APRIL 2019
Backstage Pass to Arkansas
Music comes alive in the Natural State
Museums Step into the Digital Era
Visitors’ experiences enhanced by technology
Discovering
NEW ZEALAND
Enjoy this island nation’s natural beauty A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com
y r o t S our
OUR BOARDWALK A world of entertaining and exciting experiences awaits in Atlantic City. Up and down our world-famous Boardwalk, and throughout your entire Atlantic City stay, you’ll experience the ultimate in tax-free shopping, award-winning dining for every taste, fun amusements and great local attractions. Atlantic City offers
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the perfect setting to experience an exciting getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Atlantic City Expert Heather Colache is available at 609-449-7151 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced. Call today to book your Atlantic City Experience.
Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
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CONTENTS
April 2019 Vol. 29 No. 2
FEATURES 12
MUSEUMS STEP INTO THE DIGITAL ERA By Mary Lu Laffey Visitors’ experiences enhanced by high-tech exhibits
DESTINATIONS 10 16 24 35
EAST
MAYFLOWER 400 BRINGS THE PILGRIMS’ JOURNEY TO LIFE By Miles Dobis Walk in the footsteps of the famous Puritan settlers in Europe and the United States STEP BACK IN TIME AT THESE HISTORIC HOMES By Elissa Gilbert Magnificent Pennsylvania mansions will impress groups of all ages
INT’L
DISCOVERING NEW ZEALAND By Randy Mink Savor the natural beauty of this island nation
SOUTH
SIX VIRGINIA MUSEUMS TO BUILD AN ITINERARY AROUND By Dave Bodle Virginia is home to museums that portray the Commonwealth’s history and culture
45
ROCKING THE VIRGINIA BEACH BOARDWALK By Dave Bodle October 2020 is the date for a spectacular event of live entertainment
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BACKSTAGE PASS TO ARKANSAS By Kathy Nolan The Natural State is a great place to enjoy live music of all genres
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AUTHENTIC ARKANSAS By Kathy Nolan Crystals, diamonds and impressive art can be found across the state
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UNIQUELY LOUISIANA By Jason Paha Groups looking to experience interesting attractions have plenty of options to choose from
61 66
WEST
FROM VEGAS TO VISTAS By Jason Paha There’s more to Nevada than the Entertainment Capital of the World
CENTRAL
WESTWARD HO! By Randy Mink Pioneer lore springs to life at tour-worthy sites across Nebraska
LATEST & GREATEST 20 EAST 22 INT’L 4
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30 SOUTH 64 CENTRAL
COLUMNS 6 ON MY MIND B y J as o n P a h a
8 ON TOUR B y M a rty S a rb ey
de
S o uto
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
24 Lake Pukaki in New Zealand
CIRCLE WISCONSIN 2019 TOUR PLANNER
W
isconsin is a destination full of experiences that groups will enjoy regardless of the season or weather. Traveling throughout the state on the interstate, country roads or waterways, your guests will find beautiful vistas, great food, arts and entertainment, history and culture, architecture and just plain fun.
Check out the online version or download a print copy at: leisuregrouptravel.com/circle-wisconsin-tour-planner/
ONLY ON LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out our recent Online Exclusives at tinyurl.com/yxgforo7 • Candice Mortara: Rolling on the River • Gastronomic Adventures in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach • Discover the Many Gems of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra
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Miles Holden
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et weekly digests of all the best online content with InSite, our free Friday e-newsletter, at: bit.ly/2nhxPvY
ON THE COVER: New Zealand Tourism
April 2019 ■ 5
ON MY MIND
By Jason Paha
Vol. 29, No. 2 April 2019 Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com
Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
New Beginnings
T
wenty years ago (give or take), I stepped off my college campus for the final time as a student, poised to attack the workforce with the vigor college graduates are known for. Since then, I’ve experienced a multitude of highs and a litany of lows, mostly while laboring in the newspaper industry. But while my creative passion was often stoked, I never truly experienced the career fulfillment I craved. Until now. With former Leisure Group Travel Managing Editor Randy Mink graciously handing me the reigns as he embarks on a life of unceasing globetrotting, I’ve found my calling. Given I’m an avid traveler and a fan of the written word, having the opportunity to guide this publication into the future is something akin to a dream job. Back when I was toiling in newsrooms, I longed for the chance to visit far-flung locales and describe my experiences to an attentive audience. Now, with LGT’s backing, I’ll do exactly that. Whether it’s chronicling street art in New York City, exploring the musical culture of Montana or quaffing copious amounts of liquor on the South American Wine Trail, the LGT staff and I will explore this planet’s many virtues and share our tales with you. And in those moments when we aren’t on the road, our talented stable of writers (including Randy) will have their collective fingers on the pulse of the group travel industry, keeping you informed and entertained. Under Randy’s guidance, LGT has taken you across the planet and given you a wealth of information about the latest trends in group travel. As you can see from this issue, that won’t change. Not only do we explore the majesties of New Zealand, we also take a closer look at the historic homes of Pennsylvania and delve into how museums are utilizing technology to enhance visitors’ experiences. And, of course, we offer an array of itineraries and Site InSpections that highlight exciting group travel destinations from coast to coast. Someone once coined the phrase, “You never want to be the guy who replaces the guy” in reference to playing the role of the poor schlub who’s filling the shoes of an industry icon. Well, I’m doing exactly that. Following an award-winning journalist like Randy won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. Happy travels,
Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com
Managing Editor – Jason Paha
jason@ptmgroups.com
Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editor – Miles Dobis
miles@ptmgroups.com
Production & Marketing Coordinator – Annie Gavin annie@ptmgroups.com
Chief Development Officer – Lance Harrell lance@ptmgroups.com
Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com
Vice President – Theresa O’Rourke Midwest, Frontier/Mountain West P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com
Regional Business Development Managers Midwest, Mid-Atlantic/New England – Tom Tobiason P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 tom@ptmgroups.com
South/West Coast – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com
The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsi bility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406)
is published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular sub scrip tion price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.
Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 A
Jason Paha Managing Editor 6
■ April 2019
publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
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ON TOUR
By Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC
Amsterdam
for help on and off, assistance with baggage, or special attentiveness deserve the group’s recognition. I have had bus drivers help me when a tour member fell and injured herself – the driver knew first aid, knew where the nearest hospital was and stayed with me at the hospital until the tour member was released at 2 a.m.
ATTENTION TO ANY GUEST SPEAKERS
Group Travelers I Appreciate
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tour group is made up of all sorts of travelers; young, old, well-traveled, novice, easygoing, demanding, fun-loving and even those who should have stayed at home. But I think we can all agree there are certain folks who can ruin a trip with complaints and an inability to make the trip a happy experience for all. There are also others who are a delight to have along and who can help make the trip a successful and happy adventure. Let’s take a look at the traits we appreciate in group travelers.
GOOD SPORTS
These are the folks who can take the good with the bad, knowing a trip isn’t going to be perfect. Sometimes the sun is going to come out and the day is going to be wonderful. They also accept there will be days where it may rain on our parade but they can still enjoy the outing.
KINDNESS TO OTHER GROUP MEMBERS
This includes those wonderful people who are friendly to all and don’t form little cliques that leave some members feeling left out. They invite everyone to join them, they sit with different folks at meals and events and 8
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mix it up in an all-inclusive way so everyone enjoys themselves and each other.
NON-COMPLAINERS
A tour leader always appreciates a tour member coming directly to him or her quietly with a complaint rather than rumbling around among the tour membership and upsetting other members.
BEING ON TIME
Being ready at the appointed hour is appreciated not only by the tour leader but also by the other trip participants who managed to arrive on time and then resent having to wait around for stragglers.
SPECIAL THANK YOUS
Often, tours include special meetings, events, parties and other similar activities hosted by someone special. While such events are included as part of the tour, they are often hosted by individuals or private organizations who deserve recognition from the tour participants.
BUS DRIVER RECOGNITION
The trip is often only as good or as bad as the bus driver. Special thanks to the driver
Some excellent ways to treat guest speakers include: showing interest in the speakers’ presentations, asking pertinent questions that might be of interest to everyone in the group, thanking them for taking the time out of their private lives to come and speak to your group, prompting your individual tour members to shake hands and saying formal thank yous and goodbye.
ROTATING SEATS CHEERFULLY
Different people in the group may prefer to sit at the front, middle or rear of the coach, so rotating seats can ensure that each person gets an equitable chance at the best seat as the trip moves along.
ATTENTION TO OTHERS
Pay attention to someone in the group who may be feeling left out, who perhaps did not come on the trip with a friend or partner or perhaps is simply shy or reserved.
COMPLYING WITH OFFICE REQUIREMENTS
Turn in all information and required forms in a timely fashion well before the tour beginning date. While your groups may not always be made up of “perfect group travelers” whose en route behavior is a blessing, these 10 points can help you to steer your group toward a successful finish line.
Marty is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) with a long history in the travel/tourism industry. She has been a tour operator, worldwide trip leader, college tourism instructor and textbook author. Her consulting firm is Sarbey Associates (sarbeyassociates.com)
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
A movement started
SIXTY YEARS AGO IS STILL MOVING PEOPLE TODAY.
The stories of the Civil Rights Movement that are found at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are at once both solemn and celebratory. From the lessons of our past to the hopes for tomorrow, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serving up one meaningful experience to groups from all over. Right here at The Dinner Table of the South. inbirmingham.com/LGT1 | 800 - 458 - 8085
GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
EAST
REGION
BRINGS THE
400
WHEN THE MAYFLOWER landed on the
PILGRIMS’ JOURNEY TO LIFE Walk in the footsteps of Puritan settlers in Europe and the United States
Plimoth Plantation
By Miles Dobis
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rocky shores of coastal Massachusetts in 1620, its Puritan passengers could hardly imagine it would alter history and provide one of the United States’ foundational historical moments. Sailing from England to escape religious persecution, the Pilgrims’ journey would span thousands of miles and four nations, all of whom have collaborated to create the unprecedented Mayflower 400. This anniversary celebration will highlight the cultural contributions of the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States and Wampanoag Nation by welcoming visitors for special events and allowing them to walk in the footsteps of the Pilgrims. What Americans now refer to as Pilgrims began as members of the Scrooby Congregation, a group of Puritans who rejected the Church of England for penalizing those who did not attend Anglican services. In 1609, a group of 100 radical refugees fled England for the progressive university town of Leiden in Holland, where they thrived and tripled their following. Visitors to this immaculately preserved Dutch city can still walk the streets and through the churches frequented by these religious rebels. Begin your Leiden tour in Peter’s Church (Pieterskerk), a late-Gothic structure where Pilgrim Father John Robinson preached to his congregation and was eventually buried when he declined to sail to the New World. Groups can also visit the remains of the Lady’s Church, where the Puritans performed baptisms, marriages and funerals. The church was attended by Philippe de la Noye, a Huguenot who later joined the Mayflower voyage and would count Franklin D. Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Laura Ingalls Wilder as his descendants. Group members can trace their potential Pilgrim ancestry at the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, a medieval house that illustrates the Puritans’ journey with 16th century maps and engravings. Other highlights in Leiden include City Hall, where several Pilgrim couples were married, Jean Pesijn’s Almshouse, which >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
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the Island House and Elizabethan House, which retain their 16th century charm and glimpses into seafaring life. Conclude your trip with a group photo at Plymouth Hoe and the famous red-and-white-striped Smeaton’s Lighthouse. The Pilgrims finally dropped anchor in Plymouth Bay in December, 1620, and the area is bursting with engaging historic sites regardless of whether your group visits the area during the Mayflower 400 celebration. Located between Boston and Cape Cod, the city’s highlight is Plimoth Plantation, an immaculately detailed recreation of the Puritans’ settlement and agricultural fields. Groups can walk through the English Village and Wampanoag Homesite and interact with the costumed reenactors who can explain the Pilgrims’ difficult early years in Massachusetts, their interactions with local Native American tribes, religious rituals of Puritan life and the story of the first Thanksgiving. Groups can also tour the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the original vessel, and the Craft Center, which sells jewelry, pottery and furniture made by Native craftspeople using 16th century techniques. Groups traveling to Plymouth in 2020 will have the privilege to experience the Plymouth 400 celebration throughout the year. Events will include the multimedia
opening ceremony on April 24, the official state house salute on September 14 (which will be attended by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants and Wampanoag families) and the Maritime Salute throughout the summer. A regatta of wooden ships, yachts and pleasure craft sail the docks and welcome guests for a traditional New England lobster dinner on the waterfront. Plymouth 400 also celebrates local native nations and their role in American history with the Wampanoag Ancestor Walk on August 15. A procession carrying placards to honor the Wampanoag Nation’s 69 villages and notable chiefs Massasoit and King Philip will pass through the same trails where the native ancestors walked before conducting a drum ceremony. Groups who cannot attend the ceremony can visit Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center to view “Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History.” The interactive exhibit will showcase the nation’s contribution to art and technology, its initial interactions with Westerners and eventual decline due to war and disease. Whether your group wishes to create a comprehensive journey with all four nations or focus on a single city, the unprecedented collaboration exemplified by the Mayflower 400 project will bring this transatlantic historic event to life.
Plimoth Plantation
stands on what was previously John Robinson’s home, and the Waag, a shipping house where the Pilgrims first set foot in Holland. If your group has time for sites not explicitly tied to Pilgrim history, consider stops at the Molenmuseum de Valk (a museum housed in an enormous mill), the markt (a charming town square gathering that showcases local goods) and the canals that shadow the Rijn River. After nearly 12 years in Leiden, the congregation decided to seek compete religious freedom in the unexplored lands of North America and struck an agreement with the Virginia Company, which offered passage across the Atlantic. Two ships—the Mayflower and Speedwell—set sail from Southampton in 1620, but the Speedwell quickly took on water from a poorly repaired leak. After six cramped and miserable weeks, the Pilgrims reluctantly returned to the coastal town of Plymouth to regroup, and this charming seaside community will welcome groups to walk in the Pilgrims’ English footsteps. Set to open in 2020, The Box will be the city’s flagship attraction. This sleek, Modernist museum will house a dedicated Mayflower exhibition to showcase rare artifacts such as the ship’s manifest, nautical instruments and the Second Peirce Patent (the oldest existing state document from New England). Next, explore the quaint cobbled streets of the Barbican, the picturesque harbor neighborhood that features a wealth of galleries, cafes and charming alleys. Take your group to nearby Sutton Harbor and view the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims reportedly boarded the ship for their journey. Afterward, embark on a chartered boat trip to Plymouth Sound to see the beautiful beaches and learn about how the Pilgrims re-provisioned for their New World journey from your friendly captain. During their brief sojourn in Plymouth, the Puritans likely lodged in buildings that still stand today and are available for group tours. These include
Historic reenactors explain Wampanoag technology, medicine and religion to Plimoth Plantation visitors.
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GOING HIGH-TECH
National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey in New York City is an interactive underwater journey that uses technology to transport you to extraordinary places.
