Vol. 10 | 2018
YOUR GUIDE TO CULTURAL & HERITAGE TRAVEL AND THE LEADING MUSEUM STORES
NEW YORK STATE SCENIC BYWAYS See page 18
COAST TO COAST TREASURES See page 20
AUTHENTIC TRIBAL TOURISM See page 22
ARTS & CULTURE TRAVELERS SPEND 60% MORE THAN THE AVERAGE TOURIST. Last year the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $135.2 billion in economic activity in the U.S., bringing in $22.3 billion from tax revenues. (Yep, that’s billion with a “B”.) And that helps support 4.1 million full-time jobs. It proves, once again, that the arts are a driving force for good and for our economy. Learn more at www.AmericansForTheArts.org. Sources: “The Cultural and Heritage Traveler 2013 Edition Report of Findings” by Mandala Research, LLC and Arts & Economic Prosperity IV by Americans for the Arts (2012).
With 300 days of sunshine in The Mile High City, you’ll have plenty of time to see art that extends beyond gallery walls, and you can experience music just as Mother Nature intends at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Explore the city’s craft beer scene on the Denver Beer Trail, check out chef-driven restaurants and find adventures for all ages. Learn more and get a full calendar of events at VISITDENVER.COM
Calendar of Events HER PARIS: W OMEN ARTISTS IN THE AGE OF IMPRESSIONISM
D E G A S : A PA S S I O N F O R P E R F E CT I O N
KIRKLAND MUSEUM OF F I N E & D E C O R AT I V E A R T
Denver Art Museum Thru January 14, 2018
Denver Art Museum Feb. 11– May 20
Grand Reopening March 2018
THE DEA D SEA SCROLLS
Denver Museum of Nature & Science March 16 – Sept. 3
RED ROCKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
CHERRY CREEK ARTS F E S T I VA L
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre All Summer Long
Cherry Creek North July 6 – 8
S L O W F O O D N AT I O N S
DENVER ARTS WEEK
Throughout Denver July 13 – 15
Throughout Denver Nov. 2 – 10
DIOR: FROM PARIS TO THE WORLD
Denver Art Museum Nov. 18 – March 3, 2019 *Dates are subject to change
Vol. 10 | 2018
WELCOME WILLKOMMEN ¡BIENVENIDO! ようこそ！
BIENVENUE BEM-VINDO!
Americans for the Arts ..........................2
T
Denver, Colorado ..................................3
experiences they want and inspiration they need. That is why arts
Contents
he arts connect people and places. They communicate what words and guidebooks cannot. When you travel to new places and experience new cultures—whether it’s through the food,
the architecture, the music—the arts often offer travelers the authentic
The Getty ..............................................5
and cultural tourists stay an average of three nights longer at their
St. Augustine, Florida ........................6–7
destinations than their traditional tourist counterparts.
Kissimmee, Florida ...............................8
Those organizations and people who rely on their local arts and culture for their
New Orleans, Louisiana .........................9 Travel Nevada ...............................10–11 Chicago’s North Shore,
livelihood are part 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 AmericansForTheArts.org.
Illinois .......................................12–13 — Robert L. Lynch, President & CEO Americans for the Arts
Bloomington, Minnesota ...............14–15 Places to Discover ..............................16 Winston-Salem, North Carolina ............17
HOT TOPIC! Arts, Tourism & Cultural Diplomacy from Americans for the Arts.
New York State Scenic Byways ....18–19
By Laura Mandala, Mandala Research with Intro by Robert L. Lynch.
Coast to Coast Treasures..............20–21
Download at TheCulturalTraveler.com
Authentic Tribal Tourism ...............22–23 Travel Planner...............................24–25 Visit Rochester, New York ..................26 The Cultural Traveler guide is published annually by the U.S. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Marketing Council LLC and Shop America Alliance LLC.
