on location: travel south O
randy mink
Travel South
Spotlight
The renovated Louisville Slugger Museum in downtown Louisville sports a new look inside.
IF YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED LATELY, DOZENS OF DEVELOPMENTS ARE
IN LOUISVILLE, THE enhanced Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory has racheted up its visitor appeal, and a new Abraham Lincoln statue will be unveiled
TRANSFORMING THE TOURISM SCENE
June 4 on the Ohio riverfront. Thomas Jefferson’s
IN THE 12 MEMBER STATES OF TRAVEL
visitor center. Consider the Viking Cooking School
Monticello in Charlottesville boasts a sparkling new opening this summer in Ridgeland, Miss., or the new
SOUTH USA. DOWNTOWNS ARE BEING REVITALIZED. NEW ATTRACTIONS ARE POPPING UP, AND OLD FAVORITES ARE
culinary tour in Clarksville, Tenn. Get ready for the inaugural Christmas celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg or the Ferris wheel at Kings Dominion near Richmond. If your group is into ghosts, check out the Paraplex complex in New Orleans.
TAKING ON A NEW LOOK. Tour planners are freshening up their 2009 itineraries with these crowd-pleasers and have an eye on what’s looming on the horizon. State tourism offices, destination marketing organizations, tour operators and indi38 April 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
vidual attractions will be spotlighting the latest developments at the 2009 Travel South Showcase, set for April 4-8 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. [travelsouthusa.org] The following state-by-state reports provide just a sampling of the many new things to see and do in the South.
Visitors to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile can perform virtual cardiac surgery and hold a beating holographic heart in their hands in the new permanent exhibit My BodyWorks. The gallery fills the museum’s first floor with nearly 50 hands-on
Mobile’s Gulf Coast Exploreum offers a new take on health.
health exhibits, plus a health and biology laboratory that features dynamic demonstrations and changing programs.
C:MI HIDE### 6 8>IN C:6G NDJ
[251-208-6873, exploreum.com] Also in Mobile, the Hank Aaron Museum and Learning Center opens in April at Hank Aaron Stadium at GasLight Park, home of the minor league Mobile Bay Bears, an AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The baseball great’s boyhood home has been moved from the Toulminville area and is being restored to its 1942 appearance.
The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change®
[mobilebaybears.com] The Alleyway project, an entertainment district at least five years in the making, aims to be the dining, nightlife and corporate hub of downtown Montgomery when it officially opens in 2010. Dreamland BBQ and SaZa’s Pizza and Italian plan to open this spring. Conversion of the alley will include specialty boutiques and possibly a rooftop bar for spectators LeisureGroupTravel.com
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April 2009 39
travel south O
watching the minor league Biscuits play baseball. Also being planned is a Hank Williams “saloon-type” bar to complement the Hank Williams Musuem next door to The Alley, and the Alabama Children’s Museum under construction plans to open in December 2010. Another addition to downtown’s revitalization was the recent return of the Harriott II Riverboat, which underwent renovation in Savannah, Ga. [800-2409452, visitingmontgomery.com] Ground has been broken on Country Crossings, a multi-million-dollar country music destination resort near
Drop by the Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum to see where Elvis Presley got his first Army haircut.
Dothan, the “Peanut Capital of the World.” Partners in the 10-venue project include a Nashville record producer and numerous country music stars. Celebrity restaurants will include George Jones’ Possum Holler Dinner Theater & Restaurant, Tracy Lawrence’s BBQ,
Crystal Bridges Museum of American
Center. The Fort Chaffee Barbershop
John Anderson’s Seminole Wind Buffet,
Art opens in 2011 in Bentonville. Lo-
Museum is the site where Pvt. Elvis
Darryl Worley’s Worley Bird Cafe and
cated in a forested valley with gar-
Presley got his first military haircut
Lorrie Morgan’s Diner. The 15,000-seat
dens and trails, the museum will
when he was inducted into the Army
Mandolin Grove Amphitheater will be
showcase art from the Colonial pe-
in March, 1958. The Enchanted Doll
open year-round for concerts and
riod to the 20th century, including
Museum showcases more than 5,000
events. Also included will be a bowling
Native American art. Founded by
antique dolls. Vietnam Veterans
center, themed resort hotels, shops, a
Alice Walton, an heiress of Ben-
Museum contains Vietnam War mem-
water park and RV park. Plans call for
tonville-based Wal-Mart, the striking
orabilia. The nature center overlooks
Phase 1 to open later this year. [coun-
glass-and-wood museum, within
Wells Lake. [800-637-1477,
trycrossingalabama.com]
walking distance of downtown, will
fortsmith.org]
exhibit such masterworks as George Alabama Adventure in Bessemer will
Washington portraits by Charles Will-
The exhibition World of the
soon unveil UpSurge, a $1-million addi-
son Peale and Gilbert Stuart, the
Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Re-
tion to Splash Beach water park. Ex-
Hudson River School Kindred Spirits
vealed runs from Sept. 25, 2009, to
pected to open in mid-April, the new
by Asher B. Durand and Spring by
July 5, 2010, at the Arkansas Arts
attraction will feature a 47-foot tower
Winslow Homer. [479-418-5703,
Center in Little Rock. The first exhi-
that riders will plummet down in single
crystalbridgesartmuseum.org]
bition of Egyptian art to come to
or double inner tubes through 216 feet
Arkansas (from the Museum of Fine
of dark bends, twists and turns before
Fort Smith’s new Chaffee Crossing
Arts in Boston) features more than
going back up a vertical half-pipe and
Museum District, located on the for-
200 objects, including a majestic
ending in a 25,000-gallon splash pool.
