into their studios to showcase their latest pieces, while the Artspace will feature rotating

exhibits of fiber arts, collages and paintings.

Continue south on I-77 to Canton, home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and an arts district that boasts over 30 galleries, studios and specialty shops in the downtown area.

Begin at the Canton Museum of Art, which houses acclaimed collections of American watercolors, prints and ceramics. The CMA hosts group workshops for drawing, painting and textiles, and docents are available to escort groups of 60 or less through American art from pre-colonial to contemporary. The rest of Canton’s art attractions lie farther south, clustered around Cleveland Avenue and Market Street. The district blocks traffic the first Friday of every month for live music, drinks and self-guided gallery tours.

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Wayne National Forest in southeast Ohio, the public square in Nelsonville is lined with cafes and galleries perfect for exploration after riding the Hocking Valley Railway. The Nelsonville Emporium features the work of over 75 local artists and includes a pottery studio on-site, while the Starbrick Cooperative Gallery sells oil paintings, jewelry and sculptures.

If your group is interested in quilting, the Nelsonville Quilt Company owns over 2,400 bolts of fabric and supplies and has an open classroom available for classes or group sewing opportunities.

The nearby town of Athens is home not only to Ohio University but also the Dairy Barn Arts Center. Built in 1914, the 6,500-square-foot space promotes artists who live within 30 miles of Athens with year-round exhibitions and workshops.

Even the building itself is a work of art: a beautifully preserved dairy barn with three cupolas surrounded by 36 acres of rolling hills. After admiring the American Federalist architecture of the Ohio University campus, head for the Kennedy Museum of Art in Lin Hall. The collection includes Southwest Native American textiles and contemporary prints. LGT >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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FEEDING GIRAFFES AT THE ZOO WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TOUR ‘TIL WE HIT THE DESSERT TRAY AT SCHMIDT’S

Great tours are Made in Cbus. Pair a visit to the zoo Jack Hanna calls home with a cream puff at iconic Schmidt’s in historic German Village. As a leader in experiential tours, Columbus is a perfect fit for a group of any size (or taste)!

experiencecolumbus.com/tours

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OHIO TOUR IDEAS

Ohio Halls of Fame These museums honor legends in aviation, sports and music merican creativity and ingenuity have given the world rock music, football and flight, and it’s logical those disciplines all honor their best in Ohio.

The state has been a cultural crossroads for centuries, and the heart of the Midwest is a perfect destination not just for travelers, but for these contributions to American culture as well. Whether your group prefers a flying pigskin or gliding airplane, Ohio is home to a hall of fame that will amaze your group.

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ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CLEVELAND Local Cleveland DJ Alan Freed coined the term “rock ‘n’ roll” in 1951 after hearing a new breed of energetic music that blended blues, country and R&B. Rock music would soon take youth culture by storm, and groups can explore its history in this enormous I.M. Pei-designed glass pyramid along the Lake Erie shore. Begin with the “Legends of Rock” exhibit in the museum’s basement, which chronicles the genre’s evolution from the Mississippi Delta blues tradition to a global phenomenon. Iconic items like Michael Jackson’s sequin glove and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costume are on display, and there are dedicated areas to the British Invasion and classic hip-hop. Nearby is the “Cities and Sounds” area, which explores the scenes and subgenres of America’s urban areas. Memphis soul, San Francisco psychedelia, Los Angeles punk and Seattle grunge are all represented, along with an area dedicated to local Cleveland bands. Younger group members will want to explore “Right Here, Right Now,” which includes items donated from contemporary acts like Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Bruno Mars.

Next, head upstairs to the “Power of Rock Experience,” a multimedia “concert” created

by Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme. The 12-minute film is projected in a theater that simulates a concert, complete with smoke effects, rumbling seats and songs performed by Bruce Springsteen, Metallica and Prince. The floor is also home to the Hall of Fame itself, which includes signatures of every member and a designated display area for 2018 inductees Bon Jovi, Dire Straits and Nina Simone. 

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PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CANTON Legends of the gridiron are honored in this enormous complex that includes a museum, athletic fields and soon an adjoining hotel and waterpark. Groups will spend the most time in the museum building, an 118,000-squarefoot space that honors America’s most popular sport with galleries, films and interactive exhibits. Begin your tour in a rotunda that chronicles the history of the National Football League, which was established in Canton in 1920. Group members can see memorabilia from every NFL franchise, wear regulation pads or channel their inner referee and step inside an instant replay booth.

Continue through the building and take a seat for the hall’s newest experience: “A Game for Life.” This cutting-edge, multisensory theater attraction features holographic versions of Joe Namath, George Halas and Vince Lombardi interacting with a “magical chalkboard” to discuss how football can instill lifelong lessons of commitment and integrity.

Next is the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, which contains memorabilia from every Super Bowl such as jerseys, rings and trophies. The adjoining Super Bowl Theater chronicles the seasons of the previous season’s AFC and NFC champions. Conclude your visit to the Hall of Fame Gallery, where busts of every member are displayed along with touchscreens that allow you to sort inductees by team, position and induction year.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s “Legends of Rock” exhibit profiles the evolution of the genre from American roots music to a global phenomenon.

NATIONAL AVIATION HALL OF FAME DAYTON When Ohio bicycle entrepreneurs Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the first successful airplane in 1903, they had no idea their hometown of Dayton would bloom into the “Aviation Capital of the World.” Today, the area is home to 19 fields, museums and historic sites that showcase aerospace’s past and continued innovation, most notably the National Aviation Hall of Fame. This free experience houses artifacts by early innovators like the Wright Brothers and iconic “Golden Age of Flight” pilots such as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. Various interactive kiosks allow visitors to read biographies of every enshrinee, and the rotunda displays portraits of every Hall member. Attached to the hall is the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, an enormous facility that houses a B-2 stealth bomber, a Wright Brothers plane and the Air Force One aircraft that flew John F. Kennedy’s remains from Dallas to Washington, D.C. Groups with further interest in flight s hould explore the area’s many other aviation attractions, starting with the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. This property includes the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the industrious Wright Brothers perfected their airplane prototype, and the Paul Lawrence Dunbar House, former residence of the Wright Brothers’ childhood friend and noted African-American poet.

