john kloster
MIDWEST
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Midwest Rail and Cruise Options
Hop aboard Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or take a harbor cruise in Duluth.
irtually every group tour involves a motorcoach, and motorcoaches are convenient and outfitted for sightseeing and comfort. But you should consider getting off the coach and exploring other means of getting your passengers around.
V
BY RAIL The Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Mo. offers a 40-mile trip through the Ozarks from its base at the historic downtown depot. The exact route changes depending on the commercial traffic on the tracks, but either route offers views and territory otherwise inaccessible to visitors. Highlights include tunnels, trestles and extinct communities that disappeared early in the 20th century. Trips are offered daily from March through November, except on Sundays. All excursions are sightseeing only, except for the dinner trains on Saturdays from April through October. (bransontrain.com) The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway outside of Cleveland, Ohio runs through Cuyahoga National Park and along the Cuyahoga River. In the park walk along the Ohio & Erie Canal
Towpath Trail and see the canal lock and Canal Visitor Center, a canal-era structure offering a look into the past. The train also goes to Akron, where coaches are available to visit the Akron Art Museum, Akron Zoo or Hale Farm and Village. The southern terminus of the railway is Canton, where you can visit the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the Canton Museum of Art. Trains operate Wednesday through Sunday June through October and weekends only from November through May. (cvsr.com) In Iowa, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad traverses the Des Moines River Valley with its distinctive canary yellow locomotive and coaches from the 1920s. The train travels from Boone to the old mining town of Fraser to experience turkeys, deer or bald eagles. The railroad also offers the restored 1915 Charles City & Western electric interurban trolley through downtown Boone. For something different, the valley trip is also available on 1950s-era first class cars for the popular dinner, dessert and pic-
nic trains. Boone is also home to the Iowa Railway Museum, which is in the planning stages for a brand new facility to expand its offerings. (scenicvalleyrr.com) BY WATER Vista Fleet in Duluth, Minn., offers two-hour sightseeing cruises of the Duluth and Superior, Wis. harbor on Lake Superior. The scope of this giant commercial harbor is worldclass. Massive ore boats ply the waters delivering their loads to the commercial docks here. Cruises are offered weekends from May to early October and daily during the summertime. (vistafleet.com) Soo Locks Boat Tours offers a very unique excursion through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The Soo Locks is the largest waterway traffic system on earth and the two-hour narrated trip actually goes through the lock alongside large freighters. The ship is lifted 21 feet up to the level of Lake Superior. The ship then sails under the International Bridge to Canadian waters to see a steel plant and then returns to the lower harbor through the
Georgia Department of Economic Development
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Canadian Lock and past the St. Mary’s Rapids before docking back in the city. The line also offers luncheon cruises, dinner cruises and unique lighthouse cruises along the St. Mary’s River. These cruises go past the Cedar Point Lighthouse, the remains of the Round Island Lighthouse and then to the restored Point Iroquois Lighthouse built in 1871. From there the trips enters Canada for the Gros Cap Reefs Lighthouse and on to the Lakeshore-Shallows area and the picturesque beaches and summer cottages at Pointe Aux Pins. (soolocks.com) LGT
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For more scenic rail and sightseeing cruise ideas in the Midwest, log on to http://leisuregrouptravel .com/?p=23749.
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June 2011 27
Alton, Hartford, Jerseyville, Elsah, Village of Godfrey and Grafton, Illinois
DESTINATION ALL AROUND ALTON HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway ➤ Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Confluence Tower ➤ National Great Rivers Museum and Melvin Price Locks & Dam ➤ Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail with Dinner at Lincoln’s Table ➤ Dinner Theaters, Wineries and Scenic Views
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Begin your travels along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and National Trail Site #1 in Hartford, IL. Hear the story of the Corps of Discovery and learn about the five months they spent preparing for the journey. Next, stop at the new Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower and check out the view of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers from the platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet. Then, enjoy lunch in Historic Downtown Alton at one of the quaint hometown restaurants on Alton’s Antique Row, or for those art lovers, have lunch catered in at the Jacoby Art Center and watch the artists at work. It’s time to watch the barges come in at the National Great Rivers Museum and the Melvin Price Locks & Dam. See tows and barges as they push their way through this incredible structure. For dinner get ready for some side-splitting laughter at the Die Laughing Dinner Theater. Choose from several different shows served with a four-course meal and an extra serving of laughter.
DAY 2:
DAY 3: Back on the Byway, your first stop will be the dragon-like beast that decorates the river’s bluffs. The legendary Piasa was noted in the journals of Father Marquette and Louis Joliet during their exploration of the Mississippi River in 1673. Next take a guided tour of Elsah, “the village where time stood still,” and Principia College, the only Christian Science college in the world. The campus and the buildings are a masterpiece of breathtaking scenery and architectural beauty. It’s time for lunch in Grafton, where riverside restaurants can tailor a menu to your group with a scenic view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Plan a stop at one of the many wineries for a taste of the local flavors. The final stop on this tour will be Pere Marquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois. The centerpiece of the park is the Lodge and cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Let one of Alton’s step-on guides lead your group on a Historic Alton Tour, an Underground Railroad Tour or Alton’s Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail. Then, have lunch at one of the region’s many group-friendly restaurants. Visit the Alton Museum of History & Art to view special exhibits relating to the Civil War and Alton’s Underground Railroad connections. Next take a 30-minute drive north to Jerseyville, where we tour the Col. Fulkerson Mansion and view the Civil War artifacts of this Union military leader. Cap off your day with Dinner at Lincoln’s Table at My Just Desserts in Alton. Enjoy a meal that would have been served at Lincoln’s table. Guests will be engaged as they read aloud their souvenir name card, making connections with the many people that dined with Lincoln and Mary Todd through the years.
CONTACT: Alton Regional CVB
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Sissy McClain • www.visitalton.com 200 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002 Phone: 800-258-6645 • Email: sales@visitalton.com
➤ Gardens, Grapes & Galleries ➤ Barn Quilts of Calhoun County
28 June 2011
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Charlevoix, Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinaw City, Michigan
GRAND LADIES OF THE LAKES HIGHLIGHTS ➤ See the beacons of the lakes that guide the freighters ➤ Cruise through the busiest international waterway –
Soo Locks ➤ Casino fun included in your package ➤ Tour an actual freighter aboard the
Museum Ship Valley Camp ➤ See the third oldest city in the country –
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Love Lighthouses and the Great Ships of the Great Lakes? Step aboard Keweenaw Excursions’ exclusive package that embodies the majesty of the Great Lakes, the massive freighters, and the beacons of the lakes that guide these beautiful ships.
that navigate the tight channels and various ranges of the river. After arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, a coach will pick you up and bring you to the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie for the night.