M U S E U M S ST E P I N TO T H E
DIGITAL ERA VISITORS’ EXPERIENCES ENHANCED BY HIGH-TECH EXHIBITS By Mary Lu Laffey 12
■ April 2019
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
Diane Bondareff
National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
A
rtificial worlds have found a home in museums. Technology helps to deliver content in a compelling, easy-to-understand way. Initially used to provide consistency for traveling exhibits, tech and apps for core collections are being developed by more museums. By including tech, visitors are able to see an exhibit and virtually step into it. Of the technological advances being used to improve the visitor experience, five float to the top: virtual reality, augmented reality, audio tours, interactive exhibits and visual effects. One of the oldest museums in the United States embraced new technology by creating an app for
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April 2019 ■ 13
GOING HIGH-TECH
one of its oldest exhibits, the venerable National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Some of the bones in Bone Hall at the National Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1881, date to the same era. The museum made a 19th century collection of vertebrate skeletons less dusty and more relevant to 21st century visitors through a free, 3D AR (three-dimensional augmented reality) mobile app it developed called Skin and Bones. In Bone Hall, it provides computer-generated views of flesh added to the real-life bones so visitors can see what the animal looked like. The app also features a bit of history, videos and “a few acoustic surprises” about the bones found on the second floor of the museum. At the largest museum in the western hemisphere, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago uses virtual reality to reach beyond its 14 acres to 250 miles above the planet. Enter VR Spacewalk. Spacewalk uses 4D goggles for a virtual reality opportunity to view the International Space Station and
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The National Museum of Natural History contains a Bone Hall.
to virtually transport the visitor to assist in exterior repairs. There’s drama, of course, but nothing a VR astronaut can’t handle. The views of the earth as well as the ISS are so realistic that many visitors try to “reach out and touch it.” VR Spacewalk uses VR goggles, motion effects and 4D visuals. New audio presentations at Jamestown Settlement, part of Jamestown Settlement
and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, provide opportunities to listen to women of early Virginia. A new audio program developed for a new exhibit called TENACITY provides a rare opportunity to hear about the roles women played in the early 17th century settlement. Other than fragments like births, marriages and deaths, women’s roles were rarely recorded. The story-driven exhibit
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
features artifacts, images and also recordings that tell the tale of women in the colony. Hear the voices of 17th-century Virginia: a young Englishwoman named Ann Burras Laydon, a Powhatan named Cockacoeske who led the Pamunkey tribe in signing a treaty with the English, and Mary Johnson, an African who arrived in 1623 and labored until gaining freedom in 1640. Immersive environments at Philadelphia’s newest museum that opened in April 2018, the Museum of the American Revolution, include audio, visuals and tangible experiences. Each blend with another to reconstruct the past for visitors. Find gallery educators on the floor to handle first-hand questions and to provide a live voice to the rise of American liberties. A display of the Boston Liberty Tree includes a length of wood from the original tree where the debate about revolution was discussed; visitors are encouraged to touch. A new audio tour features the voice of Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet and the words from Baroness
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Frederika von Riedesel, who kept a journal about her experience nursing the wounded during the American Revolutionary War. National Geographic Encounter Ocean Odyssey uses cutting-edge technology to transport guests on a breathtaking underwater journey from the South Pacific Ocean to the California coast. Located in Times Square, New York City, Ocean Odyssey’s immersive environment was developed by the visual effects team behind Game of Thrones. Although every life-sized sea creature, their environments and acres of giant kelp appear real, tour guides remind groups that what they are experiencing is photo-realistic animation. The animation was enhanced by a soundscape created from underwater sounds collected from libraries all over the world. Until visitors “resurface,” there is absolutely nothing in this digital dive that is real. The 3D media in 8K resolution at 60 frames per second programming isn’t enhancing the exhibit, it is the exhibit.
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PENNSYLVANIA TOUR IDEAS
STEP BACK IN TIME AT THESE
Magnificent mansions will impress groups of all ages By Elissa Gilbert 16
â&#x2013; April 2019
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
Aaron Mitchell Photography
Pearl S. Buck House
Boal Mansion Museum
Boal Mansion Museum
P
hiladelphia was the first capital of the United States, so it’s no surprise you’ll find historic homes all throughout Pennsylvania. You can follow the Historic Homes Trail and focus your entire tour around these historic sites, or just visit some of the properties listed below to step back in time for a day.
Grey Towers Historic Site A summer day is the perfect time to visit Grey Towers. The home was built in French chateau style as a summer home for
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the Pinchot merchant family in 1886. The property belongs to the US Forest Service, which was founded by Gifford Pinchot (who also served as Pennsylvania’s governor for two terms). Visitors enjoy a one-hour tour of the mansion, which includes the first-floor rooms and gardens. There are also several selfguided options that can take you through a historic cemetery, through the forest or around the grounds. The outdoor features were as important to the Pinchots as the mansion. Along with the gardens, the grounds
Grey Towers Historic Site
April 2019 ■ 17
contain “The Finger Bowl,” an outdoor dining room with a water-filled table where food was served floating on balsa rafts. You can also stop in the “Letter Box,” formerly the governor’s office, to view a film containing snippets of Pinchot home movies. Grey Towers is accessible, with a disabled drop-off location at the mansion entrance. Those who would like to stroll the walkway to the entrance can take rest breaks at benches along the way. The mansion tour is completely accessible and the garden includes accessible ramps to most of the features.
Pennsbury Manor William Penn lived in America for only four years, yet he achieved so much that we think Pennsylvania is named for him. Actually, our William Penn named the area after his father, also named William Penn. Pennsbury Manor was our William Penn’s country estate as well as his office. Visitors to the 17th century property get to enjoy the historic house along with the
Boal Mansion Museum
scenic setting next to the Delaware River. On Living History Sundays, William Penn returns for a visit, as do many colonial trades- and craftspeople. You might witness a colonial wedding—or a colonial witch trial. Group visitors explore colonial life with a guided tour of the house, a video and the exhibit William Penn: Seed of a Nation. If you’ve a special interest in history, the manor can provide a guide to travel on your bus to visit several other mansions in the area. Depending on how many homes you see, this option takes five to seven hours and requires at least 12 participants. Lunch at a historic inn is included. Pennsbury Manor is ADA-compliant.
Shriver House Museum One of the unmissable sites in Pennsylvania is the Gettysburg National Military Park, where the Battle of Gettysburg finally pointed clearly toward a Union victory in the Civil War. But the war’s impact extended beyond the battlefield. A visit to the Shriver House Museum allows you to see how the war affected civilians. The structure dates to 1860 and was built as a combined house and 18
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Bob Cameron
PENNSYLVANIA TOUR IDEAS
business: Shriver’s Saloon & Ten-Pin Alley. The rooms all still have period furniture, including the attic with its sharpshooters’ nest. Visitors follow a docent in period costume to explore the house. Bullet holes in the walls show just how close the battle came; the war was here, with Confederate soldiers occupying the home. If you time your visit right, you may get to see a Civil War reenactment taking place.
Pearl S. Buck House The daughter of missionaries, Pearl S. Buck was taught respect for the Chinese they lived among. Once she grew up, her writing work embraced and further promoted that attitude and the civil rights movement. She won the Pulitzer Prize for The Good Earth and ultimately the Nobel Prize for Literature. Buck’s humanitarian work remains an inspiration, and her house in Perkasie is today a National Historic Landmark offering tours and experiences that continue her legacy of intercultural exchange. Visitors can tour the home, still furnished with objects from the period her family lived there. There’s the option for buffet or boxed lunch as well; perhaps more important, there’s a tour option that goes beyond simply a “tour” and engages guests in a dialogue on topics related to the marginalized peoples so important to Buck. Visitors can also explore the grounds, with its gardens and the gravesite where Buck is buried.
Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum Today’s families move around a lot. The Boals didn’t. The Boal Estate was home to >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
Boals for more than 200 years and eight generations. A visit there is a trip through one family’s American experience. Since that family was descended from the kings and queens of Europe, they have quite an experience to share! The museum will be doubling the size of its exhibits in time for the 2019 summer season. Visits include a tour of the Boal Mansion, with original furnishings, and the Columbus Chapel—yes, that Columbus (a relative by marriage), and the chapel’s furnishings include his desk and statues that may have sailed with him, along with two pieces of the “True Cross.” You will also have the opportunity to walk around the grounds. Consider timing your visit to special events, which include concerts, an antiques faire (accompanied by summer-fresh berries) and a Renaissance festival.
settlement days, and it’s here he learned the skills that let him settle the even rougher Kentucky territory. Visit the Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdboro to get a glimpse of daily life back in the early 18th century. You can explore his house, along with other historic buildings including a Smokehouse and Blacksmith Shop, set in the gently rolling
countryside. The property can be visited with either a guided or self-guided tour. The Visitor Center houses exhibits and a 15-minute film about Daniel Boone’s life (after visiting, maybe you’ll be able to keep him and Davy Crockett straight?). There are occasional living history demonstrations, and trails allow you to explore the countryside he loved.
ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST & KINZUA SKY WALK “ONE OF THE TOP 10 MOST SCENIC SKYWALKS IN THE WORLD”
Daniel Boone Homestead It’s hard to remember, but Pennsylvania was once rough country. Daniel Boone was born in the Oley Valley during the early
Flight 93 National Memorial EXPLORE TODAY VISITOR CENTER TRAIL NETWORKS CELL PHONE TOUR RANGER PROGRAMS & MORE!
GROUP TOUR IDEAS 800-473-9370
VISITANF.COM
G e t t y sb u r g National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center The official start to your group’s Gettysburg visit. Group tour programs, reservations & rates. VIEW the film A New Birth of Freedom. EXPERIENCE the stunning Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. DISCOVER the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War.
Visit and learn about the inspiring story of the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93. The the park is open sunrise to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open from 9 – 5 pm. Learn more about Flight 93 and the Friends at www.Flight93Friends.org.
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EXPLORE the battlefield with Licensed Battlefield Guides. GROUP AMENITIES Special Pricing & Discounts Boxed Meals & Dine-in Facility Dedicated Group Entrance, Restrooms & Bus Parking
GettysburgFoundation.org | (877) 874-2478 Call to customize your group’s visit.
April 2019 ■ 19
Latest
& Greatest
Luna Park Expansion Planned at Coney Island • New York
Brooklyn’s iconic Coney Island amusement district—home to national treasures the Cyclone and the Thunderbolt—will welcome a new adventure park with ropes course and zip line in 2019, with a log flume to follow in 2020. Located next to the historic Thunderbolt, the new log flume ride will operate with 12 flume boats that can seat up to six guests at a time and will provide riders a semi-circle panoramic route view of Coney Island before plunging down to a speed of more than 30 miles per hour. The ropes course will provide guests with breathtaking views of the boardwalk and ocean, connected to multiple zip line courses for all ages. Additional elements of the adventure park will be a public plaza with open-air dining and an arcade, plus a nostalgically lit entrance leading from the subway. In all, the Luna Park attractions area will increase by 50 percent from 300,000 square feet to 450,000 square feet. (lunaparknyc.com)
Bronx Point to be Home for Universal Hip-Hop Museum • New York
A $300 million project to reshape an area along the Harlem River into a cultural hub for locals and visitors to enjoy is underway. In addition to a 2.3-acre waterfront esplanade, 600 units of affordable housing, an outdoor theater and new food hall, Bronx Point is set to be the home of the Universal HipHop Museum, where curators will seek to preserve and celebrate hip-hop culture through an immersive experience including thematic music, artifacts, video, photography and live performances. Set to break ground in 2019, the project is scheduled for completion in 2022 (nycedc.com).
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theatrical season will include August Wilson’s Fences, directed by Timothy Douglas and starring Craig Wallace and Erika Rose; Silent Sky, an inspiring drama about trailblazing female astronomers, directed by Seema Sueko; the classic musical comedy Guys and Dolls, directed by Peter Flynn; and A Christmas Carol featuring Craig Wallace reprising the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Sky High in Manhattan • New York The highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere is expected to open by early 2020 in New York City. Named Edge, it will stand at more than 1,100 feet and extend out 65 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, the tallest building in Hudson Yards, a mixeduse megadevelopment that officially opened in March. Located near the Hudson River on the West Side of Manhattan, the new neighborhood will include more than 100 shops and restaurants (with Neiman Marcus the anchor department store); The Shed, a dynamic cultural and performing arts venue; dozens of leading companies; some 4,000 residences; an Equinox Hotel; a public school; the five-acre Public Square and Gardens; and its centerpiece, a $200 million structure with 2,500 climbable steps known as Vessel. Edge, the fifth highest outdoor observation deck in the world, will encompass a 7,500-square-foot outdoor viewing area with a glass floor offering a birds-eye view of the neighborhood and city below. (hudsonyardsnewyork.com)
Ford’s Theatre Announces Upcoming Season • Washington, D.C. Luna Park on Coney Island
EAST REGION
Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault announced the upcoming 2019-2020
Ford’s Theatre
Empire Outlets opening in phases between spring, summer • New York
Empire Outlets in Staten Island, New York, will open in phases between April and the summer, with Nordstrom Rack – one of the shopping center’s major anchors – launching on July 4. Located next to the St. George Ferry Terminal, Empire Outlets will feature more than 100 designer outlet retailers and a 1,250-space parking garage. The project, which has had its share of construction delays, will see a significant amount of retailers opening in April. The balance of the outlet stores will launch at different times between April and August, with the majority of the complex open by summer. The outlets will debut with 1.1 million square feet of retail space including shops like: Brooks Brothers, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Nike Factory, Gap Outlet, Polo and more, plus an extensive array of waterfront food and beverage concepts. (empireoutletsnyc.com) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
Hudson County Historical Walking Tours – New for 2019! Whether you have a half day or several days, HC Walking Tours are available for your smart phone, so you can go at your own pace. Just text HUDSON to the number 56512.
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County, Gateway to America Day 1
Begin your visit at Jersey City’s historic neighborhoods in Hamilton Park, the centerpiece of the Hamilton Park Historic District in downtown Jersey City. Tree-lined streets with rows of Victorian brownstone homes border the 5.4-acre residential square. The park is named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, the aide-de-camp of General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. After your neighborhood walk, there are delicious dinner options at top-quality restaurants in the Hamilton Park neighborhood. Choose from The Hamilton Inn, GP’s Hamilton Park, Ed & Mary’s or Rumba Cubana for the spicier palette. Check in at one of Jersey City’s group friendly hotels.
Day 2
HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF CULTURAL AND HERITAGE AFFAIRS/TOURISM DEVELOPMENT pkelly@hcnj.us 201-459-2070, ext. 6418 visithudson.org
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for today’s experiences. This morning, venture over to Liberty State Park for the closest and most direct ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Retrieve your prepurchased ferry tickets at the Central RR Terminal Building from Statue Cruises. After returning, stop for lunch at The Liberty House, whose excellent culinary team has earned the Liberty House accolades as one of New Jersey’s best restaurants. Following lunch, return to the newly renovated Central Rail Road of New Jersey Terminal Building. Deserted and falling into ruin due to the demise of the railroad industry, the CRRNJ Terminal and
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the adjacent acreage was bought through local, state and federal funds. A massive clean up campaign was begun and by 1975 the building was added to both the State and National Register of Historic Places. Stop at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial directly adjacent to the CRRNJ Building. The memorial is dedicated to 746 New Jerseyans killed in the World Trade Center in the September 11 attacks, as well as those who died at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Return to your hotel to relax before heading to historic Hoboken’s Castle Point area along the Hudson River with stunning views of Manhattan’s historic skyline. Dine at the Elysian Café, the oldest continually operated bar/ restaurant in Hoboken. The Elysian currently offers a French Bistro style menu, accompanied by Hoboken’s first 100 percent smoke-free bar.