mer Fort Chaffee Army base, includes
colossus of Ramesses II, jewelry,
[205-481-4750,
three museums and the Janet Huck-
stone vessels, statues and funerary ar-
alabamaadventure.com].
abee Arkansas River Valley Nature
tifacts. [501-372-4000; arkarts.com]
40 April 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
6 W D\ D W ' H * U D\
ARKANSAS’S ISLAND RESORT LODGE
Book your next tour at Arkansas’s resort state park in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Here on scenic DeGray Lake, resort amenities combine with outdoor adventure including sunset lake cruises, swimming, hiking, golf, tennis and nature programs. Your group will love this resort’s island lodge and its sweeping views.
2QH RI $UNDQVDV 6WDWH 3DUNV ‡ 'H*UD\ FRP
Something for everyone Every member of your ‰”‘—’ ‹• †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?–Ǥ ”‘Â? •’‘”–• –‘ ‘—–†‘‘”• –‘ ÂƒÂ”Â–Â•ÇĄ ’”‹Â?‰†ƒŽ‡ ‘ƥ‡”• •‘Â?‡–Š‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” ‡˜‡”›‘Â?‡Ǥ ‘‘– ˆ‘” –Š‡ ‘”–Š™‡•– ”Â?ƒÂ?•ƒ• ƒ–—”ƒŽ• ƒ– ”˜‡•– ƒŽŽ’ƒ”Â?Ǥ ‹†‡ ƒ ”‡•–‘”‡† ”ƒ‹Ž…ƒ” –Š”‘—‰Š –Š‡ •…‡Â?‹… ‘•–‘Â? ‘—Â?–ƒ‹Â?•Ǥ –‡’ „ƒ…Â? ‹Â? –‹Â?‡ ƒ– –Š‡ Š‹Ž‘Š —•‡—Â? ‘ˆ œƒ”Â? ‹•–‘”›Ǥ ‘’‡ ‹Â? ƒŽŽ –Š‡ Š‹‰Šnj‡Â?‡”‰› ”‘†‡‘ ƒ…–‹‘Â? ƒ– ƒ”•‘Â?• –ƒ†‹—Â?ÇĄ Š‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ ‘†‡‘ ‘ˆ –Š‡ œƒ”Â?•Ǥ Â‹Â”Â•Â–ÇŚÂ…ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â• Š‘–‡Ž•ǥ ”‡•–ƒ—”ƒÂ?–• ƒÂ?† •Š‘’• ƒ”‡ …‘Â?˜‡Â?‹‡Â?–Ž› Ž‘…ƒ–‡† Â?‡ƒ” ƒŽŽ ƒ”‡ƒ ƒ––”ƒ…–‹‘Â?•Ǥ
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GcXe Xe <oZ`k`e^# Le`hl\ Xe[ 8]]fi[XYc\ ^\kXnXp `e 8IB8EJ8J N\cZfd\ kf 8ibXejXj# fe\ f] k_\ dfjk X]]fi[XYc\ ^iflg kiXm\c [\jk`eXk`fej `e k_\ Jflk_% ?`b\ kf jZ\e`Z m`jkXj `e k_\ FqXib DflekX`ej# Ă&#x2022;fXk k_\ lejgf`c\[ nXk\ij fe k_\ 9l]]Xcf EXk`feXc I`m\i fi `e[lc^\ `e jflc ]ff[ Xe[ Ycl\j dlj`Z `e k_\ 8ibXejXj ;\ckX% J_fg ]fi Xik Xe[ le`hl\ ^`]kj `e <li\bX Jgi`e^j% ;`jZfm\i ]XjZ`eXk`e^ dlj\ldj ]fi Xcc X^\j Xe[ `ek\i\jkj# `eZcl[`e^ C`kkc\ IfZbĂ&#x2039;j :c`ekfe Gi\j`[\ek`Xc :\ek\i Xe[ GXib% <ogcfi\ 9cXeZ_Xi[ Jgi`e^j :Xm\iej fi YXk_\ `e k_\ eXkliXc k_\idXc nXk\ij f] ?fk Jgi`e^j% 8ibXejXjĂ&#x2039;j d`c[ ]fli$j\Xjfe Zc`dXk\ dXb\j ]fi gc\XjXek kiXm\c p\Xi$ifle[% =fi dfi\ `e]fidXk`fe fe ^iflg kiXm\c `[\Xj fi kf m`\n jXdgc\ `k`e\iXi`\j# m`j`k 8ibXejXj>iflgKiXm\c%Zfd%
travel south O
Orlando’s Universal Studios this spring will open a new roller coaster, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. The high-tech, multi-sensory experience will include audio and special effects with onboard and offboard LED-screen videos for riders to create a unique experience by choosing which song they will hear while on the roller coaster and compil-
An underwater experience enhances SeaWorld Orlando’s new Manta coaster.
