2019 Feb Leisure Group Travel

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LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL • FEBRUARY 2019

LEISURE FEBRUARY 2019

GROUP TRAVEL

GREAT AMERICAN MUSEUMS • CULINARY TRAVEL TRENDS • 9 MIDWEST FOOD FESTIVALS

Culinary

Travel Trends Infuse Your Tours With Regional Flavors

9 Midwest Food Festivals

From blueberries to beer

www.LeisureGroupTravel.com

Great American Museums

Treasure houses of art, history and science A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

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OUR BOARDWALK

y r o t S our

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.

TourAtlanticCity.com

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CONTENTS

February 2019 Vol. 29 No. 1

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL

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FEATURES CULINARY TOURISM BY VANESSA DAY As a side or main course, food-and-drink experiences are becoming essential ingredients in travel itineraries, foreign and domestic GREAT AMERICAN MUSEUMS Show your travelers one-of-a-kind artifacts, engaging art and interactive fun

DESTINATIONS EAST

A NIBBLE OR A FEAST OF NEW ENGLAND FARE BY JANET REBMAN Regional specialties range from oysters in Connecticut to maple treats in Vermont

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CENTRAL

60

SOUTH

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9 MIDWEST FOOD FESTIVALS BY MILES DOBIS From blueberries to beer, these fun showcases serve up authentic regional flavors

GEORGIA SITES REMEMBER MARTIN LUTHER KING A historical trail recalls important events and leaders of the civil rights movement

68 72

WEST

ROMANIA HIGHLIGHTS BY RANDY MINK A touch of the Old World accents this fascinating land at the edge of Eastern Europe

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEWIS AND CLARK BY SUE ARKO Historical sites in the Pacific Northwest shed light on a groundbreaking expedition

LATEST & GREATEST 23 EAST 26 CENTRAL n

DAVE BODLE

KENTUCKY STATE PARKS CULINARY TRAIL BY DAVE BODLE A new food travel initiative emphasizes dishes that best represent local flavors

INT’L

BY

February 2019

63 SOUTH 74 WEST

COLUMNS

6 ON MY NEXT CHAPTER BY

RANDY MINK

8 ON TOUR BY

MARTY SARBEY DE SOUTO, CTC

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Swiss specialties in New Glarus, Wisconsin

INDIANA GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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he 2019 Indiana Group Tour Planner showcases the state’s group-friendly attractions and Hoosier Hospitality across 52 beautiful pages. From natural wonders to cosmopolitan cities, Indiana features vacation destinations for groups of any interest. This year’s edition shines the spotlight on: • Hoosier Holidays • Hands-On Indiana • Indiana Dinner Theaters • Indiana’s Casinos Hit the Jackpot

Check out the online version or download a print copy at: leisuregrouptravel.com/indiana-group-tour-planner/

ONLY ON LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out our recent Online Exclusives at bit.ly/2FBI62U • Sailing Portugal’s River of Gold • Long Beach Mirrors the Best of Southern California • Flying to Spain in Style Without Breaking the Bank

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

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ON THE COVER:

Tastes of Kentucky.

(Photo courtesy Kentucky Department of Tourism) February 2019

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ON

MY NEXT CHAPTER

By Randy Mink

Time for Something New A

fter 11 years as managing editor of Leisure Group Travel, I am stepping aside from my day-to-day desk duties with this issue of the magazine. Not that I don’t like editing travel stories, writing travel stories and gathering photos—or working with the wonderful people in our office and baking banana bread, cookies and other treats for them. I simply want more time to travel and see parts of the world I’ve missed.

In my time here I have traveled on assignment to India, Jordan and Israel. There have been cruises to Iceland, Patagonia and Eastern Europe. I’ve enjoyed poking around offbeat towns in states like Nebraska and Minnesota, Vermont and Rhode Island. But I’ve never stepped foot in the Carolinas, Arkansas and several Western states. The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas? Nope. Maybe now I will have a chance to spread my wings in different directions.

That said, I will miss dealing with the deadlines and long days juggling the responsibilities of being managing editor of not only Leisure Group Travel but Premier Travel Media’s annual publications, including Religious Travel Planning Guide and the increasing number of group planners we do in partnership with state tourism organizations. Indeed, our company, under the guidance of publisher Jeff Gayduk, has grown steadily since I joined in 2008 as the sole editorial employee. I’m happy to say it continues to prosper as the leader in group travel publishing, and, with all these titles, things here will never get boring.

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February 2019

I’m also happy that Leisure Group Travel will be in good hands as associate editor Jason Paha takes the helm. He is a first-rate journalist and, like me, has a passion for travel.

It’s not unusual for him to fly from Chicago to Seattle or Mexico City—just for the weekend.

While I’m relieved to be passing off some of the headaches to Jason, I have to say that I’m not totally comfortable giving up the desk I’ve grown accustomed to. It’s like checking out of your cabin the last day of the cruise and knowing someone else will be enjoying it for the next week, not you.

Being a travel writer/editor, while not as glamorous as it might seem, certainly beats most other jobs. After doing this work for 40some years, I still can’t believe it when I find myself waking up in Turkey or having a whole day to poke around New York or London. Just as satisfying is driving through the rolling hills of Southern Indiana on a crisp fall day, footloose and fancy-free, stopping to take notes, take pictures and meet tourism folks. Everywhere I go, I feel like a gawking, green-eyed tourist and sometimes have to pinch myself that all this is real. Feeling compelled to take advantage of every minute in a destination, I usually get up early and stay up as late as I can, knowing I may never visit again. To squeeze in every second of time in port, I am often one of the stragglers reporting back to the cruise ship just before the gangway closes.

Since I still want to be part of this dynamic organization and report on all the great group travel opportunities out there, I will continue to contribute to the pages of Leisure Group Travel and our other publications. More travel adventures await as a new chapter in my career unfolds. Next on the calendar: cruising down Illinois Route 66.

Let’s admit it, we’re in the best business in the world.

Vol. 29, No. 1 February 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

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editors –

Jason Paha, jason@ptmgroups.com Miles Dobis, miles@ptmgroups.com

Editorial Coordinator – Danielle Golab danielle@ptmgroups.com

Chief Development Officer – Lance Harrell

lance@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@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 responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations.

Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.

Send Address Change to:

Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

A

Randy Mink Managing Editor

publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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ON

TOUR

Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC

Columbia and Snake river cruises in 2019.

The 187-guest American Harmony makes her debut this summer on the Mississippi.

(800-460-4518, americancruiselines.com)

See the USA by Water M

any of you may be offering tours of the United States – be they by motorcoach or by air.

But have you ever given serious thought to offering a trip mostly by water? That is, coastal cruises or trips on U.S. rivers and lakes? There is truly “water, water everywhere” here at home, but we often overlook it in favor of water travel overseas. Now may be the time to offer your clientele an opportunity to cruise our own wonderful waterways here in North America.

Look at the map and you’ll see the waters surrounding us: to the north the Great Lakes, to the East the Atlantic, to the south the Gulf of Mexico, to the West the Pacific.

Add to this the mighty Mississippi River running between Minnesota and New Orleans, and you have a panoply of attractive destinations and ships from which to choose. Let’s look at several possibilities you may wish to consider for your groups:

BLOUNT SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES This small-ship company owes it all to shipbuilding founder Luther Blount, who introduced the retractable pilot house, an innovation that allows ships to slip under low bridges and through narrow locks. Today, daughter Nancy Blount and her son, Peter, are at the helm, offering a broad schedule of unusual itineraries on the 99-passenger Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner.

A 16-day “Great American Waterways”

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American Queen Steamboat Company

The American Queen plies the Mississippi.

trip from Chicago through the Great Lakes to New York features visits to Mackinac Island, Buffalo, Cleveland, the Erie Canal, and West Point, among other destinations.

Five departures are scheduled for the summer of 2019. Shorter itineraries, such as a sevenday “Islands of New England” voyage, include Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. A nine-day “Hudson River and Coastal Fall Foliage” late-October cruise is extremely popular.

Note that children under age 14 are not permitted onboard and liquor is strictly a BYO affair. (800-556-7450, blountsmallshipadventures.com)

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES Founded in 1991, this company boasts the “World’s Newest Fleet of Cruise Ships” – 11 paddlewheelers and coastal cruise ships specializing in small-ship coastal sailings of the continental U.S. Destinations include the Mississippi River, Columbia and Snake rivers, New England islands and the Maine coast.

The 11-day “Grand New England Cruise” should prove particularly popular, as it visits Boston, Gloucester, Maine villages, Martha’s Vineyard and Provincetown. In the Pacific Northwest, the six-night Puget Sound/San Juan Islands itinerary from Seattle features Washington State ports of call like Poulsbo, Anacortes and Port Townsend.

The line’s latest ship to make a splash is the 184-passenger American Song, the first of its new modern riverboats, which will do

AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY This company has the largest river steamboat ever built – the American Queen, a six-deck re-creation of a classic Mississippi riverboat. It was built in 1995 for Delta Queen Steamboat Company for a capacity of 436 guests. Her itineraries include the lower Mississippi with its antebellum plantations, cotton fields and Civil War monuments, and cities like New Orleans and Memphis, which are highlights for jazz lovers. Upper Mississippi sailings feature Missouri’s Mark Twain Country, St. Louis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Other cruises explore the Columbia and Snake rivers, and Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio rivers. Also in the fleet are the 166passenger American Duchess, introduced in 2017, and 223-passenger American Empress, with the 245-passenger American Countess, a former gaming boat undergoing a total makeover, set to join the line later this year.

(888-749-5280, americanqueensteamboatcompany.com) VICTORY CRUISE LINES The 202-passenger Victory I and Victory II are early 1900s-style coastal cruisers that offer spring, summer and fall cruises on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

The “Great Lakes Grand Discovery” covers all five Great Lakes on a nine-night itinerary between Chicago and Toronto. Stops include Mackinac Island, Detroit, Cleveland and Niagara Falls. Your ship navigates the historic Soo Locks between lakes Superior and Huron. The nine-night “French Canada and Great Lakes” features the St. Lawrence River cities of Montreal and Quebec City along with Kingston, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Cleveland and Detroit. (888-907-2636, victorycruiselines.com) LGT 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).

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SHOP. DINE. STAY. PLAY. P L A N Y O U R T R I P, F I N D D I S C O U N T S + M O R E I N F O A T M A L L O F A M E R I C A . C O M Wi t h ove r 520 sto res t h a t h ave n o sa l es ta x o n c l ot h i n g o r s h o es, 5 0 d i n i n g o pt i o n s, 1 0 a tt ra c t i o n s a n d a J W M a r r i ott + Ra d i sso n Bl u co nve n i e n t l y co n n e c te d to t h e M a l l , i tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a l l h e re. /MALLOFAMERICA

@MALLOFAMERICA

@MALLOFAMERICA

B LO O M I NGTO NM N.O RG

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

The Essential

Ingredient Incorporating Culinary Experiences into Travel Itineraries

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By Vanessa Day

ipping craft beer from 5-ounce taster glasses at a local brewery; smelling grains and herbs that will soon be boiled in a still; chopping vegetables in the home of an Italian cook; snapping a picture of a perfect plate of food and sharing it on social media. These are the kinds of gastronomic activities people seek out and participate in while on vacation, and they’re no longer limited to a select group of explorers.

For many years, culinary travel was considered a niche market, but the trend has exploded recently, becoming a key driver in the kinds of places and experiences many travelers choose to visit. With the ever-increasing interest in food tourism, there has been a surge in unique food and beverage activities in destinations all over the world.

As tour operators and travel agents build itineraries, it would benefit them to incorporate authentic, dynamic and entertaining epicurean experiences, as these are what many travelers look for when planning a trip.

But before hopping on the culinary travel train, let’s first examine who these travelers are, what makes them tick and the industry overall.

Enjoy a cocktail at Stateside Urbancraft, a vodka distillery in Philadelphia’s Norris Park neighborhood.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Randy Mink

The commonality of participating in a food and beverage activity while on vacation has become so prevalent, it’s now an actively soughtafter travel experience.

What’s behind the movement and how can tour organizers get in on the culinary action?

Culinary tours of Bilbao, Spain, typically schedule a stop at Ribera Market, the largest indoor food market in Europe.

WHAT IS FOOD TOURISM? The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) defines food tourism as “the act of traveling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.” This kind of travel has been around for years but has only recently started gaining traction and attention.

Based on the association’s research, it’s clear more people are participating in food tourism. According to the WFTA’s 2016 Food Travel Monitor survey, 93 percent of respondents had participated in a unique food or beverage activity while traveling in the previous two years. That’s a significant increase over past studies.

It’s not entirely clear what is driving the influx, but media and technology could be major players. According to travel industry intelligence platform Skift’s article “Travel Megatrends 2016: Food Is Now the Leading Hook for Travel,” there’s a sense that in an extremely digitally focused world, food provides a real-life connection to a destination.

“Food has an unmatched ability to communicate a unique sense of place,” wrote Skift editor Greg Oates. “Local cuisine provides a direct connection to the history of a region, the soul of its people and the rhythm of daily life.” The WFTA survey responses support

this idea, as 81 percent of leisure travelers “believe eating and drinking help in understanding the local culture.”

At the same time, social media has put everything from high-class restaurants to food trucks on the map—or more accurately, on the Instagram feed. There are thousands of food-based travel influencers—along with the everyday leisure traveler and social media user—posting mouthwatering images and envy-inducing food experiences that inspire others to seek out the exact same dish or activity.

And this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Expedia Group Media Solutions and Skift wrote in their article, “Five Trends That Will Shape Experiential Travel in 2019,” that Instagram will continue to help gain exposure for food and beverage experiences and will play a role in the kinds of culinary activities travelers plan their trips around. This is consistent with the findings from the WFTA’s survey, which says that 34 percent of respondents were motivated to take a culinary-based trip because of postings/ photos about food or drink on social media.

Tour operators need to be active on platforms like Instagram, where they can promote their culinary experiences through colorful, February 2019

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT “ Local cuisine provides a direct connection to the history of a region, the soul of its people and the rhythm of daily life.”—Greg Oates, Editor, Skift rich content. Videos are a particularly powerful promotion tool, especially if companies include footage from real-life clients. In addition, more businesses are turning to virtual reality to transport people to these different places and give them a visual that they can really sink their teeth into.

WHO IS THE CULINARY TRAVELER? As people’s interest in food and beverage experiences increases, more and more travelers are immersing themselves in appetizing activities on the road. But who are the diehard foodies? The WFTA defines culinary travelers as “leisure travelers who have both participated in a unique or memorable food or drink experience on a recent trip and for whom food or drink experiences are a prime motivator in choosing a destination.” Even though not every respondent from the study was classified as a culinary traveler, most of them still said they participated in gastronomic adventures while traveling, indicating potential for even more people to convert to full-fledge culinary traveler status.

Those who were identified as culinary travelers (49 percent) were more likely to spend on and engage with food and drink than other leisure travelers, according to the

survey. The study analyzed the “average” leisure trip and found that the daily expenditures for culinary travelers were highest among all leisure travelers.

Culinary travelers also tend to participate in other travel activities more than average leisure travelers, such as tours, sightseeing, visiting cultural attractions and shopping.

These travelers are also more likely to share their experiences by taking pictures of food while traveling, posting those images to their social media channels, and recommending destinations to friends and family when they return.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? There’s a range of culinary options people look for and participate in when traveling.

And often, they tend to take part in more than one food- or beverage-focused activity.

According to the WFTA survey, 45 percent of

Randy Mink

Basque Tour

Spain’s Rioja Alavesa wine region

London’s Borough Market

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Seattle’s Pike Place Market

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respondents participated in at least five different types of culinary activities, including going to a restaurant for a memorable experience (63 percent) and eating at a fine dining/gourmet restaurant (44 percent).

What’s important to note is that travelers are not just selecting any old restaurant or bar to visit, they’re specifically looking for authentic, regional cuisine and innovative, off-the-beaten path adventures. They want a variety of activities that will give them insight into the destination and connect them with the culture.

