TAKE A BITE OUT OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Marshall, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and New Buffalo, Michigan
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Broadway fare at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre ➤ Gaming action at Firekeepers Casino ➤ Visions of yesteryear at Gilmore Car Museum ➤ Winery visit along the Wine Trail ➤ Fruit farm tour and picnic-style dinner
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Battle Creek - Marshall Experience the Freedom Saga Tour. Witness the finest and largest display of underground railroad sculptures in the entire country. Bronze sculptures bigger than life depict Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and families of slaves fleeing out of a forest and into a river. Riveting, dramatic stories told by a guided city tour in Battle Creek.
What a unique experience among automobile attractions…..the Gilmore Car Museum! Situated in the hilly countryside, the Gilmore houses antique automobiles in historic red barns. Part of the Motor Cities National Heritage, this is a “must see” on all tours. Take a spin in a vintage car or hop aboard a London double-decker bus. Round out your visit with a stop in their Blue Moon Diner for an ice cream treat!
The magic of Broadway-style theatre – brought to you by Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre. Enjoying talented performers from across the country, groups enjoy a traditional turkey meal with all the fixin’s accompanied by professional entertainment in an intimate setting.
It’s cocktail hour with a stop at one of many wineries along the Wine Trail. This region has more than 10,000 acres of grapes that are nestled among the rolling hills and inland lakes. A superior culinary experience. Cheers!
From burning hot slots to scorching giveaways, you have more ways to win big at Firekeepers Casino. Like bonfire big! Enjoy your evening of gaming at Michigan’s newest casino. Newly renovated McCamly Plaza Hotel is the place to overnight. Warm hospitality and superior guest rooms make it tops for group tours!
DAY 2: Kalamazoo Prepare for take-off this morning! The Air Zoo is a highly charged, multisensory atmosphere that goes beyond anything you’ve ever seen. Everything is designed to help you achieve the total flight experience. Strap in as you experience adventure and entertainment. Nestled in Hickory Corners and built by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg in 1925, Kellogg Manor House is a classic Tudor-style home sitting high on beautiful Gull Lake. Lunch will be at the stately residence. Afterwards, enjoy a tour of the home and lovely gardens.
DAY 3: St. Joseph - New Buffalo Take a bite out of fresh farm fruits or vegetables in Michigan and you’ll never buy store-bought again. Over 60 roadside markets and fruit farms offer sun-ripened goodness. The temperate climate has helped Michigan to lead the nation in growing tart cherries and blueberries. Take a farm tour aboard a “folks-wagon” and hear the history of the farm and witness harvesting techniques. How about participating in your own group cherry-pit spitting contest, too? Pick out your own assortment of fruits and veggies or jams, jellies and cider. Enjoy a picnic-style dinner at the fruit farm—and a big slice of homemade cherry pie. Yummy! Your day ends along the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan with an overnight at Marina Grand Resort. Every room has a spectacular view of the harbor. Now go and ahead and catch some peaceful zzzz’s……
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
➤ Join the U.P. Fun Ship…An Adventure Awaits You ➤ Paradise of Sugar Sand Beaches Lap the Shores of Lake Michigan
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DISCOVER GENEVA
Geneva, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Trip to Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Gardens ➤ Culinary tour of Geneva ➤ Guided bus tour of historic downtown ➤ Shopping in historic district ➤ Lunch at Mill Race Inn
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 culinary tour of Geneva! 9:30am – Noon: Take a culinary tour of Geneva and sample the various good eats along Third Street and State Street, or take a cooking class and learn the ins and outs from the pros. Make 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. End your tour with lunch at one of Geneva’s many restaurants. Or, take a cooking class with the renowned chef of Wildwood Restaurant, make delicious meals from scratch, and enjoy your hard work at the end of the class. Afternoon: After lunch choose your history tour. A step-on tour guide, dressed in period attire, will guide you through the streets of downtown Geneva as you learn about the historic figures that helped shape this quaint riverside community. Or take a walking tour of the “haunted streets” of downtown Geneva on a guided ghost tour. Tours will end at the Geneva History Center, where you can receive a guided tour of the museum and its current exhibits.
themed rooms. Shoppers will discover treasures from around the world in this landmark “department store” dating back to 1922. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Geneva’s fabulous restaurants. From fine dining to friendly diners, there truly is something for every taste and budget.
