The Cultural Traveler 2016

Vol. 8 | 2016

YOUR GUIDE TO CULTURAL & HERITAGE TRAVEL AND THE LEADING MUSEUM STORES

THE GREAT RIVER ROAD See page 10

WHAT’S COOKING AT THE INNS? See page 16

Every year, America is host to

156 million domestic and international

arts & culture travelers

They stay longer and spend more money than other travelers.

They are right in your backyard...

100,000

5,000

50

U.S. NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

LOCAL ARTS AGENCIES SUPPORTING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

STATE-LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Americans for the Arts is the national organization tying it all together.

Get Connected Today. www.AmericansForTheArts.org

Find Something They’ll Love at the Getty Store Find unique gifts for everyone on your list, from artisan jewelry and hand-painted vases to award-winning arts publications and elegant scarves and ties. The Children’s hands-on activity kits, toys that encourage creative play, and beautifully illustrated books for all ages.

© 2015 J. Paul Getty Trust

Shop is sure to inspire the younger set with

Vol. 8 | 2016

Contents Americans for the Arts .................. 2

WELCOME WILLKOMMEN ¡BIENVENIDO! ようこそ！

BIENVENUE BEM-VINDO!

The Getty ...................................... 3 The Henry Ford, Michigan............. 5

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North Carolina........................... 6–7 Houston ..................................... 8–9

hen we go on a journey, we connect—with the landscape we explore, the people we meet, the food we eat, the art that inspires us and the world we see around us. It’s the authentic

cconnection to a community that travelers want to experience. It is why

National Byways: Great River Road ............... 10–11

aarts and culture tourists stay an average of three nights longer at their dest tinations than their traditional tourist counterparts. That makes for a great

Bloomington, Minnesota ....... 12–13

e experience for all you travelers—and that equals more dollars and in-

Vermont Downtowns ............ 14–15

d visitation i it ti ffor every community in America. Arts and culture organizations are a part creased

What’s Cooking at the Inns? ........................... 16–17 Alabama Gulf Coast .............. 18–19

of what connects us all, and Americans for the Arts is the organization that champions and provides support for those organizations. Won’t you join us on our journey to experience, celebrate, support and explore all the truly unique arts and culture experiences America has to offer? Start at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

St. Augustine/ St. Johns, Florida .............................. 20–21

— Robert L. Lynch, President & CEO Americans for the Arts

Savannah, Georgia................ 22–23 Atlanta, Georgia .................... 24–25

HOT TOPIC! Arts, Tourism & Cultural Diplomacy from Americans for the Arts.

Nevada.................................. 26–27

By Laura Mandala, Mandala Research with Intro by Robert L. Lynch.

Loveland, Colorado ............... 28–29

Download at TheCulturalTraveler.com

Colorado Springs, Colorado ........ 30 Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma .... 31 Durango, Colorado....................... 32 Denver, Colorado ........................ 33 The Cultural Traveler Experiences ...................... 34–35 Santa Monica, California............. 35

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e are excited to present to you u e the eighth annual edition of The Cultural Traveler on behalf off

our travel partners, museums, attractionss o and destinations. A special thank you to Americans for the Arts for their support off the guide. They are strong proponents off encouraging cultural travel and appreciatee

Sarasota, Florida .................. 36–37

that visitors are a mainstay in the success off

Chicago’s North Shore, Illinois ............................... 38–39

their member organizations.

Travel Planner....................... 40–41

in the U.S. We hope you will be inspired to visit the destinations featured and experience

America’s Leading Museum Stores ..................................... 42 Visit Rochester, New York .......... 44 Publisher information: see page 43

Sheila Armstrong & Rosemary McCormick tour Monet’s Gardens at Giverny near Paris.

The Cultural Traveler is the only publication that exclusively showcases cultural travel their unique offerings in the near future. Refer to the convenient Travel Planner on pages 40 and 41 to discover even more about the rich travel experiences these destinations have to offer and design your own customized itinerary.

Visit TheCulturalTraveler.com to read and/or download a copy of The Cultural Traveler and to view dozens of unique Cultural Traveler itineraries. On the website, you can also conveniently search by destination and/or topic all of the cultural and heritage des-

Cover Photos: Clockwise from top left: Music Director Anu Tali, pages 36–37; Illinois Great River Road, pages 10–11; Castillo de San Marcos, pages 20–21; Louisiana cuisine, pages 10–11; Colby Hill Inn, pages 16–17.

4 | The Cultural Traveler 2016 2014

tinations featured in past issues of The Cultural Traveler.

Happy travels, Sheila Armstrong & Rosemary McCormick Co-Publishers/Editors, The Cultural Traveler 707-224-3795; CulturalTraveler@aol.com TheCulturalTraveler.com ShopAmericaTours.com

Dymaxion House, Henry Ford Museum

John F. Kennedy Limousine, Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford America’s Greatest History Destination he Henry Ford is an internationally-recognized cultural destination that brings the past forward by immersing visitors in the stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation that helped shape America.

A jaw-dropping gathering of everyday genius, Henry Ford Museum is a remarkable destination that lets you experience the American ideas and innovations, technological and social, that have fired our imaginations and changed our lives. From racers to freedom riders, modular houses to microchips, these are the breakthroughs that have shaped our world.

Greenfield Village brings the past to the present—see, hear and touch 300 years of American history. Go places in the car that changed America, the Model T, explore Thomas Edison’s lab, one of the greatest idea

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factories ever created, or take a ride on a real steam-powered locomotive.

Get a closer look inside America’s greatest manufacturing experience at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Named

by USA Today as one of the top ten places for innovation inspiration, this is where the trucks rule the road. Enter a multisensory exploration of the manufacturing experience, take an in-depth look at the history of the

Model T Ride, Greenfield Village

plant and see how a state-of-the-art assembly floor puts the all-new aluminum-based Ford F150s together before your eyes.

Dreamers, doers, movers and makers come here for unforgettable experiences that make yesterday feel like today. Gain perspective, get inspired and make your own history at The Henry Ford.

TheHenryFord.org

Ford Rouge Factory Tour

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 5

T is Tw i ting and turning among tulip poplars and mossy sycamores, t esse waters weave through an an th ncient, unt n amed forest. They say ev ven the mist creeps as it journeys ov o er lookoutss and landmarks. A s enic highway follows along for the v ie sc ews whi h le h ik i ing trails lead in nto t stunning back kdrops. s Ass on one e of the few r iv iver e s th that runs north – it teaches all those who o cro rosss its pat ath, h, to ch choo ose s their own.

visitnc.com

Houston

Destination Update ouston, the most diverse city in the United States according to the Kinder Institute, is also the fourth largest city in the country and an international metropolis where more than 90 languages are spoken and 92 governments have official consulate representation.

Houston is home to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA, and to the renowned Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. The city is also considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, with cuisine from around the world in more than 10,000 restaurants covering 35 regions across the globe.

