Dec 2020 Leisure Group Travel by Premier Travel Media

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL • DECEMBER 2020

DECEMBER 2020

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? • 2021 GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS • INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Travel planners discuss their return to touring plans

Choose Your Maryland Experience

Come early and stay late at June’s ABA Marketplace

www.LeisureGroupTravel.com

INSIDE:

2021 Group Travel Destinations

A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

Indiana Tour Planner

CONTENTS

December 2020 Vol. 30 No. 6

FEATURES 9

Where Do We Go From Here? When will the leisure group travel market return and what will it look like?

SPECIAL SECTIONS 17

Indiana Tour Planner With a slew of itineraries and a variety of features highlighting Indiana’s attractions, this planner will have you primed to visit The Hoosier State in 2021.

Group Travel Destinations A number of entertainment options, from time-honored dinner theaters to big-city auditoriums, can be found in Group Travel Destinations.

DESTINATIONS 14

EAST

Choose Your Maryland Experience Before and After ABA Marketplace BY DAVE BODLE Come early and stay late at June’s ABA Marketplace and experience Maryland during pre- and post-FAMs

SOUTH

New Adventures on Florida’s Historic Coast BY TYLER DRAG Historic St. Augustine and its beaches have been welcoming visitors for centuries

WEST

Santa Cruz County: A Short Drive to Great Fun BY TYLER DRAG A 70-mile drive from San Francisco along the scenic Pacific coastline, Santa Cruz is a must-see stop

COLUMNS 6 ON MY MIND B Y J EFF G AY D U K

8 ON TOUR B Y M ARTY S A R B EY

■ December 2020

S O UTO

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Carroll Park: Brick footpaths, fountains and planted areas in Frederick, Maryland's historic downtown. Photo courtesy of Visit Frederick

2021 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE

issouri has so much to offer all year-round, with an extensive wine country, agritourism, charming small towns, two big rivers brimming with outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery and all the amenities of big city life. With Missouri celebrating its bicentennial in 2021, the Show Me State will love to invite you to join them in exploring their history.

Check out the online version or download a print copy at: https://leisuregrouptravel.com/missouri-group-tour-guide

VISIT LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out more recent articles on leisuregrouptravel.com • Missouri College Town Offers Outdoor Escapes Just Minutes Away • Indianapolis Museum to Debut Digital Art Gallery on a Grand Scale • Saratoga Region Museums You Won’t Want to Miss

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

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ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy of iStock.com/rodehi

December 2020 ■ 5

ON MY MIND

The Next Best Thing to Being There

f you’re like the majority of Leisure Group Travel readers (71%), you probably haven’t been out on the road with groups since mid-March. This and a number of other grim statistics were revealed in our annual Group Intentions Survey (see page 10). Perhaps most alarming to me was the number (68%) of trips that have yet to be rebooked for 2021. As we’ve talked about in previous columns, expect there to be a strong demand once people feel it’s safe to travel again. We need to be ready for that and start building product. This edition of Leisure Group Travel is packed with goodies to help you do that. Check out the annual Indiana Group Tour Planner and Group Travel Destinations guide, plus feature stories from coast-to-coast. (We’ve temporarily suspended international coverage.) But we’re just getting started. We have launched a new program called Virtual Site InSpections, which debuts this December to help you reconnect with destinations. Together we’ll figure out what’s open and get some fresh ideas for 2021 trips. My favorite part of Virtual Site InSpections is Friday Fam Trips. These 30-minute sessions will take place around lunch time, so you can grab your sandwich, nestle down in front of Zoom, watch and listen as I talk with destination representatives around the country. Together, we’ll learn what’s new, what’s open for business, and what they have in store for your groups. It’s unequivocally the next best thing to being there! The Virtual Site InSpections will also include up-to-date articles about that destination online Leisure Group Travel.com and this magazine, so you’ll save hours of research time. This is our give-back to you. Please join me on these Virtual Site InSpections as we reboot the group travel industry. #BringYourTribe! Happy Holidays,

Publisher

Vol. 30, No. 6 December 2020 Plainfield Road, Suite Willowbrook, IL P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

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Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406)

is published bi monthly by Premier Travel Media, Plainfield Road, Suite , Willowbrook, IL . 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 . per year. The regular sub scrip tion price for all others is . per year. Single copies are . each.

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■ December 2020

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YOUR NEXT BIG IDEA Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re helping groups get back on the road again with an innovative NEW program: Virtual Site InSpections From Leisure Group Travel. In the absence of in-person fam trips, conferences and personal site inspections, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re recreating the site inspection experience by reconnecting groups and suppliers across our video, digital and print channels. Join us starting this December as we discover new destinations and help you parse new product ideas.

Reserve your spot at LeisureGroupTravel.com/VirtualSI

Walther Luecker via Unsplash

ON TOUR

Selling Mini-trips in the Time of COVID

ho would have dreamed a year ago that a future headline would be “Selling Sanitation” thanks to a virus. Or that United Airlines would be partnering with the Cleveland Clinic regarding cleaning protocols? Or, how about a recent article titled “Reinventing A Travel Business Without Travel.” And yet, that’s what some group tour operators are doing today: selling group travel programs to tightlyformed mini-groups of eight to 12 travel participants who may know each other and are willing to social distance together throughout an itinerary.

mini groups may be the answer. They could see you through to future days of longer trips and larger groups we hope will be awaiting us in the near future. The question now is are you prepared to operate short itineraries for mini-size groups of eight to 12 participants? And, if you are prepared to do this, can you operate them safely to comply with social distancing and other regulations? Will the itineraries be attractive enough to sell and can you make sufficient profit to serve as a bridge to longer trips and higher profits in the future when we hope life returns to normal, even if it is a new normal?

2021 may be the year for mini-group travel. If you’ve always done groups in the past but are leery of doing so now in the present locked-down, stay-at-home climate,

If mini-trips can work for you, let’s look at a few themes you might wish to develop. Certainly, programs that are wrapped around food in one way or another are always popular. Whether

■ December 2020

it’s visits to markets, growers, bakers or celebrity chefs of all culinary specialties, “deliciousness” will appeal as a theme. Nostalgia can be another attraction tour features can offer local history, trends and happenings in certain cities or eras. Often, museums create special shows recreating an entire era complete with mannequins, costumes and scenery of the historic era in question. Another theme can be sporting activities: surfing, hang-gliding, hiking, rock climbing or surfing. A long weekend in New York City could include winter ice skating at Rockefeller Center and a few days at a Mexican beach resort might offer a day’s fishing expedition. Certainly, great music and theater offerings can be an integral part of interesting itineraries - particularly summer outdoor productions. Note that small groups can be family-focused by you, the trip designer, to reflect interests and possibilities of the proposed group. One departure might feature yoga classes, a spa and meditation whereas another for wine lovers might want to visit several of the leading growers in California’s wine industry. All in all, it’s important to understand that regardless of the length or theme of these mini-trips, they will need to be carefully tailored with health priorities first, such as wearing masks, social distancing and adequate ventilation. Those clients coming to you as a pre-formed family unit that has been living together makes it easier to plan their itinerary while remaining in compliance with current social distancing requirements. Those coming to you in two or threes (not living together as a pre-formed group) may not always be feasible until the Covid-19 pandemic has passed.

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

TOUR OPERATOR VIEWS

WHERE

DO WE GO FROM HERE?

WHEN WILL THE LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL MARKET RETURN AND WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?

carloscastilla/BigStock.com

f you’re like three quarters of Leisure Group Travel readers, you haven’t run a trip since March 15. Even if you’re among the 28% who have, you haven’t been turning a profit doing so. These results and other grim statistics were revealed in a revised Group Intentions survey we put out to our digital audience in late October. Normally at this time of year, we forecast the year ahead in group travel by gauging what different travel programs are offering, where travelers are interested in visiting and how you’re going about your daily lives. This year is anything but normal.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

December 2020 ■ 9

TOUR OPERATOR VIEWS

As the travel industry struggles with its very survival, we’ve spent the last few months studying what’s working, interviewing tour planners about what’s really happening in their businesses, consulting with experts in human behavior and, like you, looking for a way out. We’ve heard countless inspirational stories and spoke with many others who’ve lost everything. None of this is going to be easy and the story is still unfolding.

THE BIG QUESTIONS How do you operate during a pandemic? With 3 in 10 groups having some semblance of a travel program this year, the big

GROUP INTENTIONS SURVEY RESULTS

question is how you gather enough steam to operate trips when a virus is on everyone’s minds. “I thought 30 days this would resolve itself,” said Bob Cline of US Tours. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Cline’s company has cancelled some 300 trips amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s had only a handful of customers who have run trips. “We’ve got a lady who owns one bus in South Carolina, she’s bound and determined to run trips. She’s had 6-7 trips out. She’s still not making money, but her customers love her.” Others, like Catherine Swan from Galaxy Tours, have tested the waters with regional tours. “I decided to bring back this short,

Do you expect to schedule more or less domestic trips in 2021 (as compared to 2020 schedule)? More

As part of our annual Group Intentions survey, we asked Leisure Group Travel digital subscribers a series of questions relating to their travel programs in an effort to learn what activity happened in 2020 and what their outlook is going into 2021. Not surprisingly, the group travel industry came to a grinding halt in March. However, as summer and fall came in, groups started to hit the road in spots, opting primarily for wide-open spaces such as state and national parks.

Less

57% 43%

While the outlook is tepid for 2020, the announcement, and most important, implementation of successful vaccines and better therapeutics will bring more travelers out of their shell, ready to travel again.

Have you run any trips after March 15?

Yes

What happened to your 2020 trips that were cancelled?

29%

Rebooked/ rescheduled Cancelled no plans to rebook

71%

■ December 2020

Pending rescheduling

33% 27% 40%

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

three-day Wisconsin/Michigan tour in July. Normally we have from one to three coaches on this tour, but I limited it to 20 people. Because it was our first tour, I was running it and wanted to make sure all the protocols were followed to a tee. Starting up our travel program was really not going to be a money maker, but (it was a) confidence boost that many people want,” Swan continued. However, Galaxy has had to cancel some fall departures, including a Colorado trip because certain attractions and restaurants were not available, plus the airline was booking to full capacity which discouraged her travelers. “I still have a tour scheduled this year for Opryland Christmas. Fingers crossed I’m

hoping things pan out,” Swan said. Moostash Joe Tours, a regional tour company based in Fremont, Nebraska has also (literally) tested the waters with a group of 20 heading up to Minnesota in August for a five-day fishing trip. “They expressed interest and we don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t operate the trip,” said Joey Spellerberg. When groups are traveling, it’s often to wide-open spaces. Kate Scopetti from wholesale operator MARS said, “Our first tour ran in September, 25 passengers to Montana.” The trip wasn’t without pitfalls as they encountered a myriad of difficulties in operating tours during COVID. “We have to all be flexible during these times.

Do you expect to schedule more or less international trips in 2021 (as compared to 2020 schedule)?

Do you expect to schedule more or less cruises in 2021 (as compared to 2020 schedule)?

Less

14%

86% 86%

When do you expect to return to running regular group departures? Q1 of 2021

Yes

5% 40%

Q2 of 2021

Not sure

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

33.3%

22%

Q3 of 2021 Q4 of 2021

Do you feel that having a COVID-19 vaccine readily available will bring back normalcy to your travel program?

8% 25%

66.6%

December 2020 ■ 11

TOUR OPERATOR VIEWS

Anything could change at any time,” she concluded. After cancelling all of their spring and summer trips, western Iowa-based Star Destinations had two tour departures this fall. The first was a seven-day trip to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and the other a six-day trip to Door County, Wisconsin. “Obviously, like everyone else, we cancelled everything for the season. But we wanted to see what the fall would bring. We have one more trip, a Christmas program at the beginning of December,” said Cathy Greteman, owner of the company. Greteman not only has dealt with tour cancellations, but her bus company’s fleet of over 180 coaches has been grounded. Star put a number of measures in place to ensure a safe journey, including keeping load factors down. “Even though the numbers were small, I think that really helped, because many of the places we visited, even restaurants, were okay with smaller groups.” Protocol included a wellness form filled out by passengers before departure, daily temperature checks, sanitizing and mask-wearing. “About halfway through the trips, people realized we were doing everything we could to make them comfortable,” said Greteman. “We always do a comment sheet at the end of every tour, and we asked them about the safety and protocol. The comments were very positive about that. They want that feeling of security. All of them were very positive about travel for the coming season.”

SHIFTING TO SMALLER GROUP SIZES With social distancing and demand tampered, organizers are looking at how they can turn a profit with fewer passengers. “Looking at the pathway here we’re looking at smaller groups and we’re going to have to price for smaller groups,” said Cline. “Prices have to go up, they just do.” One element that’s emerged from COVID is the emergence of private group travel “bubbles.” Small group adventure operator G Adventures is allowing groups of 12 to book exclusive departures. “If you want to book your bubble, you can pull one of our trips off the rack, plus we offer tailor-made services and create a trip just for you – tell us who the passengers are going to be, you get your own trip and date. You know everybody who’s going to be on that tour,” said Steve Lima, director of marketing. G has also created a Travel With Confidence Plus collection, a series of tours to 37 destinations with reduced group sizes, all private transportation, the ability to book single rooms at 50% off, and assurances of enhanced hygiene at all hotel properties on tour.

“WE’RE SELLING A LOT OF BETTER HOTELS, BETTER MEALS AND BETTER ACTIVITIES IN 2021.” BOB CLINE, US TOURS 12

■ December 2020

“WE HAVE TO ALL BE FLEXIBLE DURING THESE TIMES.” KATE SCOPETTI, MARS Taking the private group travel to a new level is a new company that launched this summer. Manifest Escapes is the brainchild of former Frontier Airlines CEO Jeff Potter. “We’re about experiential travel, close to home. There are so many places, so many experiences right in our own backyard that we haven’t tapped into. So, I focused in on that, recognizing that smaller group travel experience, three- or four-day getaways with active adults from ages 35-70. We’re getting you outdoors— whitewater rafting, kayaking, golf, culinary trips.” One unique element of Manifest’s strategy is the implementation of private aviation, a component that Potter has extensive experience with. “We recognized early on that private aviation needed to be a component. We want to get you there within a couple of hours and that just means more time experiencing the destination.” Shifting its focus towards smaller groups, Globus announced in July that all group departures to exotic destinations—South America, Asia, South Pacific and Africa—will travel with an average of 20 passengers. They’ve done this in specific destinations in the past, and this policy shift with exotic destinations has been met with a fantastic response from travelers and travel advisors according to Cory McGillivray, channel marketing manager for the Globus family of brands.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR 2021? “We feel like we’re in a fantastic spot operationally,” said McGillivray. “We can begin to travel as soon as people are ready. Demand is there for 2021. The question is, can the experience be what we promised? Are places open? Will museums be allowed to let our guests in? Will we be able to share those experiences?” Globus introduced a new product line called Undiscovered, which touches off-the-beaten path destinations across the globe. “People always wanted to have that unique experience, away from crowds,” said McGillivray. Tours are designed for repeat travelers that have traveled to the capital cities already and seek a new experience. This naturally caters to a bit smaller group size. “When I started to put together 2021, I had most everything in the books before the virus hit,” said Larry Dawson, from Hawthorn Bank in Missouri, who had a successful Colorado trip go out this September. “I had an African trip planned for February, a trip to Iceland and a Rhine River cruise planned. I didn’t feel a lot of people were going to be ready for that. There’s going to be a lot of us that are going to want to tiptoe back into the water.” >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Dawson continued, “When I reworked 2021, I concentrated on domestic trips and I think we’ve got a pretty good lineup. In late February, we’re going to do Wyoming, a whole new perspective on Yellowstone. That’s another trip that’s going to be fairly conducive to being outdoors. We’ve got a Lake Huron trip that includes Mackinac Island, a Snake River Cruise and a Poconos trip planned for September.” Dawson’s pivot mirrors what other group organizers who in the past focused on international have shifted to domestic tours for 2021. “I did not have anything go out in 2020,” said Sue Rudolph, owner of Amazing Running Tours. “I had to cancel the event I organize in Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Marathon held the first week in October. As far as 2021, I have clients that are ready to travel as soon as things open up. I have a couple of cycling groups planning on traveling to Europe. Beyond that, Rudolph has created a section on her website dedicated to closer-to-home destinations. “I have been shifting to domestic travel. I have never sold anything in the USA before and am marketing through email and social media.” While safety and security will be important going forward, so will quality of inclusions. “We’re selling a lot of better hotels, better meals and better activities in 2021,” said Cline. As for 2021 plans, Galaxy’s Swan reports that she is going full steam ahead. “I think it’s important that we get the options out there. Folks trust me, they know I’m going to make a decision to run a trip or cancel it based on their health, security and they know they are getting every cent back if I cancel the trip. It is important that people make plans for the future.”

SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? In an article that appeared in Forbes, author Seth Cohen, states, “For many travelers, the pandemic has wounded their sense of connectedness with the world outside of their homes.” Cohen expects there to be an intense demand for travel that weaves experiences with community, using travel not just as an opportunity to go, but an opportunity to grow as well. “Travel providers will need to be prepared to help their customers create community in new ways, and with new people,” he said. “As families and ‘quaran-teams’ start to find ways to safely break out of their bubbles, they will be looking for ways to share new, exciting experiences together. Even those travelers who have long sworn off group travel will find that taking journeys with ‘their group’ is a safer and more meaningful way to go,” Cohen states. These groups will want to reconnect, and travel professionals need to be thinking of ways to cater to the needs of these “traveling tribes” in new and innovative ways. LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Pointing to the rise in family group travel, planners have been fielding more requests. “If our new inquiries are any indication, families have been spending the last several months dreaming about the destinations they haven’t been able to visit and the experiences they haven’t been able to enjoy,” says Haisley Smith, vice president of marketing and development for Brownell Travel. “Travelers want to make up for lost time and cancelled vacations with longer, more immersive trips with multiple generations.” As a result of the pandemic, companies like Brownell have seen a rise in “hobby travel,” from people who took deep dives into new skills and interests during quarantine. “The traveler who started taking Zoom guitar lessons wants to visit South America to learn from a Flamenco guitarist; and the family who completed a 5,000-piece puzzle of Monet’s gardens want to visit Giverny,” Smith adds. One thing’s for certain, we cannot go back to the way things were. That group travel industry is dead. It’s not coming back. On the other side of this will be a new business model that’s built on unique shared experiences and spending time with people we care about who realize it’s not just the destination that matters, it’s the people we’re traveling with that makes the group travel experience special.