DAY 1: The trip departs from the port of Charlevoix, Michigan. Board the Keweenaw Star for a beautiful boat ride north through the Grey’s Reef Passage and then east under the Mighty Mac, the world’s longest suspension bridge. This evening arrive in the historic city of St. Ignace, Michigan. Along the way you will see the lights at the Charlevoix Pier, Ile Aux Galets, Grey’s Reef, Waugoshance Shoal, White Shoal, and St. Helena Island. Tonight arrive at the Kewadin Casino for fun and entertainment.
DAY 2: A full breakfast buffet at the casino this morning before heading to the marina. Step aboard the Keweenaw Star for another day of an exciting adventure. From St. Ignace head east through Round Island Passage past historic Mackinac Island and continue toward Detour where we will enter the St. Mary’s River. The river acts as an international border between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. As you navigate your way up the river to the historic city of Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest cities in the United States, you’ll have great views of the lights of Round Island Passage, Bois Blanc, Martin Reef, and Detour Reef. While traveling up the St. Mary’s River you will be near some of the world’s largest freighters
DAY 3: The following morning you will get the opportunity to pass through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie aboard one of the Soo Locks Boat Tour Boats, a national historic landmark. The Soo Locks has been referred to as one of the great wonders of the world. Experience a ride through the lock system – chances are a freighter will be in the locks with you – it is a spectacular sight! More tonnage passes through these locks than the Panama and Suez canals combined. Afterwards, tour the Museum Ship Valley Camp. At this freighter-turned-museum you’ll learn what it was like to live aboard a working vessel on the Great Lakes. Discover the extensive nautical collection highlighted by the lifeboat from the famed shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Enjoy lunch in historic downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Explore the shops and boutiques in the city named by Father Jacques Marquette. A French missionary, he came to this area in the 1600’s and named Sault Ste. Marie in honor of the Virgin Mary. Afterwards board your coach for a short trip back to Mackinaw City for a tour of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. Mackinaw City offers great shopping venues and entertainment too. Explore downtown for an array of restaurants and attractions. Overnight in Mackinaw City.
CONTACT: Circle Michigan
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Janet Kasic • www.circlemichigan.com P.O. Box 541, Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: 800-513-6424 • Email: janet@circlemichigan.com
➤ Pig Iron, Pasties and the U.P. ➤ Quilts, Quakers & Collies
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EXPERIENCE GENEVA
Geneva, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Indulge in a chocolate tour ➤ Shop at over 150 unique shops ➤ Relax at the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Gardens ➤ Lunch and fashion show at Atrium Café ➤ Historic walking tour
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Breakfast: Start your morning at one of Geneva’s many diners or cafes – or save your appetite because you’ll be taking a Chocolate Tour of Geneva! 9:30am-Noon: Indulge your sweet tooth with a fun and educational Geneva Chocolate Tour. This guided walking and tasting tour of chocolate shops, bakeries and cafes includes traditional and nontraditional chocolate locations. Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch accompanied by a fashion show at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Cafe. Afternoon: Explore the 36 specialty themed rooms in The Little Traveler and discover treasures from around the world in this landmark “department store” dating back to 1922. Step outside and over 150 specialty shops are within walking distance along picturesque tree-lined streets. Many of the shops are tucked away in architectural gems that were once homes. 3:00-4:00pm: Geneva’s History Center will give you a behindthe-scenes look at Geneva’s past. Choose a bus tour with a step-on tour guide dressed in period attire or take a walking tour of the “haunted streets” of downtown Geneva. After the tour you’ll have more time to enjoy Geneva’s historic downtown. You can choose to shop, explore the historic district, or simply rest on a bench and soak up the small town vibe. Dinner: Geneva may have an abundance of small-town charm, but the dining options are world class. From fine dining to friendly diners, you’ll find the perfect option for your taste and budget.
DAY 2: Morning: After enjoying a complimentary breakfast from one of our fine hotels, spend a relaxing morning at the historic Fabyan Forest Preserve. Explore the latest exhibits at the Fabyan Villa Museum, featuring the Fabyans’ private collection of Japanese artifacts, scientific instruments and original furniture. Learn about the Frank Lloyd Wright design features throughout the Villa Museum. Savor a moment of harmony with nature and soothe your spirit in the Japanese Garden, originally planted in 1910. Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the sprawling estate of the Oscar Swan Country Inn. The proprietors of the Oscar Swan will work with you ahead of time to create a one-of-a-kind private luncheon on their eight-acre estate. Afternoon: After lunch you’ll have a variety of options. You can rent a bike and take a relaxing ride along the scenic Fox River Bike Trail. You can head back to the historic shopping district and explore all the shops you didn’t have time for the day before. Or you can visit the lifestyle shopping center, Geneva Commons, for the best national apparel and home décor retailers. Looking for something a little tastier? Take a Culinary Tour of Geneva and bake your own loaf of bread, learn about spices, taste premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, enjoy a tasting of hand-crafted beer, wines or coffees from around the world.
CONTACT: City of Geneva
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jamie Heflin • www.genevadowntown.org 22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134 Phone: 630-938-4555 • Email: grouptours@geneva.il.us
➤ Art & Wine in Geneva ➤ Crafter’s Getaway
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EFFINGHAM…WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW YOU AROUND
Effingham, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ My Garage Corvette Museum ➤ Cross at the Crossroads ➤ The Effingham Performance Center ➤ Ballard Nature Center ➤ Firefly Grill
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY participate in demonstrations and spend time relaxing on the beautiful grounds. For more information, visit www.ffgrill.com.
DAY 1: Corvettes and Motorcycles Start the day out exploring the history of America’s sports car at My Garage Museum, located on the campus of Mid America Motorworks. Located on the northeast side of Effingham, this one-of-a-kind museum houses vintage Corvettes and thousands of pieces of Corvette history and memorabilia. For more information, visit www.mamotorworks.com. From the Corvette Museum, visitors can then swing by the Harley Barn, which is just down the road. Legacy Harley-Davidson houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts and much more. This is a must see for motorcycle enthusiasts and a great stop for those who are interested in unique stores. For more information, visit www.legacyhd.com. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a home-style meal at Niemerg’s Steakhouse where guests will enjoy great food and great service at reasonable prices. From chicken dinners, to steaks, to seafood, Niemerg’s is certain to have something to please everyone. And, be sure to save room for their famous pie!