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New International Landmark Space Center Houston has announced the opening of the new international landmark Independence Plaza on Jan. 23, 2016. The eightstory-tall multiple-exhibit complex features a shuttle replica mounted on top of the first shuttle carrier aircraft, 8 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

the NASA 905. The jumbo-sized complex will give visitors a rare glimpse into the historic shuttle era and the NASA breakthroughs and technological advances gained from the shuttle program. In the shuttle, they will see the flight deck, mid-deck, payload bay and exhibits. The airplane will have multiple exhibits in seven different areas that explore innovation, science and technology. Visitors will see inside the plane’s cockpit and learn

how the plane was retrofitted to carry the shuttle.

Renovated Convention District Houston will host Super Bowl LI in 2017, and in anticipation of the big event, an investment in infrastructure of more than U.S. $1.5 billion is currently taking place in the downtown convention district. A new 1,000-room Marriott Marquis

Hotel is under construction on the north end of the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB). The new hotel, scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, will be connected by skywalk to the convention center, opposite the existing 1,200-room Hilton Americas-Houston.

Convention District improvements also include a new façade to the GRB and a pedestrian plaza with dining and shopping options in Avenida de las Americas, the avenue in front of the GRB. Six other hotels are currently in construction and will open by the end of 2016, all near the GRB.

Historic Stops in Downtown Houston A downtown walking tour along Buffalo Bayou illustrates how some of the city’s oldest buildings have been revitalized as restaurants, hotels, lofts and nightclubs. Houston was founded along Buffalo Bayou, in 1836, at Allen’s Landing.

The historic Market Square was originally designed as the commercial hub of the city and has remained a geographic centerpiece of downtown Houston since the arrival of the city’s founders in 1836. Market Square Park, which has recently been relandscaped, is surrounded by 19th century architecture, and now houses

a variety of businesses, entertainment venues and dining establishments.

The Anitoch Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest black church in the city, was founded in 1875 by freed slaves, with the Reverend Mr. Jack Yates as its first pastor.

The Julia Ideson Library Building, named for the long-time Houston librarian, was erected in 1926 as part of the planned civic center. The historical room of the building houses collections of Texas history.

Make a stop at the Heritage Society, Houston’s only outdoor, interactive historic museum and park.

Nestled in 10 acres of green parkland in the heart of downtown Houston, The Heritage Society boasts nine historic structures—eight historic homes and a church—dating from 1823 to 1905.

Shopping in Houston The fourth largest city in the nation, Houston is arguably the style capital of the South. Houston is home to a Project Runway winner and more than a dozen distinct shopping areas, with retail that goes from vintage to high-end designer, plus the popular outlet shopping.

Find famous designer stores at The Galleria or exclusive boutique gems at nearby Uptown Park or Highland Village, plus see what’s new at CityCentre. Budget conscious shoppers won’t want to miss a shopping day at Katy Mills, Houston Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets.

For more information on Houston, its hotels, attractions, restaurants, museums and events, or to plan your next trip to Houston, go to VisitHoustonTexas.com.

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 9

The Great River Road The Best Drive in America ILLINOIS GREAT RIVER ROAD, PHOTO: MICHAEL WEAVER/ALTON REGIONAL CVB

he Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. The Great River Road is arguably the longest and most important scenic byway in America.

The Drive. It takes about 36 hours of straight driving to travel from north to south along the byway. Most people take four to 10 days to make the journey. The story of the Mississippi River region comes alive as you travel the Great River Road. Along the byway, you’ll find more than 70 designated Great River Road interpretive centers and a number of scenic overlooks and locks and dams. If you’re interested in experiencing the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is the way to go.

Pilot’s Wheel Road Signs. The Great River Road is a well-marked series of different roads and highways that roughly follow the winding course of the Mississippi River.

All along the Great River Road, travelers will find white signs displaying the green pilot’s wheel logo. The familiar pilot’s wheel symbol denotes which roads are parts of the designated route. The route has been selected for its natural, cultural, historical, recreational and scenic properties.

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10 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

America’s Byways – National Scenic Byway Designation. The Great River Road is designated as a National Scenic Byway. This federal designation recognizes the Great River Road’s outstanding assets in the areas of culture, history, nature, recreation and scenic beauty. All along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, you’ll find tourism amenities as well as interpretive centers that help travelers experience the many facets of the Mississippi River region.

What You’ll Experience! All along the Great River Road, visitors will find interesting things to see and do, including a number of river-related attractions and designated interpretive centers. The communities you’ll encounter along the way—from tiny riverside villages to vibrant metropolises—are where you’ll experience the living history of the region through music, culture and local cuisine.

Travelers can spend a day exploring a short portion of the byway, or a week traveling through several states— or many weeks traveling the entire length of the river. It would take a lifetime to truly experience all that the Great River Road has to offer. Start your Great River Road journey today. Order your free Great River Road travel planner map at ExperienceMississippiRiver.com.

ALTON CREDIT QUEEN DELTA

IOWA DIVISION OF TOURISM

Civil War Muster

Paddle wheel boat Christmas lights, St. Louis, Missouri

Mississippi River Road Fun Facts

Kentucky bourbon barrels aging

Arkansas Chateau

Wisconsin

Delta Queen riverboats

• The Mississippi River is 2,340 miles long and the fourth largest watershed in the world.

• The Great River Road runs through about 110 counties and parishes.

• Iowa’s 500-foot Pike’s Peak was named for Zebulon Pike, who explored the Upper Mississippi River in 1805.

• Waterskiing was invented on Lake Pepin, located between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

• It takes 90 days for a drop of water to travel the entire length of the Mississippi River.

• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is 630 feet tall.

• From its source in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River drops 1,475 feet.

• The Mississippi River is home to 360 species of fish, 326 species of birds, 145 species of amphibians and 50 species of mammals.

• The deepest place on the Mississippi River is 200 feet deep and is located near Algiers Point in New Orleans.

• Tennessee boasts some of the finest and most famous whisky distilleries in the world, and Memphis is home to more than 100 BBQ joints.

• Kentucky is widely renowned as the center of the time-honored art of distilling fine bourbon and features a Bourbon Tasting Trail.

• Mississippi’s catfish farms produce the majority of the nation’s farmraised catfish.

• Illinois has the largest population of all the states located along the Mississippi River.

Louisiana cuisine

City of Lakes, Minnesota

Keeneland race track, Lexington

Beale Street, Memphis

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 11

Bloomington Minnesota loomington, Minnesota, provides visitors a dynamic mix of first-class attractions, vibrant restaurants, and nearly 8,700 hotel rooms in over 40 convenient hotels. From an exhilarating walk in a wildlife refuge to a relaxing dinner at an exceptional restaurant, we’ve got you covered.

The crown jewel of Bloomington, Mall of America®—the nation’s

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largest mall attracting more than 40 million visitors annually—is getting even bigger. MOA® just completed a $325 million expansion, the most significant construction project it has undergone since opening in 1992. The next phase, called “The Collection at MOA,” targets luxury shoppers and is scheduled to open fall of 2018.

Occurring on the north side, the expansion extends the mall’s three

levels, adding an office tower, multilevel parking garage, more than 50 high-end retailers, a food market featuring fresh and healthy culinary choices, larger event space and a flagship 14-story JW Marriott Hotel. Located directly opposite on the south side of the mall, and connected via enclosed skywalk, is the Radisson Blu, a favorite for international visitors, thanks in large part to its Europe-

an flair. And across from Bloomington Central Station, on the Light Rail METRO Blue line, the 302-room Hyatt Regency Bloomington Central Station hotel will open in early 2016.