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.” 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 La Isla at either of its two locations in Hoboken. Incredible Cuban food is served at both the downtown and uptown locations. After a marvelous lunch, depart Hudson County with wonderful memories and an appreciation for the area’s history and contribution to the American mosaic. April 2019 ■ 21
Latest
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Norwegian Flying to Athens, Barcelona • Greece, Spain
Norwegian Air, a low-cost long-haul airline and Value Airline of the Year, will introduce new nonstop service from New York to Athens and Chicago to Barcelona for the 2019 summer season. Service from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Barcelona aEl Prat Airport begins June 7, and service
from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Athens International Airport begins July 2. Both new routes will be summer seasonal until October 26, 2019.
Victor Hugo’s Home Reopens on Guernsey • Great Britain The Isle of Guernsey home of French
INT’L novelist Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables, reopens in early April following a yearlong, multi-million-dollar restoration project. Hauteville House is a prime tourist attraction in Guersey, which is located in the British Channel Islands between the north coast of France and mainland Britain, Hugo lived in the house from 1856 to 1870 after being banished from France. While living in exile in Guernsey, he wrote Les Miserables, Toilers of the Sea, The Man Who Laughs and The Legend of the Ages. Coinciding with the Hauteville House reopening is a six-part drama adaptation of Les Miserables, set to premiere Sunday, April 19, on PBS television. A project of Masterpiece on PBS in partnership with BBC One, the adaptation from award-winning screenwriter Andrew Davies stars Dominic West (The Affair, The Hour) as Jean Valjean and David Oyelowo (Selma) as Javert.
Victor Hugo home
Hauteville House, a large white home overlooking the sea in the Guernsey capital of St. Peter Port, reflects Hugo’s creative genius and is packed with second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac he collected during his time on the island. He bought an eclectic variety of chests, sideboards, carpets, mirrors, crockery, figurines and other objects. Time, weather and the fragility of certain objects contributed to the house’s worsening condition, so it was closed throughout 2018 for renovations that have brought it back to the period when Hugo lived there. The project also resulted in improved public facilities and an enhanced visitor experience. Hauteville House is now managed by Paris Musees, which also conserves Hugo’s house on the Place des Vosges in Paris. (maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en/museumcollections/house-visit-guernsey) 22
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INT’L
g n i r e v Disco
NEW ZEALAND
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By Randy Mink
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eysers and glaciers, sweeping beaches and dramatic fjords, rugged mountains, primeval forests and deep blue lakes. The scenery in New Zealand is truly majestic and clearly its chief tourist draw. Whether you’re an active type or strictly a sightseer, the country offers plenty to fill your days. No use in trying to see it all in one trip—you’ll just have to come back. Year after year, New Zealand ranks among the top 10 places that travelers would like to visit. Its quality of life and reputation as an outdoor playground attract Americans hungering for new places to explore—and willing to travel a long distance. New Zealand, indeed, is one of the most isolated countries in the world. San Francisco is 6,200 miles away, and Australia lies 990 miles to the west. About the size
of Japan or the British Isles, New Zealand comprises two large islands and a number of smaller ones, stretching some 1,000 miles long from north to south. Fourteen miles separate the main North and South islands. Your trip most likely will start on North Island with arrival in Auckland, the country’s largest city and home to one-third of its 4.8 million people. Framed by two natural harbors, the “City of Sails” boasts more yachts per capita than any other place in the world. For a good introduction, take a 90-minute harbor cruise with Fuller’s Ferries or head to the observation deck of 1,082foot Sky Tower for panoramic views. Auckland’s vibrant arts and dining scene reflects the best in New Zealand urban life. For antique shops, designer boutiques and smart cafes, check out charming Parnell Village with its historic, white-and-pink
As the sun sets over the Waitakere Ranges and the Sky Tower pierces the evening glow, the promise of fun and food fills the air in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.
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Chris McLennan / New Zealand Tourism
Go adventurecrazy or just sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of this island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
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Adam Bryce/New Zealand Tourism
Rent a spade from the local surf club, dig yourself a hole in the sand and indulge in the warmth at Hot Water Beach.
timber facades saved from the wrecking ball. Or take a ferry to Waiheke Island, a magical blend of vineyards, olive groves, beaches and art studios. Do some wine tasting at the vineyards or enjoy vintages unavailable on the mainland at the island’s cafes and restaurants. In Auckland Domain, a park built atop an extinct volcano, the Auckland War Memorial Museum features an excellent collection of Maori and Pacific artifacts. Maori song and dance performances are held several times a day. (The Maori, a Pacific people who arrived in New Zealand about 1,000 years ago, account for 15 percent of the nation’s population.) The country’s rich seafaring history is told at the harborfront’s Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum; highlights include Pacific and Maori seagoing canoes, European sailing boats and exhibits on early whaling. At Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, east of Auckland, visitors can create their own Jacuzzi in the wet sand during low tide. With a rental spade from the nearby shop, anyone can build a 26
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private hot pool by scooping out a shallow hole. The deeper you dig into this thermal oddity, the hotter the water becomes. The peninsula’s Cathedral Cove rock arch and white-sand beach, lapped by gorgeous blue waters, are destinations for hikers and can be reached by water taxi and kayak as well. The city of Rotorua and surrounding area, a four-hour drive south of Auckland, encompass a volcanic zone of geysers, boiling mud pools and huge craters, a land where nature’s forces escape by bubbling, steaming and hissing from the inner earth. Rotorua has been a center for spa tourism since the late 19th century, and many places, such as the Polynesian Spa, offer a variety of mineral baths, from large communal pools to private baths for two. The lush farmland of Rotorua is the heart of New Zealand’s Maori culture and the setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. At Rotorua’s Living Thermal Village, visitors see how Maori residents cook using natural steam vents and where they bathe in hot pools. Guided tours of Te Puia, another Maori community, include Pohutu
Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Both villages offer a Maori cultural performance, traditional ceremonial feast (hangi) cooked in an earth oven, and Maori arts and crafts for sale. You might be able to spot one of New Zealand’s national birds at Te Puia’s Nocturnal Kiwi House. Just north of Rotorua, you can learn about one of the country’s major exports— wool—at Agrodome, a working sheep and cattle ranch bordering Lake Rotorua. New Zealand, in fact, is the world’s leading wool producer. A ranch visit entails a show with a sheep-shearing demonstration and trained dogs working with sheep. You’ll also see a kiwifruit orchard. Extreme experiences at the Agrodome complex include bungy jumping. More extreme fun awaits atop Mount Ngongotaha, where Skyline Skyrides’ cable car delivers you to a lookout with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua. The daring will take a seat in the Sky Swing, a giant three-person swing that reaches speeds of over 90 mph, or go careening down the mountain through redwood trees on the luge track. New Zealand director Sir Peter Jackson put his country on the map by showcasing its otherworldly scenery in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Just outside the town of Matamata, travelers can experience the real Middle Earth on a tour of the movie set, a 12-acre site used as The Shire and village of Hobbiton in Jackson’s Oscar-winning films. The North Island also abounds with underground wonders, and the Waitomo cave system is one of its visitor magnets. Sightseers can choose from walking tours and boat cruises, while the more adventurous can go tubing, rafting, rappelling, swimming and rafting in the surreal limestone chambers. One boat trip ventures into a grotto with a “starry” ceiling lit by thousands of twinkling glow worms. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits at the south end of the North Island and is the jumping-off point for the scenic ferry journey across Cook Strait to the South Island; dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. The compact, highly walkable city boasts >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
19 other peaks that rise more than 10,000 feet. Scenic drives near Mount Cook are highlighted by two glacier lakes—Tekapo and Pukaki—in brilliant shades of turquoise. Queenstown, with the spectacular Southern Alps on its back doorstep, is the most popular tourist stop on the South Island and a hub for outdoor activities, from hiking, skiing and zip lining to bungy jumping, paragliding and whitewater rafting. In fact, it’s been called the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Commercial bungy jumping started in New Zealand at a jump site near Kawarau Bridge, about 20 minutes from Queenstown. The not-so-brave will opt for the Skyline Gondola, which travels to the top of Bob’s Peak, a prime vantage point for taking in the splendor of Lake Wakatipu and watching paragliders jump off the summit and float down to lake level. A lake cruise on the 105-year-old TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm features a barbecue lunch and a sheep-shearing/farm
dog demonstration. For an adrenaline rush, speed through the canyons of the Shotover River aboard the famous Shotover jet boat or dare to fly over the canyon on the Shotover Canyon Swing. From Queenstown or Te Anau, a must-do experience awaits—a cruise around the fjords, waterfalls, rainforests, sheer cliff walls and snow-capped peaks of Milford Sound, the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park. Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling, the sound is the home to seals, penguins and dolphins. You also can go kayaking on its glassy waters or fly over in a helicopter. Other options in the Queenstown and nearby Wanaka areas include vineyard visits in the world’s southernmost wine region, noted for its exceptional Pinot Noir. Most of the 90-plus wineries are clustered around Bannockburn, Gibbston Valley and Lowburn. Whether sipping palate-pleasing wines or drinking in eye-popping scenery, you and your group will find New Zealand to be a dream destination.
Sara Orme/New Zealand Tourism
world-class restaurants and a prominent arts profile. For great views, ride the Swissbuilt cable car that goes to the suburb of Kelburn. The culture-minded will want to visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a top Wellington attraction. One of the most memorable experiences on the South Island is whale-watching off Kaikoura, where sperm whales feed closer to shore than any other place in the world. Located two hours north of Christchurch, the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps provides a magnificent backdrop for up-close observation of not only diving and breaching whales but Dusky dolphins and fur seals as well. Besides sperm whales, which inhabit the area year-round, you also may see migrating humpback, pilot or orca varieties. Several local operators offer outings that involve swimming and snorkeling with dolphins and seals. Glaciers awe visitors to the Southern Alps, where Mount Cook National Park encompasses 12,316-foot Mount Cook and
Tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata captivate fans of the Hobbit trilogies.
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SITE INSPECTION
Savor the Magic of Australia, New Zealand
Collette Vacations will help make your journey a memorable one
G
roups seeking an unforgettable excursion need only to glance at the bottom right corner of a world map, where the countries of Australia and New Zealand reside. These locales combine otherworldly natural beauty and thriving cosmopolitan cities, making them perfect vacation destinations for travelers of all ages. And the best way to enjoy these spectacular countries is through Collette Vacations.
Collette at a Glance
With nearly 100 years of experience in worldwide group travel, Collette has become one of the most respected companies in the industry. Guided travel with Collette means the logistics are taken off your hands, making the trip of a lifetime worry-free. Collette offers a variety of tours to both Australia and New Zealand, including the Exploring Australia and Exploring New Zealand tours.
Exploring Australia 18 Days/23 Meals
Highlights
Australian Outback/ Ayers Rock/ Great Barrier Reef/ Melbourne/Sydney Travelers can relax with four-night stays in Sydney and in Cairns, two magnificent 28
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cities that include such highlights as a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Dive into the colorful world of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on earth that comprises thousands of reefs and hundreds of islands made up of more than 600 types of coral. A threeday adventure in the rugged Outback introduces you to the Aboriginal life and culture of Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. Meet Australia’s famous wildlife with a chance to see crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos and other fascinating animals from the region. You’ll also explore the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia’s capital and home to a vibrant arts scene.
Exploring New Zealand 24 Days/35 Meals
Highlights
Auckland/ Bay of Islands/ Marlborough wine region/ Mt. Cook/ Queenstown A trip to New Zealand will provide visitors with an unforgettable journey and a lifetime of memories. City tours of Auckland, Napier, Wellington and Dunedin will enable groups to see the urban side of this magnificent country. A leisurely three-night stay in Queenstown
will expose visitors to one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns. New Zealand’s natural side will also impress with a visit to the steaming geothermal vents of Rotorua and the ice sheets and temperate rainforest of Franz Josef Glacier. Visitors can spend two nights savoring their time in the sunsoaked Bay of Islands and also immerse themselves in the wineries of Marlborough. Cruise Milford Sound in dramatic Fiordland and savor an overnight stay on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Travelers will be wowed by the massive Mt. Cook, the tallest mountain in the country.
Collette’s Mission
From its earliest passengers to its most recent world travelers, Collette has always delivered exceptional experiences. Now it’s your turn to benefit from the passion for travel that has kept Collette in business for nearly 100 years. For more information call 844-4455663 or visit ColletteVacations.com.
COLLETTE
Business Development inquiries@collette.com 844-445-5663
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Latest
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Automobile Museum to Open at Orlando Indoor Complex • Florida
Dezerland Action Park, Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment, events and museum complex, will offer 800,000 square feet of fun. Opening in 2019 as part of phase one will be the Orlando Auto Museum, one of the largest privately-owned collections of automobiles in the world.
National Enquirer Museum to Open in Pigeon Forge • Tennessee
Construction has begun on the National Enquirer Museum right across from the Titanic Museum. The 18,000-square-foot building would have visitors entering through a “camera lens.” Among the plans for the attraction is an interactive exhibit that will allow visitors to create their own Enquirer-style headlines and share them on social media.
Clarksville Plans Veterans Salute in September • Tennessee
The Batmobile will be at the Orlando Auto Museum.
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The fifth Annual Welcome Home Veterans Celebration hosted by Visit Clarksville and the Montgomery County (Tennessee) Veterans Coalition is set for September 18-22, 2019. Included will be the Remember Our Fallen photographic
SOUTH REGION exhibit, American Traveling Tribute Wall at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery, Field of Veterans-Veterans Tribute flag display, a Wreath Laying and Massing of the Colors, Hero Breakfast, Valor Luncheon, the Valor Run, Welcome Home Parade and Lee Greenwood performance. (welcomehomeveteranscelebration.com)
Star Wars Land Set for Disney’s Hollywood Studios • Florida
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opens this fall. Set on the remote planet Batuu, the area will feature two signature attractions— Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, putting guests in the cockpit of the famous space ship, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where an escape from The First Order turns into all-out battle. (disneyworld.disney.go.com)
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Discover the Many Historic Gems of St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra
With history, heritage and beaches attracting travelers to St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra, find out what makes Florida’s Historic Coast so popular.
F
lorida is where the sun always shines, making its beaches the most sought after in the country. Florida’s Historic Coast is an ideal destination to visit throughout the year and the charm of the destination is undeniable. With its treasure trove of architectural landmarks and attractions including forts, museums, hotels and mansions, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra has everything to be a premier group travel destination.
Castillo de San Marcos
The imposing Castillo de San Marcos, dating back to the 17th century, is the oldest and largest masonry fort in the country. A declared National Monument, it ranks as one of the most visited historic monuments in St. Augustine. Constructed of 400,000 blocks of stone that were cut and set by hand, this Spanish-style fort has a grand entrance, drawbridge and bastions that ensconce many rooms with exhibits detailing its history.
Oldest Wooden School House Historic Museum and Gardens
Go back in time and experience colonial school life at the Oldest Wooden School House Historic Museum and Gardens. Built 32
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for the Genoply family in 1716, visitors can tour the house and see replica exhibits that include copies of old textbooks.
and its greatest legends, you can go on the ultimate golfing journey.
Flagler College
Along the Matanzas Inlet, Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1742 to guard the southern entrance of St. Augustine after a slew of attacks by the British. Uniquely constructed of a natural mixture of crushed shells and cement known as coquina, the fort is accessible by a free ferry service. At the fort, visitors can see live demonstrations depicting its history.
Built in 1887, the Spanish Renaissancestyle building that was once the prominent and lavish Ponce de Leon hotel is now a part of Flagler College, a private four-year liberal and fine arts college. A National Historic Landmark, visitors can take a Flagler Legacy Tour and see the opulence of the interiors that once hosted dignitaries, royalty and celebrities.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
For the best views of the historic St. Augustine downtown and its surrounding coastline, 219 steps take you to the top of the 165-foot St. Augustine Lighthouse. There is also a Maritime Museum here with displays of historic artifacts.