DAY 2: Dinner and a Show The Firefly Grill in Effingham is much more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary experience that brings thousands of people each year to the Effingham community. The Firefly Grill has been recognized in several publications including the Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetite and the St. Louis Post for its unique atmosphere and its efforts to Go Green. The Firefly Grill offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Groups are invited to explore the gardens where food is grown for the restaurant,
End the day with a show at the Effingham Performance Center. This is a 1,564-seat theater that hosts 40 performances a year. Local, regional and national acts are scheduled to perform, with categories including Country, Pop/Top 40, Contemporary Christian, Comedy, Jazz, Dance, Classical and Bluegrass. Several nationally recognized performers will take the stage during the theater’s third season.
DAY 3: Art and Engineering Effingham is a great place to explore the arts. Start the morning with a walk along the streets of downtown Effingham and take a tour of the Sculpture on the Avenues. This outdoor exhibition features over 30 works of art from some of the Midwest’s best known and unknown sculptors. Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham’s avenues into an art gallery! From there, guests may take time to explore the Cross at the Crossroads. The 198-foot Cross is certainly an engineering wonder, but its greatest miracle is its call to travelers from every faith, background and circumstance, reminding them of the positive values shared and cherished by all. The Cross features a chapel, reception area, restrooms, a refreshment center, and media room where visitors can view a video of the construction of the Cross. For more information, visit www.crossusa.org.
CONTACT: Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Kim Jansen • www.VisitEffinghamIl.com 1505 Hampton Drive, Effingham, IL 62401 Phone: 217-342-5305 or 800-772-0750 • Email: jansenki@ci.effingham.il.us
➤ Explore the Arts in Effingham ➤ Museums and More
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WHAT’S COOKING IN COLUMBUS
Columbus, Ohio
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Get a real taste of Columbus on guided food tour ➤ Prepare tempting meals under the guidance of a
Culinary Institute of America-trained chef ➤ Learn how to enhance your favorite recipes with herbs ➤ Figure out “whodunit” at the entertaining “Dickens of a
Mystery” interactive dinner theater ➤ Take a cooking class with America’s most-awarded spicy
foods creator
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Discover why Gahanna is known as the Herb Capital of Ohio. We’ll make herb-infused vinegars and oils at the Ohio Herb Education Center, and learn how to add the palate-pleasing flavor of herbs to favorite recipes. Continue our herbal experience at Teh Ku Tea Company in Historic Dublin, where we’ll sample teas from around the world. Or indulge with a food and handcrafted wine tasting at Wyandotte Winery, which makes more than a dozen varieties onsite. Taste handcrafted flavors like lime cardamom and cherry Lambic at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Chef/owner Jeni Britton Bauer’s handcrafted ice creams have been touted in dozens of national publications, including The New York Times that said her ice cream is “worth the drive to Ohio.” Take a guided tour of the historic Worthington Inn before joining the award-winning chef for an in-depth hands-on cooking demonstration. Help prepare a seasonal three-course meal, then enjoy our creations.
DAY 2: Taste the results as America’s most-awarded spicy foods creator John Hard, better known as CaJohn, uses chiles to make mild to fiery cuisine during cooking school at the North Market.
Eat, drink and explore with Columbus Food Adventures. Get a real taste of Columbus on guided food tours with stops at independently owned businesses, complete with samples of their best menu items. Explore new cuisines and learn about the history of Columbus’ delicious neighborhoods. Sip wine crafted the old fashioned way at Via Vecchia Winery, one of just a handful of U.S. wineries that don’t add lab-created yeasts or sugars to its vintages. Depending on the season of our visit, the wines could be in the crush (as in stomping with our feet!), fermentation, aging or bottling phase. Figure out “whodunit” at the entertaining “Dickens of a Mystery,” one of four original interactive dinner theater shows at Ohio Village, the re-creation of a Civil War-era town.
DAY 3: Prepare tempting meals under the guidance of Tami Cecil, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, at Woodhaven Farm. Pick fresh herbs from the organic garden, then prepare our meal in the state-ofthe-art indoor kitchen or the outdoor kitchen. Take the recipes home to re-create.
CONTACT: Experience Columbus
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Alissa Preston, Tourism Sales Manager • ExperienceColumbus.com/tours 277 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite. 125, Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614-222-6146, 800-354-2657 • Email: APreston@ExperienceColumbus.com
➤ Go Green in Columbus ➤ Girls’ Getaway Weekend
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Because the only thing better than telling old stories is creating new ones. If you’ve ever been to Columbus, you know it isn’t your ordinary destination. Its one-of-a-kind festivals, unique hands-on attractions and freethinking attitude make it a city like no other and one your group is sure to love. So start planning your Columbus visit today at ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or by calling 800-354-2657. COMING IN 2012
KANKAKEE COUNTY – HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Kankakee County, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Historic Barns adorn Kankakee County’s scenic countryside ➤ Frank Lloyd Wright architecture ➤ Mystery Dinner Theatre ➤ Kankakee County Museum guided tour ➤ Affordable accommodations just an hour south of Chicago
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Kankakee County Hotel Check-In: Kankakee County offers affordable lodging accommodations including two full-service properties. Take a minute to settle in to your hotel and freshen up for an evening of dining and entertainment. Be sure to pick up information and Barn Quilt Guidebooks from the front desk. Barn Quilts: Use your Barn Quilt Guidebooks to learn the history of rural homesteads in Northeast Kankakee County. There are many Barn Quilts scattered along the way to the Bennett-Curtis House Mystery Dinner Theater. Dinner Theater: At the Bennett-Curtis House your evening begins with appetizers and mingling with guests and cast. The cast is seated amongst you as a five-course dinner is served. During the meal a murder is committed. It's up to you to figure out who dunit!
Lunch/Cooking Demonstration: Take a seat for great service and a satisfying midday meal. Make reservations for a cooking demonstration at America’s Bistro. Watch as the chef prepares a masterpiece for your lunch and dessert. Barn Quilts: Schedule a step-on guide or use the Barn Quilt Guidebook to do a self-guided tour. Each historic barn is marked by a beautiful, hand-painted quilt pattern. The tour celebrates history, art, culture and heritage.
DAY 2: Kankakee County Morning: Enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your hotel. Frank Lloyd Wright Tour: Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright left an enduring legacy in Kankakee County with two neighboring houses beautifully set along the banks of the Kankakee River. The B. Harley Bradley House & Stable has been opened as a house museum. Designed in 1900, the Bradley House and its neighboring home, the Hickox House (private residence), marked the beginning of Wright’s Prairie School style. Experience the history of the house and its owners, life in turn-of-the-century Kankakee and the birth of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School design. Tours are one hour and include both floors and the Stable Shop gift shop.