ing it into a take-home music video when the ride is over. The ride reaches
tion that transitions riders from air to
which provides floor-to-ceiling window
speeds up to 65 m.p.h. and stands 17
sea. Guests will experience underwater
views of more than 300 rays, including
stories tall. [407-363-8000,
animal habitats, soar face-down in a
shark rays, spotted eagle rays and leop-
universalorlando.com]
horizontal position at nearly 60 m.p.h.,
ard rays. [407-351-3600, seaworld.com]
and come within inches of the ocean. SeaWorld Orlando is nearly finished
Visitors who choose not to ride can in-
Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, Fla., fresh
with Manta, a new roller coaster attrac-
stead experience the attraction itself,
from a multi-million-dollar renovation,
Only Hot Springs gives you luxury and excitement like this – from sunup to well after the sun goes down. Bring your group to the South’s famous Spa City, home of historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park. Play the ponies at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, one of America’s oldest racetracks, now with an all-new gaming center. Shop for art and charming gifts in one-of-a-kind boutiques. Explore all the glories of nature at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Enjoy all of this and a whole lot more in America’s First Resort. For a free Group Tour Planner, call 1-800-922-6478 or visit www.hotsprings.org.
44 April 2009
LGT/09
LeisureGroupTravel.com
travel south O
Florida, cont. just opened with the production of Jesus
50 tons of ice. Every six months, ICE-
alligators and other animals. There are
Christ Superstar. Upgrades to the theater
BAR Orlando’s interior is transformed
also two sky-bridges that pass over a
include additional restrooms, installa-
into a new theme. Admission is $30 and
forested wetland. [866-854-3837,
tion of larger seating and improved
includes a premium vodka beverage in a
floridaecosafaris.com]
acoustics. Built in 1925, the Spanish
glass made of ice for guests 21 and older
Baroque theater is one of only four
and a non-alcoholic beverage for
Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte
Saenger theaters still operating in the
younger guests. [407-426-7555,
has completed renovations just in time
South and is listed on the National Reg-
icebarorlando.com]
for the upcoming baseball season. The
ister of Historic Places. [850-595-3880, pensacolasaenger.com]
Southwest Florida baseball facility, Zipline Safari is the newest attraction by
which is the new spring training home
Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida, a
of the American League Champion
ICEBAR Orlando, the first and largest
wildlife conservation area in St. Cloud.
Tampa Bay Rays, includes six major
permanent bar made of ice in the United
The two- and-a-half-hour experience be-
league-caliber baseball fields and has
States, has opened on International
gins with a short hike along a section of
added more seating, concessions, rest-
Drive. The ICEBAR experience takes
the Florida Trail, one of only eight Na-
rooms and a 360-degree concourse.
guests through the Chill Lounge, a bar
tional Scenic Trails in the United States.
When the facility is not being used by
featuring live entertainment, caviar
Upon arrival at the launching point on
the Rays during spring training, the fields are available for tournaments, concerts and other performances. In addition, the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center recently opened in downtown Punta Gorda. Aside from hosting performances and concerts, the event center holds sporting events such as the AAU State Gymnastics Championship, which took place in December. [800-652-6090, charlotteharbortravel.com.] Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers, Fla., recently debuted three new attractions: The Money Museum,
In a unique environment created by more than 50 tons of ice, ICEBAR Orlando offers a chilling experience in sunny Central Florida.
