MIDWEST Country Sights to City Lights ith thousands of lakes, vibrant cities, charming villages and friendly people, the Midwest welcomes visitors from around the world. Though these heartland states are landlocked, water is never far away, whether you’re talking about the Great Lakes or great rivers like the Mississippi or Ohio.
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Lake Michigan is truly the greatest natural asset of Chicago, the Midwest’s largest city. Boat rides on the lake or Chicago River spotlight the Windy City’s stunning skyline. The lakefront museums (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute of Chicago and Adler Planetarium) are some of the best on the planet. Suburban Chicago is a destination in itself, offering a wealth of cultural attractions and shopping opportunities in quieter settings. Several hours away are Central Illinois’ Amish Country, the Abraham Lincoln sites of Springfield and the scenic hills of Northwest Illinois. The Midwest’s ethnic heritage reflects the story of immigration to America. Visitors to Minnesota and Wisconsin will encounter towns that celebrate their Scandinavian and German roots. Iowa keeps its large Czech and Slovak heritage alive with special events and historic sites. The nation’s largest Amish population in northeastern Ohio and Northern Indiana’s Amish settlements offer a slower pace of life, reflected in the horse-drawn buggies rattling down country roads. Tourist attractions showcase Amish and Mennonite ways, and restaurants specialize in down-home country food. In Michigan, Dutch heritage
takes center stage in Holland, while German traditions dominate in Frankenmuth. The Detroit area gives visitors a chance to learn about the automotive industry. To really get away from it all, escape to the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Lakes and rolling dairy land paint the landscape of Wisconsin, which extends from the Illinois border to Northern Michigan, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. You can’t leave without stocking up on cheese. Come to the Midwest and find your field of dreams. LGT
Chicago
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Plains, Trains & Automobiles in McHenry County
McHenry County, Illinois
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Experience America’s largest railway museum: Illinois Railway Museum • Fabulous Volo Auto Museum & Antique/Specialty Malls • Explore historic small-town communities • Take in a live theater performance • Great destination dining with outstanding group services
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Volo Auto Museum in Volo has over 300 muscle, classic and collector cars on display (and for sale). It is the home of the George Barris Hollywood TV and movie car collection. The complex also includes the Combat Zone and Military Museum, which honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for America and features military vehicles, realistic battle dioramas and personal effects of those who have served from the Civil War to current military engagements. Volo has something for everyone! Don’t miss the five antique and specialty shopping malls featuring over 250 dealers. Visit the extensive gift shop and food court for a quick snack. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and take time to explore the historic Woodstock Square. La Petite Creperie serves sumptuous crepes in a historic setting overlooking the square. The brick-paved streets of the Woodstock Square are home to dozens of shops, galleries and restaurants and boast the 1889 Gothic-style Woodstock Opera House and 1857 Old Courthouse Arts Center. The park-in-the-square is the setting for weekly municipal band concerts, farmers markets, festivals and year round special events. The 1993 movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray was filmed here, and the city celebrates its role with an annual Groundhog Days celebration, including the prognostication by Woodstock Willie. In 2007 Woodstock was named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and offers walking tours of the square. You’re invited to take a tour of the historic Woodstock Opera House and hear of the great names that have walked its stage, including a very young Orson Welles, Geraldine Page and Paul Newman. The Opera House offers a full season of local, regional and national performances. Dining options are many in McHenry County. Try alfresco at Port Edward along the Fox River or Polish-American fare at the Warsaw Inn,
both local favorites. Make it a special evening with a wine-tasting dinner at Corkscrew Pointe Winery along the Fox River in downtown McHenry. The shop specializes in and carries a large selection of Illinois wines. After dinner take in a performance at the Woodstock Opera House or the newly restored Raue Center for the Arts. McHenry County has a fine selection of quality hotels, including fulland limited-service national brands. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and take a morning splash at the indoor pool.
DAY 2: Explore a museum in motion, the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. America’s largest railway museum includes streetcars, interurbans, steam, diesel and electric locomotives, passenger and freight cars. Ride through the rolling Illinois farmland on a 10-mile roundtrip on an electric interurban train, a mighty steam locomotive or a 1950s diesel passenger train. Annual special events include the Vintage Transport Extravaganza, Diesel Days and Happy Holiday Railway. The Diner Car is available for lunch and the gift shop for the railway enthusiasts. While in Union visit the McHenry County Historical Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of the area. 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.