DAY 2: After enjoying the 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 at the Mill Race Inn, a Geneva landmark since 1933. Mill Race Inn offers traditional American fare in a charming setting overlooking the Fox River. Feed the ducks!
Afterwards, enjoy exploring the unique shops in Geneva’s historic downtown shopping district with over 600 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Over 150 shops are within walking distance along picturesque tree-lined streets. Many of the shops are tucked away in architectural gems that were once homes. Don’t miss The Little Traveler, which offers a wonderful assortment of 36 specialty
Afternoon: After lunch the choice is yours to take a relaxing bike ride along the scenic Fox River Bike Trail, take an invigorating kayaking lesson, or head back to the historic shopping district and explore all the shops you didn’t have time for the day before.
CONTACT: City of Geneva
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Ellen Divita or Jamie Heflin • www.genevadowntown.org 22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134 Phone: 630-232-7449 • Email: grouptours@geneva.il.us
➤ Crafters Getaway in Geneva ➤ Wine and Art in Geneva
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TAKING THE STAGE IN ST. CHARLES!
St. Charles, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Experience up to five live theaters in St. Charles! ➤ Tour a 900-seat former vaudeville house, built in 1926
– still using the original pipe organ! ➤ Participate in a hands-on art class ➤ Dine in a former church, built in 1851
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Upon your arrival in St. Charles, enjoy lunch along the Fox River at the beautiful Hotel Baker. Built in 1928, this charming hotel offers a group tour menu with a complimentary hotel tour. Listen up for the legendary stars who performed and stayed here in the early 1900s! After lunch, take a journey through St. Charles with a step-on guide from the Visitors Bureau. End your tour at the St. Charles History Museum and learn about all the magnificent people, places and things mentioned during your driving tour! Go behind the scenes with a tour of the Arcada Theatre. Built in 1926, this landmark is one of only a handful of vaudeville-era theaters that is still in its original splendor of the “Roaring Twenties” and to this day uses the original pipe organ! Next up… live theater! Enjoy dinner and a play at Pheasant Run Resort. Laugh with award-winning Noble Fool Theatricals, showcasing professional Off-Broadway musicals and interactive comedies in the resort’s Main Stage or intimate Studio Theater. Ask about a Murder Mystery dinner. Before the performance, check out the Bourbon Street Art Gallery!
DAY 2: After breakfast, visit the Fine Line Creative Arts Center. The Fine Line is one of only a few regional art centers in this country and is housed in a former barn! The center was recently featured in the book “Barns of Illinois.” View the Fine Line Prairie as you approach the center for your art experience! Prearrange a presentation, tour of the galleries or a short class with Fine Line Faculty. They offer many different types of art media!
luncheon down the scenic Fox River! Enjoy a private chartered cruise with lunch during this popular group activity. Launches from beautiful Pottawatomie Park. Now it’s time for shopping in downtown St. Charles. Be sure to visit our art, antique and boutique shops. For dinner, you will enjoy a truly unique dining experience at Onesti’s Italian Steakhouse and Supper Club! Housed in a former Catholic church and built in 1851, this restaurant is a favorite among tour groups. After dinner, enjoy a performance at Steel Beam Theatre. Live theater presentations in an intimate, historic setting with just 79 seats – not a bad view in the house!