Tour operators need to showcase unique culinary experiences that highlight a destination’s traditions, culture and people. For example, Trafalgar’s “Treasures of Thailand” itinerary offers travelers the chance to join a “local specialist” in Bangkok for a traditional cooking class at a colonial-style house. They get to visit a market to purchase fresh ingredients, and then learn how to incorporate the

items into flavorful Thai cuisine. People are eager to try these hyperlocal activities because they feel genuine, special and exclusive. Travelers are also drawn to wineries and craft breweries and distilleries. These may be more mainstream, but the appeal is that they are supporting small businesses and the local economy by sampling beverages created by people in the community.

Incorporating gastronomic activities into tour packages and itineraries will enrich the cultural experience for customers. But it’s also beneficial to give travelers options, so they can select which epicurean adventure they want to take based on their tastes.

Avanti Destinations offers travelers a wide selection of tour options they can add to their itinerary, such as a private classic wine tasting at La Cava del Querandi wine cellar in the heart of Buenos Aires or a gastronomic tour of the city’s San Telmo neighborhood.

Food tourism has shifted from niche to normal. It’s not a rarity to see travelers actively looking for food and beverage experiences. In fact, they may make these the main focus of their trips. Tour operators and agents who can creatively incorporate cuisine into travel experiences—and enthusiastically showcase it through social media and other channels—will win over the everyday leisure traveler as well as staunch culinary travelers. LGT

Willie Mae’s Scotch House, New Orleans

The Chocolate Line, Antwerp, Belgium

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GREAT AMERICAN MUSEUMS

Dinosaurs are among the star attractions at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

Whether your group is looking to be surrounded by famous works of art, time travel through history or be amazed by one-of-a-kind aquarium exhibits, these museums have something that will appeal to each traveler. They very likely will be the star attraction of your itinerary.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM

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he Milwaukee Public Museum is Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Natural History Museum, welcoming more than half a million visitors annually. Located in downtown Milwaukee, it was chartered in 1882, opened to the public in 1884 and currently houses more than 4 million objects in its collections. MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass life-size dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rainforest, and a live butterfly garden, plus the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater and Planetarium. (mpm.edu) Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Spend a day of discovery at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami’s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum.

The museum offers a range of memorable options for groups of 10 or more. Whether you are planning a visit for a few hours or have all day, we’ll make it easy for you to customize your trip. Enjoy special itineraries, group activities and lunch options.

Plan your group visit at frostscience.org/groups or email groupsales@frostscience.org.

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 I 305-434-9600

@FROSTSCIENCE

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

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GREAT AMERICAN MUSEUMS

CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

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he Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including the artist and designer’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. Museum holdings also include American art pottery and late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics and decorative art. (morsemuseum.org)

Winter Park, Florida

SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM

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he Saint Louis Art Museum collects, presents, interprets and conserves works of art of the highest quality across time and cultures; educates, inspires discovery and elevates the human spirit; and preserves a legacy of artistic achievement for the people of St. Louis and the world. The museum is home to a collection of more than 33,000 works of art. Group visits are available. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. (slam.org/group-visits)

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME AND MUSEUM

St. Louis, Missouri

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he Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum welcomes visitors from across the world to Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Tour two interactive museums and five historic homes, including the Boyhood Home of Samuel Clemens, a National Historic Landmark. View memorabilia from Sam’s life, the famous white picket fence and discover the people and places that inspired classic works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. (marktwainmuseum.org)

THE MOB MUSEUM

Hannibal, Missouri

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he Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas offers a bold and authentic view of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities and—increasingly—across the borders and networks of the entire world. Explore the real stories and actual events of Mob history through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts inside a restored 1933 former courthouse and post office building located just minutes from Fremont Street. (themobmuseum.org) Las Vegas, Nevada

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Tiffany at the

Morse The Morse Museum houses the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

445 n. park avenue winter park, florida 32789 (407) 645-5311 morsemuseum.org

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GREAT AMERICAN MUSEUMS

THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

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hat began in 1919 as Henry Huntington’s pursuit of his interests in reading, horticulture and the arts blossomed into one of the most varied museums in the United States. Visit the botanical gardens and wander through 120 rolling acres of rare flowers, idyllic ponds and breathtaking sculptures. Head to the library, where you’ll find rare works like Gutenberg’s Bible, then swing by the art galleries and enjoy pieces by American and European masters. (huntington.org)

Discover The Huntington Group Tours Available | Pasadena Adjacent | huntington.org

San Marino, California

PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

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pend a day of discovery at Miami’s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum. Frost Science offers a range of memorable options for groups of 10 or more. Whether your group plans to visit for a few hours or has all day, the museum makes it easy to customize your trip with special itineraries, group activities and lunch options. Plan your group visit today. (frostscience.org/group)

Miami, Florida

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THE GETTYSBURG MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

EXPERIENCE

THE BEST OF

AMERICA’S WORST

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xperience more than a history lesson—discover Gettysburg’s world-class museum at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.

Be engrossed in Civil War history as you travel passageways filled with one-of-a-kind artifacts, educational interactive exhibits and short films. Visitors of all ages are moved by stories of the Battle of Gettysburg and its significance to our nation’s history as well as perspectives from President Lincoln, Confederate and Union generals and soldiers, war correspondents and civilians. (gettysburgfoundation.org)

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 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

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he Reagan Library is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Guests tour through the actual Air Force One that flew seven U.S. presidents, touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall and view a full-scale Oval Office replica.

It’s also home to the President’s and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site. Docent-led tour group packages and tour meal packages available. Don’t forget to inquire about special rotating exhibits. (reaganfoundation.org)

Simi Valley, California

702.229.2734

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

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EAST

REGION

A Nibble or a Feast of

New England Fare

Food specialties tempt taste buds in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont

By Janet Rebman

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hen someone asks you to write about the food in the six New England states, you hesitate.

Why? Because you know the breadth and depth of the food types and culinary experiences they have to offer.

Depending upon your groups’ focus and preferences, tours in each of these states can be designed around food fun/education (visiting manufacturers, try-it-yourself food programs); experiences (demos, hands-on, tastings); or just eating the best in every category (pizza, desserts or ethnic specialties, for example). Possibilities abound.

New England, being small in area but big in influence, has foods that are well loved and widely known. So as to give each state its “just desserts” (pardon the pun), I have chosen to focus on one aspect of each state’s specialties. The intention is to give you a flavor (a pun again, I know), an experience, an education and a taste to spur your desire into learning more.

CONNECTICUT Some might choose to highlight the obvious Connecticut fare that the state is known for (clam pie, steamed burgers or Pez candy), but we will look at a different Connecticut food and a natural resource…oysters. Blue Point oysters to be exact.

Oysters have been a popular food in Connecticut since colonial times, with oyster beds dating even further back thousands of years. Norwalk has an annual oyster festival each September, which, if you are an oyster fan, is a must-do event.

There are many ways to cook oysters, and local restaurants do not disappoint. Stay close to where the oysters are being farmed in Norwalk, and you will have great luck with restaurants there.

Better yet, understand the oyster first so you can decide how you’d like to have it cooked.

You can see and learn about oyster farming, processing and more by going on a boat excur-

The bounty of coastal Connecticut surfaces at the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

sion with the crew. Interested? There are only two outfits currently offering such an experience in the area, one being new to the game with regularly scheduled tours, and another one that does charters. Not sure which is the right fit for your group? Check out one of the many resources that can help: tour receptive or destination management companies, visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and the like.

MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts is known for many things: its history, cultural diversity and love for its sports teams, just to name a few. When it comes to food, many will mention Massachusetts’ seafood (steamers, scrod, clam chowder), its passion for ice cream, Boston baked beans, cranberries or Boston cream pie.

How do you decide, in a state filled with possibilities, where to focus? Well, the solution is easy. Take a food tour. Pick a food type, a culture (Portuguese, Irish, Polish or Chinese) or go for a particular bent on food (manufacturers or women-owned businesses) and off you go. Boston has several really good local food tour companies that are ready to serve your groups.

MAINE When you think Maine, you think lobster, right? Me, too. While Maine has other specialty food claims, like blueberries and whoopee pies, let’s focus on lobster.

Restaurants in Maine have figured out every which way to cook and serve lobster.

Boil, bake, grill, broil or steam it, put it in rolls, pies or casseroles. Sauces can include butter, mayonnaise mixes and herb mixes. It can be breaded or served plain. There are roadside stands, shacks, grocers and elegant sit-down restaurants. No matter where you end up, you’ll need lots of napkins!

A favorite activity in Maine is a lobstering experience. Tour companies in many coastal towns take curious visitors out in boats to witness lobster trapping up close.

NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire sometimes gets overlooked as a food state worth visiting. Yet the Granite State has many noteworthy foods and restaurants. As in most New England states, there are maple trees, blueberries, seafood and wild game. So what in New Hampshire makes it special? Apples! The state has an abundance of orchards and takes its apples seriously.

Whether it is a specific variety of apple you crave, cold or hot, hard or not, apple

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Maine lobster bake

Michael Galvin/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Nantucket cranberry harvest

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Good eats in Massachusetts

cider or apple wine, or an apple cider donut, you have come to the right state.

During the fall, many orchards have harvest festivals, corn mazes, horse-drawn rides and u-pick apples. Some have apple presses where you can watch cider being made. Ask a native, and each will have a favorite orchard to visit.

RHODE ISLAND Packed into this tiny state are several treats that Rhode Island claims as its own: coffee milk, Hermit cookies, Dels lemonade and jonnycakes, just to name a few. You are likely to find these treats anywhere you go in the state, but, instead of focusing on a specific food, let’s focus on one area: Providence.

The state capital has become a food mecca. Some of the credit for this culinary explosion is given to Johnson and Wales, one of the nation’s top chef schools, with more than 7,000 students. Providence is home to its main campus. You can imagine how the Providence food scene prospers with the presence of this iconic school.

Downtown Providence is abuzz with restaurants where students train and new chefs introduce their concepts. Restaurants have remained for decades because the food is just that good. Group food experiences can include interaction with the culinary school, demos or hands-on programs.

VERMONT You’ve seen many Vermont products on grocery-store shelves, including Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Cabot cheeses and that liquid gold that Mother Nature has provided —maple syrup.

Vermont has maple trees and maple syrup wherever you turn. If you have never experienced a sugarhouse, it will blow you away that 40 gallons of maple sap makes just one gallon of maple syrup. Even more interesting is the process that gets you there, so a visit to a sugarhouse is highly recommended.

Some have family storytellers with generations of history to share (in 15 minutes or less).

You might be able to sample “sugar on snow” (a special local treat), maple cream butter or maple sugar crystals on a maple cremee (a maple-infused ice cream). Most sugarhouses have gift shops and provide a wonderful range of products from other local purveyors. LGT Janet Rebman is the Chief Customizer at Custom Tours, Inc., covering New England, Eastern Canada and Scotland from her Vermont headquarters.

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Latest

& Greatest

Kennel Club’s Artistic Tribute to Man’s Best Friend • New York

The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog opens in February in the Murray Hill neighborhood of mid-town Manhattan, in the same Park Avenue building as the AKC headquarters, library and archives. It had been in suburban St. Louis the last 30 years.

Boasting one of the largest collections of canine-related art in the world, New York City’s newest museum will showcase over 180 pieces of dog artwork and half a dozen interactive digital exhibits. The digital “Meet the Breeds” table explores the characteristics of all 193 of AKC’s recognized breeds. (museumofthedog.org) Museum of the Dog

Big Makeover for Hagerstown Theater • Maryland

The Maryland Theatre, crown jewel of Hagerstown's Arts & Entertainment District, is undergoing a 30,000-square-foot expansion, transforming the building into a performing Maryland Theatre

arts complex. Improvements include five rentable multi-use spaces, the ability to host private seated events and a visitor information area. It will be called the Maryland Theatre and Performing Arts Complex when it is complete. A ribbon cutting is planned for October 2019. (visithagerstown.com)

EAST REGION Baltimore Markets to Unveil Fresh New Additions • Maryland

Baltimore is home to the oldest operating public market system in the country and 2019 brings two makeovers. The Fell's Point Broadway Market, the city’s oldest existing market building at more than 230 years old, will unveil a $3 million redevelopment, beginning with the north shed early this year. The shed’s new vendors will include Connie’s Chicken & Waffles, Thai Street, a Korean restaurant named Old Boy and The Verandah, which will serve Indian specialties. The south shed will be converted into The Choptank, a 275-seat indoor/ outdoor crab house, this summer. Across the harbor, Cross Street Market, serving the Federal Hill neighborhood since 1846, will welcome more than 25 independently owned and operated businesses into its new stalls, which are slated to open in June. A sampling of the tenants: Burger Bar, Ceremony Coffee, Rice Crook, Smoke, Steve’s Lunch and The Sweet Shoppe. (baltimore.org)

Chocolatetown Development at Hersheypark • Pennsylvania

Construction has begun on a $150 million expansion at Hersheypark, the historic amusement park located in the Hershey & Harrisburg Region. It will transform the park’s entrance area and feature Hershey’s Chocolatetown, a new development where guests can eat, play, shop and gather yearround. Opening in summer 2020, Chocolatetown will have the park’s 15th roller coaster, its fastest, tallest and longest; the largest full-service themed restaurant in Hershey; an ice cream parlor and confectionery scratch kitchen where guests can watch candy-makers at work; a Starbucks store; the largest Kettle Corn location at Hersheypark; a signature KISSES Fountain; new home for the 100-yearold Carousel; and flagship store with Hersheypark merchandise. The park will remain fully operational during the 2019 season as Chocolatetown comes to life. The arrival area at Chocolatetown will create a sense of place and seamless passageway between Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark. (hersheypark.com/chocolatetown) LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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SI SITE INSPECTION

Columbus Museums Captivate Tour Groups Art, culture and history come alive at Columbus’ world-class museums

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olumbus, Ohio is brimming with energy, history and culture, all on full display at its award-winning and progressive museums.

There are dozens of elite establishments throughout Columbus, many highlighting significant themes that not only relate to Ohio but to the United States as well. Groups visiting Columbus’ museums will get a deep dive into America’s past, the city’s art scene and the country’s patriotic roots. Here are a few must-sees that should be on every group’s itinerary.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum The newest addition to the Columbus cityscape, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is the first institution of its kind in the country. Opened in October 2018 and officially designated by the federal government, the museum honors veterans from every conflict and branch of service. Groups will see 14 Thematic Alcoves that highlight key themes and moments in veterans’ journeys, and the Legacy of Service, which provides inspiring tales of how men and women use their military skills to continue serving communities. Adjacent to the museum sits the Memorial Grove, where groups can reflect amid the elm trees and gaze at three waterfalls dropping into a reflecting pool.

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Columbus Museum of Art

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum

Located in the Discovery District, the Columbus Museum of Art is a renowned facility filled with galleries that encourage curiosity and creativity. It houses the world’s largest collections of works from local artists Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson and George Bellows.

The museum features late 19th- and 20thcentury American and European art, plus some contemporary pieces that showcase the current art scene. Groups can witness how art captures movement in the Big Idea Gallery: Motion or show their creativity in The Wonder Room, where art is displayed in surprising ways and hands-on activities are offered.

Located on the Ohio State University campus, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum is dedicated to, well, cartoons, of course. The museum is home to the “world’s largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics.” Its mission is to research and document American printed cartoon art, with the collection ranging from editorial illustrations to graphic novels to simple comic strips.

Kelton House Museum and Gardens Travel back in time at this historic home that not only houses hundreds of 19th-century antiques and furniture but also tales of slavery and abolition that resonate to this day. The Kelton House was built back in 1852 by Fernando Cortez and Sophia Stone Kelton, strong supporters of the abolitionist movement who assisted escaped or freed slaves. It was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Tours are led by “Sophia Kelton,” who shares her family’s secret life as conductors on the Underground Railroad. Groups can also enjoy afternoon tea with Sophia after the tour.