Mall of America® is not just taxfree shopping, but home to unique attractions like the Crayola Experience and FlyOver America, both opening in 2016. Become a kid again in the unique attractions and entertainment all under one roof at Mall of America, including the seven-acre theme park Nickelodeon Universe®, offering 27 rides and the longest indoor zip line in North America, as well as the amazing underwater world of SEA LIFE® Minnesota Aquarium, featuring hands-on activities and thousands of sea creatures.

Signature Experiences are popping up all over Mall of America, from a Mediterranean dining experience at Vom Fass-Mall of America to a scavenger hunt, there is some-

thing for everyone. And Bloomington’s South Loop (SoLo) has become known for the arts and art experiences, making it a more vibrant and beautiful community to encounter. Whether viewing a 35foot-tall sculpted jade glass and steel sculpture or a brightly colored mural, your stay in Bloomington will be remarkable!

Three Rivers Park District has your paddling options fulfilled with their variety of canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding opportunities on one of the 10,000+ lakes in Minnesota. It’s healthy, and it’s fun for the whole family!

And just 20 minutes from Bloomington is Hazeltine National Golf Club, home of the 2016 Ryder Cup™.

Challenge your own golf skills and play some of the top courses in the United States.

Fort Snelling State Park and Minnehaha Falls are located in the heart

of the Twin Cities and offer extensive hiking, bike and ski trails that link to Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Canoe, swim in Snelling Lake or hike on Pike Island where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers converge. Trails also allow visitors to hike up to the historic Fort Snelling for a view of military life in the 1820s.

With more theatre seats in the 30some theatre venues in the Twin Cities than in New York and a shopping experience all in itself at Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota, will not disappoint! Find more information on the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau website at BloomingtonMN.org, where you can also compare hotel rates and availability, explore getaway packages, detailed itineraries, events and the popular The Big Ticket™ threeday bundled attraction pass.

COME SEE WHAT’S IN STORE. I N B LO O M I N G T O N

ARTS, NATURE, AND BIG, GIANT MALL OF FUN. Browse 520 Mall of America® stores and special rates at over 40 hotels at BloomingtonMN.org.

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 13

Vermont

Rediscovering Downtowns Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, Vermont

isit any of Vermont’s historic downtowns and you will find cafes featuring specialty coffees and a locavore menu and restaurants offering delicious entrees prepared by remarkably talented chefs.

You’ll also encounter an engaging mix of locally-owned businesses, with everything from markets, florists and bakeries to bookstores and galleries that feature art, craft and home furnishings. Even small towns often have an arts venue for theater and music, and there’s almost always live entertainment at restaurants on weeknights or weekends.

Why does Vermont have so many vibrant, historically-intact town centers? While the state’s mountains and varied topography have placed physical constraints on sprawl, retaining vital, pedestrian-friendly downtowns is the result of thoughtful, sustained effort and investment in communities

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St. Albans, Vermont

14 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

that appreciate the legacy of their historic commercial centers.

Beginning in the 1970s, Vermont has made a continued effort to sustain and revitalize its historic downtowns.

In Vermont’s largest city, Church Street Marketplace—once a main thoroughfare—is now a pedestrian plaza with shade trees, fountains, sculpture, murals and outdoor cafes flanked by a healthy mix of locallyowned shops and businesses. And as a location for outdoor festivals and events, Burlington functions beautifully as a center for both culture and commerce.

The Vermont Downtown Program entered the state-wide downtown movement in 1994 to provide know-how and incentives. Building on each community’s history, statesupported local efforts have demonstrated how community revitalization encourages the local economy and

Woodstock, Vermont

cultural institutions, while supporting centralized growth that preserves the surrounding farm and forest lands.

Vermont’s downtown success is rooted in a commitment to respecting the historic architecture and traditions of communities without being narrowly bound by them. The 19th century scale of commercial downtown blocks, typically only three to five stories tall, is a human scale that’s inviting to pedestrians and small businesses alike. Thoughtful restoration results in spaces that are mechanically contemporary but preserve the wonderful architectural details of their heritage.

Valley Café, Bellows Falls, Vermont

Open areas are preserved too.

Along with the larger towns, even small villages have town greens or commons at their center, often with a gazebo and monument to a local notable or event, that serve as a focal point of community events and concerts throughout the year.

Vermont’s downtowns can make for an illuminating cultural exploration. Discover local heritage and local pride, experience first-hand what a community can accomplish and relax and have fun. Each town has so much to offer. Visit VermontVacation.com to plan your trip.

ORDER YOUR FREE VERMONT VACATION PLANNING INFO TODAY > SELECT HISTORIC /SCENIC BYWAYS AS AN INTEREST TO RECEIVE THE VERMONT BYWAYS BROCHURE WITH YOUR PACKET REQUEST.

WWW.VERMONTVACATION.COM/TRAVELER-INFO

What’s Cooking at the Inns?

PHOTOS AT TOP COURTESY OF: INN ON RANDOLPH

ith the culinary craze impacting so many aspects of our lives these days, we contacted Renee Flowers, Director of Marketing at Select Registry, to ask her how B&Bs and inns across America are addressing this hunger for culinary experiences.

“Gourmet meals and fine wines are offerings that guests have come

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to expect from exceptional inns. Inns are hiring award-winning chefs and have menus that rival the very best restaurants. At many inns, guests can experience additional culinary activities—cooking demonstrations or hands-on classes. Classes are often customized to reflect the locale or cater to a special dietary needs such as gluten free,” says Flowers.

North Fork Mountain Inn Cabins, West Virginia Described as “an outpost of luxury in the wilderness,” the North Fork Mountain Inn is located in the West Virginia Mountains. Its Cooking School Weekend delivers a delightful and delicious experience with innkeepers Ed and Carol Fischer sharing their secret “award-winning” dishes. Friday begins with preparing tapas and appetizers to enjoy with a wine tasting. Saturday morning, you learn to make scones, omelets, “Sleep-Late French Toast” and other breakfast specialties. Lunch features making the inn’s specialty soups. Saturday afternoon is spent prepping for an “exotic feast” including a spectacular finale of chocolate crème brûlée with flamed peppermint.

NorthForkMtnInn.com 16 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

We found a surprising number of inns do offer culinary experiences beyond savoring a delicious meal, and they enjoy sharing these experiences with their guests. Here are some excellent finds for improving your culinary skills in a fun and entertaining way while you enjoy the special ambiance of these charming inns.

Beechwood Inn Clayton, Georgia Beechwood Inn is a food- and wine-focused escape. Its Georgian Cooking School offers many culinary classes, but the most unique is its “Wild Food Cooking Class.”

In a nearby cove forest and pasture, you learn about the area’s distinctive ecology, pick shoots, leaves and berries and dig roots. Herbalist Gayle Darugh introduces you to plants that have been used as foods and medicines by American Indians and local mountain people for generations.