McShell Company Mining Rig and Lorikeet Aviary. The museum displays coins and notes from around the world, back to the Roman Empire. Visitors can
flights and premium beverage service in
the zipline course, an expert guide will
pan for gemstones or fossils in the min-
an upscale Nordic setting. This lounge is
lead guests as they fly above the wilder-
ing rig’s sluice or feed nectar to the col-
open to the public free of charge. Before
ness, reaching heights of 55 feet and
orful lorikeet birds. The 18-acre
entering the air-locked ICEBAR, guests
speeds up to 20 m.p.h. The Zipline Sa-
attraction offers shopping, animal dis-
are provided with a cape and gloves to
fari, which is the first and only zipline
plays, miniature golf, rides, arcade
stay warm during their 45-minute expe-
adventure in Florida, allows visitors to
games, a botanical garden and South-
rience. The exhibit is kept at 27 degrees
get near the animal interactions area,
west Florida’s largest seafood restau-
Fahrenheit, and the walls, tables, seat-
where they will see a puma (a close rela-
rant, Capt’n Fishbones. [239-995-2141,
ing, sculptures and bar are made from
tive of the endangered Florida panther),
shellfactory.com]
46 April 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
Atlanta Botanical Garden will open a new LEED-certified visitor center and Georgia’s Antebellum Trail is celebrating
visitors will see exactly what it takes to
its 25th anniversary in 2009 with the
produce the show. The tour ends inside
the current parking lot will be replaced
first annual Georgia’s Antebellum Trail
the Morning Express with Robin Meade
with a new Edible Garden and outdoor
parking facility this summer. In 2010,
Pilgrimage, a series of three April week-
studio, where visitors can watch a por-
cooking demonstration kitchen. The
ends featuring tours of stately historic
tion of a live broadcast. [404-827-2300,
garden will also feature Canopy Walk,
homes, some of them private and not
cnn.com/tour]
generally open to the public. The spring
a 600-foot-long, 45-foot-high “skywalk” though the treetops of Storza
event, to be repeated in 2010, spotlights
Georgia Aquarium in downtown At-
Woods. [404-876-5859,
museums, homes, battle sites and vari-
lanta is adding a $110-million dolphin
atlantabotanicalgarden.org]
ous activities in seven communities from
exhibit that will open by the end of
Macon to Athens. Included are Old
2010. The additional 84,000 square feet
Wild Adventures theme park in Valdosta
Clinton, Watkinsville, Eatonton, Madi-
of space and 1.3-million-gallon exhibit
has remodeled its Splash Island water-
son and Milledgeville. [800-709-7406,
will include dolphin encounters, viewing
park and unveiled Wahee Cyclone, a
antebellumtrail.org]
windows and dolphin shows. [404-581-
giant funnel ride. Four riders in a clover-
4000, georgiaaquarium.org]
leaf-like raft plummet through an en-
The Kangaroo Conservation Center (KCC) in Dawsonville, Ga., is offering a new tour called “Aussie Outing,” which allows visitors to explore the “Georgia Outback” and view kangaroos while riding the “KangaRanger” as well as a variety of animal shows and exhibits. Aside from the tour, the KCC has walking trails that allow visitors to view kangaroo habitats from a different angle and has an Aussie Outpost gift shop with unique gifts and eco-friendly items. Located in Northern Georgia, the KCC has the largest kangaroo collection outside of Australia and is dedicated to the preservation of kangaroo species and other wildlife through captive
Visitors to the Kangaroo Conservation Center get up close and personal.
breeding. Discounts for groups (30 or more) are available. [706-265-6100,
Athens, home to the University of Geor-
closed tube in complete darkness, then
kangaroocenter.com]
gia, a lively music and arts scene, and
free-fall into a huge funnel that rockets
fine examples of Victorian and neoclas-
them up one side and down the other
Inside CNN Morning Express Tour of-
sical architecture, will be celebrating all
until they are deposited through the end
fers Atlanta visitors the opportunity to
year with special events after being
of the funnel. Splash Island offers six
go behind the scenes of the cable chan-
named to the list of 2009 Dozen Distinc-
waterslides, tropical lagoons, a lazy river
nel’s HLN Morning Express with Robin
tive Destinations by the National Trust
and wave pool. Admission to the water-
Meade. On the new tour, which is of-
for Historic Preservation. [800-653-
park is free with general park admission.
fered Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m.,
0603, visitathensga.com]
[229-219-7080, wildadventures.net]
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2009 47
travel south O
Heart of the Game. [502-588-7228, sluggermuseum.com] The National Corvette Museum in
The newly renovated Louisville Slugger
Mint Julep Tours in Louisville has
Bowling Green will have a fresh new
Museum & Factory in downtown
added a tour that takes visitors to Blue
look when its 47,000-square-foot ex-
Louisville now offers more interactive
Grass Cooperage, where craftsmen cre-
pansion is completed in April. The re-
experiences and a chance to see more
ate barrels used for aging Kentucky
designed Corvette Boulevard and lobby
of its baseball memorabilia collection.