Ohio Statehouse Built in 1861 at the start of the Civil War, the statehouse contains details of the Greek Revival Doric style that give the building its elegant and grand facade. Groups can take guided tours of the Capitol Square, which consists of the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building and Atrium, government offices and monuments to the state’s democracy. After the tour, groups can grab a bite at the Capitol Cafe and peruse the Statehouse Museum shop.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

Roger Dudley rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com 614-222-6136

ExperienceColumbus.com

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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Latest

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Chicago’s Beer History is on Tap at the Field Museum • Illinois

The Chicago Brewseum has opened Brewing Up Chicago: How Beer Transformed a City, an exhibition being hosted at the Field Museum through January 5, 2020. As craft breweries flourish today, the exhibition takes a deep dive into Chicago’s history with beer, highlighting the immigrant communities that drove the industry throughout the 19th century. History and beer fans will travel through time, learning about Chicago’s

Saloons, breweries and tales of Chicago’s early immigrants chronicle the city’s relationship with beer in the 1800s.

founding in 1833 and the decades leading up to the World’s Columbian Exposition just 60 years later. They’ll also come to understand how the German-American community evolved during that period, from first being perceived as strange outsiders to becoming respected Chicagoans. In addition to learning about diverse beer styles, visitors will experience what it was like to be in a gathering place like the Sauganash Tavern, Chicago’s first saloon—they’ll even be able to smell the whiskey and bacon on offer there. Other interactive elements include a video telling the story of the 1855 Lager Beer Riot, an event that established citizens’ freedom to drink beer, and an interactive “make your own beer label” kiosk that allows visitors to design their own bottles, cans and labels.

Artifacts include an original Pabst blue ribbon, a brewmaster’s kettle and original illustrations of the grand Schlitz Pavilion, where guests enjoyed beers at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. (fieldmuseum.org/beerhistory)

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Motown Museum Announces Major Expansion • Michigan

Detroit’s Motown Museum is in the planning stages of a $50-million-dollar expansion that will add 50,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, meeting space and expanded retail space. The new Motown Museum will be designed and built around the current museum space and the historic Hitsville U.S.A. house. (motownmuseum.org)

CENTRAL REGION Lake Winnebago Area Offers Many Group Options • Wisconsin

Destination Lake Winnebago Region (DLWR) has 14 new and reworked itineraries for tour operators to access through its website, fdl.com/groups. The itineraries can be customized, combined and cherry-picked

Museum Displays Treasures of Ancient Egypt • Minnesota

Egypt’s Sunken Cities, an exhibition of antiquities from one of the greatest finds in the history of underwater archaeology, has surfaced at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and will run through April 14, 2019. Featured are colossal, 16-foot-tall sculptures and precious artifacts from the long-lost cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus. The exhibition focuses on discoveries made during more than 20 years of underwater excavation by French archaeologist Franck Goddio and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology. The ancient city of Thonis-Heracleion—a major

port and Egypt’s premier center for trade with the Greek world—and neighboring community Canopus once stood on Egypt’s north coast. But by 800 C.E., soil liquefaction, natural disasters and the rising tides of the Mediterranean Sea caused them to submerge.

The ruins remained underwater for more than 1,000 years, until 2000, when Goddio discovered them while exploring Aboukir Bay near the city of Alexandria. He and his team uncovered monumental statues, religious images carved in stone, exquisite jewelry and delicate ceramics. More than 250 works of art are on display. (artsmia.org)

Liz Engh

for the perfect tour for each group, according to Liz Engh, the newly named director of group sales at DLWR (formerly Fond du Lac Convention & Visitors Bureau). Following the trends in the industry of more hands-on experiences and growth in the younger 50+ market, “I’m excited to offer more – more variety, more customization, more edutainment,” she said. One of the most requested itineraries is the “Pilgrimage & Fellowship Tour,” which highlights eight churches in the “Holyland,” a region in southern Calumet and northern Fond du Lac counties settled in the mid-1800s by Catholic Germans. Five itineraries feature local cuisine, farm tours and field-to-table experiences. The newest is the “Beer, Bourbon, Wine & More Tour.”

It includes exclusive tastings and gives participants the chance to design their own drink. Partnering with Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Manitowoc CVBs, Destination Lake Winnebago offers regional tours as well. Contact Liz Engh at lengh@fdl.com, 920-923-3010.

Grafton Sky Tour • Illinois

The Grafton Sky Tour, an aerial lift, will open this spring at Aerie's Resort & Winery in Grafton, along the Great River Road in southwestern Illinois. The new attraction will offer panoramic views of the Mississippi River. (aeriesview.com) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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2019 EDITION

Rock of Ages Ancient cave churches of Turkey’s Cappadocia region

Retreats in England

Cruising with a Mission Shore excursions give travelers a chance to make a difference

Christian Music Festivals Annual events at home and abroad strike a chord with church groups A Premier Travel Media publication • www.ReligiousTravelPlanningGuide.com

FAITH GROUPS FIND TRUE SERENITY AT CENTERS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE COUNTRY

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18 England’s North Devon coast makes a fine setting for retreats at Lee Abbey.

VOL. 9 • 2019 EDITION

contents

FEATURES

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Rock of Ages

BY RANDY MINK

Cave churches carved into the cliffs of central Turkey’s Cappadocia region date from the early days of Christianity.

Cruising with a Mission

BY NANCY SCHRETTER

Travelers on shore excursions can make time to help communities in need.

Faith, Fellowship and S’mores

BY LORI ERICKSON

Camp experiences for adults mix spiritual growth with outdoor adventure.

Fellowship and fun lift spirits at non-denominational Camp Cedar Cliff in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It can accommodate 250 guests.

religioustravelplanningguide.com

16 18 20

Selecting Hotels for Your Youth Group

BY HARRY H. PECK

Five things to know when arranging accommodations for young travelers.

Religious Retreats in England

BY COURTNEY LIND

Faith groups will find true serenity and reflection at centers of spirituality in all corners of the country.

Top Christian Music Festivals

Inspirational events at home and abroad strike a chord with church travel groups.

Photo courtesy of Lee Abbey, Lynton, England

ON THE COVER:

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Randy Mink

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Expanding Horizons With Overseas Travel

ne of the biggest events on the 2020 world travel calendar is happening in Germany, and many church groups are making plans to be part of it.

I’m talking about a spectacle that occurs only once a decade—the Oberammergau Passion Play. The story of Christ’s last days on earth, to be re-enacted 103 times between May and October next year, will enthrall the faithful from around the world, both Protestants and Catholics. The epic drama has been performed every 10 years, with a just few exceptions, since 1634.

Religious Travel Planning Guide has put together a whitepaper on the Passion Play, a project I was proud to have a small role in. It not only explains the logistics of traveling to the Bavarian town of Oberammergau and booking seats for the play but gives some ready-to-go European itineraries designed by major tour operators that have secured tickets for the play. And you’ll get a real feel for the event from someone who has been there—travel writer Don Heimburger, an expert on the German-speaking world who contributed to many sections of the whitepaper. For details on the guide, see page 22 and learn how you can download a free copy.

If you’ve never been to Oberammergau, it’s the perfect Alpine town, a fairy-tale hamlet surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Happily, it is within easy driving distance of other popular German tourist destinations. Your group’s Oberammergau visit in 2020 can be combined with not only places in Germany but with other countries in Central Europe, like Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, even Italy.

The Cappadocia region of Turkey, also featured in these pages, draws travelers looking to tap into the roots of early 4

Religious Travel Planning Guide

Christianity. A treasure chest of religious heritage is found in the cave churches sprinkled throughout this part of central Turkey, a land of bizarre rock formations where Christians sought refuge during Roman rule and continued to build communities centuries after. As my son and I toured the area—scrambling up rocky paths, burrowing through tunnels and admiring remnants of frescos in dimly lit church interiors—we not only communed with the past but got real tastes of Turkish hospitality wherever we went. In the town of Urgup, one family we met in a park invited us into their nearby home, where they served us thick Turkish coffee in little cups and then showed us their cellar, garden and rooftop strung with clotheslines.

For other ideas on foreign travel with your church group, check out “Religious Retreats in England” (p. 18). Or consider combining a cruise with volunteer opportunities incorporated into shore excursions in the Caribbean and Central America (“Cruising with a Mission,” p. 10).

Focusing on places closer to home, author Lori Erickson suggests invigorating and mind-expanding camp experiences from West Virginia to Washington State in “Faith, Fellowship and S’mores” (p. 13).

We hope this ninth annual edition of Religious Travel Planning Guide, along with our online resources, will inspire you to create meaningful travel programs for your community of faith.

Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 Edition

Editorial 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

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Associate Editor – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writers Courtney Lind Lori Erickson Nancy Schretter Harry H. Peck

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

Advertising Sales Office Phone: 630.794.0696 advertising@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts.

Religious Travel Planning Guide is published annually by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. The magazine is distributed free to religious group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. Single copies for all others is $9.95.

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

Happy Traveling,

Randy Mink Managing Editor

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publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. religioustravelplanningguide.com

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Rock of

Ages 6

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Vibrant scenes, dominated by deep blues, decorate the extensively restored Dark Church in the caves at Goreme Open-Air Museum. religioustravelplanningguide.com Randy Mink

Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism

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The Cappadocia region of central Turkey abounds with cave churches from the early days of Christianity

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Caption here on these lines here Caption here on these lines here Caption here on these lines here

By Randy Mink

Randy Mink

he lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, a series of barren valleys Among points of interest are three 11th century columned studded with bizarre geological formations, are like giant churches—Elmali Kilise (Apple Church), Karanlik Kilise (Dark sculpture gardens. Add ancient underground cities and Church) and Carikli Kilise (Sandals Church). They are noted for rock-hewn churches to this otherworldly natural setting, and you their Byzantine-style cross plan with central dome and restored have one of the most visited destinations in Turkey. The scenic and paintings of Christ Pantocrator (depicting Jesus holding a book in archaeological wonders are simply magical. one hand and giving a blessing with the other) above images of A vast steppe, Cappadocia lies between mountain ranges to the archangels and seraphim. Sandals Church is named for the indensouth and north. Volcanic eruptions occurred there millions of years tations in the floor, which some believe to be casts from Jesus’ own ago, and the ash was compressed to form a porous rock called tuff. footprints. On the Dark Church’s walls and domed ceiling, the deep Steady erosion over centuries produced conical pillars that became blues of the vibrant frescoes are derived from the mineral azurite. known as fairy chimneys, as winds whistling through the rocks were Their brilliance has been retained, thanks to the fact that the said to have sounded like fairy voices. church lets in little light (thus its name); the The softness of the volcanic stone enabled Crucifixion scene is particularly intense. The the early Christians (and inhabitants before Dark Church’s extra admission fee (imposed to them) to carve out hiding places. Christians limit the number of visitors) is worth it. used the dwellings and churches to escape perAcross from the main museum area, the secution during the first centuries of Roman same ticket grants entrance to Tokali Kilise rule. The communities continued to thrive (Buckle Church), Goreme’s oldest house of during the more peaceful Byzantine era, then worship. Dating from the early 10th century, it under the Arabs (who allowed Christians to impresses with high ceilings and rich blue practice their faith) and into the late Middle colors in painstakingly-painted frescoes porAges. Because of the region’s isolation, Captraying the life of Christ. padocia proved to be the perfect hideout for Many points of historical and religious interhermits and monks. The region lies in the heart est are located just a few miles from Goreme. of Anatolia, the Asian part of Turkey comprisFor example, there’s Zelve Open-Air Museum, ing 95 percent of its land area. a fairy-chimney community of cave dwellings Cappadocia’s religious treasures, some with that was a center of Christian monastic life well-preserved frescoes, were mostly forgotten between the 9th and 13th centuries.The touristVisitors to the Ihlara Valley find remnants until a French explorer rediscovered them in of frescoes in cave churches carved into cliffs friendly village of Uchisar boasts one of Caprising above the Melendiz River. the early 18th century. It’s estimated there are padocia’s most prominent natural landmarks, a some 500 rock churches and chapels scattered about Cappadocia, huge, tunnel-riddled outcrop called Uchisar Castle. Those who most of them unknown to tourists. tackle its steep steps are rewarded with fine vistas of the rock valleys.

Everywhere they look, travelers see honeycombs of rock-cut Both Uchisar and nearby Urgup offer a variety of trendy hotels and holes, doors and windows etched into cliffs—remnants of past restaurants. The town of Avanos is famous for its potteries, which civilizations. Yet some of these hollowed-out spaces are still inhabuse the clay from the banks of the Kizihrmak (Red River). ited, and many globetrotters don’t consider a Cappadocia trip comAnother magnet for faith tourism groups is the peaceful Ihlara plete without staying in one of the new cave hotels or dining in a Valley, a verdant river canyon dotted with about 100 rock churches cave restaurant, which have become attractions in themselves. (and some 5,000 houses) in the cliffs above. Compared to the stark The town of Goreme, with its rock-carved homes and picturlandscapes in most of Cappadocia, this pretty, nine-mile stretch along esque fairy chimneys, makes a good base for exploring Cappadocia. the Melendiz River, an hour or so southwest of Goreme, offers shade It has tour companies, shops, restaurants, hotels and the region’s trees, other leafy vegetation and the soothing sound of rushing water, most visited archaeological site—Goreme Open-Air Museum, a plus relief from the tourist throngs at Goreme and other sites in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this roughly circular monastic well-traveled Nevsehir-Avanos-Urgup triangle. It begins at Ihlara complex fashioned from tuff, a paved path leads to some 30 Orthodox village and ends at Selime Monastery and Selime village. An Christian churches and chapels, plus carved-out spaces that were entrance in the canyon’s mid-section, with a stairway of nearly 400 homes, rectories, monasteries and religious schools. steps leading to the path below, provides access to several frescoreligioustravelplanningguide.com

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decorated churches within easy walking distance of each other. Reachable by wooden steps, these nooks are in various states of ruin. Unlike scenes depicted in other Cappadocian churches, the ones here are reminiscent of the early churches of Syria and Coptic churches of Egypt.

The multi-story Selime Cathedral, just outside the valley’s northern entrance, is the largest rock church in Cappadocia. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, it’s where the region’s first nonsecret mass was said. Two lines of columns divide the cathedral into three naves; dozens of rooms are connected by passages and tunnels.

Fresco remnants, dating back to the late 10th century, depict scenes such as the Ascension, Christmas, Adoration of the Magi, Flight to Egypt, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Baptism and Dormition of the Virgin.

Just east of the cathedral is the Mother Mary Church, one of the most beautiful rock-carved churches in the area.

Of the 40 underground settlements that have been uncovered in Cappadocia, the most extensive is Derinkuyu, which at one time was thought to have housed thousands of people. One group of Christians fleeing Roman persecution arrived in the area from Jerusalem via Antioch (Antakya) and Caesarea (Kayseri) in the second century. Tunnel tours through the labyrinth—definitely not for the

claustrophobic—take visitors eight floors down, about 180 feet below the earth. A cruciform church, baptismal pool, wine and oil presses, stables and scores of private living quarters can be seen. The second floor has a seminary, a barrel-vaulted room with small cells believed to have been used for study. Kitchen walls and ceilings bear the signs of soot absorbed by the soft volcanic rock. Smoke was dispersed in the air ducts and ventilation shafts, leaving possible attackers none the wiser. Each floor had an entrance that could be sealed with a circular door in the form of a doughnut-shaped millstone.

To see Cappadocia from above, consider a hot-air balloon adventure. Many operators offer these early-morning flights over the canyons, cliffs, fairy chimneys, orchards and villages. The memorable experience isn’t cheap—expect to pay about $200 a person—but don’t necessarily go with the lowest price. It’s wise to check out the company’s safety record and pilots’ experience. Other outdoor options include ATV safaris and horseback riding treks.

Just being in this tucked-away region in Asia Minor is an adventure in itself. Blessed with stunning works created both by Mother Nature and the hands of man, Cappadocia is a fascinating destination for religious groups looking to explore the early days of their faith. U

Cappadocia Fast Facts Getting there: Turkish Airlines flights connecting Istanbul with Nevsehir get travelers to the heart of Cappadocia in just an hour-and-a-half. Hotels in Nevsehir, Goreme, Urgup and other towns can arrange shuttle transportation from and to the airport.