Kankakee County Museum: Visit the Kankakee County Museum (also a Barn Quilt location). Take a tour of the museum, including the art gallery, historic 1855 Dr. A.L. Small House and the 1904 Taylor OneRoom School House. Walk the paths of Governor Small Park and the Museum's Column Garden and outdoor exhibit area. The museum houses a gift shop with Barn Quilt gifts and collectibles. Evening: End the day with a relaxing and delicious dinner at a unique restaurant. Contact the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau for a list of restaurants with private dining areas for large groups.
CONTACT: Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Melissa Nymeyer • www.visitkankakeecounty.com One Dearborn Square, Suite 1, Kankakee, IL 60901 Phone: 815-935-7390 or 800-747-4837 • Email: info@visitkankakeecounty.com
➤ Kankakee County - Indoor and Outdoor Adventures ➤ Kankakee County - Barn Quilt Tour
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HIDDEN TREASURES, COUNTRY PLEASURES
Lake County, Illiniois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Sanfilippo Estate, also known as Place de la Musique ➤ Gold Pyramid House ➤ Genesee Theatre ➤ Great Lakes Naval Museum ➤ Fort Sheridan and Adlai Stevenson’s Historic Home
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Wadsworth, Barrington, Lincolnshire & Waukegan Tempel Farms – The intimate experience of watching our famous Lipizzan horses in training. Take in the exclusive shops at the Ice House Mall. Tucked inside is Chessie’s/111 Grille, which gives a peek into Barrington’s past. See the former Barrington train depot and dine in a train car. Place de la Musique or the Sanfilippo Estate is a truly unique experience. This 44,000-square-foot home contains the world’s largest pipe organ (we provide a mini-concert), musical machines, Tiffany lamps and the carousel building for more amazing machines. We give you a glimpse on how the Sanfilippo family made their fortune at the Fisher Nut Store. Dinner is at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and just a short walk inside is our evening’s entertainment, a well-known or new musical at the Marriott Theatre. Check into one of our newest hotels, SpringHill Suites Waukegan/Gurnee.
Discover Egyptian treasures and life inside our unusual Gold Pyramid House. A home-cooked buffet dinner is waiting at The Country Inn Restaurant at Lambs Farm. Learn about their 50-year mission and shop in their specialty stores. Some free time to take advantage of all the savings and great stores at Gurnee Mills is always popular. Your outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Last Call by Neiman Marcus presents designer products that are always on sale. Optional evening entertainment includes Ravinia Festival, Genesee Theatre, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts and many area community theaters.
DAY 3: Great Lakes, Lincolnshire, Fort Sheridan & Wheeling DAY 2: Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan & Libertyville At Elawa Farm/Wildlife Discovery Center we teach about the history and gardens of Elawa Farm and its peculiar residents. The Popcorn Factory—the original popcorn in a tin company. Visit the store, enjoy samples and have time to shop for delicious treats to bring home. Keylime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort lunch – a splashtastic adventure isn’t just for kids. Have a fabulous lunch created by Chef Brian and take time to explore the resort’s wonderful shopping, goodies and Paradise Mist Spa. Take a glimpse back into time with a tour of our 1920s movie palace, the Genesee Theatre. Waukegan is the home of Jack Benny, who had many movie premieres at the theater.
Explore 100 years of history at the new Great Lakes Naval Museum. Learn about the man, the mission and his home life during a tour of Adlai Stevenson Home. Our Fort Sheridan’s legacy lives on with a windshield tour of the beautiful grounds and homes. A walk of the grounds is available along with a great group photo opportunity in the red hawk nest sculpture. A healthy lunch from Sweet Tomatoes and wine tasting at Illinois’ oldest winery – Lynfred Winery is one of the best ways to start the trip back home. All these amazing sites are tucked away in Lake County, right in between Milwaukee and Chicago. Our Hidden Treasures and Country Pleasures are just a short drive away!
CONTACT: Lake County, IL Convention & Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jayne Nordstrom • www.lakecounty.org 5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite #100, Gurnee, IL 60031 Phone: 800-525-3669/847-662-2700 • Email: jayne@lakecounty.org
➤ A Honey of a Tour ➤ Let the Ride Take You to Potawatomi Casino
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AMISH COUNTRY OF NORTHERN INDIANA QUILT GARDENS TOUR ALONG THE HERITAGE TRAIL
Nappanee, Middlebury, Shipshewana, Indiana
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Amish Acres historic farm guided tours, films,
wine tasting, family-style dinner and Broadway musical theater in Nappanee, Indiana ➤ Das Dutchman Essenhaus family-style meal, shopping,
garden basics seminar and hands-on quilting program in Middlebury ➤ Shipshewana Flea Market shopping in Shipshewana
(Tuesday & Wednesday only) ➤ Master Gardener step-on guide for full-day
Quilt Gardens guided tour ➤ Dinner at an Amish farm with Amish cooking class
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Shipshewana and Nappanee, Indiana Morning: Experience first-hand the Shipshewana Flea Market, the Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market with 900 booths covering 60 acres. There are special finds at every turn. A shopper’s paradise! Afternoon/Evening: The 80-acre restored Amish farmstead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the focal point of Amish Acres in Nappanee. A farm wagon ride, documentary films and a guided historic farm tour give guests an overview of the Amish way of life. Sample and taste wines from the Great Lakes region, then dine in a century-old barn restaurant enjoying the famous family-style Threshers Dinner. Top off the evening with live musical theater in the majestic 1911 Round Barn Theatre offering Broadway-style musical productions.
DAY 2: Goshen and Middlebury, Indiana Morning: Join your local Master Gardener step-on guide and get the inside scoop on the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail. You’ll hear local stories and see quilt patterns brought to life in vibrant colors at such gardens as Flower Basket, Sunrise, Pinwheel and Hope Blooms. Up to 18 gardens and 18 murals in multiple communities are featured along the trail, dependent on the group’s specific interests and time. Lunch/Afternoon: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at The Trolley Cafe located inside The Old Bag Factory in Goshen, featuring their signature homemade quiche and orange muffins. Then shop in the artisan complex of The Old Bag Factory, filled with pottery, furniture, candles and unique gifts. Conclude your visit at the log cabin shop of Quilt Designs, filled with exquisite, originally designed contemporary quilts. Meet owners and artisans Dave & Shirley Shenk, who explain their technique and showcase their one-of-a-kind trademarked patterns that present quilting as an art form.
CONTACT: Amish Country of Northern Indiana/Elkhart County CVB ➤ Sonya L. Nash, CTP • www.AmishCountryTours.org 219 Caravan Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514 Phone: 800-517-9657 or 574-262-8161 • Email: sonya@amishcountry.org 36 June 2011
Evening: Your adventure continues with an Amish Country experience of a lifetime! Meet the Yoder family as they show you how to make some of the tastiest food around in an Amish Cooking Demonstration on the Yoder family farm. Following the class, sit down to enjoy a hearty family-style Amish dinner.
