February 2022 Leisure Group Travel by Premier Travel Media

FEBRUARY 2022

Fine Dining on the River

Culinary experiences are an important ingredient on cruises along America’s waterways

INSIDE:

Wyoming Itinerary Guide Mississippi Itinerary Guide A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

Home-Style Cooking the Amish Way Loosen your belt and bring your appetite to Amish Country

TourAtlanticCity.com

CONTENTS

February 2022 Vol. 32 No. 1

FEATURES 10

PATHWAYS PROJECT AIMS TO DIVERSIFY TOURISM By Jason Paha TripSchool plays an important role in the creation of new program

FINE DINING ON THE RIVER By Randy Mink Culinary experiences are an important ingredient on cruises along America’s waterways

SPECIAL SECTIONS 23

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE No state has fewer people and more room for adventure

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE An abundance of attractions, restaurants and museums call the Magnolia State home

DESTINATIONS 16

CENTRAL

EAST

HOME-STYLE COOKING THE AMISH WAY By Randy Mink Loosen your belt and bring your appetite to the Amish Country of Indiana and Ohio

SEVEN FOOD HALLS THAT SIZZLE By Isabella Wilkes A trip East will lead you to a variety of delicious destinations

COLUMNS 6 ON MY MIND B y J ason P aha

7 ON TOUR B y M itch B ach

8 ON DIGITAL MARKETING B y L ance H a rr ell

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The American Queen's J.M. White Dining Room Photo courtesy of American Queen Voyages

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CIRCLE WISCONSIN 2022 TOUR PLANNER

he Circle Wisconsin 2022 Tour Planner features engaging features, comprehensive listings and regional itineraries to help group planners craft an unforgettable Badger State tour. This year’s features spotlight Wisconsin’s varied offering of urban adventures, outdoor recreation areas and diverse cultural sites.

Check out the online version or download a print copy at: https://leisuregrouptravel.com/circle-wisconsin-tour-planner

VISIT LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out more recent articles on leisuregrouptravel.com • The Peabody: A Memphis Landmark • Remembering Lyndon B. Johnson Through Travel • Getting Off the Beaten Path in North Carolina

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ON THE COVER:

Dig into beef and noodles over mashed potatoes at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, an Amish-inspired restaurant in Middlebury, Indiana Photo courtesy of Dutchman Hospitality Group

February 2022 ■ 5

ON MY MIND

By Jason Paha

Embracing Food’s Power

ith the world mired in a state of uncertainty not seen since the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, it’s comforting to know some life experiences remain as blissful as they did two, 20 and 50 years ago. Regardless of whatever madness is plaguing society on a particular day, when I bite into a Chicago-style hot dog or a slice of New York-style pizza, my troubles are forgotten, if only for a moment. Food has the power to both invoke amnesia and trigger our memories, harkening us back to joyous times when we ate something delightful with a smile on our face and a song in our heart. This month, Leisure Group Travel embraces the power of food with our culinary issue as we explore a throng of exquisite food halls on the Eastern Seaboard, savor top ingredients on cruises along America’s waterways and unearth dining gems in Amish country where the portions are colossal and scrumptious. This might be our most delicious issue to date.

Looking forward, with a new year comes new trends and a multitude of publications have weighed in on food trends of 2022. According to forecasters: • High-end dining will return in force as patrons will be inclined to spend more for a formal outing. In response, restaurants are expected to make dining experiences an event as themed menus, creative settings and Instagrammable moments will become more common • Eating healthy, and in particular, eating vegetables, will be a priority as plant-based foods continue to surge in popularity • Reducetarianism, the practice of eating less meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and eggs, has also grown in favor. While these diners aren’t quite vegetarians (they will opt for a cheeseburger on occasion), they are looking to eat greener in an effort to reduce waste impact with upcycled ingredients • Running contrary to the previous two trends, comfort food will continue its comeback. Beginning in 2020, comfort food again became a popular menu item as chefs constructed dishes like mac ‘n cheese and French fries while utilizing their own flair. With the pandemic still causing mass consternation, diners are seeking food and drinks that offer a sense of familiarity and nostalgia • Outdoor private dining is here to stay as many guests have grown appreciative of the greenhouses, yurts and bubbles restaurants have built over the past two years Finally, to the delight of some and horror of others (I.E.: me), the ingredient of the year is expected to be mushrooms. Plan your menus accordingly.

Vol. 32, No. 1 February 2022 Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Associate Editor – Miles Dobis

miles@ptmgroups.com

Chief of Content & Technology – Lance Harrell

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Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com

General Manager – Theresa O’Rourke P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com

West – Sylvia Welsh P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 sylvia@ptmgroups.com Southeast and Midwest – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

East – Diane Meglino

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 diane@ptmgroups.com

Inside Sales Specialist – Rick Miller P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 rick@ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsi bility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406)

is published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular sub scrip tion price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.

Happy eating,

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

Jason Paha Managing Editor

■ February 2022

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ON TOUR

By Mitch Bach

Four Ways to Use Technology to Enhance a Group Tour

here are so many opportunities to enhance the experience of a group tour by utilizing the many devices, smartphone applications and web tools available today. Having spent years teaching workshops on tours, technology has made me realize how frustrating the learning experience can be. So, I’d like to inspire you by sharing just four of the dozens of the opportunities that exist today to create a truly engaging (and well-run) tour.

SHARE PHOTOS TOGETHER

Everyone loves a good photo, but not everyone is a fantastic photographer. Taking photos from a moving vehicle like a bus is extra hard: everything flies by so fast, and what if you’re on the wrong side of the bus for that great view? One of the best ways to make everyone happy is to create a shared group photo album where everyone can post their photos and like and comment on each other’s great shots. My favorite app to do this is TripCast. A group leader can create an album, and share a code with everyone to join the private group and add their own photos. Then with one tap of their phones, a traveler can download a photo they missed, or a particularly good shot.

SET UP GROUP MESSAGING

Location misunderstandings, late guests, and sudden changes can all cause a group tour to suddenly turn chaotic. It’s why communicating clearly is so important. It happens: sometimes plans change while your group is enjoying free time and you need to send a message to everyone quickly. You might set up a group text LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

message, but then everyone on the group will bother everyone with each message. Instead, try an app like Remind or GroupMe. In both cases, the administrator or teacher can set up a group messaging thread where every traveler can message the group leader but can’t message each other. In addition, those apps allow you to share photos, locations, files, and so much more. I love to use it for fun activities like taking song requests for music on the bus, or playing fastest-finger trivia games or holding photography contests where everyone submits their best photo for a prize.

CONNECT YOUR PHONE OR TABLET TO THE MOTOR COACHES With a few cables and a stroke of good luck, you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the motor coach’s screens and unlock a world of wonderful possibilities for keeping the group engaged. You’ll want to start by knowing which connector your phone has (iPhone Lightning or USB-C common to Android devices) and then purchase adapters that convert it into HDMI or RCA connectors (the two most common types of video inputs on a bus). Imagine playing short YouTube clips that make a sight come alive: watch Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech before visiting the Lincoln Memorial, or watch historical footage of how the Golden Gate Bridge was built. But beyond videos, you might create Powerpoint presentations and share your insights about a place, take interactive polls using Slido.com, or play an interactive trivia game with Kahoot.com as a group! The possibilities are endless, and can transform a group tour experience.

CREATE A GROUP FAREWELL VIDEO

The end of the tour is always bittersweet. Even if it feels like time to return to normal life, travelers are going to miss the variety of experiences they all just shared. I always like to end my tours with a surprise wow moment, and for me that means sharing a video with short clips of all the places we’ve been together as a group. I call it the Farewell Video, and it’s easier to make than you think. Simply remember to film short 3-5 second clips while the group is enjoying a variety of activities. At the end of the trip, use a free smartphone app like iMovie for iPhones or InShot for Android, to add those clips together, add a title at the beginning, and some music over the whole video. In a surprisingly short amount of time, you’ll have a fantastic video you can play on the motor coach screens (or share afterwards) that reminds everyone of just how wonderful the trip was. (Be sure to leave out any less-than-stellar moments.) Then, upload the movie to YouTube as an unlisted video, and share the link with everyone so they can go home and rave about the trip to their family and friends. These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. But with anything, practice is key. Choose one idea, and make it your project with your next tour. Practice it in advance, and then watch as you expand just what you can offer your travelers!

Mitch is the co-founder of TripSchool [thetripschool.com], a learning organization that helps tour guides, tour operators and other travel professionals grow their skills and pursue their travel career dreams. TripSchool offers courses ranging from tour technology to storytelling and guide certifications. Mitch has worked in the group travel industry for 20 years, since his days as a tour guide in Paris, France. Today he is an international speaker, author, tour guide trainer and consultant for the group tour industry.

February 2022 ■ 7

ON DIGITAL MARKETING

Perform Keyword Research for Quality Content Creation

ontent is king, but without effective keyword research, your content will fail to perform in search engines and likely languish in the dungeons of the digital realm, never to be seen again. Therefore, before you invest in your first piece of content, you should have a strategic keyword plan in place. Why? Because keyword research provides you insight into what terms your audience is actually using to search for topics relevant to what you do. This is critical information, as you shouldn’t be creating content about what you want to tell people, but rather, you should be creating content around what your audience wants to discover. Although developing a comprehensive keyword strategy is best left to a professional SEO, there are effective steps you can take toward making your content perform better.

STEP 1: CREATE YOUR TOPIC BUCKETS • Who are you and what are you about? • What makes you special? • How do you help your audience? • How are you better than your competitors? • Why do you exist? For a destination, buckets may contain your top attractions, unique experiences, geographic location, affordability, culture, etc.

STEP 2: FILLING THE BUCKETS

This is where the brainstorming begins. Grab a bucket and start filling it with relevant keywords and phrases that you think your audience might be using. Sometimes insider knowledge can make us biased, so a useful approach is to pretend you are generating keywords for another related organization and then apply those ideas to 8

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yourself. For example, if you are the Narnia CVB, think about how you would search for information about Middle-Earth. Bring in anyone you can at this stage to help generate potential keywords. Start general and try to get ever more specific. For example, “hotels” is too general, but “best places to stay in Narnia with a family” is a great, highly specific, long-tail keyword. These long-tail keywords will be your potential new article ideas. Pro Tip: If you have access to a program where you can perform a Keyword Gap Analysis on your competitors, you can see what they are ranking for and examine where you might be competing and where opportunities lie.

STEP 3: RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Now comes the most important phase of the process, determining which keywords are worthy of creating content around. Here you are going to need some help, and depending upon your budget, there are many tools out there to help you refine your list, from Google Keyword Planner & Google Predictive Text, to professional solutions like Moz & SEMRush. Generally, how I approach the process is by dropping the keyword into an analysis tool and looking at: • Monthly Search Volume - is anyone even using this keyword? If not, is there a closely related one they are using? • Keyword Difficulty - on a scale of 1-100% how difficult will it be for you to rank for this keyword? • Search Intent - will the user’s intent match your content? Keywords’ intents are either informational, navigational, commercial or transactional. • Trend - knowing how the search volume fluctuates during the year can inform you when to publish content.

By Lance Harrell

• SERP Features - you can see what types of results are currently appearing for the keyword, from video & map results to Featured Snippets & “People Also Ask.” The ideal keyword would have a high search volume, low keyword difficulty score, match the intent you want to write about, be trending when you want to publish and have vacant SERP features that you could fill in with your content. In the real world however, you will need to compromise. I recommend writing content around keywords with a lower monthly volume but lower difficulty score, as it is better to get 20% of the traffic from 1,000 searches than 1% of the traffic from 10,000 searches. If your content is written properly, the lower trafficked keyword can pull in visitors with the same intent and have the same impact. Pro Tip: I would recommend having your list reviewed by a professional SEO at this stage as they are more experienced at divining the subtleties of this research.

STEP 4: TRACK & REFINE

No aspect of SEO is fire & forget, content SEO is no exception. Not only is Google constantly updating its search algorithm, but how people search for things online changes over time. The competitive landscape may also change, with others seeing your success and vying for a piece of the traffic around your keywords. As it takes some time for SEO to work its magic, I recommend reviewing your content once a month and looking for performance changes. Assuming you have both Google Analytics and Google Search Console set up for your website, you can easily see what keywords each piece of your content is ranking for and how they are performing for each.

Lance Harrell is an SEO & Content Consultant for Premier Travel Media and is owner of Digital Consilience, an agency specializing in search engine optimization and content strategy.

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A MORE DIVERSE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Pathways Project Aims to Diversify Tourism TripSchool plays an important role in the creation of new program By Jason Paha

or years, TripSchool co-founders Mitch Bach and Alan Armijo have been bothered by a lack of diversity in the tourism industry. The duo, who in 2017 founded TripSchool, a renowned training company and business incubator for tour guides, tour directors and operators, have made significant strides toward fixing that concern. TripSchool recently joined four industry-leading partners, Tourism Cares, The TreadRight Foundation, The

“The program, known as the Pathways Diversity Project, has a mission to bring awareness to the lack of diversity in the group travel industry, provide outreach to new audiences who are unaware about career paths in tourism and offer training to bring these individuals into the industry and get hired or help them start businesses.” 10

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Travel Corporation and the Media Arts Institute of Alabama, to develop a program that recruits and trains historically underrepresented individuals to pursue careers in travel and tourism with a focus on tour guiding and directing. The program, known as the Pathways Diversity Project, has a mission to bring awareness to the lack of diversity in the group travel industry, provide outreach to new audiences who are unaware about career paths in tourism and offer training to bring these individuals into the industry and get hired or help them start businesses. “The Pathways Project is a much-needed activation point for our industry, putting action in place in support of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. “It happens to coincide with a critical time in our industry in terms of addressing larger workforce challenges.” Echoing TripSchool’s Values Beginning in 2020 and stretching to the present day, the tourism industry has been slowed by the pandemic spawned by the COVID-19 virus. With business ground to a halt at times, Bach and Armijo opted to >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

“

“Tour guides are often called the front line of the escorted and guided tour industry. They are an essential interface between the tour operator, the destination and the guest, and are critical to ensure representation is a part of a destination’s story.”

creates online and in-person training solutions for their guide teams, from custom training portals to storytelling workshops. For those who need a tour guide, TripSchool works as matchmakers to help them find talent and guides. “Nurses and teachers say they never stop learning on the job and we never want to stop offering opportunities to keep learning and growing,” Bach said. “We want to offer lifelong education.” The Path from Awareness to Hiring Much like TripSchool, the Pathways Project is acclaimed for providing training, networking and mentoring once the session has completed. This helps trainees get hired as quickly as possible and prepares them to

Photo courtesy of MemoryCatcher via Pixabay

use their unprecedented downtime to help improve the industry and society as a whole. “It’s been glaringly obvious that the industry has had long-time diversity issues,” Bach said. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve had more time on our hands because of COVID-19 and we’ve thought about ways to fix that. So, we decided to create this program through a coalition that addresses the lack of awareness of this job in underrepresented communities.” The Pathways Project is an extension of TripSchool’s core values, which is to help tour guides, directors and business owners design and deliver the most creative, engaging travel experiences possible. Since it opened in 2017, TripSchool has helped new arrivals entering the tourism industry by offering quality in-class guiding and tour directing certification courses along with a community of colleagues who assist attendees throughout their career. TripSchool also provides continuing education courses for skill improvement and destination knowledge. For those seeking to start a tour business or become an entrepreneur, TripSchool

Tour guides are an important part of the tourism industry.