CONTACT: McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau ➤ Cort Carlson • www.visitmchenrycounty.com 5435 Bull Valley Rd., McHenry, IL 60050 Phone: 888-363-6177 • Email: execdir@mchenrycountycvb.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
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June 2009 59
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: Joliet, 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: Joliet, 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:
➤ Jen Brooks • www.visitjoliet.org 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432 Phone: 1-877-4-JOLIET • Email: jbrooks@jolietcity.org
➤ Joliet’s Stars & Stripes ➤ Joliet Kicks on Route 66
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Fall in Love with Fond du Lac County
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • “Little Everglades of the North” – Horicon Marsh Blue Heron Landing. • Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center. • Villa Loretto – Ranch run by Nuns. • Lakeside Park and Lookout Lighthouse. • Larson’s Famous Clydesdales.
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: The Quiet Side Start your morning in the “Little Everglades of the North” – the 32,000 acre, world-famous Horicon Marsh. Enjoy a one-hour narrated sightseeing pontoon boat ride from Blue Heron Landing. Observe the different bird species, plant life and animals in their natural habitat. Break for lunch at Ginger’s Hide-Away. Head over to Widmer’s Cheese Cellar in Theresa, Wisc.; one of the few original, family-owned stores that makes Wisconsin so famous for cheese. For more than 80 years, Widmer’s has produced some of the finest Brick, Cheddar and Colby cheese in the world. Continue your afternoon with a scenic drive through the glacier carved Kettle Moraine. Visit the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center. Learn through film, exhibits, and panoramas how the glaciers of the last Ice Age shaped the landscape of the Kettle Moraine area. Overnight in Fond du Lac with dinner and entertainment.
DAY 2: The Wild Side Return to the time of stagecoach travel and see a community where Yankee refinement met the Wisconsin wilderness - The Wade House. Meander down the winding country roads to pet a llama or see the fainting goats at the Villa Loretto. This unusual ranch run by nuns is part of the retirement complex they operate. The nuns supply the quaint gift shop with handmade items. Enjoy lunch in the The Rosa Cafe or a treat from the "Nun Better Bakery." A short distance down the road tour the top of a glacial drumlin surrounded by 36 acres of fields, prairie, organic vegetable and flower gardens and an old oak savanna at the Sunseed Eco-Education Center. Fond du Lac County is bountiful in harvest and beautiful in color. Taste the flavors of fall, as you dip your own caramel apples or enjoy hot apple pie and cider at the Little
Farmer Orchard. Take a hayride into a field and pick your own pumpkins. Relax on the drive along the shores of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. View the fall colors of 400-acre showcase Lakeside Park through a telescope from the top of the Lookout Lighthouse. Finish off your day with a relaxing dinner and overnight in Fond du Lac.
DAY 3: The Heart of Fond du Lac Begin your day in the heart of Fond du Lac at St. Paul’s Cathedral. View one of the finest collections of German and American woodcarvings in the United States. The four-foot carved angel rod beams, beautiful stained glass and old church lore are not to be missed. Shop Fond du Lac’s Kristmas Kringle Shoppe. This two-story Bavarian-style shop resembles streets of quaint European shops, lined with themed Christmas trees, collectibles for all seasons, animated figures, and imported ornaments. Stop for an early lunch at Schreiner’s Restaurant, famous for their homemade bakery, daily specials and New England-style clam chowder. Travel to the country for change of scenery at Larson’s Famous Clydesdales Ranch, where the gentle giants live. There is no other show like it in the United States. See demonstrations and hear the story of a little lady’s love for the gentle giants. This is an experience your group won’t forget.