GOWAY GROUPS ONLY PRESENTS

BOOK YOUR BUBBLE & GO*

December 2020 ■ 13

EAST

REGION

Choose Your Maryland Experience Before and After ABA Marketplace Come early and stay late at June’s ABA Marketplace and experience Maryland during pre- and post-FAMs By Dave Bodle

Photo courtesy of Maryland Office of Tourism

When visiting Maryland in 2021, here are some key dates to remember and the attractions you can enjoy: • June 18-22, 2021 ABA Marketplace, Baltimore • May 27 - FAM Tour Registration Deadline • June 15 – Pre-FAM Arrivals (BWI Hotel) • June 16 – Pre-FAM Departures 14

■ December 2020

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of NPS Photo/ Beth Parnicza

ome of America’s most notable abolitionists have ties to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It’s only logical the Underground Railroad would have a significant mark on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay. Your pre-FAM tour begins with a stop at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek. Through multimedia exhibits, her important life is on display. In nearby Cambridge, the Bucktown General Store operates as a museum containing African-American artifacts connected to slavery. You will also visit the historic Linchester Mill in Caroline County, where grain was sold to George Washington’s troops. Check into the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay before departing for a short drive to Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock for dinner. Another stop is the James Webb Cabin, which housed Webb, a free African-American farmer who built his home from nearby materials. Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe in Queen Anne spans more than 100 acres and features walking trails and scenic overlooks. A visit to the Eastern Shore is only complete with a stop in St. Michaels and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Begin another day with a walking tour of Easton’s Hill Community, one of the oldest free African-American communities in the U.S. You can also take a tour of charming Chestertown and enjoy lunch at 98 Cannon Riverfront Grille. Tour the Henry Highland School and discover Isaac Mason’s incredible story.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Southern Maryland: Where Time & Tide Meet

ou’ll love the Southern Maryland stories, charm and hospitality as you travel back in time. What better way to begin your pre-FAM than a pleasant ride followed by lunch at the newly renovated Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort themed restaurant? While in Chesapeake Beach, you can visit the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum with its updated exhibits and building enhancements. Next stop is the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. In addition to live Chesapeake Bay aquatic life, the museum shares how the prehistoric past, environment and maritime heritage tell the story of the area. For breakfast, don’t miss Linda’s Café in Lexington Park, a local favorite for more than 20 years. Next, head to Historic St. Mary’s City. On the site of Maryland’s first capital, this is Southern Maryland’s outdoor living history site with 17th century characters, exhibits, a print shop and inn. Lunch can be had in a Lexington Park favorite, PAX River Ale House, a classic casual pub menu with 30 beers on tap. After enjoying a delicious meal, visit Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, the only naval museum dedicated to aviation research, development, testing and evaluation. Then head to Leonardtown, where you can enjoy its small-town charm. There are shops of all kinds, including Shepherd’s Old Field Market, where 60 stores offer unique home goods and special gifts. It’s just a short walk to The Front Porch for a dinner of Southern Coastal Cuisine in a historic house with a large porch. After dinner, you can relax and unwind at the newly renovated The Inn at Leonardtown. Travel to historic Port Tobacco for stories of spies, revolutionaries and an arsonist in one of Maryland’s largest international seaports prior to the American Revolution. Just a few minutes away is the Thomas Stone National Historic Site, which honors one of four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. The unusual mansion is typical of a Southern Maryland tobacco plantation along with its 19th century farm buildings.

Historic Sites & Savory Bites

ascinating stories of history and fulfilling dining experiences combine to make this pre-FAM a favorite. First stop is the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg. Tour the home of the first American-born saint. There are a variety of group tours available, including a Civil War Tour. Lunch is at nearby Carriage House Inn, serving classic American fare in a historic 1857 building complete with stone fireplace. It’s on to the Frederick Visitor Center, a perfect stop for groups with ample motorcoach and welcome bags. Following is a windshield tour of historic downtown Frederick followed by Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where there are a number of notable monuments. The next day, travel southeast to the site of the Battle of Monocacy, an American Civil War battle fought July 9, 1864. Panoramic views of the rolling countryside and historic homes tell a story of local and national significance. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the next stop. You’ll follow in the footsteps of soldiers and doctors from the harshest conditions to medical innovations that are still in use today. Before departing Frederick, lunch can be enjoyed at Brewer’s Alley, the county’s original brewpub. In North Bethesda, visit Mansion at Strathmore, a premier art institution in the mid-Atlantic. The historic mansion hosts more than two dozen exhibitions annually. Photo courtesy of Maryland Office of Tourism

Explore the Underground Railroad on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

December 2020 ■ 15

Washington, D.C. Days and National Harbor Nights

n this pre-FAM you’ll be exploring Washington’s newest options by day and unwinding and relaxing in Maryland each evening. After departing from your BWI hotel, you’ll make a stop in Clinton at the historic Surratt House Museum. Learn the fate of this co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Arrive at the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C. for a presentation in the Rasmuson Theater. Today’s lunch will present an opportunity to enjoy foods of the Western Hemisphere people at the Mitsitam Native Foods Café. Following will be a brief tour of the Smithsonian National Native American History Museum. Next, it’s the National Law Enforcement Museum, which resides three stories underground. Walk in the footsteps of

law enforcement with high-tech interactive exhibits. You will also visit the new Planet Word Museum, a museum with a mission to inspire a love of words and language as language is essential to every aspect of our life and necessary on today’s complex issues. Check into Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor. Enjoy the view on The Capital Skywheel Champagne Ride. Following breakfast at the Gaylord, you’ll again visit Washington, D.C., beginning at the amazing state-of-the-art Museum of the Bible. Biblical artifacts and objects tell the compelling history of the Bible. Lunch is on the way to your next stop, International Spy Museum. This new museum with its interactive exhibits and installations and first-person accounts puts you in the shoes of a spy. In the morning, savor breakfast at Gaylord then take a ride to Fort Belvoir and the National Museum of the United States Army. The new museum celebrates

Photo courtesy of Maryland Office of Tourism

The Capital Wheel Light Show

240 years of Army history with a comprehensive portrayal of all branches of the Army while honoring our nation’s soldiers. Another great stop is Artechouse, a museum featuring an innovative art experience at the intersection of creative artists and technology. Before departing for Baltimore, you can visit the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The museum interprets American history through the eyes of the AfricanAmerican experience.

From Beach to Bay: Taste of the Shore

THE OCEAN IS OPEN.

START PLANNING TODAY! From our free 10-mile beach to our three-mile boardwalk, our 200+ restaurants, 300+ shops and countless great places to stay–memories await! We can’t wait to see you soon! CALL NORMA DOBROWOLSKI | 800.626.2326 | OCOCEAN.COM/GROUP-TRAVEL

■ December 2020

here’s also a post-FAM, From Beach to Bay: Taste of the Shore. Crossing over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, you’ll discover an adventure from shore to shore. You’ll visit the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, the Salisbury Zoo and the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. It’s on to Assateague Island National Seashore with its migrating wild horses. You’ll be enjoying all the amenities of an Ocean City four-diamond resort hotel with views of the Ocean City Boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. In a land of rich agriculture and bountiful waters you’ll delve into the local food scene and sample the delicious cuisine. Maryland is open for business. Start your planning at https://www.visitmaryland.org/ group-travel, or email Rich Gilbert at rgilbert@ visitmaryland.org, or call 410-767-6288. Register early for the FAM(s) of your choice at https://marketplace.buses.org/ registration-3/optional-activities-2/ >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

TO U R P L A 2021 GROUP

NNER

Diverse Itineraries Attraction suggestions for every Indiana region

Botanical Gardens

Tranquil escapes and nature preserves

Indiana on Film Visit Hoosier locations depicted on the Silver Screen

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Group-friendly state parks and public art displays

THISISINDIANA.ORG/GROUP-TRAVEL

2021 GROUP

TOUR PLAN

NER

Indiana 2021 Group Tour Planner

Contents FEATURES 6

Free Outdoor Indiana Art Barn quilts, murals and sculptures reflect Indiana’s creative side

Indiana on the Silver Screen

Indiana’s Botanical Gardens

Hoosier Roadside Attractions

Groups can tour the cities, homes and gymnasiums immortalized in Hollywood productions

Unlock your inner zen or green thumb in these gorgeous floral retreats

Quirky slices of Americana worth a pit stop

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

10 11 16 22 28 30

Northern Indiana Southern Indiana Central Indiana South-Central Indiana Western Indiana Eastern Indiana

All itineraries are samples and can be customized to fit your group’s needs.

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2021 Indiana Group Tour Planner Editorial & Advertising Office Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

DURING

Associate Editor – Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com

EVERY VISIT

to the Hoosier State you will discover new and exciting experiences that are unique to Indiana. Our communities offer travelers a refreshing sense of renewal. Come and relax on the beaches of the Indiana Dunes National Park. Enjoy the rolling hills on the Ohio River Scenic Byway or return to simpler times in Amish Country. Stop at one of Indiana’s wineries, farmers’ markets or creameries to experience the fantastic tastes of small-town Indiana. Our cities offer world-class museums, award-winning restaurants, performing arts and sporting events. There are many resources Indiana offers group tours. As the state’s official tourism agency, we can help you build a memorable trip. Whether its vineyards, breweries, distilleries, shopping, hiking, heritage or historical sites that you seek, we want to help you start your planning at VisitIndiana.com. I hope you will consider Indiana as the place for your next trip so we can share a little Hoosier Hospitality with you.

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com Vice President – Theresa O’Rourke theresa@ptmgroups.com Published in Partnership with The Indiana Office of Tourism Development One North Capitol, Suite 600 Indianapolis, IN 46204 P 317.234.8860 VisitIn@VisitIndiana.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.

Indiana Group Tour Planner is published 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.

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LT. GOVERNOR INDIANA

Thank you to our Advertising Partners Amish Country of Northern Indiana Anderson/Madison County VCB Dearborn County CVTB Fair Oaks Farm, Fair Oaks French Lick Resort, French Lick Harrison County/Historic Corydon Muncie VB SoIN Tourism Vincennes Knox CVB

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publication

2021 GROUP

TOUR PLANN

Diverse Itineraries Attraction suggestions for every Indiana region

Botanical Gardens

Tranquil escapes and nature preserves

Indiana on Film

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Group-friendly state parks and public art displays

Visit Hoosier locations depicted on the Silver Screen

ON THE COVER: Gibson County Barn Quilt Trail Photo courtesy of Gibson County VTB

INDIANA FACTS Population:

Statewide: 6.7 million Indianapolis: 876,384 (also the state capital) Fort Wayne: 270,402 Evansville: 117,979 South Bend: 102,026 Carmel: 101,068 Fishers: 95,310

Getting Here by Air

Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Served by Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Contour, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United South Bend Regional Airport (SBN): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United Evansville Regional Airport (EVV): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United Fort Wayne International Airport: (FWA): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United

Getting Here by Rail

Amtrak stations in Connersville (COI), Crawfordsville (CRF), Dyer (DYE), Elkhart (EKH), Hammond-Whiting (HMI), Indianapolis (IND), Lafayette (LAF), Michigan City (MCI), Rensselaer (REN), South Bend (SOB), Waterloo (WTI)

Average Temperatures by Season: North – Spring 71, Summer 81, Fall 63, Winter 31 Central – Spring 73 Summer 84, Fall 65, Winter 36 South – Spring 77, Summer 88, Fall 70, Winter 41 Schwabenblitz/Bigstock.com

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THE LANDING, FORT WAYNE Visit Fort Wayne

Barn quilts, murals and sculptures reflect Indiana’s creative side and mirror the heritage of local communities 6 ■

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Free Outdoor I

Experiencing art in an outdoor setting is the perfect social distancing activity, and the cities, towns and rural areas of Indiana literally serve as open-air museum galleries showcasing artistic creativity on a large scale. Tour planners looking to craft a safe, healthy itinerary have a variety of art-themed driving and walking trails to consider. Their travelers will revel in the fun photo opportunities. And the viewing is free. Barn quilts—murals of quilt-block patterns painted on plywood— adorn the sides of barns, homes, garages and commercial buildings in several Indiana counties, adding splashes of color to already beautiful landscapes. The patchwork pieces celebrate craftsmanship, agriculture and Hoosier hospitality. Just as traditionally sewn quilts are oneof-a-kind works of domestic art, no two barn quilts are alike. Maps for self-guided tours stitching the sites together are available from counties with organized trails. In Southern Indiana, the Gibson County Barn Quilt Trail features more than 230 hand-painted quilt blocks in and around Princeton, Patoka, Wheeling, Oakland City, Fort Branch, Haubstadt and other communities. Works bear titles like Corn & Beans, Mariner’s Compass, Basket of Tulips, Black-Eyed Susan, Pizza Pie and Wheel of Fortune. The trail provides an ideal backdrop for exploring area attractions such as Azalea Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Hazleton. The Marshall County Barn Quilt Trail in Northern Indiana spotlights more than 75 patchwork murals,

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DOWNTOWN NEW ALBANY SoIN Tourism

including some in downtown Plymouth and Culver. The trail is divided into four geographic loops, each taking one to two hours to drive from the Marshall County CVB office in Plymouth. Groups hitting the backroads of Northern Indiana’s Amish Country will find more than 30 unique pieces of art along the LaGrange County Barn Quilt Trail, which connects seven communities. At Eash Sales in Shipshewana, a home decor store, travelers can buy their own barn quilt art to take home and hang up. Emblazoning the sides of buildings in Shipshewana is yet more eye candy—a collection of 16 murals done in 2014 by the Walldogs, a group of mural artists from around the world that every year transforms a town with larger-thanlife paintings depicting local history. The nostalgia-laced murals—showing influential townspeople and businesses of the past—can be seen on a walk or

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drive around the town, which brims with shops for the tourist trade. Shipshewana is also the home of the Midwest’s largest flea market. Shipshewana was one of 11 towns where a new masterpiece of street art was unveiled in September of 2020 during Make It Your Own Mural Fest, a project between the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. In 11 days dotted with festivities, regional, national and international artists enhanced road trip opportunities in 11 northeastern Indiana counties, contributing one permanent mural to a building in each county. Besides Shipshewana, towns getting a mural included LaGrange, Fort Wayne, Geneva, Warsaw, Huntington, Garrett, Albion, Angola, Manchester and Bluffton. Fort Wayne boasts its own collection of public art. Downtown, a dozen or so

colorful murals brighten streets and span whole alleyway walls, and another 15 are found in other parts of Indiana’s secondlargest city. In addition, Fort Wayne is always adding innovative new sculptures that represent its past and future, and even the sculptural bike racks are eye-catching. Kokomo also boasts gussied-up alleyways. Thanks to the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association’s All Alleys Lead to Art Initiative, the historic core sports pedestrian alleys brimming with art in a variety of mediums, including sculpture, video, light, sound and live performances. Each outdoor gallery has its own atmosphere. The revitalized city center, moreover, dazzles visitors with vibrant murals on the sides of buildings (even bridges). In addition, the city offers the self-guided Kokomo Sculpture Walk, which features nine large-sale sculptures, guiding visitors along trails and waterways. Groups touring Eastern Indiana can feast on street art, from historical to whimsical, found along the Richmond/ Wayne County Murals Trail. Most of the 80-some murals are in downtown Richmond and the Richmond Historic Depot District; a few beautify Main Street in Cambridge City, a mecca for antique hounds. One favorite, on the exterior wall of the Richmond fire station, depicts an early 1900s scene of firefighters making a dramatic rescue. Some murals, such as those showing music legends Hoagy Carmichael and Louis Armstrong, recall Richmond’s place in jazz history as the home of Gennett Records studios, where the earliest jazz recordings were made from 1916-1934. In 2013, after an invasion by mural artists from as far away as Italy, Richmond was recognized by the Paint Quality Institute as one of America’s Prettiest Painted Places. Bloomington, a hotbed of art and culture and home of the University of Indiana, is another city that takes pride in its exterior-wall murals. The Bloomington Mural Trail shows off more than 40 of them, in locations ranging from the Maple Street Bridge to the Hyatt Place hotel,

which displays five murals, and the everchanging collection at Artisan Alley. Walking tours of the Ohio River town of Aurora are highlighted by exquisite 19th and 20th century architecture and the Windows of Aurora community art project. Painted vignettes of everyday activities in the early 1900s decorate more than 90 previously boarded-over windows and doors in the downtown area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many paintings depict occupations—tailor, milliner, coffin maker, shipbuilder, brewer, distiller, butcher, blacksmith and leather tanner— while others show scenes like a ferry plying the river. The primary artists are members of the Southeast Indiana Art Guild. Tours led by a local artist/muralist can be arranged for groups. Jeffersonville, another Ohio River city, bubbles with a burgeoning arts scene centered around the NoCo Arts & Cultural District (NoCo is short for “north of Court” avenue), part of a downtown redevelopment area. Creative crosswalks, sculptural bike racks and painted utility boxes have transformed the city into a beautiful canvas of color. Most impressive is the massive, color-splashed mural (Perpetual Perception, done by local artist Wilfred Sieg III in 2018) covering every surface of a decommissioned water tank. More murals can be found along the Jeffersonville Flood Wall and in nearby

downtown New Albany. The Garfield Trail in east-central Indiana’s Grant County counts 14 statues of the comic strip cat in captivating costumes or funny situations. Glorifying parks, public buildings and restaurants, fiberglass figures (about five feet in height) of the orange, lasagna-eating cat can be found in Marion (with five), Fairmount, Gas City and six other towns in Grant County, where Garfield’s creator, Jim Davis, was born and raised. The cartoonist’s studio is a short drive from Fairmount, his hometown. Statues on the trail include Bookworm Garfield at the Marion Public Library, Duffer Garfield at Marion’s Arbor Trace Golf Club and Scream for Ice Cream at Ivanhoe’s Drive-In in Upland. In Carmel, just outside of Indianapolis, the Carmel Arts and Design District displays life-size bronze statues by worldrenowned sculptor J. Seward Johnson Jr., often referred to as the Norman Rockwell of American sculpture. His colorful “Manin-the-Street” creations show people going about everyday life. Examples include a gray-haired businessman seated on a bench reading a newspaper, a father teaching his daughter to ride a bicycle and a big sister tying her younger sister’s shoes. Everyone likes the re-creation of an iconic 1945 photo that captures a sailor kissing a nurse in a euphoric moment celebrating the end of World War II. Just

south in Indianapolis is the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: a 152acre cultural campus where you will find Joep Van Lieshout’s iconic Funky Bones. Visitors to Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum, tucked in the woods outside of Solsberry in Greene County, can admire artwork and commune with nature at the same time. A peaceful walk, guided or self-guided, reveals more than 100 sculptures by local and international artists. Some of the works are off the paths, nestled in the hillsides in harmony with their settings. Admission is free.

RESOURCES CARMEL ARTS & DESIGN DISTRICT 317-571-2787, CarmelArtsandDesign.com

FORT WAYNE PUBLIC ART 800-767-7752 VisitFortWayne.com/Art/PublicArt

THE GARFIELD TRAIL 765-668-5435, FollowTheFatCat.com

GIBSON COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL 812-385-0999, GibsonCountyIN.org

JEFFERSONVILLE PUBLIC ART COMMISSION 812-786-2307, JeffersonvilleArt.com

KOKOMO ALLEYWAYS 765-457-5301, GreaterKokomo.com

LAGRANGE COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL 800-254-8090, VisitShipshewana.org

MARSHALL COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL 800-626-5353, VisitMarshallCounty.org

RICHMOND/WAYNE COUNTY MURALS TRAIL 800-828-8414, VisitRichmond.org

SCULPTURE TRAILS OUTDOOR MUSEUM 502-554-1788, SculptureTrails.com

SHIPSHEWANA WALLDOG MURALS 800-254-8090, VisitShipshewana.org/Murals

VIRGINIA B. FAIRBANKS ART & NATURE PARK: 100 ACRES 317-923-1331, DiscoverNewfields.org JEFFERSONVILLE WATER TANK MURAL SoIN Tourism

WINDOWS OF AURORA 812-926-1100 https://Aurora.in.us/MainStreet.html

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NORTH INDIANA ITINERARY

Dunes and Quilt Gardens in Northern Indiana INDIANAPOLIS

QUILT GARDENS Visit indiana

NORTH REGION

DAY O N E Spend your day at America’s

newest national park: Indiana Dunes National Park. Hugging Lake Michigan’s shoreline for 15 pristine miles, these sand dunes were formed 10,000 years ago by receding glaciers and are considered some of the best examples of moraine topography on the planet. Orient yourself at the visitor center to watch a film about Indiana’s geographic history before walking along the winding wooden boardwalks of West Beach. Ascend the dune Succession Trail stairs for views of the Chicago skyline on a clear day and rows of jack pines. Other sites to explore include Miller Woods (a rare black oak savanna environment), the Great Marsh and Mount Baldy (the park’s tallest dune at 140 feet). Groups interested in

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history tour the Bailly Homestead, a popular rendezvous for Canadian fur traders, and Chellberg Farm, a historic farmstead that grants a peek into Swedish immigrant life in the 19th century. You can view many of these sites from the water aboard a Lake Michigan Boat Tour, which sets sail from nearby Michigan City and provides narration from park rangers. DAY TWO Begin this morning at the

Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, which displays the first and last vehicles Studebaker manufactured and the world’s largest presidential carriage collection. Continue to Elkhart County to see the Quilt Gardens on the Heritage Trail. Over 150,000 plants and one million blooms form immense gardens shaped like traditional Amish quilts, and visitors can step off to admire these arrangements while walking the charming downtowns of Elkhart, Goshen and Nappanee. Enjoy an evening of entertainment

at Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre in Shipshewana. This enormous complex houses a 1,200-seat theater, seven dining rooms and a bakery under one roof. Performances range from musicals with an Amish theme to country singers, and groups can register for a dinner and a show package that includes discounted rates and a delicious buffet or familystyle dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and fresh pie. DAY THREE Browse the hundreds of stalls at

the famous Shipshewana Flea Market and learn about local history at the Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite Information Center before driving to Pokagon State Park in Steuben County, which has the most lakes of any Indiana county. Framed by Lake James and Snow Lake, the park offers plentiful opportunities for boating, swimming and hiking. Groups can stay at the rustic, 138-room lodge that overlooks Lake James while enjoying a gorgeous sunset.