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enter the tourism workforce. “We are trying to level the playing field by offering out-of-the-gate employment opportunities and training and mentorship so candidates are ready to go,” Bach said. “On the hiring front, we are creating a wider coalition of tour operators who are declaring they are excited to hire these individuals. We create the path from awareness to hiring.” Tour guides are often called the front line of the escorted and guided tour industry. They are an essential interface between the tour operator, the destination and the guest, and are critical to ensure representation is a part of a destination’s story. The coalition behind the Pathways Project believes awareness is key to helping the tourism business grow and thrive. And once attendees are in the program, most are grateful for the chance to enter the exciting world of tourism. “We train hundreds of tour directors and guides through our various courses and keep hearing the same refrain, ‘I wish I had discovered this career sooner.’” Bach said. “Unlike other hospitality careers, tour directing and guiding takes you out into the world, free from bosses and offices and lets you share your love of culture, history and food with eager travelers. “We are going to continue with our coalition-led projects and have no plans for it to end,” Bach added. “Donations are happening on an annual basis so that we can continue to offer new training offerings into the industry. Ultimately, our goal and dream is that these roles are a start for many people who could wind up as a CEO or a travel agent and they help diversify the entire industry by using this as a gateway.” February 2022 ■ 11

MEALS WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW

Fine Dining ← ON

Dining room on American Cruise Lines' new American Melody

THE RIVER ←

Culinary experiences are an important ingredient on cruises along America’s waterways

Photo courtesy of American Queen Voyages

By Randy Mink iver cruising, whether it’s a two-hour afternoon fling on an excursion boat or a one-week vacation aboard a deluxe vessel with all the bells and whistles, has always been a group travel staple. And for good reason. There’s something romantic about pulling away from shore and spending time on the water. Sitting back and taking in the scenery, away from car traffic and in tune with the rhythms of the river, provides a whole new perspective on destinations visited. When the package includes good food and/or entertainment, all the better. Though the pandemic initially forced some boats to halt their operations or alter their schedules, things started getting back to normal starting last spring and summer. Domestic river cruising is thriving once again, capitalizing on Americans’ increasing desire to be out and about. When it comes to multi-day river vacations, cruising closer to

Chefs on the riverboats of American Queen Voyages create culinary delights.

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Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

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February 2022 ■ 13

MEALS WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW home on a small ship offers a greater sense of security and health safety than boarding a 3,000-passenger megaship bound for foreign ports of call. Many of us, moreover, appreciate the benefits of calm-water sailing and just being able to see land all journey long. On March 13, 2021, American Cruise Lines (ACL) was the first overnight cruise operator to return to service in the U.S., successfully leading the return of the domestic small ship cruise industry with East Coast and Mississippi River itineraries. And despite 2020’s worldwide cruise shut down, American kept its Maryland shipyard open throughout 2020 and 2021 as it continued building ships. The line introduced two modern riverboats in 2021 and will launch two more in 2022, when it

American Cruise Lines operates 11 modern riverboats.

Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Photo courtesy of Celebration Belle

Celebration Belle on the Mississippi

also will roll out its fleet of four redesigned paddlewheelers. American operates a total of 15 ships—all accommodating just 100-190 passengers—that offer more than 35 river and coastal itineraries ranging from 5 to 22 days, including trips on the Mississippi, Ohio, Hudson and Columbia & Snake rivers. “We successfully navigated the additional regulations and obstacles associated with COVID-19 by working closely and directly with the communities we explore,” said Alexa Paolella, ACL’s public relations manager. Dining is a big drawing card for ACL ships, and menus are adjusted to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients. Fresh produce, meat and seafood are sourced as near as possible to the cruise, and the line strongly supports farmers’ markets and small businesses. The boats offer both indoor and al fresco dining, with a casual cafe menu offered outdoors. The cruise fare covers all meals. On ACL’s Pacific Northwest cruises, guests enjoy the bounty of the Pacific Ocean—in appetizers like shrimp bisque and shrimp scampi and entrees such as Dungeness crab cakes and salmon pasta Alfredo. A dessert favorite is cheesecake featuring the regional marionberry. The line’s Mississippi River cruises spotlight the Creole and Cajun cuisine of New Orleans, with selections like chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, penne pasta with Creole mustard cream sauce and Dixie Lager Braised Chicken with andouille, red beans, rice and stewed squash. Southern-inspired desserts include bourbon pecan pie and bread pudding with whiskey caramel sauce. ACL’s special culinary-themed cruises bring experts on board to do lectures, tastings, demos and other presentations. They often lead the guided shore tours, which could

include a visit to the Culinary Institute of New Orleans or a Washington State vineyard. For a memorable evening out, groups touring New Orleans might consider the Mississippi River Dinner Jazz Cruise on the 880-passenger Creole Queen paddlewheeler. The lavish buffet features items like Cajun Caesar salad, Cajun seafood pasta, Cajun baked chicken, chicken and andouille gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, garlic mashed potatoes, corn mac choux, French bread rolls, cornbread and white chocolate bread pudding with whiskey sauce. As the city slips by under a canopy of stars, the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz make the evening complete. Flavors of the South also delight guests of Savannah Riverboat Cruises. On two-hour dinner cruises year-round, the 1,000-passenger Georgia Queen and 600-passenger Savannah River Queen paddlewheelers offer Southern-style buffets featuring shrimp and grits, lemon-artichoke chicken and a beef carving station, with sides like potatoes au gratin, squash casserole and seasonal fresh vegetables. The lunch menu also has shrimp and grits, plus fried chicken, mac and cheese, Southern greens and sweet potato souffle, among other temptations. The three-deck Georgia Queen boasts three grand ballrooms with over 15,000 square feet of dining space, each seating 250 persons. Live music entertains guests, and there’s patio seating on the open-air top deck. Each deck has a bar. The Savannah River Queen seats 250 guests on the first deck, 175 on the second. From their historic riverfront docks, the boats sail upriver to the Port of Savannah and then turn around, continuing downriver past the Waving Girl statue, through the shipyards and just past the tip

The American Queen on the Ohio River in Wheeling, West Virginia

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Photo courtesy of American Queen Voyages

of Hutchinson Island and Old Fort Jackson before heading back upriver to the dock. On the Ohio River, the steam-powered Belle of Louisville has been offering sightseeing and dining cruises for decades. A National Historic Landmark, she has plied America’s rivers since 1914 and is the only remaining authentic steamboat from the great American packet (freight) boat era. Her engines are even older, dating from the 1880s, and still doing a good job. Highlighting the Belle’s dinner cruises are beef brisket and hot brown casserole, a Kentucky favorite consisting of roast turkey, maplewood bacon, grilled tomato and creamy mornay sauce. The dockside dinner, prepared by Ladyfinger Catering, includes wine and is followed by a two-hour sunset cruise. A once-a-month, Southern-style brunch buffet features live music and starts with a mimosa or bloody Mary. It includes Caesar salad, hot brown casserole, biscuits and gravy, and egg casserole with pastry crust, cheddar cheese and either ham, crumbled sausage or vegetables. Bacon, sausage patties, vegetables and assorted dessert miniatures round out the offering. In Nashville, the stately, 1,000-passenger General Jackson Showboat offers plated lunch and dinner cruises on the Cumberland River. Dazzling stage productions in the twostory Victorian Theater showcase the best of Tennessee’s musical traditions, including country, bluegrass, blues, soul and rockabilly. Dinner guests can expect braised short ribs in red wine sauce and jumbo shrimp and grits with smoked Gouda, plus honey butter soft rolls and apple cinnamon crumb cake. In the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois, the 750-passenger Celebration Belle, the largest non-gaming boat on the Mississippi, offers lunch and dinner cruises. Upon departure from Moline, Illinois, lunch guests enjoy homemade sticky rolls and fresh fruit, followed by a hot buffet featuring baked cranberry-glazed breast of chicken, Alfredo pasta with vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and green beans with sauteed bacon and onions, plus salads, rolls and dessert. They are regaled with facts about the river and local history. On select dates, four-hour themed lunch sailings revolve around music genres, from country tunes to classic oldies from the 1950s and ’60s. On the Belle’s

Lobster is available every night on American Queen Voyages cruises.

dinner dance cruises, the menu includes carved prime rib, and there is live music. In Toms River, New Jersey, the 150-passenger paddleboat River Lady does 2 1/2-hour lunch and dinner cruises that go out into Barnegat Bay, passing waterfront homes, magnificent estates, yacht clubs and historic sites. Guests can choose from four entrees—salmon filet, penne pasta in vodka cream sauce and two styles of boneless chicken breast. To do New York City in style, groups can splurge on one of City Cruises’ three-hour dinner circuits on the East and Hudson rivers. While admiring the Manhattan skyline from the 600-passenger Spirit of New York or Spirit of New Jersey, they feast on a variety of foods from the buffet, which offers three salads, four entrees (such as honey sesame chicken, oven-roasted flounder, baked ziti pasta and braised beef short ribs), mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli and root vegetable fricassee. The dessert station has cakes, brownies and seasonal fruit. The same ships offer a two-hour lunch buffet cruise, and City Cruises’ glass-enclosed, 300-passenger Bateaux New York has plated-meal dinner and lunch cruises. Sailings depart from Chelsea Piers or Marina Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, New Jersey. City Cruises, a division of Hornblower Group, also operates upscale lunch and dinner cruises on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., and Chicago River in Chicago. American Queen Voyages, the new corporate name for American Queen

Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines, also is part of Hornblower Group. Fine dining is a big allure of overnight cruises on its four deluxe paddlewheeler riverboats— the American Queen (414 passengers), American Duchess (166), American Empress (223) and American Countess (245) —that ply the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Columbia/Snake rivers. Gourmet fare is served in multiple venues, with fresh lobster and USDA prime beef available every night. Guests have access to unlimited beverages, including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees. Among culinary-themed cruises on select dates are those focusing on bourbon, wine and Cajun/Creole cuisine. Taking its food and beverage game to the next level, American Queen Voyages recently brought on celebrity chef Regina Charboneau as its culinary ambassador. She is best known as the “Biscuit Queen of Natchez” and for her San Francisco restaurants Regina’s at the Regis and Biscuits & Blues, the latter opening an outpost in her Mississippi hometown. Her book Mississippi Currents: A Culinary Journey Down America’s Greatest River is a collection of recipes from St. Paul to New Orleans. Charboneau’s role will include creating culinary experiences for guests both onboard and ashore. Special sailings will feature the chef and her culinary friends as speakers and at tasting events. Treating your travelers to dining and sightseeing on America’s great rivers is a no-brainer. It simply doesn’t get better than this. February 2022 ■ 15

CENTRAL

e l y t S e m o H REGION

COOKING THE AMISH WAY Loosen your belt and bring your appetite to the Amish Country of Indiana and Ohio

By Randy Mink

ender, juicy fried chicken....buttery smooth mashed potatoes...slowroasted beef...thick, savory egg noodles...freshly baked bread and rolls....generous dollops of gravy. That’s just a sampling of the bounty of the Amish table. Oh, and save room for pie.

Groups traveling through Amish/ Mennonite communities in Indiana and Ohio have a cornucopia of choices when it comes to Amish-style dining. From restaurants with sumptuous buffets to private homes that welcome tourists, the choices are almost endless in these agricultural counties where horse-drawn buggies go clip-clopping down the roads

and people live perfectly contented lives without electricity and other modern conveniences. Local tour companies weave meals and tastings into excursions that provide revealing insights on the Amish way of life. These tours may include visits to Amish farms and workshops. Cooking classes and demonstrations can be arranged as well.

Whoopie pies are among the most tempting treats at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana.