Also of interest is the Wright Cycle Company Complex, the Victorian storefront where the brothers honed their engineering skills on bikes before advancing to aircraft. —By Miles Dobis >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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OHIO TOUR IDEAS

Made In Ohio Tours These factories and museums spotlight products made with pride only in the Buckeye State hether your group has a sweet tooth or prefers the action of the gridiron, there’s a factory tour in Ohio to pique your interest. The state’s strong industrial legacy has resulted in a region filled with American-made products and welcoming guides ready to offer you behind-the scenes glimpses into the manufacturing process.

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THE AMERICAN WHISTLE CORPORATION, COLUMBUS The only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States entertains guests with a 45-minute tour of the factory floor. The company creates custom whistles for everyone from police officers to Super Bowl referees, and groups will see the product start as a sheet of brass before being run through a 39-ton press and customized with a die-strike.

Each experience comes with a free whistle and history of the whistles’ use in everything from sports to safety.

WILSON FOOTBALL, ADA The hometown of iconic Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel is also home to the world’s only dedicated football factory. Wilson produces over 700,000 leather balls every year, including every ball that’s appeared in an NFL game since 1941. Workers will explain how these iconic balls are made from an inflated rubber bladder and wrapped in pebbled cowhide leather, and you’ll have the opportunity to bring home a souvenir slice of leather for friends and family back home.

KITCHENAID, GREENVILLE Every KitchenAid mixer in the world is manufactured here, and its one-hour walking tour includes a historical display area, the powder paint room, the sub-assembly building and a testing lab. Afterwards, visit the KitchenAid Experience Center in downtown Greenville for a free cooking demonstration that showcases the iconic blenders in action.

AIRSTREAM FACTORY TOUR JACKSON CENTER These iconic campers, easily recognized by their polished aluminum bodies and art moderne design, have been manufactured in northwest Ohio since the 1950s. Daily weekday tours transport guests through the factory floor to witness the assembly of windows, wheels and doors. Later, your group can stop by the service center store for Airstream apparel and gifts.

WARTHER MUSEUM AND GARDENS DOVER The World’s Master Carver, Ernest Warther created hundreds of intricate wood carvings out of his Dover home. Despite having only a 2nd grade education, Warther created stunningly accurate scale models of trains and ships, and you can view these beautiful ivoryand-walnut creations while learning about the woodcarving process from a tour guide.

P. GRAHAM DUNN, DALTON Originally operated out of a chicken coop in the heart of Ohio Amish Country, this home décor brand is now flourishing as a nationally-renowned furniture producer seven generations later. Visitors enter the lobby to overlook the manufacturing and admire the elaborate crown molding and grand staircase before exploring the 20,000square-foot gift shop. A factory tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how each furniture piece is handmade instead of run through an assembly line, and the building’s laser-engraving center can personalize a product in minutes.

SPANGLER CANDY FACTORY TOUR BRYAN Confectioner of iconic candy such as Dum-Dums and Circus Peanuts, Spangler has been making Americans’ lives sweeter since 1906. While groups can’t tour the factory floor due to FDA sanitation regulations, they can board the Dum-Dum trolley and pass through the gravity-fed wrapping room and a theater that explains the lollipop-making process.

Guests can purchase candy canes year-round and rare single-flavor Dum-Dum bags.

—By Miles Dobis

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The observation decks of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle are undergoing a $100 million “spacelift” and soon will unveil new features.

The addition of glass panels in the open-air area will allow guests to sit in attached glass benches that will tilt in such a way that they give visitors unparalleled views downward, allowing them to “dangle” their feet over

The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art reopened its highly anticipated new building in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District. The museum’s three primary collections (international decorative art, Colorado regional art and the work of noted Denver painter Vance Kirkland) are displayed chronologically in a salon style alongside traveling exhibitions. Highlights of the collection include Vance Kirkland’s own distinct “dot” paintings as well as exemplary works from the Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco and mid-century modern movements.

Significant figures represented include Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Gio Ponti and regional Native American artists. (kirklandmuseum.org)

Space Needle

  The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers another attractive addition to its property with the opening of A Tasteful Place, a year-round edible display garden complete with a newly developed lagoon and meandering walkways. The 3.5-acre garden will also include a pavilion with an event Seattle. Back inside, a circular stairway made of steel, wood and glass will connect the upper observation level to a lower level featuring the world’s only glass rotating floor observation deck and lounge. The jaw-dropping floor, composed of 10 layers of glass weighing 37 tons, will open up a never-before-seen downward view of the Space Needle. The tower, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, has remained open to visitors during the renovation. (seewhatsup.space)

 space and teaching kitchen, an orchard, beds of ornamental display vegetables, herbs and flowers, and shaded porches. A Tasteful Place was inspired by the movement toward growing and eating fresh, locally grown food.

Planned programming will include daily tastings or recipes developed from the garden’s featured plants as well as cooking classes and garden-to-table dinners. (dallasarboretum.org)

 After a two-year hiatus, the Cartoon Art Museum recently opened in its new home at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

The museum, previously located in the city’s Yerba Buena Gardens cultural district, celebrates the history of cartoon art, its role in society and its universal appeal, featuring everything from comic strips, comic books and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comics.

From Thursdays through Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can peruse the exhibitions and enjoy spectacular views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. (cartoonart.org)

The Dallas Arboretum will introduce an edible display garden.

 Monterey has just the ticket for movie buffs. The Monterey Movie Tours bus takes cinema fans to filming sites and shows clips of the movies on overhead monitors. Noteworthy movies filmed in the area include Surf at Monterey, Mutiny on the Bounty, Rebecca, Basic Instinct and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The tour includes cruising by landmarks such as Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, Lone Cypress Tree, Bird Rock and Carmel Mission. (montereymovietours.com) 

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The Botanical Building with lily pond and lagoon in the foreground is one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park, a San Diego cultural district.

Must-Visit southern California Cultural DistriCts

A new cultural district certification program developed by the California Arts Council has designated 14 artistic communities statewide. These six are in Southern California.

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THE BLVD CULTURAL HERITAGE DISTRICT

OCEANSIDE CULTURAL DISTRICT

LITTLE TOKYO

LANCASTER

SAN DIEGO

Located in California’s High Desert, just east of Los Angeles, this dynamic community is no stranger to cultural events. Since the 1800s, The BLVD has been Antelope Valley’s hub for concerts, farmers markets, festivals and other activities.

Art exhibitions and performances are presented year-round at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center and Museum of Art and History. The BLVD District has a growing list of murals painted by local, regional and internationally acclaimed artists. An array of shopping and dining experiences also awaits visitors. Points of interest include the Aerospace Walk of Honor, Western Hotel Museum and Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve.