CONTACT: Fond du Lac Area CVB
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Linda A. Ott, Sales Director • www.fdl.com 171 S. Pioneer Rd., Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Phone: 800-937-9123 ext. 92 or 920-923-3010 • Email: lott@fdl.com
➤ Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Fond du Lac Area itinerary ideas
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June 2009 61
Stained Glass Sanctuary & Floral Fantasy
St. Cloud, Minnesota
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • St. John’s Abbey – a contemporary concrete structure with a 112-foot-high bell tower • Hill Museum – home of the St. John’s Bible project, which is all handcrafted • Munsinger/Clemens Gardens – located along the Mississippi River • Stearns History Museum – home of the PanTown automobile • Grasshopper Chapel – the original chapel built in 1876 was destroyed by a tornado
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Once known as the “Nitty Gritty Granite City,” St. Cloud used this tagline for a 1921 advertising campaign. Today we are known as “Granite Country USA!” In addition to granite, St. Cloud and the Central Lakes Area offer much to satisfy all senses…even your sixth sense! We will make our first stop at St. John’s University. Founded in the 1860s, the jewel of the college is the Abbey. Designed by Marcel Breuer, the current Abbey was finished in 1961. The church is made of concrete and faced on the outside with local granite. Our next stop is the Hill Library, home to the St. John’s Bible. It is the only handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned in the Western world since the advent of printed books more than 500 years ago. All Old World traditions were used to create this Bible. Lunch at St. John’s is the perfect match. We can either dine in the cafeteria or we can have a more intimate setting with a catered lunch. St. John’s Arboretum focuses on the native flora and fauna. The Chapel Trail is a three-mile roundtrip hike (perfect after lunch) to Stella Maris Chapel located along the bank of Lake Sagatagan. The trail takes us through a forested oak and maple tree savanna. An early afternoon check-in at one of our hotels allows a little time to relax before we dine at one of the many locally owned restaurants that have created affordable group tour friendly menus. Steak, chicken, seafood, and American, Italian or Mediterranean cuisine―it’s all about a dining experience just for you!
Before we retire for the evening, we will take a stroll through the beautiful Munsinger and Clemens Gardens. Located along the Mississippi River, the gardens offer a beautiful bouquet of color. The calming of the river and overall beauty of the gardens is sure to tickle all of your senses including your “sixth” sense.
DAY 2: Early to rise! Most of our limited-service properties offer an extensive complimentary continental breakfast. But save some room because we are planning a stop at Cold Spring Bakery. Fresh baked goods have been a tradition for the past 55 years! A tour of the bakery is a must with cake decorating being the most popular. We continue our journey to the Grasshopper Chapel. Let’s just say the only food the grasshoppers didn’t like were peas. This compelling story takes us back to 1877 to our German heritage. Granite used in your home or in your garden, both choices are very popular. Monumental Sales’ tour offers the opportunity for you to experience etching on granite. They also offer a tour of their facility that includes granite fabrication and memorials. With so many choices, there’s no way you could hope to see it all without a little help. The St. Cloud CVB would be happy to assist you in planning your trip to Granite Country USA! Take home rock-solid memories from Granite Country USA.
CONTACT: St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jean Robbins • Email: jean@granitecountry.com • www.granitecountry.com 525 Highway 10 South, Suite 1, St. Cloud, MN 56304 Phone: 800-264-2940 ext 129 or 320-202-6729 • Fax: 320-656-0401
➤ Let the Good Times Flow - The Great River Road ➤ Go West, It’s Simply the Best!
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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.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: ➤ Rock River Culinary Tour ➤ Sweet & Salty Saturday with a Chocolate Covered Sunday: A Weekend on the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail
CONTACT: Blackhawk Waterways CVB ➤ Julie Kessinger, Group Tour Coordinator • www.bwcvb.com 201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064 Phone: 800-678-2108 • Email: jkessinger@bwcvb.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
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June 2009 63
Around the World
St. Charles, Illinois
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Breakfast in a traditional Irish pub and Himalayan food for lunch • Italian dinner in a restored 1850’s church • Popular American performance at Steel Beam Theatre • 1850’s (working) Dutch windmill tour • Exquisite marble carvings at America’s largest Hindu Mandir
➤➤ 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. A taste of Italy awaits at Onesti Dinner Club & Italian Chop House. Housed in a former Catholic church and built in 1851, Onesti’s is a truly unique experience for dinner.
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 2: DAY 3: Experience Ireland with a traditional breakfast at McNally’s Irish Pub before heading 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 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
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 64 June 2009
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Right in Your Backyard
Quincy, Illinois
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Unrivaled architecture and historic districts • Riverfront dining • Lincoln-Douglas Debates City and Lincoln Talking Houses • Great River Road, National Scenic Byway • Golden Windmill • Historic Nauvoo restored sites
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: New Private Home Tours Begin your day on Quincy’s majestic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River at the Villa Kathrine, Quincy’s own 100-year-old Mediterranean castle. After touring the castle, home to Quincy’s Visitor Information Center, head east down beautiful Maine Street to tour three private homes of architectural significance in the East End Historic District. Each home showcases a unique variety of building style details and is meticulously maintained. The homes on the tour are in neighborhood groupings of three, for ease of touring. The tours are given by the homeowners themselves. Enjoy lunch at the Pier Restaurant, cantilevered over the Mississippi, specializing in creative Midwestern cuisine. A stepon guide from the Quincy Altrusa Club provides a historical and architectural tour of Quincy’s German Calftown, Park Place and Lawndale Historic Districts. Visit Underbrink’s Bakery for a behind-the-scenes tour of this 1929 bakery, where many of the original recipes and equipment are still in use. Tour the Quincy Museum and its splendor, with 24 ct. gold leaf woodwork in the grand parlor, and the first floor completely restored to period 1890s style.