SOUTH

INDIANA ITINERARY

Tranquil Forests & Historic Sites in Southern Indiana INDIANAPOLIS

Enjoy a walk through rows of apple trees and a hearty lunch at Huber’s Orchard & Winery, which can package group tours that include wine tastings, distillery tours and farm market browsing. Conclude your day at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, where you can tour Indiana’s original capitol building (in service from 1816 to 1825) and governor’s home. Also in Corydon is the Harrison County Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits depict the Battle of Corydon, (the only Civil War battle that took place in Indiana). DAY TWO Spend your morning enjoying

the trails and lush wilderness of

Hoosier National Forest. This rolling landscape of rocky cliffs and sycamore woods can be enjoyed on a bus route or with a beginner’s trail hike. Notable sites include Hemlock Cliffs (a box canyon of “honeycombed” sandstone outcroppings that formed from weathering iron ore), Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest and Initial Point (the first surveyed location in Indiana). Head north to the twin towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs, which once thrived as 19th century spas and Prohibition hideouts and have been restored to their original grandeur. Walk the elegant gardens, admire the West Baden Springs Hotel’s architecturally marvelous dome and enjoy craft cocktails at the new Valley Sports Bar.

SOUTH REGION

DAY ONE Start your day at Falls of the Ohio

State Park, a geological wonder on the banks of the Ohio River that offers beautiful views of downtown Louisville. Arrange a group tour to learn about the park’s 390-millionyear-old Devonian fossil beds, Lewis & Clark’s meeting here in 1803 and the engineering genius of the river’s dams. Continue to Charlestown State Park, where you can explore Rose Island Abandoned Amusement Park. Once a thriving tourist attraction in the 1920s, the park’s finances were crippled by the Great Depression, but your group can walk through the ruins of the swimming pool, entranceway and ferry landing.

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Groups can tour the cities, homes and gymnasiums immortalized in Hollywood productions

Ever since the 1950 movie To Please a Lady filmed its climactic race scene at the Indianapolis 500 with Barbara Stanwyck and Clark Gable, Hollywood has utilized the Hoosier State for hundreds of productions. Indiana’s authentic Midwestern main streets, iconic sporting venues and unaltered natural environments have been depicted in movies and television shows for generations, and many of these locations continue to welcome tour groups. If you want to add some Tinseltown glamor to your next motorcoach trip, consider a stop at some of these cities immortalized on film. Daniel Ruettiger (nicknamed “Rudy”) became a college football legend in 1975 when he walked onto the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and recorded a sack despite being only 5 feet 6 inches tall. He became one of only two Notre Dame players to be carried off the field, and his story was made into the heartwarming 1993 family drama Rudy. Starring Sean Astin in the titular role, the production was granted the rare opportunity to film on the university’s campus, and your group can tour sites such as Notre Dame Stadium, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and Corby Hall. While on campus, groups should also visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which was built in the 1870s and features stunning stained glass windows and Italian frescoes. Few things define Indiana more than a passion for basketball, and Hollywood has shot several sports dramas in the state’s gymnasiums and communities. Blue Chips, a 1994 film starring Nick Nolte and

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INDIANA

ON THE

NOTRE DAME STADIUM Visit South Bend Mishawaka

SILVER SCREEN 2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

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Mary McDonnell in addition to real-life basketball superstars Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, used several Indiana locations as stand-ins for the fictional Western University. Interior shots of the basketball arena filmed at Frankfort High School’s famous domed gymnasium, and French Lick (home of NBA legend Larry Bird) welcomed the film crew to shoot at Bird’s home and College Street for a parade scene. In addition to these locations, French Lick visitors can stop by 33 Brick Street to admire Bird memorabilia and even try on his 1992 Dream Team jacket. Often cited as the best basketball film of all time, the 1986 movie Hoosiers chronicles the season of the underdog Hickory High School Huskers and their ultimate state championship triumph. Starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey and Oscar-nominated Dennis Hopper, the film is loosely

HOOSIERS GYM Visit Indiana

based on the 1954 Milan High School state champions, and production shot the climactic game in Butler University’s fieldhouse (where the real game was played) for authenticity.

856 N. 600 E. Fair Oaks, IN 47943 | 219-394-5332 Contact Sharon St. Myers to book your Group Tour stmyers@fofarms.com

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The home court for Butler’s men’s basketball since 1928, “Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral” is a National Historic Landmark open for tours and continues to attract college basketball fans with its groundbreaking truss system that allows for unobstructed views of the game. Now called Hinkle Fieldhouse, this Indianapolis landmark is an excellent addition to a Butler campus visit. Fans of the film will also want to explore the “Hoosier Gym” in Knightstown, which stood in as the Huskers’ home court in the 1986 film. Built in 1921 and largely unchanged for period authenticity, the gym’s iconic raised wooden bleachers and the court’s red-and-gold color scheme remain exactly as they did in Hoosiers, and high school teams from across the state continue to host games here. Continue east to the city of Huntington, where your group can tour another important site of a sports movie classic: A League of Their Own. Starring Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna, the 1992 Penny Marshall film tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was created when many MLB players were drafted into World War II. Home games for the film’s

Rockford Peaches team were filmed in League Stadium, which was built in 1894 and was restored to its former glory with fresh paint and additional seating. It later served as a primary shooting location for the 1996 HBO film Soul of the Game, which starred Blair Underwood and Delroy Lindo as Negro League players Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige. League Stadium now hosts the Dubois County Bombers, a collegiate team that competes in the Ohio Valley League. Groups will enjoy an evening at the ballpark that includes vintage-inspired uniforms, Rockford Peach players who interact with the crowd and vintage refreshments. Already internationally renowned for its numerous examples of modernist architecture, the city of Columbus received renewed publicity after the release of the 2017 film Columbus. A romantic drama created by film essayist-turned-director Kogonada, the movie creatively integrates the city’s architecture into shots to

comment on the characters’ isolation and eventual connection, and many of these buildings are available for group tours. Notable structures seen in the film include the Miller House (Eero Saarinen’s modernist masterpiece that epitomizes the school of architecture with an open floor plan and flat roof ), the Irwin Conference Center (which emphasizes radical banking transparency with large windows) and the Robert N. Stewart Bridge. Filmed entirely in Bloomington and starring Dennis Quaid, Jackie Earle Haley and Daniel Stern, the 1979 film Breaking Away won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and helped popularize street biking in the United States. A coming-of-age story that follows a group of recent high school graduates (or “cutters”) who don’t attend the local Indiana University, the film utilized multiple locations on the university’s campus, Bloomington’s downtown and nearby Brown County State Park for cycling scenes. Public

locations seen in the film that your group can visit include IU’s Franklin Hall, the Monroe County Courthouse and the Rose Well House pavilion. Another visually striking Indiana city that has welcomed Hollywood productions and visitors alike is Madison. Much of the town’s architecture dates back to the early 1800s, when local merchants thrived along the Ohio River during the steamboat era. Today, groups can scour antique shops on Main Street, tour the Greek Revival home of famed financier James F.D. Lanier and tour Dr. William Hutchings’ Office & Museum to learn about 19th century surgery techniques. MGM Studios chose Madison in 1958 to depict the fictional Indiana town of Parkman for Some Came Running, a drama starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine. Several businesses in the downtown district were given new Parkman facades, and many businesses in town proudly display posters of the film. For information about Indiana film history and a location directory for potential productions, visit www.filmindiana.com.

RESOURCES COLUMBUS AREA VISITORS CENTER 812-378-2622, Columbus.IN.US

DUBOIS COUNTY BOMBERS 812-683-3700, DCBombers.com

HINKLE FIELDHOUSE 317-940-8000, ButlerSports.com

HOOSIER GYM 765-345-2100, TheHoosierGym.com

VISIT BLOOMINGTON 812-334-8900, VisitBloomington.com

VISITMADISON 800-559-2956, VisitMadison.org

VISIT SOUTH BEND MISHAWAKA LEAGUE STADIUM Stadium Journeys

800-519-0577, VisitSouthBend.com

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CENTRAL INDIANA ITINERARY

Eagles and Engines in Central Indiana

INDIANA STATE MUSEUM Visit Indy

INDIANAPOLIS CENTRAL REGION

DAY ONE Only Washington, D.C. dedicates

more acreage to honoring our nation’s fallen than Indianapolis, so begin your itinerary with a morning Memorial Tour offered by Indiana Landmarks or the Indiana War Memorial Museum. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is an impressive obelisk tower that rises 284 feet above Memorial Circle. Topped by a bronze statue of Victory and flanked

on each corner by sculptures that represent the infantry, cavalry, artillery and navy, the memorial honors veterans of every major American conflict through the Spanish-American War. Visitors can climb 331 steps or take the elevator for unparalleled views of downtown Indy. Other stops on your tour will be American Legion Mall, the Cenotaph (dedicated to the first American casualty of World

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY Visit Indy

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War I) and the USS Indianapolis Memorial (which is shaped like the cruiser before it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1945). Continue along the Indiana Central Canal, a pedestrian-friendly waterway that passes by many of the city’s cultural institutions. Spend your afternoon at the Indiana State Museum, a three-story complex of permanent and changing exhibits that honor the Hoosier State’s past and future. Discover how the Potawatomi people used stars for navigation in “First Nations: The Story of Indiana’s Founding People,” engage with on-staff scientists at the R.B. Annis Naturalist’s Lab and walk through a subglacial ice tunnel in “Frozen Reign: A State of Change.” Across the canal is the NCAA Hall of Champions, a multistory celebration of college athletics that represents all 24 sports with interactive exhibits, a trivia

challenge and video highlights. Group members can throw a gamewinning touchdown on an artificial field, recreate a downhill run in a ski simulator and participate in a virtual soccer shootout. DAY TWO Your morning begins at the

Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition to hosting the famous Indianapolis 500 race every May, the complex houses one of the world’s largest collections of race cars and antique vehicles. After riding a bus for a 2.5-mile loop around the track and kissing the finish line, group members can explore facilities usually reserved for drivers and teams such as the Victory Podium, Pagoda scoring suite and Gasoline Alley garages.

Depart downtown and head northwest to Eagle Creek Park, a 3,900-acre protected area that surrounds the Eagle Creek Reservoir. Local outfitters supply a variety of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for group members seeking waterfront activities, while those who prefer dry land can hike up to 16 miles of gentle trails that offer views of the park’s famous bald eagles. Stop by the Ornithology Center to learn about these magnificent creature and properly identify the great blue herons, doublecrested cormorants and loons that populate the park. Conclude your day at Rick’s Café Boatyard, a waterfront eatery that serves delicious seafood and presents live jazz performances.

DAY THREE Enjoy a morning browsing the

galleries and studios of the Carmel Arts & Design District. This walkable neighborhood is dedicated to local artists who are enthusiastic about sharing their work, so sign up for a beginner pottery workshop, browse through priceless antiques and enjoy an artesian latte. Groups can also enjoy lunch in Carmel City Center before watching a show at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, a 1,600-seat theater modeled after European concert halls. Conclude your itinerary at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve in the nearby city of Fishers. This 127acre retreat boasts nine nature trails (including boardwalks that pass over marshland) and numerous bird watching stations.

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Unlock your inner zen or green thumb in these gorgeous floral retreats

Indiana’s Botanical

GARDENS

Indiana’s diverse botanical gardens range from meandering prairie paths to perfectly manicured rows of flowers, but they all offer brilliant colors, plentiful space to explore and a restful stop on your group itinerary. An immense glass structure influenced by turn-of-the-20thcentury urban greenhouses, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne is populated with over 500 plant species from across three continents. The complex is divided into three themed indoor areas with a distinct layout and climate in addition to outdoor and seasonal displays. An arid environment containing Saguaro cacti, prickly pear trees and jojoba shrubs, the Desert Garden is filled with hundreds of species that are otherwise impossible to grow in the Midwest, while the Tropical Garden teems with diverse fruit orchards, cacao plants and 13 palm varieties. Designed by famed German landscape architect George Kessler, Garfield Park Conservatory is the oldest city park in Indianapolis and welcomes group tours throughout the year. The park was inspired by the classical European greenspaces of Paris and Vienna, with elegant fountains and symmetrical flowerbeds accented by concrete urns decorated with the German symbol of prosperity: an oak leaf and acorn. The garden’s most famous feature is the sunken gardens, which are populated with tulips, annuals or mums depending on the season. Groups can also tour the Victorian-style greenhouse, which contains carnivorous pitcher plants, sago palms and the Bodhi tree, the same species Gautama

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SUTPHIN FOUNTAIN Visit Indy

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FOELLINGER-FREIMANN BOTANICAL CONSERVATORY Visit Fort Wayne

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY Visit Indiana

VIRGINIA B. FAIRBANKS ART & NATURE PARK Visit Indy

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Buddha sat under when he achieved enlightenment. Nearby are the White River Gardens, a three-acre retreat operated in conjunction with the Indianapolis Zoo. Groups will want to savor the property’s Hilbert Conservatory, a 65-foot-tall greenhouse filled with aromatic tropical greenery and 40 butterfly species that flutter against the Indianapolis skyline. The greenhouse’s mezzanine level is populated with ferns, orchids and palms, and guests will also want to admire the towering beech trees of the Ruth Lilly Shade Garden or eye-popping tulips of the water garden. Before leaving, stop by the Heritage Garden to see species native to Indiana (like purple coneflower and hollyhock) in addition to historic specimens transplanted from the Benjamin Harrison Home. Follow the White River north to Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields, a 100-acre retreat of flower beds, meditation trails and sculptures created by internationally renowned artists. Stop for a group photo next to the Sutphin Fountain—a modernist water feature surrounded by Grecian wildflowers, paperback maples and lavender. Groups can also reserve a tour of the property’s Lilly House and Gardens, the restored country estate of famous Indiana industrialist Josiah Lilly. The grounds retain their 1940s landscaping, and docent-led tours include the Orchard (a postwarstyle tract that grows sunflowers and vegetables), the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse (which offers horticultural programming for groups) and the quadrant-style Four Seasons Garden. Indiana’s Northern region also boasts several group-friendly gardens to explore. Gabis Arboretum, operated by Purdue University Northwest, oversees 330 acres of preserved wetlands and prairies that groups can hike through on a variety of trails. Themed areas include three visually distinct rose gardens, the Native Plant Garden (home to hundreds

of Indiana species and a monarch butterfly waystation) and the Railway Garden (where a G-gauge model trains pass through elaborate miniaturized pioneer villages). Birdwatchers will want to venture into the native prairie grass trails to spot warblers, bobolinks and purple finches. The nearby Friendship Botanical Gardens in Michigan City is a collection of over a dozen “ethnic gardens” that represent their home nation with native plants and art installations. Developed in parallel with the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair to symbolize international unity, the property contains Dutch tulips and rare Persian roses overseen by England’s royal gardener. The gardens host nature walks and a variety of group-friendly concerts throughout warm-weather months. Created to honor Mishawaka’s Japanese sister city, Shiojiri Niwa is a restful landscape of floral displays, bridges and serene waterways. The garden’s pruned pines, ornate teahouse and red bridges modeled after Matsumoto Castle exemplify the

WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS Visit Elkhart County

SHIOJIRI NIWA Visit South Bend Mishawaka

signature characteristics of Japanese landscaping: balance, tranquility and minimalism. This is also displayed in the gardens’ “Rule of Five” plant groupings (to symbolize the elements of fire, water, wind, earth and sky) and crooked paths (evil spirits can only move straight in Japanese folklore). Arrange a group tour to learn more about Japan’s rich horticultural tradition. Continue to nearby Elkhart to tour Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a 36-acre living museum that features 25 themed

areas that border the meandering Christiana Creek. Commissioned to honor the 100th anniversary of Rotary International, the property includes reflective pools, sculptures and preserved wetlands. Themed areas include the Lotus Creek (a peaceful waterfront shaded by hickories), the Sensory Garden (which encourages guests to smell herbs and touch tactile sculptures) and the Japanese-inspired Island Garden. One-hour group tours are available for parties of 10 or more.

RESOURCES FOELLINGERFREIMANN BOTANICAL CONSERVATORY 260-427-6440, BotanicalConservatory.org

FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS 219-878-9885, FriendshipGardens.org

GABIS ARBORETUM 219-462-0025, PNW.edu/Gabis-Arboretum

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY 317-327-7183, GarfieldGardensConservatory.org

SHIOJIRI NIWA 574-258-1664, MishawakaCity.com/ShiojiriNiwa

VIRGINIA B. FAIRBANKS ART & NATURE PARK 317-923-1331, DiscoverNewfields.org

WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS 574-266-2006, WellfieldGardens.org

WHITE RIVER GARDENS 317-630-2001, IndianapolisZoo.com

2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

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SOUTH-CENTRAL

INDIANA ITINERARY

State Parks and More in SouthCentral Indiana

SPRING MILL STATE PARK Indiana Department of Natural Resources

INDIANAPOLIS

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION

DAY ONE Start your explorations of the

region’s rolling hills at Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest state park. The tree-covered landscapes are magnificent, especially during fall foliage season. Some 20 miles of

BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

scenic roads afford stunning vistas any time of the year. Your group can spend the morning hiking or mountain biking on trails that wind through rugged ravines and across streams. One rugged foot trail leads to a historic fire tower that

is open for those wishing to climb up for breathtaking views. After lunch, your entourage might head to the saddle barn for a guided horseback ride or to one of two lakes for fishing or boating. The swimming pool is another option, and Abe Martin Lodge has an indoor water park. The less active may prefer to check out the Nature Center and learn about the park’s flora and fauna. Enjoy a home-style dinner amid rustic log decor at The Little Gem Restaurant in the lodge, whose original section was built in 1932 from hand-hewn native stone and oak timber cut in the park. Overnight accommodation choices include hotel-style lodge rooms and furnished cabins (some with full kitchens) that sleep as many as eight. Camping is available as well.