To say that Oceanside Cultural District is eclectic may be an understatement. Adjacent to Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine Corps base on the West Coast, the district is home to an emerging art scene. Blend in the historic pier and amphitheater and the California Surf Museum with its non-traditional art and you have a delightful mix of art and local culture.

Many determined artists call Artist Alley home with its numerous art venues and mural production. Many restaurants and craft breweries display local art. Annual cultural events feature music, dance and food. Tattoo artists honor the area’s military history.

More than 130 years in the making in downtown L.A., Little Tokyo brings together museums, shops, restaurants and religious spaces with a thriving artist community.

Throughout the 150-acre district visitors discover traditional and contemporary artistic cultural experiences.

Not to be missed are the Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The First Street North block of Little Tokyo is a National Historic Landmark and home to the nation’s longest-running Asian-American open mic series. Other stops on a walking tour should include the Japanese American National Museum, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and Hompa Bongwanji Buddhist Temple. Complete the day with ramen at Men Oh Tokushima Ramen and later an adult beverage while watching a burlesque show at The Edison.

Historic Point Vicente Lighthouse, erected in 1926, is a landmark in the San Pedro harbor area.

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LOS ANGELES

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SAN PEDRO WATERFRONT ARTS, CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SAN PEDRO There’s certainly a small-town vibe within this Los Angeles community. Formerly a fishing village, San Pedro by 1944 began attracting artist studios to its historic downtown. Storefronts, warehouses and work/live alternatives are found in commercial buildings. The Angels Gate Cultural Center alone provides studios for more than 50 artists in numerous media.

“Crafted” is a permanent weekend market with artists being supplied space and marketing to sell their goods at the Port of Los Angeles.

The market features handmade apparel, food products and home decor items. The district’s First Thursday ArtWalk is one of the first in the region. Thousands gather to view visual arts and enjoy the offerings of participating restaurants.

BALBOA PARK CULTURAL DISTRICT SAN DIEGO Can you call a sprawling 1,200-acre site a cultural district? Absolutely.

This walkable property with hiking trails, iconic architecture and beautiful gardens is the hub of art, science and history within the region. More than 100 nonprofit and community organizations speak directly to the park’s diversity and variety of visitor opportunities.

The park hosts 17 museums and numerous performing arts venues. From the Centro Cultural de la Raza and Japanese Friendship Garden to the San Diego Museum of Art and Mingei International Museum, there is something to pique everyone’s interest. The world-renowned San Diego Zoo, also located in the park, helps draw more than 14 million visitors a year to the Balboa Park Cultural District.

BARRIO LOGAN CULTURAL DISTRICT SAN DIEGO You have to love how a grassroots coalition of artists, community leaders, residents and business owners bands together to preserve a culture. Barrio Logan is just such a story. In 1970 a group of Chicano studies students fought for park space in San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood. Today, 79 historic murals make Chicano Park, in the center of Barrio Logan, a National Historic Landmark.

Numerous artist collectives, galleries, cafes, shops and craft breweries showcase local art and culture. Plan your visit around the second Saturday of each month for the Barrio Art Crawl, a project of the Logan Avenue Consortium and Barrio Logan Association.

For details on California’s 14 Cultural Districts, log on to visitcalifornia.com/node/587711. LGT LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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   The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville is undergoing a $6.5 million renovation that will be completed in time for the 2018 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs Racetrack in November. The project will add over 11,000 square feet of brand new space to the museum and includes the renovation of 5,000 square feet of existing space. It will be the largest expansion of the museum’s footprint since the building was constructed in 1985 and one of the largest renovations since a major project following flood damage in 2009. New exhibit space will feature the collection of legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas and key pieces of the Bill Shoemaker collection, which has been housed in the archives for many years.

A new stable will house the museum’s resident Thoroughbred and companion horse. (derbymuseum.org)

  Toy Story Land

 Beginning in June, Walt Disney World guests will feel like they have shrunk to the size of a toy as Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Slinky Dog, the Aliens, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. Toy Story Land will be the newest area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and include attractions and dining featuring iconic Toy Story characters. Attractions will include the Slinky Dog Dash family roller coaster, the Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania, a carnival-themed ride where guests take aim at 3D objects to score points. Refreshments will be available at Woody’s Lunch Box, which will serve old-fashioned soda floats beside an enormous vintage thermos.

Rides like the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster will be part of the new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

 The latest Paula Deen's Family Kitchen will open at OWA, the new entertainment destination in Foley. The restaurant will specialize in the Southern comfort food popularized by the famed restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality, joining Paula Deen Family Kitchen locations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Fairview and San Antonio, Texas. Owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, OWA is located minutes from the sugar-white beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The resort spans 520 acres and includes a 21-ride amusement park, an indoor arcade, a 150-room Marriott TownePlace Suites, 16 outdoor sports fields and a 65,000sq.-ft. indoor Event Center, along with retail and dining. (visitowa.com) LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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avannah is a charming Southern escape, where quirkiness materializes through art, period architecture houses trendy boutiques, ghost stories are set under a veil of Spanish moss, and local cuisine comes straight from the coast.

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Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Historic & Hip Day 1 Take a Tour: Get to know Savannah on a two-hour city tour, either on an open-air trolley or with one of our highly trained step-on-guides.

It will give your group a sample of the attractions they may want to explore later on their own.

Awe-inspiring Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a highlight on the tour route, boasts stunning murals, stained glass windows and an impressive altar.

Step Back in Time: Savannah’s past is exhibited by its many house museums and cultural centers.

Visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts; the 1818 Owens-Thomas House, one of America’s finest examples of English Regency architecture and featuring one of the few intact slave quarters in America; or the circa 1820 Isaiah Davenport House. As an added activity, your group can be treated to an 18th century dance demonstration.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Savannah’s food scene has exploded over the last few years, offering something old, something new, and many places with a breathtaking view! Not to mention the seafood and unique local flavors that make Savannah a must-visit for food fans. Whether dining in a historic building or along a serene waterway, we can help you determine which restaurants are particularly group-friendly.