DAY 2: Golden Windmill and Nauvoo Restored Sites The well-preserved Prairie Mills Windmill in Golden, Ill. was built in 1872 and is the only smock mill that still has the original stones and gears in place. Explore the top of the mill or stroll through the Windmill Museum and Gift Shop. Enjoy a group lunch on site. After lunch, travel the Great River Road northwest 46 miles to beautiful Nauvoo, Ill. This distinctively restored riverfront town on the Mississippi is complete with period furnishings and guides to over 65 restored shops and homes that
include the John Browning gunsmith shop and home, blacksmith shop and Monument to Women Gardens. Enjoy a horse-pulled wagon ride and educational tour of the city year-round. Dine at the nearby newly restored Warsaw Brewery on the banks of the Mississippi River. Return to Quincy for the evening in one of the city’s many group-friendly hotels.
DAY 3: Abe Lincoln History and Illinois Agriculture Begin the day with Quincy’s early history at the John Wood Mansion. The mansion was home to Quincy’s founder and 12th governor of Illinois, John Wood. Also on the grounds is the 1835 Pioneer Log Cabin, Parsonage Museum and Friends in Council Club House, which is the oldest continuous women’s literary society in the United States. After touring the mansion, dine at the beautiful Granite Bank Gallery across from Washington Park, where Lincoln and Douglas held their sixth presidential debate. Enjoy a quiet lunch surrounded by local artists’ works and a unique selection of home accessories. Drive to nearby Collver Family Winery in Barry, Ill., just 30 minutes east of Quincy on Interstate I-72. This familyowned winery hosts sell-out murder mystery theaters and will give visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of the wine-making process. Travel 17 miles east on I-72 to nearby Pittsfield, Ill. and explore the restored Pittsfield square and walk the streets where Abe Lincoln walked. A step-on guide will provide a historical tour through the several blocks that are connected to the Lincoln Talking Houses audio and plaque tour of Pittsfield.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Quincy, Illinois itinerary ideas
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: info@seequincy.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
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June 2009 65
Amish Country of Central Illinois
Central Illinois
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Expert tour guide service • Show at a professional-grade theater • Shopping at Amish businesses • Shopping at Tanger Outlet Center • Candy demonstration and truffle box
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Arcola, the Amish and Sullivan: A Full Day of Fun Begin in Arcola at the Dutch Kitchen to savor biscuits and Dutch sausage gravy with a cup of piping hot coffee. Next, travel into the countryside with a step-on guide to experience the sights and smells of Illinois’ largest Amish community. Stop at Beachy’s Bulk Foods, an Amish-owned store featuring a variety of spices, candies, organic foods, and so much more, in addition to freshly baked goods. Then travel to an Amish homestead for a delicious family-style meal, serving two soups, salad, homemade bread, and pies, prepared and served by an Old Order Amish hostess in her home. On the way to the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, stop at Family Health Foods and find a vast range of locally grown products, vitamins, spices, herbs, books and other products to supplement your diet. Take a break from the fine cuisine in the country to enjoy a show-stopping performance at one of Amish Country’s favorite attractions.
DAY 2: Tastes Like Heaven in Arthur
at Yoder’s Kitchen. Yoder’s features Amish and Mennonite recipes on their buffet and menu, served by Old Order Amish and Mennonite waitresses.
DAY 3: Tuscola: One of the Sweetest Places on Earth Begin in the morning at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, a recently renovated, turn-of-the-century soda fountain and confectionery, for a mouthwatering candy demonstration. Take a box of truffles to enjoy on the way to lunch at Tuscany’s Italian Restaurant. Tuscany’s features the finest Italian dining, friendly service, and an authentic atmosphere sure to bring the feeling of Italy to Amish Country. Walk off some of those calories at the Tanger Outlet Center, housing 45 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores. For dinner, head next door to the Amishland Red Barn, featuring Amish-inspired foods, made with real, farm-fresh ingredients. Peruse the many Amishland Red Barn specialty shops including items such as porcelain dolls, oak furniture, birdhouses, primitives, oil paintings, and kids’ items.