Turkish Airlines offers nonstop service between Istanbul and nine U.S. cities—New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The marketing department of the airline’s Chicago office (marketingchi@thy.com) can refer church group organizers to travel agencies and tour operators that offer faith-based tours, including one-week fam trips for priests, pastors and other church leaders. Some trips combine Israel (served by Turkish Airlines) and Turkey. (turkishairlines.com) Cappadocia Museum Pass: Visitors touring Cappadocia can save money over buying individual admissions by investing in this handy pass. Good for 72 hours, it grants admission to major historical attractions, including Goreme Open-Air Museum, Ihlara Valley, and Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities. The pass costs 110 Turkish lira (about $21) and can be purchased at the first stop.

Safety tips: Reaching the cave churches often requires negotiating rocky paths and climbing steps or even ladders. Though some tourists do this in sandals, better footwear choices would be gym shoes or hiking boots. Also, there are drop-offs with no railings for protection, so it’s advisable to pay attention to your surroundings, especially when you’re framing a picture.

At Goreme, some of the churches can be entered and exited at ground level.

Weather: Summers in Cappadocia are bone dry and hot, with temperatures well into the 90s. Winters are cold and snowy. The best weather is April/May and September/October.

Where to Stay: The stylish cave hotels of Cappadocia offer amenities that Fred and Wilma Flintstone could never have imagined. Rooms of the multi-level, cliffclinging Sota Cappadocia hotel in Urgup have been lived in for centuries, but guests enjoy 21st century comforts typical of upscale boutique hotels anywhere.

Bedrooms and baths have under-floor heating. A lavish, multi-course breakfast is served in the lounge, and the adjacent rooftop terrace has four sun beds. (sotacappadocia.com)

Other Christian Sights in Turkey: Former churches of note in Istanbul include the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine wonder that was once the largest church in Christendom, and Church of the Holy Savior in Chora, with its dazzling Byzantine frescoes and mosaics. The Apostle Paul tread the streets of Ephesus, a remarkably well-preserved Roman archeological site not far from the Aegean coast; the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days, draws throngs of pilgrims. Many itineraries follow in the footsteps of St. Paul, who carried the message of Christ throughout Anatolia; sites visited include locations of the Seven Churches of Revelation. In the town of Demre in Antalya province, the Church of St. Nicholas is a place of pilgrimage named for the 4th century saint who started the legend of Santa Claus.

By the Book: Insight Guides’ lavishly illustrated Turkey (455 pp., $24.99, insightguides.com) provides background material on Turkish history and culture as well as practical tips on visiting Cappadocia and other parts of the country. Packed with nitty-gritty details is Rough Guides’ Turkey (724 pp., $27.99, roughguides.com).

Information: Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, hometurkey.com/en.

Hot-air balloon flights offer a tantalizing overview of Cappadocia’s lunar landscapes.

Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism

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Cruising with a

Mission Travelers can make time to help those in need

Religious Travel Planning Guide

Carnival Cruise Line

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Carnivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Give Back with Purpose

Give Kids the World Village

Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee, Florida

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F

By Nancy Schretter

Carnival cruise passengers help with reforestation in the Dominican Republic.

aith-based organizations planning retreats, mission trips, youth travel and fellowship events are increasingly including cruises in their travel plans. Cruise vacations appeal to all ages, from teens and families to couples and seniors. In addition, attractive group rates and a wide range of accommodation options can make cruises budget-friendly as well. These trips offer not only opportunities for fellowship, service-related projects and spiritual renewal but also for having fun and sharing memorable experiences together.

Cruise itineraries from easy-to-reach U.S. homeports visit a number of destinations with significant needs in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. On these sailings, groups can use their days at sea for leadership programs, small-group discussions, speakers and other events. Days in ports of call can focus on a mix of giving-back experiences and opportunities for bonding and fun.

Carnival Cruise Line

Purpose-Driven Shore Excursions Make an Impact

Youth Rebuilding New Orleans/Dwayne “Prince” Holmes, Jr.

Youth Rebuilding New Orleans

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While Fathom and Princess Cruises periodically offered Travel Deep voluntourism-related Caribbean group cruises, faith-based organizations can easily develop their own service-related programs on major cruise lines throughout the year. If a key focus is giving back to others, look for cruise itineraries that include ports with purposerelated shore excursions. These can include visits to local schools, children’s homes, churches and other non-profits. Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, ShoreTrips/Hope Floats and others can provide these kinds of shore excursions and meaningful activities in numerous ports of call.

Carnival Cruise Line offers immersive Give Back with Purpose shore excursions that enable guests to make a difference in local communities. Launched in 2016, these Carnival excursions are available in several ports of call in the Caribbean and Mexico. They include Amber Cove/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. These guided excursions generally operate with a six-guest minimum, but there is no maximum number of participants.

Give Back with Purpose excursions visit organizations assisting those who need it most. “Guests want to empower themselves to change the world, and these tours provide a way for them to make their actions count,” said Erika Tache, Carnival’s director of product development – tour operations, who spearheaded the program.

Carnival uses its local tour-operator partners to help select quality non-profit organizations that are in greatest need of support. A portion of the shore excursion fees goes to non-profits involved in the tours and are quickly put to good use. In Montego Bay, for example, funds have gone towards building a new school classroom, while in Cozumel, the monies have been used to purchase kitchen appliances and build a playground at Ciudad de Angeles children’s home.

Carnival’s Give Back with Purpose tours provide an easy, stressfree way for religious groups to incorporate charitable activities into their cruises. Many Carnival excursions visit non-profit organizaReligious Travel Planning Guide

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HandsOn New Orleans

Nancy Schretter

Groups can arrange to work on projects pre- or post-cruise with HandsOn New Orleans. Right: Volunteers help unload grocery donations at a children’s home in Roatan, Honduras.

tions working with abandoned children and those in need, including children’s homes, orphanages, basic schools and churches. Some of these include Liberty Children’s Home in Belize and Ciudad de Angeles and San José del Mar Church in Cozumel. There, guests meet with directors and administrators, staff members, teachers, priests, and sometimes children and young adults living at the homes to learn more about the organizations, their work and the challenges they face. These encounters are memorable experiences that can make lasting connections and touch the heart. Transportation and an authentic meal at a community restaurant are provided as well.

While Give Back with Purpose excursions do not include service work, there are other ways for faith-based groups to give back as part of these experiences. Many of the children’s homes and non-profits provide “wish lists” on their websites, so groups can often bring donations of children’s items, over-the-counter medicines and school supplies with them on their visits. While cruise guests generally can transport properly declared in-kind donations off their cruise ships in many ports of call, restrictive customs rules may require alternative approaches in destinations such as Mexico. In Cozumel, for example, it’s easy to take a taxi to the nearby Mega store to purchase much needed supplies for the Ciudad de Angeles children’s home.

Purchases like these help the local economy, and groceries are often greatly appreciated at children’s homes in other locations as well.

Holland America Line features a number of Cruise with Purpose shore excursions. On calls at the Dominican Republic port of Amber Cove, groups can volunteer at a women’s recycling microbusiness and a women’s chocolate cooperative to help boost production and increase sales. Similar shore excursions are available on Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises sailings. In Corinto, Nicaragua, Holland America guests can visit with schoolchildren at the Betania Foundation, a property that hosts 400 kids and teens.

Other organizations also provide opportunities to give back on cruises. ShoreTrips, a large independent tour operator, has partnered with non-profit Hope Floats to offer volunteer opportunities in a variety of Caribbean ports of call. Its GIVE excursions can be included on any cruise and are available in Antigua; Barbados; Belize City; Cozumel; Nassau, Bahamas; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Some excursions focus on animal care and recycling activities, while others include service work such as volunteering at a senior center or children’s home.

ShoreTrips’ GIVE opportunities are developed by Bill and Cathleen Huckaby, founders of Hope Floats. Volunteer hours, rather than funds, provide the donation on these tours, and opportunities 12

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to provide in-kind donations vary. Shore excursions can be purchased directly through ShoreTrips or Hope Floats. While transportation is generally not included in the cost of ShoreTrips GIVE excursions, taxi instructions are provided with each tour.

Faith-based travel planners interested in setting up their own independent shore excursions can check out the resources and direct contacts provided by Together for Good, an organization that promotes giving back as part of the travel experience.Together for Good’s website provides information on over 100 service-related opportunities in the Caribbean, Central America, the Bahamas, Mexico and the United States.This resource is best suited for those who have the time to arrange their group’s service opportunities in ports of call.

Together for Good’s website directory lists options in popular international cruise ports and U.S. homeports. Some of these include bringing supplies and volunteering at a children’s home or school in Roatan, Honduras; opportunities to assist schools and community organizations in Jamaica and Mexico; and working with non-profits in New Orleans. Insights on arranging transportation and detailed tips for those planning service-oriented cruises are provided as well.

Additional Opportunities to Give Back

Shore excursions aren’t the only ways to help others on a faithbased cruise. Carnival Cruise Line’s Care to Play program has raised over $16 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through a variety of charitable fundraising events including the popular Groove for St. Jude dance party held onboard all Carnival ships.

Guests can also take part in Holland America Line’s On Deck for a Cause, which includes a sea-day 5K walk around the ship to raise funds for six international cancer organizations.

Opportunities for meaningful pre- or post-cruise service work are available as well. Groups sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida may wish to spend time volunteering at Give Kids the World Village, a non-profit resort in Kissimmee. This storybook-like vacation village caters to children facing a life-threatening illness and their families. Volunteers fill more than 1,800 weekly shifts, assisting with activities including children’s entertainment programs, guest dining services or even running an amusement park ride.

Church groups cruising from New Orleans have several options, too. Volunteers can help rebuild distressed and foreclosed homes with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans or work on a variety of projects through HandsOn New Orleans. These pre- and post-cruise service activities offer additional opportunities for fellowship, fun, spiritual renewal and making a difference together. That’s what meaningful faith-based cruises are all about. U religioustravelplanningguide.com

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Faith, Fellowship and S’mores Camp experiences for adults mix spiritual growth with outdoor adventure

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By Lori Erickson

Caption here on these lines here Caption here on these lines here Caption

f you grew up in a religious family, there’s a good chance that some of your best childhood memories date back to your time at a summer church camp. Sure, that first night away from home was hard, but after that the combination of friends, the great outdoors and the chance to deepen your faith likely created some of your most formative spiritual experiences. If you were lucky, you got the chance to return year after year.

As a planner of church trips, you can help people re-live some of those childhood memories. They’ll never be 13 again (and honestly, hardly any of us would want to be). But they can still experience the wonder of watching a full moon rise above a mountain lake, the camaraderie of singing around a crackling campfire and the fun of goofy sports activities with friends. Best of all, their time at a camp can re-orient their religious compass, setting them back on a path to God. Sometimes the best thing we can do in our ministries is take people away from a church building and into God’s creation.

Especially in this era when it’s increasingly difficult to disconnect from the many forms of media and the constant demands of modern life, a stay at a Christian camp can be as life-changing as it was when you were young. Here are eight camps that offer a blend of outdoor recreation, fellowship and faith formation for adult groups: Alpine Ministries (www.alpineministries.com) in Mt. Hope, West Virginia, is located on the campus of Appalachian Bible College. Groups come here in part to enjoy the New and Gauley rivers, which offer some of the best whitewater rafting in the Religious Travel Planning Guide

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Silver Birch Ranch

country. Alpine Ministries is the only Christian rafting company in the area. After you experience the thrill of the rapids, you can keep the adrenaline flowing by heading underground to explore the twists and turns of a wild cave with headlamps and helmet, or by rappelling down a 120-foot cliff face into the New River Gorge, which is part of the National Park Service. Other outdoor offerings include a high-ropes course, climbing tower, adventure swing and zip line, all set amid the beautiful West Virginia mountains. A variety of indoor meeting spaces offers plenty of options once you’re ready to come inside again. Up to 300 guests can stay in tents, a lodge or in dorm accommodations.

The non-denominational Black Diamond Camps (www.blackdiamond.org) offer groups the chance to pray, recharge and re-commit themselves to Christ in two locations in the state of Washington.

Its main campus is in Auburn, 45 minutes from Seattle. Lodging ranges from dorm-style lodges and A-frame cabins to hotel-style rooms. Activities include mountain biking, zip lining, a 3-D climbing wall, black light mini golf and a super swing. For a more remote, back-to-nature experience, groups can book a stay at its Rainier facility, which is located just nine miles from Mt. Rainier National Park in the Cascade Mountains. Hiking and mountain biking in this stunning landscape provide nourishment for both soul and body (an added bonus: with no cell phone service and limited Wi-Fi, it’s easier to disconnect from day-to-day worries and concerns).

Between the two camps, Black Diamond can accommodate up to 800 guests.

Near Asheville, North Carolina, the non-denominational Camp Cedar Cliff (www.campcedarcliff.org) sits on 350 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains next to the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. Bordered by the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the camp offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from whitewater rafting, swimming and horseback riding to hiking. Guests can also challenge themselves on a climbing wall, zoom through the forest on zip lines and bond with fellow group members on a high ropes course. Camp Cedar Cliff, which can accommodate up to 250 guests, offers lodging in cabins.

Halfway between Omaha and Lincoln near the Platte River in Nebraska, the Carol Joy Holling Conference and Retreat Center (www.cjhcenter.org) is operated by Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Hiking trails wind through 350 acres of prairie, woodlands and wetlands, past sandstone outcroppings and a spring-fed lake. Along with faith formation, outdoor education is an important 14

Religious Travel Planning Guide

part of the center’s mission. Guests can take night hikes, do an owl prowl, stargaze, bird watch and learn about pond ecosystems. Teambuilding options include low and high ropes courses and activities such as a levitation platform, power perch and trust games.

A variety of meeting spaces and lodging types accommodates diverse groups. In the summer, the center can host 675 guests, with a winter capacity of 365 and space in the fall and spring for 475.

In the rural countryside of east central Ohio, the non-denominational Faith Ranch (www.faithranch.org) focuses much of its programming around horseback riding. Groups come for day outings or for one- or two-night stays, with every visit including at least one trail ride. In addition to riding lessons and instruction in grooming, saddling and other horse-related tasks, Faith Ranch offers activities that include swimming, fishing, archery and shooting and a ropes/challenge course. In the evening, groups can enjoy an old-fashioned barn dance. The ranch accommodates up to 124 overnight guests in tents, bunk and ranch houses, and cabins.

Two hours east of Dallas in Big Sandy, Texas, The Pines Catholic Camp (www.thepines.org) has been offering fellowship, fun and faith formation for more than 20 Catholic dioceses since 1988. During the summer it caters to youth, but adult groups are welcome the rest of the year. Swimming, sand volleyball, a climbing wall, giant water slide, archery and zip lines offer plenty of ways to relax in between programming. The adventuresome will enjoy trying the slippery sport of log rolling on Lake Lou Ann. The Pines can host up to 200 guests in bunk-style cabins.

The Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp (www.rmmc.org) is located in Pikes National Forest on the west side of Pikes Peak Massif in Colorado. In the winter, groups can do outdoor activities such as ice skating and snow sledding/tubing, or head indoors for some cozy scrapbooking or quilting. In the warm months, visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and a ropes/challenge course. Many guests include a visit to Pikes Peak in their stay. One of the tallest mountains in the Front Range, it’s just eight miles away from the camp.

The facility can accommodate up to 225 guests in tent sites, cabins, dorms, a lodge and hotel-style rooms.

Wisconsin’s scenic Northwoods is home to the non-denominational Silver Birch Ranch (www.silverbirchranch.org). Founded in 1968, it sits on 100 acres in the Nicolet National Forest near the town of White Lake northwest of Green Bay. Specialized programs range from couples weekends and men’s retreats to winter family camps. Activities include swimming on Sawyer Lake, an indoor rock wall, zip line, hunting, trap shooting, horseback riding, paintball and whitewater rafting on the nearby Wolf River. In the winter, guests can enjoy groomed ski trails, ice skating, broom ball and snow tubing. Winter and fall capacity is 300; in the spring the camp can accommodate 265. Lodging options include tent and RV sites, cabins and a lodge. U Lori Erickson is the author of Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God (Fortress Press).

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Five Things to Know When Selecting Hotel Accommodations for Your Youth Group

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By Harry H. Peck

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You are in charge of your youth group’s tour.

Yikes!