Day 2 VISIT SAVANNAH Mindy Shea mshea@visitsavannah.com 912-644-6419 VisitSavannah.com

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Tybee Time: Just 20 minutes from Savannah lies Tybee Island, “Savannah’s beach.” Take your group to Tybee Light Station, a lighthouse dating back to 1773. After the lighthouse, take your group

to the Fort Pulaski National Monument. The Fort, which was built in 1829, was once under the command of Robert E. Lee during the beginning of his military service and was surrendered after a 30hour siege to the Union forces during the Civil War. Make It and Take It: Your group can create their own Savannah mementos while learning about the city and its history. Make a Bird Girl figurine at the Telfair Museum or maybe a wine holder at Maven Makers woodworking shop.

That evening, dine aboard the Georgia Queen, one of Savannah’s Riverboat Cruises’ spectacular ships. With seating for over 1,000, it’s the largest riverboat of its kind in the U.S. Enjoy traditional Southern cuisine as you cruise the Savannah River.

Day 3 Explore Wormsloe Plantation, one of six sites in the Moon River District. Groups can learn about early colonial life while getting hands-on experience making cloth or corn husk dolls that they can take as mementos, or even join an active archeological dig.

Military Might: Located minutes from historic downtown Savannah, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force marks the location where the Eighth Air Force was activated in 1942.

Hear the stories of bravery, experience a bomber mission and briefing, and see the recently restored World War II B-17 Flying Fortress.

It’s Showtime! Your group’s final night in Savannah is sure to be a memorable one as they experience one of the city’s theater presentations.

From live musicals at the Savannah Theatre to seasonal special performances, your group will be amazed by the abundance of talent in our small city.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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An exhibition of art from indigenous communities of India is being presented this summer at the Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum-FIU. Shown here is Raja Salhesh With His Two Brothers and Three Flower Maidens (Jamuna Devi, c. 2000, natural dyes on paper).

(Photo courtesy of Sneha Ganguly)

DISCOVERING THE GREATER

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Robin Hill

The Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum-FIU (above) is a Smithsonian Affiliate. Below: The Perez Art Museum of Miami features a hanging garden.

Juan E. Cabrera-Lores

rom visual arts and theater to music and dance, Greater Miami displays an energetic art scene. More than just a sun-and-fun destination, the city boasts worldclass cultural institutions. As more visual and performing artists from around the world are attracted to the area, cultural life continues to be enhanced. Here are just a few options to highlight any group tour.

In addition to wide, sandy beaches, the first thing visitors notice are the indoor and outdoor public art pieces from local and nationally acclaimed artists. Miami Dade Art in Public Places blankets the landscape.

The presentation begins at Miami International Airport, with its vibrant collection of exceptional artwork.

In the southernmost area of the city a visit to Art South is a necessity. A collective with working and exhibit space in downtown Homestead hosts an open house the second Saturday of the month. The newest exhibits are on display and visitors have an opportunity to meet the artists while enjoying musical entertainment in the sculpture garden. Look online at artsouthmiami.org for special events.

Miami is fast becoming a home furnishings and interior design leader in South Florida.

Just north of downtown, Miami’s Design District is a must stop on any tour; its design and furniture showrooms are open to the public. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is temporarily located in the district’s Moore Building while waiting completion of its nearby new home. There is no cost to visit and tours are scheduled daily. For more information on the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, visit icamiami.org. Check the shops in the Design District online at miamidesigndistrict.net.

Named for an enchanting shoreline on the Spanish coast, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is European extravagant with a truly American vibe. Built between 1914 and 1922 as the home of industrialist James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, the Italianate mansion has 70 rooms, many overflowing with antiquities from as far back as the 15th century. The 10 acres of formal gardens are reminiscent of France’s Versailles. The spirit of Miami is captured with lush tropical plants, palms and orchids. More than 300,000 visit annually. To schedule a visit, call 305-860-8442 or log on to vizcaya.org.

Greater Miami’s flagship art museum, the Perez Art Museum of Miami (PAMM), spotlights the city’s diverse communities and

pivotal geographic location through modern and contemporary art. Whether exploring the striking permanent and rotating galleries, dining with views of Biscayne Bay or shopping for that perfect gift, PAMM enhances the visitor experience. A variety of tour options is available. Visit pamm.org or call 786-345-5628.

On the campus of Florida International University, the largest public university in South Florida, you’ll discover the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum-FIU. This Smithsonian Affiliate is devoted to collecting, exhibiting and interpreting art from diverse cultures throughout human history and providing a resource for scholarly research. Since opening in 2008, the 46,000-square-foot museum has welcomed more than 40,000 visitors annually.

To schedule a visit, go to frost.fiu.edu.

The 1930s Art Deco building that was formerly the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center is home to The Bass, a contemporary art museum. Founded in 1964 by the City of Miami Beach, The Bass was recognized as the first solo museum to organize exhibitions of international artists. Exhibitions cover a wide diversity of media and artistic expression that reflect the variety of Miami’s culture. The Bass is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 305673-7530 or visit online at thebass.org.

The Miami-Dade College Museum of Art and Design reopened in April after a year of renovations. It is housed in downtown Miami’s historic Freedom Tower, a building considered the Ellis Island of Cuban exiles fleeing the Fidel Castro regime as the U.S. government processed refugees there in the 1960s. Today, it’s dedicated to fostering an appreciation of visual art through direct engagement with original works. Begin your visit online at mdcmoad.org.

Located in the historic Art Deco area of Miami Beach, the Wolfsonian-FIU uses American and European decorative and fine art objects produced from 1885-1945 to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design. A museum staff member leads all tours. Schedule your time at wolfsonian.org.

A common thread throughout the art community is the diversity of the city’s population. More than 60 percent of the Greater Miami area are Latinos, many arriving from Caribbean islands. Through their art and design, music and dance their influence is felt. Gather your group and come experience Greater Miami’s art and culture. Begin planning at miamiandbeaches.com. LGT >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Create a space of curiosity and discovery.

Engage using the wonders of science.

Inspire with the help of a world-class planetarium and three-level aquarium.

Looking for an unforgettable field trip or group activity? Book a thrilling day of adventure and exploration at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum.

Explore at frostscience.org/groupsales. To plan your group visit, please contact 305-434-9564 or email groupsales@frostscience.org.

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

@FROSTSCIENCE

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of MiamiDade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Frost Science is an accessible facility. All contents ŠPhillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. All rights reserved.

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The National Law Enforcement Museum opens this fall at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building in downtown D.C.’s Judiciary Square. Experiences and exhibits range from the meticulous and messy world of forensics and DNA analysis to how law officers are portrayed in pop culture. Visitors will hear real-life, first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be an officer in the Officers’ Stories exhibit, perhaps take part in the active shooter training simulation or determine what it’s like to make split-second, life-altering decisions in a 9-1-1 emergency call center simulation.