Start the day off right with a homemade cinnamon roll and freshly brewed coffee made by you! The Homestead Bakery will give a hands-on cinnamon roll demonstration before serving the fruits of your labor. Then, travel to the Rockome Restaurant to enjoy a sack lunch while taking in the sights of the beautiful rock formations and gardens. In the afternoon, experience downtown Arthur to sample cheese and grape juice at Country Cheese & More, fudge at Aunt Susan’s, and an ice cream sundae or milkshake at Dicks Pharmacy. While downtown, enjoy a variety of locally-owned shops offering antiques, gifts, Amish-made furniture and gifts. In the evening, eat a delicious meal
CONTACT: Amish Country Tours
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Theresa Binion • www.amishcenter.com 111 S. Locust, Arcola, IL 61910 Phone: 888-45-AMISH • Email: amishcenter@consolidated.net
➤ Amish Country Favorites ➤ Treasures of Amish Country
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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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Taste of Lake County
Lake County, Illinois
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Jelly Belly tour • Chocolate factory tour • Shopping at Long Grove Historic Village • Valentino Vineyards & Winery • Shopping in downtown Antioch
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Jelly Belly Tour: Discover the secrets of making these best-loved treats (made in North Chicago) during this "virtual" tour at the Visitor Center in Pleasant Prairie. Lambs Farm Shopping and Lunch: Come across locally made goodies at the Country Store & Bakery. Lunch at the Country Inn Restaurant featuring their mouth-watering desserts. Beer Tasting at Mickey Finn’s Brewery: A local favorite based upon an infamous Revolutionary War figure. Taste some of the best local brews around - ales, lagers, stouts and seasonal beers on tap. Valentino Vineyards & Winery: Tiptoe through the grapevines on a vineyard tour and linger at a wine tasting in the villa or out on the spacious lawn. Rest for a bit in one of Lake County’s 60+ hotels; choices include four resorts, full-service hotels and limited-service hotels. Dinner at Lovell’s of Lake Forest: Dine among the archives of Capt. James Lovell’s space missions in this beautiful French-styled mansion. A majority of the menu items is deeply rooted in American culinary tradition. Enjoy an outdoor concert at Ravinia Festival, garden walk at Chicago Botanic Garden or a musical at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre.
DAY 2: Long Grove Confectionery Chocolate Factory Tour: See firsthand how these delicious handmade, gourmet chocolates are created and packaged. A trip to the store completes this fascinating tour. Lunch at Long Grove Cafe: American char house along with full bar and extensive wine list. Overlook the mill pond and watch the ducks, relax on the deck or dine with the group in a private room.
Find unique specialty shops such as The Olive Tap and Apple Haus on the cobblestone walks of Long Grove Historic Village. Glunz Wine Tasting: Four generations of wine making at Lake County’s first winery. Now two locations to choose from - Long Grove and Grayslake. The Nut and Candy House: Candy favorites and fresh nuts of all kinds. Stop in for just a bag or gift tin to bring home. Shopping in downtown Antioch: Uncover the small-town feel of downtown Antioch - unusual gift stores, art galleries, diverse food items, tea shop and famous china store and museum. Cooking Class at Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center: Your group can make and eat their own dinner! Pre-arrange the courses and amount of activity depending on what your group likes. See a concert or musical at Genesee Theatre or a performance at a variety of local theaters or festivals! D.W. Anderson’s or Oberweis Dairy and Ice Cream Store: Before heading back to your hotel, make a late-night stop at D.W. Anderson’s in Keylime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort for a kitchen sink sundae. Oberweis products are made in Illinois and includes delicious ice cream, milk and other specialty products.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Lake County itinerary ideas
CONTACT: Lake County, Illinois CVB ➤ Jayne Nordstrom • www.lakecounty.org 5465 Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031 Phone: 800-525-3669 • Email: jayne@lakecounty.org 68 June 2009
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Mystery Tour of the Eau Claire Area
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Autumn Harvest Winery • Chippewa Valley Outdoor Games • Foster Art Gallery • Chippewa Valley Railroad Museum • Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Arrive in Fall Creek and come discover nature! Ten miles east of Eau Claire, Beaver Creek Reserve encompasses 400 acres of picturesque natural habitat, hands-on exhibits, an observatory, butterfly house and more. Unique to your group, the interpretive staff can provide a variety of presentations designed to fit your topic of interest. From there, travel the beautiful countryside before a stop at The Wood Shed. This Amish gift shop has over 15,000 square feet of Amish woodwork and folk art with Amish-created quilts, wall hangings, baskets, rugs and dolls. Plus, beautifully crafted furniture including sofas, lounge chairs and love seats. Board the tour bus for an extensive tour of the daily life of the area’s Amish families. The Amish came to America well over 250 years ago and have been in Augusta since 1978. There are currently over 150 families. Amish have changed very little in their beliefs and practical way of life. For the most part, they are living the lives of our great- and great-great grandparents. Tours are available May through October.