W
e are excited to present the tenth annual edition of The Cultural Traveler on behalf of our travel partners, museums, attractions and
destinations. A special thank you to Americans for the Arts for their support of the guide. They are strong proponents of encouraging cultural travel and appreciate that visitors are a mainstay in the success of their member organizations. The Cultural Traveler is the only publication that exclusively showcases cultural travel in the U.S. We hope you will be inspired to visit the destinations featured and experience their unique offerings in the near future. Refer
Publisher/Editor: Rosemary McCormick ShopAmericaTours@aol.com 707-224-3795 Account Executives: Anita Boeker, anitaboeker@gmail.com Liz Dion, ldionetcie@gmail.com Nancy Hahn Bono nancyhahnbono@gmail.com Design and Production: Skies America Publishing Company Sheri Cunningham–Senior Vice President Michelle Fandrey–Creative Director Samantha Mitchell–Associate Editor Cindy Pike–Production Manager © 2018 All rights reserved
4 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
to the convenient Travel Planner on pages 24 and 25 to discover even more about the rich travel experiences these destinations have to offer and to 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. You can also conveniently search by destination and/or topic all of the cultural and heritage destinations featured in past issues of The Cultural Traveler. We love hearing from you and welcome your ideas and input for future issues. Happy travels, Rosemary McCormick Publisher/Editor, The Cultural Traveler 707-224-3795; ShopAmericaTours@aol.com TheCulturalTraveler.com ShopAmericaTours.com
Find Something They’ll Love at the Getty Store—Your Destination for Artful Gifts Find unique gifts for everyone on your list, from artisan jewelry and hand-blown glass to award-winning arts publications, elegant scarves, and sculpture reproductions. The Children’s Shop is sure to inspire the younger set and encourage creative play. Your purchase supports the programs of the Getty.
© 2017 J. Paul Getty Trust
Experience the Gilded Age in St. Augustine
AFTERNOON Lunch at the Lightner Museum Eats
St. Augustine is rich in history, and in the late 1800s, “rich” was the operative word as this little town became the premier resort destination for the well-to-do. Stroll back in time through an opulent era of lavish architecture and conspicuous luxury with this Gilded Age Itinerary, available in full at HistoricCoastCulture.com. MORNING A Gilded Age Tour Explore the former Hotel Ponce de Leon Built in 1888 and one of the most exclusive resorts of its day, tours of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon highlight the building’s Spanish Renaissance architectural heritage.
Dine in the former pool of the Alcazar Hotel (now the Lightner Museum) at Café Alcazar Henry Flagler’s Alcazar Hotel, which closed in 1932. The indoor pool, now the location of a charming eatery, was the largest in the world in its time. Experience A life of elegance at the Lightner Museum A monument to the lavishness of the Gilded Age, the museum features three floors of art, clothing and artifacts from the era of the Alcazar Hotel. Explore Aviles Street and King Street Art Galleries Explore Aviles Street, now filled with galleries and restaurants. It was once paved with bricks so that ladies’ shoes wouldn’t be soiled walking on muddy streets.
EVENING – Enjoy a carriage ride and dinner at Costa Brava at the historic Casa Monica Hotel
Discover the full 3-day itinerary at HistoricCoastCulture.com and click on the blue button:
Plan Your Trip
Explore
St. Augustine The Elegance of Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age
V
isitors to St. Augustine are often stunned by the elaborate buildings in the center of historic downtown, but many don’t know the true history and influence of the man responsible for shaping the nation’s oldest city.
A Step Back in Time Henry M. Flagler, John D. Rockefeller’s partner in Standard Oil in the late 1800s, had a vision of transforming Florida into an “American Riviera” — a winter playground for the rich — with historic St. Augustine serving as the centerpiece. His dream began with the openings of the Ponce de Leon Hotel and Alcazar Hotel, state-of-the-art retreats designed to fulfill his guests’ most extravagant wishes. Guests were fascinated by the thousands of electric lights that illuminated the Ponce, provided by Thomas Edison’s United Manufacturing Company, while the indoor pool at the Alcazar was the largest in the world in its time. Flagler later built elaborate churches, a hospital, introduced sports to the area, fostered the arts and even installed sewers and bricked streets. Flagler’s hotels hosted artists, musicians, business colleagues and social and political leaders — including Mark Twain, Thomas Edison and President Teddy Roosevelt. Each came to experience the lifestyle of elegance filled with art, music, literature, dancing and dining. Over four decades, Flagler transformed
St. Augustine from a sleepy Spanish town to an opulent destination, made accessible to passengers of his Florida East Coast Railroad. The town’s economy boomed, arts and culture flourished and the city was forever transformed.