DAY 3: After breakfast, you will visit Norris Cultural Arts Center Art Gallery and Theater. This 1,000-seat live theater has provided family entertainment for over 20 years. The Norris Art Gallery has various art exhibits throughout the year. Or visit King’s Mill Refinishing for a discussion on what to look for when purchasing an oriental rug. King’s Mill specializes in fine furniture and antique restoration. A truly wonderful gem of a shop! Depending on the time of year you are visiting, add one of these special events to your itinerary: Kane County Flea Market (MarchDecember), St. Charles Fine Art Show (May), Concerts in the Park (Thursdays from June-August), Antique Collectible Toy and Doll Show (April & October), Country Folk Art Festival (September), Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine & Juke Box Show (November), Christmas on the Fox (November) and Christmastime at the Fine Line (December).
Or…stroll through Sculptures in the Park in beautiful Mt. St. Mary’s Park. From May-October, enjoy this magnificent exhibition of original, unique sculptures. Then, enjoy a paddlewheel riverboat cruise
CONTACT: St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jenny O’Brien • www.visitstcharles.com 311 N. 2nd St., Suite 100, St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-377-6161 • Email: jenny@visitstcharles.com
➤ Scarecrow Festival – The 25th Anniversary! (Oct. 8-10, 2010) ➤ Students on Stage – Ask about our Student theater program!
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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
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GUARDIANS OF THE LAND AG EXPERIENCE
Four Counties in Northwest Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Excursion to Muller’s Lane Farm to experience the old
homestead way of life ➤ Grist Mill demonstration of stone-grinding techniques
used in milling wheat ➤ Cooking demonstration & luncheon featuring organic
produce & meat ➤ Tour of John Deere Historic Site, where the plow
was invented ➤ Tour of Chaplin Creek Village, a restoration depicting a
mid-19th century prairie settlement
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Rock Falls & Sterling Begin your ag-tour at Muller’s Lane Farm, where they use traditional methods and still farm using Belgian draft horses and steel-wheel machinery. This farm will expose you to history still happening. Your next destination is Behrens’ Muffins ’N More for a lunch of downhome cooking & homemade muffins and desserts. You can then explore Behrens’ Country Village for unique gifts and floral items. Following lunch, you’ll travel to Chief Shikshak Northwest Bison Ranch to view bison, red deer, heritage waterfowl and peacocks. Guided humvee or walking tours will take you for an off-road adventure to experience the scenic woodland habitat. You will return to Rock Falls and following check-in at your hotel, evening dinner will be arranged at your choice of local eateries ranging from elegant fine dining restaurants to cute mom and pop cafes serving local favorites. (L,D)
DAY 2: Milledgeville, Mt. Carroll, Grand Detour & Dixon Day Two begins with a scenic drive through the country to visit Roger’s Creek Grist Mill in Milledgeville to tour this mill built from reclaimed barn wood & mill equipment. Roger will demonstrate the stone-grinding techniques of yesteryear, and we will sample products under development such as various types of flours and mixes made into muffins and breads. After driving to Mt. Carroll you’ll join Learn Great Foods chef Donna Duvall in her unique kitchen on the picturesque campus of Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, where she will give a cooking demonstration using organic produce and meat followed by a five-course lunch. Following lunch you’ll
drive to Grand Detour to tour the John Deere Historic Site to visit the restored pioneer home and special archaeological exhibit of the original blacksmith shop. This is the site where John Deere invented the self-cleaning plow and revolutionized farming. The historic site includes a working blacksmith shop, gift shop and visitors center. At the end of Day Two you will travel to Dixon and check into your hotel before proceeding to dinner at one of Dixon’s fine dining establishments. (L,D)
DAY 3: Franklin Grove Following breakfast, a tour of the Chaplin Creek Village in Franklin Grove introduces you to an evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement typical of the 19h century. Historically significant buildings and artifacts have been relocated from the surrounding area such as a blacksmith shop, a saltbox-style house built in the mid-1800s and a typical country schoolhouse. A short trip to the Franklin Creek Grist Mill is followed by a down-home country lunch served on this site located within the Franklin Creek Natural Area. A tour of the reconstructed timber-frame 1847 mill will allow participants to watch the four-ton waterwheel as it powers pulleys and gears to turn the millstone to grind corn. Also featured is a display of panels of 43 native Illinois trees and a variety of fossils found in the stone walls. (L) Itinerary options include historic architectural tours, tours of modern, state-of-the-art working farms or our Reagan Roots tour. We can personalize the Guardians of the Land Ag Experience to suit any group.