DAY TWO Don’t leave Brown County without

visiting Nashville, the county seat. Calling itself the “Art Colony of the Midwest,” the quaint town, just north of the state park, abounds with galleries and studios, plus antique, craft and gift shops. The rest of Day Two is all about fun on the water. Destination: Monroe Lake. A sprawling manmade lake just south of Brown County State Park, it is the largest body of water in Indiana (not counting Lake Michigan) and part of the state parks system. Monroe Lake has three public swimming beaches and many boat rental locations. Base your group at one of the lakeside lodges, cabin communities or campgrounds. This afternoon your travelers may want to rent kayaks and look for bald eagles on Monroe Lake’s wooded shores. Or they might opt to take out a speedboat or pontoon for tubing or waterskiing. Fishing yields catches of bluegill, crappie, bass and catfish. Landlubbers may prefer hitting the hiking and biking trails—those in Hardin Ridge State Recreation Area thread a section of Hoosier National Forest. DAY THREE Head an hour south to Spring

Mill State Park, set in an area of bluffs and caves known as Limestone Country. Your group can tackle one of the hiking trails, go boating on Spring Mill Lake or arrange a naturalist-led cave tour. The 20-minute Twin Caves boat tour travels 500 feet into a cave where the endangered blind cavefish is a common sighting. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the park’s Pioneer Village, a collection of restored log buildings centered on an 1817 limestone gristmill that still grinds corn. Tours of the mill are given, and

interpreters staff some of the cabins, which include a blacksmith shop, woodworking shop and weaving house with loom demonstrations. For more recent history, park visitors can check out the memorial and museum dedicated to the late astronaut Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom; America’s second man in space, who hailed from nearby Mitchell, died in a 1967 launch pad fire. FOUR A DAY two-hour drive southeast brings

your group to Clifty Falls State Park, a pocket of scenic splendor just outside the historic Ohio River city of Madison. Deeply cut gorges and sheet rock walls, along with four major waterfalls and numerous minor ones, create a wonderland

for serious hikers. The trail system is one of Indiana’s most rugged. On your group’s morning hike, nature enthusiasts may spot marine fossils in the 425-million-year-old shale and limestone rocks, and take notice of songbirds, hawks and vultures. Deer and wild turkey inhabit the uplands. After a vigorous workout, group members may choose to refresh at the Olympic-size swimming pool or relax on the sun porch of Clifty Falls Inn and take in views of the Ohio River Valley. The inn offers overnight accommodations and a restaurant known for its country cooking. In addition, the hostelry features an indoor pool, game arcade and lounging areas ideal for playing board games and cards or reading a book. The park has a campground as well.

INDIANA MILITARY MUSEUM Vincennes Indiana boasts the Indiana Military Museum, which has one of the most comprehensive collections of military artifacts in the Midwest including Red Skelton’s Army uniform. Swing over to the Red Skelton Museum to see more of his iconic memorabilia. Visit historic sites, antique stores, farm markets and more!

VisitVincennes.org 800.886.6443

2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

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ATTRACTIONS

Quirky slices of Americana worth a pit stop

Sometimes, it’s the odd, oversized or just downright strange that generates the most vivid travel memories. The curiosity could be a larger-than-life statue, a freak of nature or another object of wonder that makes us pull over and take a selfie for posterity. Indiana abounds with roadside marvels, and here are 10 that will intrigue your travelers:

Martini-Drinking Pink Elephant

What better mascot for your liquor store than a pink pachyderm holding a martini glass in its trunk? Standing on a flatbed trailer at the entrance to Elite Beverages in Fortville, the bespectacled elephant statue is a manifestation of the early 20th century expression “seeing pink elephants,” used to describe someone who is intoxicated. The elephant, wearing black-framed glasses, appears in parades and can be rented out for other occasions.

Hoosier Roadside

Warm Glow Giant Candle

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Created in 2006 next to the Warm Glow Candle Outlet store in Centerville, this giant candle has a wick that flickers at night, catching the eyes of motorists traveling along I-70. Dwarfing the store, the towering candle actually is part of the 22,000-square-foot building. Warm Glow is known for its fragrant, handmade, lumpy and bumpy candles; there are more than 75 scents to choose from. The store also sells home decor items, chocolates, gourmet foods and Indiana wines. Nestled in the center is the Stone Hearth Cafe.

2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

FORTVILLE’S PINK ELEPHANT Visit Indiana

A CLASSIC SCENE FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY, HAMMOND Visit Indiana

WARM GLOW CANDLE OUTLET, CENTERVILLE Visit Indiana

2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

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Flick Statue: A Christmas Story

Fans of the classic 1983 holiday movie A Christmas Story take glee in posing with this bronze statue at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, home of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority. The piece of art replicates the iconic scene in which the character Flick, bundled up for winter, gets his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole on a tripledog-dare. During the holidays, the visitor center celebrates the film’s Northern Indiana setting with “A Christmas Story Comes Home,” a program of activities and exhibitions.

Giant Peach

This oversized peach greets visitors to a family-owned roadside produce stand in Bruceville, a fruit-growing area north of Vincennes. As if the 20-footwide peach wasn’t enough to attract customers, a yellow obelisk resembling the Washington Monument stands next to it. Besides selling fresh fruit, The Big Peach farm market (with indoor store) attracts customers with a pumpkin patch, corn maze and other seasonal attractions. Merchandise also includes jams, jellies, fudge, local honey and gift items. Try the peach cider or peach butter.

World’s Largest Steer and Sycamore Stump

Housed in a glass-enclosed pavilion in Kokomo’s Highland Park is a pair of oddities. Old Ben, a steer born in1902 on an area farm, weighed 125 pounds at birth and gained 100 pounds a month, weighing two tons by the age of 4 and topping out at over 4,500 pounds by the time of his death in 1910. He was 16 feet long from nose to tail. Once exhibited by his owners at Indiana fairs and festivals, Old Ben is enshrined in all his taxidermied glory next to the World’s Largest Sycamore Stump. Measuring 12 feet tall, 18 feet wide and over 50 feet in circumference, the stump at one point was used as a phone booth that could hold a dozen or so people. It is estimated to be 1,500 years old by ring count.

Orville Redenbacher

At Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso, popcorn lovers can sit with a bronze likeness of Orville Redenbacher (1907-1995), the popcorn king. The Indiana native, who grew up on a corn farm and built a popcorn factory in Valparaiso, achieved celebrity status when his hayseed image—complete with bow tie and horn-rimmed glasses—appeared on

THE BIG PEACH FARM MARKET, BRUCEVILLE Visit Indiana

commercials and packages of the popcorn that bore his name. As he said on TV, “You’ll like it better or my name isn’t Orville Redenbacher.”

World’s Largest Paint Ball

This Alexandria curiosity started as an ordinary baseball in 1977 but has grown and grown over the years as thousands of coats of paint have been slapped on. Visitors who set up an appointment can roll up their sleeves and add a few more layers by contacting Mike and Glenda Carmichael, the creators and owners. Weighing more than 4,000 pounds, the ball of paint has appeared on television shows worldwide and has been recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Guinness Book of World Records. The painted sphere resides next to the Carmichaels’ house in a barn built to display it.

Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower

Indulge in some Old World charm, enjoy the quilt-pattern garden and catch a glockenspiel presentation in the heart of Berne, a town founded in the mid-1800s by settlers from Switzerland. The plaza’s 160-foottall clock tower, erected in 2010, is a salute to the landmark Zytglogge clock tower in Bern, Switzerland. The northeastern Indiana community, 35 miles south of Fort Wayne, has a large Amish population and is home to Swiss Heritage Village, a 22-acre outdoor museum.

Champ the Great Dane

The 800-pound fiberglass statue of a Great Dane dog overlooks U.S. 40 at the Great Dane trailer manufacturing plant in Brazil. Originally constructed in 1953 for a trailer dealership in Orlando, Florida, Champ made his way to Brazil in 2018 after having stood guard since 2002 at Great Dane’s corporate office in Savannah, Georgia.

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2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

The 17-foot-tall statue rises from a three-foot-high base.

Saint Anne Shell Chapel

This tiny chapel is the oldest of several shrines on the leafy grounds of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a small Catholic school located 10 minutes from downtown Terre Haute. What makes the 1875 landmark unique are the shimmering walls embedded with iridescent shells gathered from the nearby Wabash River by the school’s Sisters of Providence. The backstory: In 1843, Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin, head of the Sisters of Providence, and another nun were sailing back to America after a visit to France when their ship hit rough weather. Fearing it would capsize, they prayed to Saint Anne, patroness of sailors and protector from storms. They made it safely to

port and, in the saint’s honor, had a log chapel built the next year. But when the logs started rotting, a decision was made to build the stone chapel that exists today. Some of the

shell mosaics depict scenes of the stormy night at sea. Beside walls completely covered with shells, there are two stained-glass windows with shell and coral designs.

RESOURCES CHAMP THE GREAT DANE 812-443-4711

FLICK STATUE: A CHRISTMAS STORY 219-989-7770, SouthShoreCVA.com

ORVILLE REDENBACHER 219-548-4888

SAINT ANNE SHELL CHAPEL 812-535-3131, spsmw.org/visit/must-sees

WARM GLOW CANDLE OUTLET

GIANT PEACH 812-324-2240

888-253-7934, WarmGlow.com

MARTINIDRINKING PINK ELEPHANT

WORLD’S LARGEST PAINTBALL

317-485-6282

MUENSTERBERG PLAZA AND CLOCK TOWER 260-589-8080, BerneIN.com

765-724-4088, http://BallofPaint.freehosting.net/index.html

WORLD’S LARGEST STEER AND SYCAMORE STUMP 765-456-7275, VisitKokomo.org

Request A Planner Enjoy Midwest Experiences in Southeast Indiana “All the different hands-on activities are a blast, no talent required! You are treated like their guest and everything is planned out for you. We loved it!” – Triumph Community Bank Travel Club, East Moline, IL “Fun Farm & Market Experiences” – Clarksville Parks & Rec, Clarksville, IN “Wonderful experience, top-notch service!” – CBS Bank Shining Stars, Russellville, AL

Call 1-800-322-8198 or view sample itineraries online at www.TOURSoutheastIndiana.com. Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025 “Like” TOUR Southeast Indiana on Facebook

2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

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WEST INDIANA ITINERARY

Covered Bridges and Lush Parks in Western Indiana INDIANAPOLIS TURKEY RUN STATE PARK Visit Indiana

WEST REGION

DAY ONE Your itinerary begins at Fair Oaks

Farms, a 33,000-acre agritourism attraction where groups can ride tour buses that pass by the onsite cheese factory, calf barns and rotary turntable where 72 cows are

BRIDGETON BRIDGE, PARKE COUNTY Visit Indiana

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milked simultaneously. Themed barns include Dairy Adventure (where you can witness a live cow birth), Crop Adventure (which showcases the latest in farm technology) and Pig Adventure (where you can see newborn piglets up close). Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the award-winning Farmhouse Restaurant for a meal of vegetables, meat and cheese sourced from the on-site farms. Continue south on I-65 to West Lafayette, where your next stop will

be the Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum. It was here in 1811 that U.S. forces fought Chief Tecumsehâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Native American confederation in a battle that launched William Henry Harrison to national fame and eventually the presidency. You can also embark on a 90-minute tour of Wolf Park, an education facility dedicated to improving the public understanding of wolves. Groups can watch staff enter enclosures and interact with resident wolves, foxes and coyotes. Architecture buffs will want to conclude their day at Samara, a Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned home designed for a Purdue University professor in 1956. Conceived in the Usonian style, the property is designed around the number four, with windows and showers forming perfect squares, and the adjoining Japanese garden continues the theme of harmony to the outside space. DAY TWO Spend your second day enjoying

the steep ravines, lush forests and

rocky bluffs of Western Indiana. After breakfast, head west to Williamsport Falls, Indiana’s second-largest waterfall. Walk down a wide path to access the streambed for gorgeous views of this 90-foot cascade that forms from the ancient Fall Creek and descends over a sandstone ledge. After walking the 1.5-mile loop that surrounds the falls, continue west to Portland Arch Nature Preserve in Covington. This dramatic landscape of cliffs and wooded valleys is best experienced on the North Trail, which passes by the titular arch. Formed over 230 million years from slow erosion by Bear Creek, this is one of the few natural arches in the state and is perfect for a group photo opportunity. Conclude your day

at Pine Hills Nature Preserve, an old growth forest once explored by French voyageurs in the 18th century. Tall forest canopies cover an old pine plantation, an eerie rock sandstone called the Devil’s Backbone and Honeycomb Rock (so named for its hive-like pock marks).

DAY THREE Your third day will be in Parke

County—the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” Home to 31 preserved rustic bridges that dot the picturesque countryside, the county offers five color-coded touring loops that range from 24 to 33 miles. A hop-on guide can explain the region’s Miami Nation history, advancement in bridge engineering and the architectural distinctions of the protected

landmarks. Highlights include the Bridgeton Covered Bridge (which is adjacent to a still-operational mill) and Sim Smith Covered Bridge (which is reportedly haunted). Spend your afternoon exploring the extraordinary beautiful topography of Turkey Run State Park. A verdant landscape of mossy canyons, waterfalls and winding streams, this lush environment can be traversed by an interconnected network of ladders, bridges and hiking trails. Your park itinerary should include stops at the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin (which commemorates the founder of Indiana’s state parks system), the suspension footbridge above Sugar Creek and the saddle barns (for groups interested in guided horseback rides).

TOUR SOUTHEAST INDIANA

Rivertown Adventure, Hillforest Victorian House Museum

Fall Mums, Farms & Markets, Mt. Tabor Alpaca Farm

Hands-on Fun, Southeastern Indiana Art Guild

Bees, Birds & Butterflies, McCabe’s Greenhouse

We’re Ready For You! 1-800-322-8198

www.TourSoutheastIndiana.com Aurora & Lawrenceburg, Indiana

2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

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EAST

INDIANA ITINERARY

Waterfalls and Decadent Chocolate in Eastern Indiana DAY ONE Begin your morning at Fort Wayne’s

Allen County Public Library and the Genealogy Center, the second-largest genealogy center in the United States.

INDIANAPOLIS

EAST REGION

enormous campus that includes performance venues, classrooms and a music store. Group tours will explain the company’s origin as an instrument retailer and pass through the campus’ innovative distribution center and recording studios. Conclude your day on a sweet note at DeBrand Fine Chocolates, where you can sample their artesian-crafted chocolates and tour the candy kitchen.

DAY TWO Depart from Fort Wayne and stop

There, your group can trace family history with over 350,000 books and 513,000 microfilm resources that trace generations of American and European ancestry. Continue to Sweetwater, an

to explore Limberlost Swamp, a protected wetland teeming with wildflowers, waterfowl and bald eagles. A staff naturalist can escort groups on the marshland’s wooden boardwalks and explain the region’s literary legacy, as famed Hoosier author Gene StrattonPorter set many of her novels here. Continue to the city of Richmond to browse through Antique Alley, an eclectic collection of emporiums and antique stores filled with rare goods. Snap group photos at roaring Thistlethwaite Falls before you leave. Created in 1854 when Timothy Thistlethwaite redirected the flow of the Fork River to fuel a sawmill, these falls have survived centuries of flooding and are surrounded by the hiking trails of Springwood Park. DAY THREE Spend your final day enjoying

the city of Muncie, where you can discover the “Joy of Painting” at the Bob Ross Experience, tour the National Model Aviation Museum and walk the Ball State University campus. Conclude your itinerary with an evening of highstakes action at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino outside of Anderson.

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2021 INDIANA TOUR PLANNER

Life Needs Some WOW Moments

With views like this, why travel far? See the Hoosier State as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen it before: from a balcony room with an atrium view; at an up-close animal encounter with giraffes or grizzly bears; or from the hilltop vista of Indianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 rated golf course. At French Lick and West Baden, adventure is right in your backyard. Get started: go to frenchlick.com or call (888) 936-9360.

Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT! Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice. Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT!

VISIT INDIANA’S TOP GROUP DESTINATION Step into a slower pace in the heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country and experience true Hoosier Hospitality at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, located in Middlebury, Indiana. Das Dutchman Essenhaus’ beautiful campus features the world-famous Restaurant with family-style dining, live theatre productions at Heritage Hall, beautifully manicured walking paths, peaceful carriage rides, the largest Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail and more. Top off your Well Crafted group experience with a relaxing night’s stay at the Essenhaus Inn complete with luggage handling upon request, generously-sized guest rooms with stunning Amish-crafted furniture, in-room coffee, indoor pool, fitness center and a deluxe hot breakfast.

Contact Sonya Nash, CTIS, CTP at 800.262.8161 to start planning your next great, group-friendly tour to Northern Indiana!

Learn more at VisitElkhartCounty.com/groups

SOUTH

REGION

NEW ADVENTURES ON

Images provided by FloridasHistoricCoast.com

FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Historic St. Augustine and its beaches have been welcoming visitors for centuries

By Tyler Drag

t. Augustine, Florida, also known as the nation’s oldest city, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and memorable attractions the state has to offer. This historic city has popular museums that feature everything from classic cars to demonstrations on life in St. Augustine during the mid-1800s. Along with comfortable lodging and a hearty number of restaurant options, St. Augustine also has plenty of art and music attractions that are sure to attract fans of all genres. Here are some of the best attractions to keep group travelers busy on Florida’s beautiful and historic coast. December 2020 ■ 49

ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS

The Lightner Museum courtyard

Castillo de San Marcos

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This area of Florida is home to several significant museums. The Lightner Museum, which highlights the deep-rooted city’s architectural history, is located in the former Hotel Alcazar. This museum recently underwent several renovations and added a gorgeous stained-glass exhibit. The Classic Car Museum in St. Augustine is another hotspot as it has a collection of classic cars giving visitors the chance to experience cars all the way from the 1800s to modern day. One Saturday morning each month, this museum hosts an event called “Classic Cars and Coffee” where car lovers and enthusiasts grab a coffee and talk about their mutual obsession. The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum on Aviles Street functions as a museum, but also offers tours that demonstrate life in St. Augustine during the mid-1800s. These tours are usually during the day but can also be at night to make the visits more unforgettable. St. Augustine has a history with the paranormal, which is why the XimenezFatio House Museum also offers Twilight Tours for those brave and/or curious enough to go on the adventure. These tours revolve around the classic stories of Spanish merchants, soldiers stationed in the historic city, and single women who ran their businesses on Florida’s historic coast. This house-turned-museum has centuries of history within its walls, so be sure not to miss out. The Ximienex-Fatio House Museum also has a more entertainment and family-friendly aspect to it called the Heist at the Museum night tour. This tour takes the form of a game where visitors are tasked with an investigation. A rare 17th-century Caravaca Cross has been stolen, so in the tour game the cross must be found. Visitors tour the house and move from room to room looking for the villain in an attempt to return the cross. Another worthwhile tour in the area is The Tasting Tour. This nomadic outing lets travelers walk around the city with its founder, Don Pedro Menendez (an impersonator), while learning about the city’s history and tasting different ales and brews offered throughout St. Augustine. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

St. Augustine is clearly rich in history and culture so it’s not too much of a surprise the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which is considered the oldest masonry fort in the United States, is proudly located here. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a marvelous outdoor attraction for group travelers, families, and school field trips as its located on the west shore of the Matanzas Bay. It offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the fort’s history, watch fascinating weapon demonstrations, engage with park rangers, become a junior ranger and take an in-person or virtual tour. The monument also has its own smartphone app (to help visitors learn and navigate the grounds), and more than 340 years of history and culture. It may be the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., but it uses technology beautifully to educate its guests. So, whether taking a

St. Augustine Aquarium

virtual tour and exploring the fort through photos or watching educational videos online and at the fort’s theater room, the monument has plenty to offer, even if the visit can’t be made in-person. There’s plenty of museums and tours, but St. Augustine also has loads of chances for visitors to embrace its

different cuisine options. With waterfront eateries and sidewalk bistros throughout the area, visitors have more than enough options for heartwarming dishes. The St. Augustine Aquarium is another major attraction for visitors as it features interactive and educational exhibits and

Journey through the evolution of Naval Aviation, from the earliest flying machines to NASA space missions. Watch the Blue Angels soar overhead or experience the magic of flight in the Giant Screen Theater. See and touch beautifully restored aircraft and discover out of this world fun.