Discover Gilded Age Glory Today, the architectural wonders and cultural legacy of Henry Flagler delight visitors of Florida’s Historic Coast as monuments to a lavish period in American history, coined by Mark Twain as the “Gilded Age.” This year, the city celebrates this golden age of fashion, entertainment and arts with events and tours to enchant, inspire and educate. HistoricCoastCulture.com The Cultural Traveler 2018 | 7
Gatorland
Timeless Charm
Kissimmee Florida
L
ong before Kissimmee became the gateway to Central Florida’s theme parks, the area was known for its abundant cattle pastures, citrus groves and wetlands. Since the opening of Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort in 1971, the destination has evolved from a handful of vintage roadside attractions to an exhilarating vacation destination, without losing its quirky and local charm. Gatorland, known as the Alligator Capital of the World® and home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, has delighted guests since it was founded in 1949. And every February since 1944, Florida cowboys have thrilled audiences at Osceola County’s Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. From bull riding to barrel racing, the tradition highlights Florida’s distinction as the state with the longest ranching history. Historic Downtown Kissimmee broadcasts an all-American, quaint vibe, but the area also bustles with boutiques and restaurants. 8 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
Fueling its beauty and liveliness is the Annual Kissimmee Sculpture Experience exhibit, a display of original outdoor artworks. Visit one of Kissimmee’s most recognizable landmarks, the 21-tier Monument of States, located at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Constructed by Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis as a symbol of
national unity after the bombing at Pearl Harbor, the structure contains a horde of offbeat objects donated by dignitaries and tourists – and the doctor’s remains are believed to be entombed in the monument! The Osceola County Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the state’s oldest operating courthouse in continuous use since opening in 1890. Get a glimpse into Kissimmee’s past with a visit to the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek featuring the old Cracker house, citrus-packing house and the blacksmith’s shop.
Bob’s Balloon Rides
Lush “Old Florida” landscapes create the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures in Kissimmee. Whether zip lining through treetops, gliding across the headwaters of the Everglades on an airboat or soaring above it all in a hot air balloon, Central Florida’s natural beauty is the perfect complement to Kissimmee’s timeless charm. ExperienceKissimmee.com
Monument of States
300 YEARS OF STORIES
In New Orleans, there’s something amazing around every cobblestone corner. Explore the Spanish, French, African and Caribbean influences found in the food, music, architecture and culture of the city. Celebrating our 300th birthday, New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet for a year of festivities.
NEWORLEANS.COM
Come join the parade & start creating your New Orleans story.
E G A T I R E H S ’ A D A NEV E R E H S LIVE
Our museums both stimulate and incubate memories. Memories that truly last a lifetime. Adventure through the rich and colorful story of the Silver State as it unfolds in seven Nevada State Museums. Unearth eras marked by prehistoric giants and eons of natural splendor, experience rhythms of American Indian life and the Old West, feel the booms of mining, railroading, the atomic era, entertainment‌ and so much more. The seven state museums include the Nevada Historical Society in Reno, Nevada State Museum Carson City, Nevada State Museum Las Vegas, Lost City Museum in Overton, Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City, Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City and the East Ely Depot. Educational opportunities abound for everyone, from school children to historic researchers and membership at one museum allows free access to all the others.
Where will your NEVADA STORY take you? Visit NVMuseums.org for museum locations, exhibits, & events. Become a Museum Member for FREE Admission to ALL museums.
Chicago’s
North Shore B
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 several of Chicago’s premier attractions. The Chicago Botanic Garden, with its world-renowned plant collections and displays, is one of the country’s most-visited public gardens. Explore its 27 gardens and four natural areas which are uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. The newly opened Halim Time & Glass Museum showcases the Halim family’s personally curated collection of over 1,100 timepieces and over 70 stained glass pieces of art. Just a few miles north, the Bahá’í House of Worship (the only one in the Western Hemisphere), is an architectural masterpiece gracing the shore of Lake Michigan. Its white walls of lace-like ornamentation and its dome rise 135 feet above the main floor. Nearby, the Illinois Holocaust Museum brings a unique cultural experience to the Midwest where visitors can explore important issues of tolerance. With its new Take a Stand Center, visitors are presented with interactive galleries, including The Survivor Stories Experience, which utilizes three-dimensional interactive technology. 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— Northwestern University. Evanston is also home to the Charles Gates Dawes House, a historic house museum built in 1894. Chicago’s North Shore is only 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, and its 25 lodging options offer a broad variety of 12 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
Illinois Holocaust Museum Chicago Botanic Garden PHOTO BY MICHAEL J. KARDAS
accommodation options, from five-star luxury to affordable rooms for the budget traveler. For power-shoppers, the area boasts three major shopping centers: Westfield Old Orchard, the Glen Town Center, and Northbrook Court. VisitChicagoNorthShore.com Illinois Holocaust Museum
Chicago’s North Shore
Bahá’í House of Worship
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
Block Museum of Art
just minutes away from Chicago’s world- famous stores, music and
Frances Willard House
museums via the famous “EL” — Chicago’s public transit train, or by
Grosse Point Lighthouse
commuter rail or car, making us a great base for a Chicago visit.