CONTACT: Blackhawk Waterways CVB
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Julie Kessinger, Group Tour Coordinator • www.bwcvb.com 201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064 Phone: 800-678-2108 • Email: jkessinger@bwcvb.com
➤ Rock River Culinary Tour ➤ Sweet & Salty Saturday with a Chocolate Covered Sunday: A Weekend on the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail
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THE MANSIONS OF LAKE COUNTY
Lake County, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Cuneo Mansion & Gardens ➤ Tempel Lipizzans ➤ Downtown Antioch ➤ Lehmann Mansion ➤ Gold Pyramid House
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Shiloh House is an elegant 25-room mansion that was built by the City of Zion's founder, the Reverend John Alexander Dowie, who headed the Christian Catholic Church. Artifacts of the period and many personal items of the late Dr. and Mrs. Dowie are on display. A leisurely lunch at Savanna House Restaurant fits in well with your mansions tour. The restaurant takes its name from the lush green forest preserve it is located in front of, in the beautiful town of Wadsworth, Illinois. Libertyville's most prominent building, the Cook Mansion, was built in 1879 by Ansel Brainerd Cook. The two-story Victorian mansion served as Cook's summer home as well as the center of his horse farm. The Cuneo Mansion and Gardens is an historic mansion dating from 1914 nestled on 74 acres of vistas and formal gardens. Owned by the Cuneo family from 1937-1990, the museum reflects European architecture and decor, including furnishings and paintings. Due to its beauty, this mansion has been used for several movie locations. Check into the newly remodeled Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and you'll be impressed with the changes. The King's Wharf Restaurant is located right in the hotel for convenient dining and the Marriott Theatre has a year-round schedule of favorite and new musicals.
DAY 2: Start the day with a Tempel Lipizzans performance (mid-June through the end of August) or their Tour & Training Session in the off-season. Either way you will experience these beautiful stallions that have performed for royalty and have been in several inauguration parades.
Head into the quaint Village of Antioch for some unique shopping fine arts, chocolate, jewelry, home decor and more. Arrange for a stop at the local china outlet that has produced china for kings and queens. By now, everyone must be getting hungry, so take in the "royal treatment" at the downtown tea shop. Or arrange a special lunch at Lehmann Mansion, which was constructed in 1912 as a summer home for Edward J. Lehmann and his family. The drive up to the mansion will take your breath away! A "mansion" of another color, the Gold Pyramid House is the home to Egyptian artifacts, and your group can learn of life experiences inside a pyramid. During the summer, an evening of beautiful music reigns at Ravinia Festival. A gathering place for music lovers for over 100 years, Ravinia offers classical, pop, jazz and kids concerts featuring world-class stars under the stars. Dinner can be as simple as on the lawn or a group dinner inside for an elegant setting. Whether you choose a one-day or two-day tour of Lake County, your group will feel like royalty when they leave for home!
CONTACT: Lake County, Illinois CVB
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jayne Nordstrom • www.lakecounty.org 5465 Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031 Phone: 800-Lake-Now • Email: Jayne@lakecounty.org
➤ Spooky Spaces ➤ Green Spaces
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WE DON’T HAVE PYRAMIDS IN COLUMBUS But with everything else you can experience you won’t even notice.
Our experiential tours were created for the curious. Those who want to know what it’d be like to bottle their own wine, or interact with exotic animals, or share the stage with a world-class jazz musician. Aren’t you a bit curious?