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Photo courtesy of Elkhart County, IN CVB

Tour group members feast at an Amish home in Elkhart County, Indiana.

noodles or dressing, salad, vegetables and homemade bread. To slather on your bread, there’s Amish peanut butter spread (made with marshmallow cream and corn syrup). Bowls and platters of food are passed around the table, family-style. For dessert, the choice of three pies might be coconut cream, peanut butter crumb and a seasonal fruit pie. “Strawberry pie is a huge hit in June,” Glessner says, while pumpkin is commonly served in fall. Glessner has had two or three busloads eating at once, but the hosts make serving big groups look easy, she says, noting Amish wedding celebrations can number from 500 to 800 guests. At one farm, the venue used for groups had been built specifically to hold the wedding feasts for the family’s daughters. Some meals for tour groups, in fact, take on a wedding theme, and three couples are chosen to sit at the head tables. The Amish hosts get up and talk about wedding customs and other aspects of their lifestyle. Glessner says that her groups are so full of questions and so enthralled with their time at the home that “it’s hard to get everyone back on the bus.” Besides meals, CCA can arrange handson experiences at homes that could include making whoopie pies or Amish peanut butter. Another option is the day-long “Eating Your Way Through Amish Country,”

Photo courtesy of Dutchman Hospitality Group

On rambles through the peaceful countryside, your culinary-minded tour members also will have fun shopping in bakeries, meat and cheese shops, and grocery stores that specialize in bulk foods—places where the Amish and Mennonites shop. To me, Amish cooking brings back memories of the simple, meat-and-potatoes meals my mom and grandmas used to make—wholesome, filling, uncomplicated. When I have time for cooking and baking, I often rely on one of my two Amish cookbooks because I usually have the ingredients, and there aren’t too many of them. Whenever I’m anywhere near an Amish enclave, I’ll go out of my way to enjoy lunch or dinner at a restaurant buffet or at least hit a bakery to buy cookies, sweet rolls and hand-held fry pies to take home. Having a meal in an Amish home, on the other hand, is something available only to groups. An individual cannot just walk in off the street and partake in this special experience. In Ohio, home to the country’s largest Amish community, Carol Glessner, owner of Country Coach Adventures (CCA), works with several Holmes and Tuscawaras County families that serve up heaping helpings of food and fellowship for her travelers. She is celebrating 30 years in business in 2022. “People tell us eating with an Amish family was the No. 1 thing they enjoyed about their trip,” says Glessner, whose tours (from one day to one week) are “designed around food.” Some group leaders ask for the same family year after year. It’s not that a whole busload crams into the dining room of a farmhouse, though. A separate building, which the Amish term a “shop,” accommodates the hungry visitors, giving them plenty of space and access to restrooms. The food preparation facilities are regularly inspected by local health departments and follow all government safety protocols, with extra precautions being taken during the current pandemic, Glessner states. A typical home-cooked meal on a CCA tour includes two meats—usually panfried chicken and roast beef or ham—plus

Noodles over mashed potatoes at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana.

a progressive dining experience that can be customized for the group. It might start with cinnamon rolls at an Amish home or a pie-making demonstration at Dutch Valley Restaurant in Sugarcreek, famous for its peanut butter crumb pie. The tour continues with stops at places like Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery in Millersburg, a cheese fondue party at Chalet in the Valley (Millersburg), an Amish home for salads and Swiss Heritage Winery (Dover) for sangria sampling. The February 2022 ■ 17

with a peach pie, chocolate whoopie pie and cinnamon rolls. They make 30 different pie varieties, from banana and coconut cream to shoofly, pecan and rhubarb-custard. The buffet did not include pie, but its dessert bar offered apple crisp and chocolate chip cookies. (And the salad bar had Pumpkin Caramel Delight with whipped cream, which passes for dessert in my book.) Besides gift shops in the restaurant/bakery complex, the Essenhaus campus has shops housed in original farm buildings. Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery in Shipshewana also appeals to groups touring Northern Indiana Amish Country, the thirdlargest Amish community in the country. As at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, guests can choose from buffet, menu or family-style dining and a staggering variety of pies. Just down the road

Feasting on scrumptious food at an Amish home in Elkhart County, Indiana.

■ February 2022

Photo courtesy of Dutchman Hospitality Group

Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus in Middlebury, Indiana

Photo courtesy of Elkhart County, IN CVB

day ends with the dinner buffet at Dutch Valley. Other Amish-style restaurants ideal for large groups are Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek, Berlin Farmstead in Berlin and The Amish Door in Wilmot. Northern Indiana’s Amish Country, concentrated in Elkhart and LaGrange counties, has several Amish-style restaurants that work well for motorcoach groups. Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, the state’s largest restaurant, is famed for ample portions of hearty, made-from-scratch dishes based on authentic Amish recipes. Owned and operated by three generations of the same family, it offers three types of service: buffet, menu and family-style. On a recent visit to Das Dutchman Essenhaus, I piled my plate high with delectables from the all-you-can-eat buffet, which featured plenty of meat—beef, pork, turkey and the must-have broasted chicken. Other temptations: soups, mashed potatoes, stuffing, egg noodles, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and vegetables like green beans and buttered carrots, not to mention a full salad bar with homemade dressings. A big fan of gravy, I liberally ladled on beef and chicken gravy for the meat, potatoes and stuffing. (I noticed that many people put the noodles and meat on the mashed potatoes.) My favorite dish was the melt-in-yourmouth chicken and dumplings. And I loved the warm dinner rolls—extra scrumptious when spread with apple butter and sweet Amish peanut butter. In fact, I bought a dozen rolls at the Essenhaus bakery, along

is the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, the largest flea market in the Midwest. The Barns at Nappanee, the region’s other big-time restaurant/bakery with a formidable buffet, occupies the historic Nappanee farm attraction once known as Amish Acres. Groups there can pair a meal with a Broadway-style musical or other fare at the neighboring Round Barn Theatre. Blue Gate and Essenhaus also have theaters. Another good stop in Middlebury is Dutch Country Market, which is run by Norman and Katie Lehman and their six children. Many of the products in this grocery store, including Katie’s Homemade Noodles, are made in-house daily. You can watch oodles of noodles being made most weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bus passengers like to stock up on bulk foods in plain packaging—like candy, nuts, snack mixes and salad toppings—plus a grandma’s pantry of jarred jams and jellies, apple butter, salsas, relishes, BBQ sauces, and pickled fruits and vegetables. Katie’s Peanut Butter Spread comes in seven varieties, including honey, butterscotch and cappuccino. In one aisle you will see a live bee exhibit; the unpasteurized honey for sale is derived from the family’s own bees and others. The honey aisle also features beeswax candles, soap, lip balm and hand cream. Among area companies offering Amish home meals are Buggy Lane Tours, Great Life Tours and Hoosier Banquets. From private homes to restaurants to food shops, tasty times await travelers in the Amish Country of Indiana and Ohio. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

EAST

Union Market in Washington, D.C.

REGION

THAT SIZZLE A trip East will lead you to a variety of delicious destinations

By Isabella Wilkes international cuisine. For group travel, food halls are the perfect spot to grab a meal. These seven food halls on the East Coast, some old, some new, are sure to fulfill a group’s desire for a fun culinary experience.

Photo courtesy of Joy Asico

rom 2016 to 2019, the number of food halls in America almost doubled, and this growth has continued into 2021. Food halls are unique for their wide selection of food styles and flavors from local and

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

February 2022 ■ 19

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is located in a bustling promenade, bursting with more than 200,000 square feet of retail space, featuring both local and national shops. This market is also home to New England’s largest and most historic food hall: Quincy Market Food Colonnade. As for food, there is nothing more to be desired when considering the wide array of cuisine that its 12 restaurants and pubs offer. The Salty Dog is a Faneuil original, providing the most authentic Boston seafood experience for patrons looking for a casual dining setting. Boston Chowda Co. is the place to be if you want to taste awardwinning New England clam chowder with a side of lobster rolls. Quincy Market also has plenty of restaurants that incorporate cuisine from far beyond the Boston harbor, like Ned Devine’s Irish Pub and Steve’s Greek Cuisine.

Chelsea Market, New York City

High Street Place, Boston

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Market

Located in NYC’s Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market has its roots in the center of the city’s produce capital, which imports the finest meats, fish, cheeses and dry goods from across the nation and around the world. This bustling market and food hall are unique in the sense you can both buy quality products from specialty vendors or choose to dine in at one of the restaurants. There are many eateries to choose from that are distinctly New York, like Pearl River Mart, Dickinson’s Farmstand and Creamline. But, the food offerings are as diverse as the people of NYC, offering French, Mexican, Korean, Jamaican, Italian, German and Chinese cuisine.

■ February 2022

Chelsea Market in New York City

Opening in March 2022, High Street Place Food Hall is a highly anticipated location built out of one of Boston’s most historic buildings. Worldclass designers were brought from around the world to re-imagine this space as one made to explore. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

For groups looking to grab a drink, High Street will have multiple bars: Bubble Bath Champagne & Wine Bar, Daiquiris & Daisies and Newburyport Brewing Co. As for food, any cuisine you can think of is offered, from pizza at Tenderoni’s to tacos at North East of the Border to Jewish deli sandwiches at Mamaleh’s Delicatessen.

Gansevoort Liberty Market, New York City

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

Since 1893, Reading Terminal Market has been providing the Philly area with the best local produce and confections. The market offers visitors everything they could need to create a memorable meal at home or have an amazing dining experience at one of the many restaurants under one roof. Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks is the place to go if you haven’t already gotten a taste of Philadelphia’s traditional meal. Fox & Son Fancy Corndogs and Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine are perfect for groups on the go looking for walkable meals. For dessert, Profi’s Creperie and Bassetts Ice Cream are perfect stops to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Lexington Market, Baltimore

Lexington Market is undergoing a huge structural transformation after more than 200 years of serving the Baltimore area. The East Market, where most LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Photo courtesy of Gab Bonghi

Gansevoort Liberty Market is located in the modernly designed Oculus in the Westfield World Trade Center. Just as the location is ultra-modern, most restaurants located within the market take well-loved dishes and reimagine them with sleek presentations, like Los Panchos, K-Pop Haus and Umai Fish. There is also plenty of traditional comfort food offered from Sal Anthony’s, Momo, and Cebichelsea. Or, if you’re in a rush, Gansevoort has made it easy to order take-out from any of its restaurants and combine it all into one order, eliminating the challenge of choosing a restaurant everyone will enjoy.

Since 1893, Reading Terminal Market has been providing Philadelphia with the best local produce.

vendors reside, is open during the entire renovation, but the new South Market is set to open in 2022. This new section, redesigned in an open concept, modern fashion, will be a community space for the city with a walkable plaza that will be a hub for farmers’ markets and other public gatherings for years to come. Vendors at Lexington Market include restaurants, delis, bakeries, museums and outlets, satisfying a group’s every need in one location. Your group has the opportunity to try something new, like interesting baked potatoes at Dancing Potato, or stick to the classics at Hominy Kitchen and Park’s Fried Chicken. Many of these vendors take you back in time with their neon signs and classic East Coast vibes, like Krause’s Lite Fare, Perfect Gentlemen Barber Shop & Salon or Kofman’s Shoe Repair. Soon to be the perfect mix of old and new Baltimore, Lexington Market is a

must-visit on your group trip to take in the culture of the Charm City.

Union Market, Washington D.C.

Union Market has a culture of entrepreneurship and ingenuity, helping local businesses grow and creating a space where community can flourish. With more than 200 years of serving the D.C. area under its belt, the market hopes to build on existing tradition while paving the road ahead for the future of food markets across the world. The food choices are just as innovative as the market’s mission. Last Call combines late night dive bar dining with beautiful presentation of food and drinks. Shouk is an award-winning modern Israeli street food vendor that is completely plant-based. Michelin Star-winning Masseria transports guests to the Italian coast with its simple Italian farmstead cuisine. February 2022 ■ 21

A GREAT AMERICAN MUSEUM

THIS ENTICING

MUSEUM

AWAITS YOUR GROUP

to take your group for entertainment and educational purposes.

THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART The Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), including the artist

Photo courtesy of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

lanners seeking to take their group to a tranquil environment filled with culture would be wise to include a museum or two on their itinerary. Not only do museums educate and engage those who visit, they also entertain, inspire and are a great way to bring people together. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Modern Art in Winter Park, Florida is a perfect place

and designer’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows, and his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In 2011, the Morse Museum opened a wing to exhibit its collection of art and architectural objects from Tiffany’s celebrated Long Island home, Laurelton Hall, the largest repository of these materials anywhere. The museum’s Tiffany collection is broad, deep and unique. It includes fine examples in every medium Tiffany explored, in every series of work he produced and from every period of his life. In her book The Art of Louis Tiffany, Vivienne Couldrey described the Morse’s holdings as “the most important collection of Tiffany material in the world today.” Among the most fascinating objects in the Tiffany collection are the brilliantly colored windows, mosaics, marble, jewels, glass, stone and furnishings that make up the chapel interior Tiffany created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. (morsemuseum.org)

■ February 2022

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

2022 EDITION

ITINERARY GUIDE

Wyoming’s Adventures are Calling You The Cowboy State’s western history lives on

GROUP-FRIENDLY ITINERARIES THAT SHOWCASE WHAT WYOMING HAS TO OFFER

2022 EDITION

WELCOME

ON BEHALF OF ALL OF WYOMING, it is my privilege to invite Group Travel to safely experience all that this incredible state has to offer. No state has fewer people. And more room for adventure. Part of Wyoming’s wild and free spaces is the world’s first national park: Yellowstone. This year marks 150 years of inspiring visitors with otherworldly geothermal features, sprawling alpine lakes, lush meadows and wildlife unique to the park’s thriving ecosystem. Please help keep this pristine ecosystem intact for another 150 years by joining us in our efforts to experience Wyoming responsibly. Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, Devils Tower National Monument, eight national forests and 12 state parks come together to create some of the most breathtaking wilderness in the United States. While the outdoors is notable, it is Wyoming’s pioneering spirit and deep-rooted Western hospitality that makes our destination truly remarkable. Our guides, ranchers, hoteliers and many others strive to make your trip safe and memorable. Our hope is not only for you to enjoy the people and places that make Wyoming special, but for these parts of our state we hold so dear to be around for generations to come. This is why as you travel throughout our great state, we ask that you do so responsibly, keeping the health of our natural spaces, wildlife, residents and fellow travelers in mind. By working together, we can maintain Wyoming as a source of inspiration for years to come. You can learn more at wyresponsibly.com. We cannot wait to welcome you. At the end of your journey, you will understand why Wyoming is such a special place for visitors and for those of us who are lucky enough to call this state home. For now, turn the page and start planning your Group Travel itinerary to Wyoming. We will be waiting.

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

ITINERARY GUIDE

Editorial & Advertising Office Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Published in Partnership with Wyoming Office of Tourism

Phone: 307-777-7777 E-mail: tourism@wyo.gov Toll Free: 800-225-5996 Wyoming Office of Tourism 5611 High Plains Road Cheyenne, WY 82007 The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Wyoming Itinerary Guide is published by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 A

DIANE SHOBER Executive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism 24

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

publication

GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND WYOMING WELCOME CENTERS There are interactive displays, photo ops, friendly staff and more at Wyoming’s eight Welcome Centers. 1

DRIVING INFO For up-to-date road conditions and other transportation information, check the Wyoming Department of Transportation at wyoroads.info, or call 888-996-7623. Download the Wyoming 511 app.