Charles Gates Dawes House
Chicago Botanic Garden
Halim Time and Glass Museum
A 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands featuring 27 display gardens and surrounded by four natural habitats
This new five-story building is filled with history, art and the study of time in the form of more than 1,100 time pieces and 70 stained glass pieces of art.
www.visitchicagonorthshore.com Contact us: askme@cnscvb.com
Bloomington Minnesota
B
loomington provides visitors with a dynamic mix of firstclass attractions, vibrant restaurants and 9,300 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 is Mall of America®—the nation’s largest mall, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually. MOA® has added new shopping, like
14 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
Evereve for the fashion-loving mom, ALEX AND ANI for meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry, UNTUCKit quality men’s and women’s shirts and Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the United States; new restaurants, like Carlo’s Bakery, Chick-fil-A, Cowboy Jack’s and City Works Eatery and Pour House featuring American food and 90+ craft beers on draft, complement the 50-plus dining options. The north side of the Mall features a flagship 14-story JW Marriott
Minneapolis Mall of America Hotel. Located on the south side of the Mall via an enclosed skywalk, is the Radisson Blu, a favorite for international visitors, thanks in large part to its European flair. Just across the street on the east side of MOA is the new AC Hotel by Marriott Bloomington Mall of America, with 144 contemporary Europeaninspired rooms, and the new Hazelwood Food & Drink, with its modern American comfort food and outdoor patio with fire pit.
Mall of America® is not just tax-free shopping, but is home to unique attractions like Crayola Experience and FlyOver America. And these unique attractions and entertainment are 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 vomFASSMall of America to a scavenger hunt, there is something for everyone. And with 30 Signature Experiences across the metro area, many accessible by the convenient
metro transit light rail, your stay in Bloomington will be remarkable. Start the Rhythms of the River fly-drive itinerary along the mighty Missisippi by visiting Paisley Park, the legendary estate of Prince, just minutes from Bloomington. 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! Take your best swing on the Great Northern Golf Trail; our forests of pine trees, thousands of clear lakes and rolling green courses create a backdrop for golf unlike anywhere else in the country. 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 the Twin Cities’ 30+ theatre venues having more seats than 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™ three-day bundled attraction pass.
COME EXPERIENCE OUR CULTURE. I N B LO O M I N G T O N
ARTS, NATURE, CULINARY EXPERIENCES & WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING.
Shop tax free at over 520 Mall of America® stores and find special rates at over 40 hotels at BloomingtonMN.org.
The Cultural Traveler 2018 | 15
St. Augustine, Florida: History & Heritage
Places
Unlock the time capsule of America’s oldest city, and discover 500 years of St. Augustine’s history. Wander through historic houses and beautiful gardens at the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, and see the colorful history of one of Florida’s first hotels at the XimenezFatio House Museum.
To Discover Denver’s Iconic Blue Bear
The 40-foot-high blue bear, which injects a welcome sense of fun and playfulness into the Colorado Convention Center experience, is the creation of local artist Lawrence Argent. It was installed in 2005 and has quickly become a bona fide Mile High City icon—and a can’t-miss photo op for tourists and locals alike. Denver is not only the premier gateway to the Rocky Mountain West and America’s best skiing at resorts like Vail, it is also an urban destination with a small-town feel for international travelers to explore - from the thriving arts and cultural scene and Western heritage, to the creativity of craft brewers and local chefs. And, of course, there’s plenty of shopping!
Ultimate History: The Henry Ford in Michigan The Henry Ford has been named one of the U.S.A.’s 10 Ultimate History Museums. Prepare to be astounded by 250 acres of innovation, 300 years of history and 26 million artifacts. At The Henry Ford, you’ll discover America—its culture, inventions, people and can-do spirit—and hundreds of hands-on ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it. The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation is a weekly Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning CBS television show highlighting today’s change-makers who are creating solutions to real needs. Each episode presents one story at The Henry Ford in addition to innovations and inventions that are changing the world today.