DAY 3: Elkhart, Bristol, and Wakarusa, Indiana Morning: Continue your Quilt Garden Tour journey at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in downtown Elkhart followed by a guided tour of the elaborate Beaux-Arts mansion Ruthmere. The home is a time-capsule of a wealthy lifestyle in 1910, filled with a collection of fine art including Rodin sculptures, Tiffany leaded glass and velvet window coverings. Lunch/Afternoon: Dine in Indiana’s largest restaurant, Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, noted for tasty meals using family-favorite recipes handed down through the generations and tasty treats worth every calorie. Save room for pie – they offer 29 varieties! Following lunch, enjoy shopping in The Village Shops for gifts, baked goods and more. Then learn how to create your own backyard quilt garden in the Quilt Garden Basics class. Learn basic quilt patterns to incorporate into your own backyard, including color placement and flower suggestions. Finally, end your experience with your own handmade quilt. Roz at The Quilt Shop makes a little “quilt magic” without a needle in sight. Select and complete your own 6” x 6” quilt block in no time flat. It’s a quick, easy and fun way to create a take-home souvenir from Amish Country.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: ➤ Autumn Pleasures Along the Heritage Trail in Amish Country of Northern Indiana ➤ Delicious Stitches in Amish Country of Northern Indiana
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CENTURY-OLDE MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Shopping on Old World Third Street ➤ Gilded Age splendor at Pabst Mansion ➤ Miller Valley brewery tour ➤ Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum and
Harley-Davidson Museum ➤ Basilica of St. Josephat’s and St. Joan of Arc Chapel
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Come experience history, traditions, architecture and entertainment that span more than 100 years.
DAY 1: We will begin our tour with a visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum, which opened in 1882. The Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit area represents the city around the turn of the 20th century. Tonight enjoy dinner at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center, a downtown landmark built in 1889. It houses one of the largest private art collections in Wisconsin.
DAY 2: This morning explore Forest Home Cemetery, established in 1850. A docent-led tour will share the stories of some of our most famous citizens, including the Blatz, Schlitz and Pabst families, Alfred Lunt and Lynne Fontanne, and the Davidson family. Travel a short distance to the Basilica of St. Josephat’s, which tells the story of Polish immigrants who settled on the south side of Milwaukee. Lunch will be enjoyed at the George Watts Tea Shop, which has been run by the family since 1870. We will head over to Lake Park and the North Point Light Station, consisting of a 74-foot lighthouse tower and wood-frame keeper's quarters. This iconic structure played an important role in the region's maritime trade for more than 120 years. Stroll, shop and dine on Old World Third Street, the last remaining portion of the original German retail district in Milwaukee. It features the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, the Spice House, Mader’s German Restaurant and Usinger’s Sausages, which has been located here since the late 1870s.
explores the rich heritage of a world leader in the design and manufacture of mining equipment since 1893. Our next stop is the Pabst Mansion, the stately home of Maria and Capt. Frederick Pabst. Built in the 1890s, it represents the epitome of Gilded Age splendor. We’ll continue on to lunch at Best Place, located at the historic Pabst Brewery, first known as Best Brewery beginning in 1844. When you enter the Blue Ribbon Hall, you will instantly be transported back in time. Onward to Miller Valley, home to more than 150 years of brewing history. The brewery tour includes the historic caves and a sample or two. From one American icon to another, we head to the Harley-Davidson Museum to learn about this celebrated brand dating back to 1903. The museum features the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle and over 300 others. The museum campus has two restaurants for your group to enjoy.
DAY 4: Visit the Marquette University campus, home to the oldest church in the U. S., the St. Joan of Arc Chapel. This little Gothic oratory was built five centuries ago in France. You may recognize our next stop from a ’70s sitcom, but Milwaukee’s City Hall, built in 1895, was just named one of the top 10 most beautiful municipal buildings in the country. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Pfister Hotel, which has been the premier downtown hotel for over a century. You’ll appreciate the extraordinary architecture and Victorian art collection. We’ll end our stay with a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, a staple of our city for over 120 years.
DAY 3: Today explore the companies that have influenced our city, country and the world. We’ll begin with a visit to the Bucyrus Museum, which
CONTACT: VISIT Milwaukee
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Wendy Dobrzynski • www.visitmilwaukee.org 648 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203 Phone: 414-287-4222 • Email: wdobrzynski@milwaukee.org
➤ Spirits of Milwaukee ➤ Entertainment, Celebration & Fun
38 June 2011
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FUN AND GAMES IN THE PETOSKEY AREA
Petoskey, Michigan
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Gaslight Shopping District –
Boutique & resort shopping galore ➤ Historical Museum –
Discover the past of young Ernest Hemingway ➤ Odawa Casino – The finest in gaming, dining,
crafts and entertainment ➤ Bay View – Our National Historic Landmark
Summer Chautauqua ➤ Kilwins – Chocolate factory tours –
making yummy confections since 1947
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Arrival: Meet your local tour guide for a complimentary one-hour orientation and history tour of the area. Hotel Check In Dinner: Our small lakeside towns pride themselves on the variety and quality of their many dining establishments. Your group will find just the right blend of cuisine and service to please even the most demanding tastes. Evening Entertainment: Odawa Casino Resort. The entrance of Odawa Casino Resort is a one-of-a-kind architectural vision come to life. Inside, guests will find more than 1,300 slot machines, dozens of Las Vegas-style table games, unique shopping and some of the friendliest people on Earth. Odawa Casino Resort has dining options that will be sure to satisfy any palate and wallet. Waas-no-dé Buffet will dazzle your senses with seating for 350, live-action food stations, a rotisserie, a wood-burning pizza oven and a dessert station with a vast selection of tempting treats. Sage, Odawa Casino Resort’s fine dining restaurant, combines a superior menu, impeccable service and a luxuriously intimate setting to provide you with an amazing culinary adventure.