bourbon. The barrel company, which
will be a street scene covered by a bar-
Visitors can have their photos taken
previously had not been open to the
rel-roof archway that leads visitors on a
holding Louisville Slugger bats used by
public, makes whiskey barrels for
journey into the legacy of “America’s
such greats as David Ortiz, Mickey
Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist,
Sports Car.” The new Corvette Enthusi-
Mantle and Rod Carew or pose with
Early Times, Old Forester and Jack
ast area will offer hands-on interactivity
artifacts (bats, game gear, historic con-
Daniel’s. Mint Julep (formerly City and
with computer trivia and exhibits, and
tracts signed by Major League players)
Ccountryside Tours) also offers “Bour-
the relocated Corvette Hall of Fame will
from Grandpa Bud’s Attic. (Bud is Bud
bon Trail,” “Historic Louisville,”
showcase those who played a significant
Hillerich, the founder of Hillerich &
“Louisville Boutique Shop Hop,”
role in the heritage of Corvette. A new
Bradsby, which manufactures the
“Moonshine & Madness” and “Abra-
conference center will host meetings and
Lousiville Slugger.) Also new are ex-
ham Lincoln Bicentennial.” [866-986-
tour groups. [800-538-3883,
hibits of bats used by Joe DiMaggio
8779, mintjuleptours.com].
corvettemuseum.org]
(during his 56-game consecutive hit
Like your best customers,
our best events come back every year.
streak in 1941) and
The Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront
Babe Ruth, who
Park will be dedicated on June 4 in
made a notch for
Louisville as part of the two-year na-
every home run hit
tional celebration of the bicentennial of
with it. There will be
Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It will include
a new factory tour
a larger-than-life statue of Lincoln
video and an updated
seated on a rock and looking out over
version of the mu-
the Ohio River. Four bas-reliefs (stone
seum’s film The
sculpture made by chipping away from
Leave it to a city as unique as ours to host events as diverse as the
National Quartet Convention, Thunder Over Louisville and Abbey Road on the River. So many original adventures are possible in Louisville. Start planning now with your Group Tour Planners Guide and “Nothing But Original” Itinerary Booklet, packed with ideas and information. Visit us at www.gotolouisville.com or call 800-626-5646 and ask for Group Sales.
48 April 2009
Louisville artist Ed Hamilton is sculpting the city’s new Lincoln statue. LeisureGroupTravel.com
a flat surface) will tell in four different stages of Lincoln's life and experiences in Kentucky, including how he developed his abhorrence of slavery while
The Mardi Gras Museum
standing on the banks of the Ohio in
of Imperial Calcasieu in
Louisville. Nationally renowned
Lake Charles just finished
Louisville artist Ed Hamilton is sculpt-
a major renovation. Mo-
ing both the Lincoln statue and bas-re-
tion-activated man-
liefs. The site will include an
nequins decked out in
amphitheater with granite seating
glittery costumes add to
carved with famous quotes from Lin-
the already impressive
coln. [louisvillewaterfront.com/
display of Mardi Gras
projects/lincoln/index.html]
costumes, the largest display in the world. [337-
Jim Beam, “the world’s finest bourbon,”
430-0043,
has announced plans for a new tourism
visitlakecharles.org]
center at its Clermont distillery, just south of Louisville. Scheduled to open in
Paraplex is a new para-
April 2011, the multi-million dollar at-
normal complex in New
traction will include displays of newly
Orleans, and the first of
Museum exhibits in Lake Charles highlight Mardi Gras splendor.
discovered historical documents, photos
its kind in the world. The
and a state-of-the-art welcome center
multi-million-dollar at-
that highlights the heritage of this top-
traction, located in a "haunted" three-
coming Walt Disney Animation Studios
selling spirit. [502-543-9877,
story mansion, features paranormal art
musical The Princess and The Frog,
jimbeam.com]
galleries, hands-on interactive psychic
which is set for release on Christmas.
testing exhibits, a simulated séance
The display will include themed rooms
Construction begins next year on the
room, a Ghost Experience Simulator
showcasing artwork and arranged
Kentucky Agriculture Heritage Center in
and a theater for workshops, documen-
chronologically by year of release.
Harrodsburg, a world-class facility that
taries and feature film screenings. Using
Alongside the artwork will be film clips
will offer interactive exhibits with live
its hi-tech observatory and recording
to show visitors how sketches and
animals, a model farm, a walking tour
lab, Paraplex will monitor all paranor-
paintings become the finished product.
of the year 1775 through the present,
mal activity that takes place in the com-
The exhibition will run until March 14,
and antique and high-tech equipment.
plex. [504-483-2350, paraplex.net]
2010. [504-658-4100, noma.org.]
the Kentucky History Center in Frank-
The New Orleans Museum of Art
Also in New Orleans, Mahalia Jackson
fort. [kyagheritage.org]
(NOMA) will be featuring a new exhi-
Theater of the Performing Arts recently
The attraction will be similar in scope to
bition starting Nov. 15 called Dreams
reopened after a $27-million renova-
The newly named National Quilt Mu-
Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy
tion. The theater, which was damaged
seum of the United States, formerly the
Tales from the Walt Disney Studio. It
during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has
Museum of the American Quilter’s Soci-
will have more than 600 original art-
a state-of-the-art sound system, a new
ety, and other venues in Paducah will
works that shaped legendary animated
orchestra shell and enhanced lighting.