The Cultural Traveler showcases a rich collection of U.S. cultural and heritage experiences featuring amazing museums, gardens, arts, historic homes, aquariums, dining, shopping and more—all designed to enhance your travel experiences and celebrate a sense of place. Explore these destinations and dozens more at TheCulturalTraveler.com.
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ST A
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SPR I NG
HO US E
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N& HE
I N OUR
SOUTH
LAUGHTER IS ALWAYS IN SEASON
You don’t measure a meal by how you think it will taste. You measure it by how it makes you feel when you take that first delicious bite. Our city is the same way. Located in the thriving heart of the South, WinstonSalem North Carolina has developed a national reputation as the place where art, culture, intellectual curiosity and regional cuisine shape and inspire new traditions to come. Explore our Historic Homes and Gardens Collection, including tours of Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Reynolda Gardens and historic Old Salem. Or visit us online to plan your unique getaway. Find Hotel Getaway Packages and our seasonal e-newsletter online now at VisitWinstonSalem.com.
®
VISITWINSTONSALEM.COM (866) 728-4200
Exploring
New York State’s Scenic Byways A
scenic byway is a road, but not just a road. It’s a road with a story to tell. Scenic byways offer magnificent views or fascinating historical sites or amazing wildlife. They provide access to an exhilarating array of outdoor activities or reveal captivating cultures, spellbinding art or spectacular structures. Whether a scenic byway offers one or many of these things, it always offers a great experience. Travelers are treated to an uncommonly exciting, educational or entertaining trek. For more info visit fhwa.dot.gov/byways/states/NY
Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Lakes to Locks Passage
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail byway parallels the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes in New York and Pennsylvania. This adventure includes Niagara Falls; 1000 Islands; 29 lighthouses; War of 1812, farm and nature sites; welcoming harbors; world-class sport fishing; bridges/ ferries to/from Canada and the Seaway Trail Discovery Center. SeawayTrail.com
Midway between Manhattan and Montreal, the Lakes to Locks Passage lets you experience the interconnected waterway that shaped the destiny of North America. By bike, foot, boat, train or car, you will discover charming small cities, rural landscapes and Adirondack hamlets with diverse historic, natural, cultural and recreational sites. LakesToLocks.org; PassagePort.org
Length 518.0 mi / 833.6 km Time to Allow Several days to fully enjoy this byway.
Length 234.0 mi / 376.6 km Time to Allow Two to five days to enjoy the byway in New York; add a few days to explore Quebec.
Maid of the Mist
Old Fort Niagara
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NYS RT 22. Courtesy of Washington County Planning Dept
Mohawk Towpath Byway Visit New York’s historic canal system and see the locks and bridges that made canal transport possible for almost two centuries. The Mohawk Towpath Byway links scenic, recreational and historic resources. Architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries endures, as do the landscape and the perseverance of the canal builders. As you explore, other stories emerge, including the area’s natural history, Native American influences on the only water-level route through the Appalachian Mountains, the American Revolution, the role communities played in the westward expansion of the country and in the Industrial Revolution, the seat of innovation and invention and family history. MohawkTowpath.org
Mohawk River, Photo by Eric J Hamilton
Length 26.2 mi / 42.2 km Lake Champlain and Lake George created a waterway that carried early explorers, fur traders and colonial armies. Photo by Gary Randorf
Time to Allow Take 40 minutes to drive the byway or a day or two to experience the history, recreational opportunities and unique communities.
Photo by Downtown Schenectady Improvement Association
Experience The Corning Museum of Glass The Corning Museum of Glass is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, where you’ll find many activities and attractions to create a memorable weekend or week-long vacation. Located halfway between Niagara Falls and New York City, the Finger Lakes region is beautiful year-round. Spend a half-day or more at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, dedicated to the art, history and science of glass. Founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works, it currently has a collection of more than 45,000 glass objects, some over 3,500 years old, from the glass portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to contemporary sculpture made in glass. The story of glass is a story about art,
Corning Museum of Glass
Corning Museum of Glass
history, culture, technology, science, craft and design. Make Your Own Glass! From hot glass working, to flame working, to fusing, to sandblasting—you and your family can do just about anything with glass, with the help of experienced glassworkers. Opportunities exist for all ages. No experience is necessary. These short experiences are 20 to 40 minutes in length, depending on the Make Your Own Glass project. Visit COMG.org The Cultural Traveler 2018 | 19
Point Arena, Mendocino, California
Discover America’s Treasures from
Coast to Coast By Nancy Hahn Bono
S
low down the pace and venture off the beaten path to explore America’s historic small towns and hidden natural treasures. From California’s rugged Pacific coastline to the tropical Florida Keys—and everywhere in between—surprising discoveries are revealed at every turn.