FLY-IN Nearly all Wyoming airports, including Casper (the state’s only international airport) Cheyenne, Cody, Gillette, Jackson Hole, Laramie, Riverton, Rock Springs and Sheridan offer direct flights from Denver and Salt Lake City. Jackson Hole Airport extends direct flights during the summer and ski season from Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City (JFK), Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle and Newark.

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE Wyoming has 21 Scenic Byways, Scenic Highways, Scenic Backways, Historic Backways and Historic Byways. Check out these road trips. dot.state.wy.us/home/ travel/scenic_byways/wyomings-scenic-byways--backways.html

BEAR RIVER STATE PARK & TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER Evanston I-80/Exit 6

CODY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISITOR CENTER Take U.S. 14/16 to Cody

JACKSON HOLE & GREATER YELLOWSTONE VISITOR CENTER I-80 Exit 104 to US-191

NORTHEAST WYOMING WELCOME CENTER Beulah, I-90 Exit 199

PINE BLUFFS INFORMATION CENTER I-80 Exit 401

SHERIDAN WELCOME CENTER I-90 Exit 23

SOUTHEAST WYOMING WELCOME CENTER Cheyenne I-25 Exit 4

SUMMIT INFORMATION CENTER (SEASONAL) Laramie I-80 Exit 323

Cover Photo: Eatons’ Ranch, the country’s first and oldest dude ranch Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

WYOMING’S ADVENTURES ARE CALLING YOU

The Cowboy State’s Western history lives on with its picturesque backdrops and colorful towns

hether you are an experienced adventurer or merely a lover of the great outdoors, few states can match the natural brilliance of Wyoming.

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

By Jason Paha With two photographic national parks, millions of acres of public land, thousands of lakes and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and snowmobiling trails, Wyoming’s natural attractions appeal to groups of all

ages. The Cowboy State is such an alluring destination, U.S. News & World Report rated it the No. 1 state to road trip. Here are some of Wyoming’s most enticing destinations and attractions.

All photos courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

Paradise Guest Ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK The world’s first national park and perhaps the most famous, Yellowstone was established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant. For generations, Yellowstone has captivated visitors with its spectacular scenery, diverse ecosystems and fascinating geothermal wonders and on March 1, 2022, the park will commemorate its 150th anniversary Yellowstone, which covers two million acres, contains the largest number of active geysers in the world, including iconic Old Faithful, which was named for its frequent eruptions that have totaled more than a million since 1872. The park is also home to hundreds of hot springs and pools including the spectacular Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, the third-largest spring in the world (370 feet in diameter) featuring rainbow colors of orange, yellow, green and blue. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Located just north of Jackson, Grand Teton’s stunning landscapes and diverse

wildlife provide the ideal location for those who want to embrace the great outdoors. Grand Teton is home to 310,000 acres of mountain meadows, extraordinary wildlife and pristine alpine lakes which thrive against the backdrop of the majestic Grand Teton Mountain Range. Groups looking for a memorable outing can embark on a 42-mile scenic drive through the heart of Grand Teton, giving visitors fabulous views of the Tetons and the chance to spot an array of wildlife. Those who want to stretch their legs and breathe in the crisp mountain air can hike to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls, both of which are located on the same scenic hiking trail and are also easily accessible by a boat ride across scenic Jenny Lake. DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT The first national monument, Devils Tower was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. This awe-inspiring and one-of-a-kind laccolithic butte rises

NOTABLE DESTINATIONS 1

Bear River State Park

2 Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

3 Boysen State Park 4 Devils Tower National Monument

5 Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

6 Fort Bridger State Historic Site

7 Fort Fetterman State Historic Site

8 Fort Laramie National Historic Site

9 Fossil Butte National Monument

10 Grand Teton National Park 11 Sinks Canyon State Park 12 Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

13 Yellowstone National Park WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

WYOMING’S ADVENTURES ARE CALLING YOU

867 feet above Wyoming’s rolling prairies and has been accurately described as breathtaking. Featured in the 1977 Steven Spielberg movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the tower is sacred to Northern Plains Indian tribes and the Black Hills region's Kiowa Tribe. The butte’s markings are the basis for Native American legend including one that claims a giant bear clawed grooves into the mountainside while chasing Indian maidens. Native American culture has long been ingrained in Wyoming and remains an important part of the state’s makeup. While Devils Tower is an important Native American site, it is but one of many. Wyoming’s Wind River Country features the seventh-largest Indian reservation in America. Encompassing more than 2.2 million acres, the Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes. Visitors can go to powwows and museums to learn more about the local culture or can enjoy thousands of acres of vast, unspoiled reservation lands (with a special permit).

Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale 28

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

WESTERN HISTORY COMES TO LIFE It has been said the heart of the Old West still beats in Wyoming and its rodeo culture reinforces that line of thinking. Rodeo is Wyoming’s state sport and is firmly ingrained in the heart of the state. Fans young and old flock to these events celebrating the art of cowboying. Held annually since 1897, Cheyenne Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration in the world. Cody is known as the Rodeo Capital of the World for good reason: The Cody Nite Rodeo started in 1938 and is the longest-running and only nightly rodeo (June-August) in the world. Rodeo has been a part of Jackson Hole’s cowboy culture since the first settlers arrived more than 120 years ago and even today, it hosts raucous and fun-filled rodeos from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Another legendary Western stop is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, home to five museums under one roof. The center is located in the aforementioned Cody, a town founded in 1896 by Buffalo Bill Cody. The

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie was a U.S. Penitentiary in 1872 and later was Wyoming’s first state penitentiary. It is also the only prison to hold the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy. The Grand Encampment Museum in Encampment highlights this town’s local history and offers fun tours through 15 historic buildings that represent the copper mining, ranching and logging industries. In Pinedale, the Museum of the Mountain Man presents a visual and interpretive experience into the area of the mountain man, the Plains Native American, the Oregon Trail and other developments in this region of Wyoming. The museum sponsors programs, living history events and workshops for both children and adults to further explore Wyoming settlement history. NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES AND RECREATION AREAS Visitors can explore a variety of national historic sites in Wyoming or explore a national scenic trail that spans five states and more than 3,000 miles. Fort Laramie National Historic Site in central Wyoming preserves and interprets one of America’s most important locations in the history of westward expansion, hosting emigrants from the Oregon, Mormon and California trails and Native American resistance. Fort Fetterman, in central Wyoming, epitomized the Wild West as it had shootouts, robbings, hangings and hosted famous characters like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill Cody. The Fort Bridger State Historic Site in southwest Wyoming was founded in the early 1800s and was a hub of activity for westwardbound pioneers, American Indians, U.S. Army personnel and Oregon Trail journeyers. You can walk among 34 historic structures and recreated buildings, from homestead cabins and a schoolhouse to a Pony Express barn and officers’ quarter. Some of the world’s best-preserved fossils are found in the ridges of southwestern Wyoming’s sagebrush desert at Fossil Butte National Monument. Visitors can explore one of the world’s largest deposits of freshwater fish fossils at Fossil Butte, which turns 50 this

Sinks Canyon State Park in Fremont County offers everything from wildlife viewing to scenic vistas. year. The visitor center contains more than 300 fossils on display and visitors can also take a ride along the site’s scenic drive. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a land time forgot as geologic forces have created spectacular 1,000-foot cliffs that loom over Bighorn Lake. With more than 120,000 acres of wilderness that straddle the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders and more than 12 hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty, Bighorn Canyon offers endless opportunities for adventure. Located in the southwest corner of Wyoming, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area features breathtaking scenery and is the perfect setting for boating, fishing and hiking. It’s also a great place to take a scenic drive where you will see a wide array of wildlife like moose, Rocky Mountain elk, antelope and bighorn sheep. Wyoming contains 12 state parks that span more than 100,000 acres of the state’s wide-open landscape. At Sinks Canyon State

Park, visitors can explore the Popo Agie River, which disappears and reappears through the geological wonders of the Sinks Canyon. At Bear River State Park, keep an eye out for bison, elk and other area wildlife while enjoying beautiful natural surroundings. Boysen State Park offers a variety of water sports along the Boysen Reservoir and covers 35,000 picturesque acres at the south end of the Owl Creek Mountains. DUDE RANCHES In 1904, the term dude ranch, an allinclusive immersive vacation that includes lodging, meals, horseback riding, fishing and more, was coined at Eatons’ Ranch, the country’s first and oldest dude ranch. To this day, Eatons’ Ranch, in Wolf, still entertains guests with a Western flair on its 7,000 acres of beautiful open country with rolling hills, grassy meadows and hidden valleys. Wyoming’s open plains and mountain views make it the perfect state for dude

ranches and it is home to a multitude of excellent ranches throughout the state. SCENIC BYWAYS As U.S. News & World Report understands, Wyoming road trips are second-to-none. The Rocky Mountains and the High Plains meet in Wyoming, resulting in stunning views in every direction. Wyoming has 21 scenic byways that twist, turn and climb through some of the state’s most breathtaking landscapes. Among some of its most picturesque byways are the Beartooth Scenic Byway (an All-American Road located just east of Yellowstone National Park, it winds through the Shoshone National Forest); Bighorn Scenic Byway (passes through Bighorn National Forest and features views of ranchlands, limestone outcroppings and various mountain peaks); and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which features views of Wyoming’s towering Medicine Bow Peak.

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

3-DAY ITINERARY

As you are traveling between Yellowstone and Devils Tower, take a journey through time in Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin. Witness wild mustangs roaming, a recreation area free of human disturbances, discover 10,000 years of rich, cultural history, experience hot springs and visit with the dinosaurs.

Experience a Journey Through Time Bringing the past to life

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

The Washkie Museum, Worland 30

WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

DAY 3

Photo courtesy of Michael Smith

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

DAY 2

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

DAY 1

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Medicine Lodge pictographs

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

DAY 1

DAY 2

Have an early departure from Cody or Sheridan and make your way to Lovell, Wyoming. Begin your day with sweetness at Queen Bee Gardens. The Zeller family has been turning their honey into delicious candy since 1976. Wild horses still roam freely in the Pryor Mountains. The herd is special because of its Colonial Spanish-American heritage. For nearly 200 years, these horses have been present in this area. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center is dedicated to preserving the future of the wild horses of the Pryor Mountains. Lunch at 4 Corners. A favorite of Lovell locals. Straddling two states the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors an opportunity to experience the preserved natural resources and scenic features in an environment largely free from human-caused disturbances. Stop by the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center to learn more about the area before doing a windshield tour that includes the Two Eagle Interpretative Trail. You’ve seen Bighorn Canyon from the top, now it’s time to join Hidden Treasure Charters to travel up the Bighorn Canyon River. Learn about the wildlife, geology, ecosystem and history of the area aboard a Bighorn Canyon scenic boat tour. Check in at a Lovell group-friendly hotel before having dinner at the Brandin’ Iron Restaurant. It is well known for its food and service.

South from Lovell, take a journey to an area with more than 10,000 years of continuous occupation, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. Enjoy a walk along the trail to see pictographs and petroglyphs directly associated with human habitation sites for thousands of years, including an 1881 homestead that was originally a working cattle ranch. It’s about 40 minutes to Ten Sleep. Enjoy lunch in Ten Sleep Saloon and Restaurant. Ten Sleep is a little western town with a big heart. After lunch, it’s about a 30-minute ride to Worland. The Washakie Museum and Cultural Center in Worland brings the past to life using fascinating permanent exhibits and a rotating gallery to portray the historical people of the Big Horn Basin and their environment. The museum offers one of the finest interpretive centers for local human history, from ancient mammoth hunters through early settlers, as well as the geology, archaeology and paleontology of the area. It’s about 45 minutes to Thermopolis and Hot Springs State Park. End your day along the Big Horn River where the water from the mineral hot springs flow at 135 degrees Fahrenheit into the river. The healing waters of the area’s mineral springs attracted dinosaurs, prehistoric migratory people, Native American tribes, Western settlers, and now travelers visiting and crossing Wyoming. Native Americans believed the water contained therapeutic power. Check into a Thermopolis hotel, before enjoying dinner at One Eyed Buffalo

Brewing Company. It’s fun and a great spot to enjoy a good dinner, a locally brewed beer and some Western hospitality.

DAY 3 Breakfast and hotel checkout. This world-class Wyoming Dinosaur Center displays one of the largest and most unique fossil collections in the world and its 130 dig sites have some of the richest fossil-bearing strata in the western United States. Take the short 10-minute ride to the Something Interesting (SI) quarry for a Dino De-Tour that begins with a brief interesting introduction. The SI was discovered 20 years ago and remains an active site. Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site is 29 miles northwest of Thermopolis and has more than 92 prehistoric petroglyph panels and over 300 petroglyph figures. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, Legend Rock is already a worldrenowned petroglyph site. Legend Rock has been a sacred site for Native Americans of this region for thousands of years. Depart from your journey back in time with fond memories. From here, your group is in position to continue on to many of Wyoming’s other great destinations.

Wyoming Office of Tourism Amy Larsen 307-777-6706 amy.larsen@wyo.gov TravelWyoming.com WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

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View actual trails and Wyoming’s role in the great westward migration. At historic sites, you’ll delve into the state’s history including its role in women’s suffrage and military history. Plus, lunch and dinners that stand tall as memories of the West.

Capturing Your Pioneer Spirit in Historic Wyoming Historic Sites and Experiences

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

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Fort Laramie National Historic Site was a significant 19th century trading post and military installation. 32

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Photo courtesy of Visit Casper

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

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Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism

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Wyoming’s Historic State Capitol

Actual trail ruts from the Oregon Trail

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

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Entering Wyoming heading north on I-25 out of Denver, stop at Exit 4 and visit the Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center. Through interactive displays, visitors get an introduction to all corners of the state. Established in 1895, the Wyoming State Museum’s permanent exhibits follow Wyoming’s past and features more than a dozen fun, educational exhibits featuring human history, major industries, wildlife, landscapes and paleontology. Temporary exhibits of Wyoming artists are highlighted in a changing gallery. This is a must stop for all ages. One of 20 state capitols designated as National Historic Landmarks, Wyoming’s Capitol has a history that dates back to 1888 and is one of the last remaining citizens legislatures in the United States. In 1869 in the Historic Supreme Court Chamber, representatives enshrined women’s right to vote within the Wyoming State Constitution. The first state to do so made this one of the most historically significant chambers in the country. The building features a bronze statue of Ester Hobart Morris, the first female justice of the peace in the United States. Another Wyoming first. Depart for Chugwater, about a 40-mile drive. Enjoy an early dinner at the Stampede Saloon and Eatery in Chugwater. The western atmosphere along with great meal options makes for fun dining. Depart for Torrington, which is about 50 miles away. Check in at one of Torrington’s groupfriendly flag hotels.