That’s a common reaction from adults who become youth group leaders and accept responsibility for planning a tour. Most critical is securing hotel lodgings that are well-located, safe, secure and affordable.

HOTEL TYPES: This is key, as there are many different hotel types. Some lower-end types may have exterior corridors rather than interior hallways that require passing through a main entrance door and past the front desk. When a room occupant opens the door onto an exterior corridor, he or she is going outside, and this is not desirable from a safety/security standpoint. Ask about this when negotiating by email or phone. The hotel website may not mention it.

Also, while many hotel types offer a free breakfast, a full-service hotel probably does not.

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luiz rocha/Bigstock.com

ROOM TYPES: Mostly you’ll want rooms with two double beds. Don’t take for granted that you get these. Some hotels offer many rooms with one king-size bed only and may be remarkably casual about putting such a room into your room block.

Windows and balconies. You don’t want your youngsters on a balcony! They invite horseplay and are a tremendous liability. If your hotel has balconies, get another hotel. Ask the hotel about this during the negotiation process and get that information in writing.

AFFORDABILITY: An incredibly important item. The rate impacts lots of things, including how many can travel.

You’ll become unpopular fast (with the parents of tour-takers) if you pick a hotel with a rate in the stratosphere. Conversely, don’t choose the least expensive hotel either. There’s usually a good reason why a hotel has a low rate, and you don’t want to associate with any of those reasons.

LOCATION: It’s nice to have a hotel right next to the main religioustravelplanningguide.com

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attraction—what convenience! But you pay for convenience, so be flexible. If traveling by motorcoach or van, five or 10 miles from the attraction is minimal, and you can probably knock $20-30 (or more!) off your rate. On the other hand, don’t overdo this—stories abound of groups booking the other side of town, getting lost and missing the opening curtain, first pitch, etc.

YES, YOU NEED A CONTRACT: It protects both parties from misunderstandings. Last November, a pro football game in Mexico City was moved to Los Angeles with one week’s notice.

Imagine the impact on Los Angeles hotels.

In such cases, a small group with no contract might suddenly not have a reservation when management pushes their personnel

to “lose” your reservation if they can sell it for three times your rate.

The contract should specify the bed types (discussed above), that your room block will stay close together and that the hotel will help you find an outside security firm to patrol the floor where your room block is scheduled.

READ your contract to avoid surprises. In producing hotel contracts with word-processing software, some boilerplate language not applicable to your group sneaks in. SIGN and return the contract by the deadline.

These things can keep your tour together, allow everyone to enjoy the experience and let you, the tour planner sleep at night. U

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V I S I T T HE H O M E O F THE F I R ST A ME R I C A N - B O R N SA I NT

12 miles south of Gettysburg.

70 miles north of Washington, DC.

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T H E N AT I O N A L S H R I N E O F SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON

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Religious Retreats in England

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Experience true serenity and reflection at these centers of spirituality in all corners of the country

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By Courtney Lind

n a world of increasing demands, where we are spread thin making time for work, family, friends and faith, it is critical to devote time for self-care and provide ourselves with a chance to truly be present in our faith. Religious retreats offer the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind, connect with nature and God, and simply be at peace with mind, body and soul. The UK offers a plethora of options for faithbased retreats – whether it’s a weekend escape or a full week of unplugging from the stresses of daily life.

Retreats in several regions, including greater London, allow travelers a chance to reflect in new surroundings while seeking peace and tranquility. Check out the following locations to see what might be a good fit for your group.

South West

North West

Lynton Perched on a hill high above the blue waters of the Bristol Channel, Lee Abbey is the ideal place to disconnect and create a closer connection to God. There is no cellular signal at the abbey, so groups are treated to a tranquil space that offers a chance to explore faith at a deeper level and for individuals to engage in quiet reflection that is sure to heal the soul. The surrounding natural beauty provides dramatic juxtaposition – peaceful streams and powerful waves, lush farmland and rugged forests. It’s the perfect place to unwind and appreciate what is all around. The abbey lets groups take part in specialized programs, or simply create their own unique experience at a site where relationships are celebrated and God is all around. (https://leeabbey.org.uk)

Whitchurch Groups return to Cloverley Hall year after year, and it’s easy to see why. This gorgeous center, in operation as a religious retreat for 50 years, is the perfect blend of peace and community. Comfortable guest rooms of varying sizes can accommodate up to 140 residents, and there are plenty of spaces throughout the center for group or individual study and reflection. Whether it’s a Bible study in the 150-seat conference center or quiet meditation on the outdoor green, Cloverley Hall is ready to meet the desires of its visitors. Outdoor activities include petanque, volleyball, tennis and barbecues. (https://cloverleyhall.org)

Lee Abbey

Quiet Waters

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Cloverley Hall Christian Conference Centre

East

Quiet Waters

Bungay Visitors from far and wide have been coming to Quiet Waters for nearly half a century, and it continues to be a place of spiritual renewal and rest. Set on two acres around a charming farmhouse, it offers plenty of opportunities for groups to create their own devotional journeys.

The charming rooms offer accommodation for up to 16. Spend time in prayer in the chapel, engage in Bible study by the home’s wood fireplace and enjoy the presence of friends over delicious meals in the dining rooms. (https://www.quietwaters.org.uk) religioustravelplanningguide.com

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Located on the North Devon coast of southwest England, the Gothic-style main house of Lee Abbey retreat and conference center dates from 1850.

Yorkshire and the Humber

North East

Huddersfield Rolling hills dotted with quaint cottages, green as far as the eye can see, and sweeping cloudscapes are the first things visitors will see when they arrive at Westwood Christian Centre. Thus begins a visit primed for serenity, at a center run by two families who have created an ideal blend of community, creativity, spirituality and sustainability. All faiths are welcomed and celebrated at Westwood, and visitors have the opportunity to share with and learn from one another as they enhance their personal connection with God. There is also an opportunity to explore a more creative side through singing and dancing. (https://westwood-centre.org.uk)

Corbridge When the original owners of Shepherds Dene passed the family home on to the Diocese of Newcastle in 1945, it was their wish that “those who come to Shepherds Dene for knowledge will find it and those who come for rest will go away refreshed.” With a staff dedicated to providing customized service and an exceptional guest experience, visitors are sure to find what they are looking for. A walk through the 20-acre site’s beautiful gardens or a quiet evening of prayer in one of the cozy rooms of the main house after a locallysourced meal is the perfect recipe for rejuvenation. The center has a variety of breakout rooms to choose from for group study, and many visitors enjoy spending time outdoors and taking in the fresh country air or hiking down to the tranquil stream. (http://shepherdsdene.co.uk)

Westwood Christian Centre

Greater London The Kairos Centre

Shepherds Dene Retreat House

Roehampton You don’t always have to leave the city to find peace. The Kairos Centre, just southwest of London, is a perfect example of tranquility existing among the hustle and bustle of city life. Set among acres of gorgeous gardens and overlooking famous Richmond Park, the Kairos Centre provides guests a secluded space to pray and refresh both mind and body. For those looking for guided programs, the center offers a variety of organized retreats and quiet days, but is also available for those who wish to travel alone or as part of a group and engage in spiritual reflection. Comfortable accommodations are in the form of a three-bedroom bungalow, which includes amenities such as a full kitchen and sitting room. Seven rooms of the center are set aside for retreat and conference purposes, and a quaint chapel is also on-site. (http://www.thekairoscentre.co.uk) religioustravelplanningguide.com

Shepherds Dene Retreat House

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Augustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KEY2LIFE Festival in Vienna, Austria features Christian rock bands.

Top Christian C

Music Festivals

hristian music festivals offer a great way for those in the faith community to solidify bonds, make new friends and expand their cultural horizons. They provide an ideal destination for those wishing to travel in groups, such as church youth clubs. Besides music, these events offer opportunities to commune with the natural world, attend inspirational workshops and seminars, and participate in outdoor activities. Following are just a few of the top Christian music festivals and what each experience has to offer.

Annual events at home and abroad strike a chord with church groups

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Creation Northeast Festival United States

One of the longest-running, faith-oriented music events in the country, Creation Northeast Festival spans three days in late June in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. This festival features seven stages and a large offering of family-friendly activities such as a skate park and dance parties. Other highlights include a candle-lighting moment at the main stage designed to provide attendees with a communal experience that brings them closer to God, a designated children's stage, fireworks, outdoor sports such as volleyball, and break-out sessions and seminars occurring in the woods. Music ranges from rock, pop and contemporary to classic worship.

Creation Northwest Festival United States

Creation Northeast proved to be so popular that event organizers decided that those on the West Coast shouldn't be left out of the fun. An annual event since 1998, Creation Northwest has enjoyed several different locations in Washington State and will be hosted in Kennewick going forward. This festival mirrors its East Coast counterpart in many ways, with big-name acts and notable speakers interspersed with popular local talent.

Spirit West Coast United States

Founded by five local families in 1995, Spirit West Coast happens every year for four days in the middle of June in the idyllic California community of Monterey. This event is extremely popular with youth groups, and the organization offers camping for those who prefer not to stay in nearby hotels. In typical California style, the festival is considered a free-form adventure by those who attend, and all major religious music genres are represented. A sister festival takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego.

Oslo International Church Music Festival Norway

Held annually two weeks before Easter since 2001 and lasting for 10 days, the Oslo International Church Music Festival showcases world-class church music in a variety of genres. Acting as the central institution of the development of modern church music, the festival provides an inclusive forum for individual church musicians as well as groups such as choirs, ensembles and orchestras regardless of affiliation. The festival counts the safeguarding of historical traditions among its guiding principles. Attendees often find themselves transported back in time as they listen to Gregorian chants in a medieval church.

The concert halls consist of some of Oslo's most beautiful churches, including the renowned Oslo Cathedral, which was built in 1694, and Gamie Aker Church, which was erected in 1080

by King Olav Kyrre and is the oldest building in Oslo. Music seminars are available for those wishing to learn from some of the country's most important church musicians.

KEY2LIFE Festival Austria

Held annually in late August in Vienna, KEY2LIFE Festival features creative Christian rock from a variety of European countries, with two stages and up to 16 bands. Attendees enjoy religioustravelplanningguide.com

four days of inspiration mixed with fun and relaxation. Camping is available for those who'd prefer a more natural experience than staying in one of Vienna's historic hotels, and activities include creative zones, a tea tent, and the opportunity to mix and philosophize with monks. Visitors can also show their own Christian rock skills on an open stage for 10 minutes.

Maata Näkyvissä Festival Finland

Sponsored by the Lutheran Evangelical Association of Finland and held every year during a long weekend in the second half of November in Turku, the Maata Näkyvissä Festival began as a memorial event for 17-year-old student Timo Vainio and grew from there. Originally organized and promoted by students, this festival remains true to its roots with a wide appeal to young people. Accommodations are available in local schools for those traveling from out of the area, although Turku also offers a variety of hotels and hostels to choose from. Maata Näkyvissä Festival is the largest Christian music event in Europe's Nordic region.

Domestic and international bands play in venues that include the Turku Faire Centre and the HK Arena.

CreationFest England

Situated in picturesque Cornwall at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre and taking place during the first week of August, Creation Fest is a family-friendly Christian festival offering completely free attendance. A wide variety of Christian genres is represented by both UK and international performers, including rock, folk, rap, pop, and traditional choir and worship music, on six separate stages. Comfortable camping facilities feature hot showers, clean restrooms, and friendly, knowledgeable staff for over 2,000 campers.

A full program of Bible teaching is also a part of the CreationFest picture. The Events Centre features a massive skate park and offers demos by top skaters as well as open sessions along with a number of outdoor programs.

Alive Music Festival United States

Taking place each year for four days during the latter half of July in Mineral City, Ohio, Alive Music Festival has been going strong on the faith-based music scene for 30 years. A member of the Christian Festival Association, Alive Music Festival is organized and promoted by Bill and Kathy Graening, who describe their mission as an opportunity on their part to offer a deeper walk with Jesus through music and teaching. Alive's talent lineup always includes international stars of the Christian music scene, in addition to lesser-known regional acts that are nonetheless top-quality. Also on tap are inspirational talks, workshops and seminars, plus comedy and kids' shows. Vendors such as Chick-Fil-A and Pizza Hut cater to a wide variety of personal dietary needs and preferences.

Nearby Atwood Lake Park offers camping and outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Many festival attendees set up camp here, although hotels, cabins and other lodging choices are also available. Camping options range from basic tent camping to large RV spots suitable for luxurious glamping. U Religious Travel Planning Guide

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Crowne Plaza Chicago SW-Burr Ridge Located in southwest suburban Burr Ridge, Crowne Plaza Chicago SW is a completely refurbished hotel that offers elegant lodging and an abundance of nearby activities

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e-opened in summer of 2017, Crowne Plaza features 123 upscale rooms that provide premium bedding with soft pillows and custom linens, Wi-Fi, in-room coffee and dining, refrigerator, USB ports, spacious work areas and in some suites, soothing Jacuzzi tubs. Each room has 12 outlets, enabling electronic devices to stay fully charged.

Crowne Plaza resides a short distance from a multitude of Burr Ridge shops and restaurants. Upscale clothing stores like Chico’s, J.Jill, Soma and Loft will entice, while restaurants like Capri Ristorante, Dao Sushi, Thai and Hibachi Restaurant, Eddie Merlot’s and Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant will satiate hunger pangs.

Guests who don’t want to stray from the premises can enjoy distinctive American fare inside the hotel at Sip & Savor restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner.

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace presents Broadway shows, while nearby Brookfield Zoo is a family favorite and contains 450 species of animals across 216 acres. Relaxation awaits at Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge, which features a 25-foot whirlpool with a cascading waterfall, steam room and sauna and three distinctive shower experiences. Guests looking to play golf can visit Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in nearby Lemont, where they can compete on a course that has been dubbed one of the 100 best in the country. Crowne Plaza also religioustravelplanningguide.com

resides near numerous parks, like Harvester Park, which encompasses 37 acres, including 17 acres of wetlands containing trails, fishing docks, a pond and observation points.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in nearby Darien features 2,492 acres of prairies, savannas and woodlands that contain 740 native plant species and more than 300 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Situated less than 15 miles from O’Hare Airport and 10 miles from Midway Airport, Crowne Plaza is easily accessible (located directly off Interstate 55, 30 minutes from downtown Chicago). Crowne Plaza supplies free parking, including complimentary bus parking and provides free shuttle service within a three-mile radius.

Crowne Plaza features 6,500 square feet of gathering space across three rooms, including a 4,000-square-foot ballroom. Guests can stay active in the hotel’s fitness center and relax in the indoor pool.

Crowne Plaza Chicago SW-Burr Ridge Quick Facts Rooms: 123, including 58 kings, 53 double doubles, 9 special-needs rooms and 3 suites.

Banquet space: 4 rooms totaling 6,500 square feet of space. The Grand Ballroom is 4,000 square feet while other rooms include the Aria Ballroom, Boardroom and Hospitality Suite.

Amenities: Gym featuring treadmill, elliptical machines, free weights and a stationary bicycle; indoor swimming pool; 24-hour business center with fax and printing services; restaurant serving American fare and lounge; free Wi-Fi; in-room coffee and dining and a 24-hour snack shop.

Group perks: Groups receive a special rates for both guestrooms and breakfast.

Contact info: Crowne Plaza Burr Ridge, 300 South Frontage Road, Burr Ridge, Illinois.

Michelle D’Andrea, Director of Sales and Marketing. 630-601-7548, mdandrea@ cpchicagosw.com, www.cpchicagosw.com Nearby: Crowne Plaza is less than a five-minute drive from the Burr Ridge Village Center, which offers the best shopping in the village. This complex contains 195,000 square feet of stores and restaurants. The hotel is also a short drive from Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, Brookfield Zoo, Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs and Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien.

Location: The hotel is located less than 15 miles from O’Hare Airport and 10 miles from Midway Airport in Burr Ridge, Illinois, and resides directly off Interstate 55, 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.