You return to the inn for a cooking demonstration creating appetizers from these wild foods. Then you enjoy the fruits of your labor, tasting its wildness, complemented by specially chosen local wines.

BeechwoodInn.ws

Inn on Randolph Napa, California The Inn on Randolph is a hip luxury estate in the heart of Napa Valley that offers a completely gluten-free cooking weekend. You can join the master of allergen-free baking and gluten-free gourmand, Jeffrey Larson, for a weekend of baking, eating, wine and relaxation—all without the wheat! This hands-on culinary experience is designed for those who are new to gluten-free cooking, as well as those who are frustrated by failed attempts. Jeff’s chocolate chip cookie recipe alone should be lure enough for anyone who has fought (and lost) the hard battle of perfecting the gluten-free cookie.

InnonRandolph.com

Colby Hill Inn Henniker, New Hampshire Colby Hill Inn is located on the scenic and historic Currier and Ives Byway that winds through New Hampshire.

This charming, full-service B&B offers a cooking class titled “Cooking Confidential—An Evening with the Chef.” The class is an opportunity to cook and learn with a professional chef in a commercial kitchen where all ingredients and equipment are readily available for amateur cooks and foodies. Hands-on preparation of a three-course dinner includes learning techniques for each dish. You then join the chef in the gracious dining room to enjoy the beautiful dinner you’ve created, along with selected wines.

ColbyHillInn.com

Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast Chester Heights, Pennsylvania In the heart of the Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania is the English-style country inn, Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast. Along with offering Southern hospitality, the inn is known for its creative cooking classes. Their most popular classes are “French Country” in celebration of Bastille Day, “Last Dinner on the Titanic,” “Dining on the Orient Express,” “Salute to Oscar,” inspired by Best Picture nominees, and “Buttocks of Beefe,” featuring English holiday fare. The popular “Brandywine Bounty” class features a farm-to-table menu and includes visits to local farms and the foraging of wild edibles from the countryside. All the B&B’s classes are hands on and encompass an entire weekend.

Hamanassett.com

About Select Registry: Select Registry is a portfolio of more than 300 inns, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels throughout North America. Each property has passed rigorous quality assurance testing to earn and maintain its Select Registry membership.

See more at: SelectRegistry.com The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 17

Finding a connection on Alabama’s

Gulf Coast labama’s southern tip is one of those places where even first-time visitors find a connection. Here, they experience the link between the traditions of the deep South and a more laid back island lifestyle—between the wildlife of thousands of acres of preserved lands and the good life of a beachfront vacation, and between the gunships of past naval battles and the countless recreational opportuni-

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Fort Morgan Cannon

18 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

ties of the present. It’s all there, right before their eyes, and visitors make their own connections from the moment they take in one of its exceptional views: the sun sinking into the warm Gulf of Mexico, the weathered halls of a 150-year-old brick fort, the flutter of a colorful neo-tropical migrant bird, a fishing boat easing from the dock at sunrise.

Alabama’s Coastal Connection, a nationally designated scenic byway, tells the story of the region through several chapters: Connecting with Nature, Connecting with the Past, Connecting the Land and Sea and Connecting with Each Other. Through these stories, travelers are invited to experience Alabama’s Coastal Con-

nection and the waters, ways and wildlife of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

This route and the waterways it follows are significant to the state of Alabama and the region for many reasons. Among them, the National Historic Landmarks of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines; the protected lands of the Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Gulf State Park; beaches, which are the number-one tourist destination in the state; and a unique culture of working waterfronts. Each offers unique scenic settings.

A variety of accommodations are available, making the shore accessible to those looking for a campsite, a family-friendly beach house, a luxury hotel or anything in between.

Alabama’s Coastal Connection has much to share, and it beckons travelers to make their own connection and to learn more about the waters, ways and wildlife of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

AlabamasCoastalConnection.com

Connect.

History. People. Land. Sea. Nature.

On

Alabama’s Coastal Connection, a

national scenic byway, you’ll connect with the culture of the Gulf Coast through the exciting attractions and natural beauty along this one-of-a-kind drive. Museums, fishing villages, gardens and beaches combine to delight visitors throughout the year. Travel with us through history and an environment that is unsurpassed in its beauty and appeal.

www.AlabamasCoastalConnection.com • 888-666-9252 Scenic Byway

Did you know? Let us tell you a story about the beginning of America. on Pedro Menéndez arrived in St. Augustine in 1565 with 800 colonists to settle the New World in the name of Spain. It was an ambitious attempt at colonization—

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one that would become the foundation for the most enduring settlement in the United States. Onboard were Africans and Hispanics. When they stepped off the ship into the first permanent colony in the United States, they became African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans. This was the beginning of both the African-American

experience and the Latino-American experience in the New World. Native Americans were named so by Europeans and became this for the first time. The settlement at the Indian village of Seloy with the intermingling of Hispanics, Africans and Native Americans, was the very genesis of the American culture that characterizes our nation today.

In 2016, we are celebrating an equally important anniversary in St. Augustine. It is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service (NPS). As part of the NPS Centennial, we are focusing on the story of the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest Spanish fort in America. Begun in 1672 and completed in 1695, the Castillo has been a refuge and a bastion against pirates who burned St. Augustine, a sanctuary for escaped slaves from the Carolinas and Georgia and a safe harbor against British attacks. There is much more about

G. HASTINGS 2014

St. Augustine

allows visitors to explore five centuries of architecture and history, with eclectic art galleries, music concerts, opera, theater, dance and celebrations year round. Nearby, upscale Ponte Vedra is home to the PGA Tour headquarters and its regal history, as well as the unique Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. St. Augustine’s beaches offer a laidback vibe, unspoiled beaches and seafood, all with a colorful, artistic flair.

Discover “Culture Around Every Corner” on Florida’s Historic Coast VISUAL ARTS From modern galleries and exclusive exhibits to the designs of its historic cathedrals, the visual arts offer an endless feast for the eyes—and the imagination. The area’s arts scene dates back to the 19th century, when New England artists and wealthy tourists visited and made their homes in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Tours of Henry Flagler’s Historic Ponce de Leon Hotel, now part of Flagler College, offer a view of The Age of Opulence and the American version of Downton Abbey. The city of St. Augustine became a haven for creative sun-seekers, and the spirit of expressive freedom and arts appreciation continues today. Be sure to see America’s Parks, an exhibition at the Lightner Museum, running from June through August, of 50 original art works in oil, watercolor and other media, highlighting not just the Castillo but the splendor of our National Parks and special places across the country.

PERFORMING ARTS Professional theater, classical concerts, and a state-ofthe-art performance venue are all within reach. No matter which event you attend, or where you experience it, you’ll enjoy the intimate setting and vibrant performance that the arts community is known for. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre has been recognized as one of the top ten amphitheaters in the world!

LITERARY ARTS Florida has long been a haven for authors, poets and writers, and Florida’s Historic Coast is no exception. Literary events, book festivals, readings, workshops and more honor the history of the written word, and you’re invited to explore them all.

FESTIVALS From photography and arts and crafts to seafood and sunsets, there’s a specific festival for whatever you love about St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and its beaches.