To learn more about our experiential tours, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657
EUROPEAN TREASURES, COUNTRY PLEASURES
McHenry County, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Magnificent antique music machines at
“Place de la Musique” ➤ Fresh produce at the historic
Woodstock Square Farmers Market ➤ Juicy apples at Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard ➤ Sweet Chocolate at Anderson’s Candy Shop ➤ Unique ethnic gifts at Ginger Blossom
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Shop for locally grown and produced items at the Woodstock Farmers Market, operating in its 29th consecutive year. The market is located on the Historic Woodstock Square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the wonderful Farmers Market, the brick-paved streets are very much alive with the famed Woodstock Opera House, the Old Courthouse Arts Center, distinctive shops, unique restaurants and coffee shops. Dine on Polish-American fare at Zubrzycki’s Warsaw Inn. Enjoy delicious home-cooked Old World food. The long buffet table is stocked with Polish sausage, sauerkraut, fried chicken and fish, mashed potatoes, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, pierogi and blintzes. The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, the world's largest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and tower clocks and steam engines, all displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting. In the evening, enjoy a custom wine dinner, pontoon boat dinner on the Fox River or dine at a local favorite restaurant and then take in a theater performance at one of our historic theaters.
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 limited-service national brand hotels.
fall raspberries as well as pumpkins, gourds and squash are also grown on the farm. Visit the Apple Barn for fresh-picked apples, raspberries, peaches, pumpkins. If you prefer, pick your own apples, raspberries or pumpkins. Visit the Bakery for homemade pies and fresh cider donuts and purchase a nice gift from the Country Market. Enjoy lunch at the orchard in the Country Kitchen Restaurant. Each day the chef creates tasty soups, sandwiches, entrees and salads that will satisfy your apple picking appetite and have you returning for more! At Anderson’s Candy Shop, enjoy America’s finest homemade and hand-dipped chocolates and other delicious confections, lovingly made since 1919 by the Anderson Family. Watch chocolates being dipped as you browse the specialty shop and purchase sweets to enjoy later…if you can wait! There is something for everyone and a story behind every item for sale at Ginger Blossom. When Ginger Blossom is not out traveling the world in search of wonderful and unusual things for her business, she is minding the store on the farm where she grew up.Inventory includes ethnic and traditional crafts, rugs, furniture, sweaters, antiques and more from around the world. All items are purchased under the guidelines set by the Fair Trade Federation. McHenry County is an easy drive northwest of Chicago and is convenient to Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, WI; Rockford, IL; and the entire Chicagoland area. Extend your stay in McHenry County and enjoy the surrounding sites.
Explore Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard on foot or via hayride. There are over 12,000 trees featuring 26 varieties of apples. Late summer and
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
➤ Plains, Trains & Automobiles ➤ Always a Groundhog, Never a Bride
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Troy, Piqua, Tipp City & surrounding areas in Ohio
GOURMET LOVER’S TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Create a personal essence at a professional perfumery ➤ Be dazzled as custom handcrafted jewelry is made
from raw materials ➤ Feast on a pioneer meal after riding the
Miami Erie Canal boat ➤ Visit a 4th generation chocolate shop located
inside historic hotel ➤ Tour working grist mill, stand mixer factory and winery
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then it’s off to Bear’s Mill, a 160-year-old working grist mill, one of seven left in Ohio. The gift shop offers freshly ground flours, grains and meals, plus gourmet foods, pottery and jewelry. Guests receive cornmeal with cornbread recipes. Next is KitchenAid Stand Mixer factory tour & Retail Experience Store, with a live test kitchen. Guests participate in demonstrations and make-it/take-it projects. Lunch at the lovely and historic Inn at Versailles, named Restaurant of the Month by Ohio Magazine, where groups experience world-class dining in a French country atmosphere. After lunch, Versailles Winery hosts a tour with wine and cheese tasting. Dinner at the elegant Troy Hayner Cultural Center, a beautifully restored 1914 mansion, includes tour, catered meal and entertainment if desired.