After breakfast, check out and depart for the short drive to Fort Laramie. Originally established as a private trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie had a storied history as a military garrison before its closing in 1890. Fort Laramie National Historic Site tells the story of the “grand old post.” The Lakota traded buffalo robes for manufactured items through the 1840s. Emigrants began arriving on their way to Oregon, California and the Salt Lake Valley. The military arrived in 1849 playing a critical role in the Indian Wars and treaty negotiations with the Northern Plains Indian Nations. Depart for the 20-minute drive to Hartville. Enjoy lunch in Wyoming’s oldest bar: Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse. Located in the former mining town of Hartville, it was opened in 1862. Enjoy a great meal while learning about this historic area dating back to the Paleo-Indians. Register Cliff State Historic Site in Guernsey was an important overnight stop along the California, Oregon and Mormon trails. Many travelers signed their names, dates and messages into the soft sandstone cliffs. Many markings are still visible. Experience the best-preserved evidence of the great overland migration to the west at the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site. The wear of thousands of wagon wheels is clearly visible. In some places the impressive ruts are five feet deep, clearly showing the struggle the emigrants endured going from river bottom land to the rugged landscape of the high plains.

Travel an hour and 35 minutes to Casper for the night. Spend the evening in covered wagons or on horseback for a Wild West dinner adventure on an actual historic trail. Enjoy a delicious Dutch Oven dinner, including “Conestoga Cobbler.” Your host Historic Trails West, promises a true western adventure.

DAY 3 Breakfast and checkout. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022 capturing the real-life drama of the more than 400,000 pioneers who followed the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express trails. Many of the hands-on exhibits relate to the legendary figures of Western history. Casper’s central location is perfect for extending your group’s visit in Wyoming, the Equality State.

Wyoming Office of Tourism Amy Larsen 307-777-6706 amy.larsen@wyo.gov TravelWyoming.com WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

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Visit the home of the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo & Western Celebration. A narrated trolley ride takes you back to the days of the Wild West. Visit the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, the Wyoming State Capitol and the Terry Bison Ranch, and tour a former launch military facility from the Cold War era. Dining options show off Cheyenne’s variety of cuisine and libations, embracing both the history and future of the “Magic City of the Plains.”

Cheyenne - Delivering You the Authentic West The West comes alive in this exciting city

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Enjoy Native American cultural performances at Cheyenne Frontier Days. 34

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Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

State Capitol building

Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility Site

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Continue your afternoon at the Cheyenne Depot Museum located inside the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot. Exhibits tell the story of why Cheyenne was selected for the depot along the Transcontinental Railroad and its years as a “Hell on Wheels” town. Views of the roundhouse, steam shop and railyard are enjoyed from the second floor, next to an impressive model train setup. Settle in before departing for dinner at Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House. The menu offers an extensive list of premium steaks, fresh fish, and house specialties.

fun for every group. Begin with a ride on the well-known bison train for up-close interaction with the bison and a history tour of the ranch. The Trading Post Gift Shop has western gifts and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Enjoy dinner tonight at the ranch’s Senator’s Steakhouse and Brass Buffalo Saloon. The menu features choices regardless of your taste, but the Bison Short Ribs and Bison Burger are award-winning crowd-pleasers.

If you’re planning to visit during Cheyenne Frontier Days (always the last full week of July), you’re in for an immersive experience into cowboy culture. In addition to professional rodeo events, there’s live entertainment, a carnival midway, a chuck wagon cookoff, Native American cultural performances in the Indian Village, and more. However, if you are unable to make the big event, get a slice of the 10-day festival any time of year at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Learn the history of rodeo in Cheyenne and view one of the largest carriage collections in the United States, as well as historical clothing and artifacts and Western art and folk-art shows rotating through the gallery throughout the year. Next, venture across the street to the beautiful Lions Park and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. You’ll discover awardwinning displays of plants, shrubs and trees from around the world. The tropical plant collection in the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory is a pure delight and green all year round. Then, it’s lunch on your own in downtown Cheyenne. Choose from Cajun, burgers, or a brewery in a historic building, upscale and classy, meat and potatoes, or soup and sandwiches. You’re sure to find the perfect item to please your palate. Kick off the afternoon with the Cheyenne Street Railway Wild West Tour. This 90-minute chartered or ticketed tour puts the city’s most interesting sites and historical buildings on full display with a spirited narration by a knowledgeable conductor.

DAY 2 Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading downtown for a visit to the Nelson Museum of the West. This Old West heritage museum has a wide variety of exhibits covering older western cultures, including cowboy, charro, art, Native American and military aspects. Next stop is Cowgirls of the West, dedicated to the history and legends of pioneering western women. Allow time for a little shopping at the Emporium, or other downtown shops and boutiques where you can dress like a local. After a bite at your choice of restaurant downtown, you will make your way to the Wyoming State Capitol Building for a guided tour highlighting the recent $300 million restoration project. Rich with art and architecture, the People’s House is worth a wander – and only steps away from both the Historic Governor’s Mansion and Wyoming State Museum. Depart for Terry Bison Ranch whose mission is to provide something

DAY 3 Breakfast, checkout and depart Cheyenne traveling North on I-25. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site. Originally constructed in 1962 as a Minuteman I Launch site, it was converted in 1986 to a Peacekeeper site. It was one of five flights of Peacekeeper Missile Alert Systems and the only one that visitors can tour. Depart Quebec 01 for the 15-minute drive to Chugwater Soda Fountain, the state’s oldest still operating soda fountain. The stop couples well with lunch at the Stampede Saloon and Eatery.

Visit Cheyenne Andi Jaspersen (Group Sales) (307) 772-7254 (direct) Andi@Cheyenne.org Cheyenne.org WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

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Nestled among the scenic beauty that you’d expect in Wyoming, much of the county’s history and heritage is on display at small museums in the western towns of Medicine Bow, Hanna, Saratoga, Encampment and Rawlins. There are photo ops around every bend and an afternoon of “just me time.”

Enjoy Old Western Charm in Carbon County, Wyoming Savor a rich history, the best views and natural hot springs

All photos courtesy of Carbon County Visitors Council

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The Grand Encampment Museum preserves history with more than a dozen historical buildings filled with artifacts of the Encampment valley representing the area’s agricultural, mining and timber history. 36

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Hanna Basin Museum

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Saratoga Hot Springs Resort

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In Laramie, exit I-80 at Route 30 (Historic Lincoln Highway) to Medicine Bow, founded in 1868 by the Union Pacific Railroad as a watering station. In Medicine Bow, explore Medicine Bow Museum and the Owen Wister Cabin. The latter is the summer home of Owen Wister, author of The Virginian published in 1902. The first Western ever written, it became a popular television series in the 1962-63 season. Completed in 1911, The Historic Virginian Hotel was the biggest hotel between Denver and Salt Lake City. The old western hospitality remains the same and the hotel is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a hearty lunch at the hotel’s Eating Room. Depart for the 21-mile drive to Hanna. Hanna was founded by the Union Pacific Coal Company for its workers and families. Hanna still means mining to people in Carbon County. Visit the Hanna Basin Museum for a look at life and death in a coal company city. Follow with a stop at the Miners Memorial. The slab lists more than 100 miners who lost their lives in mine explosions in Hanna. Leave Hanna for the 40-mile drive to Saratoga. Arrive in Saratoga and the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, a fountain of health. The resort’s spa is the original State Bath House. The resort was built around the spa. After check-in, dinner tonight is resort dining at the Silver Saddle Restaurant. Return to your room for the evening after a fun day. You’ll have free time tomorrow afternoon, so schedule an appointment at the Healing Waters Spa, or plan to soak at the Mineral Hot Springs.

Enjoy breakfast at the resort. Saratoga holds on to its old western charm and heritage. The Wolf Hotel was built in 1893 and still welcomes guests. The Hobo Hot Springs is a natural mineral pool that welcomes visitors for a relaxing soak in the hot-bath 24 hours a day. First stop this morning is the Saratoga National Fish Hatchery. Trout eggs are shipped throughout the United States to other state and federal hatcheries. A guided tour explains why Wyoming is on a trout fisherman’s bucket list. Located across the Shivley Airfield, the Saratoga Museum exhibits present an extensive guide to Saratoga and the Platte Valley. Local volunteers are knowledgeable. Several hands-on displays make the museum a worthwhile stop. Lunch today is at the historic Wolf Hotel dining room. This afternoon, indulge in the always needed “me time” at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort Spa, swim in the mineral swimming pool or soak under teepee-covered hot pools. For the more adventurous, partner with a local guide for an afternoon of fly fishing along the Upper Platte River. Dinner tonight is at the Bellas Bistro featuring fresh, classic Italian. Return to the resort relaxed and rejuvenated after a fun afternoon and a great dinner.

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Wyoming Frontier Prison

gateway to the Medicine Bow National Forest on the south end of Carbon County. First stop this morning is the Grand Encampment Museum, which preserves history with more than a dozen historical buildings filled with artifacts of the Encampment valley representing the area’s agricultural, mining and timber history. Depart for Rawlins, about a 62-mile drive. Lunch in Rawlins is at Buck’s Sports Grill with exactly the burgers, sandwiches and salads you’d expect at a good diner. Following lunch, visit Carbon County Museum, which preserves through 30,000 artifacts the rich history and heritage of the Carbon County communities. Next stop, Wyoming Frontier Prison was built around the turn of the 20th century and housed prisoners until the new state prison was built. Guided tours are available and you cannot leave any of your fellow tour passengers behind bars. Leave Carbon County having learned much about the area’s history and heritage, or overnight in Rawlins at one of the group-friendly hotels before exploring to other communities in the county. If you’re planning to stay overnight, the Aspen House Restaurant is a must for dinner.

DAY 3 Breakfast and checkout, then depart for Riverside and Encampment, just a 20-mile journey. Located at the base of the Sierra Madre mountains, the communities are the

Carbon County Visitors Council Leslie Jefferson, CEO 307-324-3020/800-228-3547 director@wyomingcarboncounty.com www.wyomingcarboncounty.com WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

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Find room to roam in Wyoming’s Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming, just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains, Wind River Country is where the landscape and authentic outdoor lifestyle provide access to worldclass playgrounds for fishing, rock climbing, snowmobiling, hiking and more.

Go Beyond Yellowstone to Wyoming’s Wind River Country Wyoming the way it’s meant to be

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Wild mustangs gallop through pastures of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. 38

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Wyoming Heritage Trail at the Depot

Sacajawea’s Gravesite

National Museum of Military Vehicles

Established in 1906, Riverton—also known as The Rendezvous City—lies at the confluence of the Big and Little Wind rivers. Begin your day by grabbing breakfast at Trailhead Restaurant, a family-friendly restaurant known for its chicken fried steak. Head to The Wind River Heritage Center, which offers guided tours, film showings, living history reenactments and a historical book library. Make your way one mile down the road to the Riverton Museum. The museum offers educational exhibits and programming. Visit the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous site. Stretching 100 acres along the Wind River, the site has a walking path with stone markings and signs sharing tales about famed mountain men. Have lunch at Roasted Bean & Cuisine. This popular restaurant offers hand-crafted dishes using high-quality ingredients, sourced locally. Head to Riverton’s Main Street, and take a self-guided tour of the Art Banner Project. Hike the Rails to Trails pathway. From the trailhead in Riverton to the outskirts of town following the old railroad right-of-way, the Rails to Trails pathway—also known as the Wyoming Heritage Trail—welcomes visitors. Dinner tonight is at The Depot Restaurant, an iconic Mexican restaurant serving specialty and traditional dishes. Depart for the 30-mile drive to Lander and check-in at your hotel.

wagon road traveled by thousands heading West. Grab breakfast at The Middle Fork Restaurant, which has an all-from-scratch menu featuring local ingredients. The Museum of the American West is home to a Pioneer Village, featuring 10 historic buildings depicting pioneer living. Observe Native American dancing on Wednesday nights in July and August. Next door is the Fremont County Pioneer Museum. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets artifacts from prehistoric times through the 1920s. Hike the Falls Trail in Sinks Canyon State Park. This three-mile, easy to moderate hike surrounds a series of waterfalls and cascades with the longest vertical fall about 60 feet high. Eat lunch at Rise Juice Bar & Eatery. This restaurant serves customers healthy, free-range, vegetarian, gluten-free and organic meals. Peek into the beauty and history of the Wind River Indian Reservation through the TravelStorys Wind River Indian Reservation Audio Tour. You’ll visit significant sites such as Sacajawea’s Grave Site, while hearing stories. Head back to Lander to visit Lander’s Main Street. Dinner at Cowfish, a cozy gastropub featuring an innovative menu. The restaurant’s partner brewery, Lander Brewing Company, keeps the fun going with its award-winning beers.

Check out of your hotel and grab a quick bite and warm drink at Lincoln Street Bakery in Lander. On the Wind River Indian Reservation, take a tour of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, home to over 250 wild mustangs. Head to Dubois, a 75-mile drive, and grab lunch at Cowboy Cafe, a local favorite since 1993. Visit the National Museum of Military Vehicles. Find a collection of historicallysignificant firearms, from the first sniper rifle to the fully authenticated musket that fired the first shot in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Stop at Town Park Scenic Overlook to capture many of the natural joys of Dubois. Stroll and shop along Ramshorn Street’s art galleries and stores. On both sides of the river, walk the River Walk, a paved walkway lined by native foliage. Learn about bighorn sheep, wildlife and wildlands conservation at the National Bighorn Sheep Center. The Center features dioramas with full-scale taxidermy mounts, interactive exhibits and wildlife films. Have dinner at The Lone Buffalo Steakhouse. After dinner, experience Dubois’ favorite tradition since 1948—square dancing at Rustic Pine Tavern. Spend the night in Dubois, creating wonderful memories before continuing your Wind River Country experience.