and found on the National Register of Historic Places. This building is unlike anything you ever have seen! You may take in a pipe organ concert or one of the many other entertainment options. After lunch, stop at Crystal Cave and experience a unique hour-long tour the entire family will enjoy. Knowledgeable guides lead through a maze of well-lighted passages where glistening cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and rippling flowstone can be seen hanging from the ceiling or covering the ledges. Open weekends in April and May, then daily through October 31. Relax a little before going to Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre for a sumptuous dinner and hilarious comedy. During intermission, feel free to roam the building to view the elaborate seasonal decorations. In summer, stroll through the beautifully groomed outdoor gardens.
DAY 3: Spend the evening at Cabin Ridge Rides in Cadott. Ride back by horsedrawn wagon to your secluded log cabin. Following dinner, enjoy the music of a barbershop quartet or folk singer, hear the tales of a professional storyteller, and/or learn about the history of Paint Creek and the people who have lived nearby for generations.
DAY 2: Get a close-up look at how cheese is made at Cady Cheese Factory. Visitors who come to the cheese factory and gift shop can sample and purchase any of their 100 varieties of cheese and sausage. Don't forget to take home a pound of Wisconsin cheese! Yummmm.... In Menomonie stop at Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater, built in 1889
Start your day at the Chippewa Valley Museum, a nationally recognized regional history center that tells the stories of the people, places and events that shaped the Chippewa Valley. Next, the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp offers an authentic representation of an 1890s logging camp. The Schlegelmilch House, built in 1871, is one of the city's first brick homes. It is filled with furnishings typical of the early decades of its long history. Before you leave town, visit the handcrafted chocolate shop, Obsession Chocolates, on Old Town Water Street near the University. In addition to truffles, candies and sauces, they also offer home-baked sweets. Obsession Chocolates is obsessed with quality ingredients; stop and sample while you relax in their European-style cafe.
CONTACT: Visit Eau Claire
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jackie Boos • www.visiteauclaire.net 4319 Jeffers Rd., Suite 201, Eau Claire, WI 54703 Phone: 1-888-523-3866 • Email: Jackie@visiteauclaire.com
Visit GroupTravelDirectory.com for more Eau Claire itinerary ideas
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June 2009 69
“Welkom” to Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • You don’t need a passport to visit Holland, Michigan • Windmills, wooden shoes, Delftware and Dutch treats • Fine art, fine food, and first-rate entertainment • Charming galleries and boutiques in historic downtown Holland • Soaring sand dunes and spectacular sunsets
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Holland Your “Welkom” to Holland includes a visit to Nelis’ Dutch Village where you’ll experience the Netherlands of the 1800s. A guided tour takes you through ten acres of authentic Dutch architecture, canals, and spectacular gardens. Enjoy the Klompen dancers as they twirl to the music of the Amsterdam street organ; take in wooden shoe and candle carving, Dutch crafts and artwork. Delight in a traditional Dutch lunch and then shop till you drop in the village’s specialty shops. Afterwards, check in to one of Holland’s fine hotels, where you can rest up for the evening’s activities aboard the Holland Princess. On this beautiful Victorian-style paddlewheeler, you’ll cruise expansive Lake Macatawa and, weather-permitting, venture out into Lake Michigan. The dinner cruise includes the “Captain’s Feast”, relaxing music, and a cash bar.
DAY 2: Holland A Dutch-costumed step-on guide will board your coach for a funfilled tour. You’ll end up at the spectacular Windmill Island Gardens, with its 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes, and canals. Tour five floors of DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S., where you’ll learn about the grain-grinding process and see the giant wind-driven gears. Complete your tour of the Island with a Klompen dance performance and a walk through the little Netherlands Museum. Be sure to sample the fudge, made fresh daily, on your way out. Lunch is on your own in award-winning Downtown Holland. In addition to many fine eateries, downtown features over 100 unique shops and galleries, tree-lined sidewalks, and beautiful bronze sculptures. After lunch and shopping, enjoy a guided tour
of the Holland Museum, where you’ll get acquainted with Holland’s rich history. There are a variety of exhibits, including the spectacular new Dutch Galleries featuring 17th, 18th, and 19th century art and furniture from a private collection. There’s no better way to complete this day than with a sumptuous waterfront dinner at Piper Restaurant on the shores of Lake Macatawa. You’ll also enjoy one of Piper’s many entertainment options - a wine-tasting from our area’s award-winning wineries, a performance by the Holland Chorale, or a comedic theatre production.