DAY 2: Breakfast: Enjoy a fresh and hearty Northern Michigan breakfast at your hotel. Bay View Association: This charming Victorian community beside Little Traverse Bay has its roots in religious expression and culture. The
Methodist Church founded Bay View in 1875 as a summer retreat. The community's programs included lectures, concerts, recitals and Sunday evening vespers. In 1987, Bay View's 440 cottages were designated as a National Historic Landmark, only the 17th such site in the state of Michigan. Many of these historic homes are still occupied in the summertime by descendants of the founding families. Hemingway Tour: Discover the life, times, and influences Northern Michigan had on the famous author during his youth as a summer resident on Walloon Lake. Lunch Kilwins Chocolate Factory Tour: One smell and you'll know why this company ships its sweets all over the nation! Shopping in the Petoskey Gaslight District: Flower boxes overflow with color and the aroma of fresh-baked breads and pastries waft through the air while you stroll. Shops offer high fashion for men and women, children's wear, art and photo galleries and antiques. When you are finished shopping, enjoy a leisurely walk along Petoskey's one-mile waterfront on Little Traverse Bay. Bayfront Park offers a paved trail, covered gazebo and the Little Traverse History Museum. Return to Hotel Young Americans Dinner Theatre: The Young Americans handpick top young talent from across the country to perform at Boyne Highlands, in July and August, just for you. Sophisticated cuisine and Broadway music combine to make an enchanting evening for you and your family or group. While you eat, The Young Americans sing songs from the time when Al Capone lived a few miles away, to more contemporary classic tunes that you know and love. Watch the vibrant young singers, dancers and actors dazzle on stage.
CONTACT: Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau ➤ Peter Fitzsimons • www.PetoskeyArea.com 401 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770 Phone: 800-845-2828 • Email: Peter@PetoskeyArea.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
June 2011 39
PRIVATE HOME TOURS
Quincy, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Unrivaled architecture & historic districts ➤ Riverfront dining ➤ Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Underground Railroad ➤ Great River Road ➤ Illinois Wine Country
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Exclusive Private Home Tours Wake up with coffee and a light breakfast at the impressive Granite Bank Gallery, formerly a savings & loan built of pink Missouri granite. Now home to a cafe, art gallery and home decor store, the gallery sits across from Washington Park, the hub of the sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Groups love our Private Home Tours of three architecturally significant homes in the East End Historic District. Tours are given by homeowners themselves, in neighborhood groupings. Enjoy lunch at the Pier Restaurant, cantilevered over the Mississippi, specializing in creative Midwestern cuisine. Take in a Behind-theScenes Theatre Tour at the Quincy Community Theatre. Visitors are exposed to improv, stage combat and even get a glimpse of the Green Room and Scene Shop. Peruse local antique purveyors or the outstanding Quincy Museum (formerly the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion) before heading to dinner at Quincy’s newest hotspot, ONE. In a restored theater, ONE is complete with original balconies, two bars and delicious fusion cuisine from an array of cultures.
DAY 2: Great River Road Trip Morning hours are magnificent on the Mississippi River bluffs, especially from the vantage point of Quincy’s 1900 Mediterranean castle, the Villa Kathrine. Following our castle tour, head north on the Great River Road to the historic Warsaw Brewery for lunch. Admire the broad expanse of the river and its huge lily pads on the way to Nauvoo, IL. This distinctively restored riverfront town boasts 65 shops and homes featuring period furnishings and knowledgeable guides. Horse-pulled wagon rides and tours of the city are available year-round. Settle in for a bountiful buffet at the Historic Hotel
Nauvoo, nationally known for its award-winning fare, with five dining rooms, each reflecting a different era of Nauvoo’s rich history. Return to Quincy for the evening in one of the city’s many groupfriendly hotels.
DAY 3: Underground Railroad Sweet start at Underbrink’s Bakery. Enjoy a “radio roll” or iced nut roll during a behind-the-scenes tour of this 1929 bakery where many of the original recipes and equipment are still in use. A step-on guide will accompany groups on the amazing Underground Railroad trail in the area. Quincy was the first “station” across the border from Missouri and was instrumental in the abolitionist movement. Lunch in a restored “scale house” in rural Adams County at Windsong Acres, studio of artist Shelly Rasche. This inviting space is outfitted with original details and fireplace. Meander to nearby Ridgeview Winery and wind down with a relaxing glass of local wine at this scenic Illinois vineyard.
CONTACT: Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Holly Cain • www.seequincy.com 532 Gardner Expressway, Quincy, IL 62301 Phone: 800-978-4748 • Email: hcain@seequincy.com
➤ Reds, Blues & Greens Golf Package ➤ FAB Getaway: Eagle Package
40 June 2011
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EXPERIENCE THE BLACK HILLS AND BADLANDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Rapid City, Hill City, Keystone, Wall
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Mt. Rushmore National Memorial ➤ Crazy Horse Memorial ➤ Badlands National Park ➤ 1880 Train ➤ City of Presidents
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Morning: This morning you will depart for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Set in the natural beauty of the Black Hills, sculptor Gutzon Borglum began a project that would become known as America’s Shrine of Democracy. The faces of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln come to life on the granite mountainside. Lunch: Head to Hill City for lunch and to explore the quaint shops along Main Street. Afternoon: Board the 1880 Train and enjoy this scenic and historic ride through the Black Hills to Keystone. Evening: This evening you will enjoy a fun-filled evening full of Western entertainment as you experience a Chuckwagon Supper and Show before returning to Mount Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony. Mount Rushmore takes on a magnificently different feeling in the evening as you witness the ceremony from the open, outdoor auditorium.
DAY 2: Morning: This morning you will see the world’s largest sculpturein-progress as you visit Crazy Horse Memorial. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski officially started Crazy Horse Memorial on June 3, 1948, to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians. Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Crazy Horse Memorial’s Laughing Water Restaurant. Afternoon: Continue on to Custer State Park, which encompasses 71,000 acres and an abundance of wildlife. The natural beauty of Custer State Park is filled with a wide variety of wildlife including one of the nation’s largest herds of wild buffalo, which you will experience up-close on the park’s Buffalo Safari. Evening: After returning from your Jeep tour through the buffalo, you will have dinner at the Custer State Game Lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1920, it served as the “summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge.
DAY 3: Morning: After breakfast, you will head to Badlands National Park. People are drawn to the rugged beauty of the Badlands, containing the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, spires and wildlife, all viewable from the park’s scenic loop road. Lunch: No trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at Wall Drug. In 1931, the Wall Drug Store got its start during the Depression by offering free ice water to thirsty travelers. Today, the family-owned and run business offers a spectacular, 76,000square-foot American experience, including the Western Art Gallery Restaurant, where you can try a local favorite, the buffalo burger. Afternoon: Returning to Rapid City, your next stop will be The Journey Museum to experience the history of the Black Hills from formation over 2.5 billion years ago to the continuing saga of the Western frontier. After completing the museum tour, you’ll head to downtown and the City of Presidents, where you can have your picture taken with the life-sized bronze statues of our nation’s presidents, which line downtown streets. Experience unique shops like Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries and visit Main Street Square while deciding which of Rapid City’s delectable dining establishments to enjoy for dinner.