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, FLORIDA • FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION • (850) 453-2389 • (800) 327-5002 • NAVALAVIATIONMUSEUM.ORG

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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venue features open-air seating, which allows live performances to continue in 2020 and beyond, and is a small-stage venue where local musicians and artists perform for free on weekends. The intimate stage and setting feature family-style table seating for more than 250 visitors. The park is adjacent to the Colonial Quarter, which offers two restaurants and easily accessible restroom facilities. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Palm Valley, which can go from a 450-seated concert hall to a 900-person standing room concert hall, is scheduled in 2021 to host Leo Kottke and Chris Hillman’s Time Between: An Evening of Stories and Song.

LODGING IN ST. AUGUSTINE The Amp is ranked as one of the best open-air music venues in the world.

activities with some of Florida’s most notable marine species. Visitors have the chance to touch invertebrates, feed the sharks in the shark and ray cove, and even dig for shark teeth. This gorgeous aquarium also lets visitors snorkel with sea life and hand-feed the fish and rays.

MUSIC AND ARTS ON FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST

While much of the world has been slowed by the pandemic, St. Augustine still has several open-air venues to keep the

shows running. The Amp, which is ranked within the top three best open-air music venues in the world according to Pollstar Magazine, is planning on hosting several live performances including Buddy Guy, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and the Dark Star Orchestra. This historic amphitheater has its own parking, shuttle service, food trucks, and of course, concessions. St. Augustine is also home to the Colonial Oak Music Park. This outdoor downtown

St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach have plenty of lodging options for groups with even more on the way. Travelers have the choices between oceanfront resorts, stylish boutique hotels, attractive and historic inns, several vacation rentals on the ocean and in historic districts, several RV and camping parks, along with dozens of well-known and trusted hotel chains. These lodging options also pride themselves on dining options offered to visitors and the nearby accommodations. With more lodging options under construction, St. Augustine is only becoming a more attractive travel destination, so be sure to pay this historic area a visit.

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along St. Augustine’s majestic coastline.

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

• SOUTHERN TOUR IDEAS •

Plenty of Excitement at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Photo courtesy of Oak Lawn Racing Casino Resort

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

ig things are happening in Hot Springs, Arkansas as Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is entering the 2021 racing season with a bang. One of the premier thoroughbred racetracks in the country since 1904 and best known as home of the $1 million Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn’s 2021 stakes schedule features a total of 33 races worth $11 million. On top of its exciting thoroughbred season, which will feature four $1 million stakes races, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort will also unveil the much-anticipated opening of a multi-purpose event center, a luxury 200-room hotel overlooking the track, a state-of-the-art spa and delicious new dining options. Also, Oaklawn’s newly expanded Vegasstyle casino features slots, live table games and sports betting year-round. For more information, visit www.Oaklawn.com or call 1-800-OAKLAWN.

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REGION

â&#x2013; December 2020

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Egor Shitikov via Pixabay

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY A SHORT DRIVE TO GREAT FUN

A 70-mile drive from San Francisco along the scenic Pacific coastline, Santa Cruz is a must-see stop

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By Tyler Drag n a drive down California’s coast, Santa Cruz County is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in the state. With attractions along its beach scene and inland, there’s more than enough to keep any group of travelers smiling in this classic beach town.

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Santa Cruz County is home to popular markets, interesting museums, a marvelous state park and more, but one of the nicest things about a visit to Santa Cruz County is how accessible and close everything is. So, whether traveling with a busload of people or by yourself, here are some of the best attractions to appreciate in this lovely little county.

A THRIVING BEACH SCENE

One of the more popular stops on a visit to Santa Cruz County is the always entertaining Santa Cruz Wharf. This

2,745-foot-long pier was constructed in 1914 to accommodate deep-water ships. Now, the wharf is used to accommodate visitors and locals alike with shops, restaurants, events, recreational activities and even wildlife. Visitors have the chance to rent boats and kayaks, use sea scopes and see local wildlife, or go on a chartered fishing, whale watching, or sight-seeing tour. Natural Bridges State Beach is another hotspot for travelers as it is one of the best places in Santa Cruz County to watch the sunset. This beach is clean, has its

own parking and bathrooms, visitor center and even a park store. Santa Cruzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoreline is one of the most beautiful locales in California and perhaps, the country. One of the most famous routes for joggers, bike riders, and walkers is the scenic West Cliff Drive. Sitting between Natural Bridges State Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf, the three-mile walking and biking path delivers gorgeous views of Monterey Bay. Along this route travelers can find the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which overlooks the internationally famous surfing spot Steamer Lane. This little treasure of a

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Santa Cruz County is home to lovely bodies of water.

â&#x2013; December 2020

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HEADING INLAND

Redwoods State Park

inland. The Agricultural History Project Center & Museum is a popular place for school groups, families and tourists alike as it features educational exhibits, historical archives, and even an agriculture research project in the Codiga Center & Museum. This California county has no shortage of beauty as it’s also home to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The big attraction with this state park, in the literal and ideal sense, is the 40-acre grove of old-growth

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Santa Cruz County has beautiful and entertaining seaside attractions, but there is also an abundance of activities to enjoy

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museum houses photographs, surfboards, and other artifacts tracing back more than 100 years of the surfing history in Santa Cruz. The surfing museum is located inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, which was built in 1870. Strolling north up West Cliff Drive, visitors will pass cypress trees found along the coast and Mitchell’s Cove, an off-leash area where dogs can play and run around in the sand. On a tour of the beach scene, Capitola Village is a must see. One of the Pacific coast’s oldest seaside resort towns, Capitola Village has a beautiful Mediterranean feel to it. Charming little shops and colorful buildings light up the town as tourists help themselves to the village’s beach, dining options, and enough window shopping to call it a workout. On the idea of shopping and dining, the Abbott Square Market is another place that offers a multitude of options. This gorgeous market features diverse dining options where visitors can drink heartwarming and locally roasted coffee or grab an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.

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redwood trees. These massive trees can stand up to 277 feet tall, about 16 feet wide, and are around 1,500 years old. Visitors are drawn to this park from all over the world to soak in the historical significance and spectacular views as they hike, picknic, swim, camp, horseback ride and more. Another inland treasure is Mount Hermon Adventures. This attraction allows visitors to embark on a guided zipline eco-adventure as they sail past the huge redwood trees. This exciting attraction also offers self-directed challenges and activities more than 70 feet above the forest’s grounds. Roaring Camp Railroads is another attraction that gives visitors a history lesson while also providing them with a different perspective of the famous redwood trees. At this railroad camp, visitors get to ride in some of the most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines still providing regular service in the states, which takes its passengers through the redwood groves as they tower overhead, while the conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp. Conveniently, there are several lodging options very close including the Chaminade Resort and Spa, which recently underwent a $10 million renovation. December 2020 ■ 57

REDISCOVER ATLANTIC CITY

The Story Continues Entertainment and excitement await in Atlantic City, including our world-famous Boardwalk, the ultimate in tax-free shopping, award-winning dining, live entertainment, and great attractions, like the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey. Experience an exciting getaway and create a lifetime of memories in Atlantic City.

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2021

Great Ideas For Groups,

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Hundreds of Things To Do REGIONS

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Celebrate the gifts of land and sea with epic Virginia Beach adventures the entire group can enjoy safely. With 400 square miles of wide open space, revel in hands-on experiences and unique access to a group tour thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as safe as it is memorable.

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}

CONTENTS REGIONS 62 Northeast 72 Southeast 80 Southwest 82 Midwest 92 West 94 Frontier/Mountain West

SITE INSPECTIONS 68 Colonial Williamsburg 70 Tour AC

WELCOME TO GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS! I couldn’t be more excited about this year’s edition of our annual compendium of top domestic tour destinations. And I think I know the reason. Like you and your travelers, I am itching to travel again, and all the descriptions of fun places filling these pages give hope to the return to normalcy I expect will energize the group travel industry in 2021. Though I was able to squeeze in a few short editorial trips this past summer and fall, I’m dreaming of bigger things ahead. Maybe it will be a spring trip to Southern plantation homes and gardens blooming with dogwoods and azaleas. Or a summer or fall mountain getaway—to the Rockies, Smokies or Adirondacks. To be honest, any place sounds good at this point in the pandemic that has lingered all too long. When I travel, I like to prowl around small towns to soak in history, stroll down Main Street, get lost in antiques stores and grab some donuts at the local bakery—there are many examples of such charming towns in Group Travel Destinations. Some of us gravitate to beach and lakeside communities, and you’ll encounter numerous American favorites as you leaf through this guide. With everyone these days yearning for fresh air and elbow room, including outdoor experiences in tour itineraries will certainly rank high on planners’ radar. People also are hungering for live entertainment—a concert, a play, a festival or any diversion to put us in a happy mood. A number of such options, from timehonored dinner theaters to big-city auditoriums, can be found in Group Travel Destinations. In the regional sections of this handy deskside companion, dozens of group-friendly suppliers are showcased with profiles and Site InSpections. I’m sure Group Travel Destinations will be an invaluable tool in crafting irresistible itineraries for the coming year. Happy Traveling, Randy Mink Senior Editor

COVER PHOTO (iStock.com/scibak)

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Groups eager to get outdoors and enjoy the splendors of Mother Nature will discover a panoply of scenic eye-poppers and invigorating activities in Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse Northeast Region. From the beaches of coastal Virginia to the Adirondack Mountains of New York, fun-filled adventures await your travelers. Places like Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania and the mountains of western Maryland beckon those seeking to escape the urban frenzy, but plenty of natural beauty and recreational opportunities also can be found in the countryside right outside of Washington, D.C. Aside from their natural allures, the region offer an abundance of historical sights and cultural treasures. Jamestown Settlement in Virginia tells the story of the New Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first permanent English colony in 1607, while groups in Philadelphia will be enthralled as they tour Independence Hall, a hallowed shrine where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were framed. Planners looking to include a show in their itinerary have a number of solid choices, from well-established Pennsylvania dinner theaters to lavish Disney musicals on Broadway.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Photo courtesy of Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

NORTHEAST

Kinzua Bridge at Allegheny National Forest

CANADA

railway thrills passengers as it takes them on a dramatic ascent to the summit of Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. With an average grade of 25 percent (some sections approach nearly 38 percent) it’s also the second steepest in the world. With a nod to its steam heritage, the railway also continues to operate a pair of century-old, coal-fired steam engines. Located in the heart of the majestic White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire, Marshfield Base Station is six miles east of Route 302 on the western face of Mount Washington. >> thecog.com

Just over the U.S.-Canada border in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines in 2021 will be celebrating its 40th year of cruising on the scenic St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. Four- to seven-night voyages on the 32-stateroom Canadian Empress feature the International Seaway locks and destinations such as Montreal, the Thousand Islands and Upper Canada Village living history museum. The classic riverboat’s Victorian interior mirrors the grace of the early 1900s. >> stlawrencecruiselines.com

MARYLAND

NEW JERSEY

Ocean City, Maryland, oceanside resort is your getaway Atlantic Ocean destination. With free, wide clean beaches and an expansive threemile boardwalk, your group will have plenty of room to span out and enjoy. Whether it is enjoying a beach day in early spring or enjoying the fall air beside the ocean, any season is beach season in Ocean City. Known for the local wild ponies of nearby Assateague Island, Ocean City is your headquarters for mid-Atlantic touring. >> ococean.com Garrett County, tucked away in the mountains of western Maryland, is a natural for outdoor adventure. Deep Creek Lake State Park is home to the state’s largest freshwater lake, a popular playground for boating, fishing and swimming. Other area activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Quaint towns like Oakland, Accident and Grantsville charm visitors looking for history, nostalgia and local eats. Spruce Forest Artisan Village features historic cabins that serve as studios for artists to display their work. >> deepcreekgroups.com

The world’s first mountain climbing cog railway, the Mount Washington Cog Railway in Coos County, New Hampshire, has been entertaining groups since 1869. The

NEW YORK In New York City, Disney Theatrical Group offers the ultimate Broadway experience

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo courtesy of Tour AC

NEW HAMPSHIRE

For casino action, beach fun and nightlife on the East Coast, no place compares to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The iconic Boardwalk runs more than five miles in length and invites visitors to stroll, bicycle or be pushed in an only-in-Atlantic-City rolling chair. An array

of shopping options can be found along the Boardwalk, in the casino-hotels and at Tanger Outlets The Walk, a 15-city-block dining and retail outlet. Sightseeing and dolphin-watching cruises also enhance group itineraries. >> touratlanticcity.com Groups in the New York City area have fun exploring nature, science and technology at the Liberty Science Center. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, near the State of Liberty, the center has 12 exhibition halls, a 3D theater, giant aquarium and live animal collection with 110 species. Favorites include the hurricane- and tornado-force simulators, live simulcast surgeries and science demonstrations. In the domed theater of the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium, guests can view distant galaxies. >> lsc.org

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

NORTHEAST and excellent group rates for award-winning musicals such as Frozen, The Lion King and Aladdin. Disney’s storytelling tradition, worldclass talent and incomparable production values combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience like nothing your group has ever seen. Disney Theatrical Group’s sales department will craft a customized experience to ensure a magical Broadway visit that is truly unforgettable. >> disneygroupsales.com Clove Creek Dinner Theater in the Westage Mall in Fishkill, New York, serves up a combination of live entertainment and fine dining. Gourmet meals are prepared by chef graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, with guests choosing from four entrees that change with each new production. As a recipient of the Dutchess County Tourism Arts Award of Distinction, Clove Creek benefits the

New York’s Lake George Area

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

community by expanding the spectrum of local culture. >> clovecreekdinnertheater.com In the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, groups can take in beautiful scenery in the Lake George Area, a vacationland situated 50 miles north of Albany. Enjoy a cruise on 32-mile-long Lake George, the Queen of American Lakes; navigate whitewater rapids on the Hudson or Sacandaga river; and drive to the summit of Prospect Mountain for 100-mile views. More thrills await at Six Flags Great Escape and its Hurricane Harbor water park. Factory outlet malls also keep groups engaged. >> visitlakegeorge.com

PENNSYLVANIA Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is the starting

point for tours of Gettysburg Battlefield, scene of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle (July 1-3, 1863) and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Guests can learn from interactive exhibits, the film New Birth of Freedom and the monumental Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge. Groups of 16 and more enjoy special pricing, customized programs and tours led by licensed battlefield guides. Boxed meals can be arranged, and there is a dine-in facility. >> gettysburgfoundation. org/group-visits. One of the best things to do in Philadelphia is explore Independence National Historical Park, which contains some 20 buildings associated with the nation’s founding. Highlights include the Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were created. The $60 million

Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg’s Palace Garden

Faith and Liberty Discovery Center, designed to highlight the relationship between faith and freedom in America from its founding through today, will open on Independence Mall in May 2021. >> discoverphl.com In Allentown, Pennsylvania, Pines Dinner Theatre is the ticket to group fun. The countrystyle playhouse stages a variety of musicals throughout the year; the Christmas show is a much-anticipated event in November and December. Group packages for parties of 20 or more include the show and a hearty American meal that includes salad, bread, entree (such as honey-glazed ham, roast turkey breast, ravioli or fettucine), coffee and iced tea, and dessert. >> pinesdinnertheatre.com For more than 30 years, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has been entertaining groups touring the Amish Country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Musicals slated for 2021 include Happy Days, On Your Feet!: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! and Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street. Groups of at least 16 receive special offers and discounts. The 328seat theater hosts more than 150,000 guests annually. >> dutchapple.com In the Allegheny National Forest Region of northwestern Pennsylvania, visitors can take in panoramic views of the Kinzua Gorge from the Kinzua Sky Walk, an engineering marvel built on six of Kinzua Viaduct’s steel towers remaining after the tornado of 2003. The

skywalk is located in Kinzua Bridge State Park, whose staff members conduct guided nature walks and programs on the bridge’s history or making apple cider. Another area tourist magnet is the Penn Brad Oil Museum, just south of Bradford. >> visitanf.com

Prince William County, only 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., offers countless diversions, from Civil War battle sites to idyllic parks for outdoor activities. In the countryside, visitors can bottle-feed baby goats, hand-pick seasonal fruits, vegetables or flowers, or take a guided tour at a working cattle farm. Shoppers have a field day in Occoquan, one of the most charming small towns in America, and at Potomac Mills, Virginia’s largest outlet mall with more than 220 stores offering big discounts on brand names. >> visitpwc.com One of Prince William County’s prime attractions is the National Museum of the Marine Corps, adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico. High-tech, interactive exhibits surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts

VIRGINIA Groups touring the Washington, D.C. area often make their base of operation in northern Virginia’s Fairfax County, which offers more than 100 hotels for every budget. Besides lots of shopping, dining and outdoor recreational opportunities, there’s a long list of attractions, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the brand-new National Museum of the U.S. Army. Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, opening in spring 2021, will feature 19 informational stops and a section of the White House fence where activists picketed. >> fxva.com Summer 2021 marks 50 years of performances at the Filene Center for Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Wolf Trap, Washington, D.C.’s premier outdoor amphitheater, is home for the top names in music, from classical, opera and dance to a broad range of popular artists. The wide-open spaces of Wolf Trap are not only perfect for summer concerts, but great for picnicking and taking in nature. Wolf Trap looks forward to safely welcoming audiences this coming summer in a celebration of this milestone year. >> wolftrap.org

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

NORTHEAST and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action, tracing the corps’ history from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War and beyond. Shown in the giant-screen Medal of Honor Theater, the film We, The Marines follows the journey of Marines from boot camp to training, deployment and finally homecoming. >> usmcmuseum.com Fredericksburg, also in northern Virginia, is rich in American history. High on sightseeing lists are George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm, his mother’s last home, the plantation home of his sister, an 18th century tavern and

apothecary shop, and a museum dedicated to President James Monroe. Driving tours of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and other battlefields put the Civil War in focus. Old Town Fredericksburg boasts an array of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and antiques dealers. >> visitfred.com/group-tours Step back into the 1700s at Colonial Williamsburg, America’s largest living history museum. Costumed interpreters portray real people who lived in Virginia’s colonial capital, including George Washington, Patrick Henry and lesser known figures like Aggy, a slave

fighting for her family’s freedom. Live outdoor theater experiences re-create the struggle for American independence, pioneer crafts are demonstrated, and world-class indoor museums feature American folk art and decorative arts. Colonial-style fare is served in several tavern restaurants on the 301-acre grounds. >> colonialwilliamsburg.com Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, open year-round and adapted for safety, present the story of America’s 17th- and 18th-century beginnings through expansive gallery exhibits,

Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach CVB

Virginia Beach, Virginia

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Photo courtesy of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

dynamic films and immersive experiences in outdoor re-creations of a Paspahegh town, three 1607 ships, a 1610-14 fort, Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Special events and programs are held throughout the year, including a new Jamestown Settlement special exhibition, “FOCUSED: A Century of Virginia Indian Resilience,” opening on January 29, 2021. >> historyisfun.org Newport News, on the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, is packed with things to see and do. Virginia Living Museum, which explores the state’s natural heritage, is part zoo, nature park, aquarium, botanical garden, planetarium and science center. The Mariners’ Museum and Park is all about ships and the sea; its USS Monitor Center brings to life a famous Civil War maritime battle. Huntington Park, overlooking the James River, is home to the Virginia War Museum, a rose garden and a beach. >> newport-news.org Virginia Beach, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, is a great place for getting in touch with nature, relaxing at the beach and walking along the festive seaside boardwalk. Active groups will want to go hiking, biking or kayaking at First Landing State Park. Manmade attractions include the Military Aviation Museum, Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, and Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which is home to Komodo dragons, sea turtles, crocodiles and 350 other species. Whale- and dolphin-watching cruises are also big. >> visitvirginiabeach.com In southwestern Virginia, the world-renowned Barter Theatre on Main Street in downtown Abingdon presents a year-round program of new Appalachian plays along with time-honored dramas, comedies and musicals. Founded in 1933, the Barter is the official State Theatre of Virginia and one of the country’s oldest professional regional theaters. There are special rates for groups of 15 or more; an actor-led talkback or a behind-the-scenes tour can be arranged for a nominal charge. More than 48,000 group patrons visit the Barter annually. >> bartertheatre.com Abingdon, one of the oldest English-speaking towns in the Blue Ridge Highlands region, boasts a 20-block historic district containing many museums, craft shops, antiques stores, and art

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

studios and galleries. At William King Museum of Art’s new ArtLab, groups can do a project like Kitchen Lithography (making a lithograph using household objects). White Blaze Outdoors organizes a variety of tours showcasing the mountain scenery; one is a hike followed by wine tasting at Abingdon Vineyards. >> visitabingdonvirginia.com Wytheville, also in the Blue Ridge Highlands, brims with more than 100 historical buildings that can be toured on several themed loops. The surrounding Jefferson National Forest, Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway and New River abound with recreational opportunities. A 100-foot observation tower atop Big Walker Mountain offers stunning views. Other itinerary possibilities include Fort Chiswell Animal Park,

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm and Crystal Springs Recreation Area. Along East Lee Highway, off I-81/I-77, are three antiques malls. >> visitwytheville.com In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley lies Staunton, whose historic downtown lures visitors to shops and galleries along Beverley Street. A big draw is the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only re-creation of William Shakespeare’s indoor theater in Elizabethan London. Its professional company presents both contemporary and Shakespearean plays, plus musicals and concerts. Also lending prestige to Staunton is the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. Farm life in early America comes alive at the outdoor Frontier Culture Museum. >> visitstaunton.com GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

SITE INSPECTION

History Comes Alive at Colonial Williamsburg

Groups can step back in time at this living, breathing Virginia attraction

ew places provide more insight into early America than Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living museum. As 21st century visitors stroll the car-free streets of Virginia’s first capital, the 1700s come alive through craft demonstrations, exhibitions, pageantry and talks as costumed interpreters go about their everyday duties. The 300-acre historical city contains hundreds of reconstructed and restored buildings, some of them housing shops of artisans busy at work creating products like wool, linen, wigs, buckets and bricks. The Governor’s Palace was the elegant residence of seven royal governors and the commonwealth’s first two state governors. Demonstrations of 18th century cooking are held in the kitchen of the palace complex, and elaborate formal gardens feature flowers, vegetables, arbors and a maze. Other government buildings include the stately Capitol and Courthouse, where guests can take part in a re-enactment of a legal proceeding. Live outdoor theater experiences throughout the Historic Area re-create 68

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

the struggle for American independence from 1774 to 1781. All the cameras come out when the fifeand-drum corps marches down Duke of Gloucester Street. Interactive experiences encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the past. For example, you can help the brickmaker by stomping clay with your bare feet, be a soldier taking part in drill practice or try your hand at gardening using tools of yore. Some of the interpreters encountered on the streets of Williamsburg portray famous people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, plus other Nation Builders who made contributions to the American story. Perhaps you’ll meet Ann Wager, a teacher who taught enslaved AfricanAmerican boys and girls, or James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man who earned his freedom as a spy. Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, dating from 1710-1715, is a well-preserved example of early colonial architecture and one of Colonial Williamsburg’s most treasured landmarks. Museum-goers will want to see the impressive array of antique furniture on

display at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum or the excellent collection of American folk art at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. Tour groups also get into the revolutionary spirit at mealtimes. Several historic dining taverns furnished in period style and staffed by costumed servers dish up the colonists’ food favorites, including Brunswick stew, peanut soup, oyster fritters and spoon bread. Wandering balladeers may serenade during your candle-lit dinner. The group sales team at Colonial Williamsburg can set up a guided tour for groups that want a structured experience or may be short on time. It can arrange customized tours focusing on a specific topic, such as government, women or daily customs. For entertainment after dark, options range from ghost tours to music, drama and dance performances.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Group Sales groupsales@cwf.org 800-228-8878 ColonialWilliamsburg.com/grouptours

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 15 OR MORE Meet America’s founders, dine on world-class fare, and step through lush gardens during a customized tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Don’t let a historically good time pass you by!

We offer a variety of options for for dining, lodging and tours. Book your group trip today: call 1-800-228-8878, email groupsales@cwf.org, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/grouptours

SITE INSPECTION

Excitement Abounds in Atlantic City

The gaming capital of the East Coast welcomes groups with its historic Boardwalk, attractions

eaturing glamorous casinos, rich history and an iconic Boardwalk, Atlantic City will engage groups of all interests visiting the Mid-Atlantic region. Visitors are encouraged to rediscover a thriving city filled with diverse cuisine, shopping opportunities and outdoor activities along the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s nine casino resorts have all reopened with in-depth health and safety guidelines along with additional protocols implemented by the New Jersey government that ensure comfort for every guest. Whether you enjoy high-stakes poker or penny slots, there’s action for every price point at Atlantic City’s nine casinos. Place your bets at the city’s largest sportsbook at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, try your hand at exciting table games at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and a luxurious poker room at Resorts Casino & Hotel. If your group doesn’t enjoy gambling, Atlantic City’s casinos offer plentiful entertainment options, chic lounges, fine dining and restorative spas to include in your itinerary. Acquaint your group with Atlantic City’s skyline with a walk along the Boardwalk and beaches. The famous promenade was constructed in 1870 and has since been immortalized by postcards, movies and the iconic board game Monopoly. Take in an ocean 70

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

breeze or Atlantic sunset while admiring the rows of shops, restaurants and live entertainment venues that populate this iconic wooden way. The Boardwalk’s centerpiece is the Steel Pier, a 1,000-foot-long amusement park constructed in 1898 and populated with midway games, thrill rides and food stalls. The pier’s signature attraction is The Wheel—an illuminated ferris wheel where riders can view the entire Boardwalk in 40 climate-controlled gondola cars. Another popular waterfront attraction is the Absecon Lighthouse. The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey rises to 171 feet and invites groups to ascend 228 steps for a breathtaking view of the Jersey Shore. Hours of entertainment await in the Orange Loop, a pedestrian-friendly area filled with one-of-a-kind restaurants, coffee shops, craft cocktail lounges and live music venues. Groups will want to sample the over 40 beers on tap at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and enjoy Cajun barbecue cuisine at Bourré. For a sophisticated cocktail club atmosphere and live music experience, make a reservation at Rhythm & Spirits for authentic Italian fare like pizza, pasta and paninis. Savor smallbatch rum and other spirits at Little Water Distillery, which offers educational tours and sample sessions to enjoy craft whiskey, vodka, rum and gin. Groups seeking excellent outlet shopping

will want to browse the over 100 retailers represented at Tanger Outlets The Walk. Conveniently located at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway, this complex houses Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Nike Factory, Coach, Kate Spade, Loft Outlet, Nautica, J.Crew, H&M, Forever 21, and Puma. The Quarter at Tropicana, an Old Havanathemed enclosed shopping center near the Boardwalk, houses the Zephyr Gallery, Francesca’s Collections and the Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store. The ocean looks beautiful from shore, but an Atlantic City Cruises experience will offer groups unique views of the skyline and Boardwalk. Atlantic City’s flagship vessel embarks on a series of themed excursions, including the Dolphin Watching Adventure and Happy Hour Cruise. Near ACC’s dock is Historic Gardner’s Basin, a secluded inlet that provides a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk. Enjoy the site of elegant Bayfront homes, boathouses and a municipal park before walking into the Atlantic City Aquarium.

TOUR AC

1 Convention Way Atlantic City, New Jersey, 08401 609-318-6097 meetac.com

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From the Blue Ridge, Great Smoky and Ozark Mountains to the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico beaches, there’s so much to experience. Regardless of your recreational fitness, there are state and national parks that provide hiking and biking trails. Take in the picturesque scenery, wildflowers, birds and animals at your own pace. Keep those new walking shoes clean on a paved path, or get your best hiking boots dirty. Either way you’ll enjoy the mountains. If water sports are more your group’s thing, you’ll find a plethora of lakes, rivers, streams and brooks in every state. And there’s even more at the coast, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, fresh and saltwater fishing and even shrimping. Sooner or later, you may want to get off the trail or out of the water and that’s when the South shines. From Civil Rights to the Civil War, there are sites and stories to be told. Southerners like to cook and share their creations with visitors, including seafood that likely slept off shore the night before. Then there’s the music. So much of our music originated in the South, including old time mountain music, blues, bluegrass, jazz and rock n’ roll. It’s all still being played on the street, and in juke joints, clubs, theaters, concert halls and stadiums in the South.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism

SOUTHEAST

Blanchard Spring Caverns in Northern Arkansas’ Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

ALABAMA

Photo courtesy of Carl Zoch Photography

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Photo courtesy of U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Birmingham is a lovely patchwork quilt with each piece an individual experience. In the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham’s industrial days led it to be known as the Pittsburgh of the south. The food scene is outstanding as multiple food tours might indicate. Whether it’s biking, hiking, or golfing Birmingham is an outdoorsy place. Art, gardens and music are also in abundance. Whatever your interest there are Birmingham experiences waiting. >> birminghamal.org Located outside Mobile Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 64-acre garden paradise and the home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath until their passing. The gardens opened to the public in 1937. With Mother Nature’s cooperation there is always something blooming. Special events throughout the year showcase the garden’s beauty. Some of the more popular are the Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 43rd Orchid Show and Sale, Rose Bloom Out, 59th Annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums and the 26th Annual Magic Christmas in Lights. >> bellingrath.org With more than 27,000 pieces of diverse art Birmingham Museum of Art is a leading

southeastern institution. Their collection covers numerous cultures with wide assets of Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian and Native American Art. Visiting exhibitions are always on display. Three exhibitions of notice are on display through Spring 2021, All

Things Bright and Beautiful, An Epic of Earth and Water and Wall to Wall. There are still more to come. >> artsbma.org For student and adult groups of 15+, there are great experiences to explore at U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. Along with admittance to the Davidson Center for Space Exploration is “Apollo: When We Went to the Moon,” chronicles of the timeline. Other highlights of the visit include the ISS Science of Orbit, Simulators, Rocket Park, Military Park, Shuttle Park and A-12 Oxcart, the early reconnaissance plane. Customizable Options when available are a movie, Intuitive Planetarium and Apollo 11 Virtual Reality Experience. >> rocketcenter.com

ARKANSAS

Backcountry Aviation tours in Arkansas

The attributes of The Natural State resonate in today and tomorrow’s environment. Arkansas is ready for travel. Throughout 2021 Arkansas will be sharing stories about mountain biking and cycling, water sports on more than 600,000 acres of lakes and

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

SOUTHEAST

Photo courtesy of Ft. Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau

There’s a story why the United States Marshals Museum is in Ft. Smith.

The Power of Science is a new permanent exhibit at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Science Museum.

the newest addition to the outdoor scene, Backcountry Aviation. Although outdoor recreation destinations can be great, the journey can be just as exciting. When you do need to come indoors there are casino expansions in Hot Springs, West Memphis and Pine Bluff. >> arkansas.com The original gateway to the American West inspired the movie “True Grit.” Here is Fort Smith. Discover why The United States Marshals Museum is located here before visiting the historic community’s Fort Smith Museum of History. No visit to Fort Smith is complete without a stop at the Chaffee Military Museum and Chaffee Barber Shop, the site of Elvis’s first military haircut. The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad excursion shows off the beauty of the Ozarks. >> fortsmith.org There’s big news coming from Hot Springs with the much anticipated early 2021 opening of Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort’s luxury hotel, new dining options, spa, and event center and expanded casino gaming area. The 2021 Stakes schedule kicks off January 22 and concludes May 1, 2021. The casino features slot games, table games, baccarat and sports betting. Dining at Oaklawn includes a half dozen restaurant options and five concessions all with great menu selections. >> oaklawn.com

FLORIDA

Photo courtesy of Sprint/Opera

Considered the oldest city in America, St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach is historic with a rich blend of art and culture. Add lovely beaches, shopping, dining and outdoors activity, including golfing and fishing and there’s a wonderful mix for visitors to discover. Begin at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. It’s a great view of the beaches and historic downtown from atop the structure. Go further back in time with a visit to Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. More than 50 art galleries stir visitor’s creativity and great

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dining assures a memorable experience. >> floridashistoriccoast.com Winter Park is home to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Fine collections of late 19th and early 20th century American paintings and decorative arts, including a collection of American art pottery and the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works are exhibited. Appointments are required for all visits. >> morsemuseum.org With headquarters in Hollywood the Italian company Costa Cruises can take you almost anywhere. Your group will travel in splendor on almost a dozen ships in the fleet. A Costa cruise will take you to more than 70 countries and some of the most beautiful cities in the

world. The Costa experience certainly includes a delightful culinary scene, wonderful on deck pleasures and fabulous ports. >> costacruises.com Located in Downtown Miami, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Science Museum has added a new permanent exhibition, Power of Science. It’s the first permanent exhibition developed since Frost Science opened in 2017. “Power of Science is the result of our continued partnership with the University of Miami, giving our museum visitors direct access to the rich scientific research program, academic expertise and professional skills of the university,” said Frank Steslow, Frost Science President & CEO. Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits is a traveling exhibition organized by the American Natural History

Museum, New York and will be on display through April 11, 2021. >> frostscience.org

GEORGIA From the Atlanta Airport District downtown and midtown Atlanta attractions are easily accessible. Downtown groups can visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Centennial Olympic Park and the SkyView Ferris Wheel. Midtown offers the High Museum, Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park. Closer to home base you’ll want to visit Porsche Experience Atlanta in downtown Hapeville. There are walking, hiking and biking trails at Sykes Park, East Point. Throughout the ATL Airport

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SOUTHEAST

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Airport District

District there are great outdoor murals providing Instagrammable moments for groups. Back in Hapeville do stop at Arches Brewing. >> ATLdistrict.com There’s a Marietta experience waiting for visitors to this Atlanta area destination. The Marietta Museum of History building has its own story to tell. The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield has activities for all ages. There are magnificent exhibits at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. The historic 1850s Williams Root House Museum & Gardens is well worth a stop. At Six Flags White Water a new Christmas and candy-themed attraction featuring millions of lights and the world’s largest drive-through animated light show should be on your holiday wish list. >> visitmariettaga.com Evening entertainment at Ha Ha Hapeville

KENTUCKY There are some special experiences in Oldham County. It wouldn’t be Kentucky without bourbon and a tour and taste at Kentucky Artisan Distillery’s bourbons is a must. Another Kentucky experience is certainly a Horse Farm Tour and you’ll have a choice of three in the “Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky.” Only in LaGrange will you see a freight train running right down the middle of Main Street! Trains On Main is a fun dining and shopping option. The Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is a must, while the new County History Museum delves into the area’s Underground Railroad history. >> touroldham.com

Photo courtesy of Louisiana’s Northshore

LOUISIANA

Entrance to The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum in Madisonville

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More than 500 years define the history of what is now Ascension Parish. Much of that history is tied to the Mississippi River and the best place to experience that life is the Great River Museum on the grounds of Houmas House and Gardens. Sugarfield Spirits, a locally owned craft distillery is following tradition by working with farmers to incorporate local flavor. That alone is reason to get to the tasting room.

Donaldsonville’s Historic Portal to the Past is comprised of seven wayside exhibits located in the historic district. This is an enjoyable twomile walk, or windshield tour that should be on every itinerary. >> TourAscension.com Less than an hour from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos, St. Tammany Parish aka Louisiana’s Northshore is a delightful group destination that’s adding even more options! Royal Carriages has been offering mule drawn guided carriage tours in New Orleans’s French Quarter for 80-years has expanded their operation to the City of Covington. Middendorf’s (Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish) has opened in Slidell to the joy of group planners. Cajun Encounters offers

educational tours of Honey Island swamp, one of America’s most unique ecosystems. A must stop in the Town of Madisonville is The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. >> LouisianaNorthshore.com Known for its charm and history, visitors to Natchitoches also discover unique smalltown shopping and a spectacular Christmas Festival. New last year is the Lost Treasure Mining Company. Also new is the Putt Putt course at the Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park. The food scene is alive with the Mariner’s restaurant recently purchased, remodeled and a new menu presented. A more casual menu is available at the Docks and there’s late night live music and dancing at The Cove. Catch your favorite team and have a unique dining

experience at Jimbo’s Bar & Grill. For a taste of Mexico on the Cane River try El Rio Cantina. >> natchitoches.com From tours for student, leisure, reunions and international expect a one-of-a-kind New Orleans experience. It’s always growing. One11 Hotel opens late 2020 and will be the first new property in the French Quarter in 50 years. JAMNOLA and experiential pop-up takes audiences through 12 exhibits of iconic art, music, food and theatrics of the city. The ARTMAZING Gallery is a pop art interactive exhibit and a new kind of fun. This larger-than-life 6,000-square-foot exhibition and special events space provides an immersive and fun experience. >> neworleans.com

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Photo courtesy of VisitNCSmokies.com

SOUTHEAST

MISSISSIPPI Five Mississippi regions each display a distinct landscape and tour options that tempt planners to stay another day, or two. Mississippi has its own signature arts and entertainment from fine arts to performing arts to literature. History is certainly abundant from the Civil War to civil rights and much more in our 20th state. There are outdoor thrills regardless of your group’s activity level. Groups certainly move on their stomachs and where you eat and drink may just be the most important decision when planning your tour. No worries as Mississippi chefs serve an array of cuisine. >> Visitmississippi.org The Capital of Mississippi, Jackson has award-winning attractions, trails, events and cuisine ready for groups to experience. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is certainly an uplifting experience and along with the adjacent Mississippi Museum of History are a must see. The Mississippi Blues Trail travels

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through Jackson with a dozen stops, check out Malaco Records. The city has 29 unique museums and attractions from history to arts. The Mississippi Museum of Art should be on every itinerary. You’ll find good eats throughout the city. >> visitjackson.com Whether you’re a tour, reunion, wedding, sports or meetings group you can connect in Ridgeland. Located on the historic Natchez Trace there are plenty of outdoor activities including miles of walking and biking miles around the Rez. Mississippi art and culture is bountiful. Crafting classes are regular at the Bill Waller Craft Center. The museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum are both located in nearby Jackson. Do save plenty of time for shopping at the Renaissance at Colony Park, but bring your day to a pleasant end on a sunset cruise aboard the Sweet Olive Tour Boat. >> visitridgeland.com Mississippi Museum of Art began in 1911 with a small collection and has grown

significantly and has a particular strength in American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the country’s most prominent artists, including Robin Henry, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Radcliffe Bailey and many others have been added to the collection. Half-dozen exhibitions are also on display with more planned in late spring and early summer. Make time for the Art Garden and The Museum Store. >> msmuseumart.org

NORTH CAROLINA With 85 miles of coastline and almost a dozen communities, The Crystal Coast presents an abundance of experiences to fill any itinerary. On the water there are a variety of paddle tours, sailing excursions, saltwater fishing and boat tours. On land the historic double decker bus tour in Beaufort, Fort Macon State Park, Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari, food tours and a variety of ecology tours

The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway reaches its highest point in Haywood County North Carolina.