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Wind River Visitors Council

Lander and the Wind River Indian Reservation: Incorporated in 1890, Lander was named for Frederick W. Lander, the engineer responsible for the Lander Trail, a

Wind River Indian Reservation and Dubois: Pronounced like “cowboys,” Dubois is one of the last real Old West towns with its authentic feel of the Frontier.

Helen Wilson 307-332-5546 hwilson@windriver.org www.windriver.org

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3-DAY ITINERARY

Discover the best of Southwest Wyoming with a three-day group itinerary to Rock Springs & Green River. Explore stunning landscapes, outdoor adventure and classic Western towns that welcome groups of all sizes. Reserve a bus tour of the Flaming Gorge All-American Road. Take sandboards down the Killpecker Sand Dunes and try authentic flavors from the heart of cowboy country. This is how we explore in Sweetwater County.

3 Days to Explore in Rock Springs & Green River, Wyoming

This is the ultimate group guide to Southwest Wyoming

All photo courtesy of Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism

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Take your group on a guided bus tour of Flaming Gorge Country. 40

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Drive through Flaming Gorge Country for scenic vistas like Firehole Canyon.

Rent sandboards and hit the slopes at the Killpecker Sand Dunes.

Bike the best trails in the state at Wilkins Peak Trail System.

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the Explore Rock Springs & Green River Visitor Center in Rock Springs and slide down the dunes together. It’s heart-racing, belly-laughing and sandy fun. From the dunes, venture to Boar’s Tusk. This stone pillar is a beacon of the region and can’t be missed. Boar’s Tusk is the remnant of an ancient volcano over 2.5 million years old. Bring lunch to eat as you stand in the shadow of this giant, carved over centuries. Just a short drive from Boar’s Tusk are the White Mountain Petroglyphs. Learn the stories of Southwest Wyoming from the Plains and Great Basin indigenous people. The large stone walls feature hundreds of hand carvings that show what life was like for these early people. Etched bison, elk hunts and even human figures connect present day visitors to the historic people of the area. The petroglyphs are estimated to be between 200 - 1000 years old. Once you’ve finished here, return back to town and enjoy a hearty meal at Santa Fe Trail Restaurant after a day on the road.

mountain biking at Wilkins Peak, just outside Green River. These are the best mountain bike trails in Wyoming and offer a trail for all skill levels. Rent bikes for your group from Bike and Trike and do as the locals do: play outside. Recuperate with a walk around Expedition Island and some shopping at Red, White & Buffalo before your meal. End the day with a stop at a signature Sweetwater event. This is rodeo country, so grab your cowboy boots and head to the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs to watch roping and riding. Events happen all year long, so check the event calendar before you visit.

Begin your adventure in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. This is the quintessential Southwest Wyoming landscape: massive terrain, expansive vistas and jagged skylines from centuries-old rock formations. Drive the Flaming Gorge All-American Road yourself, or reserve a full-day bus tour, perfect for large groups. Lunch, and even an ice-cream break, are included. The tour stops at Firehole Canyon, Flaming Gorge Dam, Red Canyon Lodge and more. Listen along as your local guide describes how this area has changed over the centuries and bring your camera to capture the epic scenery and wildlife. The tour ends at the Explore Rock Springs & Green River Visitor Center in Rock Springs. Refuel after your day of exploring, go through your photos over dinner and craft beer at Bitter Creek Brewing. Then tuck into your hotel and rest up for tomorrow.

DAY 2 Head just outside of Rock Springs for a second day of high desert adventure. Make sure your group is prepared for an off-the-grid experience as service is limited in this area. Start at the Killpecker Sand Dunes, a playground for all ages. These massive sandy slopes are called “singing sand dunes” and make a faint humming sound when you listen closely. This rare phenomenon is due to the polished sand shape. Rent sandboards for your group at

Discover the best of Southwest Wyoming, where you can get off the grid with the people who matter most. Plan your group trip to Rock Springs and Green River and start exploring.

DAY 3 Start in town, with a leisurely breakfast and shopping excursion in Rock Springs. Try Eve’s at the White Mountain Golf Course for beloved brunch fare (on Sundays) or grab a dozen from Cowboy Donuts– featured on Food Network for their iconic baked goods. Snag a gift from local shops like Sidekicks Wine & Book Bar, Mack & Co, and Kneeland Fine Art. Then strap into your helmet for

Rock Springs & Green River Jenissa Meredith • 307-382-2538 jmeredith@tourwyoming.com www.ExploreWY.com WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

2-DAY ITINERARY

Regardless of the season, Sheridan is the place to begin your Bighorn Mountains adventure. Shop like a local on historic downtown Main Street for everything you need to gear up for your mountain’s experience. You’ll be ready to hike, bike, fish, sled, ski or just enjoy the scenic and wildlife views.

Sheridan, Wyoming: The Ultimate Backyard Adventure

Savor incredible views, loads of shopping and fabulous dining

All photos courtesy of Sheridan County Travel & Tourism

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The legendary Bighorn Mountains are the ultimate backyard. 42

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Stop in Kings Saddlery for some Western flair.

Fort Phil Kearny was an outpost of the U.S. Army.

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The craft scene in Sheridan is bursting at the seams. Round off your evening with a stroll to one of the local breweries usually bustling with live entertainment. On your walk from downtown to Blacktooth Brewing Co. or Luminous Brewhouse, enjoy the sculptures that have become a community splendor. Main Street is home to many art outposts such as SAGE Community Arts, the Don King Museum and Main Frame.

Historic Main Street is the prominent center of the Bighorn Mountains area. Jump start your ultimate backyard adventure with breakfast at the P.O. News & Flagstaff Cafe or grab a doughnut and coffee from Bison Union. Scope out the local treasures hidden in the downtown Sheridan businesses now that you are fueled. Stop in at Kings Saddlery for Western flair and get a signature King Rope’s cap. Down the street, Jackalope Ranch offers handmade pieces from local and regional designers. A detour through The Sport Stop will have you geared up for all your backyard voyages, from snow gear to hiking boots and all the necessities in between. Once geared up, head out of town, where you will find the Bighorn Mountains. In winter, enjoy legendary powder with a sled trip on the backcountry trails, or enjoy some vigorous exercise while Nordic skiing around the tranquil environment at Sibley Lake. More of a fair-weathered adventurer? The Bighorns are still the place to be. With close to 100 day-hiking trails, you can enjoy the wild side of the Bighorns in an afternoon while also experiencing the abundance of wildlife native to the area. Right off Highway 14, you’ll see Steamboat Point, a short hike that offers views of the valley below. To enhance your experience, consider renting a bike from Back Country Bikes & Mountain Works or Sheridan Bicycle Company. Stop in at the Fly Shop of the Bighorns to get equipped with the finest gear and be directed to the source of rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat fish, a fisherman’s paradise. Spending a day in the Bighorn Mountains will work up quite an appetite. You will find a bustling culinary scene as you head back to Sheridan. For a hearty cowboy meal of steak and potatoes, Wyoming’s Rib & Chop House has a variety of steak cuts, and the Cowboy Cafe will serve up a delectable wild game dish followed by a slice of homemade pie.

DAY 2 No matter how you travel from Sheridan, you will be immersed in the Wild West history. Less than an hour north of Sheridan is Little Bighorn National Monument, where you can learn about one of the country’s formative battles. Heading less than 30 miles south of downtown, you can find Fort Phil Kearny, the Wagon Box Fight and Fetterman Massacre. At the base of the Bighorns lies the Brinton Museum, which sits on the 620-acre historic Quarter Circle A Ranch and has a rich display of Western and Indian art. From downtown to the peaks of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan is the ultimate backyard for adventure and one-of-a-kind experiences. There is no place more authentic and bursting with history, culture, and downhome friendliness. A trip to Sheridan will leave you with tall tales and sensational stories your friends and family will have to come to see to believe.

Sheridan County Travel & Tourism Shawn Parker 307-673-7120/307-683-6585 shawn@sheridanwyoming.org sheridanwyoming.org WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

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Discovering Gillette on the ‘Monument Route’

A historic downtown, museums and attractions and an up-and-coming regional foodie destination

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Check out some classic cars at the Frontier Auto Museum. 44

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All photos courtesy of Visit Gillette

A must -visit on the Monument Route, Gillette is conveniently located near Devils Tower National Monument, Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A downtown Gillette walking tour tells the story of the city’s gunslinging cowboys in a modern setting of boutiques, shops and restaurants, while mixing in the Avenues of Art walking tour. Known as the “Energy Capital of the Nation,” a tour of the Eagle Butte Coal Mine and a visit to the Campbell County Rockpile Museum are a must. The Wright Centennial Museum, Frontier Auto Museum & Relics Museum along with a savory culinary and beverage scene blend seamlessly into the Monument Route.

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Big Lost Meadery and Brewery

Eagle Butte Coal Mine Tour

Campbell County Rockpile Museum

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Arriving in Campbell County, experience the area’s abundant wildlife on a two or three-hour Wildlife Loop Tour. Regardless of your selection, you’ll travel a diverse ecology and likely observe up to 10 animals, including pronghorn. Continue to historic downtown Gillette, a railway town founded in 1891 and the county seat of Campbell County. Enjoy lunch on your own at any of the locally owned restaurants before departing on a Downtown Tour which opens the door into small town Americana. Visit the spot where a legendary outlaw pulled the then-mayor into the street, beat him and took over as mayor. The former Gillette Post Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The past became the present as the inside of the building houses Gillette Brewing Company and Gone Postal Pizzeria. Allow time to experience the Avenues of Art walking tour. The tour takes you to more than 100 sculptures created by local and national artists. After a busy day, unwind at Big Lost Meadery & Brewery. This unique spot crafts numerous meads from honey, while offering a fine selection of craft beer made in-house. Settle in for some rest and relaxation at numerous flags and locally owned accommodations that welcome groups. Dinner tonight is at the Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Cellar. A full menu featuring filets that melt in your mouth will satisfy even the pickiest appetite.

Savor breakfast at your hotel before departing for another day exploring the Wyoming way of life and a short drive to Wright. Opened in 1990, Wright Centennial Museum’s impressive collection shows Wyoming’s history spanning from the homestead era to becoming the nation’s Energy Capitol. A knowledgeable team of volunteers are on hand to share tales of many of the exhibit pieces. While in Wright, enjoy an early lunch at Hank’s Roadside Bar & Grill and a tasty Durham Buffalo Burger. Begin your afternoon with the Eagle Butte Coal Mine Tour. You’ll witness powerful machines at work and learn how energy produced in Gillette trickles across the country. You’ll gain an understanding of the significant reclamation process that restores the land to its purity. Next stop, be ready for a nostalgic trip through the ages at the Frontier Relics & Auto Museum. Room after room is filled with classic cars, neon and porcelain signs, gas pumps and plenty of automobile memorabilia in remarkable condition. Inside the museum is a drive-in theater playing old movies and commercials. Grab a snack and enjoy the show. Return to your hotel for some relaxation before departing for dinner at The Coop Rotisserie House.

They say they are a chicken joint, but proudly offer Latin and American flavors. Tonight, it’s entertainment at the CAMPLEX Event Facilities, a premier multi-use facility. Something’s always playing whether it’s performing arts, or sports, including rodeo.

DAY 3 Breakfast and checkout with a stop at the Campbell County Rockpile Museum, the history museum that collects, preserves and educates visitors to Campbell County about the area. From the stories of early homesteaders to an important rail stop to an energy leader, the museum is a fitting way to bring your Gillette visit to a close.

Visit Gillette Jessica Seders 307-686-0040 jessica@visitgilletteweight.com www.visitgillettewright.com WYOMING ITINERARY GUIDE

By wagon train or motorcoach, every road leads to adventure Solitary switchbacks. Timeless destinations. Natural wonders around every bend. The spirit of the West is alive in Wyoming, inviting you to connect with nature and reconnect with each other. When planning a group tour that includes a Wyoming destination, we’d like to extend a little taste of Western Hospitality. Send us your itinerary, and we will send you a box with some helpful guides, a That’s WY plush, and a handful of giveaways for the entire group.

Learn more and sign up for the That’s WY Byway Box at travelwy.com/group-travel

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE 2022 EDITION

HISTORY

COMES ALIVE IN MISSISSIPPI Arts, culture and music are intertwined throughout the Magnolia State’s history

GROUP-FRIENDLY ITINERARIES THAT COVER THE ENTIRE STATE From the Delta to the Hills, Mississippi has attractions that will entice all ages

WELCOME 2022 EDITION

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Editorial & Advertising Office

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Dear Friends,

Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com

As you plan your Mississippi adventure, it is my pleasure to share with you the abundance of attractions, restaurants, museums and so much more that call the Magnolia State home, all of which will ensure a truly Southern experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Allow this guidebook to serve as your roadmap to the state’s historic attractions, charming communities, mouthwatering meals and artistic experiences that make Mississippi such an attractive home-away-from-home for your getaway. The Magnolia State is a land of diverse culture, with activities and attractions for all ages. Mississippi is the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” and cities and communities throughout the state celebrate that heritage on most nights with live music performed everywhere from large venues to small juke joints. Be sure to check out where some of the world’s most iconic musicians got their starts. The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo takes visitors on a personal tour of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s humble beginnings, and the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in the Mississippi Delta highlights where the famed bluesman honed his talent to share with the world. Mississippi also is known for its world-renowned cuisine. Award-winning chefs serve up fresh Gulf seafood, classic Southern cuisine with local twists, some of the best steaks in the country, and of course, mouthwatering barbecue that will leave you craving seconds every time. You can even take cooking lessons at Viking Cooking School where you’ll learn to prepare a Mississippi delicacy, so no matter where you live, you can create a Southern mouthwatering favorite for friends and family. Mississippi also is full of enlightening and inspiring museums. The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience in Meridian and the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi in the heart of the Delta region share the stories of Mississippi artists, literary icons and more. The state’s history is on display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History, or you can tour “Mississippi’s Outdoor Museum” as you follow the state’s cultural trails, all displaying markers that showcase our state’s place in American cultural history. On behalf of the people of Mississippi, we look forward to hosting you this year. Welcome to the Hospitality State. We’re glad to have you. Sincerely,

D. Craig Ray, Director Visit Mississippi

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Published in Partnership with Visit Mississippi

Visit Mississippi PO Box 849 Jackson, MS 39205 Phone: 601-359-3297 The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Mississippi Itinerary Guide is published by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

Cover photo: The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is Mississippi’s first art museum, founded in 1923, and it showcases an extensive collection of American and European art and so much more.