showcase more than 500 quilts and wall
features such as Snow White, Sleeping
The calendar includes ballet, orchestra
hangings April 22-25 during the soci-
Beauty, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid
and opera. [504-525-1052,
ety’s 25th annual Quilt Show and Con-
and many others. Dreams Come True
mahaliajacksontheater.com]
test. [270-442-8856, quiltmuseum.org]
will also include artwork from the up-
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2009 49
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Jackson’s oldest building, the Old Capi-
for cooking and experience
tol Museum, gleams after a $16-million
the full Viking product line.
restoration that showcases the Greek
The school will offer classes
Revival masterpiece’s soaring interior
taught by expert instructors
spaces, craftsmanship and grand lime-
and local, regional and na-
stone exterior. Exhibits tell the story of
tional guest chefs. With
the building’s history as the seat of Mis-
demonstration-style and
sissippi state government from 1839
hands-on classes, there will
until 1903, explore the region's early
be something for cooks of
days, examine Mississippi’s other capital
all skill levels. Classes at the Viking
the newly renovated Harrah’s Casino
cities before Jackson and teach the im-
Cooking School will range from exotic
(formerly Grand Casino) in Tunica.
portance of historic preservation.
global cuisine to basic cooking skills.
Serving down-home food in an upscale
[601-576-6920, mdah.state.ms.us]
The facilities will be available for rent
atmosphere, the 560-seat restaurant is
for private events. [visitridgeland.com]
modeled after the Food Network star’s
Viking Cooking School in Ridgeland
The country’s only Paula Deen Buffet can be found in Tunica’s Harrah’s Casino.
own home and features recipes from the
opens in July, offering culinary enthusi-
Mississippi-born country music star
“Queen of Southern Cuisine.” The re-
asts the opportunity to fuel their passion
Marty Stuart recently unveiled the first
sort’s $45-million renovation included
marker in Merid-
all new rooms (1,350), a new casino
ian’s Walk of Fame,
floor (the largest between Las Vegas and
a project honoring
Atlantic City), a new bar called Sphere
Mississippi artists,
and the fine dining restaurant ’37. [har-
performers and
rahstunica.com]
writers. The marker saluting Jimmie
The Corinth Contraband Camp, a
Rodgers, the “Fa-
refuge for freed African-Americans after
ther of Country
President Lincoln issued the Emancipa-
Music,” lies in front
tion Proclamation, will be dedicated in
of the MSU Riley
June. A National Park Service property
Center, the city’s re-
in Corinth, the site began as a tent city
cently renovated
in 1863 and blossomed into a small city
grand opera
at a time when Union troops occupied
house. In the works
Corinth. Visitors to the commemorative
is a funding plan for
park will find a trail with seven life-size
the proposed Missis-
bronze figures that depict the life of the
sippi Hall of Fame
freedmen, who abandoned the site after
Museum. [888-868-
Federal troops left Corinth in January
7720,
1864. The residents of the camp farmed
visitmeridian.com]
400 acres of land and produced both cotton and vegetables that they sold to
50 April 2009
The country’s only
area citizens and soldiers stationed in
Paula Deen Buffet
and around the Corinth area. [Corinth
recently opened at
Area CVB: 800-748-9048, corinth.net] LeisureGroupTravel.com
travel south O
located near Lowe’s Motor Speedway, also features over 400 guest suites, an Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo
outdoor pool area, an upscale spa as
this spring will open the American In-
well as an ice cream-themed kid spa, a
dian Town and Cultural Education Cen-
technology center for teens, a 100-game
ter, a new historical interpretation
arcade with ticket redemption center
experience at the site of the first English
and a themed 18-hole miniature golf
colony in the New World (1585-1587).
course. [866-925-9653,
It will include a variety of true-to-scale
greatwolf.com/concord]
structures, role-play environments and places to explore, plant, build and play. The park’s centerpiece is the Eliza-
Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, N.C.
beth II, a replica of a 16th century Eng-
Bechtler Museum of Contemporary Art will be one of several attractions in the Wachovia First Street Project in Char-
lish sailing vessel. Costumed historians
lotte. The $18-million, 35,000-square-
at its Settlement Site demonstrate black-
lodge in Concord, offering one of the
foot museum is set to open in early
smithing, woodworking and games.
largest indoor waterparks in America.