Museum features a rare collection of vintage American motorcycles. There’s always been a focus on outdoor dining with the newest addition BearWaters Brewing-Creekside in Maggie Valley. >> visitncsmokies.com Only miles from where Billy Graham in Charlotte sits The Billy Graham Library on 20 landscaped acres. The design and A Journey of Faith tour reveals Graham’s journey from farm boy to an ambassador of God’s love on an international scale. The Billy Graham Library features special displays, events and seasonal celebrations most notably Christmas at the Library. The Graham Family Homeplace on the campus is 80 percent of the original homeplace. Groups of 10 or more require a reservation. There’s no charge for admittance and meal vouchers are available. >> billygrahamlibrary.org

TENNESSEE Just 30 minutes from Nashville Sumner County is an exceptional destination. A great first stop to enjoy Tennessee’s landscape is a visit to Bledsoe State Park. It’s perfect for a scenic hike and wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping. There’s more outdoors throughout the county with half dozen U-Pick Farms and even more Farmers Markets. There’s golf, mountain biking and whatever you desire to fit your activity level, including a visit to Reese Brothers Mule Farm. Enjoy the “Best of Johnny Cash” film at The Palace Theatre and old-time Tennessee favorites at Grandpa’s Opry. >> visitsumnertn.com

SOUTH CAROLINA are sure to fill as many days as you desire. >> crystalcoastnc.org Adjacent to I-95 in northeast North Carolina, Halifax County is the first exit and well worth a day, or two-day visit. A must see is the Historic Halifax State Historic Site home to the April 12, 1776 Halifax Resolves the first official action for independence. Others not to be missed are the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, Weldon Mills Distillery, Lakeland Cultural Art Center, the Roanoke Valley Rocks art tour, Sylvan Heights Bird Park and the Roanoke Rapids Theatre. >> visithalifax.com Visit NC Smokies has become the destination for groups and families seeking an authentic small-town Appalachian experience. Well known for 46 miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with its highest elevation in the county and hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cataloochee Valley is where the elk live and there are sightseeing tours to take you there. The Wheels Through Time

With wide sandy beaches and accommodations overlooking the ocean, world-class nighttime entertainment, a multiple shopping experience and unrivaled dining, Myrtle Beach is a natural for any tour planner. Add to the mix attractions from a magnificent sculpture garden to state parks to saltwater fishing from piers or charters to amusements fit for any age and one very iconic boardwalk and like so many other visitors you’ll likely return and possibly become a local in the not to distant future. >> VisitMyrtleBeach.com In Fort Mill, SC just outside Charlotte, NC NarroWay Productions is providing live Christian performances in a dinner theater setting. Six original Broadway style performances include The Real Christmas Story, The 4th Cross, Anno Domini, Lord of Light, Samson the Last Judge and The Gospel According to Tennessee. Additional shows and events are mixed in throughout the year. Student and adult groups are welcome. >> narroway.net

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The American Southwest boasts striking desert landscapes, Native American history and photogenic mountain ranges that groups will want to integrate into their itineraries. Diverse landscapes include the Gulf Coast beaches of Galveston, Rocky Mountain retreats of Taos and lush prairies of central Oklahoma. Group-friendly national parks in this region include the iconic Grand Canyon (which features hiking trails of various lengths), White Sands National Park (an eerie fine-grained desert where visitors can “sled” on undulating dunes) and the cave superstructures in Carlsbad Caverns. Groups can also combine outdoor adventures with local history at various Native American heritage sites found throughout the American Southwest. Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona offers tours of the Sinagua Pueblo (which contains over 100 rooms), while Aztec Ruins National Monument offers glimpses of the sophisticated masonry work and architecture of the Pueblo people. Whether your group members want to learn about Texas Revolution history at the Alamo or watch roaming bison in Oklahoma’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, they will find an activity to excite them in the Southwest.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Photo courtesy of NPS

SOUTHWEST

Havasu Creek, Grand Canyon

Venture beyond the Grand Canyon State’s bustling cities and experience the solitude and natural wonder of Petrified Forest National Park. Home to fossilized plant life that dates back 225 million years, the park is populated by hundreds of bird species and colorful badlands formations. Also found in northern Arizona is the extraordinary Antelope Canyon, which through millennia of erosion has acquired beautiful red sandstone waves on its walls and openings that allow photogenic shafts of sunlight. The canyon lies on Navajo Nation land, but groups can explore the cave with a guide to learn about the history, geology and culture of the region. More red-hued sandstone formations await in Sedona, where the spires of the Schnebly Hill Formation reflect a purplish hue in the early evening. Experience the region with guided Jeep tours, horseback trails or scenic stops that offer views of the Verde Valley.

Photo courtesy of Visit OKC

ARIZONA

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

NEW MEXICO Some of New Mexico’s most awe-inspiring sites lie underground. Carlsbad Caverns, a collection of 177 limestone caves beneath the Guadalupe Mountains, offers ranger-led tours for groups comfortable with dark spaces and climbing stairs. Highlights include the Big Room (which is almost 4,000 feet long and the largest subterranean chamber in North America) and the Rookery (a space filled with opaque, spherical “cave pearls”). Aboveground, groups can hike through the surrounding Guadalupe Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert or arrange a sunset viewing party to witness thousands of bats emerge from the cave’s entrance. Home to the 800-foot Rio Grande Gorge, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is teeming with exciting outdoor activities. View the convergence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers at La Junta Point, or embark on a scenic drive along the 13-mile Backcountry Byway.

OKLAHOMA Blending Western swagger with urban flair, Oklahoma City features attractions for groups of all interests. Spend time at the Oklahoma City Zoo, which is home to nearly 2,000 animals and over 50 endangered species. Themed areas include the Great EscAPE rainforest environment (populated by chimpanzees and orangutans) and Oklahoma Trail (where you can find animals native to the state like black bears and bison). Other popular group options include the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (a sobering monument to victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (which contains incredible memorabilia from the American West) and Stockyards City (an entertainment district brimming with Western clothing outfitters, delicious steaks and the weekly Rodeo Opry). Itineraries should also include the

Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Covered with more than 3,000 acrylic panels, this sevenstory structure is a tropical paradise filled with exotic vegetation and over 750 plant varieties. >> visitokc.com

TEXAS Looking for an entertaining and groupfriendly live theater experience in the Lone Star State? Dallas Summer Musicals presents award-winning and family-friendly productions in Music Hall at Fair Park. Acclaimed performances have included The Sound of Music, Peter Pan and The King and I. Groups will receive up to 20% off individual pricing depending on the show. Student and scout rates are also offered, and military veterans and families are also given discounted prices. >> dallassummermusicals.org

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Full of hearty American cities, the Midwest is also awash with stunning natural landscapes that rival any in the country. A visit to northern Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for example, will bring you up-close to more than 300 waterfalls, while winter enthusiasts can venture to smaller locales like Munising and Miner Falls for top-notch ice climbing. Speaking of chilly weather, Minnesota and Wisconsin are winter havens, but they are also spectacular states to visit when the temperature rises. Minnesota is home to more than 4,000 miles of paved bike trails, 11,000 lakes and 500 golf courses while Wisconsin’s scenic wonders include waterfalls, caves, towering cliffs and distinctive rock formations. Illinois’ nickname is the Prairie State, but a journey downstate to Shawnee National Forest, replete with sandstone cliffs and formations, shows the state’s landscape is far more complex. A brisk drive across the border to Missouri will land you in the Show-Me State, and it has plenty to show, including caves, waterfalls and, of course, the majestic Lake of the Ozarks, which features more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, more than the coast of California.

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Photo courtesy of Harrison County CVB

MIDWEST

Harrison County in southern Indiana is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

ILLINOIS

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park, Illinois

Photo courtesy of The Chicago Southland

A newer attraction for group travelers is the American Writers Museum in Chicago. Opened in 2017, the museum has been educating visitors about American authors with engaging exhibits and events. Its mission is to celebrate the enduing influence of American writers on our history, identity, culture and daily lives. The museum also features a way for curious minds to experience exhibits and conversations with authors virtually via Zoom, which is free. >> americanwritersmuseum.org One of the best outdoor destinations in the Midwest, Carbondale is home to a variety of attractions and outdoor activities. This southern Illinois town is a great place for adventurous groups to go rock climbing, hiking, bike riding, hunting, fishing and boating. Shawnee National Forest is less than 30 miles from Carbondale, and features rolling hills, forests, open lands, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs. >> carbondaletourism.org Want to do some camping under the stars and catch some of the best views in the state of Illinois? Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Champaign County was certified as Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Park in 2019 and has become a huge outdoor attraction in the area. Here, visitors can sleep under the stars in the campgrounds and catch the best view of the night sky in the state. The park is home to hiking trails, a beach, and other amenities for guests to enjoy during the stay, but the starry sky will keep them awed. >> visitchampaigncounty.org The Chicago Northwest is a massive area located conveniently at the crossroads of several major highway systems. Chicago Northwest is home to more than 60 hotels with several major brands and price points and offers nearly 300 stores under one roof at Woodfield Mall. Food lovers will appreciate the area’s excellent dining options, including the Dining Pavilion at Woodfield Mall. Meet Chicago Northwest’s free group assistance

will help your group enjoy a fabulous outing. >> chicagonorthwest.com Adventures abound in the Chicago Southland. Representing 63 municipalities, this bustling area is never short on groupfriendly activities. While your group is at a taproom, they will enjoy a pint of one of the hundreds of signature brews that can be found in the area. Fans of the great outdoors can enjoy 40,000-plus acres of beautiful forestry and trails perfect for hiking and biking. The Chicago Southland is conveniently located 30 minutes from Chicago’s many attractions. >> visitchicagosouthland.com

With a slew of museums, arts, shops, hotels and more than 65 restaurants to explore, Effingham CVB has your group tour experience covered. Just 3.5 hours south of Chicago, the city at the “Crossroads of America” offers the joy of smalltown life with big-time sights. Don’t miss the 200-foot Cross at the Crossroads, fresh farmto-table meals served at the popular Firefly Grill and memorable performances at the Effingham Performance Center. >> visiteffinghamil.com Lake County is known for its fabulous group tour destinations. Visit Lake County will help your group plan a top-notch itinerary, where you can visit such attractions as the Tempel

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Photo courtesy of Tempel Lipizzans

MIDWEST

Visitors have the rare chance to see Lipizzan horses learning their dance moves in a serene setting in Old Mill Creek, Illinois.

Lipizzans, Cuneo Mansion, Wandering Tree Estate and the Volo Auto Museum. With dining venues like The Shanty, Chessie’s Train Car and more there is enough to keep any group stuffed. >> visitlakecounty.org One of the leading opera companies in America and located in the cultural heart of Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago entertains audiences with thought-provoking, dramatic and even humorous opera performances. Lyric Opera’s excellence takes place in a modernized opera house, providing audiences with a beautiful setting for a fabulous experience. >> lyricopera.org The city of Ottawa is home to a variety of agritourism and historic attractions. Its historic downtown is full of nostalgic charm dating back to the 19th century, including the Italianate Reddick Mansion, which was built in the 1850s. Four state parks reside within 20 minutes of Ottawa and visitors can enjoy its natural beauty from the water as they boat through the Fox and

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Illinois rivers. Groups can also visit the Illinois and Michigan canal that runs through the heart of Ottawa. >> pickusottawail.com Groups looking for history, art and music in motion have the perfection attraction in The Tempel Lipizzans in Old Mill Creek, Illinois, located between Milwaukee and Chicago. This attraction features the endangered domestic breed of horses, Lipizzans, which are stunningly beautiful. The Tempel Lipizzans are hosting “How a Lipizzan Stallion Learns to Dance” which will run year-round in 2021. With this training session, visitors will have the rare chance to see Lipizzan horses learning their dance moves in a serene setting. >> tempelfarms.com

INDIANA Amish Country of Northern Indiana is offering a new tour experience for groups of all sizes at any time of the year. Called Meet the Amish

Makers and touring in Nappanee and Wakarusa, this tour is an authentic Amish experience that visits backroads with an Amish step-on guide. The tour takes you to a camel dairy farm and through beautiful backroads dotted with pristine Amish farms and one-room schoolhouses. >> visitelkhartcounty.com/groups Located in College Park on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is one of a handful of full-time dinner theatres in the country. Open year-round, this dinner theater has entertained groups of 20 to 450 for nearly 50 years. Professionally produced plays and Broadway musicals are offered all year. With tiered seating in an intimate setting, you’re never more than six rows from the stage. Enjoy a buffet, freshly prepared in-house, and full bar service is available at your table. >> beefandboards.com One of the oldest professional dinner theaters in the country, Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville is proud to have served the Southern Indiana and Kentucky region for the last 45 years. The playhouse serves up a traditional home-style buffet and plenty of smiles with its famous productions of popular plays and musicals. Show-stopping desserts and a full bar are staples of the culinary experience. >> derbydinner.com Harrison County in southern Indiana is an outdoor lover’s paradise as it is home to an intricate caverns and caves system that can be dated all the way back to the Ice Age. Visitors can take guided tours year-round and explore amazing natural structures. Harrison County is also home to an array of local wineries and microbreweries. >> thisisindiana.org Most notably the home of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend Mishawaka is one of the more popular destinations in Indiana and along the Michigan border. It has a convenient location at the core of the Great Lakes region and is home to a variety of topnotch hotels, eye-catching attractions and a walkable downtown convention district. >> visitsouthbend.com

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Located on the scenic river bluffs of the vast “Mighty MO”, St. Joseph, Missouri is a notable American city with a fascinating heritage, born of the fur trade, nurtured by the “Westward Expansion”, and brimming with a spirit of adventure as thestarting place of the Pony Express, “Ole’ St. Joe is a city you and your group will never forget. St. Joseph is home to 13 distinctive museums, 12 annual festivals, amazing architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places and personalized itineraries custom made with home-town hospitality. Also enjoy goodie bags for groups and personal welcome from a St. Joseph representative. JUST AROUND THE CORNER Located at the crossroads of Interstate 29 and MO Highway 36 and only 30 minutes from North Kansas City puts St. Joseph within easy driving distance of over 17 metropolitan areas.

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For tour ideas, contact: Gracia Pinzino, Group Sales Manager stjomo.com/grouptour | 800-785-0360 | gpinzino@stjomo.com

MIDWEST IOWA

Photo courtesy of Iowa Quilt Museum

Iowa Quilt Museum

Photo courtesy of Catch Des Moines

Get out and enjoy the lovely natural settings of Des Moines, Iowa.

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A hidden gem in the Midwest for groups is Cedar Falls. This city has locally owned shops, plenty of eateries, a vibrant nightlife, tours, and museums that will appeal to the whole family. With a nationally recognized historic Downtown District, visitors are free to explore the beautiful city and enjoy performances at the GallagherBluedorn Performing Arts Center. Other adventures await at Barn Happy and the Cedar Valley Trails. >> cedarfallstourism.org Offering culture without the cost, Des Moines features world-renowned art and history and one of the top amusement parks in the country. Adventureland Park features more than 100 rides, shows and attractions and is great for student groups. Known as one of the most significant collections of outdoor sculptures in the U.S., the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture is the perfect stop for a motorcoach group. One of the best ways to enjoy Des Moines is by traversing the more than 800 miles of connected trails and its many parks and waterways. >> catchdesmoines.com Home to one of the most heavenly places in sports, Dyersville is where the Field of Dreams movie was filmed and where the famous field is located. Dyersville is also home to the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, National Farm Toy Museum, Dyer-Botsford House and Doll Museum, Antique Mall, plus wineries, coffee shops, boutiques, specialty shops and family-owned restaurants. >> dyersville.org The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, located in West Branch, operates not only as a library, but also a museum, and is one of 14 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. With self-guided galleries, a scavenger hunt for younger visitors, and events, there is more than enough for all age groups to enjoy. This presidential library also has its own gift shop, research room, and West Branch has plenty of restaurants to accommodate groups. The library welcomes an array of groups, including field trips, STEM trips, summer camp and more. >> hoover.archives.gov

Holiday Inn Express in Council Bluffs is a great place to stay as this Midwestern city offers small town hospitality. Each room is equipped with a 32-inch flat panel TV, fridge, work desk and beds with triple-sheeted bedding and four pillows. It also features an indoor pool, a heated indoor pool and a complimentary fitness center featuring treadmills, a stationary bike, weight machine and dumbbells from five to 50 pounds. >> ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/ council-bluffs/cbfrb/hoteldetail Traveling can be complicated, but the Iowa Group Travel Association makes it easy. This association is made up of highly qualified individuals who will use their expertise and experience to ensure you and your group have nothing short of a great experience in Iowa. Spend a day at museums honoring Herbert Hoover and Glenn Miller, or you can enjoy Prairie Meadows race track. From museums and parks to fine dining, this travel association knows exactly where to send you in Iowa. >> iowagrouptravel.com The Iowa Quilt Museum’s 2021 lineup of exhibits will feature a variety of both historic and contemporary quilts. Exhibits change every three months at the IQM so every visit is an entirely new experience. The year will open with String Theory: String-pieced Quilts from Past to Present. On March 23, a new exhibit will open featuring floral quilts from the collection of New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts. Whether a quilt lover, a history buff, a connoisseur of art and culture, or just an explorer of the world, there’s always something unique to see at the Iowa Quilt Museum in Winterset. >> iowaquiltmuseum.org Beautiful Okoboji is Iowa’s No. 1 vacation destination. Groups can take a tour of the lovely chain of glacier-carved lakes spanning 15,000 acres. Okoboji not only offers a variety of natural adventures, it also features plenty of activities including golf, amusement parks, art, theater, museums, fishing, nightlife, watersports, parks, beaches and trails. Guests can also visit the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, the Okoboji

Summer Theatre and the Dickinson County Nature Center. >> vacationokoboji.com Located in historic downtown Council Bluffs, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum is a fabulous

place for family and friends to learn about the famous railroad. At the museum, you can explore more than 150 years of history through unique artifacts, precious photos and several interactive

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MIDWEST The National WWI Museum and Memorial is home to the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world.

displays. The museum is donation-based, so admission is always free. It features a variety of permanent galleries, including America Travels by Rail, The Lincoln Collection and Building America. >> uprrmuseum.org/uprrm/

MICHIGAN Photo courtesy of National WWI Museum and Memorial

Looking for somewhere to watch a professional theater performance or concert? Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater has been a haven for the arts since it was built in 1882. This intimate 499-seat theater offers nearly-perfect acoustics and great entertainment year-round. Tibbits produces a professional summer theater program which USA Today calls one of “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway.” The rest of the year, Tibbits presents professional touring artists, children’s programs, art exhibits and cultural events. >> tibbits.org

MINNESOTA As the 14th largest city in the U.S., Columbus has plenty to see and do.