tury logging baron, the mansion is just one among numerous Victorian structures found throughout historic Old Town Eureka. Situated near Humboldt Bay is the Carter House Inns, a collection of five Victorian buildings along with its award-winning wine cellar and Restaurant 301. A short 30-minute drive south of Eureka leads to the charming town of Ferndale, considered the gateway to California’s remote Lost Coast. Ferndale’s vintage small-town charm is in stunning contrast to the larger-than-life beauty of the old-
Carter House Inns
Located along northern California’s Redwood Coast is the seaport city of Eureka, home to one of the finest examples of American Queen Anne style architecture, the Carson Mansion. Built by a mid-19th cen20 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
Gingerbread Mansion
growth redwood forests at nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The Gingerbread Mansion offers the
Sea Rock Inn
perfect retreat after a day exploring the coastal region. Within the colorful bed and breakfast, guests receive the best in modern amenities while enjoying its Victorian ambiance and traditional English garden. Surrounded by scenic bluffs and dramatic ocean views is the coastal town of Mendocino located about 150 miles north of San Francisco. The town exudes a creative vibe boasting many art galleries and shops. Just
The Mermaid and The Alligator
north of town is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with its spectacular oceanfront gardens. The Sea Rock Inn features romantic cottages and suites, each with views of the rocky cliffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park, and it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of the migrating whales. Just as remote, but a world away from northern California’s dramatic coastline, is the laid-back city of Key West. Located at Florida’s southernmost tip, the quirky town has long served as an inspiration to many artists including playwright Tennessee Williams and author Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy a tour of
the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum where he lived and wrote for ten years. Charter a snorkeling trip to the world’s third largest coral reef that lies six miles off shore in the Atlantic Ocean. Join the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square before retiring for an evening swim at The Mermaid and The Alligator, a 1904-era Victorian bed and breakfast offering casual elegance in the heart of Old Town Key West. The Conch House Heritage Inn, originally built by
The Conch House
Bahamian ship builders in 1889, is named after the mollusk conch found in local dishes. Its main house
is appointed with traditional antiques while its cottages feature tropical island décor. The Gardens Hotel in
The Gardens Hotel
Key West is a boutique hotel aptly named for its extensive botanical garden setting. For nearly 50 years, Select Registry has set the standard for excellence in personal hospitality at its portfolio of more than 300 privately owned and quality-assured properties throughout North America. From boutique inns and small hotels to luxury bed and breakfasts, mansions and lodges, Select Registry offers an authentic and local experience. For more information, visit SelectRegistry.com.
Higgs Beach, Key Largo, Florida
The Cultural Traveler 2018 | 21
Southern Plains. Image courtesy of NativeAmerica.travel
Authentic Experiences on
I
magine the smell of burning sage as your Native American Paiute and Washoe guide blesses the land, the tour and the day-long journey you are about to embark on, as you stand beneath a snowcapped mountain in rural Nevada. In a world of scripted vacations, Indian Country is inviting you to experience the unscripted. As the desire for cultural travel around the globe rises, finding a truly authentic experience can be
a challenge. The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has made it easier with NativeAmerica.travel, the first and only destination website dedicated to authentic Native American tourism experiences. Here, Native American tribes and Native peoples throughout the United States are telling their own stories, and inviting visitors from across the globe to come experience, understand and absorb America’s
Campfire Dance at Monument Valley, Navajo Nation. Photo by Rachel Cromer Howard
22 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
first cultures. The website, brought to you by the non-profit organization, AIANTA, is the one-stop portal to visiting Native America. Today travelers are seeking authentic, undiscovered experiences. Finding an experience in Native America is simple. Just plug “Navajo Nation” into the search bar on NativeAmerica.travel to bring up inspiring experiences like staying overnight in a traditional Navajo Hogan at Monument Valley, absorbing the colorful and unique history of the Navajo people at the Navajo Nation Museum and Library or discovering the Native stories and histories associated with the famous Route 66. Search for “Standing Rock Sioux,” and you’ll find experiences like exploring the Native American Scenic Byway through the Great Plains or learning the story of Sitting Bull. This is just a small taste of what you will discover on the site, which offers a page for all 567 federally recognized tribes in the United States.