DAY 2: After breakfast at the hotel, groups will visit and sample items at Winans Chocolates & Coffees, located in downtown Piqua at the grand Fort Piqua Plaza, the town’s historic gem. A former hotel, this architectural treasure is now a multi-use community building, recently restored to its former beauty. After the tour, lunch is served at the restaurant in the Plaza or groups can opt for a more historic, pioneer meal at Johnston Farm in a very informal setting.
section of the Miami Erie Canal, pulled by mules as in the days of yesteryear, for an authentic and memorable experience. Guides share stories of canal life. After the canal boat ride, guests visit the Historic Woodland Indian Museum and Johnston Farm Home, where costumed interpreters will demonstrate and describe the life of early settlers. Moving from the heritage of the Miami Valley to the present day, groups will be dazzled at a visit to the “back room” of the area’s largest fullservice, family-owned jewelry company, where they will see how stones are cut and polished and learn about the design and creation of custom jewelry, from start to finish. Dinner will be at one of the fine local restaurants, either The Caroline or La Piazza in downtown Troy, named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine.
DAY 3: Rise and shine with breakfast at the hotel! Today’s first stop is Freshwater Farms of Ohio, the largest indoor trout and shrimp farm in Ohio. Tour the tanks, learn how the fish are raised, and sample gourmet smoked fish products and cheeses. They also have sturgeon that appreciate a pat on the head and will even entertain on demand!
The Miami Erie Canal awaits groups for the next leg of the tour. Visitors board a working canal boat replica and glide serenely on a re-watered
Lunch is in the very quaint downtown of Tipp City at Harrison’s Restaurant. Following lunch, groups will enjoy another unique, sensory experience! A professional perfumery will give a presentation on the secrets of traditional perfume making, and guests will have the experience of creating their own personal fragrance. The visit ends with shopping at the many specialty stores in charming downtown Tipp City.
CONTACT: Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Kay Hamilton • www.VisitMiamiCounty.org 405 SW Public Square, Suite 272, Troy, OH 45373 Phone: 937-339-1044/800-348-8993 • Email: KHamilton@VisitMiamiCounty.org
➤ Discover Ohio’s Aviation Pioneers ➤ Feed Your Inner Farmer
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PEORIA AREA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Peoria, East Peoria, Peoria Heights, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Welcome at Historic Riverfront Visitors Center ➤ FOLEPI's Lighted Winter Wonderland ➤ Spirit of Peoria Dinner Cruise ➤ Historic Home Tours ➤ Glass-blowing Demonstration and Tour of Toraason Glass
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY The Peoria Area sparkles throughout the holidays! The East Peoria Festival of Lights, celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2010, is one of the largest lighted nighttime festivals. Add beautifully decorated mansions, glass-blowing demonstrations, theatrical performances and you have a wonderful winter weekend getaway. Bring your group to the Peoria Area for spectacular displays and add some sparkle to your holidays.
DAY 1: Peoria and East Peoria Start your morning at the Riverfront Visitors Center where you’ll find a plethora of area information, maps and brochures. Stroll along the riverfront to the Spirit of Peoria, a unique and historic paddle wheeler, for a hot, homemade buffet and lively holiday entertainment. After lunch, take a drive to Luthy Botanical Gardens, next to Glen Oak Park and Peoria Zoo. With more than 1,000 poinsettias on display and festively decorated Christmas trees, your holiday cheer will surely elevate! After dinner at your choice of area cafe, restaurant or pub, the holiday sparkles with the two-mile drive through FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland showcasing numerous animated displays and LED lighted floats, with the return of some favorites, the Starship Enterprise and the Budweiser Clydesdales. You won't want to miss the Narrated Nativity Scene and this beautiful handmade attraction. The life-size structures take on a three-dimensional appearance at night. A two-minute narration is available by tuning to radio station 1610 AM.