Take the Case lets visitors test their analytical and critical-thinking skills by weighing the evidence and role-playing in an interrogation room. Fallen heroes are remembered in the Hall of Remembrance, a reflective space where visitors can light a memorial candle in tribute to a fallen officer. The 57,000-squarefoot facility, just steps from the National Mall, is adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. (lawenforcementmuseum.org)

A brand-new $70 million museum will enhance the visitor experience at the Statue of Liberty when it opens in 2019. The Statue of Liberty Museum, a partnership between the National Park Service and Statue of LibertyEllis Island Foundation, will feature interactive displays, exhibit galleries and an immersive

National Law Enforcement Museum

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  The costume exhibition Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now, set for October 16, 2018 to March 3, 2019 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, presents some of the most creative feminine fashions ever designed, from romantic ball gowns to audacious contemporary ensembles, and everything in between. See how designers have used color and pattern, shape and volume, draping, metallics and embellishments to continually reinvent the art form. The pieces in the exhibition—daywear, bridal wear and more— showcase the museum’s outstanding costume collection. Many pieces are on view for the first time. (philamuseum.org)

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The Statue of Liberty Museum, offering great views of the NYC skyline, will display Lady Liberty’s original torch.

Port Covington, a 235-acre waterfront site, is undergoing major development, thanks in part to Sagamore Development, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank’s real estate company. Plank’s Sagamore Spirit Distillery is already a resident of the Port Covington neighborhood, as is Rye Street Tavern, an Americana restaurant with Mid-Atlantic roots and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishmongers, created by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini.

The first official phase of the development, slated to occur in the next five years, will include an eight-acre waterfront park, 630room hotel, 1,100 new residential units, nearly 800,000 square feet in retail and restaurant space, office space and an entertainment complex. (buildportcovington.com)

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The new Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the first new Niagara Falls cultural attraction in more than 35 years, is an experiential museum that reveals authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls. Included is a recreation of the Cataract House, a hotel employing an entirely African-American wait staff that helped uncounted numbers of freedom seekers flee to Canada, just across the Niagara River.

Another exhibit recreates the International Suspension Bridge, built in 1848 and rebuilt in 1855 to incorporate rail traffic, where Harriet Tubman and others crossed the imaginary line from slavery to freedom. Developed in part by Niagara University, museum is located in the former 1863 U.S. Customs House attached to the new Amtrak station. (niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org) Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

theater experience depicting the history of the statue and what it represents to our country. The most powerful artifact that visitors will encounter is the statue’s original torch, which was replaced in 1986. Housed inside a state-of-the-art LEED Gold–certified building complete with a green roof, the museum will have unobstructed views of the iconic statue and the New York City skyline. (libertyellisfoundation.org). >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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ocal, national and international mural artists have joined with property owners to create a dazzling outdoor art display in Jersey City.

World-class entertainment and fabulous cuisine join with the arts to create a memorable experience.

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Hudson County, New Jersey

Hudson County’s Art and Cultural Vibe Day 1 Arrive in Jersey City and check in at one of the area’s group-friendly flag hotels.

Enjoy an early dinner this evening at the Liberty House Restaurant. Only the excellent culinary team that has earned the Liberty House accolades as one of New Jersey’s best restaurants matches the incredible view.

Tonight, begin your exploration of the city’s art scene at the Art House. Art House Productions sprang from the need to connect a community through art and dialogue after September 11, 2001. A stroll through the Art House Gallery sets the stage for this evening’s performance.

Day 2

HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF CULTURAL AND HERITAGE AFFAIRS/ TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Peggy Kelly pkelly@hcnj.us 201-459-2070, ext. 6418 VisitHudson.org

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Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for today’s experiences.

This morning take a leisurely stroll on the mural-lined streets along Newark Avenue from Tonnelle to JFK Boulevard, Little India With a Twist of Art. Along Newark Avenue you’ll find The Jersey City Wave by Shepard Farley (2015) and The Beach by Haley (also 2015). Some of the earlier pieces in the mural’s program are also found along Newark Avenue. Native by Gala and The Giraffe by Catherine Hart are both from the Jersey City Mural Arts Program’s first year, 2013.

If this casual wandering has not worked up an appetite, surely the fragrant aromas from the colorful street vendors will do the job.

Lunch will be on your own at one of more than a dozen restaurants in the Historic Downtown Restaurant Row known as Eat Street in Jersey City. From Italian and Korean to ramen and

Southern, your palate will have ample options.

This afternoon, visit Mana Contemporary, a leading arts destination based in a former tobacco warehouse. The facility brings together ongoing exhibitions, regular rotations in a variety of media and more than a dozen resident artists. There is no charge for admission. Tours are available.

Return to your hotel for rest and relaxation before an early dinner at Mathew’s, a lively neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Jersey City. Enjoy delicious food from an American fare menu along with craft cocktails and beer in a beautiful setting.

Tonight experience a remarkable performance at Nimbus Dance Works. Huffington Post named Nimbus the “Best Dance Performances of 2016.”

Day 3 Start your day with breakfast and check out of your hotel before traveling to nearby Hoboken for A Walk in Sinatra’s Shoes.

Frank Sinatra, Hoboken’s most famous son, is simply known there as Frankie. The Hoboken Historical Museum’s Sinatra walking tour provides a glimpse into how his Hoboken upbringing shaped his early career. You will see early performance venues, Sinatra homes and favorite restaurants.

Lunch is at the LaIsla a Taste of Cuba.

Incredible Cuban food is served at both the downtown and uptown locations. Havana meets Miami in Hoboken in a friendly and unassuming neighborhood atmosphere.

After a marvelous lunch, depart Hudson County with wonderful memories and an appreciation for the area’s art and cultural vibe.

Option: This itinerary is easily expanded to add an additional night in Jersey City and a day trip to New York City.

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❋ Berkshire Botanical Garden

9 MASSACHUSETTS

GARDENS THAT NATURALLY FIT ANY ITINERARY Horticultural splendor is in full bloom throughout the Bay State

By Dave Bodle

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich is a major Cape Cod attraction.