CROWNE PLAZA CHICAGO SW-BURR RIDGE Michelle D’Andrea, Director of Sales and Marketing mdandrea@cpchicagosw.com, 630-601-7548 CPChicagoSW.com

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By Miles Dobis

rom the apple orchards of Michigan to the streets of downtown Chicago and Columbus, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that the Midwest boasts exceptional festivals throughout the year. Seemingly every community hosts as least one celebration of a particular food product or local heritage, so groups planning a true sampling of Midwestern hospitality can be overwhelmed by options. The following festivals showcase the quirky, unexpected and group-friendly festival options in Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heartland.

Ribfest in Naperville welcomes 11 award-winning barbecue restaurants.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

9 Midwest Food Festivals

From fresh produce to craft beer, these culinary showcases will bring authentic flavors to your next group tour

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WARRENS CRANBERRY FESTIVAL Warrens, Wisconsin September 27-29, 2019

PIEROGI FEST Whiting, Indiana July 26-28, 2019

NATIONAL BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL South Haven, Michigan August 8-11, 2019

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isconsin—the nation’s largest cranberry producer—observes harvest time in late September and early October, and if your group has a taste for this distinctly tart fruit, pay a visit to the Cranberry Festival in Warrens. The world’s largest cranberry celebration annually welcomes over 100,000 attendees to “Cranberry Country” to tour the cranberry marshes and indulge in every imaginable cranberry culinary creation. Visitors can board a bus for the Cranberry Marsh Tour, which passes through a 100-year-old cranberry marsh and offers samples of cranberry wine and other fresh food products available for purchase at the end of the tour. Back in town, taste cranberries integrated into every cuisine imaginable, from cream puffs and cheesecake to pizza and hamburgers.

ore Polish-Americans call the Chicago area home than anywhere else in the United States. The city of Whiting along the Lake Michigan shore celebrates the rich culinary tradition of Eastern Europe with Pierogi Fest—the state’s third-largest festival. Hundreds of thousands of visitors convene on 119th Street to try all varieties of the famous Polish dumpling, which is traditionally stuffed with potato, boiled and topped with melted butter. In addition to offering the popular sauerkraut, ground beef and cheese pierogis, vendors use other flavors like fruit jam and sour cream. If your group members feel unadventurous, soft pretzels and Italian ice abound, and visitors can enjoy live music across several stages.

Warrens Cranberry Festival

merica’s leader in blueberry production, Michigan welcomes visitors to sample this sweet and versatile fruit at the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven. This charming lakefront community along Lake Michigan is the state’s epicenter of highbush blueberry production and has grown from a small pie-baking competition to one of the nation’s premier fruit festivals. Begin your visit at Blueberry Central Market, where group members can learn about blueberry preserves and growing techniques from local farmers.

Proceed to the beer & wine tent to sample Michigan craft beer and blueberry wine while listening to live music, and conclude with a slice of fresh-baked blueberry pie. If your blueberry hankering is unsatisfied, register for the blueberry pie-eating contest.

Pierogi Fest

Uptown Food Truck Festival, Twin Cities Metro

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COFFEE AND DONUT FESTIVAL Des Moines, Iowa Date TBD

RIBFEST Naperville, Illinois July 3-6, 2019

UPTOWN FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Twin Cities Metro, Minnesota June 23, July 20 & August 17, 2019

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n energetic contrast to the region’s many produce festivals, the Coffee & Donut Festival celebrates two of America’s greatest vices in Des Moines. Grab a complimentary cup of joe before wandering the festival grounds to try caffeine creations from local roasters, gourmet donuts and other baked goods such as cupcakes and brownies. Witness competitors in Donuts of Glory (which crowns the fastest eater) and the Donut Games (an Olympic-style competition that includes disciplines like shuffleboard, bags and foosball).

Groups not visiting Iowa can experience the festival’s expansion locations in Omaha and Kansas City for further caffeine fixes.

National Blueberry Festival

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ibber Row (a collection of 11 awardwinning rib restaurants from across the nation) is the centerpiece of this popular meat-lovers festival. Held in Knoch Park and attracting nearly 200,000 annual visitors, this event in suburban Chicago promises a long holiday weekend of hearty food and rock music. Group members can try the famous mac and cheese from local favorite Uncle Bub’s, full racks of ribs from Just North of Memphis and chicken sandwiches from Johnson’s Hickory Smoked Bar-B-QUE. After eating your fill of fresh-slathered ribs, explore the carnival midway, engage with sponsors at the South Park Expo area and catch a live set from this year’s headliner: Billy Idol.

very aspect of this festival is portable—the music stages, beer taps and titular food trucks. Over 65 mobile kitchens from across the North Star State offer visitors sweet and savory creations crafted in fleets of trucks.

Previous participants have included the Moral Omnivore (which specializes in organic sliders and tacos), Potter’s Pasties and Pies (a purveyor of English-style meat pies) and HomeTown Creamery (which serves fresh ice cream).

Groups can also sample local craft beer, play a round of portable miniature golf or witness a hammerschlagen competition (a German tradition in which contestants drive nails into a wooden beam). The successful festival has expanded to cover three summer weekends in various Twin Cities locations: Uptown in June, Anoka in July and St. Paul in August.

Troy Ohio Strawberry Festival

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BOULEVARDIA Kansas City, Missouri June 14-15, 2019

TROY OHIO STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Troy, Ohio June 1-2, 2019

MITCHELL CORN PALACE FESTIVAL Mitchell, South Dakota August 21-25, 2019

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his urban weekend festival—a collaboration between Boulevard Brewing Company and local craft beer businesses—takes place in Kansas City’s revitalized Stockyards District.

The festival grounds include Makers Market (a strip that promotes handcrafted Midwestern home goods), music stages and a mechanical bull that pays tribute to Kansas City’s cowboy past. However, the festival’s highlight remains its expansive craft beer selection. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Boulevard beers in addition to beers created exclusively for the festival by local favorites like Central Standard Brewing and Mikkeler. Groups seeking a more in-depth tasting experience can register for a beer dinner, which pairs aperitifs and beer with a three-course meal, or Tap & Tastes, where visitors can sample beer from over 60 national breweries and partner them with Kansas City’s famous barbecue.

he charming town of Troy, just north of Dayton, annually hosts one of the nation’s premier strawberry festivals. Over 200 craft tents, dozens of food vendors and two live music stages circle Prouty Plaza and Troy Memorial Stadium every June to celebrate the region’s berry harvest. Your group will have the opportunity to taste strawberries in seemingly every preparation: salsas, preserves, syrups, cakes and much more. Experimental eaters can sample the strawberry burrito (strawberries and whipped cream wrapped in a tortilla), a strawberry daiquiri or strawberry pizza (a giant strawberry shortcake you can slice individually). Groups can take advantage of the fest’s shuttle service, ample picnic space and free parade that includes an appearance by the Strawberry Queen.

he Mitchell Corn Palace—a Moorish Revival building decorated with elaborate corn husk murals—is an iconic American road trip attraction and worth your visit any time of year. However, this one-of-a-kind tribute to South Dakota agriculture is best experienced during the Corn Palace Festival, which coincides with the annual redesign of the building’s exterior murals every August. The entire palace becomes an expansive exhibition space where regional photographers, painters and horticulturalists display their work, while Main Street outside transforms into a carnival midway and opportunity to try various corn dishes. LGT

The famous Mitchell Corn Palace hosts the annual Mitchell Corn Palace Festival, which unveils the year’s new exterior murals.

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et a taste for art, history and local flavors on this prairie tour through the greater Champaign County area.

From a thriving downtown district to the laid-back Amish country, you’ll discover artistry woven into the landscape amongst an awardwinning culinary scene.

VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY Caitlyn Floyd, Director of Sales caitlynf@visitchampaigncounty.org 217-351-4133 VisitChampaignCounty.org

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Champaign County, Illinois

Art on the Prairie in Champaign County Day 1 Hitch a ride on the Illinois Central Railroad, which once ran through a popcorn field in the small town of Monticello. Originally named the Monticello Railroad Company, the Central Division line was chartered in 1861, with construction completed in 1870. The Monticello Railway Museum spotlights the line’s long history, featuring dozens of locomotives and equipment dating back to a caboose from 1891. You’ll enjoy lunch on the historic railcars as they bring you into Monticello’s Courthouse Square.

This recently named National Historic District is overflowing with shops, restaurants and galleries.

Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration at Prairie Fire Glass and take home unique artwork as a keepsake.

Travel down the road to one of Illinois’ Seven Wonders—Allerton Park & Retreat Center, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and named one of the American Institute of Architects’ 150 Great Places in Illinois. Built as a private residence in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center today is a historical treasure owned by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Befitting a splendid Georgian manor house, the formal gardens feature extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures.

Following this scenic tour, you’ll discover the artistry of brewing at Riggs Beer Company, which utilizes corn, wheat and barley from the family’s farmstead, founded in 1874. Enjoy a brewery tour and the German-style beers before heading to dinner in downtown Champaign. In this vibrant district, you’ll find over 40 locally owned bars and restaurants that helped Champaign-Urbana

become Midwest Living ’s Greatest Midwest Food Town. Snap a picture with the Roger Ebert statue outside of the historic Virginia Theatre or check out the new Outside of Ordinary mural, a depiction of the area’s unique attractions, outside the Champaign County Welcome Center.

Day 2 Start the day at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola, where sisters Ann and Devon make candy fresh daily. In a store opened in 1904 by their grandfather, the sisters treat guests to homemade flavors, from made-from-scratch ice cream to caramels, toffee and buttercreams. Just down the street, take time to discover local talent at The Vault Art Gallery, a cooperative featuring more than 50 artist-owners.

You’ll end your trip in the Amish country around Tuscola and Arthur, home to over 2,000 members of the Amish community. Meet your step-on guide at the welcome center in downtown Arthur, where your tour begins. See horse-drawn buggies, Belgian horse-pulled field equipment, roadside stands with fresh produce, and one-room schools with pony carts lined up in the driveway and grass lot ball diamonds full of Amish children at recess. Tour the Woodworking Trail, where you’ll meet the artisans who create stunning cabinetry and furniture. At an Amish home, have a home-cooked meal and then explore the farmstead. Learning the ins and outs of Amish culture, you’ll be amazed at how similar their life is to yours, minus one thing— electricity.

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ffingham offers food lovers multiple sites to see and products to experience. With stores such as John Boos & Co. and renowned restaurants such as Firefly Grill, Effingham is sure to please even the toughest food critic.

Effingham, Illinois

Effingham is for Foodies Day 1 Arrive in Effingham and make your way to John Boos & Co. to see what all the hype is about.

With celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse using Boos cutting boards and butcher blocks, guests certainly will want an up-close look at the oldest industry in Effingham, which has been in business since 1887. The company has four dry kilns that will dry up to 210,000 board feet of lumber on a continual basis. See the products and get great deals at the John Boos Factory Showroom & Outlet.

Visit www.butcherblockspecialist.com for more information.

Spend your afternoon relaxing while enjoying some great wine. Established in 2011, Tuscan Hills Winery offers wine tastings daily and hosts meetings, parties and special events year-round.

The full range of wine styles and sweetness levels is covered, providing something for every guest.

For more information, visit effinghamwinery.com.

Check in at one of more than a dozen Effingham hotels and freshen up before departing for dinner.

Tonight you’ll have dinner on a John Boos table at a one-of-a-kind restaurant. Firefly Grill is a culinary experience that brings thousands of people each year to the Effingham community. Groups are invited to explore the gardens where food is grown for the restaurant, participate in demonstrations and spend time relaxing on the beautiful grounds.

For more information, visit ffgrill.com.

Day 2 EFFINGHAM CVB Jodi Thoele jthoele@effinghamil.com 800-772-0750 VisitEffinghamIL.com

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Breakfast at your hotel before departing for a day of fun. Another culinary gem located in Effingham, Hodgson Mill is a family-owned company that focuses on your health. It produces stone-ground,

whole-grain and organic foods made from premium-quality whole grain and with no artificial preservatives, additives or colorings. Among products for sale at Hodgson Mill Mercantile are flours, corn meals, cereals, baking mixes and pasta. Visit hodgsonmill.com.

It’s lunch on your own before an afternoon discovering the artistic side of Effingham. Visits to Frye Pottery, Wilhelmina Art Gallery and Brush Hill Studio & Gallery are surefire eye candy.

Dinner tonight is another uniquely Effingham experience. You’ll head over to Effing Brew Company for dinner and drinks. This new microbrewery in downtown Effingham provides a wide variety of quality beers brewed in-house. Watch them brew as you check out the tasty menu filled with a great selection of upscale bar food. Learn more at effingbrewcompany.com.

End the day with a show at the Effingham Performance Center. The 1,564-seat theater hosts 40 performances a year, with categories ranging from country, pop/Top 40 and contemporary Christian to comedy, dance and classical. For information, visit theepc.org.

Day 3 Breakfast at your hotel before checkout.

To end your Effingham experience, take time to explore the Cross at the Crossroads. The 198-foothigh Cross is certainly an engineering wonder, but its greatest miracle is its call to travelers from every faith, background and circumstance, reminding them of the values cherished by all. The Cross features a chapel, reception area, restrooms, a refreshment center and media room where visitors can view a video of its construction. For more information, visit crossusa.org.

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Escape to Just South of the Ordinary in DeSoto County This northern Mississippi county has a long history and a longer list of reasons to visit

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here’s something special about getting away from the daily grind, escaping our cares in the soothing peace of the open countryside. And yet, who has time to journey well into the wilderness to find such a getaway? The good news is that groups looking to get away from it all can do so – all within mere minutes of Memphis and its international airport.

Nestled along Mississippi’s northern border, DeSoto County and its communities (Hernando, Horn Lake, Nesbit, Olive Branch, Southaven and Walls) offer a warm Southern welcome to groups looking for a relaxing stay.

There are lots of things to do, from enjoying the county’s famous restaurants to following the Mississippi Blues Trail to going on a shopping expedition.

Things to Do in DeSoto County You can do serious hunting at Tanger Outlets in Southaven, where stores ranging from Michael Kors and Coach to Krispy Kreme guarantee a happy day spent in retail therapy.

There’s also the open-air mall of Southaven Towne Center.

Hernando’s Courthouse Square does double duty as a historic district and place to shop. Venture a little way out and you’ll find Anderson's Pottery and Joseph Eckles

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Stoneware for handmade pottery.

After shopping, what’s next? Given that this county takes its name from the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, you might want to absorb some of the region’s historical treasures. The aforementioned DeSoto County Courthouse, with its Mississippi River murals and spot on the National Register of Historic Places, is a convenient starting point. Also check out the DeSoto County Museum, which includes a restored log cabin from the 1840s.

Maybe a more active style of historical research is your group’s thing. DeSoto County has several stops along the Mississippi Blues Trail, Freedom Trail and Mississippi Mound Trail. You can also chart a course toward the homes of two music legends: Circle G Ranch (Elvis Presley) and Lewis Ranch, the former home of Jerry Lee Lewis.

If your group just wants to be outdoors, head to Arkabutla Lake, a 33,000-acre water playground with three beaches and opportunities for sailing, fishing, camping, hiking, biking and picnicking. Other parks offer green space as well, and the county maintains several championship-level golf courses.

Agritourism options include seeing the nation’s largest importer of fine bonsai (miniature living trees) at Brussel’s Bonsai

Nursery, picking berries at Nesbit Blueberry Plantation and exploring the many activities offered by Cedar Hill Farm. Also check out the two farmers’ markets in Hernando and Olive Branch.

Dining in DeSoto It won’t take long before hunger begins to gnaw at your group. Don’t worry; you’ll be well-served by a generous selection of restaurants. You’d expect to find traditional Southern fare, good old American faves, steak and seafood, and Memphis-style BBQ here, and you won’t be disappointed. But don’t forget the Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and fusion restaurants, nor the local bakeries and ice cream shops for that sweet tooth.

Group-Friendly Places to Stay There are a large number of global and national chain hotels waiting to host you.

But for a truly DeSoto experience, check out the local inns, which offer a perfectly comfortable finish to the day.