LIVING HISTORY Do more than see history—live it. Re-enactments, celebrations and interactive activities put you right in the middle of 450-plus years of history. Dedicated historians and re-enactors give you a glimpse of life from every era of the coast’s colorful history.

MANY CULTURES Timucuan. Spanish. French. British. African. Minorcan.

Seminole. Swiss. In its 450-year history, Florida’s Historic Coast has been home to an especially diverse array of peoples—and they’ve all left their mark here. You can experience the story of St. Augustine’s cultures through architecture, food, music, art, archaeology and more.

Let us tell you all the stories of St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Explore arts, culture and heritage events, and create your journey today.

HistoricCoastCulture.com

SGSDESIGNANDART.COM

the story of the Castillo, and during the NPS Centennial you are invited to visit and engage with authentic re-enactors, experience the amazing physical presence of the structure and learn much, much more about the beginnings of America.

Just north of the city, you’ll find Ft. Mose, the first free Black settlement in the U.S., now a Florida State Park.

The St. Augustine Historic District

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 21

Savannah

raped in Spanish moss and bursting with natural beauty, Savannah charms its visitors every day. Warm temperatures welcome those who come to enjoy art, architecture, coastal cuisine and Savannah’s quirky culture. Forsyth Park and 22 scenic squares play host to peaceful afternoons spent peoplewatching, dog-walking and relaxing. A vibrant nightlife can be found in the pubs, restaurants and theatres across the city.

With more than 45 cultural attractions, Savannah draws visitors craving culture, history and tradition.

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Take a tour through a pre-Civil War era mansion at the Mercer-Williams House, or visit the birthplace of the Girl Scouts of America at the Juliette Gordon Low House. Test your bravery on a haunted ghost tour through Savannah, which has been called “America’s most haunted city,” or take a movie tour to learn about feature films produced here. Museums in Savannah contain pieces of work that are sure to enthrall you, while statues stand prominently throughout the city to commemorate its rich history.

New restaurants in Savannah offer a trendy take on classic cuisine. Restaurants like The Grey, The Florence, The Collins Quarter, Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar and Alligator Soul focus on fresh, locally sourced, coastal dishes with a Southern spin that keep visitors craving more. The best part about Savannah’s culinary scene is the ability to dine outdoors for most of the year at many vibrant, lively spots throughout the city.

With Savannah College of Art and Design’s campus intermingling with

Savannah’s downtown, artistic influences can be found throughout the city in galleries, boutiques and even throughout the squares. Historic theatres also provide an outlet for creativity that visitors can enjoy year round.

Savannah’s calendar is filled with festivals, shows and exhibits. Visitors from all over the country head to Savannah every spring for beloved events including the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens, one of the nation’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the world-class Savannah Music Festival. During the summer, events and activities are easy to find on Tybee Island, Savannah’s backyard beach located just 20 minutes away. Festival season picks back up in the fall with events including the Savannah Film Festival, the Savannah Food and Wine Festival and many more.

Savannah blends the best of the old and the new. Let the city fascinate you with her elegance and eccentricities!

VisitSavannah.com

The Margaret Mitchell House See the actual writing desk where Gone With the Wind was written.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site Be inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the “International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.”

Awe-Inspiring Arts, History and Culture tlanta is home to some of the most unique cultural and heritage experiences anywhere. A thriving business center with an eclectic mix of residents, the city is brimming with famous visitor attractions, history and fun for all ages. With an innovative and enter[HPUPUN ÅHYL MVY [OL HY[Z ([SHU[H OHZ a remarkable selection of museums, classical music venues and a thriving theatre scene.

Don’t miss the multi-sensory World of Coca-Cola Tour, the behind the scenes CNN Studio Tour, the world’s largest aquarium, the 14,000 works at the High Museum of Art, the cuddly twin pandas at the zoo, the inspiring MLK National Historic Site, the impressive Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, the celebrated Gone With the Wind author’s home and the spectacular aerial view of the Atlanta Botanical Garden from the 600-foot Kendeda Canopy Walk. Plan now to visit these and many other awesome attractions that Atlanta has to offer.

Atlanta.net

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Georgia Aquarium Be amazed and entertained at the largest aquarium in the U.S.

To learn more about Atlanta’s awe-inspiring cultural and heritage experiences, visit Atlanta.net.

Center for Civil and Human Rights Connect the American Civil Rights Movement to current human rights issues through moving experiential exhibits at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

High Museum of Art Explore the museum’s celebrated collection of more than 14,000 works of art.

World of Coca-Cola Tour Tour the multi-sensory, 4-D theater and sample 60 different beverages from around the world.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Take the 600-foot Kendeda Canopy Walk for a beautiful aerial view of the garden.

Atlanta History Center Visit the 1928 gracious Swan House and the Smith Family Farm, special features at the center.

CNN Studio Tour Go behind the scenes to see how this first global news network produces its shows.

Zoo Atlanta See Atlanta’s pride and joy—the only panda twins born in the U.S.—Mei Lun and Mei Huan.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum Experience “A Day in the Life of the President” and take a virtual trip with the Carters to fight disease and promote democracy around the world.

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 25

PHOTO BY CHRIS MORAN

International Car Forest of the Last Church

he history and culture of the state of Nevada is peppered with a little sass and a lot of maverick creativity. Historic towns, a wealth of interactive museums, American Indian culture and history, artists in residence and a host of learning experiences make a cultural trip to Nevada a fun and truly memorable experience.

T

Nevada Originals Nevada is filled with fearless dreamers, uninhibited artists and downright outlandish and unexpected experiences, many of them on a grand scale.

The International Car Forest of the Last Church in Goldfield is a great example. This off-the-wall outdoor art gallery is a compilation of more than 40 cars, some forcefully driven into the ground clawing toward the sky, others carefully balanced.

Other “Only in Nevada” originals are the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Beatty, which takes the unexpected to a new level with its colossal sculptures, and the Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas, an earthwork that will creatively pay homage to the desert landscape (slated to open in 2016).

The Bellagio lobby on The Strip is equally jaw-dropping.

The 18-foot ceiling is filled with the most extraordinary glass sculpture, a chandelier called Fiori di Como by glass sculptor 26 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

Dale Chihuly. This stunning artwork is comprised of 2,000 hand-blown glass blossoms. Vegas’ quirky vintage attractions also include the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum.

Elko’s Cowboy Tradition The cowboy tradition is strong in Nevada, especially in Elko, home of the Western Folklife Center and its famous National Cowboy Poetry Gathering every January.

The Northeastern Nevada Museum and the California Trail Interpretive Center both capture the American West story, showcasing colorful characters such as Western artist and cattle rustler Will James, and telling the story of America’s westward expansion.

J.M. Capriola Store

PHOTO BY SYDNEY MARTINEZ

Culture and Heritage with a Little Sass and a Lot of Maverick Creativity

Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

Stewart Father’s Day PowWow

For a true Western experience in Elko, visit the J.M. Capriola Co.’s western wear store to see how saddles are made, sample the Basque cuisine at the Star Hotel and then have Cowboy John Tours help you saddle up at a guest ranch.