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  Massachusetts  These exquisite gardens will complement any group tour.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY JAMAICA PLAIN This historic arboretum was established in 1872 when a portion of whaling merchant James Arnold’s estate was transferred to Harvard College. Income from the legacy was used to support Arnold Arboretum.

A 1,000-year lease maintains the property in the city park system, but full care for the collection remains with the arboretum staff.

More than 15,000 plants make up the arboretum’s 15 collections. Four thousand hardy varieties of trees, shrubs and vines do well in Boston’s outdoors, and the arboretum’s landscape is dynamic regardless of the season.

Group tours led by docents and staff shed light on the collections. (arboretum.harvard.edu)

POLLY HILL ARBORETUM WEST TISBURY In Martha’s Vineyard, horticulturist Polly Hill began an arboretum by sewing a seed. Eventually 20 acres were cultivated with 40 more acres preserved as natural woodlands. In 1998 the arboretum was established as a non-profit devoted to cultivating and studying plants while preserving their character. Rare trees and shrubs from around the world grace the meadows, stone walls and fields. Polly’s famous North Tisbury azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons are favorites of visitors.

Guided tours are available by appointment; self-guided tours are available at the parking lot kiosk or Visitor Center. (pollyhillarboretum.org)

NEW ENGLAND WILDFLOWER SOCIETY GARDEN IN THE WOODS FRAMINGHAM This garden showcases rare and commonplace plants in a woodland setting, with more than more than 1,000 varieties creating displays of seasonal beauty in natural New England habitats. The Curtis Woodland Garden displays the forest floor’s splendor in early spring. The new Meadow Garden reflects the farm fields of the area and is especially vibrant in late summer.

Volunteer guides can be reserved for tours of the garden. Carts are available for two to five handicapped individuals. A selfguided audio tour is available, and informal drop-in tours are available on selected days. (newenglandwild.org)

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN STOCKBRIDGE In 1934 the “Berkshire Garden Center” was established as a not-for-profit, membership-supported educational group. With just more than 15 acres of land, the garden is a showcase of garden art and design and horticulture, featuring collections that thrive in the Berkshires; many plants are native to the area.

A leisurely stroll allows visitors to enjoy a variety of garden areas that seamlessly blend seasonal color with landscapes. Areas accessible by step stones are easily viewed from multiple locations; most paths are wheelchair- accessible. Classes and workshops are held in the three greenhouses and Education Center.

The Center House is home to three galleries of garden art. Through October 8, 10 works by contemporary sculptors will be featured throughout the garden. (berkshirebotanical.org)

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HERITAGE MUSEUMS & GARDENS SANDWICH Heritage is a premier cultural attraction in Cape Cod. The 100-plus acres include water features, specialty gardens and a multigallery building. The Heritage galleries (with more than 18,000 items) feature classic automobiles, a vintage carousel (thrilling riders for more than 100 years), American folk art and special exhibitions. The Adventure Park at Heritage features aerial and ground interpretive trails, the aerial trails featuring zip lines with ropewalks and moving panels.

From spring to summer to fall there are always bright blooms at one of the eight gardens. The Dexter Rhododendron Garden, with more than 10,000 rhododendrons, is spectacular in the spring. The Cape Cod Hydrangea Display Garden and the North American Hydrangea Test Garden are in full bloom throughout the summer. Nature trails snaking through the grounds offer spectacular views in the fall. Groups of 10 or more are welcome for visits and programs. Group dining is available. (heritagemuseumsandgardens.org)

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY WELLESLEY Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 36-acre Cheney Estate showcases 12 historic and contemporary gardens. Weezie’s Children’s Garden, Bressingham Garden designed by English nurseryman Adrian Bloom, the Italianate Garden by the Olmsted Brothers and the new Garden to Table Chef’s Garden are among the favorites. The gardens are surrounded by open fields and meadows, plus wooded areas with ponds, streams and the Charles River, all adding an element to the setting.

An important part of Mass Hort’s mission involves regularly scheduled classes to help develop understanding of plants and the environment. From January through August there are more than 50 opportunities to grow your gardening knowledge. Planning a visit around any special event at Mass Hort is a rewarding experience. A tour guide can be added for a reasonable cost. (masshort.org)

TOWER HILL BOTANIC GARDEN BOYLSTON Following a well-received fruit and flower display at the 1840 cattle show of the Worcester Agricultural Society, the Worchester County Horticultural Society was established less than two years later.

Nestled on 171 acres, the garden has a year-round display of New England cultivations in 17 distinct gardens.

High-quality art exhibits regularly rotate.

Events, classes and programs are ongoing.

Docent-guided tours can be scheduled Tuesday through Sunday year-round. A group rate is available for 10 or more with a reservation two weeks prior to the visit.

Farmer and the Fork is open daily with a changing and locally-sourced menu. (towerhillbg.org) Wellesley College Botanic Center (Wellesley, hwellesley.edu/wcbg) and The Botanic Garden of Smith College (Northampton, smith.edu/garden) each have magnificent gardens and a commitment to education and horticulture. LGT

Wellesley College Botanic Center

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Turquoise waters caress the pristine beaches of Espanola, an island in Ecuador’s Galapagos chain.

By Randy Mink

Randy Mink

n the island of Espanola, we tread carefully on the rocky trail, trying not to step on the clusters of lazy marine iguanas littering our path. According to Galapagos National Park rules, we weren’t supposed to get within two meters (just over six feet) of the wildlife. But here, as in many other instances during a six-day cruise to this remote archipelago, keeping our distance was unavoidable. Of course, the close proximity was a photographer’s dream.

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Unafraid of humans, the unusual reptiles, mammals and birds of the Galapagos don’t run, swim or fly away when approached. They roam without fear, unfazed by the presence of visitors, because they have few natural predators.

The small number of species living in isolation has fascinated scientists for generations and today brings boatloads of curious tourists to the chain of barren, volcanic islands straddling the Equator, a sanctuary administered by the government of Ecuador. Of the 13 major islands in the blue-green Pacific waters 600 miles off mainland Ecuador, only four have human settlements, but exotic wildlife abounds. In short, a trip to the Galapagos is all about nature, pure and simple.

At one point during the quirky voyage, my veterinarian daughter remarked that she felt we were no longer on Earth.

“You’re right,” I said. “It’s like we’re on another planet.”