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History Comes Alive in Mississippi By Jason Paha

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ew, if any states, can match Mississippi’s fascinating history. The Magnolia State enjoys a storied past stemming from its important Native American history and its role in the civil rights movement to it being the birthplace of some of the world’s most influential musicians, writers and activists. Groups looking to learn about Mississippi’s past can explore these stories in a variety of locales. Among the most popular destinations in the state are the state’s four cultural trails: Mississippi Blues Trail, Mississippi Country Music Trail, Mississippi Writers Trail and Mississippi Freedom Trail. Here are a few notable stops across the state: The first of the state’s cultural trails, the Mississippi Blues Trail was established in 2006. The trail currently includes 210 markers that tell the story of the birth and evolution of blues music, leading to Mississippi’s status as the Birthplace of America’s Music. Among the more notable stops on the trail are the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, the world’s first museum dedicated to Blues music; the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, which includes the two-room house Presley and his family lived in during his early years; and GRAMMY

Museum® Mississippi in Cleveland, which celebrates Mississippi’s musical heritage in blues, gospel, rock and other genres. Learn about the state’s many contributions to country music on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. Start your journey in Meridian by visiting the trail’s first marker honoring the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, a singersongwriter and musician who rose to popularity in the late 1920s. The Mississippi Writers Trail pays tribute to the state’s most acclaimed writers through a series of historical markers that educate the public about the history and legacy of the Magnolia State’s writers. Started in 2018, the trail features markers that honor legendary Mississippians such as William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Richard Wright, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy and Ida B. Wells. With 28 markers across the state, the Mississippi Freedom Trail helps tell the story of the brave Mississippians who contributed to a movement that changed the world. Created in 2011, this trail commemorates the people and places in the state that played an important role in the American civil rights movement. For a deeper look at the state’s history, visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, where guests can discover stories of civil rights activists like Medgar

Photo courtesy of Visit Mississippi

Arts, culture and music are intertwined throughout the Magnolia State’s history

Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and Vernon Dahmer. Another notable museum in Jackson is the Mississippi Museum of Art. The largest art museum in the state, the Mississippi Museum of Art displays the power of art in a community. In May 2021, the museum announced the creation – along with the Baltimore Museum of Art – of a major exhibition that unveils newly commissioned works by 12 of the most acclaimed African American artists working today. This exhibition examines the considerable impact of the Great Migration on the social and cultural life of the United States. Opened in 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is a 5.8-acre complex that incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. The aquarium contains more than 80,000 square feet of exhibits, featuring species from the water, land and air. It houses the three-story Aquatic Wonders exhibit, an immersive, hands-

on experience that captivates guests of all ages. Mississippi’s first art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel was founded in 1923 in memory of Lauren Eastman Rogers, the only son and only grandson of one of the town’s founding families. Today, almost 100 years after its founding, the museum is home to an extensive collection of American art, British Georgian silver, European art, Japanese woodblock prints and Native American art. When in Laurel, groups also can visit Laurel Mercantile, a cozy retailer stocking an eclectic range of hip apparel, rustic furniture and home accessories. The owners of Laurel Mercantile, Erin and Ben Napier, are hosts of HGTV’s Home Town, a hit home renovation show filmed in Laurel. A visit to Rolling Fork also should include a stop at Mont Helena, a Colonial Revival-style home built atop a ceremonial Indian ground in the Mississippi Delta. Built in 1896, the house was designed by George Barber, a renowned American

architect famous for his Queen Anne Victorian-style house plans. During its early years, Mont Helena was one of the premier homes of the Delta. If you time your stop in Rolling Fork properly, i.e., the fourth Saturday in October, you also can enjoy the Great Delta Bear Affair, a fantastic event filled with live music, arts and crafts, games and activities for children, fabulous food, a chainsaw wood carver and fireworks. In New Albany, guests can stretch their legs on the Tanglefoot Trail, Mississippi’s longest Rails to Trails conversion measuring 43.6 miles through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. Here, you can experience a bit of history as you pass through fields, forests, meadows and wetlands while you travel down the path of the Chickasaws and Meriwether Lewis. Those looking for a sweet treat in New Albany can indulge in the goodies created at Sugaree’s Bakery. Since 1997,

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is an important attraction that teaches about the state’s civil rights history.

Sugaree’s has created made-from-scratch cakes using real, premium ingredients. Founded in 1868, the Belle Flower Missionary Baptist Church in Grenada is the oldest African American church and once was a hub for community and national organizers during the civil rights movement. Those seeking an outdoor utopia can visit Grenada Lake, located in the rolling hills and forests at the entrance to the Mississippi Delta. This 90,427-acre project offers something for all outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, boating, camping and swimming. The Tennessee Williams House Museum and Welcome Center in Columbus is the first home of legendary playwright Tennessee Williams. Extensive efforts have been made to restore the 1875 Victorian home to its original glory. The house is a National Literary Landmark and is located in the heart of Columbus’s downtown historic district. A popular event in Columbus is the Catfish in the Alley Festival, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last April. This fest features a day of fun for the whole family and includes catfish, vendors and some of the best blues musicians in the South. In Clarksdale, Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art Inc. is more than just a fun name, it is Mississippi’s blues store and your first stop for live music info. Those seeking to enjoy some outdoor aquatic fun can visit Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Choctaw. This 23acre family amusement center features 12 major waterslides, an enormous wave pool, a lazy river and activity areas for children and teens adorned by waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming pools. Within the 23 acres is eight acres of white sandy beaches, palm trees and glistening water. Another nearby attraction is the Nanih Waiya Mound and Village, an ancient earthwork mound located northeast of Philadelphia in Eastern Mississippi that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nanih Waiya is a Choctaw Indian name meaning “leaning hill,” and the enormous mound measures 25 feet high, 218 feet long, 210 feet wide and may have been erected around 1,000 years ago.

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

Born January 8, 1935 in this home in Tupelo, Elvis Presley redefined American popular music.

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Welcome to the Mississippi Hills Region, where iconic legends created their best works, and historic homes and Civil War battlefields pique the interest of visitors from around the world. Tour Rowan Oak, the home of novelist William Faulkner. Walk through the humble home where Elvis Presley was born and visit Tupelo Hardware, where, as a child, the future King of Rock ‘n Roll received his first guitar. There are abundant shopping options also – from outlets to downtown treasures and local boutiques. Plenty of local eateries serve up some delicious Southern cuisine, so you will definitely leave inspired, satisfied and, of course, full.

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Explore the Towns and Famed Sons of Northeast Mississippi The lush woodlands of the Appalachian foothills are calling DAY 1:

Just 20 miles south of Memphis off I-55 is Tanger Outlets in Southaven. More than 60 brand name outlets like Banana Republic Factory, Coach, Columbia Factory Store, Gap Factory, H&M and many more welcome you. Take I-22 to Holly Springs for a late lunch at Annie’s Home Cooking. Southern history and architecture welcome visitors at Burton Place, circa 1840; Montrose, circa 1858; and Walter Place Garden & Estate, circa 1859. Choose one or visit them all, depending on what your schedule allows. Drive northeast for about an hour to Corinth and check in at one of the

city’s four flag hotels. After a little rest and relaxation, it’s time for dinner at Abe’s Grill, the oldest diner on Highway 72, which is still operated by the original owners.

DAY 2:

After breakfast and checkout, start your day at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center to understand Corinth’s role in this critical battle through video and exhibits. A must stop is the Corinth Contraband Camp. Established to accommodate runaway slaves behind Union lines, it became increasingly popular after

DAY 3:

Breakfast, checkout and depart Tupelo for the short drive to Oxford, a community with smalltown charm and a rich history. Built in 1848, Rowan Oak became the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner. He resided at Rowan Oak from 1930 until his death in 1962. There, he wrote some of his most memorable masterpieces. The outline for A Fable is still on the wall where it was scribbled.

Some of William Faulkner’s memorable masterpieces were written at his home, Rowan Oak, in Oxford.

Borroum’s Drug Store in Corinth was established in 1865 and is the oldest Mississippi drugstore and a great lunch spot.

Since Oxford’s beginning, The Square has been the cultural and economic hub of the city. Spend time shopping at Neilson’s, the South’s oldest department store, or any of the wide variety of shops and boutiques, an art gallery, and Square Books, a wellknown independent bookstore. Enjoy lunch on your own at any casual dining spot that overlooks The Square. Begin the afternoon on the campus of the University of Mississippi. The university played a significant role in integration and the civil rights movement. A statue of James Meredith, the first African American student to attend the University of Mississippi, was unveiled in 2006. A Mississippi Freedom Trail marker details the events that took place surrounding that historic day he was enrolled at the university. The University Museum on the main campus is home to an impressive

permanent collection of artifacts while hosting eight to 10 temporary exhibits throughout the year. Depart Oxford with fond memories of the Hills Region, and, if you choose, continue your Mississippi adventure to the Delta Region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

the September 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Before departing, stop by the Bike Museum at Lake Hill Motors, which features a vast collection of vintage motorcycles – each with its own unique story. Lunch is on your own at Borroum’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain, Mississippi’s oldest operating drug store and soda fountain. Next, depart for Tupelo, the childhood home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Start your afternoon at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, where the greatest entertainer was born in a two-room shotgun shack. The house was built by his father, grandfather and uncle. Keep your camera close as there are plenty of selfies to be made. There’s the “Elvis at 13” statue, Elvis’s childhood church and “Becoming,” two statues of Elvis at different stages in his life. Also in Tupelo, you’ll find the Elvis Mural and the Elvis Presley Homecoming statue. Plan to visit the hardware store where in 1946 Gladys Presley bought Elvis his first guitar. Before checking in at your Tupelo accommodations, add a visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters & Visitors Center, the Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield or the nearby Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center. Relax and refresh at any of the dozens of group-friendly accommodations before departing for dinner at your choice of 160 Tupelo restaurants. After dinner, enjoy entertainment at Blue Canoe, Tupelo’s home for live music.

The GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, Cleveland

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Throughout the Mississippi Delta, museums, juke joints, iconic locations pivotal to the creation of the blues and so much more tell stories of the state’s considerable contributions to America’s musical history. More than 200 markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail guide music fans in the footsteps of legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Large casino resorts offer world-class live entertainment, and charming small towns offer picturesque Mississippi River backdrops for a more relaxed vibe. While in the Delta, be sure to check out a tribute to native Mississippian Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets and one very famous frog.

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Discover the ‘Birthplace of the Blues’ and More in Mississippi’s Delta Region The history of blues music is as interesting as the sound DAY 1:

Arrive in Tunica and begin your visit at the Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center. Housed in an original 1895 train depot, it provides an interesting view of Mississippi’s rich musical history. A stop at the Tunica River Park and Museum provides visitors an insight and understanding of the Delta Region’s rich history and relationship with the Mississippi River. Be sure to take time to view the aquariums. Check into any of the five casino hotels and relax before an evening

that begins with a great meal, followed by fun table games, slots and live entertainment. If gaming is not your style, there are a half dozen groupfriendly hotels in the Tunica area.

DAY 2:

Depart for Clarksdale after breakfast and checkout. Just outside Clarksdale is the former Stovall Plantation, now Stovall Farm. It was here where legendary blues artist Muddy Waters lived. The actual house has been moved to the nearby

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 3:

Depart for Cleveland after breakfast and checkout. The first stop is Dockery Farms, a former 25,000-acre cotton farm. Some say the blues began here with bluesman Charley Patton, father of the Delta blues, teacher and influencer. The next stop is the state-ofthe-art GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, the only GRAMMY® Museum outside of Los Angeles. The must-visit, interactive museum explores all genres of music, as well as the story of the GRAMMY® award and its winning artists. A busy morning continues in

Enjoy a true Mississippi Delta blues experience on your blues pilgrimage by attending a live performance at Red’s Lounge in Clarksdale. At the Tunica River Park & Museum, explore the Mississippi Delta’s rich history and savor breathtaking views on a Mighty Mississippi riverboat cruise.

Greenville with a stop at the River Road Queen Welcome Center & Museum of the Delta. This Mississippi welcome center and museum, which resembles a Victorian riverboat, is home to Delta exhibits, including one dedicated to Kermit the Frog, the famous Muppet created by Greenville native Jim Henson. Enjoy lunch at your choice of more than a dozen locally owned restaurants. If you haven’t tried a Mississippi tamale, Hot Tamale Heaven & Grille serves up a famous one. Continue to Indianola and pay a visit to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. The legendary blues musician’s story is shared along with the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Jump on Highway 82 and head to Greenwood, home to eight markers on the Mississippi Blues Trail, as well as a quaint downtown area. Greenwood also is located near several milestone locations integral to the civil rights movement, including

Money Road, where the brutal murder of teenager Emmett Till in 1955 shocked the nation and helped fuel the emerging civil rights movement. Take the history and beat of the blues home with you or continue your Mississippi adventure to the Capital/ River Region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Delta Blues Museum. It was there that Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) recorded his first music, honoring the Mississippi River and spurring his performing name, Muddy Waters. The next stop is the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. At Mississippi’s oldest music museum, visitors can explore the history and heritage of the blues, a unique American musical art form. Clarksdale is where many believe the blues was born. Legend has it that one midnight evening, guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49 in exchange for mastery of the guitar. After visiting The Crossroads, grab some lunch and get in some shopping before gathering at Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, Inc. Take time to browse Hambone Art & Music, owned and operated by artist and blues musician Stan Street. Finally, check into group-friendly accommodations ranging from flag hotels and resorts with gaming and entertainment to locally owned B&Bs. Dinner tonight is at Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman and named one of the Top 100 Bars and Nightclubs in America. Enjoy a menu of Mississippi favorites and live Mississippi blues. Finish the evening at Red’s Blues Club, a truly authentic juke joint in the heart of the land that helped shape music as we know it today.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson explores the Mississippi movement that changed America.