World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum offers a comprehensive insight in to golf. With interactive displays, memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and audio-video presentations showcasing both the game
Fort Matanzas
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
The 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a historic archeological site that offers a glimpse into the lives of the first Spanish settlers who came to St. Augustine in the 1565. With recreations of Spanish and Timucuan buildings and historical reenactments, visitors will also enjoy other attractions at the park like the Founders Riverwalk and Observation Tower.
FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST
Jaya Dillard, Sales & Services Manager jdillard@floridashistoriccoast.com 904-209-4429 floridashistoriccoast.com
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
From taking a stroll along brick-lined streets, to exploring picturesque beaches and enjoying old-world flavors infused with new-world charm, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra invites your clients to create memories they’ll never forget. Help your clients plan a trip to Florida’s Historic Coast®, where our history is not the same old story.
FloridasHistoricCoast.com 800-418-7529, ext. 2011
SOUTH
6 REGION
Virginia Museums to Build an Itinerary Around From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia is fortunate to have museums that portray the Commonwealth’s history and culture
From the beginning
of our nation’s story to the present day, Virginia’s contributions are portrayed in its museums.
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Richmond
There’s no doubt Richmond has history. Henricus Historical Park, the second successful English settlement in the New World, as well as Revolutionary War and Civil War sites are a testament to the city’s past. Fast forward and today you will discover a community that appeals to foodies, craft beer enthusiasts and fashion shoppers. In addition to combining history and hip, Richmond’s art scene is incredible. It begins at the world-class Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In addition LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
to collections from around the world (African, American, European and Asian each have their own gallery), different time periods are presented. From ancient, pre-Columbian/Native American and even 21st century, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and photography each has its own space. The VMFA has the largest public collection of Faberge outside of Russia. The VMFA is group-friendly and welcomes both student and adult groups. Adult group visits of 10-40 require a three-week notice and are based on docent availability. There are a half-dozen tour options with choices that are sure to pique any group’s interest. A fun adventure for any group is a scavenger hunt. Choose from six and get ready for a good time learning about art. VMFA.Museum
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Greg Vaughn
Military Aviation Musuem
By Dave Bodle
O. Winston Link Museum
Roanoke
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Roanoke Valley, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital to windshield tours of the Blue Ridge Parkway to hiking and biking trails, there’s something for every activity level. Overlooking the entire city from April 2019 ■ 35
atop Mill Mountain is the Roanoke Star. It’s a great photo-op for any group. When visitors need to come indoors, there is plenty of shopping, outstanding dining, museums and galleries. Much of Roanoke’s heritage is tied to the railroads. The Norfolk & Western shops located downtown were known for producing some of the best steam locomotives. The O. Winston Link Museum showcases the impact of the steam locomotive during America’s industrial age. Link’s photography captures the nostalgia of steam rail through precise low light in moderate speed environments. More than 300 black-and-white and color images are on display along with Link’s audio and video works documenting the last days of steam rail. A 30-minute documentary film on Link is the perfect beginning to any visit. A successful New York commercial photographer, Link was prolific and constitutes an important photographic series of Western Virginia. Groups are welcome and reduced admission is available for seniors, military and students. The O. Winston Link Museum and History Museum of Western Virginia share space in the former passenger station of the N & W Railway. A single admission fee covers both museums. RoanokeHistory.org
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3
Newport News
Virginia’s fourth-largest city has an interesting story to tell. “Newportes News” appeared in the Virginia Company records in 1619, making it one of America’s oldest place names. The city was central in the important Peninsula Campaign during the Civil War and the famous 1862 Battle of the Ironclads, which happened just off Newport News’ shore. In 1886, a Connecticut railroad tycoon “There is a strong art established the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad and the Newport and culture scene, News Shipbuilding and Dry unique shopping Dock Company. The latter experiences, countless built many U.S. super aircraft carriers. Hilton Village was dining options and dedicated July 7, 1918 and was the Beer, Wine and the first government-subsidized “planned community.” Along with Shine Trail.“ extensive historical sites, there are a strong art and culture scene, unique shopping experiences, countless dining options and the Beer, Wine and Shine Trail. One of the largest maritime museums in the world, The Mariners’ Museum and Park has a simple mission, “connecting people to the world’s waters, because that is how we are connected to one another.” In addition to the United States, the museum’s collection has been drawn from Europe, the West Indies and beyond. The 32,000 objects in the collection are divided equally between three-dimensional pieces and works of art. The USS Monitor Center exhibition and conservation lab has 210 tons of artifacts from the Civil War ironclad warship. The museum’s object collection ranges from the size of a fingernail to more than 90 feet. Numerous exhibitions throughout the year complement the museum’s collection. With 90,000 square feet, there’s plenty of space for telling maritime stories. The museum offers a wonderful menu of options for groups. The docent-guided tours are two to three hours in length and cover a choice of four themes. Museum highlights focus on must-see objects, the American Civil War, African-Americans’ Presence in the Maritime World and Women’s Roles in Maritime History. The museum has made it easy for group planners by packaging various options into themed offerings. The Mariners’ Museum Highlights begin with a docent-led tour combined with lunch in a museum banquet space and a film. Shady Ladies of the Seven Seas begins with a guided tour focusing on women’s roles, an afternoon tea and a behind-the-scenes look at items of interest, but not presently on display. Battle of the Ironclads begins with the Civil War-themed tour and a choice of viewing conservation in action at the lab or a lecture from the conservation staff sharing stories from Monitor’s crew. An after-hours experience features a docent-led tour and dinner from a local restaurant with a menu inspired by your choice of themed options. MarinersMuseum.org/Groups >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
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Virginia Beach
Maybe it’s the eclectic feel of Virginia Beach that attracts groups. There’s the three-mileoceanfront boardwalk with everything from live music and entertainment to outdoor cafes and the hypnotic sound of the ocean waves. The Chesapeake Bay presents outdoor experiences from oyster cultivation to kayaking. The vibrant Town Center is a shopping, dining and entertainment Mecca that welcomes groups. Pungo, a rural community in the southern part of Virginia Beach, exposes groups to everything from farmers markets to agritourism adventure. Wildlife preservation and quiet beaches await visitors in the secluded Sandbridge region. For the art lover, the Vibe Creative
District is where you’ll find area artisans displaying their craft. Although it will likely take more than one Virginia Beach trip to satisfy your group, the Military Aviation Museum is the place to begin. There’s a reason TripAdvisor gives the museum “Top Rated Things to Do in Virginia Beach” designation. Here, you’ll discover the largest flying collection of WWI and WWII military aircraft in the U.S. in which 63 aircraft are on display. The newest addition is a hangar brought over from Cottbus, Germany that displays Luftwaffe aircraft. The original RAF Goxhill Operations Tower was recently reconstructed with the look it had in 1942 when the first U.S. Army Air Corps pilots arrived in England.
The National Museum of the United States Army: Celebrating a Rich American History
There are great options for visiting groups. Learn about the women’s war effort and life during the 1940s when you Meet Rosie the Riveter. Hearing stories from the actual pilots of brave men and women are inspiring when you Meet a Museum Pilot. Have a photo taken in front of your favorite plan with the pilot. Basic tour group admission includes a guided tour of the museum’s collection. There’s a full range of lunch options when combining a catered lunch with a guided tour and speaker in the Swingtime in the Sky Tour. Flight demonstrations and plane rides can expand your visit, or mark your calendar for one of the museum’s annual air show events.
MilitaryAviationMuseum.org
DON’T JUST LEARN ABOUT HISTORY
HAVE A BLAST By Courtney Lind
One of the country’s newest and most exciting museums scheduled to open in 2020 will celebrate over 240 years of U.S. Army history and foster continuing education long into the future. Located on 84 acres in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the center is primed to serve as a major regional destination for veterans, families, active duty military, school groups, tourists and more. Fort Belvoir, Virginia The site of the museum itself is also of historic significance, as Fort Belvoir has long been a strategic base for the U.S. Army. Located on the shores of the Potomac River and just miles from George Washington’s Mount Vernon home and the monuments of the nation’s capital, the setting is rich in both history and natural beauty. Group Tour Opportunities The National Museum of the United States Army looks forward to welcoming groups who wish to experience the power and significance of the U.S. Army in an interactive setting. In addition to educational exhibits detailing the impressive and world-renowned history of the U.S. Army from its founding in 1775 up until the present day, there will be a variety of interactive experiences that truly bring the museum to life, including a 122-seat multidimensional theater, simulators, and an experiential learning center. Advanced ticketing options are currently under development for tour groups, with an all-in-one group tour package offering specialty pricing that includes simulator tickets, lunch, retail vouchers, and photography experience. For more information, visit http://thenmusa.org. Group travel planners looking for preferred access and advanced notice for the latest museum group tour booking information are invited to email Jamie.Hubans@armyhistory.org. LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
Plan your trip to Virginia now at
HISTORYISFUN.ORG
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Williamsburg
The Historic Triangle—Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown—offers an incredible number of historic sites and museums, theme parks and shopping and culinary experiences all just minutes apart. Step back in time to the founding of our nation at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Nearby are wonderful plantations, the Colonial Wine Trail, craft beer delights and every age group’s favorite theme park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Water Country USA. There’s so much to see and do from the historic to the contemporary. September 2017 construction began on the first large-scale expansion and upgrade of the buildings that houses the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s two museums, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The museums have remained open during the $41.7 million construction. The project was planned to take approximately 2½ years to complete. The diverse and extensive collections of the art museums of Colonial Williamsburg share the intriguing story of our country’s founding. When completed, the new
65,000-square-foot wing will provide a 22 percent increase in exhibition space. The art museums of Williamsburg are a must see.
ColonialWilliamsburg.com
Colonial Williamsburg has a slew of first-rate museums including the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
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Jamestown Settlement
One-third of Jamestown Settlement galleries are being enhanced with a half-dozen immersive technologies, including interactive touch screens and a new experiential theater. New historical research is an important part of the $10.6 million refresh that is being completed in two phases. The first phase was completed in 2017 and added an interactive technology wall. The Powhatan Indian, English and Angola cultures converged in 17th century Virginia, and the new technology wall compares and shows contrasts of each culture’s language, religion, economy, government, family structure, recreation and art. Personal stories are projected on monitors and life-sized screens. The second phase of renovation will add the 124-seat Rebellion Theater presenting on multiple screens with state-of-the-art special effects. The film, Bacon’s Rebellion, tells the story of a 1676 armed rebellion of colonists led by Nathanial Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkeley. New research will also play an important part of the gallery renovation. The story of the Virginia Indians is enhanced regarding the Powhatan capital at Werowocomoco and Pocahontas, and the arrival of the first recorded Africans in 1619 and the growth of slavery through 1699. The second phase will be completed in spring 2019. Jamestown Settlement is the stage for 2019 commemoration American Evolution. During the year, the new exhibit gallery will present events in 1619, including the arrival of English women to the Virginia settlement, the arrival of the first Africans and the first legislative assembly in the New World. HistoryIsFun.org
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ONCE AND FUTURE HEROES FIND WHAT MOVES THEM
BRING YOUR GROUP TOUR TO LIFE. Hands-on experiences and uncommon access offered exclusively for groups. Plan your group’s Live the Life Adventure at VisitVirginiaBeach.com/GroupTour.
R Oc to Bo ock be ar in r dw Th 13 al e –1 k 6, 20 20
Taste the best of the Fredericksburg Region, consisting of Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania, with visits to fun wineries, a cool distillery, top breweries and great restaurants. Sip and see how good wine, beer and whiskey is made and meet winemakers, master distillers and brewers.
Fredericksburg Region, Virginia
Sip and Savor Fredericksburg DAY 1
DAY 3
Fredericksburg is not only one of America’s most historic small towns, it’s one of the most fun and tasty. What better way to start your visit than Potomac Point Winery in Stafford where you will taste award-winning wines and get a special guided tour. Dinner this evening is downtown at Kybecca, specializing in craft cocktails, wine and modern Virginia cuisine. You can end your day with a candlelight tour of an authentic Colonial favorite, Rising Sun Tavern, where the tavern wench will acquaint you with the meaning of early colloquialisms such as “sleep tight” and “don’t bite off more than you can chew.”
Craft breweries are springing up all over Virginia creating a demand for a key ingredient, hops. Begin your morning with a visit to an area hops farm and learn how this blossom is cultivated. Naturally, you’ll want to see how hops are used so your next stop is at Spencer Devon Brewery. Tours and flighted tastings will be available and you’ll also have a delicious and fun lunch specially prepared. George Washington grew up right across the river from Fredericksburg. You can tour his homestead, Ferry Farm, and learn what archaeologists are discovering about what the Washington family grew and ate. Mid-afternoon calls for refreshment at Carl’s Ice Cream, a National Historic Landmark serving old-fashioned frozen custard. Next up is a fascinating look at how premium spirits are made at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. A tour with the master distiller will be followed by a tasting of some of his outstanding product. Save room for a bounti ful German dinner at the Bavarian Chef, housed in the historic Fredericksburg Train Depot.
DAY 2
HEART OF VIRGINIA TOURS AND RECEPTIVE SERVICES Mary P. Lewis, CTIS mlewis@hovtour.com 804-678-9750 hovtour.com
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Start the day free-wheeling on a fun trolley tour of the historic downtown. A major Civil War battle was fought here and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and even Abraham Lincoln walked its streets. Bring your appetite along to Capital Ale House where you will have a private cooking demonstration and lunch. Afterward, you can stroll off a few calories downtown browsing the boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. It’s back on the bus for a quick ride into the country for a wine tasting and tour at Mattaponi Winery before coming back to town for dinner and a show at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
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Fairfax County enjoys the best of both worlds with proximity to Washington, D.C. and a unique history of its own. Great shopping and truly eclectic cuisine await your group.
Fairfax County, Virginia
From 18th Century to Outer Space Day 1
Begin at our nation’s first presidential estate, George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Built along the Potomac River, it remains the No. 1 most visited historic estate in the United States. Stop for lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn - a restaurant that serves up dishes from Washington’s lifetime, including Virginia’s famous peanut soup recipe and a delicious pot pie! Nearby, you’ll find Washington’s other passion, his Distillery and Gristmill. Learn from the master distiller how Washington made his famous rye whiskey. Next, visit another Founding Father’s home, George Mason’s Gunston Hall. Begin at the Visitor Center with an exploration of the exhibits, which highlight details of Mason’s civic career and the lasting influences of his most famous document, the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Spend the remainder of your afternoon soaking in art at the historic Workhouse Arts Center. Formerly a prison, the Workhouse is now home to 65 of the region’s finest artists and offers engaging arts programs and performances. Wrap up your day with a memorable dinner at the Mosaic District.
Day 2 VISIT FAIRFAX
Linda Horowitz lhorowitz@fxva.com 703-752-9513 fxva.com
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Experience the great outdoors at Great Falls Park. This 800-acre natural landmark is a must-see for lovers of the outdoors who enjoy hiking, bird watching, kayaking, rock climbing or seeing panoramic views of the dramatically cascading falls. Travel to Vienna, home to one of the loveliest botanical gardens in the region, Meadowlark Gardens, with its
recent addition of an authentic Korean Bell Garden, the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Indulge in some retail therapy and lunch at Tysons Corner. Known as the Rodeo Drive of the East Coast, the Tysons shopping complex is home to more than 450 stores and group-friendly restaurants. Take in a musical performance and picnic under the stars at Wolf Trap, the nation’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts.