2010. Also part of the new development
[252-475-1500, roanokeisland.com]
The four-story, 475,000-square-foot re-
will be the Afro-American Cultural Cen-
sort and conference center will feature
ter and the Mint Museum of Art’s new
Great Wolf Lodge is a brand new $100-
an 80,000-square-foot indoor water-
Center City building. [704-332-2227,
million, 36-acre, northwoods-themed
park, plus an outdoor park. The lodge,
charlottecentercity.org]
North Beach Plantation, a 60-acre
tures local cookbook author Sallie Anne
lifestyle development, just opened in
Robinson. The "Gullah, Gumbo and
North Myrtle Beach, Combining Old
Grits" day tour in Beaufort and St. He-
South charm with modern conveniences,
lena Island showcases Gullah storyteller
the self-contained luxury residential re-
Aunt Pearlie-Sue and a Gullah meal.
sort has 750 oceanfront condominiums,
New multi-day tours revolve around the
townhouses and single-family homes,
lighthouses of South Carolina and Geor-
plus upscale boutique shopping, gour-
gia. [888-842-9217, discover-tours.com]
met dining and the world-class Cinzia Spa and Wellness Center. [northbeachtowers.com]
Grand Strand Culinary Tours Huguenots, Revolutionists and Patriots,
Grand Strand Culinary Tours is a new
slaves and plantation owners. [843-293-
company offering a variety of food tours
1501, grandstrandculinarytours.com]
for groups in the Myrtle Beach area, a For groups of 20 and more, Discover
60-mile stretch from Little River down to
South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s
Tours of Hilton Head Island offers new
Georgetown. Tours range from a simple
most visited attraction, just opened the
culinary and food heritage tours that
traditional lunch in Myrtle Beach to a
temporary exhibit Penguin Planet. Guests
spotlight the West African-influenced
walking tour of historic downtown Con-
can see the four Magellanic penquins, on
Gullah culture of South Carolina’s coast.
way, 15 miles west of Myrtle Beach.
loan from SeaWorld, through windows
A day tour of Daufuskie Island, accessi-
Guides tell how the region’s culinary her-
that allow for underwater viewing.
ble only by boat from Hilton Head, fea-
itage has been shaped by the Spanish and
[843-720-1990, scaquarium.org]
52 April 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
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travel south O
and-answer session with the cast and crew of the show. [800-792-4308, Graceland, the 1939 Memphis mansion
at one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular
that Elvis Presley called home, is cele-
shows. Their performance will be put on
brating its 70th anniversary with new
a DVD and made available for purchase
Pigeon Forge’s popular Smith Family
exhibits. Elvis in Hollywood spotlights
at the gift shop. After watching the two-
Theater, which opened in 2004, is
countrytonitetheater.com]
the singer’s movie career with memora-
hour show, students can take a back-
adding a Southern, buffet-style dinner
bilia from his silver-screen successes,
stage tour. Students also get the
and has renamed itself the Smith Family
while Elvis Lives: The King and Pop
opportunity to participate in a question-
Dinner Theater. The Smith Boys—
Culture showcases Elvis in action as he
Charlie, Jim and Charlie Bob—perform
entertains crowds in a video presenta-
in the remodeled 420-seat auditorium
tion. The Elvis Presley Auto Museum in-
where dinner is served. T.G. Sheppard
troduces new additions, including the
does shows on selected dates. [866-
six-door Mercedes Benz limousine fea-
399.8100, smithfamilytheater.com]
tured in the movie Elvis on Tour. [800238-8000, elvis.com]
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council offers a
Country Tonite provides student groups the chance to perform as the opening act
54 April 2009
The cast of Country Tonite
new culinary tour entitled “Biscuits, Bluegrass and Blackhawks.” The three-
LeisureGroupTravel.com
travel south O Tennessee, cont. night group itinerary includes a tour of Fort Campbell military base, home of the 101st Airborne Division’s Screaming Eagles (air assault), and its Don F. Pratt
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in
the-sky pendulum ride that sits up to 40
Memorial Museum, which displays vari-
Richmond will open a new five-level,
riders in a blue 1950s-style El Dorado
ous aircraft. [800-530-2487,
glass-and-limestone wing later this year.
convertible car. The two-minute ride ro-
clarksville.tn.us]
The project will add more than 165,000
tates riders to 85 feet in the air in two
square feet, increasing the museum’s
different directions. Both rides will be
In a major expansion, Casey Jones
gallery space by 50 percent. The expan-
located in the park’s Grove area, adja-
Home & Railroad Museum in Jack-
sion includes a four-acre sculpture gar-
cent to the Rebel Yell and Hurler roller
son is adding a replica 1890s train sta-
den, two new restaurants and group
coasters. [804-876-5000,
tion that will house exhibits, a theater
dining facilities. [804-340-1596,
kingsdominion.com]
and train-themed gift shop. Also ready
vfma.museum]
for this summer will be a Pullman rail-
For the first time in its 34-year history,
car that will be renovated into studios of
Kings Dominion theme park, north of
Busch Gardens theme park will welcome
American Family Radio’s local affiliate
Richmond, is opening its 2009 season
visitors to a holiday celebration, com-
and will be part of the museum tour at
with two new rides. Americana is a
plete with yuletide entertainment, shop-
Casey Jones Village, named for the
giant 110-foot Ferris wheel with 24 six-
ping, a million twinkling lights and
world’s most famous train engineer.