CONTACT: Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Michelle Thomson • www.TourRapidCity.com 444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N. Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-718-8489 • Email: Thomson@VisitRapidCity.com
➤ National Parks and Monuments ➤ Native American History
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June 2011 41
AROUND THE WORLD
St. Charles, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Unique dining experiences that include Italian,
Mexican and Greek fare ➤ Tour an 1850s working Dutch windmill ➤ Exquisite marble carvings at America’s largest Hindu Mandir ➤ Live theater...choose from four St. Charles theaters ➤ And of course…Chicago-style pizza!
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Visit St. Charles, Illinois and experience a bit of the world! Kick off your tour with an authentic Nepalese lunch at Taste of the Himalayas. Next, head to the Fabyan Villa and Japanese Gardens. Remodeled in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, George and Nelle Fabyan’s riverside home is now a museum. Filled with their private collection of Asian artifacts and natural history specimens, the mansion museum boasts a garden designed by Taro Otsuka, a Japanese landscape architect. Enjoy this garden tour and learn how you might add beauty to your own backyard. A short walk takes you to an 1850s Dutch windmill, another treasure of the Fabyans. This five-story, 68-foot windmill is fully restored to operate by natural wind energy. Next, experience Hindu culture at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in nearby Bartlett, where you will enjoy hours of discovery and peace. Over 7,000 tons of Italian Carrara marble and Turkish limestone were hand-carved by skilled craftsmen in India and assembled in just 16 months right here in the states. Next, step into Italy with a wine tasting and tour at Acquaviva Winery, a family-owned, 40-acre estate vineyard and full-service winery. Stay for dinner at Acquaviva or head to a taste of Mexico at Fat Rosie’s, where you’ll enjoy traditional Mexican food with a gourmet flair.
DAY 2:
about St. Charles’ rich history and culture from our historian who will board your motorcoach for a complimentary driving tour. Ever wonder who invented barbed wire and why? This and more will be included in a trivia quiz – complete with prizes. Stop at our museum, too. Next stop is…Chicago-style pizza at Gino’s East! A trip to the Windy City isn’t complete without a slice of famous, deep-dish pizza. After lunch, receive a guided tour of the beautiful Hotel Baker, listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, and then spend free time in downtown St. Charles. Shop at a collection of unique shops in Century Corners Shopping District or visit Arcedium Coffeehouse, where coffee is roasted on site. Rent a bicycle and enjoy over 30 miles of bike trails or take a stroll along the Fox River. Enjoy Greek cuisine for dinner at Odyssey Authentic Greek Taverna. Let your journey to flavor begin with flaming saganaki and end with Grecian sea bass, de-boned right at your table. For evening entertainment, see live theater at one of four theaters in St. Charles. Choose from Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort; the quaint, 80-seat Steel Beam Theatre; the beautiful 1926 Arcada Theatre; or Norris Cultural Arts Center.
DAY 3:
Experience Ireland with a traditional breakfast at McNally’s Irish Pub (breakfast served on weekends). Or enjoy an eco-friendly breakfast at Prasino, where organic agriculture is a priority. Head to St. Charles’ Pottawatomie Park to enjoy good ol’ American fun on a Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise! Enjoy a scenic Fox River cruise, from May-October, aboard a Mark Twain replica paddlewheel boat. Private charters are available as well as lunch and dinner cruises. Or choose to cruise in the evening, with a French wine and cheese night. You’ll enjoy hearing
Since St. Charles is just one hour west of Chicago, extend your tour and visit Chinatown or Greek Town in downtown Chicago!
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: ➤ Summer Shines Through ➤ Girlfriends Getaway ➤ The Great Antique Hunt
CONTACT: St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau ➤ Jenny O’Brien • www.visitstcharles.com 311 N. 2nd St., Suite 100, St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 800-777-4373 or 630-377-6161 • Email: jenny@visitstcharles.com 42 June 2011
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St. Cloud, Little Falls, Cold Spring, Freeport, Royalton, Minnesota
KIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN! HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Charles Lindbergh Home – Where the famous
aviator spent his boyhood summers ➤ Hemker Park and Zoo –
Look and learn close-up tour of the animals ➤ Summerland – Is fun for the entire family ➤ Make a great memory of your
grandkid/grandparent adventure ➤ Treasure City – All things weird and wonderful
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Morning: Creativity with all of the fun and none of the mess. Taking pictures is part of everyone’s vacation, but adding in a customized handpainted picture frame makes the memory of the trip even better. Art As You Like It is where the fun begins. Lunch: Voted as the best burger and fries – Five Guys Burgers and Fries. All fresh products here, nothing is frozen. Afternoon: After lunch we will explore the wild side at Hemker Wildlife Park and Zoo. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with the animals. A 90-minute guided tour of the grounds is a chance to see a wildebeest, musk ox, black swans, kudu, penguins and so much more. Hemker’s also provides animals to zoos around the country. On the way back to the hotel it’s a must to stop at Mr. Twisty for an ice cream treat. The locals love Mr. Twisty—its trademark soft-serve cone comes with eyes… yes eyes! Evening: A quick check-in at one of our great hotel properties and we’re off to the Pizza Ranch for dinner…it’s an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, a favorite with everyone. Before retiring for the evening, you may want to head out to Summerland for mini-golf, go-karts, kiddie boats, bumper boats and on a hot summer’s evening the waterslide feels great. Or, take a leisurely stroll through Riverside Park and Munsinger/Clement Gardens located along the Mississippi River.
DAY 2: After breakfast you will follow the Great River Road to Charles Lindbergh’s boyhood home located along the Mississippi River. Sit in the plane the young aviator flew across the Atlantic and check out his favorite hiding spot in the house. The home has many of the original furnishings that were part of Charles’ early years. This is all part of the Charles Lindbergh Historic Site. Lunch: For lunch it’s the Black and White Restaurant. This restaurant has been in business for the last 80 years in Little Falls. Savor the flavor at the Black and White, from a sandwich to prime rib, and yes, they have a kid’s menu. Afternoon: Cap off the day with a stop at Treasure City. It’s probably the most eclectic store a kid can spend some time in just browsing through the trinkets, toys, T-shirts and some unusual items…just good clean fun at Treasure City. The best time for this tour is the summer months. Preferred ages: 4-12 years old. Welcome to Granite Country USA!