DESOTO COUNTY TOURISM Kim Terrell, Executive Director kterrell@visitdesotocounty.com 662-393-8770

VisitDeSotoCounty.com

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Georgia Sites Remember Martin Luther King A historical trail recalls important events and leaders of the civil rights movement

By Dave Bodle

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r. Martin Luther King, Jr., a resident of Georgia, led a crusade that sowed far-reaching social changes in the United States. In his home state, 28 sites commemorate his life and contributions he made to the movement. Here are a few stops on the trail and other significant civil rights sites:

Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

Old Mount Zion Church in Albany, Georgia hosted meetings early in the civil rights movement, and Dr. King once spoke there to a packed house.

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ATLANTA Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is one of Atlanta’s top attractions. Begin your day at the Visitor Center Theater with an insightful, regularly changing video. The Children of Courage exhibit is presented in the lobby. In the main exhibit area, Courage to Lead parallels the tracks of Dr. King and the civil rights movement. On the path to the Community Center, take a few minutes at the Behold monument to study the statue and inscription paying tribute to King. The Birth Home, where he lived the first 12 years of his life, is also part of the park. Ranger-led tours of the home are limited to 15 persons on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The community surrounding the park is Sweet Auburn. Its Ebenezer Baptist Church has been the spiritual home to many and is an important part of the park. King was baptized and ordained at Ebenezer and served as co-pastor with his father, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., from 1960 until his death in Memphis in 1968. Nearby Fire Station No. 6 served the community from 1894 until 1991.

Now a museum, it tells the story of desegregation of the Atlanta Fire Department.

The International World Peace Rose Garden is at its best when in full bloom, but Dr. King’s life and ideals of change through nonviolence are perennially part of the starburst design. Standing in the Peace Plaza facing the rose garden, look directly across the street at the graves of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. They are entombed at the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, a community institution established in 1968 by Mrs. King. It has a collection of artifacts from the civil rights era. (nps.gov/malu/index.htm) Located near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola in downtown Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the civil rights movement in America with global human rights movements. Through strong images and moving storytelling, visitors experience an inspiring and empowering message. (civilandhumanrights.org)

Museums, churches and other sites in Georgia chronicle Martin Luther King’s role in the civil rights struggle.

Join Tom Houck, a civil rights activist, on his Civil Rights Tours Atlanta. Tour locations beyond the national historical park include Dr. King’s last house, Morehouse College, Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Freedom House, Daddy King and John Wesley Dobbs gravesites at South-View Cemetery, Rush Memorial Church and the Georgia State Capitol. (civilrightstour.com) For lunch, take in the mix of flavorful aromas at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market.

For dinner you cannot beat Paschal’s Restaurant. It was a meeting place for activists during the civil rights movement.

The Famous 1947 Fried Chicken needs to be on your group menu.

ALBANY The museum at the Albany Civil Rights Institute (ACRI) tells the rich history of the civil rights movement in southwest Georgia.

Interactive exhibits with state-of-the-art audio and visual share the conflicts of the 1960s. Also part of the institute is Old Mount Zion Church, which hosted some of the first mass meetings of the Albany Movement.

Dr. King was asked to address one of those meetings. After completing his speech to a full house, as the story goes, he was told the church across the street was also full and hoping he would speak to them. He obliged and upon completion was asked to speak to yet another full house that had gathered at February 2019

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Mount Zion. He made that third speech but was a little late getting home to Atlanta.

Originating in 1962 as a student quartet from Albany State College, the Freedom Singers molded congregational-style, a capella singing with protest songs and chants.

Their performances at SNCC events became an integral part of the message. Original member Rutha Harris, who resides in Albany, often is available to lead a visiting group in song for a truly memorable experience.

In nearby Cordele, Lake Blackshear Resort and Cordelia’s welcomes groups of all sizes for an elegant dinner with a lake or garden view.

MACON For 38 years the Tubman Museum has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and interpretation of art and historic artifacts related to African-American history and culture. A featured piece in acrylic and oil is the 68-inch-tall, 55-foot-long mural From Africa to America. The Inventors Gallery spotlights the inventions of African-Americans. (tubmanmuseum.com) Dawson, Georgia native Otis Redding was discovered at the Douglass Theatre and from 1921 to the 1970s talented AfricanAmerican performers graced its stage.

Totally restored and renovated during the 1990s, it functions as a state-of-the-art film and performance venue. (douglasstheatre.org)

Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

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King Center for Nonviolent Social Change

DUBLIN You’ll find the First African American Church of Dublin has a wonderful story to tell. On April 17, 1944, a young student from Atlanta’s Booker T. Washington High School participated in a speech contest delivering his entry “The Negro and the Constitution.”

There seems to be some confusion whether he finished first or second, but one thing is for sure. Those attending witnessed the first public speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. Working with church and civic leaders, Visit Dublin has developed an interactive experience for groups to participate in.

Across from the church at the gateway to downtown Dublin sits the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park. The vibrant mural created by Georgia artist Corey Barksdale is its centerpiece. Other features include a sculpture bench and photo mural. (visitdublin.org) At downtown’s Company Supply, a rotisserie bistro, Fire Roasted Chicken and Slow Roasted Pork are great dinner choices.

For lunch you cannot beat the Roasted Cuban.

U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta

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SAVANNAH Although Dr. King never made it to Savannah, the area has two sites that commemorate the civil rights movement in Georgia. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, named for the father of the city’s civil rights movement, recently was named “Georgia’s Best New History Museum.”

The museum reports the struggles of Georgia’s oldest African-American community from slavery to the present day. (visitsavannah.com /profile/ralph-mark-gilbert-civil-rights-museum/4233) Visitors to the Pin Point Heritage Museum, located in the old A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, can obtain insight into Gullah/Geechee culture. Living almost isolated for 100 years, Pin Point sits on the banks of the Moon River and marsh. Groups can explore the restored factory and experience a multi-media story of the community. (chsgeorgia.org/phm) The Pirates House has a portion dating from 1734, making it the oldest building in Georgia. Its history is interesting, but dinner is exceptional. For lunch, Sisters of the New South serves home-style Southern fare and is best for small groups.

MIDWAY Dorchester Academy was founded after the Civil War as a school for freed slaves.

The complex grew to become a fully accredited high school with 300 students and eight frame buildings. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. held planning meetings there prior to the 1963 march on Birmingham. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dorchester Academy was designated a National Landmark in 2006. (dorchesteracademyia.org) Dinner at Sunbury Crab Co. may be reason enough to visit Georgia. The familyowned, open-air restaurant offers fresh, local seafood and marvelous coastal views. LGT >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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New Nashville Complex • Tennessee

Nashville’s newest downtown destination, Fifth + Broadway, will transform the former 6.2 acres of the Nashville Convention Center into a vibrant, mixed-use mecca in 2020.

The neighborhood renaissance will include shops, rooftop restaurants, a renovated conference center, the upcoming National Museum of African American Music and world-class entertainment offerings. (fifthandb.com) Fifth + Broadway

Kissimmee’s Old Town Freshens Its Look • Florida

New Museum to Salute Role of U.S. Army • Virginia

The National Museum of the United States Army is under construction at Fort Belvoir and is expected to open in 2020. It will provide the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions, celebrating the service and sacrifice of over 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. The museum will incorporate the latest advances in museum exhibit technology as it offers interactive educational experiences explaining the Army’s role in creating and defending the nation as well as its social initiatives and contributions. The main building (185,000 square feet) will display artifacts, documents and selections from the Army Art Collection. The vast majority of the pieces have never been seen by the American people. The museum will welcome an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 visitors a year.

Fort Belvoir is less than 30 minutes south of Washington, D.C. (thenmusa.org)

SOUTH REGION Shaker Village Building Reopens for Tours • Kentucky

The largest building at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg has reopened for regular tours. Constructed between 1824 and 1834, the Centre Family Dwelling housed as many as 80 Shakers at a time. Recent renovation work on the limestone structure began in August 2017, and visitation had been limited to a small number of hard-hat tours. Throughout 2019, artifacts and exhibits will be installed in each room. (shakervillageky.org) Centre Family Dwelling

The Travel Corporation (TTC) has announced that after two years of renovation and expansion, Old Town in Kissimmee will have its grand re-opening on April 6, 2019. For more than 30 years Old Town has charmed visitors with its collection of over 70 one-of-a-kind shops, themed restaurants, rides, musical acts, games and weekly car cruises. Recreating the historical architecture and distinctive storefronts of a classic small Florida town, the walkable 18-acre property lets visitors step back into a simpler time. Some 12,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space have been added to the property, including a range of new shops and three new dining options. The original area of the complex has also been completely refreshed and renovated, with a new 86-foot Ferris wheel imported from Italy as the centerpiece, while Old Town's musical acts and live entertainment options have been upgraded and expanded.

The popular car show and car cruises will continue as usual every Friday and Saturday night. During these events, pre-1975 hot rods, street rods and antique vehicles parade down the brick-paved streets of Old Town. (myoldtownusa.com) LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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KENTUCKY CULINARY IDEAS

Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail

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A new food travel initiative emphasizes signature dishes that best represent local flavors and ingredients

By Dave Bodle

press conference last year saw the introduction of the new Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail. But long before cameras rolled and reporters took notes, a talented group from across the Bluegrass State had gathered to create nine signature meals, each representing one of the state’s regions. Contributing their expertise were chefs, farmers, food producers, historians and tourism officials.

With emphasis on the availability of locally sourced ingredients, the trail runs from mid-May through October. The 2018 Signature Meals presented here may vary slightly in 2019 as chefs continue to work their magic.

To even the most seasoned food traveler, some of the dishes might be strange to you.

Burgoo? Goetta? The point of dining out is to have a fun experience. Enjoy!

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WESTERN WATERLANDS Kentucky Dam Village State Park Resort Gilbertsville It’s a given that fresh fish are part of the menu here in the home of two of Kentucky’s biggest lakes What is not as well known is that western Kentucky just might be the country ham capital of Kentucky. Visitors will enjoy this Signature Meal in the resort’s Harbor Lights Restaurant: Appetizer: White beans with ham hock Entrée: Local surf & turf Sides: Silver Queen sweet corn, Kentucky Wonder green beans Dessert: Banana pudding Beverage: Local craft bourbon cocktail Kristen Branscum, Commissioner of Kentucky Travel & Tourism, announces details of Better in the Bluegrass.

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BLUEGRASS, BLUES & BARBECUE Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Dawson Springs The 24-room lodge is ideal for smaller groups; Clifty Creek Restaurant welcomes larger groups. With nearby Owensboro claiming the title of “BBQ Capital of the World,” it’s no wonder “cue” is a favorite here in western Kentucky. Pork or mutton slow cooked for hours over stacked coals from hickory wood highlight this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Burgoo Entree: BBQ mutton Sides: Baked beans, slaw, potato salad Dessert: Peach cobbler Beverage: Strawberry lemonade with locally grown berries BOURBON, HORSES & HISTORY Rough River Dam State Resort Park Falls of Rough Each of the 40 rooms in the lodge overlooks the lake. Grayson’s Landing Restaurant shares those panoramic views. They say the food you eat gives you a sense of place. The folks born and raised in this region know exactly what that means and are eager for visitors to share what they’ve enjoyed for decades. This Signature Meal delivers: Appetizer: Bibb salad with Benedictine dressing Entree: Kentucky hot brown Sides: Succotash Dessert: Bourbon biscuit pudding Beverage: Old-fashioned

NORTHERN KENTUCKY RIVER Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Carlisle The lodge features 32 rooms with full amenities, while Hidden Waters Restaurant is well known in central Kentucky for outstanding Southern cuisine. The area is a unique cultural mixture of German immigrants from the 1800s and Southernrooted natives. A German-inspired and Southern-specific menu is featured on this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Tomato pie Entree: Goetta Sides: Potato cakes Dessert: Transparent pie Beverage: Kentucky Rain cocktail featuring Casamigos tequila BLUEGRASS, HORSES, BOURBON & BOONE Natural Bridge State Resort Park Slade Located in the midst of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the park’s Hemlock Lodge has 35 rooms, each with private balcony. Its Sandstone Arches Restaurant is named for the natural sandstone arch in this mountain retreat. Home-grown grits and home-raised beef are part of this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Beer cheese Entree: Kentucky beef Sides: Grits, spoonbread, limestone Bibb salad with sorghum vinaigrette Dessert: Bourbon chocolate cake Beverage: Ale-8 One/Ale-8-One bourbon KENTUCKY APPALACHIANS Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Prestonburg The 49 rooms of May Lodge overlook Dewey Lake, but it’s the Music Highway Grill that gives you a hint of the local culture.

Mountain beauty, traditional music and no-frills recipes are all part of the area’s rich history. The chef has taken those old-time recipes to a new level with this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Soup beans with cornbread Entrée: Salmon patties Sides: Fried potatoes, cucumberstomatoes-onions and Italian dressing Dessert: Blackberry jam cake with caramel icing Beverage: Coffee Left: Restaurant guests celebrate local flavors at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown, Kentucky.

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DANIEL BOONE COUNTRY Pine Mountain State Resort Park Pineville Great mountain views can be enjoyed from each of the 30 rooms at the Herndon J. Evans Lodge and from its Mountain View Restaurant. Traditional home cooking, the calling card for this Appalachian region, is presented with expertise in this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Chow-chow and pickled beets Entree: Soup beans Sides: Fried potatoes, cornbread, green onions Dessert: Apple stack cake Beverage: Milk or moonshine SOUTHERN SHORELINES Lake Cumberland State Park Resort Jamestown The 63-room Lure Lodge offers an indoor pool complex and the Rowena Landing Restaurant here in the “Houseboat Capital of the World.” Offering panoramic views of the lake, the restaurant embraces the area’s heritage with locally sourced fish as the centerpiece of this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Pinto beans and spider cornbread Entree: Fried fish Sides: Real mashed potatoes, collard greens, slaw Dessert: Fried apple pie Beverage: Ski soda

CAVES, LAKES & CORVETTES Barren River Lake State Resort Park Lucas The 51-room lodge has full amenities and overlooks the 10,000-acre lake. Its Driftwood Restaurant is a supporter of KY Proud, an initiative aimed at buying local products whenever possible. The area’s large agricultural community makes it easy to continue the farm-to-table commitment. Using local providers comes through loud and clear in this Signature Meal: Appetizer: Local cheeses Entree: Pork shoulder/pork chops Sides: Fresh sliced tomatoes, sweet corn, green beans with ham hock Dessert: Fruit cobbler with local ice cream Beverage: Apple cider February 2019

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olonial Williamsburg is an 18th century city complete with historic re-enactors and nearly 100 reconstructed buildings. Enter the homes (there’s even a royal palace) of tradespeople, business owners and Nation Builders and immerse yourself in the culture of the dawn of America.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG Group Sales groupsales@cwf.org 800-228-8878 ColonialWilliamsburg.com/GroupTours

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Williamsburg, Virginia

Go Back in Time 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 carriage 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 three-centuries-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 18th century 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, colonial-inspired 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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isit NC Smokies is the place you want to gather.

With wonderful museums like the Shelton House and Shook Museum to the vibrant Hart Theatre, there is plenty to see and do. We encourage you to come shop in Downtown Waynesville or Maggie Valley and relax at Lake Junaluska. Our farm-to-table restaurants will be ready and waiting for you as you explore Haywood County.

Haywood County, North Carolina

Gather in the NC Smokies Day 1 Arrive early in the afternoon at the Shelton House, which is a must for anyone intrigued by the heritage of Haywood County. Built in 1875, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Housed in and around the Shelton House, the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts features comprehensive exhibits of 19th century crafts.

Afterwards, head over to Downtown Waynesville to spend some time strolling down historic Main Street and visiting the many specialty stores that line both sides. Mast General Store is the emporium with a little bit of something for everyone. If you want to take a treat home for that furry friend, stop by Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery. While downtown, stop at Boojum Brewing Company to sample a locally made beer. Finally, if you need an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Sunburst Market for some farm-to-table flavors.

For dinner, head over to Maggie Valley and J. Arthurs Restaurant for some prime rib and their famous gorgonzola cheese salad.

Day 2

VISIT NC SMOKIES

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel. Then head out to explore the Western North Carolina Quilt Trail, stopping in Clyde to tour the Shook Museum and right next door in Canton the Colonial Theatre, which opened in 1932.