person gondolas. It is the first Ferris
nightly visits from Santa Claus. Christ-
[731-668-1222, caseyjones.com]
wheel at Kings Dominion in the park’s
mas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebra-
35-year history. El Dorado is a high-in-
tion will transform the park into a
56 April 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
at the new Thomas Jefferson
Education Center, where they have ex-
Visitor Center and Smith Ed-
clusive access to interactive exhibits,
ucation Center, which has
movies and artifacts. Mount Vernon
scheduled its grand opening
continues to offer groups a “Private
for April 15. On that date,
Evening Tour” that includes candlelight
the facility’s major interpre-
touring of the mansion and its rarely
tive features – four innova-
seen third floor. [703-799-6833,
tive exhibitions, a new
mountvernon.org]
introductory film and a Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town
hands-on discovery space –
In observance of Bermuda’s 400th an-
will be unveiled. [434-984-
niversary this year, Jamestown Settle-
9880, monticello.org]
ment presents the exhibition Jamestown and Bermuda: Virginia
winter wonderland from Nov. 27-Dec.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Company Colonies through Oct. 15.
27. Festivities will take place Friday, Sat-
Estate offers a new evening program
The exhibit explores the shared his-
urday and Sunday evenings from 4-9
for student groups. “After Hours: Stu-
tory and links between England’s first
p.m. and each evening Dec. 18-27.
dent Evenings at Mount Vernon” al-
two permanent colonies in the New
[christmastown.com]
lows groups to arrive as early as 3 p.m.
World, featuring objects from the un-
After touring the grounds and mansion,
derwater archaeological site of the
Monticello, the Charlottesville home of
students have time to shop and eat be-
Sea Venture, wrecked in Bermuda en
Thomas Jefferson, has begun operations
fore visiting the Donald W. Reynolds
route to Virginia in 1609, plus other
LeisureGroupTravel.com
April 2009 57
travel south O
Virginia, cont. art and artifacts. [888-593-4682, historyisfun.org] Norfolk’s Town Point Park, the back-
by a partnership that includes the
drop for many festivals and events since
Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and
it opened 27 years ago, will unveil a new
Visitors Bureau, City of Wheeling,
look this summer, the result of an $11.5-
Wheeling National Heritage Area Cor-
million renovation. During its grand
poration and Regional Economic Devel-
opening on July 4 weekend, guests will
opment Partnership. [800-828-3097,
be the first to enjoy the park’s new path-
wheelingcvb.com]
way system (offering greater access to Norfolk’s waterfront), new stage loca-
Capitol Music Hall
tions, enhanced lighting, interactive
The new West Virginia State Museum is slated to open this summer on the lower
water fountains and lush landscaping.
Downtown Wheeling’s legendary Capi-
level of the Cultural Center in the State
Festival favorites, including the Virginia
tol Music Hall reopens in September as
Capitol Complex in Charleston. Visitors
Arts Festival (April–May), Town Point
a venue for the Wheeling Symphony,
will follow a path on a chronological
Park Wine Festival (April and October)
Broadway shows, concerts, operas, co-
journey of West Virginia history.
and Harborfest (July). New this year is
medians and other national touring acts.
Themed settings will feature theatrical
the Antique Car and Boat Show in Sep-
The historic theater, dating back more
lighting, surround sound, narration and
tember. [norfolkcvb.com]
than 80 years, was recently purchased
artifacts. [wvculture.org] LGT
58 April 2009
LeisureGroupTravel.com
HYATT, Grand Hyatt,® names, designs and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2009 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
A MARVEL OF MODERN DESIGN. AN EQUALLY STUNNING LOCATION. INTRODUCING GRAND HYATT SAN ANTONIO: AN ENTIRELY NEW LEVEL OF SERVICE, CONVENIENCE AND LUXURY. Grand Hyatt San Antonio offers everything you would expect from a four star hotel. And then some. Like 115,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and function space that includes 5,200 sq. ft. of exceptional balcony space. Meeting rooms with natural light. A state-of-the-art business center and our 24-hour Stay Fit gym with a heated outdoor pool. WiFi everywhere. And rooms with flat panel TVs, plus our ultra-comfortable Hyatt Grand Bed ™. It’s everything you would have expec ted. And quite a few things you never knew to expec t. Feel the Hyatt Touch.® For more information, contac t your Hyatt Sales Representative at 210.451.6400 or visit grandhyattsanantonio.com.