CONTACT: St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jean Robbins • www.granitecountry.com 525 Highway 10 South, Suite One, St. Cloud, MN 56304 Phone: 800-264-2940, ext. 129, or 320-202-6729 • Email: jean@granitecountry.com
➤ Stained Glass Sanctuary & Floral Fantasy ➤ Let the Good Times Flow – The Great River Road
LeisureGroupTravel.com
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QUILTING IN THE COUNTRY
McHenry County, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Northern Illinois Quilt Fest –
“Travel the Trail from Barns to Bedcovers” ➤ McHenry County Historical Society Museum Quilt Exhibits ➤ Grace Farm Studios – Organically Grown Raspberries
and a Working Icelandic Fiber Art Studio ➤ Shop Hop Through Six Quilt Stores ➤ Hidden Treasures Around Every Corner
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Whether you visit McHenry County in July, August and September of 2011 for the Northern Illinois Quilt Fest or at another time completely, quilt-related sightseeing and shopping is abundant! See amazing quilts, quilted barns, quilt gardens, art exhibits, quilt shops and special events you won’t want to miss. As you explore McHenry County, travel the scenic byways past barn quilts, porch quilts, quilt gardens, quilt shops, quilt shows and quilt displays! Stop off at one of our county’s many farm markets for fresh seasonal produce and shop for hidden treasures throughout McHenry County at Ginger Blossom, Steelheart, Downtown Crystal Lake, the Historic Woodstock Square and Huntley Outlet Center.
DAY 2: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning along with a refreshing splash at the indoor pool in one of McHenry County’s full- or limitedservice national brand hotels. Continue your shop hop to three more quilt shops including: Sunshine & Shadow Quilt Shoppe in McHenry, Pieceful Gathering in Fox River Grove and Material Girl in Crystal Lake.
DAY 1: Visit Grace Farm Studios in Woodstock, home to an Amish-style barn quilt, “Crown of Thorns," the whimsical 2011 “Great Berry QuiltOff” exhibit, “Irene’s Morning” (“Best Use of Embellishment,” 2008 Pennsylvania Quilt Extravaganza), organically grown raspberries and a working Icelandic fiber art studio. Start your shop hop with three of our quilt shops including: Woodstock Quilts and Hopscotch Square in Woodstock and Quilt in Joy in Huntley. Enjoy your lunch Wild West style at Donley’s Old West Steakhouse, Wild West Town & Museum. Cowboy, law & order, mining and Civil War memorabilia, and an antique phonograph and music box collection judged by the Charles Edison Foundation as one of the finest Edisonia displays in the U.S. Visit the quilt exhibits at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum in Union. Exhibits will include: "Quilting Optimism: Depression Quilts," "Going Crazy: Crazy Quilts" and "Seeing Red" (an exhibit on political quilts). Union is also home to the Illinois Railroad Museum, America’s largest railway collection. For dinner, try al fresco at Port Edwards Restaurant, a nautical dining experience since 1964.
Spend your lunch hour…or two…relaxing on the Fox River! The Snuggery offers lunch river cruises on their very own pontoon boats. Stop in at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake and enjoy their quilt displays and quilt garden. View the quilt garden at Countryside Flowershop, Nursery & Garden Center. See the downtown “Porch Quilts” in Marengo. While there, stop in at Flatlander Market for a great selection of Illinois wines, a sweet treat or grab a gourmet box lunch to go for a yummy meal to enjoy on your way home! Enhance your quilt experience in McHenry County with our very own local AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser, quilt historian, teacher and quilt maker, Sandy. She offers half-day, one-day and two-day quilt lectures and workshops on a number of quilt-related topics. Her favorite topics are how to protect and safeguard newly-made and older quilts and the importance of labeling your quilts.
CONTACT: McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jaki Berggren • www.visitmchenrycounty.com 5435 Bull Valley Rd., Suite #324B, McHenry, IL 60050 Phone: 888-363-6177 • Email: sales@mchenrycountycvb.com
➤ European Treasures, Country Pleasures ➤ Plains, Trains & Automobiles
44 June 2011
special section
LeisureGroupTravel.com
JOLIET’S JOLLY HOLIDAYS
Joliet, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ “White Christmas” Holiday Celebration at the
Abbey Dinner Theatre ➤ Talk & Tour of Jacob Henry Mansion ➤ Overnight Accommodations ➤ Poinsettia Show at Birdhaven Greenhouse ➤ Organ Mini-Concert & Tour at the Rialto Square Theatre
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Joilet, Illinois Be personally greeted upon arrival at the Jacob Henry Mansion, where you will receive a Welcome Reception in the Drawing Room, the main room of this National Historic Landmark. Enjoy assorted hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar as you are treated to a talk and tour of the 1873 Victorian home before departing next door for dinner. You will marvel at the craftsmanship and warmth of the mansion with 40 rooms that feature Old World fixtures and Victorian charm. From November through mid-January, the Jacob Henry Mansion celebrates its annual Victorian Holiday. The holly, evergreen and mistletoe are abundant in Victorian custom and each room is decorated in its own special way. Located on the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, the Abbey Dinner Theatre combines the best in homemade meals, heartwarming musical productions and family hospitality. Join us for our annual holiday celebration, “White Christmas,” inspired by the classic film White Christmas. This spectacular holiday concert will take you on a musical journey from a World War II performance for the troops to the glamour of a Florida nightclub and finally the charm and simple beauty of a New England town. Please visit www.landmarkdestinations.com to view the complete schedule for the Abbey Theatre. Depart for one of Landmark Destinations’ motorcoach-friendly hotel properties to enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center, or head off to one of Joliet’s two Vegas-style casinos.
DAY 2: Joilet, Illinois Start off your day with a relaxing extended continental breakfast at the hotel before heading off for Pilcher Park. Arrive at Birdhaven Greenhouse to view spectacular poinsettias amongst the sparkling lights of the holiday. Make sure to bring a camera! Poinsettia plants are available for purchase. The Greenhouse & Conservatory was constructed at its current site in the early 1900s. The Italian Renaissance-style facility features spectacular floral shows with seasonal motifs during fall, winter and spring. A tropical house, cacti room and show house are offered year-round. Your next stop of the trip will be at the Rialto Square Theatre, located in Joliet’s City Center. This beautifully restored 1920s vaudeville theater will have you in awe as you walk through the esplanade fashioned after the Palace of Versailles, the rotunda based on the Pantheon of Rome and take in every twinkle of the 22-foot Czechoslovakian hand-cut crystal chandelier. You will be treated to a private organ mini-concert on the world renowned Barton Grande Theatre Pipe Organ. Before heading home, enjoy lunch at one of Joliet’s fine dining establishments.
CONTACT: Joliet Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Ben Benson • www.visitjoliet.org 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 Phone Ctc: 815-724-4460 • Email: bbenson@jolietcity.org
➤ Joliet’s Stars & Stripes ➤ Joliet Kicks on Route 66
LeisureGroupTravel.com
June 2011 45