Family Fun in Vegas Though Las Vegas is mostly known as a playground for adults, families can find lots of fun and educational discovery centers throughout the area. The Nevada State Museum has dinosaur digs and educational labs for handson experiences; Springs Preserve stresses environmental stewardship and sustainable desert living; the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum explores art, science and history through hands-on play; and the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center has trails with amazing vistas.

Nearby in Boulder City is the iconic Hoover Dam. Nearly a million visitors tour it annually and are awed by the incredible structure.

The Railroads That Settled the West The railroads of Nevada played an enormous role in the development of the West. The Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, has the original Transcontinental 1875 standard gauge Inyo steam locomotive

PHOTO BY: SYDNEY MARTINEZ

Railroad locomotive, which later starred in Hollywood Westerns. The museum offers first-hand experiences in railroad history through the sights, sounds and sensations of a train ride.

The Virginia & Truckee (V&T) Railroad hosts an unforgettable journey from Carson City to Virginia City aboard equipment that evokes the era of the Bonanza television series. Another fun V&T option is the “short line,” which offers a half-hour excursion to Gold Hill and back.

Nevada’s American Indian Culture Nevada is home to the Washoe, Northern Paiute, Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute American Indian tribes. Opportunities abound to learn more about these tribes’ rich histories. For example, Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitors Center, 45 miles northeast of Reno, features the history and culture of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

The Stewart Indian School in Carson City has a cell phone tour that tells the stories and experiences of the American Indian children who attended this school from 1890 to 1980.

To learn more about Nevada’s American Indian culture and see artifacts from ancient American Indian sites, explore the Grimes Point Archeological Area in Fallon, as well as the Lost City Museum and the Valley of Fire State Park, both in Overton. In Carson City, Nevada State Museum’s “Under One Sky” exhibit tells the story of Nevada’s American Indian culture from the perspectives of local American Indians, as well as the scientific community.

Nevada truly is “A World Within and a State Apart,” with funky, cool places to visit, far-out sites to see and heaps of unique culture and heritage that capture the imagination. Plus, special events throughout the year provide even more reasons to visit.

Plan your next trip to Nevada now at TravelNevada. com/CulturalTraveler.

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 27

PHOTO BY JOSHUA HARDIN

Sculpture Invitational Auction

World Class Art & Culture in Colorado

Loveland ablo Picasso, Christo, Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe represent just a small portion of the artists that have been featured at the Loveland Museum/Gallery. An accredited art and history museum founded in 1938, the Loveland Museum/Gallery is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the city, while at the same time, bringing world-class art exhibitions to northern Colorado. With a single visit, guests can explore the traveling ex-

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hibitions featured in the galleries and discover Loveland’s unique history with a series of exhibits, including Mariano Medina’s homestead, the Great West Sugar Factory and Sweetheart City USA. LovelandMuseumGallery.org

Rialto Theater Center Built in 1920 as a silent movie theater, the beautifully restored Rialto Theater Center has played a starring role in shaping Loveland’s thriving performing arts community. Located in the heart of downtown, the 445seat theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a variety of unique events including concerts with internationalPastels on 5th ly acclaimed mu-

Benson Sculpture Garden

sicians, live theater, dance and silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. Newly expanded in 2012, the Rialto Theater Center embodies the perfect balance between the old and new with a modern tapas restaurant, fully equipped conference rooms and dramatic banquet and event facilities overlooking the heart of downtown Loveland. RialtoTheaterCenter.org

Art in Public Places Through vision, hard work and collaboration, Loveland has created a large and diverse public art collection that creates a sense of place and purpose. The community boasts over 380 individual works of art on public display within scenic sculpture parks, along roadways and adorning city buildings, parks and playgrounds. Artistic expression abounds, creating a rich tapestry that makes Loveland unique among Colorado communities.

As the first Colorado municipality to adopt a one-percent-for-the-arts ordinance, Loveland’s Art in Public Places Program serves as a model for communities dedicated to supporting the arts. Private contributions by arts organizations, citizens and artists have donated over 72% of the collection. VisitLovelandCO.com

Everything YOU LOVE With sculpture parks, theater, art studios, foundry tours and the largest art show weekend in the nation, come to Loveland for your next cultural experience. Add in shopping, craft beer, outdoor recreation and more to experience everything you love 365 days a year.

35 minutes east of Rocky Mountain National Park and 45 minutes north of Denver.

VisitLovelandCO.com/Cultural365

970.667.3882

E V E RY TH I N G YO U L OV E

365

Colorado Springs and The Pikes Peak Region Gondolas at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

ith endless outdoor activities and unique cultural attractions, Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region will elevate your next Colorado experience. Begin at the newly renovated Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

Explore the hands-on, interactive exhibits, including a 3-D model of the geological wonder, a full-size recreation of the park’s own dinosaur and a time travel tunnel and movie that take you back in time more than a billion years. Then discover the prehistoric, stunning red rock formations in Garden of the Gods Park by car, foot, bike, horseback, jeep tour or Segway.

The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has reopened and is more spectacular than ever. The new visitor center sits on the very edge of the gorge and offers stunning views of the bridge and Arkansas River below. Cruise across the gorge on the aerial gon-

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dolas or North America’s highest zip line. Everyone will enjoy the Café 1230 or Bridge View Barbeque eateries, and the kids will have a blast climbing on the Children’s Playland.

Also reopened and reimagined is The Broadmoor Seven Falls. In addition to a stunning box canyon, seventiered waterfalls and hiking trails, enjoy an incredible dining experience at Restaurant 1858 as well as a series of scenic zip lines appropriately named the The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure.

For those interested in western heritage, Colorado Springs is home to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy and a brand-new Colorado Springs rodeo series beginning in 2016.

Visit the new Spencer Penrose Heritage Museum, located on the grounds of The Broadmoor, with free entry, featuring 31 horse-drawn car-

riages and 13 motorized vehicles that participated in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of this “race to the clouds,” the second oldest automobile race in the U.S.A. and the world’s highest Rally race.

The U.S. Olympic Museum, set to open in early 2018, will break ground in 2016. It will provide a variety of interactive experiences to give you an inside look at the lives of Olympians and Paralympians and retrace the history of the Olympic movement from ancient Olympia to modern day.

When booking your trip, fly directly into the Colorado Springs Airport. This regional facility has a variety of direct and connecting flights, and its smaller size and friendly atmosphere make it a great alternative to larger, crowded airports.

VisitCOS.com

Historic Strater Hotel • 800.247.4431 • www.strater.com

Get Your ™ www.durango.org • 866.631.7010

Denver’s 300 days of sunshine and the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery give the city its unmistakable energy. Discover bold art inside and out, experience a concert under the stars and sample the creativity of The Mile High City’s chefs and craft brewers.

There’s sure to be something to spark the imagination around every corner. Plan your trip at VISITDENVER.com.