ABOUT THIS TRIP

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Begin in Jackson, the state’s capital city, by exploring three world-class museums: the civil rights, history, and art museums, before departing for Vicksburg and some of the country’s most significant Civil War sites. Follow the Mississippi River to Natchez and explore three centuries of rich history. Along the way, there are original dining options with regional fare and made-inMississippi shopping.

Use the QR code to access the mobile version of this itinerary.

Exploring Mississippi’s Capital and River Region Share a slice of Mississippi history DAY 1:

Begin your day in Jackson, the “City with Soul.” Immerse yourself in this distinctively Southern, entirely American city. Visit the home of Eudora Welty, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the first to be honored on the Mississippi Writers Trail. Begin your civil rights movement experience at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, the home of the African American civil rights activist at the time of his assassination. Lunch today is at Hal & Mal’s. Make sure you sample the Comeback & Crackers. Stop at the nearby Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi’s most historic building. The structure is a National Historic Landmark and is where some of the state’s most significant legislation was passed. The Mississippi

Civil Rights Museum’s eight galleries focus on the events that occurred in the state between 1945-1976 that had an impact on Mississippi and the nation. Adjacent to the museum are the Museum of Mississippi History’s nine galleries that have their own stories to tell. Did you book your studio time? The walls at Malaco Music Group tell the story of music awards through records and posters since its opening in 1968. Check into any Jackson groupfriendly hotel to refresh before dinner. Dining options are numerous, from quaint, casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants with dishes prepared by James Beard Award-winning chefs. Check out the Fondren District for some great restaurants and retail therapy.

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

After breakfast and checkout, begin your day at Vicksburg National Military Park. The 47-day Siege of Vicksburg was a decisive conflict in the Civil War. Both sides knew its importance. With New Orleans and Memphis in Union control, Vicksburg was the lone bastion preventing the splitting of the South. Begin your visit with a 21-minute film detailing the Campaign and Siege of Vicksburg and why the city’s defense was so difficult to defeat. Among the 1,400 monuments, markers and tablets, there are many of particular interest. The Vicksburg National Military

Vicksburg National Military Park with the Illinois Monument in the background.

An antebellum mansion, Longwood, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Park is best explored with a guide. Depart Vicksburg for the 75-mile drive to Natchez with a stop in Port Gibson for lunch. Mississippi’s Finest is well known for having the best soul food around. Be sure to stop by Windsor Ruins, the historic site of the Windsor plantation that was destroyed by fire in 1890. Twenty-nine columns remain of the largest Greek Revival mansion ever constructed in the state. Once in Natchez, stop at the Natchez Visitor Center and official Mississippi Welcome Center, which sits at the head of the Mississippi River Bridge connecting Mississippi and Louisiana. Take time to enjoy the state-of-the-art displays that chronicle the history of Natchez. Tour Rosalie Mansion, built in 1823, which overlooks the Mississippi River and Natchez riverfront. Nearby Longwood halted construction in 1861 as Civil War tensions rose. With the exterior walls completed and the interior unfurnished, the owners lived in their lavish basement. The Forks of the Road Slave Market is being preserved, protected and expanded by the National Park Service.

A visit to the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture showcases the civil rights movement and related struggles in the area. Check into the Natchez Grand Hotel, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel or any Natchez group-friendly hotel. The following morning, enjoy breakfast before departing Natchez, having experienced an authentic Mississippi adventure in the Capital/River Region. If you choose, continue your journey to Mississippi’s Coastal Region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Enjoy breakfast and check out before departing for a busy morning. The Mississippi Museum of Art is a must. The exhibitions and galleries inspire and delight, as do the tranquil Art and Walker gardens. Continue to the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, the second-oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the U.S. Depart for the 12-mile drive to Ridgeland for lunch. Cock of the Walk is a group favorite. Right around the corner, the next stop is the Bill Waller Craft Center, home of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. Browse for that special piece of Mississippi to take home. Depart for the 50-mile drive to Vicksburg. Begin your Vicksburg visit at the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum to explore life on the Mississippi River and its impact on local society. Continue to the Jacqueline House Museum, which is dedicated to the area’s African American culture. Round out your afternoon with a visit to the Old Courthouse Museum before checking into one of Vicksburg’s group-friendly hotels or one of the casino hotels. After some rest and relaxation, depart for dining downtown. If a meal with a view attracts you, try 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill. Shopping downtown is a treat with a variety of shops, boutiques and galleries.

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

3-DAY ITINERARY

The Mississippi Aquarium is a 5.8-acre complex with both indoor and outdoor habitats.

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Discover 62 miles of shoreline and unique coastal communities offering plenty of fun and relaxation. With mild weather year-round and beautiful scenery, the options are endless. At the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, explore the surrounding natural bayou habitat and one of the country’s most immaculate river and marsh systems. The Mississippi Aquarium and the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum tell of the region’s and state’s aquatic resources. There’s an abundance of art throughout the region, as well as outstanding local eateries serving up some of the world’s finest cuisine for your group’s enjoyment. A dozen casino resorts provide gaming action, spas and world-class restaurants and accommodations.

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The Beaches and Towns of Mississippi’s Coastal Region are Calling You Explore nature indoors and outdoors, savor fresh seafood and so much more DAY 1:

Arrive in Gulfport and head to the Mississippi Aquarium. The new facility tells the story of Mississippi’s aquatic resources from the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, lakes, bayous, wetlands and marshes. Twelve fresh and saltwater habitats are featured throughout the indoor/ outdoor campus, which is home to more than 200 species of aquatic animals. Beach Blvd Steamer features a seafood menu, and Murky Waters, a BBQ restaurant, are both nearby and excellent options for lunch. Begin the afternoon in Biloxi at Beauvoir, the home and grounds of

President of the Confederate States Jefferson Davis. Knowledgeable guides lead tours of the home where Davis lived his final 12 years following the Civil War. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum showcases more than 300 years of the area’s heritage and culture in nine unique galleries, including the Wooden Boat Gallery and the Biloxi Seafood Factory Gallery. More than 100 options for your overnight arrangements are available in Coastal Mississippi, ranging from flag hotels to resort casinos to luxurious boutique hotels. Relax and unwind

before heading to Mary Mahoney’s Old French House for dinner.

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

After breakfast and checkout, the first stop is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs. The museum celebrates American artist Walter Inglis Anderson and his brothers Peter Anderson, a master potter, and James McConnell Anderson, a respected painter. Moving on to Biloxi, visit the Ohr-O’Keefe

Enjoy some delicious dishes at The Midtowner Restaurant in Hattiesburg.

Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss has hands-on learning opportunities that fit any group’s needs.

Museum of Art. The award-winning campus features four new buildings that create a single unified experience. Next, it’s on to Bay St. Louis and the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum, which is housed in the historic train station. The museum features more than 50 original folk art paintings, antique furniture, pottery and art glass. Next, depart the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the 82-mile drive to Hattiesburg. Lunch today is at The Midtowner, one of owner/chef/author/traveler Robert St. John’s Hattiesburg restaurants. Following lunch, leave for the University of Southern Mississippi, being sure to stop at the All-American Rose Garden upon arrival. Next, proceed to Laurel, which is an approximately 35-mile drive from Hattiesburg. Laurel is home to the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, one of the South’s hidden gems. It features an impressive collection of American and European art, plus Native American baskets, Japanese woodblock prints and other eclectic pieces. Laurel also is home to HGTV’s Home Town, which follows hosts Erin and Ben Napier as

they renovate the town’s charming homes. Go on a self-guided tour to see many of the homes featured on the hit show, and then head to Laurel Mercantile, which is owned by the Napiers, to grab a memento to remember your trip to Laurel. Depart the Coastal Region after having experienced a blend of nature, art, scrumptious seafood and exciting nightlife. Continue your Mississippi adventure to the Pines region.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before another fun day on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located in Moss Point, the first stop is the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, one of 41 facilities operated by the National Audubon Society. The grounds and exhibits inspire visitors to make positive changes for wildlife and the environment. The facility features hands-on educational opportunities, outdoor nature trails, an art gallery, boat tours and much more. For the more active in the group, one-person kayak rentals and pedal boats are available for rent. Lunch today is at Scranton’s Restaurant and Catering in historic downtown Pascagoula. Enjoy some time this afternoon at Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Davis Bayou Area in Ocean Springs. The Davis Bayou Area offers visitors ranger-led programs, biking, a fishing pier, a nature trail and bird watching opportunities. Don’t forget your binoculars. OPTION: There’s ferry service to Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts. The latter dates to the nineteenth century and the War of 1812. Next, enjoy an early cocktail party or light dinner with great views on a 2.5hour cruise between Biloxi and Gulfport. There’s always great entertainment at Coastal Mississippi’s casinos. Enjoy dinner at one of many casino restaurants. Reserve your seats for live entertainment from legendary artists. Top off the evening with your favorite table games, the most popular slots, sports betting and so much more.

3-DAY ITINERARY

Photos courtesy of Visit Mississippi

The Max is a fun-filled interactive museum.

ABOUT SUMMARY: THIS TRIP

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

The Pine Region’s rich culture is found in some of the South’s most intriguing locations. It’s in the architecture in Aberdeen. It’s in the musicians and artists featured at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience in Meridian. It’s in the childhood home of renowned playwright Tennessee Williams in Columbus, and it’s in the Southern hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine found in communities all throughout the region.

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Exploring the Amazing Cultural Offerings of the Pines Region Hall of Fame, a famous playwright, a casino resort and more DAY 1:

Begin your day in Meridian at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, also known as The Max. This state-of-the-art, interactive museum showcases Mississippi’s creative legends in a variety of arts and entertainment disciplines. Elvis Presley, Faith Hill, Jim Henson, Jimmy Buffett, and John Grisham are just a few of the hundreds recognized in six galleries: Writing, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Cultural Arts, and Artist Spotlight. Guided tours of the $50 million museum are available upon request. Lunch today is a down-home Southern experience at The Checker Board Southern Kitchen. A great

place to spend the night is the newly renovated Threefoot Hotel in Meridian, which captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Another fun stop in Meridian is the Children’s Museum, which offers engaging, hands-on exhibits and programs This afternoon’s first stop is Dunn’s Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that, at one time, was the power source for a gristmill and Stetson hats manufacturing. Be sure to tour the historic Carroll Richardson Gristmill. Next, step back in time at the historic Merrehope and F.W. Williams homes. Merrehope, circa 1858, is a 20-room Greek Revival mansion that survived

DAY 2:

After breakfast and checkout, depart for the 50-mile drive to Choctaw/Philadelphia. The first stop on today’s agenda is Chahta Immi Cultural Center. The center showcases the traditional art forms, history, and culture of Mississippi’s proud Choctaw Tribe. Finish the morning with gaming and lunch at the Pearl River Resort before departing for the 60-mile drive to Starkville. Arrive in Starkville, home of Mississippi State University. MSU boasts several fascinating museums, including the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, the Mitchell Memorial Library’s John Grisham Room (Grisham is an MSU alumni, former legislator, and most notably, a best-selling author) and the Gladys and Cullis Wade Clock Museum. To learn more about Starkville’s history, the Oktibbeha Heritage Museum is conveniently located near the campus. Next, depart Starkville for the 23-mile

Huck’s Place serves mouthwatering Southern favorites, like Shrimp and Grits and Crawfish Fettuccini, in historic downtown Columbus.

Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville gives visitors an in-depth look at the life of the 18th President of the United States.

drive to Columbus. Arrive in Columbus and check in at one of more than a dozen group-friendly hotels or a B&B for smaller groups. Dinner tonight is at Huck’s Place, which offers a delicious menu of Southern favorites in a fine dining atmosphere.

DAY 3:

After breakfast and checkout, your Columbus visit begins with a complimentary tour of the Tennessee Williams Home Museum & Welcome Center, the first home of the celebrated Cat on a Hot Tin Roof playwright. The 1875 Victorian home has been restored to its original brilliance and has been named a National Literary Landmark. Next, visit a number of beautiful historic homes, including Amzi Love, circa 1848; Stephen D. Lee Home & Museum, circa1847; Whitehall, circa 1843; or Waverley Plantation Mansion, circa 1852. Finish your morning at historic Catfish Alley, a central meeting and business district for Columbus’s African Americans in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Enjoy lunch

at Harveys, a long-time local favorite that serves up everything from woodfired steaks, seafood, and pasta to sandwiches and burgers. Aberdeen is well known for its variety of architectural styles, from stately Greek Revival mansions to ornate Victorian homes to turn-of-the-century classics. An audio tour can be downloaded, and group tours for many of the homes can be scheduled in advance. Depart the Pines Region with wonderful Southern memories.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI K aren Gates Matlock, CPM, TMP 601-359-3528 kmatlock@mississippi.org C onnie Cossar, TMP 601-359-9262 ccossar@mississippi.org VisitMississippi.org

MISSISSIPPI ITINERARY GUIDE

Union General William T. Sherman’s capture of Meridian during the Civil War and his claim, “Meridian no longer exists.” Circa 1886, the Victorian F.W. Williams home’s impeccable interior decorating showcases how the stylishly wealthy lived more than 125 years ago. You cannot leave Meridian without a ride on the Dentzel Carousel, a National Historic Landmark and great photo opportunity. Operating since 1909, the carousel’s original oil paintings are museum quality, and the animals have been professionally restored to their original charm. Next, check into your hotel. Meridian has abundant offerings of full-service, limited-service, and economy hotels. Dinner tonight is at Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, Weidmann’s. Established in 1870, this fine-dining restaurant is a local favorite and features classic Southern specialties. Two historic downtown theaters bring national and international touring acts to the Queen City. The MSU Riley Center and Temple Theatre for the Performing Arts have both been perfectly restored.

Experience our stories. Leave with your own. In 2022, Mississippi is offering a truly unique group travel opportunity through a collaboration between three premier cultural institutions – the Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and Mississippi Museum of Art. The museums are working together to present a series of events and exhibitions to increase understanding of the impact and legacy of The Great Migration, a historic exodus that shaped the story of our state, the South, and the nation. For details, go to VisitMississippi.org/GreatMigration. #WanderMS #VisitMSResponsibly

Museum of Mississippi History | Jackson, Mississippi

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