Our home on this otherworldly eco-adventure was the newly renovated, 16-passenger Sea Star Journey, a deluxe, yacht-like vessel operated by Ecuador-based tour operator Latin Trails. Most ships in the ecologically fragile islands, in fact, are in the 12-to-20guest range. Passenger limit in the Galapagos

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The scarlet chest pouch of a male frigate bird inflates to demonstrate machismo, especially during mating season.

is 100, and a few ships hold that many.

The archipelago has more than 100 endangered species of animals and plants.

Reptiles, some of them prehistoric-looking, are the most iconic creatures, with iguanas and giant tortoises being the best known.

Of the islands’ 22 reptile species, 20 are found nowhere else, and about half the birds are endemic to the Galapagos.

The marine iguana is the only seagoing lizard in the world. Our guide told us they can stay underwater up to an hour. The ones we saw on our hike around Espanola Island’s

Suarez Point were black with specks of red and white, but a few sported a mating-season coloring of red and pale turquoise. Their tails leave marks in the sand, like bicycle tracks.

Bird sightings on Suarez Point included Galapagos hawks, pelicans, Nazca boobies and a waved albatross, the largest seabird in the islands. Espanola, the most southerly isle in the Galapagos, claims nearly the entire world population of waved albatross. (As for the word “booby,” early Spanish sailors, unimpressed that the birds did not fly away from them, called them bobo, or stupid.)

Our group of 15 had arrived on Espanola soon after breakfast aboard one of the Sea Star Journey’s two motorized dinghies. These early-morning departures were designed to let us explore before the equatorial sun reached its height. Though we could feel the heat on Espanola, a cool breeze helped a bit and made it pleasant for hiking the rocky, unshaded paths, which were mostly flat except for two spots that called for a little uphill scrambling. Tip: bring plenty of sunscreen. I never used so much in my life.

We were back on the Sea Star Journey by 10:45 a.m. and greeted with what would become standard after time ashore—a damp towel and refreshments, which might consist

Motorized dinghies shuttle Sea Star Journey passengers to and from the islands, where they might go snorkeling with Pacific green sea turtles.

Randy Mink

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of juice, tea or hot chocolate and fruit, cookies or empanadas. After a noon lunch, we had a little time to rest and then were off to Gardner Bay and its long white coral-sand beach, also on the island of Espanola. It was here that my daughter filmed me being “chased” along the beach by a sea lion, a video later viewed all over social media (“run, Dad, run”).

From Day 1 the frolicking sea lion became everyone’s favorite mammal. We never tired of watching them clamber on the rocks, body surf in the waves, roll in the sand and bark at each other. They even swam with us at the beach and on our snorkeling outings, the first of which took place in gorgeous turquoise waters around an outcrop in Gardner Bay. (Though sea lions may seem playful, it’s best not to push it—they occasionally will attack a human.)

On Floreana Island the next day we hiked and snorkeled at two locations. At Punta Cormorant, right off powder-soft Flour Sand Beach, we spotted two Galapagos penguins, the most northerly penguins in the world and only species that lives in the tropics. Then we hiked to a brackish lagoon to look for Galapagos flamingos. The afternoon snorkeling session was one of our great memories as we got really close to Pacific green sea turtles,

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The Sea Star Journey was named the Best Boutique Cruise in South America by the World Travel Awards in 2017.

which weigh about 200 pounds and measure more than three feet long. One passenger with an underwater camera got fantastic pictures of the graceful reptiles, which can be found throughout the chain.

The most famous shell-encased reptile in the Galapagos, however, is the giant tortoise.

On the island of San Cristobal, we were shuttled on a national park bus to La Galapaguera, a breeding center for the largest species of tortoise in the world. Walking along a lavarock trail, we saw several of these lumbering land tortoises vegetating in the grass and

lots of babies in the “nursery” up the hill. Of the 1,710 tortoises on San Cristobal, 370 reside at La Galapaguera, with an estimated 15,000 in all the Galapagos islands. Thousands were killed for their meat by whalers in the 18th and 19th centuries. (Galapago is an old Spanish word for a saddle similar in shape to a tortoise shell.) The slow-moving giants exist only in the Galapagos and in smaller numbers on a few islands in the Indian Ocean.

One day we got good looks at several subspecies of Galapagos land iguanas on Santa Fe and South Plazas islands. With spiny backs and a fearsome appearance, these harmless “mini-monsters” are the most prehistoric-looking reptiles in the Galapagos.

Mostly drab, though some are a golden yellow, they blend in with the landscape.

We also saw land iguanas on North Seymour Island. But the big attraction there were the frigate birds perched in the bare trees. These are the seabirds whose males create a spectacle during mating season when they inflate their scarlet chest pouches to the size of a basketball. Though it wasn’t breeding time, we saw some pretty big bulges, which our guide said was just a sign of machismo.

Visitors to the Galapagos Islands are always amazed at how close they can get to sea lions and other animals. Hiking trails are rocky but relatively flat.

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Most days we felt as if we had the islands all to ourselves, though occasionally our gang crossed paths or shared snorkeling sites with other small groups. There were often two or three ships anchored near ours.

Forays ashore were led by Hanzel Marcinetti, an Ecuadorian guide with 27 years’ experience and a walking encyclopedia of everything Galapagos. Each evening at 6:30 the resident of San Cristobal Island would go over the next day’s schedule in the ship’s lounge and give talks about wildlife, sometimes with a PowerPoint presentation.

One night he discussed the islands’ human history, covering European explorers, whalers, buccaneers and a certain young Englishman named Charles Darwin, who visited four islands on a scientific expedition in 1835. Darwin’s notes from that trip, detailing differences between plants and animals on islands so close to each other, formed the foundation of his revolutionary theory that all species are always in a slow state of change and evolve to adapt to their physical surroundings. His conclusions, published in the groundbreaking On the Origins of Species (1859), would provide the basis of the modern theory of evolution.

We enjoyed getting to know our fellow passengers at the cocktail-hour briefing and buffet-style meals in the adjacent dining

area. They came from the U.S., Canada, Britain and Australia. Two Australian ladies were traveling with their 83-year-old father, a real trooper who made every hike, using a cane and getting support at times from crew members. (The Ecuadorian crew of 12 took good care of us all from morning to night, and we were always impressed by the concern the captain and his men showed for our safety in getting us on and off the dinghies.)

Over meals, passengers developed a real camaraderie and enjoyed sharing the day’s experiences without the distractions of cell phones and searching for things on the internet (to which there was no access).