DAY 2: Peoria and East Peoria After a delicious breakfast, tour Pettengill-Morron House and John C. Flanagan House. These two homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places allow you to discover the lifestyles of times past and are dressed for the holidays! Stroll through the up-and–coming art warehouse district and encounter a true art form: Glass-blowing at Toraason Glass! A local artisan, Hiram Toraason, will give a demonstration and will have Christmas ornaments and other gallery pieces on display for purchase. Take another unique look back in time while experiencing Historic Holiday Traditions. The 129-year-old Doering Homeplace is decorated for the holidays by the East Peoria Historical Society and showcases 1800s-style handmade ornaments. Relax and enjoy a delightful dinner at your choice of eateries in the area. For dessert, enjoy the Andrew Lloyd Webber smash Broadway musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Eastlight Theatre. This magical musical has been a Festival of Lights tradition for 20 years!
CONTACT: Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Cheryl Bockhold Sloan • www.Peoria.org 456 Fulton St., Suite 300, Peoria, IL 61602 Phone: 800-747-0302 • Email: cbsloan@peoria.org
➤ Peoria Industry and Historical Tour ➤ Fall Treasures
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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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PRIVATE HOME TOURS
Quincy, Illinois
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Unrivaled architecture and historic districts ➤ Riverfront dining ➤ Lincoln-Douglas Debates City and Talking Houses ➤ Great River Road, National Scenic Byway ➤ Illinois Wine Country
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Extreme Architecture Your day starts on the majestic Mississippi River bluffs at Quincy’s 1900 Mediterranean castle, the Villa Kathrine. After touring the Villa, also home to Quincy’s Visitor Info Center, head east down beautiful Maine Street to your exclusive Private Home Tour of three homes of architectural significance in the East End Historic District. This tour is amazing and has received rave reviews. Each home is an architectural standout. Tours are given by the homeowners themselves and are in neighborhood groupings of three, for ease of touring. Enjoy lunch at the Pier Restaurant, cantilevered over the Mississippi, specializing in creative Midwestern cuisine. A step-on guide from the Quincy Altrusa Club provides a historical and architectural tour of Quincy’s German Calftown, Park Place and Lawndale Historic Districts. Tour the astoundingly detailed Quincy Museum (see the lion head in photo) with 24-ct. gold leaf woodwork in the grand parlor and a rotating exhibit on the third floor. Save time for Old Town Antiques, just around the corner, in a 1915 limestone storefront. Old Town showcases some of the region’s finest 18th and 19th century furnishings.
DAY 2: Great River Road Trip Sweet start at Underbrink’s Bakery. Enjoy a “radio roll” or iced nut roll while you take a behind-the-scenes tour of this 1929 bakery where many of the original recipes and equipment are still in use. Stroll the Great River Road on 31 miles of rich Illinois bottomland to the historic Warsaw Brewery. Enjoy lunch within the massive brick walls of this recently restored structure on the banks of the Mississippi. Admire the broad expanse of the river and its huge lily pads as you wind your way further north on the Great River Road a short 18 miles to Nauvoo, IL. This distinctively restored riverfront town is complete
with over 65 shops and homes that include period furnishings and guides. Enjoy a horse-pulled wagon ride and educational tour of the city year-round. Complete your afternoon in Nauvoo with a bountiful dinner at the Historic Hotel Nauvoo, nationally known for its awardwinning buffet. The restaurant boasts 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 group-friendly hotels.
DAY 3: Art, Abe & Illinois Wine Begin your day with Quincy’s early history at the John Wood Mansion, home to Quincy’s founder and 12th governor of Illinois. The grounds also encompass the 1835 Pioneer Log Cabin, Parsonage Museum & Gift Shop, as well as the Friends in Council Club House, which is the oldest continuous women’s literary society in the U.S. After touring the mansion, lunch 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 presidential Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Drive to nearby Collver Family Winery in Barry, IL, just 30 minutes east of Quincy on I-72. This family-owned winery hosts sell-out murder mystery theaters and will give visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of the wine-making process. Just 17 miles east, explore the restored Pittsfield Square and walk the streets where Abe walked. A step-on guide will provide a historical narrative of the Lincoln Talking Houses audio and plaque tour of Pittsfield.