PLAN

YOUR

GETAWAY

Blockbuster Events JULY 2–4

Cultural Exhibitions MARCH 6–JUNE 5

ALL SUMMER LONG

Samurai: Armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection Denver Art Museum

FIRST FRIDAYS

Chocolate: The Exhibition Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Cherry Creek Arts Festival Red Rocks Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series Neighborhood Art Walks

NOVEMBER 4–12 Denver Arts Week

FEBRUARY 12–MAY 8

APRIL 28–OCTOBER 4

Sculpture from the Walker Art Center Denver Botanic Gardens

Exceptional Cultural and Heritage

Destinations

PHOTOGRAPH IN MEMORY OF MARY GARDNER

Santa Barbara

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Houston,

Texas, boasts a worldclass art museum, the Houston Space Center, an outstanding aquarium and classic performing arts theatres for the Houston Symphony, the Houston Ballet Company and Broadway shows. A great introduction to the city is a downtown walking tour or a culinary tour of Houston’s diverse restaurant scene.

Santa Barbara,

California’s most cherished asset is its colorful history—a blend of Spanish, Mexican, Portuguese and American Indian influences. The Red Tile Walking

34 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

Illinois Holocaust Museum

tour showcases many of the structures and historic abodes reflecting these influences. More history with beautiful vistas and native California plants can be found at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Chicago’s North Shore is home to Northwestern University and a cultural hot spot. Jewels along the lakefront include Chicago Botanic Garden, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and the grandeur of the Baha’i Temple.

Savannah

PHOTO BY MEGAN NICOLE HUNT

Savannah,

Georgia, is a city abundant in history, beauty and charm with activities from architectural tours, music and food festivals to art exhibits and Civil War re-enactments. The pedestrian-friendly layout and innovative urban design inspire visitors to take time to wander off the beaten path and experience its emerald tree canopy, quaint cobblestone streets and majestic architecture.

St.

Augustine, Florida, is where you will discover both culture and adventure. Experience at-

PHOTO BY TIM MUELLER

PHOTO BY DENNIS & ELLEN CURRAN

St. Augustine

Northeast Kingdom Byway, Vermont

tractions where historic sites and modern-day storytelling bring the “nation’s oldest city” to life. Step back in time by walking brick-lined streets holding authentic pieces of our past or by visiting forts that kept pirates at bay. Museums including the Lightner Museum display important artifacts and impressive collections of art.

mitment to sustainability. Exemplifying these traits are the Shelburne Museum’s collection of American folk art, the Shelburne Farms’ award-winning cheese operation, the Shackleton Thomas Furniture Workshop and Miranda Thomas’ Pottery Studio, the Marsh-BillingsRockefeller National Historic Park and the Billings Farm and Museum.

Vermont experiences are eclectic, elegant and historic with a com-

New Orleans, Louisiana’s scene thrives via countless galleries, perfor-

Civil War Colonel, New Orleans

mance spaces and museums. What sets these cultural institutions apart is their ability to embody the joie de vivre so prevalent in New Orleans.

So whether it is a Ralph Brennan restaurant in the New Orleans Museum of Art or Thursday night musical performances at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans’ unique culture and love of food, music and fun blends perfectly with its vibrant arts scene, creating experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

Sarasota

Florida’s Cultural Coast

®

ith internationally acclaimed performing arts and museums, Sarasota County is truly a Mecca for the arts.

This astonishing culture scene started when John Ringling of the Ringling Brothers Circus built one of Sarasota County’s finest treasures in the 1930s, known as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Since then, Sarasota County has welcomed an opera, ballet, orchestras, theatres, art galleries and artist communities to

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its shores. Learn a little more about these institutions below.

The Sarasota Opera is located in the Sarasota Opera House, a renovated downtown Sarasota theatre on the National Register of Historic Places.

The opera performs five operas per season and has earned international attention.

The Sarasota Orchestra has been thriving since 1949. The orchestra attracts artists and music lovers from around the world, performing more than 100 classical, pops and family The Ca’ d’Zan at the Ringling concerts each year.

For 40 years, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sarasota’s bayfront has drawn nationally recognized music, dance, theatre and comedy acts.

Award-winning actors grace the

stages of the Asolo Repertory Theatre and FSU/Asolo Conservatory, Banyan Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The Players Theatre and Venice Theatre offer community theatre performances that rival the pros. The Venice Theatre is one of the largest community theatres in the country and has won numerous theatre awards.

The Sarasota Ballet is the Gulf Coast of Florida’s first and only professional ballet company, presenting the works of leading choreographers.

Sarasota County hosts a wealth of modern art galleries in downtown Sarasota and Venice, as well as the cutting-edge student works seen at the top-ranked Ringling School of Art + Design.

Sarasota’s dynamic arts scene appeals to arts lovers of all ages and tastes. Come find out why the savviest insiders rave about Sarasota, and go beyond the beaches at VisitSarasotaArts.org.

ABOVE PHOTO CREDIT: KAUPO KIKKAS

Music Director Anu Tali

Illinois Holocaust Museum

Illinois Holocaust Museum

Chicago’s

North Shore ordering Chicago along Lake Michigan, Chicago’s North Shore is the most picturesque region in the metropolitan Chicago area. Boasting a scenic byway along the lakefront rich in natural beauty and homes and gardens of distinction, the region is home to Northwestern University, Chicago Botanic Garden, the only Bahá’í House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie, the Charles Dawes Gates House, which houses the Evanston History Center, and the Frances Willard House Museum, home of the famed feminist social activist.

Chicago’s North Shore begins to the north of the city of Chicago in Evanston—a cosmopolitan city with unique stores and diverse cuisine nestled in the charm of a college town.

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The North Shore is home to Light Opera Works, Northlight Theater, Writers Theater, Oil Lamp Theater, Piven Theatre Workshop, Piccolo Theatre and Actors Gymnasium.

Chicago’s North Shore is only 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, and its 20 lodging options offer a broad variety of accommodation options, from five-star luxury to affordable rooms for the budget traveler.

Famous chefs have honed their trade in some of Chicago’s North Shore award-winning restaurants. Outdoor dining options, along with dozens of boutiques providing unique gifts and finds, can be found along the treelined streets of downtown Evanston and Winnetka. For power-shoppers, the area boasts three major shopping centers: Westfield Old Orchard, the Glen Town Center and Northbrook Court. VisitChicagoNorthShore.com

Downtown Evanston

Grosse Point Lighthouse

Chicago’s North Shore

Bordering Chicago, along Lake Michigan

The most picturesque region in metropolitan Chicago can be found

Other area attractions include:

twenty minutes from the heart of the city along Lake Michigan on

Bahá’í House of Worship

Chicago’s North Shore. Our vibrant neighborhoods have their own

Illinois Holocaust Museum

great dining, hotels, culture, shopping, and history, and you are

Northwestern University

just minutes away from Chicago’s world- famous stores, music and museums via the famous “EL” — Chicago’s public transit train, or by commuter rail or car, making us a great base for a Chicago visit.