The wide selection of food was impressive considering there were only 15 of us. Many dishes had Ecuadorian touches. The last lunch featured a whole roast suckling pig, the final dinner a whole turkey. Our favorite meal was an alfresco barbecue dinner in which the whole group gathered on deck for a feast of grilled chicken, steak, tuna and sausage. To cap off the festive evening, sea lions and flying fish put on a show off the stern.

Shipshape by any standard, Latin Trails’ Sea Star Journey (constructed in 2011) was named the Best Boutique Cruise in South America by the World Travel Awards in 2017.

Each of the eight generously sized cabins has a large bathroom with lots of counter space

and a mirrored wall, air conditioning with individual controls, a mini-refrigerator, closet with safe, couch and two twin beds (or faux queen). Our Galapagos Suite (one of seven) measured 271 square feet, giving us more than enough elbow room. The ship’s largest cabin is the extra-spacious Sea Star Suite at 377 square feet.

Up the stairs from our quarters was the partially covered sun deck, appointed with two hot tubs, padded loungers and wicker chairs, and a dryer for wet clothes. The four cabins on the deck below us had small balconies, which were added in last fall’s massive renovation, a project that included new wooden flooring throughout, new showers and sinks in the bathrooms, new furniture and wall decor in the lounge, a redesigned kitchen and updated technology.

Island-hopping in another world while leading the good life on a luxury yacht—a bucket-list dream fulfilled.

For more information on Sea Star Journey cruises in the Galapagos Islands, email Latin Trails at travel@latintrails.com or log on to www.latintrails.com. LGT ONLINE EXCLUSIVE         

The marine iguana, found only in the Galapagos, can stay underwater up to an hour. Nature hikes in the islands are leisurely and accommodate all abilities.

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All Around the World With Collette Four tours that take groups on magical journeys at home and abroad hether groups are looking for a gastronomical experience, a melodious music endeavor or an eco-adventure, these Collette tours are sure to meet their needs.

A Quest Through Southern France: On this 10-day tour from Bordeaux to Provence, wine connoisseurs and foodies will especially enjoy learning about wine culture in Bordeaux during a first-night dinner at a restaurant famous for its selection de vins and locallysourced meats. Next are the historic wine estates along the Route des Chateaux in the Medoc region, the medieval village of Saint Emilion and Chateau des Vigier, known as “Petit Versailles,” your home for two nights.

A stop in Eymet showcases one of Southern France’s most iconic fortified towns. Active types will appreciate having the option of pedaling around ancient narrow streets in the Dordogne Valley. The tour wraps up with visits to Carcassonne, Avignon, Les Baux-deProvence and Saint Remy.

Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands: The first stop on this 15-day tour is Lima, one of South America’s most vibrant cities, where you can admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and the elegant cathedral at Plaza de Armas. The tour then heads to the Andes for a visit to Cuzco, heart of the former Inca civilization. Group members will learn about the centuries-old method of spinning, dyeing

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and weaving traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. Take a domed train to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” the most spectacular sight in South America. Then head to Quito, the magnificent, high-altitude capital of Ecuador. Five days will be spent on an eco-adventure in the Galapagos Islands, where groups get an up-close look at endangered tortoises at San Cristobal Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve and visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.

Spotlight on New Orleans: Showcasing all things jazz, Cajun and Creole, this five-day tour of New Orleans allows groups to step into a cultural melting pot. Included are a panoramic city tour and a visit to St. Louis Cemetery #3, established in 1854 and noted for some of the city’s most elaborate crypts.

One afternoon, groups can choose to explore the National World War II Museum or celebrate the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World, with the chance to tour a working warehouse where artisans create the spectacular floats seen in Mardi Gras parades. Another highlight is an evening demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. On the final night of the tour, groups will discover why New Orleans is deemed the birthplace of jazz during a roaring jazz extravaganza at a French Quarter club.

South Pacific Wonders: This 15-day tour to Australia and New Zealand starts in Cairns with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, where groups can embark on a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the islands’ walking trails, relax on the beach or snorkel in crystalclear waters. Also in Cairns are visits to an aboriginal cultural center and crocodile farm. Highlights in Sydney include a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbor, with unparalleled views of the skyline, iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

In New Zealand, groups will enjoy dinner in a family home in Christchurch and a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. While the group is based in Queenstown the next few days, they will tour Central Otago wine region, enjoy the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley and cruise Milford Sound. A free day in Queenstown gives groups the opportunity to partake in the optional “Journey Through Middle Earth” tour, which showcases areas where The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.

COLLETTE Carol Cardoso ccardoso@collette.com 401-642-4654

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100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

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❑ Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Utica, NY

❑ Galveston Railroad Museum, Galveston, TX

❑ Akron/Summit CVB, OH

❑ Jelly Belly Visitor Center, Pleasant Prairie, WI

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❑ Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT

❑ Bridgeport Waterfront Resort, Sturgeon Bay, WI

❑ Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington, NH

❑ Circle Wisconsin

❑ Oklahoma City CVB, OK

❑ Cleveland History Center, OH

❑ Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami, FL

❑ Iowa Group Travel Association

❑ Collette Vacations

❑ Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA

❑ Matchstick Marvels, Gladbrook, IA

❑ Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Rail, NM & CO

❑ South Haven Visitors Bureau, MI

❑ The Dancing Horses Theatre, Delavan, WI

❑ Trafalgar Tours

❑ Delaware & Ulster Railroad, Arkville, NY

❑ Tuscarawas County CVB, OH

❑ Destination Cleveland, OH

❑ U.S. Tours & American Queen

❑ Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, CO

❑ Visit Canton/Stark County CVB, OH

❑ Experience Columbus, OH

❑ Visit Hudson County, NJ

❑ Travel Dubuque, IA

❑ Fairplex, CA

❑ Visit McHenry County, IL

❑ Travel Waterloo, IA

❑ Fayetteville Area CVB, NC

❑ Visit Savannah, GA

❑ The Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

❑ Visit Tillamook Coast, OR

Please have suppliers contact me via: ❐ Mail

❐ Email

❑ Cedar Falls Tourism, IA ❑ Celebration River Cruises, Moline, IL ❑ Historic Park Inn Hotel, Mason City, IA

❑ National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, IA

❑ Riverboat Twilight, LeClaire, IA

❑ Visit Mason City, IA

❐ Phone

Send more information on companies in the following categories:

❐ Insurance Providers ❐ Tour Operators ❐ Cruise Lines

❑ Catch Des Moines, IA

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