Day 3 Tour Sully Historic Site, home of Richard Bland Lee - Northern Virginia’s first Representative to Congress. Guided tours highlight the early 19th century life of the Lee family, tenant farmers and enslaved African Americans. Head into outer space by way of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Its two huge hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts. Glory Days Grill Centerville is a nearby option for group dining. For smaller groups, Willards Real Pit BBQ is a local favorite. Enjoy Fairfax County’s latest winery, The Winery at Bull Run. Microbrewery fans are in for a treat with two of Fairfax’s seven craft breweries nearby. Mustang Sally Brewing Company and Ono Brewing Company both have expansive tasting rooms and exceptional lineups of craft beer. For dinner, tuck into some of the best Korean food in the Washington D.C. Metro in Fairfax’s own Annandale neighborhood. Diners are spoiled with options ranging from all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue at Kogiya to Yechon’s Japanese-Korean dishes. April 2019 ■ 41
Relax and reconnect with your family at Colonial Williamsburg. You are invited to an unforgettable vacation filled with the people, places and programs that make art and history come alive.
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Group Sales groupsales@cwf.org 800-228-8878 colonialwilliamsburg.com/ GroupTours
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Williamsburg, Virginia
History Comes Alive at Colonial Williamsburg Day 1
Day 2
A day in Colonial Williamsburg begins with a visit to the Capitol, a recreation of the building that served as the home for the House of Burgesses – colonial Virginia’s representative government. Here visitors can witness laws being passed and debates over American independence. Continue down Duke of Gloucester Street by foot or buggy to Raleigh Tavern, where you can debate American sovereignty with local patriots or learn about 18th-century brewing techniques. At the Apothecary you’ll learn about how much medicine has changed since the days of George Washington, while the Foundry demonstrates how buckles, knobs and utensils were created using metal castings. Take time in the afternoon to visit the many craftspeople that create objects using accurate period tools. Weavers, wigmakers and wheelwrights are all willing to share their knowledge and discuss their art. Be sure to see the Fife and Drum Corps march down Duke of Gloucester Street, one of the most iconic parts of Colonial Williamsburg. After a long day of walking, relax at one of the Historic Taverns and enjoy one of the evening programs.
Your second day begins with a journey through the Governor’s Palace, which evokes the grandeur of Virginia’s early state government before the capital was relocated to Richmond in 1780. Famous occupants included Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Your group will pass through the elegant dining room and reception areas. Down the road lies the Colonial Garden, which grows herbs and vegetables using accurate 18th-century methods. Further down the Palace Green your group will find the George Wythe House, home to the prominent attorney who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. On the corner lies Bruton Parish Church, a threecenturies-old Episcopal worship center where several Founding Fathers worshiped. Be sure to observe a trial at the Courthouse, one of Williamsburg’s signature attractions. Groups witness court sessions, prosecutions and justice meted out at the pillory and stocks outside. Few visitors realize that half of Williamsburg’s 18thcentury population was black. Groups can learn about the stark contrast of freedom and slavery throughout the town. The DeWitt-Wallace Decorative Arts Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Southern furniture and one of the largest collections of British ceramics outside England. Conclude your day with a hearty, colonialinspired meal at Chowning’s Tavern. Illuminated by candlelight, this restaurant serves old favorites such as Brunswick stew and Welsh rarebit as well as Shepherd’s Pye and Bangers & Mash.
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Stepping Back in Time in Virginia Beach
As a landing site of some of the nation’s first settlers, this coastal city is still brimming with history at every turn
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pectacular oceanfront views, historic sites, and a touch of modern come together to make Virginia Beach one of state’s most popular destinations. As the landing site of some of America’s first settlers, it’s the perfect place to explore while learning more about the history of our great nation and the sites that have helped to shape it. Check out some of these historic sites to help make your trip to Virginia Beach one for the history books. A beacon on the Virginia Beach coastline, the Cape Henry Lighthouse stands tall and as a symbol of refuge for the many sailors who once followed its guiding light to safety. This was the first lighthouse authorized by the U.S. government in 1792 and the first federal construction project under the Constitution, making it an important part of our developing nation. Just steps away is the First Landing Cross, which commemorates the arrival of the first settlers in 1607. Although the original cross was replaced in 1935, the site itself is a symbol of something much bigger – the beginning of a nation. The cross served to affirm England’s claim on the area, placed by settlers who would later go on to establish 44
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the first permanent settlement in the new world to the north at Jamestown. Head up the road to First Landing State Park, which, as the name states, is a historic site where visitors can walk in the footsteps of some of the first English settlers who came to these shores and helped to form the original colonies. The park is a sprawling 2,888 acres not far from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, and with 19 miles of trails, you’ll soon find yourself exploring just like the earliest settlers. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers a great mix of shopping, dining, and relics of the past. Check out the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, housed within a former U.S. Life Saving Station built in 1903. At the north end of the Oceanfront is the Cavalier Hotel, a magnificent and recently-restored hotel that is worth a visit even for those not staying on site. Its elegance and classic touches offer a glimpse into the past while two restaurants, an onsite bourbon and gin distillery, and classy cocktail bar offer great places to spend time with friends or family. Head just 30 minutes south of Virginia Beach to Pungo, where the Virginia Military Aviation Museum’s impressive collection is on display. This is one of the largest collections of WWI and WWII-era planes in the world, so
history buffs shouldn’t miss the chance to walk among these beautifully-restored planes. The Adam Thoroughgood House, circa 1719, features hands-on activities that help provide a look into the life of one of Virginia’s first colonists, while the Lynnhaven House, circa 1725, is a beautiful example of early Virginia vernacular architecture. Even the dining options in Virginia Beach are steeped in history. Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at Doc Taylor’s, an old seaside doctor’s office that now serves as a diner with menu items named after locals who have frequented the restaurant over the years. After working up an appetite check out The Bunker, a military-themed and veteran-owned restaurant with a quality beer selection. Virginia Beach also has a thriving brewery scene, so head to the firehouseturned-brewery at Commonwealth Brewing Company or Farmhouse Brewing Co., located in a restored 1912 farmhouse, for some classic Virginia Beach brews.
VISIT VIRGINIA BEACH
Jim Coggin jcoggin@visitvirginiabeach.com 757-385-6642 www.visitvirginiabeach.com/group-tour
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VIRGINIA TOUR IDEAS
U . S . TO U R S A N D V I R G I N I A B E AC H PA R T N E R F O R
Rockin’ the Boardwalk By Dave Bodle
October 2020 is the date for a spectacular event featuring live entertainment, oceanfront accommodations and delicious food
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here’s no better time to be in Virginia Beach than October 13-16, 2020 for the event that only happens every other year, Rockin’ the Boardwalk. The weather’s perfect and the entertainment is sure to be hot. Arrive in Virginia Beach your first day and check into your featured hotel. You’ll need time to get casual. The dress for your first night’s Beach Boys Boardwalk Bash is beachwear – a colorful flowered shirt or a muumuu, sunglasses, beach hats and flip-flops. After a healthy dinner, find a partner for some dancing to a great tribute band, Still Surfin’, playing the best of the Beach Boys. Whether you dance or just observe, you’ll be feeling the good vibrations. On day two, planners will add their own touch to the itinerary. An option only available on Wednesday is the Lunch & Tour at the Military Aviation Museum. You’ll begin with a guided tour of the museum’s collection of more than 60 vintage WWI and WWII aircraft. Lunch includes a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra and a flyover by a historic warbird. Option two is a Spirit of Norfolk Luncheon Cruise available both Wednesday and Thursday. There’s a casual, festive atmosphere as you cruise along the Elizabeth River for two hours. Lunch is a freshly prepared buffet with salads and desserts. You’ll have an amazing view of the Navy’s mighty Atlantic Fleet with narration. A live DJ and dance floor provide the entertainment. LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
Dinner this evening is on your own at one of Virginia Beach’s many group-friendly restaurants. Located at the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay with inlets stretching like fingers and the Atlantic Ocean, the area is rich with locally harvested offerings. Tonight’s concert is The Sounds of the Supremes concert preserving the music of the legendary group. Since the late 1980s, the group led by singer Kaaren Ragland has achieved worldwide acclaim. Completing the trio are Kathy Merrick and Althea Burkhalter, who, along with Ms. Ragland recreate the frenetic style, energy and sound of the Motown classics. Your travelers will be swinging and swaying and maybe even dancing in the aisles. Day Three again allows planners to schedule what their group desires. The Spirit of Norfolk Luncheon Cruise is again available, or perhaps the Thursday-only Dolphin Watch Cruise is more to your liking. Preceded by lunch at a local restaurant, this 90-minute cruise is narrated by an experienced knowledgeable staff able to answer your questions about dolphins and the Virginia Beach coastline. Tonight, it’s a Jersey Boys Evening featuring, fittingly, a great Italian dinner. Following is another marvelous music show featuring the mega hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons performed by Let’s Hang On! This full-blown stage performance features a 10-musician live band and, along with the vocalists, preserves the music and style of the iconic group. Tight harmonies and crisp choreography are the highlights of the show and evidence why it was voted America’s No. 1 Frankie Valli tribute show. Like all good things, your Rockin’ the Boardwalk tour must end. On Day Four, your group will depart Virginia Beach with fond memories and a song on their lips. April 2019 ■ 45
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A Comfortable Stay in Louisville, Kentucky
Make your tour group feel at home in Dunn Hospitality’s two elite Louisville properties: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Louisville Downtown; and Hilton Garden Inn Mall St. Matthews
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part from coordinating daily activities, one of the most important elements of planning a group trip is finding the right accommodations. For groups visiting Louisville, Kentucky, there are several great housing options. The properties managed by Dunn Hospitality are among the best in town, providing guests with a central location near Louisville attractions.
Holiday Inn Express Louisville Downtown
A convenient downtown hub, this stateof-the-art hotel offers groups everything they could possibly need during their visit to Louisville. From the minute guests step through the lobby doors, they’re greeted with fun, bright décor and contemporary designs, along with beautiful artwork, warm color palettes, and a stunning 18-foot water feature. There are several major Louisville attractions near the Holiday Inn Express Louisville Downtown, making it easy for groups to see as much of the city as possible. Guests can walk a block to Museum Row on Main, where some of Louisville’s most exciting attractions and activities can be found. Groups can visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, celebrating the role this famous 46
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baseball bat played in the history of the sport. After a full day of sightseeing around Louisville, groups will enjoy the Holiday Inn Express’ comfortable amenities. The rooms offer guests standard in-room features, including a mini-fridge, microwave, and flatscreen television, as well as a work desk, coffee maker, and black-out shades. Before heading out for the day, guests can fuel up on the hotel’s complimentary hot continental breakfast, which include their famous cinnamon rolls. Location: The Holiday Inn Express Louisville Downtown is in the heart of the city, easily accessible from I-64 and a couple blocks from the Ohio River. The hotel is located less than 10 miles from the Louisville International Airport.
Hilton Garden Inn Mall St. Matthews
Situated just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, the Hilton Garden Inn Mall St. Matthews provides groups with quiet, homey accommodations. The wide-open lobby is decorated with stylish, colorful furniture and bright wall art, offering guests a cozy spot to socialize, catch up on reading, or to get some work done. The hotel is close to many popular attractions, including the St. Matthews Mall, a 1 million square-foot shopping and dining
destination that attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Guests can peruse a range of stores and entertainment options, from WilliamSonoma and Ulta Beauty to Express and Earthbound Trading Company. Another top attraction is the Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the famed Kentucky Derby. Groups can choose from a variety of guided tours of the grounds or they can get a taste of Kentucky’s well-known bourbon at a nearby distillery, such as Evan Williams, Jim Beam, and Bulleit. At the end of the day, guests can rest their heads on a soft bed at the Hilton Garden Inn Mall St. Matthews. Rooms are designed for comfort, with king or queen beds, HDTVs and complimentary WiFi. For those needing a little extra space, there are suites available with a separate bedroom and living area. Location: The Hilton Garden Inn Mall St. Matthews is located of US-60 West, 15 minutes east of downtown Louisville and the Louisville International Airport.
DUNN HOSPITALITY
Rebecca Marks rmarks@dunnhospitality.com 502-813-7224 www.hiexpress.com/louisvilledwtn www.louisvillemallofstmatthews.hgi.com
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Visit NC Smokies is the place you want to gather. The farmto-table experience in Haywood County covers everything from locally raised trout to roasted coffee to hand crafted soda, beer and distilled spirits. And while you enjoy eating and drinking your way through town you can visit one of our museums or take in the views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde, North Carolina
Trout Farm to Table Day 1
Arrive early in the afternoon at BearWaters Brewing Company in Canton to sample some awardwinning craft beer. A brew aptly named “Smells Like Money” won a bronze medal at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival. Their riverside deck and patio are a great place to gather before moving on to your next stop. Afterwards, head over to Sunburst Trout Farms, which has been sustainably raising trout in waters from the Shinning Rock National Wilderness since 1948. They are known for a variety of items like caviar, smoked trout, boneless fillets, trout dips and trout jerky. That evening, visit Waynesville for dinner at one of our farm-to-table restaurants like Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen or The Sweet Onion.
Day 2
VISIT NC SMOKIES Ben Wilder ben@visitncsmokies.com 800-334-9036 visitncsmokies.com
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Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel, and then head out for a morning drive along 13 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Maggie Valley and Waynesville. Stop at WaterRock Knob for some amazing views, a short hike and a talk with a ranger at the visitor’s center. There are numerous overlooks along this section of the parkway for additional photo opportunities. Head towards Maggie Valley for lunch at Catalooche Guest Ranch. Afterwards, take your experience to another level by visiting the Wheels Through Time Museum to see an amazing collection of American motorcycles,
memorabilia and one-off automobiles. The museum has been featured on both the History Channel and Velocity. Later, stop by Elevated Mountain Distillery for a genuine whiskey experience. Learn about how they use local grains during the distilling process and finish with a tasting. That evening, grab dinner back in Canton at Southern Porch, which is housed in The Imperial, a former home and hotel built in 1876. This picturesque building was built in a Queen Anne style of architecture.