Lunch at the Jukebox Junction Restaurant & Soda Shoppe will take you back to the 1950s and ’ 60s. Of course, no lunch is complete until you order your hand-spun milkshake. Afterwards head over to Lake Junaluska for a tour of the World Methodist Council Museum or an afternoon stroll around the lake on the 2.3-mile walking trail.

In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, known by the locals as the “HART.” This year-round theater features productions from classics like Macbeth to Broadway musicals like Hello Dolly.

Day 3 Begin the day by visiting Catalooche Ranch for breakfast with a local storyteller, and since it borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s the ideal location for extraordinary mountain views.

Afterwards, head through Maggie Valley for a stop at Elevated Mountain Distillery and a genuine whiskey experience. The 11,000-sq.-ft. facility includes the distillery, barrel storage, bottling area, product development and gift shop.

Finally, grab some last-minute gifts at Maggie Mountaineer Crafts, where they have endless crafts, delicious homemade fudge and a creekside picnic area for relaxing.

Ben Wilder ben@visitncsmokies.com 800-334-9036 VisitNCSmokies.com

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ROMANIA A touch of the Old World flavors this fascinating land at the eastern edge of Europe

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By Randy Mink ajestic castles, medieval towns, ancient churches, peasant culture and, yes, tales of Count Dracula in Transylvania tend to color our perceptions of Romania. Though its tourism is well-developed and its natural beauty is undeniable, Romania remains somewhat of a mystery to North Americans. A bit off the beaten path, it is not as well-known as some other Eastern European countries.

As a dreary Soviet satellite for much of the 20th century, this Oregon-size nation of 20 million people was, to tell the truth, not the most inviting place to visit. Many used to associate Romania with the iron hand of Communist Party dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

A 1989 uprising led to his overthrow and murder, and a new constitution re-established Romania as a republic with a multi-party system, market economy and individual rights of free speech and religion. Fast-forward to

today, and Romania appears on many Eastern European tour itineraries, beckoning those with a streak of wanderlust. It is certainly ripe for discovery.

Forests cover about one-fourth of Romania, and the Carpathian Mountains traverse the center of the country. The Danube River, separating Romania from Serbia and Bulgaria, ends its eight-country journey at the Black Sea. Also bordering Romania are Hungary, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

The countryside is the heart and soul of Romania. Traditional culture thrives in centuries-old villages, and medieval ways prevail like nowhere else in Europe. Travelers are fascinated by horse-drawn wagons overloaded with hay, shepherds with flocks of sheep, and women in headscarves and aprons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; scenes from times gone by. About 80 percent of the population is Eastern Orthodox. The Romanian language, with a 31-letter Latin

Bran Castle (above), a tourist magnet, trades on its association with Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century military hero who provided the inspiration for the literary character Dracula.

Spread photo: The Romanian city of Brasov, set in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, abounds with fairy-tale vistas.

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alphabet, is based on the language spoken when the region was part of the easternmost Roman Empire.

Most travelers to Romania start their travels in Bucharest, the capital and largest city (pop. 2.4 million). While not as attractive or romantic as more picturesque Budapest and Prague, it does have some impressive museums and Orthodox churches, broad boulevards and nice parks. Bucharest also is less expensive and has fewer tourist crowds.

One point of curiosity is the Palace of Parliament, a gargantuan government building commissioned by Ceausescu, though he didn’t live to see it finished (and it still isn’t). Built at a cost of $3 billion starting in the 1980s, this “House of the People” is the second-largest building in the world (after the Pentagon). Tours include a handful of the 3,000-some rooms, most of them unused.

Another sightseeing highlight in Bucharest is the open-air National Village Museum, a collection of homesteads relocated from rural Romania. In a park-like setting on the shores of Herastrau Lake, you’ll see a windmill, a 1775 church, an 1815 Transylvanian shepherd’s house and even a house dating from the 1600s. Inside the buildings are

period furniture, fabrics and utensils specific to the region.

For a night on the town or an afternoon communing with the past, head to Bucharest’s Old Town, or Lipscani, district. Its cobbled, pedestrian ways are lined with 19th century buildings; bars, music clubs, cafes and restaurants lend a youthful vibe. As in many parts of Bucharest, here you’ll find Old World grandeur mixed with the scruffiness that comes from neglect. Caru’ cu Bere, established in 1899, is an atmospheric Lipscani beer hall with carved wood, stained-glass windows and mural paintings. The menu offers hearty Romanian fare like sausages, cabbage rolls, and grilled minced meat rolls cooked over wood and smeared with garlic sauce. The pork shank comes with pan-fried sauerkraut, polenta, horseradish and chili peppers. But if your tastes run to hamburgers and fries, Bucharest has 42 McDonald’s outlets, not to mention other fast-food brands like Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut and Subway.

Transylvania, a land of mountains and forested valleys, was used by Bram Stoker as the setting for his Gothic novel Dracula (though the Irish author had never been there). Vlad the Impaler, a Romanian prince and military

Take a step back to medieval days in the streets of Sighisoara.

leader who fought against invading Turkish armies in the mid-1400s, was the inspiration for the vampire Count Dracula, and legend has it that he was briefly imprisoned in Bran Castle. Though the associations are sketchy, the castle is a big-time tourist attraction.

Perched on a rocky bluff, the mass of turrets and towers overlooks a mountain pass about 16 miles from the picturesque village of Bran.

You can follow Vlad’s footsteps through the maze of courtyards and passages.

In the Transylvanian town of Sighisoara, walking among the medieval buildings enclosed within a citadel of walls and watchtowers is like being in a fairy tale. You can visit the reputed birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), now a restaurant. The prettiest sight in town is the Clock Tower

Glorious frescoes adorn Sihastria Monastery in Neamt, Romania. In a country that is mostly Eastern Orthodox, beautiful churches and monasteries are among the top visitor attractions.

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with its multi-colored tiled roof; there are magnificent panoramas from the top.

Also in Transylvania is Brasov, one of the most visited places in the country. Fringed by the peaks of the southern Carpathian Mountains, it is resplendent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, medieval walls and an Old Town with cobblestone streets.

Brasov has been used as a backdrop in many period movies. Stroll around the Town Hall Square and admire the colorfully painted, ornately trimmed Baroque structures. Take a peek inside the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania. Its name derives from damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689, when flames and smoke blackened its walls. The church houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe.

The Moldavia region of northeastern Romania rivals Transylvania when it comes to rich folklore, natural beauty and astonishing history. Over the past 500 years, history, culture and religious life have molded Iasi, the cultural capital of Moldova. Iasi boasts an impressive number of Orthodox churches, almost 100. The whole area abounds with colorfully decorated churches and monasteries.

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldavia is the Bucovina area, home to one of the world's greatest art treasures – a collection of 15th and 16th century monasteries featuring brilliant exterior frescoes depicting religious scenes. Designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these houses of worship, with their kaleidoscope of colors and rich details, are unique in the world.

The most famous is Voronet Monastery, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.”

Its most stunning feature is a Last Judgment fresco painted – as at all the churches – on the exterior facade. The blue paint miraculously has never faded and is known throughout the world as Voronet blue.

The vibrant cerulean hue was created from lapis lazuli and other ingredients, though the artists guarded their trade secrets and to

this day the paint’s composition remains a mystery.

Also in northern Romania are the wooden churches of Maramures with their shingled roofs, weathered Gothic steeples and rich interiors painted with biblical frescoes. On Sundays you’ll see worshippers in traditional dress. The Maramures area is, in fact, the “heart of folkloric, medieval Romania, where the last peasant culture in Europe continues to thrive,” according to Lonely Planet’s Romania & Bulgaria guide. It feels “as if you are climbing into a horse-drawn time machine and heading back a couple of centuries.”

Nature lovers in Romania flock to the Danube Delta, a birdwatcher’s paradise where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. Much of it is under the protection of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority.

The collection of rivers, canals, marshes, lakes and reed islands hosts rare plants and wildlife, including 300 species of bird and 160 species of fish. A variety of boat trips is available.

For more information on what to see and do in Romania, visit the Romanian Ministry of Tourism’s website, romaniatourism.com. LGT

GOWAY GROUPS ONLY PRESENTS Randy Mink

THE CULTURAL HEART OF EUROPE Bucharest’s imposing Palace of Parliament is the second-largest building in the world.

Scenes harking back to earlier times intrigue those touring the Romanian countryside.

POLAND • ROMANIA • HUNGARY • CZECH REPUBLIC BULGARIA • BALKANS • JOURNEYS OF FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP • FARM TO PLATE EXPERIENCES • HISTORICAL/CULTURAL IMMERSIONS • RIVER CRUISING • DALMATIAN COAST CRUISING • WALKING & CYCLING ADVENTURES

UNIQUE • INNOVATIVE • INTERACTIVE • CUSTOMIZED

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REGION

North Head is one of two lighthouses at Cape Disappointment State Park.

I N T HE

F OOTSTEPS O F

LEWIS

A N D

CLARK

Historical sites in the Pacific Northwest shed light on a groundbreaking expedition

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By Sue Arko he Lewis and Clark Expedition from May 1804 to September 1806 was one of the most successful explorations in American history. It was the first American expedition to cross the western portion of the United States. Under the command of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, it began near St. Louis and passed through the Continental Divide of the Americas to reach the Pacific Coast. Over 200 years later, tour groups flock to the Western United States to learn about the famous trek. A number of Lewis and Clark-related attractions enhance historical tours of the region.

Nez Perce National Historical Park is a non-traditional national park in that it consists of 38 sites that together tell the story of the Nez Perce people. The sites are spread over Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Lewis and Clark crossed Nez Perce country in the fall of 1805 and again in the spring of 1806. The Nez Perce saved the expedition (known as the Corps of Discovery) from starvation and formed a bond of friendship.

National park sites associated with the travels of Lewis and Clark include Canoe Camp, Long Camp, Weippe Prairie, and Lolo Trail and Pass.

Lewis and Clark arrived in Washington at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, the site of today's Sacajawea Historical State Park. A Shoshone woman named Sacagawea was instrumental in the expedition’s success. Working alongside the men, she was an interpreter and an emissary of peace between the white explorers and Native American tribes. The Sacajawea Interpretive Center is open April through October and features interactive exhibits on Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, a joint venture between the National Park Service and the states of Oregon and Washington, is one of America’s newest national parks. Located near the Columbia River, it stretches approximately 40 miles along the rugged Pacific Coast. The park consists of individual areas that mark the success of key parts of the journey. These include Dismal Nitch, Station Camp, Netul Landing, Fort to Sea Trail, Salt Works, Cape Disappointment State Park, Fort Columbia State Park, Fort Stevens State Park, Sunset Beach Recreation Area, Fort Clatsop and Ecola State Park.

One of the two main visitor centers is located at Fort Clatsop near Astoria, Oregon.

Built on the banks of the Netul River (now called the Lewis and Clark River), this was LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Frontier days come alive at Oregon’s Fort Clatsop. The site is part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

the winter encampment from December 1805 to March 1806. Groups will find a replica of Fort Clatsop, plus living history and ranger-led programs, an exhibit hall, orientation films, a bookstore and American Indian crafts.

Trailheads for the Fort to Sea and Netul River trails are located at the center.

The other main visitor center is located at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco, Washington. The newly remodeled center overlooks the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. New additions to the center include an enlarged theater featuring a new movie titled Of Dreams and Discovery. New exhibits focus on Thomas Jefferson’s influence on the expedition’s observations and activities, the expedition’s experience on the Missouri River and Rocky Mountain portions of the trip, and discoveries along the Columbia River with special attention given to the Corps of Discovery’s arrival at the mouth of the Columbia River and overland journey to the shores of the Pacific.

Shebby Lee Tours has been offering a “Lewis and Clark Excursion” since 2001. The 16-day itinerary follows the trail from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean, featuring living history, speakers, special events, authentic meals, Lewis and Clark interpretive centers, numerous historic sites and boat rides on the Missouri River. From opening-night festivities in St. Louis to an ongoing trivia game aboard the motorcoach to the gala farewell dinner in Astoria, travelers are immersed in the epic journey from beginning to end. Historians and re-enactors lend insights to the historymaking trek.

The City of Long Beach, Washington offers several hikes that take place between Cape Disappointment and Long Beach along the Discovery Trail and throughout the state park under the national park umbrella. Local historians who focus on Lewis and Clark are available for groups.

While these true American heroes faced harsh conditions in unexplored wilderness, your group can follow in their footsteps from the comfort of a motorcoach. LGT

New exhibits enhance Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park, near Ilwaco, Washington.

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& Greatest

New Farm Tours in Mesa Verde Country • Colorado

The new Mesa Verde Farm & Ranch Tours invite visitors to discover what life on a farm is like as they taste the flavors of Mesa Verde Country in southwestern Colorado.

The experiential tours explain how farmers live and work the land to produce crops. (mesaverdecountry.com/see-do/agritourism/ farm-ranch-tours)

WEST REGION

Long Beach Aquarium to Debut New Wing This Spring • California

Aquarium of the Pacific’s new $53 million Pacific Visions wing, a 29,000-square-foot, two-story structure will open in spring 2019. The first major expansion project ever undertaken by the Long Beach harborfront attraction, Pacific Visions will house a state-of-the-art immersive theater, expanded special exhibition and art galleries, and additional space for live animal exhibits. (aquariumofpacific.org)

Kerrick James

Star Wars Attraction Coming to Disneyland • California

New Farm and Ranch Tours will be offered in Mesa Verde Country next year

Paddle Boarding on San Antonio’s River Walk • Texas

While traditional kayaking has been available along the San Antonio River for just over a year, visitors looking to explore the Alamo City from the water can now do so via stand-up paddle boards. Standing (or sitting) atop surf boards and using paddles for movement, guests float along the historic San Antonio River through the picturesque King William District, past historic mansions and beautiful natural scenery. Lessons and professional guided tours are available. (supsatx.com)

OKC to Add Indian Museum to List of Attractions • Oklahoma

The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City is set for completion in spring 2021. It will feature exhibits, theaters, an outdoor area, cultural demonstrations and hands-on educational programs celebrating the collective histories and contemporary cultural expressions of Oklahoma’s original peoples. (theamericanindiancenter.org)

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February 2019

Intergalactic adventures await guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the highlyanticipated Star Wars-themed land at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The 14-acre land will open this summer with two anchor attractions – one that gives guests the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and another that puts them right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Guests will also encounter characters, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. (disneyland.disney.go.com) Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

New Attractions Slated to Open in San Antonio • Texas

Collaboration Combines Cinema with Sugar Factory • California

The new Theatre Box complex encompasses a city block at Fifth Avenue and G Street in San Diego. Combining a movie-going experience and traditional theater box filled with various treats, it’s a collaboration between TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and Sugar Factory.

The first phase of Theatre Box unveiled TCL Chinese Theatre’s first luxury dine-in cinema, Sugar Factory confections, retail, a gelato bar and cafe, Sugar Factory American Brasserie and Chocolate Lounge. (theatrebox.com) Theatre Box

Brewery Plans to Move into Former Armory • Oklahoma

Oklahoma City’s historic 23rd Street Armory, which previously housed the Oklahoma Army National Guard, will be restored as the new home of Oklahoma’s own COOP Ale Works. More than $20 million will be spent to update the building in the next two years. The armory will be transformed into a state-of-the-art brewhouse, 34-room boutique hotel with event space and a full-service restaurant and taproom. Construction will begin this spring with a planned opening in fall 2020. (coopaleworks.com) New home of Oklahoma’s COOP Ale Works

Two premier family attractions, SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, are scheduled to open this May in the Shops at Rivercenter. SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand. The MINILAND exhibit at LEGOLAND, the ultimate indoor playground, will reflect the buildings and skyline of San Antonio. (visitsealife.com/san-antonio) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

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J o s h

D u h a m e l

U N D E R S T U D Y

On-A-Slant Indian Village, near Mandan

Actor and North Dakota native, Josh Duhamel, calls the people of his home state “inspiring.” You’re invited to be inspired, too. Join us for historic re-enactments, international powwows and cultural festivals celebrating our diverse heritage.

Visit us online to learn more and start planning your next tour itinerary.

NDtourism.com/grouptravel

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