CONTACT: Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau ➤ Holly Cain • www.seequincy.com 532 Gardner Expressway, Quincy, IL 62301 Phone: 800-978-4748 or 217-214-3700 • Email: hcain@seequincy.com 80 June 2010
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: ➤ Visit seequincy.com for more Quincy, Illinois itinerary ideas special section
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ENTERTAINMENT, CELEBRATION AND FUN!
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
HIGHLIGHTS ➤ Harley-Davidson Museum ➤ Fireside Dinner Theatre ➤ Discovery World ➤ Milwaukee Art Museum ➤ Ten Chimneys
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: DAY 3: Start your visit to Milwaukee by strolling a desert oasis, a tropical jungle and a special floral garden all indoors at the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) or perhaps enjoy the outdoors at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, an internationally-renowned horticultural showplace offering gardeners and plant lovers the opportunity to take in the colors and scents of a variety of collections and gardens. For dinner, choose among a variety of unique, ethnic and inviting restaurants in downtown Milwaukee. After dinner, take in a show at the Skylight Opera House located in the Historic Third Ward.
DAY 2: Today begin with a city tour and learn about the European immigrants from Germany, Poland, Ireland and Italy who influenced this uniquely diverse city. Include a stop at St. Josephat’s Basilica and step back in time as you marvel at the history and beauty of this testament of the Polish Catholic faith. See the world’s largest four-faced clock, fondly referred to as the Polish Moon, on the skyline of Milwaukee. Among the fantastic collections housed at the Milwaukee Art Museum, be sure to stop and enjoy the unique and modern architecture of the main entrance designed by Santiago Calatrava. Spend a few moments to watch the “wings” of the Burke Brise Soleil, which is a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum’s vaulted, glass-enclosed Windhover Hall. Choose from a variety of restaurants with beautiful views of Lake Michigan for lunch on your own or as a group. Further enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan with a visit to Discovery World and experience an awesome journey that will take you through technical wonders, mystical and innovative exhibits and natural splendor with the Reiman Aquariums.
Embark on a short drive to Genesee Depot to explore Ten Chimneys, the estate lovingly created by theater legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Ten Chimneys is a landmark unique among our national treasures, boasting diverse collections and enchanting décor comprised of original pieces handpicked by the Lunts in the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s. Created with the same humanizing wit and passion for perfection that distinguished their stage performances, Ten Chimneys is the Lunts’ most enduring and tangible artistic legacy. For decades, their retreat beguiled the country’s finest actors, writers, designers, directors and artists. Continue on to enjoy a marvelous experience at the Fireside Dinner Theatre, one of the Midwest's most popular professional theaters located in Fort Atkinson, Wis. Browse the unique gift shops, enjoy award-winning cuisine, and top off the evening with one of the best professional theater experiences Wisconsin has to offer.
DAY 4: Milwaukee’s newest attraction, the Harley-Davidson Museum™, allows groups to experience the people, products, culture and history of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. It is a celebration of the company’s rich history, the passion of the riders, and the stories of those who have contributed to the Harley-Davidson legacy. A visit to Milwaukee would not be complete without embracing the brewing history that begins with a visit to the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion. Conclude your Milwaukee experience with a tour of Miller Brewing or a microbrewery such as Lakefront Brewery or Sprecher Brewing Company. Prost! to a delightful visit to this jewel of the Great Lakes – Milwaukee.
CONTACT: VISIT Milwaukee
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Wendy M. Dobrzynski, Group Tour Manager • www.visitmilwaukee.org 648 N. Plankinton, Suite 425, Milwaukee, WI 53203 Phone: 800-231-0903 x4222 • Email: wdobrzynski@milwaukee.org
➤ Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Milwaukee itinerary ideas
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