Day 3 Begin the day by visiting the Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon to learn about handcrafted jams, pickles and artisan foods with a focus on sustainable agriculture in western North Carolina. Afterwards, head to downtown Waynesville for some shopping on Main Street and lunch at BooJum Brewing Company. Don’t forget to stop by Sunburst Market for local trout as well as other delicious food and beverage items like a handcrafted soda from the Waynesville Soda Jerks. Before leaving, you need to visit Hazelwood. This eclectic section of town is home to the Hazelwood Soap Company, which is a family-owned business that specializes in artisanal bath, body and home products. Also, grab a book for the road at Blue Ridge Books or a coffee from Smokey Mountain Coffee Roasters. Finally, stop in Robin Blu for a last-minute unique gift to take home. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
ARKANSAS TOUR IDEAS
Backstage Pass to
Arkansas
The Natural State is a great place to savor live music of all genres By Kathy Nolan
WHEN ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME to get the band back together, hop
and funky festivals appeal to nature lovers while colorful cabaret, intimate listening rooms and legendary lounges encourage fans to keep things personal. You can drive yourself MAD in Arkansas as bumper stickers and hashtags colorfully proclaim the Murphy Arts District (aka MAD) in El Dorado the new happy. To create the new mecca
Arkansas Parks & Tourism
on the tour bus and head to Arkansas. The Natural State wants concertgoers to take it outside and take it all in as the state is filled with awesome amphitheaters and outdoor venues that offer magnificent views of musicians and mountains. Sunset concert series, music under the stars
LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
April 2019 â&#x2013; 49
for music in El Dorado, local big rig organizers brought in serious on-stage talent to prove if you rebuild it, they will come. Once such example is The Griffin. Once a fuel station and showroom for Model T Fords, the 1928 Griffin Auto Company has been transformed into The Griffin, a chic farm-to-table restaurant flanked by an intimate cabaret lounge that presents regular Thursday night shows and an expansive 2,000-seat Music Hall. Today, the biggest booms aren’t coming from the derricks in the famous oil town, but are emanating from killer sound systems in MAD’s rocking performance venues, like Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt recently used in the 8,000-seat MAD Amphitheater that was literally carved out of the lawn. National touring acts from diverse genres like Shelia E, Brett Michaels and Toby Keith packed the outdoor oasis during MusicFest last October in the sprawling downtown entertainment district. Today, horn blowers aren’t driving vintage Fords, but are jamming onstage in the brass section. Plans to redevelop the historic 1920s Rialto Theater into a 10,000-squarefoot gallery and arts residency are currently underway. Like MAD Marketing Director Bob Tarren said, “We’re not here to change the world, just to show it a good time.” Even the acronym of the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in Rogers promises guests a good time in the Natural State’s largest stage house, which accommodates up to 9,500 fans. Groups can spend an unforgettable
Arkansas Parks & Tourism
ARKANSAS TOUR IDEAS
Great live music can be found throughout Arkansas.
evening under the stars with a picnic and a passion for live music. The AMP hosts national touring acts like Trevor Noah, the Goo Goo Dolls, Train and Alan Jackson, and is booked from spring through fall. George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville is the oldest and longest-running live music venue in Arkansas. Aspiring entrepreneur George Pappas opened the famous restaurant and bar in 1927, along with a general store in the same location on Dickson Street. Although regular live show bookings began in the early 1970s, some locals nostalgically recall attending parties as far back as the 1930s. George’s
El Dorado CVB
Griffin Music Hall
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Majestic has a colorful history, proudly claiming to be the first bar to integrate in the 1950s and the first to offer color television in Northwest Arkansas. Incredible musicians have graced the well-worn stages, including Robert Cray, Leon Russell, Delbert McClinton, Derek Trucks, Zac Brown Band and Chris Robinson. The Majestic will even book your own band as part of their turnkey service for private events hosted in the authentic historic venue. With uncontested bragging rights to “Home of the Longest-Running Live Music Venue,” it seems only natural the Fayetteville Roots Festival would try to dig a little deeper into the region’s cultural heritage. The four-day intimate urban music and food festival scheduled each August features 10 music stages and multiple culinary events. The festival features perfect pairings of nationally known musicians with up-andcoming regional talent. Intentionally used to describe both music and food, the Roots Festival showcases the Ozark region. Folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz and country genres are programmed along with locally-sourced culinary events featuring produce, meats and products from area farmers, chefs, and restaurants. Instead of hosting concerts in one giant outdoor venue, the urban festival experience features multiple intimate venues offering a mashup of real local flavor along with cast of colorful hometown characters, including the stage crew from George’s Majestic Lounge. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
THE FUTURE IS BUILT ON COURAGE
GREAT MOVEMENTS IN HISTORY BEGIN WITH A SINGLE ACT OF COURAGE. THE LITTLE ROCK NINE MONUMENT IN LITTLE ROCK COMMEMORATES THOSE AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS WHO STOOD UP FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. LEARN MORE ABOUT ARKANSASâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY AT CIVILRIGHTSTRAIL.COM. ARKANSAS.COM/GROUP-TRAVEL
Little Rock Nine Monument Mosaic Templars Museum
Little Rock Central High School
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U.S. Marshals Museum to be Dedicated
Museum facility and Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor to be dedicated in Fall of 2019
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reated by the Judiciary Act of 1789 during George Washington’s presidency, the United States Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Justice Department. As the American Frontier expanded, marshals were instrumental in keeping law and order in the Wild West areas that had no local government. Today, U.S. marshals perform more than 55 percent of federal fugitive arrests.
Honoring the Legacy
January 2007 came the announcement that after a two-year procedure, Fort Smith, Arkansas would be the home of the U.S. Marshals Museum. Fort Smith is often considered hallowed, as more marshals and deputy marshals died riding out of the frontier town to perform their duties. Although the museum’s purpose is to honor a federal law enforcement agency, the museum isn’t federally funded. The project has been funded almost entirely by foundations, businesses and individual donors. The Robbie Westphal family donated land along the Arkansas River providing a stunning setting for the museum. When completed, the U.S. Marshals Museum will represent more than a $50 52
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million investment with a significant economic impact on Fort Smith and the surrounding area. “The community-wide ‘Bring It Home’ campaign that was so successful in securing the U.S. Marshal Museum assures Fort Smith of a major tourism impact for years to come,” said Carolyn Joyce, tour & travel sales director Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau. The exterior design is a modified star shape illustrating the star badge worn by U.S. marshals. Five interior galleries share the marshals’ critical and often unnoticed role in upholding the Rule of Law. More than 1,000 artifacts are part of the collection. The galleries are still under construction and likely will not be open for the dedication. An opening date has not been announced. “Defining the Marshals Gallery” will provide an understanding of the marshals’ role, the agency’s founding and its principles and duties. A distinct timeline traces the history from the Judiciary Act of 1789 to the vital service the service provides in the 21st century. The “Campfire/Under the Stars Gallery” is the hub of the museum and sets the stage for storied moments of marshal history. Four marshals from different generations share stories as shadowy figures flare to life and then disappear at appropriate moments.
In the “Frontier Marshals Gallery” the role and risks of being the symbol of law in the western frontier and Indian Territory are shown. “A Changing Nation Gallery” is themed with the commitment that marshals are bound by duty to uphold the law regardless of their own beliefs. The central role they played during turbulent times from Prohibition and America’s civil rights movement to riots, strikes, bombings and natural disasters are presented. In the “Modern Marshals Gallery” groups will witness the expansive work marshals perform today. Groups may also pay tribute to the 350 marshals killed in the line of duty since 1789 by visiting the Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor, which will open September 24, 2019, with exhibits and displays opening at a later date. For details, visit online at usmmuseum.org, or call 479-709-3766. For details building a Fort Smith itinerary, visit online at fortsmith. org, or call 800-637-1477.
FORT SMITH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Carolyn Joyce cjoyce@fortsmithar.gov 800-637-1477 fortsmith.org
>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
ARKANSAS TOUR IDEAS
AUTHENTIC ARKANSAS
Crystals, diamonds and impressive art can be found across the state By Kathy Nolan
The famous Louise Bourgeois spider sculpture can be found at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
S
ometimes, the most precious gems are hidden in plain sight. Recently, after 10 minutes of searching, a 71-yearold retiree discovered a 2.63-carat ice white diamond sitting on the surface of a 37-acre plowed field. Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is one of the only places in the world where public prospectors can search for authentic diamonds in their original volcanic source. LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
Visitors search the eroded surface of a volcanic crater for a variety of rocks, minerals and gemstones, keeping any treasure they find. When rainfall uncovers larger diamonds and the sun comes out, they sparkle and are often easy to see. In 2018, 256 diamonds, weighing a total of 49.64 carats, were found and registered at the park. In Bentonville, a stone grotto made of boulders, ranging from 3,000-10,000 pounds,
The Strawn Wagner Diamond was found in the Crater of Diamonds State Park public search field.
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ARKANSAS TOUR IDEAS
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the power of art and the beauty of nature.
is covered in natural quartz crystals. Excavated in west central Arkansas, these quartz crystals were formed deep underground when two of the earth’s tectonic plates slowly collided 300 million years ago. The pressure caused an uplift that formed the Ouachita Mountains. Visitors walking along the 3.5 miles of trails through Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s 120-acre site can admire these ancient crystalladen boulders near the upper pond. Designed to spark the imagination, the trails help guests form connections to the Ozark landscape and to downtown Bentonville, while admiring exquisite art installations. The 50-foot-diameter Fly’s Eye Dome, designed by
American architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller, was recently installed on the north lawn. One of only three prototypes fabricated in Fuller’s lifetime, the sculpture and focus exhibition opens in June. The stunning Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Crystal Bridges was developed by the Walton Family Foundation for all to enjoy, and general admission to the museum and grounds is free. Designed by internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the building complements the surrounding Ozark landscape, integrating
Pilgrimage to the Contemplative Heart of the Ozarks Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery
Eureka Springs, AR ~ www.LittlePortion.org - Inspiring Church & Monastery - Peaceful Prayer Gardens - Cloistered Walkways - Open to Individuals & Groups - Welcoming Community - Close to Local Attractions
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the element of water on the site through the creation of two spring-fed ponds spanned by signature bridges and surrounded by pavilions housing galleries and studios. Impressive water features were also prominently featured in the sleek MidCentury designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The famous architect introduced Usonian design, a distinct American style he developed during the Great Depression to offer affordable access for the average middle-class family. Committed to preserving the American way of life, Crystal Bridges acquired and relocated Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House in 2015, keeping it accessible to the public through self-guided tours. Crystal Bridges Museum’s permanent art collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from the Colonial era to current day. Included are iconic images such as Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola (3)— each reflecting a distinct moment in American artistic evolution. Major works by modern and contemporary American artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, John Baldessari and James Turrell, are displayed in the permanent collection along with topical temporary installations. Guided group tours can be arranged for groups of 10-60 guests, and may include box >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
lunches or a seated lunch in the museum’s restaurant. Audio tours are available through a free app, which can be downloaded to Apple or Android devices. Bentonville is also home to the Museum of Native American History, founded by David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation. Admission is free and visitors can view 10,000 Native American artifacts. Scholars, artists and advocates host monthly conversations and give an authentic voice to historical and contemporary Native American culture. Kiowa artist Travis Mammedaty recently explored the history, culture and protocol of songs for use in pow wows. Guests even search for modern-made, handknapped arrowheads hidden in rocks around the onsite tipi. Learn more about the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw with a visit to the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. We Walk in Two Worlds tells the story of Arkansas’s first people, the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw Indian
LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville enables visitors to view 10,000 Native American artifacts.
tribes from early times to today. The dominant presence of the Native American voice with member interviews from the three prominent tribes informs, educates and guides visitors through the experience. Historic Arkansas Museum Chief Curator and Deputy Director Swannee Bennett said, “What makes this exhibit unique is that it is a story of the
Arkansas Native American told in large part with an Indian voice.” Museum Director Bill Worthen added, “The State of Arkansas officially partnered with the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw Nations and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to tell this story of struggle and endurance.”
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LOUISIANA TOUR IDEAS
Uniquely
Groups looking to experience the state’s more unusual attractions have plenty of options to choose from By Jason Paha
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LOUISIANA HAS LONG been known
as a popular vacation destination thanks in part to its colorful history. The Pelican State is not only the birthplace of jazz and the spot where notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde drew their last breath, it is also home to a variety of exclusive traditions—voodoo, anyone?—that highlight Louisiana’s vibrant past, present and future.
Here are some establishments groups can visit that will entertain while educating about Louisiana’s one-of-akind heritage.
New Orleans Voodoo’s shadow has loomed over New Orleans since the early 1700s, when it was brought to French Louisiana during the colonial period by enslaved Africans.
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Louisiana
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April 2019 â&#x2013; 57
LOUISIANA TOUR IDEAS
The Tietje Crawfish Farm educates about the beloved crawfish.
Those looking to take home a memory from their outing can purchase numerous unusual items from the gift shop, including chicken feet, snake skins, voodoo love potion and New Orleans voodoo coffin kits.
The Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic building within the Vieux Carre Historic District. The museum, which is housed in the site of
Jeremy Thompson
Groups looking to learn about voodoo’s history and presence in modern society can visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, which has served the Crescent City’s community since 1972. Founded by local artist Charles Massicot Gandolfo, the museum showcases historic voodoo relics, paintings, sculptures and other artifacts. The museum also offers walking tours to the nearby St. Louis Cemetery, which has more than 600 tombs, including the tomb of Marie Laveau, a Louisiana Creole practitioner of voodoo who was renowned in New Orleans. Born in 1801, the half Creole hairdresser became famous as a seller of charms, gris-gris (a voodoo amulet) bags, fortunes and advice. The tour also includes a visit to Congo Square, a locale where voodoo was prominently practiced in the early to mid-1800s.
Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans
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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis Dufilho, Jr., displays an extensive collection of oddities and provides interpretive educational programs to present and preserve the history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana. Crude surgical instruments and handblown apothecary bottles filled with medicinal herbs and primitive drugs are displayed on the museum’s first floor. A pharmacist’s lab sits in the back of the shop along with exhibits explaining the earliest role of the soda fountain in Victorian medicine. The second floor contains living quarters, seasonal and special exhibits and a physician’s study and sick room.
Jefferson Davis Parish This parish in southwest Louisiana is home to Tietje Crawfish Farm, which provides crawfish field tours during the harvest season. These tours showcase the crawfish’s habitat and harvesting process as visitors learn about the beloved creature. Next, visitors take a trip to the I-10
Crawfish tours showcase the creature’s habitat.
Crawfish Cooperative, which demonstrates the cleaning, grading and distribution process, giving groups an appreciation of the extensive labor process that goes into creating the food for crawfish boils. Groups can continue their tour at Gator Chateau, a rescue facility, where an alligator handler will provide a lesson on gators, informing guests about their habitat, what they eat and how they grow. Visitors can even hold baby alligators while getting their photo taken.
Iberia Parish In 2018, TABASCO celebrated its 150th anniversary of spicing up the palates of diners worldwide. Groups looking to learn about this venerable pepper sauce can visit Avery Island in Iberia Parish, where they will encounter a natural paradise. There, groups can take cooking classes, enjoy guided tours through the TABASCO factory and even take in lunch at Restaurant 1868!, a casual eatery serving spicy, authentic Cajun favorites and other classic
favorites seasoned with TABASCO sauce. Perhaps the most scenic locale on Avery Island is Jungle Gardens, a 170acre semitropical garden featuring rolling landscapes, botanical treasures and ample wildlife, including alligators, deer and thousands of snowy egrets that nest in Bird City. This nature lover’s paradise is open every day of the year. Also unique to Iberia Parish is the Bayou Teche Museum, located in charming downtown New Iberia. Fun for the entire family, this museum houses interactive exhibits showcasing the blend of cultures, artists, industries and lore that emerged from the land surrounding the South Louisiana bayou. Among the museum’s many exhibits include the Civil War’s involvement in the Teche region, how tranquil New Iberia was rocked by two devastating fires and a major flood, the region’s unique food industry, featuring gumbo, red beans and rice and crawfish, and New Iberia’s colorful, hometown take on Mardi Gras.
s e h c o t i h c t Na “Nack-A-Tish”
Louisiana’s Oldest City
Celebrate • Discover • Explore • Celebrate at one of more than 30 annual festivals & events •
Discover the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Kisatchie National Forest, Cane River National Heritage Area, plantation, and museums
• Explore our Historic Landmark District which offers unique shopping and dining.
800-259-1714 • www.Natchitoches.com LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
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Baton Rouge is the hub of all things Louisiana. Its central location – an hour from New Orleans and Lafayette – makes Baton Rouge the perfect city to visit.