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Photo by Rachel Cromer Howard
With NativeAmerica.travel, enriching vacations are at the fingertips of individuals around the world. A visitor can simply scroll through the “Experiences� page, the section of the website dedicated to presenting exciting and authentic trip ideas unique to Indian Country, to be inspired by captivating images leading to awe-inspiring options for their next adventure. An interactive map helps users identify native experiences by region and type of attraction or accommodation. To assist travelers in planning their visit, NativeAmerica. travel also lists American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian attractions, activities and lodging information, spanning rural horseback riding adventures to cosmopolitan galleries featuring native arts. There is more to NativeAmerica. travel than inspiring visitors. In addition to providing a simple platform to travelers, the website and its creator, AIANTA, are fulfilling the mission to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values. The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association has been hard at work for the past twenty years creating a tourism industry within Indian Country that encourages a cultural resurgence while also
building socio-economic opportunities for tribal and rural communities across the country. Cultural tourism encourages tribal efforts to perpetuate their unique cultures while diversifying and growing their economies. Tourism gives tribal communities the opportunity to present their nations and cultures to visitors coming from down the road, to halfway around the world; visitors who come to the U.S. with the motivation to learn and understand the living traditions, cultures and experiences of Native America. Each native nation has their own unique cultures, giving every visitor his own unique experience as he or she connects with the land, the traditions, the people and the stories.
NativeAmerica.travel gives tribes across the country the opportunity to present their cultures and traditions in the most honest and accurate way possible, from their own voices and their own perspectives, while also allowing the traveler to embrace the cultural individuality of the native nations of the U.S. as welcomed guests. We invite you to experience Indian Country tourism, not as an outsider looking in but a participant in an ever-changing world. Visit NativeAmerica.travel today to find your next adventure in Indian Country. To learn more about AIANTA and their initiatives, visit Aianta.org.
Hawaii. Image courtesy of NativeAmerica.travel
The Cultural Traveler 2018 | 23
TRAVEL PLANNER CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, CA 310-440-7300 Shop.Getty.edu See page 5
COLORADO
Denver, CO 800-233-6837 VisitDenver.com See page 3
FLORIDA
Kissimmee, FL 407-569-4800 ExperienceKissimmee.com See page 8
ILLINOIS
Chicago, IL 847-763-0011 VisitChicagoNorthShore.com See pages 12–13
LOUISIANA
New Orleans, LA 800-748-8695 NewOrleans.com See page 9
MINNESOTA
Bloomington, MN 800-346-4289 BloomingtonMN.org See pages 14–15
NEVADA
St. Augustine, FL 904-808-7330 HistoricCoastCulture.com See pages 6–7 24 | The Cultural Traveler 2018
800-NEVADA8 TravelNevada.com See pages 10–11
TRAVEL PLANNER NEW YORK
THROUGHOUT THE USA
TheCulturalTraveler.com See page 16
Rochester, NY 800-677-7282 VisitRochester.com See page 26
NORTH CAROLINA ShopAmericaTours.com
®
Winston-Salem, NC 866-728-4200 VisitWinstonSalem.com See pages 17
SelectRegistry.com See pages 20–21
WASHINGTON D.C.
Washington, D.C. 202-371-2830 AmericansForTheArts.org See page 2
COVER PHOTOS (clockwise from top left): Coast to Coast Treasures, pages 20–21; Places to Discover, page 16; St. Augustine, Florida, pages 6–7; New York State Scenic Byways, pages 18–19; Chicago’s North Shore, Illinois, pages 12–13; Authentic Tribal Tourism, pages 22–23.
AIANTA.org
See pages 22–23
www.FHWA.DOT.gov/Byways See pages 18–19
The Cultural Traveler 2018 | 25
Museums Theatre Music
Ganondagan State Historic Site ● Downstairs Cabaret Theatre ● Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival
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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
Hill Cumorah ● Mount Hope Cemetery
Cultural Abundance
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Eastman School of Music ● Blackfriars Theatre ● Rochester Arts and Cultural Council ● Garth Fagan Dance
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
• SEAWAY TRAIL • GENESEE VALLEY • FINGER LAKES
Rochester, NY
★
Seaway Trail
Genesee Valley
Erie Canal Corridor
Finger Lakes
® NYSDED, used w/permission.
• ERIE CANAL CORRIDOR
1.800.677.7282 visitrochester.com