Frances Willard House Grosse Point Lighthouse Sheridan Road Lakefront Byway

Chicago Botanic Garden

Charles Gates Dawes House

A 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands featuring 26 display gardens and surrounded by four natural habitats

Home to Former U.S. Vice President Start of Daniel Burnham Architectural Walking Tour

www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Contact us: askme@cnscvb.com The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 39

TRAVEL PLANNER ALABAMA

888-666-9252 AlabamasCoastalConnection.com See pages 18–19

COLORADO

FLORIDA

Colorado Springs, CO 719-685-7635 VisitCOS.com See page 30

888-510-9590 VisitSarasotaArts.org See pages 36–37

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles, CA 310-440-7300 Shop.Getty.edu See page 3

Denver, CO 800-233-6837 VisitDenver.com See page 33

Durango, CO 970-247-3500 Durango.org See page 32

St. Augustine, FL 904-808-7330 HistoricCoastCulture.com See pages 20–21

GEORGIA

Atlanta, GA 404-521-6600 Atlanta.net See page 24–25

Santa Monica, CA 800-544-5319 SantaMonica.com See page 35

Loveland, CO 970-667-3882 VisitLovelandCO.com See pages 28–29

40 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

Savannah, GA 877-SAVANNAH VisitSavannah.com See pages 22–23

TRAVEL PLANNER ILLINOIS

Chicago, IL 847-763-0011 VisitChicagoNorthShore.com See pages 38–39

NEVADA

TEXAS

800-NEVADA8 TravelNevada.com See pages 6–7

Houston, TX 713-437-5200 VisitHoustonTexas.com See pages 8–9

NEW YORK VERMONT

MICHIGAN Rochester, NY 800-677-7282 VisitRochester.com See page 44 Dearborn, MI 800-835-5237 TheHenryFord.org See page 5

MINNESOTA

Bloomington, MN 800-346-4289 BloomingtonMN.org See pages 12–13

NORTH CAROLINA

800-VERMONT VermontVacation.com See pages 14–15

WASHINGTON D.C. 800-VISITNC VisitNC.com See pages 26–27

OKLAHOMA

Washington, D.C. 202-371-2830 AmericansForTheArts.org See page 2

THROUGHOUT THE USA Oklahoma City, OK 800-593-3356 ChickasawCountry.com See page 31

TheCulturalTraveler.com

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 41

PHOTO BY WILSON PARISH

The Museum of Fine Arts Shop

The Museum Store at the Getty

Artful Shopping at

Museum Stores The Museum Store at The Getty Los Angeles, California The Getty Store offers a selection of books on art and related topics, including a comprehensive selection of Getty publications. You’ll also find jewelry, apparel, stationery, children’s gifts and unique and unusual items for the home, including hand-blown glass and sculptural reproductions, all evocative of the Getty’s collection and architecture shop.

Shop.Getty.edu

The Henry Ford Museum Stores Dearborn, Michigan Inspired Shopping. The remarkable collection at The Henry Ford serves as an inspiration for retail merchandise that brings the past forward and celebrates the restless, curious, what-if, can-do, whynot spirit that has shaped our way of living and thinking for the past 300 years.

TheHenryFord.org 42 | The Cultural Traveler 2016

Telfair Museum Store Savannah, Georgia Shop here for local and creative accessories, books, toys, cards, jewelry and more! Discover one-of-a-kind items that reflect world class exhibitions and emerging art trends. The famous Bird Girl statue is on display at the Jepson Center, and the store offers licensed reproductions of the statue in several sizes.

Telfair.org

The Museum of Fine Arts Shop Houston, Texas The Museum of Fine Arts Shop has taken on a new identity with its recently reopened retail space. Featuring an exciting and well-curated selection of accessories, jewelry, design objects, books, and more, the MFA Shop boasts a fresh logo, renovated interior, redesigned displays and product lines that are unavailable anywhere else in Texas.

MFAH.org

U.S. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council Partners Marketing U.S. Cultural & Heritage Travel Experiences Worldwide Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau AGCCVB.org

Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Visitor & Conference Bureau HiltonHeadIsland.org

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Atlanta.net

Historic Shopping & Dining Attractions HistoricShoppingandDining.com

Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau BloomingtonMN.org Chicago North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau CNSCVB.com City of Loveland, CO Economic Development VisitLovelandCO.com

Louisiana Tax Free Shopping LouisianaTaxFree.com Nevada Commission on Tourism TravelNevada.com New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau NewOrleansCVB.com St. Johns Cultural Council StJohnsCulture.com

The Henry Ford TheHenryFord.org Travel Portland TravelPortland.com Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing VermontVacation.com Visit Houston VisitHoustonTexas.com Visit North Carolina VisitNC.com Visit Sarasota VisitSarasota.com Visit Savannah VisitSavannah.com

For partnership information, contact us at CulturalTraveler@aol.com.

The Cultural Traveler guide is published annually by the U.S. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council LLC and Shop America Alliance LLC.

Co-Publishers/Editors: Rosemary McCormick, ShopAmericaTours@aol.com, 707-224-3795 Sheila Armstrong, CulturalTraveler@aol.com Account Executives: Liz Birdsall, liz@tbgroup.us Anita Boeker, anitaboeker@gmail.com Larry Cohen, larrycohen@northeast-media.com

Design and Production: Skies America Publishing Company Sheri Cunningham–Senior Vice President Michelle Fandrey–Art Director Samantha Edington–Editor Cindy Pike–Production Manager © 2016 All rights reserved

The Cultural Traveler 2016 | 43

Ganondagan State Historic Site ● Downstairs Cabaret Theatre ● Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival

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Museums Theatre Music

George Eastman Museum ● Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

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Historical Society & Museum ● WXXI Public

Broadcasting Council ● Genesee Country Village & Museum ● The Little Theater Film Society ● Geva Theatre Center ● Rochester Museum & Science Center and Strasenburgh Planetarium ● Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion ●

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor ● Tinker Homestead ● Rochester Fringe Festival

Memorial Art Gallery of the U of R ● Seneca Park Zoo ● Corning Museum of Glass ● Rochester Philharmonic

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Orchestra ● The Strong–National Museum of Play ● Artisan Works ● National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ● Frederick Douglass and Underground Railroad Heritage Sites ●

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Hill Cumorah ● Mount Hope Cemetery

Eastman School of Music ● Blackfriars Theatre ● Rochester Arts and Cultural Council ● Garth Fagan Dance

Cultural Abundance ●

Corn Hill Navigation Foundation ● Landmark Society of Western New York ● ArtWalk Rochester ● Granger

Dance History Art

Homestead & Carriage Museum ● Rochester Broadway Theatre League ● ImageOut: Rochester LGBT Film & Video Festival ● Glenn Curtiss Museum ● Hochstein School of Music & Dance ● Rochester City Ballet ● Women’s Rights National Historical Park ● Nazareth College Arts Center ● AKWAABA-The Heritage Associates ● LeRoy Historical Society/Jell-O Gallery ● Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum ● Auburn’s Historical & Cultural Sites Commission-Harriet Tubman House ● National Women’s Hall of Fame ● Rockwell Museum of Western Art ●

JCC CenterStage

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1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden ● Cobblestone Museum ● Greentopia ● Roberts Cultural

Life Center ● Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus ● Finger Lakes Museum ● MuCC ● Rochester Oratorio Society Theatre ROCS ● Antique Wireless Association ● Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum

• FINGER LAKES

★

Rochester, NY

• ERIE CANAL CORRIDOR

• G E N E S E E VA L L E Y

• S E AWAY T R A I L

visitrochester.com 1.800.677.7282

® NYSDED, used w/permission.

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