VISIT BATON ROUGE
Tracy Francis tracy@visitbatonrouge.com 225-382-3573 visitbatonrouge.com
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Three Days of Louisiana’s Capital City DAY 1
Spend your day in downtown Baton Rouge. Start with a tour of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, where you’ll travel through the state’s storied political history. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful gothic staircase and stained-glass ceiling. Next, head over to Louisiana’s current State Capitol, a magnificent 34-story art deco-style structure standing proud as the nation’s tallest capitol building. Next, you’ll stroll across the intricate Capitol gardens for a chance to experience true Louisiana at the Capitol Park Museum – a Louisiana state museum. Here, you can step onto a real Mardi Gras float, discover the difference between Cajun and Creole, feast your eyes upon a massive shrimp boat and lose yourself in Louisiana music and historical multimedia presentations. Before your next stop, grab lunch at the Main Street Market, where choices include down-home Southern cooking, Chinese and sushi, crepes and jambalaya. For your last stop downtown, choose between the USS Kidd, Louisiana Art & Science Museum or the LSU Museum of Art. Take a tour of this restored WWII Fletcher-class destroyer and then stroll through the historic exhibits in Veterans Memorial Museum. The Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers fine art exhibitions, a hands-on science gallery, a state-of-the art planetarium and more – something for everyone.
Day 2 For your next stop, visit Magnolia Mound Plantation. During your tour of this 1790s French Creole house, get a true taste of South Louisiana flavor
with an open-hearth cooking demonstration. Next, head to Mid-City and get a taste of our artsy area of town. Grab a coffee at Brew Ha-Ha then head over to Red Stick Spice, where they blend spices, teas, olive oils, vinegars and more so you can bring home your own taste of Baton Rouge. After that, stroll around Bluebonnet Swamp and meet the reptiles, animals and insects that are indigenous to our area.
Day 3 Begin the day at Louisiana State University’s Rural Life Museum. Get a feel for working plantation life through an abundance of artifacts and tools from the plantation era. The facility also features more than 20 19th century buildings, including slave cabins, an overseer’s house, a blacksmith’s shop and more. Travel back in time and experience the lifestyles and life-ways of Louisiana’s people. Next, head to Houmas House Plantation, once known as the “Sugar Palace.” Before your tour, break for a delicious lunch at Café Burnside. When you’re done eating, a guide in antebellum dress will escort you through the beautifully landscaped gardens and in to the big house full of period antiques and artwork. End your trip with a little shopping at one of our large shopping centers, pedestrian shops or quaint antique stores. Visit the Mall of Louisiana where you’ll find more than 175 stores, delicious food stops and a magical carousel or enjoy Perkins Rowe or Towne Center at Cedar Lodge for open-air boutique shopping and strolling. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
WEST
REGION
s a g e V Vistas
THERE’S MORE TO NEVADA THAN THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD By Jason Paha
WHEN SPENDING TIME in Las
Valley of Fire State Park
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Travel Nevada
Vegas, it can often seem the city is the center of the universe, what with its endless array of lights, activities and nightlife. In actuality, Sin City’s charms aren’t all Nevada has to offer, as a number of alluring natural landscapes reside a scant few hours away.
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Those seeking to explore more tranquil environs can satiate their adventurous side with a day trip in numerous directions, with all roads leading to somewhere picturesque. Here are a few of those road trips:
O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and enjoy spectacular views that were once only available by helicopter. LAS VEGAS TO VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK, LOST CITY MUSEUM AND MESQUITE Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park, resides 49 miles northeast of the city. Esteemed for its nearly 46,000 acres of brilliant red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone, the park is home to ancient petrified trees dating back more than 2,000 years. The park’s name stems from sandstone formations which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. The
Travel Nevada
LAS VEGAS TO BOULDER CITY, HOOVER DAM The quaint town of Boulder City stands 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas, but its core sensibilities are as distant from Vegas as can be. The town of just over 15,000 is one of only two cities in Nevada that prohibits gambling (along with the city of Panaca). While gambling won’t be on the docket for your group, there is still plenty to do in the area from the Nevada State Railroad Museum, which
features numerous locomotive exhibits, to Hemenway Park, home to a litany of bighorn sheep. The city’s claim to fame, though, is its close proximity to the fabled Hoover Dam, which resides eight miles away. The Hoover Dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936 and is considered by many one of the Top 10 construction achievements of the 20th century. A National Historic Landmark, the dam is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, standing more than 725 feet above the Colorado River. With 17 generators producing 4 billion kilowatts of electricity per year, it’s also one of the country’s largest hydroelectric power facilities. Visitors can drive across the Mike
The Hoover Dam is considered by many one of the Top 10 construction achievements of the 20th century.
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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com
LAS VEGAS TO RED ROCK CANYON, SPRING MOUNTAIN RANCH STATE PARK, GOODSPRINGS The scenic rock formations of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are located a mere 16 miles west of Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon contains a one-way 13mile scenic looped drive where visitors can admire the park’s sandstone peaks and walls that reach up to 3,000 feet high. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the park’s 26 numbered hikes and trails, where they will encounter Triassic fossils and various desert flora along with panoramic views of the park. Ten miles east of Red Rock Canyon is Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, a park that has historically been used as a working ranch and luxury retreat by numerous owners, including reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes. Visitors can explore some of the oldest buildings in Nevada, including an 1860s blacksmith shop and a sandstone cabin that was home to the park’s founding family. The park also contains hiking trails and picnic sites. Forty-two miles south of Mountain Ranch is the diminutive town of Goodsprings, which boasts a population of 229 people. Goodsprings is home to the famous Pioneer Saloon, one of the oldest saloons in Nevada. Built in 1913, the saloon is best known for being the spot actor Clark Gable resided in for three days as he waited for word of the fate of his wife, Carole Lombard, who died in a plane crash near Mount Potosi. Visitors can read about this tragic story on an original newspaper and see a piece of the actual plane wreckage. The bar also houses bullet holes in its exterior, showing a hint of its Wild West past, and is said by many to be haunted. LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
Ryan Jerz / Travel Nevada
park is home to a visitor center plus facilities for picnicking, camping and hiking. Travelers seeking to continue on the road can head nine miles north to Overton where they will find the Lost City Museum. This museum was created by the National Park Service to exhibit artifacts recovered from local prehistoric archaeological sites and features a Native American pit house and reconstructed pueblos visitors can step foot in. Groups itching to play some golf would do well to travel 42 miles northeast to Mesquite, a golfing mecca featuring a slew of top courses, restaurants and resorts.
Falcon Ridge Golf Course in Mesquite is a golfing mecca.
EXPERIENCE
TH E BEST OF
AMERICA’S WORST The Mob Museum provides an array of special offerings, including private guided tours, audio tours in seven languages, team building activities, and unique spaces for meetings and special events. New: The Underground— experience Prohibition-era cocktails in our speakeasy and tour our on-site distillery for a taste of the past.
THEMOBMUSEUM.ORG 300 STEWART AVE
702.229.2734
DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS April 2019 ■ 63
Latest
& Greatest
Indiana Dunes Named a National Park • Indiana After more than a century of campaigning, Indiana finally has its first national park. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore became the Indiana Dunes National Park on Feb. 22 when President Donald Trump signed a bill that ushered in the change.
In 2018, even without national park status, 3.6 million visitors came to see the dunes. In terms of visitation, the then-Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Indiana Dunes State Park already ranked seventh in the nation, putting them just under Yellowstone out of the 418 National Park Service Units. Indiana Dunes advocates have been trying to get national park status for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the most biodiverse areas in North America, since 1916. The Indiana Dunes area encompasses 15,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, savannas, bogs, wetlands and, of course, sand dunes, which reach heights up to 192 feet. The dunes were created when glaciers receded 14,000 years ago, creating white, sandy beaches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. These beaches are ranked among the best in the U.S., making the Indiana Dunes a premier family-friendly destination and the top attraction in the state of Indiana. (nps.gov/indu/ index.htm)
CENTRAL REGION African-American Museum to Open in Milwaukee • Wisconsin
America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee plans to reopen in 2019 in a new building. It originally was opened in 1984 by Dr. James Cameron, who at the time was the only known lynching survivor. He ran the museum until he died in 2006, and the museum was forced to close in 2008. Between 2008 and now, the museum has lived primarily online. (abhm.org)
Milwaukee Food Hall • Wisconsin Downtown Milwaukee’s 3rd Street Market Hall, to be housed in the former Grand Avenue Mall, will open in fall of 2019. It will feature 20 local restaurant vendors, a beer hall, table games and plenty of space for hanging out. There will be bocce ball, ping-pong tables and retro arcade video games.
Blues Museum Set to Open in Downtown Chicago • Illinois
As the birthplace of the modern blues, Chicago will celebrate the opening of the new Chicago Blues Museum in April. It will salute pioneering artists and generations of musicians that influenced the blues scene. Located near downtown’s Millennium Park, the new museum will contain numerous interactive displays, tributes to local legends and Chicago blues memorabilia, plus a performance lounge and restaurant. (chicagobluesexperience.com)
Time Out Market Chicago to Open in 2019 • Illinois
NOW SHOWING IN ST. CLOUD, MN: UNFORGETTABLE GROUP TOUR ADVENTURES VISITSTCLOUD.COM/GROUP-TOUR 64
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Time Out Group is set to open the Fulton Market District’s first food hall in 2019. Set in a three-story brick building, Time Out Market Chicago will consist of 16 food counters, three bars, a demo kitchen, event and retail space, and a rooftop deck. The popular Time Out Market Lisbon opened in 2014, and in 2019, Time Out Markets are set to open in Miami, New York, Boston and Montreal as well as Chicago. (timeoutmarket.com/chicago) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
SI
SITE INSPECTION
On the Heels of History in Columbus, Ohio
Experience all that Ohio’s capital has to offer through its significant sites and rich military history
C
olumbus is the country’s fourth-fastest growing city, and its rich heritage is a top attraction for visitors and new residents alike. It has made a name for itself as a historic hotspot, popular among history buffs, and a long list of sites and attractions commemorate important events in Ohio and the wider United States.
Explore a city filled with activities
Help make the most of your time in Columbus with a guided tour by the expert guides at Columbus City Adventures. Their stories of historical happenings, fun facts, and local lore will help visitors fully appreciate all that surrounds them as they stroll the city streets. A perfect place to begin a historic exploration of Columbus is right in the heart of downtown, at the centrally located Ohio Statehouse. Guided tours offer visitors a chance to see the House and Senate chambers, along with the stunning atrium.
Charming old houses and shops
Columbus is full of charming neighborhoods that still retain their ties to the state’s history. Just to the south of the downtown core you’ll find German Village, originally built by German settlers in the mid-1800s and today seen as one of the LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
country’s preeminent historic districts. As you stroll the quaint streets it’s easy to see why. The restored brick houses, shops and streets are endlessly charming but with a touch of modern. Shopping opportunities abound, with local favorites including The Book Loft – one of the largest independent booksellers in the country – and Helen Winnemore’s, which features usable, wearable art all handcrafted in the United States.
Museums and Monuments
Throughout the city, you’ll find a variety of military museums and collections, including the architecturally unique National Veterans Memorial and Museum, which opened in October 2018. One of Columbus’ most prized attractions, this new museum is stunning in the architectural design that graces the banks of the Scioto River. Another museum that tops the list in Columbus is Motts Military Museum, 15 minutes southeast of downtown, which seeks to preserve America’s military heritage from the colonial era all the way up to our current global conflicts. Another 10 minutes to the west of downtown is Camp Chase Cemetery, which was established in 1861 as a military staging and training camp after the Civil War began.
Plenty of places to dine
Head to the North Market, which at almost 150 years old is Columbus’ only remaining true public market and a real taste of history. With over 30 merchants, this is the perfect place for quick group dining. For a truly unforgettable dining experience guests can’t miss chowing down at The 94th Aero Squadron, a military-themed restaurant decorated with memorabilia and aviation relics from WWI and WWII. More stunning views can be found when dining at The Boat House at Confluence Park, which offers a panorama of the Columbus skyline and a seafood-driven menu. And no history-inspired food tour would be complete without a trip to Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, uniquely located inside an old brick livery stable in German Village, where five generations of the Schmidt family have crafted award-winning, mouth-watering meals since 1886. For information on planning the perfect historical experience, check out https://www. experiencecolumbus.com/tour-planners/
EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS
Roger Dudley, Director of Tourism Sales rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com 800-354-2657 experiencecolumbus.com/tours
April 2019 ■ 65
CENTRAL
REGION
! o H d ar w t s e W Pioneer lore springs to life at tour-worthy sights across Nebraska
Randy Mink
By Randy Mink
Scotts Bluff, a Western Nebraska landmark
njoying more comforts than a covered wagon could ever provide, travelers cruising Nebraska’s roadways today find it hard to imagine the harrowing cross-country journeys that yesteryear’s settlers endured. But a number of attractions shed light on the trials and triumphs associated with America’s westward expansion and life on the frontier. 66
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Following the Oregon, California and Mormon trails, tour itineraries trace the paths of the explorers, pioneers, trappers and cowboys who braved the wide-open spaces and uncharted territory of the Great Plains. Museums and historical sites make it all come alive. The Mormon Trail entered the state at Omaha, and the story of the great migration
of Latter-day Saints who came to the area between 1846 and 1860 is told at the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters. The temporary settlement was a stopping place for persecuted Mormons who had left Nauvoo, Illinois and were heading to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. Brigham Young and other church leaders spent time at Winter Quarters, once the church’s >> LeisureGroupTravel.com
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a particular group of European emigrants are remembered at the Great Plains Welsh Heritage and Culture Center Museum. In Fairbury, a short drive west, your tour connects with the Oregon Trail, which entered Nebraska not far from here. Rock Creek Station State Historical Park is one of the best sites for viewing original wagon ruts from the Oregon and California trails. It’s also where Wild Bill Hickok gained notoriety for killing his first victims. Red Cloud was home to Pulitzer Prizewinning author Willa Cather, famed for her novels of life on the Great Plains. Several buildings important to her life and books, including her childhood home, make up Willa Cather State Historic Site. Costumed interpreters bring the old days back to life at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, one of the Midwest’s premier living history museums. Covering much of the 200-acre complex is the 1890s Railroad Town, a collection of historical buildings bustling in summer with people demonstrating trades and conducting business. You can tour homes, barns, a rural school and church, and Pawnee Indian earth lodge. See a multi-media presentation and exhibits
on Nebraska history (1860-1920) in the Stuhr Building, designed by noted architect Edward Durrell Stone. The Fonner Rotunda has Old West and Native American relics. Harold Warp Pioneer Village in Minden, a treasure chest of Americana, displays more than 50,000 antique treasures in 26 buildings, including a frontier fort, replica sod house, 1872 railway depot, 1884 church, blacksmith shop, reconstructed Pony Express barn and general store stocked with 19th century merchandise. Craftsmen demonstrate weaving and broom making. At The Archway, an eight-story museum that spans Interstate 80 in Kearney, a selfguided audio tour follows the pioneer trails, highways and transcontinental railroad that opened up the West. It focuses on the path along the Platte River, once called the Great Platte River Road, which attracted adventurers to the untamed West. The Archway offers groups a number of catering options, including a chuck wagonstyle barbecue and a variety of buffet choices. Also in Kearney, Fort Kearny State Historical Park looks at life on the Oregon Trail, featuring a replica stockade and reconstructed blacksmith shop.