There are plenty of great cities along the Mississippi River and St. Cloud is certainly one of them. This easy to love city is a favorite destination for groups as they can stroll the Beaver Island Trail along the Mississippi River and through rows of perfectly-tended flowers at Munsinger Clemens Gardens. Guests can also enjoy its lovely golf courses, ride a bike along the Wobegon Trail and hike through the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. >> visitstcloud.com

MISSOURI Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus

There is an adventure waiting for everyone in Branson. From outdoor fun to amazing live entertainment, Branson has something for every member of the family. Enjoy fishing on Table Rock Lake and scream with delight on the thrill rides at Silver Dollar City. Families can enjoy a myriad of fun attractions including racing in go-karts, playing a round of golf at a local course or engaging in retail therapy with a great day of shopping. >> explorebranson.com

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Residing 100 miles southeast of St. Louis and situated along the bank of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a spot where groups can enjoy outdoor activities, fabulous dining and great shopping options. Cape is home to multiple museums, historical sites, including some Civil War sites, and a slew of family attractions like Lazy L Safari Park and Trail of Tears State Park. >> visitcape.com Known as America’s Maple Leaf City, Carthage is a unique crossroad of history, art and inspiration. Carthage features a variety of art galleries, museums, theaters, Victorian architecture, boutiques and the world’s only Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens. Carthage is also home to the Route 66 DriveIn, the last of the original six drive-in theaters still in operation and named after the famous Mother Road. >> visitcarthage.com Southwestern Missouri is home to a number of great places to visit, including Joplin, which offers both a tranquil, small-town lifestyle and an active urban area featuring a slew of entertaining options. Visitors looking to drive iconic Route 66 can explore the Sunshine Lamp District, home to dozens of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Groups looking for an outdoor adventure can visit Grand Falls, the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri. >> visitjoplinmo.com America’s official World War I museum and memorial located in Kansas City, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is home to the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world. The museum offers tours, and features a variety of exhibits, events, collections and more. The museum’s Main Gallery holds the permanent exhibition The World War, 1914-1919, which displays original objects, documents, video, recreated trenches and interactive tables. Its newest exhibition, called Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI, features original dresses, coats, capes, hats, shoes and accessories from WWI. >> theworldwar.org The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City maintains collections of more than

35,000 works of art and welcomes 500,000 visitors per year. The museum provides free admission to all and delivers unparalleled opportunities to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts and varied cultures they represent. NelsonAtkins@Home also offers a virtual museum experience of robust content. >> nelson-atkins.org This historic starting point of the Pony Express, St. Joseph is a popular destination for group travelers as it offers a variety of educational and recreational activities. Visitors can explore 17 museums, visit a myriad of historic sites, and even enjoy the Kansas City Chiefs’ summer training camp.

This city is also home to 48 parks and contains miles of gorgeous parkway. >> macvb.com/ st-joe One of the crown jewels of the Midwest is St. Louis. It is a place where history and imagination collide and the result is a Midwestern destination like no other. Easy to get to and easy to get around in, the area is filled with an eclectic array of shops and restaurants. The Gateway to the West offers exceptional music, arts and cultural options as well as renowned attractions at the Saint Louis Art Museum, Zoo and Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, Grant’s Farm, Laumeier Sculpture Park and Anheuser-Busch brewery tours. >> explorestlouis.com

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MIDWEST OHIO Groups aiming to enjoy some outdoor entertainment will savor a visit to Akron/ Summit, where they can visit the Akron Zoo, take in performances at the Akron Civic Theatre, and view historic art at the Akron Art Museum. Other notable features in the area include delicious food options at Swensons Drive-in, famous for its old-fashioned car-side service, and Chill Ice Cream, which serves delicious gourmet ice cream. Be sure to stop by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Scenic Railroad for an amazing outdoor experience. >> visitakron-summit.org As the 14th largest city in the U.S., Columbus has plenty to see and do. As seen on National Geographic’s Secrets of the Zoo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 9,000

animals representing 650 species from around the globe. The Columbus Museum of Art’s collection spans work from Columbus-born artists like George Bellows and Elijah Pierce to the luminaries of 19th and 20th century art while the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art and nature-based exhibitions. >> experiencecolumbus.com Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy some comfort food or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for in Ohio’s Amish Country. Interact with locals at area businesses and get a glimpse of farmsteads and daily chores. Visit one of the area’s museums or go shopping for antiques, arts and crafts, clothing or home goods. >> ohiosamishcountry.com In Eastern Ohio, groups can experience Steubenville and all the activities it has to offer. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in history at Historic Fort Steuben, a fully reconstructed 19th-century frontier fort; the First Federal Land Office, and a number of gorgeous churches that are home to some of most beautiful stained-glass windows in Ohio. Known as “The City of Murals,” Steubenville has 24 larger-than-life portrayals of people and events painted on downtown buildings. >> www.visitsteubenville.com Home to the first Christian settlement in Ohio (Schoenbrunn Village, founded in 1772) as well as Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort (Fort Laurens), Tuscarawas County is a historic destination for groups experiencing the Midwest. Tuscarawas County also features the World’s Largest Cukoo Clock in Sugarcreek and the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark. With more than 20 museums and historic sites, the county has something for every budding historian. >> traveltusc.com

SOUTH DAKOTA Home to gorgeous Falls Park, Sioux Falls is

GROUP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

one of the most popular destinations in the state. Falls Park’s majestic waterfalls cover 123 acres and an average of 7,400 gallons of water drops 100 feet over the course of the falls each second. Sioux Falls also has multiple attractions including the Imagination Studio at the Kirby Science Discovery Center or meet the Great Plains Zoo’s 1,000 animals. >> experiencesiouxfalls.com

WISCONSIN The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson is one of the Midwest’s most popular entertainment destinations. It is also the only Actor’s Equity dinner theater in Wisconsin. The Klopcic family is proud to celebrate more than 56 years of hospitality in the charming and historic city of Fort Atkinson. Guests are invited to browse through fabulous gift shops, relax in the lounge with a refreshing drink, enjoy a superb dining experience and enjoy a live professional show in the intimate theater. >> www.firesidetheatre.com The town of Manitowoc attracts thousands of visitors each year. Many want to visit the USS Cobia World War II submarine which is moored along the Manitowoc River. The area is also renowned for its historic Rogers Street Fishing Village, which features relics of famous shipwrecks and a lighthouse that was built in 1886. Groups can also explore 20 miles of incredible Lake Michigan coastline containing stunning parks, beaches, marinas and historic downtowns. >> manitowoc.info Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, features more than 2,500 of the most popular slot machines, is open 24/7, is home to nearly 100 table games, features bingo, poker, off-track betting, seven restaurants, a Topgolf suite, bars, an elegant 500-seat theater, luxury hotel room, and a full-service spa. This is one of the Midwest’s finest hotel and casinos, so be sure to plan a visit to enjoy some of the best gaming and entertainment. >> paysbig.com

Columbus is a city that’s made for sharing. Tour the stirring National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Explore Adventure Cove, the brand-new sea lion exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Live it up at Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus in iconic German Village. Our partners city-wide have taken the Live Forward Pledge to make health a priority so your group’s visit can be as safe as it is memorable. ExperienceColumbus.com/tours

Photo courtesy of Huntington Library

WEST

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Unmatched natural beauty awaits groups wise enough to venture to the Western region of the country. With a multitude of national parks and a variety of natural wonders, the West is one of the most scenic regions on earth. California alone is home to nine of the country’s 62 national parks, including rugged Joshua Tree (populated by vast stands of Joshua trees); majestic Sequoia (which boasts some of the world’s tallest trees); and the granddaddy of them all: Yosemite, internationally renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, glaciers and incredible sightlines. Not to be outdone, Alaska boasts eight national parks that accompany its wide array of spectacular natural wonders that include snow-capped glaciers, crystal blue waters, exotic wildlife and even volatile volcanoes. The West is also renowned for its noteworthy cities including Seattle and Portland, two cultural metropolises that combine bustling metro areas with celebrated outdoor scenes. Lest we not forget Nevada, which sports eye-catching outdoor destinations like Red Rock Canyon and the Ruby Mountains. Nevada, as you probably know, is also home to one of the world’s most popular destinations: Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, rarely rests and always delivers a memorable outing.

The Huntington Library in San Marino, California recently underwent a huge expansion of its Chinese Garden, Liu Fang Yuan, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. This is one of the finest classical-style Chinese gardens outside of China.

CALIFORNIA The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is one of the largest and most complete research libraries in the nation. The library features a collection of rare books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps and other materials in the fields of British and American history and literature. It recently underwent a huge expansion of its Chinese Garden, Liu Fang Yuan, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. This is one of the finest classical-style Chinese gardens outside of China. Filled with Chinese plants and framed by exquisite architecture, the landscape is enriched with references to literature and art. Visitors will now be treated to an additional 11.5 acres of landscape in the garden, including new pavilions and a penjing court. With the final phases of construction now complete, the garden has expanded from its initial 3.5 acres to 15 acres. >> huntington.org A legendary 57-acre theme park in Buena Park, California, Knott’s Berry Farm is home to dozens of rides, roller coasters and attractions. What once started as a small berry farm now bursts with attractions and entertainment for all ages, including stage shows, interactive experiences, delicious food creations and family-friendly fun featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. Just across the way from Knott’s Berry Farm, you’ll find a virtual tidal wave of fun at Knott’s Soak City, a waterpark with everything from soaring slides to a meandering float on a lazy river. >> knotts.com Your “Must Shop Stop” in Southern California, the Outlets at Tejon is ready to welcome you with your favorite name brands with savings up to 65% at more than 60 upscale fashion, home goods and accessories stores. Conveniently located approximately an hour north of Los Angeles on I-5, you can shop brands like Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and American Eagle Outfitters. Other stores at the outlet include Adidas, Banana

Republic, Express, Guess, H&M, Hot Topic, Levis and Lids. >> tejonoutlets.com The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a must-visit attraction in Southern California. Featuring hundreds of artifacts and dozens of interactive displays for visitors of all ages to explore, the library also offers groups the chance to step aboard the same Air Force One that flew President Reagan. Eighteen galleries pay tribute to America’s 40th president and his many accomplishments. In February of 2021, it is offering a new exhibit called FBI – From Al Capone to Al-Qaeda, a new 11,000-square-foot exhibition which covers the history of the storied agency from inception to its modernday efforts to fight domestic terrorism in the United States. >> reaganfoundation.org

NEVADA In downtown Las Vegas, explore the real stories and actual events of organized crime history through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts. The Mob Museum offers guided tours for guests who want a narrated, interactive history of the exhibits. The tours are available as individualized and custom add-on. Every tour will be unique as each guide brings his or her own personal interpretation and storytelling to the experience. In 2018, the museum transformed the basement into a speakeasy and distillery exhibition. Prohibition-era artifacts and photos are displayed throughout the Speakeasy, which is built around a well-stocked bar serving Prohibition-inspired cocktails. >> themobmuseum.org

PR RESIDE ENTIA AL LIBR ARY & MUSEUM

One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations! • Docent-led group tours • Two restaurants with tour group options • For information on FBI: From Al Capone to Al Qaeda and our other great special exhibits visit ReaganLibrary.com

Tour Through Air Force One 27000

View a Full Scale Replica of the Oval Office

Touch an Authentic Piece of the Berlin Wall

Once reopened, the Reagan Library will follow all CDC COVID health guidelines and cleaning procedures.

40 Presidential Drive • Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 805.577.2704 • ReaganLibrary.com

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Spanning the plains of eastern Colorado to the craggy peaks of Utah, the Mountain West region is filled with natural splendors for groups of all ages to enjoy. Many of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic national parks await your exploration in this region, and many can accommodate large parties with discounted lodging, motorcoach parking and ADA accessibility. Popular destinations include Glacier National Park (which encompasses over one million acres filled with crystal-clear lakes and moraine valleys), Arches National Park (a surreal landscape of sandstone formations) and Dinosaur National Monument (home to over 800 paleontology excavation sites). The Mountain West region also blends cosmopolitan amenities with easy accessibility to outdoor adventure. In Colorado Springs your group can ascend Pikes Peak and hike through the Garden of the Gods before experiencing the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, while guests in Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene in Idaho can enjoy world-class resort amenities before a boat excursion on the picturesque lake. From Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming to the Gallatin Range landscapes of Montana, there is rugged beauty for all groups to enjoy.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

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Photo courtesy of VisitCOS

FRONTIER/ MOUNTAIN WEST

Colorado’s boasts a remarkable diversity of experiences for groups to enjoy, from the cosmopolitan amenities of Denver and Boulder to rugged Rocky Mountain adventures. Offering more than 60 local attractions and easy access to Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is an enticing destination for groups of all ages. New to Colorado Springs is the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, which features innovative gallery spaces filled with digital projections and interactive screens to learn about America’s greatest Olympians. Other popular group attractions include the United States Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner & Western Show. >> visitcos.com Looking to rejuvenate your spirit and reconnect with family? The YMCA of the Rockies offers an authentic mountain getaway at its two locations (Estes Park and Snow Mountain Ranch). Lodging is affordable, and groups can rent cabins or vacation homes with easy access to scenic valleys, streams and majestic forests. >> ymcarockies.org

activities. Natural wonders include Rock City Park (a collection of “cannonball” boulders spread along a beautiful prairie pathway), Monument Rocks (massive chalk formations that date back to the Cretaceous Period) and the Kansas River (which can host float trips and kayaking expeditions). Groups looking for a hiking addition to their itinerary will want to savor Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which protects 11,000 acres of wildflower fields, rare grasses and a bison herd.

MONTANA Big Sky Country is a perfect outdoor retreat for groups. No itinerary should be without the Crown of the Continent: Glacier National Park. A jaw-dropping collection of alpine lakes, waterfalls and Native American history, this gorgeous area offers accommodations ranging from timber lodges to campsites. Be sure to drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road, which

Photo courtesy of Lincoln CVB

COLORADO

Lincoln

stretches 50 miles past glacier-carved valleys and herds of bighorn sheep.

NEBRASKA Commonly known as the best-kept secret in the Midwest, Lincoln is a destination that is sure to exceed your expectations and leave your group wanting to explore. The city of

IDAHO

KANSAS The sweeping prairies of the Sunflower State offer plenty for groups seeking outdoor

Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies

Featuring snow-capped peaks and rolling dunes, Idaho is one of America’s most geographically diverse states. Groups can take advantage of this variety with hiking, rafting and horseback riding expeditions that range from intense adventures to leisurely strolls. Explore the eerie landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, a protected area the size of Rhode Island filled with otherworldly lava tubes, cinder cones and fissures. Bikers will enjoy the Route of the Hiawatha (a 15-mile trail that passes through train tunnels), while courageous paddlers can attempt the whitewater passages of the Salmon River.

YMCA of the Rockies

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FRONTIER/ MOUNTAIN WEST Lincoln offers a wide variety of experiences and world-class attractions, from sports to arts to museums and more. From the Haymarket to Downtown, Havelock and everywhere in between, your group can explore and enjoy all that Lincoln has to offer. Whether your stay is a day, a week or longer, the tours the Lincoln CVB will put together for you will keep you entertained and coming back for more visits. >> lincoln.org

NORTH DAKOTA Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of

activities in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a 110-square-mile landscape of badlands, prairies and the riverbends. Groups can embark on a scenic drive to Oxbow Overlook in the North Unit, hike the Wind Canyon Trail in the South Unit and tour the remnants of Roosevelt’s private Elkhorn Ranch.

undoubtedly Mount Rushmore, the iconic depiction of four American presidents carved into the granite mountainside. Group activities include ranger programs, the Dakota Heritage Village and laser displays that honor George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Other South Dakota attractions include Crazy Horse Memorial (a tribute to the Oglala Lakota warrior), Jewel Cave (an underground cavern of delicate rock formations) and Badlands National Park (a rugged landscape of eroded buttes).

SOUTH DAKOTA Vast landscapes and photogenic monuments abound in South Dakota, a state defined by its frontier spirit. The most essential stop on your South Dakota visit is

UTAH The Beehive State is home to five national parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion), over 40 state parks and several world-renowned ski resorts that all welcome groups. Canyons, Deer Valley, Park City Mountain and Sundance resorts are all located in the hip community of Park City, where your group can visit several sites that hosted downhill skiing events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Mountain bikers will want to experience the famous Slickrock Trail, which offers several easy portions for less-experienced cyclists.

Glacier National Park

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Photo courtesy of NPS

WYOMING Yellowstone—America’s most famous national park—is easily accessible for groups and features iconic landmarks such as Old Faithful, Artist Point and Grand Prismatic Spring. Visitors can spend the evening in rustic cabins, the grand Old Faithful Inn or dozens of campsites spread throughout the park. Other awe-inspiring sites in Wyoming include Devils Tower National Monument, the mighty Teton Mountain Range and Hot Springs State Park—the world’s single largest mineral hot spring.

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Travelers seeking to stretch their legs and enjoy fresh air will cherish a visit to Sioux Falls

ome to a delicious food scene, fabulous shopping and a majestic waterfall park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota is one of the most popular destinations in the state. The city’s most beloved attraction, not surprisingly, is awe-inspiring Falls Park, which resides north of downtown Sioux Falls. Covering 123 acres, Falls Park sees an average of 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the course of the falls each second. Those looking to savor the falls can visit an observation tower connected to the visitor center, or can enjoy comfort eats at the slightly Falls Overlook Café. Speaking of tasty eats, Sioux Falls’ dining scene continues to impress as there are more than 700 restaurants who call this vibrant city home. Got a craving for French-inspired pastries? Pay a visit to CH Patisserie and order the famous macarons prepared by Top Chef Winner Chris Hanmer. Want a bite to eat while you’re exploring the city’s many boutiques? Sanaa’s Gourmet offers Middle Eastern cuisine with glutenfree and vegetarian options. There’s also fine dining with an organic twist at Parker’s Bistro, and so many more food options within walking distance of one another. Sioux Falls also features a myriad of

fabulous shopping options. Whether your group fancies antiques, the latest in fashion or unique gifts, Sioux Falls offers an exceptional shopping experience. A popular shopping destination is 8th & Railroad, which sits on downtown Sioux Falls’ Eastbank. This center features a variety of local shops and restaurants that specialize in needlepoint, art, interior design, cooking, clothing and accessories. 8th & RR, as it is known to locals, also hosts a Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and even a block party the first Friday of summer months. Those seeking additional shopping outings can make their way to Phillips Avenue, which provides more in the way of boutiques, restaurants, and space for a stroll through a lively atmosphere. Groups looking to get active can take advantage of Sioux Falls’ more than 29 miles of paved trails, which are perfect for hiking, walking and biking. You can also stroll from the downtown area to several city parks and also enjoy Sioux Falls’ SculptureWalk, an exciting outdoor art museum that rotates a variety of new sculptures every year. Sioux Falls also offers multiple attractions including the Kirby Science Discovery Center, one of the region’s best hands-

on science centers, and the Great Plains Zoo, which features more than 1,000 animals from 137 species. Those with an inquiring mind can visit Washington Pavilion, a historic cultural venue featuring art galleries, science exhibits and theater performances. Home to the Visual Arts Center, the Wells Fargo CineDome Theater and the Husby Performing Arts Center, the Pavilion is the place to see a Broadway show, get cozy with interactive and traditional art installations, and take in giant-screen movies. Getting to Sioux Falls is a snap, as Sioux Falls Regional Airport accepts flights from more than 200 U.S. cities, including direct flights from Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, Orlando, Clearwater/St. Petersburg and Dallas/ Ft. Worth. Come explore Sioux Falls, which is the place to be in 2021 and beyond.

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