DAY 3: Holland Your final day begins with a visit to Veldheer Tulip Gardens ablaze with over five million tulips in the spring, and beautiful perennials in the summer and early fall. You can take a little Holland home with you too—bulbs for fall planting become available in August. Next door, at DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory you’ll talk with the artists who mold, hand-paint, and glaze the only authentic blue and white delftware made in the U.S., and watch wooden shoe carving on machines imported from the Netherlands. No trip to Holland would be complete without a thrilling ride on the Dune Schooners. Explore the hills and valleys of the incredible Lake Michigan dunes, woodlands, and natural habitats of native wildlife. You’ll depart for home with fond memories of a quaint Dutch community located along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan.
CONTACT: Holland Visitors Bureau
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Wendy Link • www.holland.org 76 East 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423 Phone: 800-506-1299 • Email: wendy@holland.org
➤ Tulip Time ➤ Dutch WinterFest
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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 Rosebud Theatre • Sculpture on the Avenues Walking Tour • Firefly Grill
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Corvettes and Motorcycles Start the day out exploring the history of America’s sports car at My Garage Museum, on the campus of Mid American 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. (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. (www.legacyhd.com)
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 our community. The Firefly Grill has been recognized in several publications, including the Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetit and St. Louis PostDispatch for its unique atmosphere and 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, participate in demonstrations and spend time relaxing on the beautiful grounds. (www.ffgrill.com) End the day with a show at the Rosebud Theatre. This is a 1,564-seat theater that hosts 60 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 first season, with acts including
B.B. King, Marie Osmond, Charlie Daniels Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gin Blossoms, Bill Cosby, Ron White, Tracy Lawrence and Mark Chesnutt. (www.therosebudtheatre.com)
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 walking 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! Artists from the region also have their artwork on display in exhibitions all through the community. Seven exhibitions and three art galleries allow visitors to see several different types of artwork, some which are also for sale. After exploring the arts, 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. (www.crossusa.org)
CONTACT: Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau ➤ Kim Wiedman • www.visiteffinghamil.com 201 E. Jefferson Ave., Effingham, IL 62401 Phone: 217-342-5305 or 800-772-0750 • Email: wiedmank@ci.effingham.il.us LeisureGroupTravel.com
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International Food, FUN and Entertainment
Chicago Area, Illinois
Chicago Style – April 8-11, 2010 ➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Heartland International Music & Dance Tattoo • Villages of Hoffman Estates, Long Grove and Skokie • Ethnic eating, chocolate and boutique browsing • Arboretum Center – food, shopping and activities • Broadway To You – theater shows and concerts
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1 (Thursday): Arrive in the Chicagoland area and enjoy an afternoon of browsing at Woodfield Shopping Center or one of three other unique first-class shopping locations (Streets of Woodfield, Arboretum Center or Cabela’s). After checking into the hotel, it is off to dinner at Berghoff’s (German) and then a Broadway show (or one of the great Off-Broadway offerings – remember, Chicago has over 250 theaters). You will end the evening with a view of the city from the Hancock Observatory.
DAY 2 (Friday): After breakfast depart for a private jewelry demonstration at Blarney (Irish and Celtic). Continuing with our Celtic day, we visit an Irish shop, Paddy’s in Long Grove, and have lunch (American). Long Grove is known for its unique boutiques and gift stores. After a visit to the local chocolate store (Swiss), we continue our day of food experiences with a cooking demonstration and visit to an Old World deli (Russian) in Skokie. Then enjoy a nice evening meal (Italian) and a special musical revue just for the group (it could be a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Kate Smith, Ella, Liza or someone special).