Nebraska Tourism Commission
headquarters. The center’s museum has interactive exhibits, plus a log cabin, covered wagon and handcart. (Migrating Mormons who could not afford full ox and horse teams used handcarts to carry their belongings on the trek west.) Next to the trail center is the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery. The settlement’s best-known chapter revolves around the Saints’ suffering and death from cold and illness during their first winter in Nebraska (1846-47). Famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark also passed through Omaha and held council with Indian chiefs in this part of the middle Missouri River. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center commemorates their expedition. The Durham Museum, a staple on Omaha itineraries, follows the city’s development from the mid-1800s to the 1950s. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, it is housed in the 1931 Union Station, an Art Deco landmark. Among the many group-friendly attractions in Lincoln, an hour west of Omaha, is the Nebraska History Museum. Three floors of exhibits detail Nebraska’s story from prehistoric days to the present, with several displays spotlighting pioneer life and Indian tribes. See reproductions of a Pawnee Indian earth lodge and settler’s sod house. Also in Lincoln, the University of Nebraska’s Great Plains Art Museum features Western and Native American art consisting of bronze sculptures, paintings, drawing and photographs. Key artists in the collection include Albert Bierstadt, Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington. In Beatrice, not far from Lincoln, the Homestead National Monument of America illuminates the Homestead Act of 1862, which enticed millions of people to move to the frontier and obtain plots of land. The Homestead Heritage Center offers an orientation film and a museum that looks at homesteader life. Nearby is an original cabin furnished with pioneer artifacts. A trail traverses restored tallgrass prairie, where, in late summer, grasses reach nine feet high, giving visitors a sense of the Great Plains as the settlers saw them. In Wymore,
Pony Express Station, Gothenburg
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From Kearney, head west on I-80, following the Oregon and Mormon trails to Gothenburg, where an original Pony Express Station chronicles the brief experiment in long-distance mail delivery by horseback.
Few figures personify the frontier spirit more than William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the famous showman, Army scout and buffalo hunter. Cody’s legacy survives in North Platte at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which sits on the site
of his Scout’s Rest Ranch. Actors playing Cody and his wife will show your group the elegant Victorian mansion, and you can view memorabilia from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in the huge barn. At North Platte’s Fort Cody Trading Post, the
Visit Omaha rolls out the red carpet for ABA Marketplace 2020 Seven sightseeing tours kick off the annual event, showcasing all there is to see and do in Omaha Following four pre FAMs January 7-10, 2020 – Buffalo Bill’s Rails and Trails, The Great Platte River Road, Uniquely Northeast Nebraska and Savor the Flavors in Iowa – here’s what awaits ABA delegates on January 11 in Omaha. The Billion-Dollar Tour Explore Warren Buffett’s stomping ground and discover why the “Oracle of Omaha” chooses to live, work and play there. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of a premier children’s theater and discover its connection to Buffett. Also, enjoy lunch at Buffett’s favorite Omaha steakhouse. Train and Track Tour Visit the operations of the Union Pacific Railroad at the Harmann Dispatch Center, the most technologically advanced dispatching facility in the country. Tour the Union Pacific Museum and walk through a variety of historic rail cars. Tour the Durham Museum housed in one of the first Art Deco train stations, and step onboard Harry Truman’s press train. Around the World in 4 Hours: Tour 1 From tropical palm trees to blooming azaleas, the everchanging 17,500-square-foot Lauritzen Gardens Conservatory begins your world journey. Next stop is a piece of Greece and St. John’s Orthodox Church to hear the story of the elaborate gold and traditional Greek décor. Then, it’s on to Ireland to feast on a traditional Irish lunch complete with Irish folk singers. Around the World in 4 Hours: Tour 2 Begin at St. Cecilia Cathedral and view the Spanish colonial artwork, stained-glass windows and three-ton pipe organ. Next, teas from around the world are introduced along with unique presentations from the history of tea to serving techniques. Lunch is special with Southern-style cuisine served right at Big Mama’s Kitchen.
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Lauritzen Garden Conservatory
Around the World in 4 Hours: Tour 3 Travel back to 1903 Scotland and the 30-room Scottish mansion, Joslyn Castle, filled with accessories from around the world. Next stop is Lithuania with a sampling of signature coffees, tortes and breads. There’s no better place to stop for lunch than France, with a menu showcasing every region of the country. Hot Spots in Omaha Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration while finding the perfect Omaha souvenir. There’s candy for the sweet tooth, memorabilia from every decade and more at the huge antique warehouse. At one of the world’s best zoos there’s over seven acres of indoor exhibits, including the world’s largest indoor desert and North America’s largest indoor rainforest. A City Built on History Get insight into frontier life at the home of Civil War General George Cook and arrive at the Boys Town campus for a visit to the Hall of History, the home of founder Father Edward Flanagan. Watch for ABA Marketplace 2020 registration announcements at https://www.buses.org/events/event/aba-annualmeeting-marketplace-2020-omaha-ne
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state’s largest souvenir shop, explore the Old West Museum in back and don’t miss the 20,000-piece, hand-carved, animated miniature version of the Wild West Show. Farther west on I-80, Ogallala, the end of the Texas cattle trail drives from 18751885, is billed as the “Cowboy Capital” of Nebraska. Your group can relive this riproaring era at Front Street and Cowboy Museum, with its saloon, steakhouse and Western stage show. In Nebraska’s Panhandle region, the prairie starts to give way to a more dramatic landscape, one that matches our visions of what the American West should look like. Points of interest include unusual rock formations that served as landmarks for the pioneers who crossed the continent in creaking wooden prairie schooners on the Oregon, Mormon and California trails. The natural phenomenon that pioneers most often mentioned in their journals—Chimney Rock—is a tall spire rising out of a dome-like outcropping. They could see it two days before, from 37 miles away. Many carved their initials on the rock. The interpretive center at Chimney Rock National Historic Site near Bayard is operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society and pays tribute to those who traveled the trails. Closer to the Wyoming border, Scotts Bluff National Monument, 23 miles from Chimney Rock, preserves an escarpment of wind-sculpted buttes that rises 800 feet above the Platte River Valley. Pioneers were impressed at the sight of the fortress-like rock and were grateful that a third of the trail lay behind them. From the summit, reachable by car and bus, views stretch 100 miles. The visitor center at the foot of Scotts Bluff hosts outdoor living history interpreters on summer weekends and has indoor exhibits that describe the hardships endured on the trek west. Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, sitting on 100 acres with Scotts Bluff as a backdrop, focuses on pioneer life and rural development. Fort Robinson State Park, occupying the grounds of a frontier military bastion in the state’s northwest corner, has 22 lodge rooms in a former barrack and more accommodations in cottages and stately LeisureGroupTravel.com <<
homes that once served as officer’s quarters. Activities include horseback trail rides, wagon and stagecoach rides, and open-air jeep rides for spotting mountain sheep. Museums showcase area geology and the fort’s history as a cavalry post and equestrian center. Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron spotlights not only the mountain men, buffalo hunters and Indians of the West but also French trappers and others who
roamed the wilderness in the Eastern U.S. and Canada. On display are beaver hats, a buffalo robe and 18th century buckskin breeches, along with canoes, skinning and butcher knives, firearms and an 1809 beaver trap. The saga of the Old West lives on in Nebraska, not far from the stream of cars, trucks and tour buses whizzing down Interstate 80.
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GROUP-WORTHY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Looking for an activity to keep the whole group entertained? These live entertainment options add life to any group itinerary. Whether your group is in the mood to see a Broadway show, be wined and dined or take a behindthe-scenes tour, these theaters have something for everyone.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre • Indiana
Broadway Palm • Florida
Candlelight Dinner Theatre • Colorado
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2019 with an exciting lineup of shows that appeals to a range of audiences. Beef & Boards works with each group leader to provide the best possible experience for his or her travelers, with a variety of options available including actor talk-backs after the show. The 2019 schedule includes 42nd Street, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors and A Christmas Story. (beefandboards.com)
Broadway Palm is Southwest Florida’s premier dinner theatre. Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes, and a live orchestra. In addition to the main stage, there is the 100-seat Off Broadway Palm Theatre, children’s theatre, a concert series, numerous special events, a lobby bar, gift shop and art gallery. Upcoming shows include Guys and Dolls, Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Mama Won’t Fly. (broadwaypalm.com)
Candlelight is Colorado’s largest professional dinner theater. Located in Northern Colorado, talent is drawn from the strong regional artistic community and contributes to it through educational programs. The shows produced are carefully selected to appeal across generations so that your whole group can enjoy the show. Upcoming shows include Disney’s Tarzan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Jekyll & Hyde The Musical, Curtains: The Musical Comedy Whodunit and Peter Pan. (coloradocandlelight.com)
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Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre • Tennessee
Dallas Summer Musicals • Texas
Derby Dinner Playhouse • Indiana
Thursday through Saturday are special occasions at Chaffin’s Barn, where you will find the finest and funniest Broadway plays and musicals and a buffet of delicious food. Since 1967, Chaffin’s Barn has been hailed as the foremost dinner theatre in Nashville. The theatre has space for 250 and can make your event a gathering to remember in our Mainstage. Chaffin’s Barn Theatre is more than a destination; we are an experience to savor and remember time after time. (chaffinsbarntheatre.com)
Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest. (dallassummermusicals.org)
Located just minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the 500-seat dinner theater this season features professional Broadway musicals and comedies, including Shrek the Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, Baskerville - A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, and Elf the Musical. Included in the ticket price is a freshly prepared home-style buffet featuring a salad bar, vegetables, fish, fried chicken, hot rolls and a beverage. Group rates are available. (derbydinner.com)
Disney Theater Group • New York Disney’s storytelling tradition, creative imagination, world-class talent and Broadway production values combine to create a one-of-a-kind, shared experience like nothing your group has ever seen. From 20 to 1,700 people, Disney Theatrical Group Sales will customize a program designed to satisfy your group’s unique needs while in New York City, including group tickets to FROZEN, THE LION KING or ALADDIN to Broadway Workshops and our Behind the Magic Theatre Tour. (disneyonbroadway.com)
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre • Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre offers many dining options, from a buffet to a served dinner to appetizers and desserts. The 2019 season offers Annie, Finding Neverland, The Will Rogers Follies and Holiday Inn. The 328-seat theater combines a live orchestra with directors and performers selected from across the United States. The theatre provides group leader and driver comps and discounts. (DutchApple.com)
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INDIANA
It should be easy for your group to create memories. For groups of 12 or more:
970-744-3753
INDIANA
C O LO R A D O
Groups@ColoradoCandlelight.com
ndta.us
Johnstown, CO
Group Rates Begin at 10% Off!
www.ColoradoCandlelight.com
TENNESSEE
WISCONSIN P E N N S Y LVA N I A
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
Dinner Theatre With A Difference!
Perfect for your group!
Located in Lancaster County, PA 800-292-4301 www.rainbowcomedy.com
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
F LO R I DA
ndta.us
GROUP-WORTHY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The Fireside Dinner Theatre • Wisconsin
Great River Shakespeare Festival • Minnesota
McCarter Theatre Center • New Jersey
Exciting professional musicals, memorable dining, spectacular gift shops, Klopcic Family hospitality and fabulous service make The Fireside a complete destination in itself or the perfect complement to any Wisconsin tour. Caring for groups for 55 years, Wisconsin’s No. 1 motorcoach attraction is more than you’d ever expect! The Fireside’s 2019 season includes Menopause The Musical, That’s What I Call Rock’N Roll, Annie, The Buddy Holly Story and A Christmas Story. (firesidetheatre.com)
Great River Shakespeare Festival is Minnesota’s largest professional Equity theater outside the Twin Cities. Located in the scenic Mississippi River town of Winona, just two hours south of Minneapolis, the 16-year-old festival is a one-of-a-kind experience. With five professional productions running in repertory, mid-week and weekend matinees and evening performances, and free activities for all ages, the festival goes above and beyond to not only inspire, but make patrons feel at home. (grsf.org)
McCarter’s mission is to create world-class theater and present the finest artists for the engagement, education, and entertainment of the community. Winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include works by Christopher Durang, Emily Mann and more. McCarter brings artists from around the world to Princeton, New Jersey including Angelique Kidjo, Esperanza Spalding and David Sedaris. (mccarter.org)
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Mirvish Productions • Canada Toronto – your one-stop destination for all things theatre. Mirvish Productions ensures that your appetite for the best in world-class theatre is suitably satiated with a delectable lineup of the best musicals, plays and theatrical entertainment played out in the downtown core of one of North America’s most vibrant tour destinations. Bring your tours to Toronto this summer for a trip to remember. (mirvish.com/groups)
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NarroWay Productions • South Carolina Located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, NarroWay is one of the top-rated dinner theaters in the Carolinas. Be greeted, seated and served by the performing cast. Be captivated with original scripts, live animals, special effects and a magnificent cast. NarroWay features live performances year-round. New for 2019 is Geronimo opening May 4. Favorites such as Samson, Lord of Light, The Fourth Cross and The Real Christmas Story return to the 2019 lineup. (narroway.net)
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GROUP-WORTHY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre • Canada
Pines Dinner Theatre • Pennsylvania
Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse • Pennsylvania
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre is now celebrating its 25th anniversary and features all-Canadian music, from maritime folk songs to modern pop. Meet singing Mounties, Lumberjacks, a Hockey Player and Anne of Green Gables. While you’re enjoying the show, the costumed performers serve a famous allCanadian, family-style meal. This high-energy interactive production features over 70 songs from Canadian artists including music from Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams and many more. (ohcanadaeh.com)
Get ready for a great afternoon or evening of entertainment at Pines Dinner Theatre, located in Allentown’s West End Theatre District. A ticket includes a full-course dinner with freshbaked bread, salad, choice of entree and dessert followed by an uproariously entertaining production performed by professional entertainers from across the country. Upcoming shows for 2019 include Rock Around the Clock, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Clue: The Musical and A Pines Country Christmas. (pinesdinnertheatre.com)
Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse is America’s only all-comedy dinner theater. Rainbow has a number of dining options to fit every group’s needs. Buffet-style, menu dining, Lighten Up Lunch or Pub Night are some of the great selections available for your group. Upcoming shows for 2019 include Nana Does Vegas, Divorce Southern Style, Funny Money and Rainbow’s Original Christmas to Remember. (rainbowcomedy.com)
Great Food Great Shows A Great time!
New for 2019
“GERONIMO”
just outside of Charlotte NC
narroway.net
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Savannah Theatre • Georgia When coming to Savannah, Georgia don’t miss the show that TripAdvisor has rated Best Live Entertainment, and NTA voted one of their Favorite Theatre Shows. Producing yearround, family-friendly productions for 17 years, the Savannah Theatre is located in the center of the famous historic district. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy high-energy singers, dancers and live bands perform pop music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, Broadway tunes, Motown, rock and roll, Stomp and lots of comedy. Group rates are available. (savannahtheatre.com )
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GROUP-WORTHY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Tibbits Opera House • Michigan Built in 1882, Tibbits is one of the oldest theaters in Michigan and is rich in history and ambiance. This intimate 499-seat theater hosts concerts, children’s programs, art exhibits and local events year-round. Every summer Tibbits holds a professional summer theater series. Shows this summer include Ken Ludwig’s Be My Baby, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story and See How They Run. Group tours are available and are adaptable to fit your group’s interests. (tibbits.org)
Tuscarawas County • Ohio Make Tuscarawas County, Ohio your destination for the latest in live theater experiences. Trumpet in the Land in New Philadelphia, Ohio’s oldest outdoor drama, celebrates its 50th season in 2019. Take in a performance of a Broadway show or the latest in music entertainment in the 1,100 seat theater in the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas or enjoy the one of the faith based musicals featured at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek. (traveltusc.com) 78
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