DAY 3 (Saturday):
(in the Scottish room) and then off to the Heartland International Music & Dance Tattoo (Scottish and Irish) at the Sears Centre Arena. This show features a cast of over 400 civilian and military entertainers. (www.HeartlandTattoo.org)
DAY 4 (Sunday): Enjoy a late breakfast and then a morning comedy show. Lunch will be at one of Hoffman Estates’ finest restaurants and then depart for home. Or take time to explore one of the many fine museums in the Chicago area, even a private art gallery. Our step-on guides can showcase the Chicagoland area in grand style, making learning about Chicago fun and entertaining. We specialize in entertainment and ethnic itineraries. The Heartland International Music & Dance Festival is just one of many events we promote. Programs are available for adult and student groups for ALL Chicagoland destinations. Other regional attractions: Sears Tower, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, Field Museum, Hancock Observatory, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway To You, Blue Man Group, Medieval Times, Skokie Theatre, Tommy Gun’s Garage, Magnificent Mile.
Enjoy breakfast and you are off to our reserved seats for the International Tartan Parade in Hoffman Estates. After this we venture to the Arboretum Center for lunch and a chance to experience a bocce ball game (Italian). After lunch explore the Swiss and European method of hand-dipped chocolates. Then tour the museum at Cabela’s and see their collection of unique animals, birds, and sea animals. Festival of Nations Celebration offers the group many international cultures and for the more adventuresome a chance to visit the International Beer Tasting event. Dinner at Millrose
CONTACT: FunME Events - Chicago
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Jennifer McGhie, Group Tour Manager • www.funMEevents.com P.O. Box 463, DeKalb, IL 60115 Phone: 815-756-1263 • Email: Jennifer@FunMEevents.com
FunME Events will customize any Chicagoland itinerary to meet the tour group’s needs, from theater, concerts and sports tickets to complete programs.
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North Shore Wonders
Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, Illinois
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • The new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center now open! • Tour traverses Sheridan Road, the most scenic drive along Lake Michigan • Tram tour of Chicago Botanic Garden • Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center • Baha’i House of Worship–the only one in the Western Hemisphere
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Evanston Enjoy a tour of the lakefront just north of the border of the City of Chicago. Sheridan Road, which hugs the lakefront, is a winding road that offers stunning views of the lake, breathtaking homes and architectural sites of interest. The Grosse Point Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, was built by the U.S. government in 1873. Less than a mile north, the Baha’i House of Worship is one of only seven in the world and the only one in North America. Next visit Spice House—known around the world as merchants of the highest quality, with hand-selected and hand-prepared spices and herbs, featuring hand-blended ethnic Chicago neighborhood seasonings. Time for Lunch!—The Great Harvest Bread Company—Enjoy a fresh and satisfying lunch at their Central Street store in Evanston. After lunch visit the Evanston Historical Society housed in the magnificent chateauesque mansion of former U.S. vice president Charles Gates Dawes located adjacent to Lake Michigan. [L,D]
DAY 2: Skokie The new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, designed by renowned architect Stanley Tigerman, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching the universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference. The museum features an authentic early 20th century German rail car, an inspiring Hall of Remembrance for contemplation and reflection, a permanent exhibition chronicling life before, during and after the Holocaust and more. The magnificence of the architecture and the uplifting message of the importance of tolerance offer a one-of-akind experience. This center is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. [L]
DAY 3: Glenview Start at The Grove—a prairie grove covering 123 acres of ecologically diverse prairie land preserved and maintained as the former home of the visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott. The Grove is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers tours of two historic homes. A good appetite can be satisfied at Hackney’s, a North Shore institution for nearly 70 years. Home of the legendary Hackney Burger and Onion Loaf but also serving fresh salads, tasty seafood and more. Next stop, The Glen Town Center for shopping. See the old Glenview Naval Air Base, which now is a charming village with shops, galleries and restaurants. [L]
DAY 4: Chicago Botanic Garden One of the premier tourist attractions in all of Chicagoland. View an exquisite Japanese garden, a waterfall garden, the hidden rooms inside an English Walled Garden, cross 11 bridges spanning sparkling lakes. The Chicago Botanic Garden is 385 acres and 23 gardens of wonder to explore. Enjoy a guided tram tour of the garden highlights and a “Behindthe-Scenes” tour of the Production Greenhouses only open for viewing to VIP groups. Lunch and shopping discounts in the Garden Shop included in fee for the day.
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE: ➤ Obama Tour ➤ Culinary Tour of the North Shore
CONTACT: Chicago’s North Shore CVB ➤ Caryn Shulman • www.visitchicagonorthshore.com 8001 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 715, Skokie, IL 60077 Phone: 847-763-0011 ext. 25 • Email: cshulman@cnscvb.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
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