Bus Tours Magazine May/June 2015

Volume XXXV, Number 6 • May/June, 2015

Shows and Entertainment page 14

Faith-Based Tours page 18

Union County, Ohio page 22

contents

MAY/JUNE 2015

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The rapidly growing niche market of religious tourism is something you cannot ignore. Your group can be inspired by these and other faithbased attractions.

Check out the latest on your favorite attractions and learn about some new ones.

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Enjoy some Southern hospitality and enchanting attractions when you drive your bus away to Dixieland.

This central Ohio county is full of surprises, hidden gems, friendly folks and unique attractions.

Be sure to include a show or two for your group to enjoy. They are a great way to kick back and be entertained.

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Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 3

Buzz on the Bus News and notes for bus tour planners Oregon Tourism Commission Relaunches 7 Wonders of Oregon Campaign

Boots, Brushes, and the Bighorn Mountains will be one of the inaugural exhibitions celebrating The Brinton Museum’s new Forrest E.

The Oregon Tourism Commission is encouraging visitors to dis-

Mars, Jr. Building. It includes works by nationally- and internation-

cover “The 7 Wonders of Oregon.” The 7 Wonders campaign features

ally-recognized artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries –

seven iconic natural wonders of Oregon as the focus of destination

including Thomas Moran, Frederic Remington and Charles Russell,

travel: the Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, Crater

as well as important loan material and paintings and prints from the

Lake, the Painted Hills, the Wallowas and Smith Rock.

permanent Brinton collection. The third-floor reception gallery will

"When we launched the 7 Wonders campaign, our primary objec-

feature a new 46-piece collection of vibrant impressionist paintings

tive was to positively impact the state's economy and job numbers,

by contemporary western artist Gregory Packard. Both inaugural

something we always strive to do in our work at Travel Oregon," said

shows will open June 15 and go on until September 7, 2015.

Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. "Due to the resounding success

The Brinton Museum is inspired by Bradford Brinton’s original col-

of the campaign, we believe we'll see even greater economic impact

lection of American Indian and Western art and artifacts assembled

. . . in the coming years."

in the early 1900s. For the full Brinton Museum experience, guests

Visitors are invited to share their photos on social media using the

are invited to tour Bradford Brinton’s original ranch house, where

hashtag #traveloregon. The best of these images will be showcased

most of his original collection continues to be displayed as he intended.

on Travel Oregon content channels (TravelOregon.com, Facebook

“The museum sits on a historic ranch that offers an authentic view

and Instagram) to inspire others long after the paid media portion of

into the life and lifestyle of Brinton, a western gentleman and art col-

the campaign concludes. In 2014, people tagged more than 86,000

lector,” said Schuster. “Since 1961, the Brinton Museum has endeav-

photos with the #traveloregon hashtag.

ored to become one of Wyoming’s top cultural institutions – showing some of the most celebrated art depicting the beauty and culture of the

Brinton Museum to Open Forrest

West. Our new Forrest E. Mars, Jr. building allows us to better show-

E. Mars Jr. Building

case our extensive collection of American Indian and Western Art pieces,

The Brinton Museum will open its new state-of-the-art Forrest E.

along with our newly expanded collections and contemporary exhibits.”

Mars, Jr. Building June 15, according to Ken Schuster, chief curator

The new museum will open to the public on June 15. Hours will

and executive director. Located on the 620-acre historic Quarter Cir-

be 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m.

cle A Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming, just 12 miles south of Sheridan,

on Sundays. Tickets are available by phoning (307) 672-3173. Visit

the new 24,000-square-foot $15.8-million, eco-conscious building

thebrintonmuseum.org to learn more.

will house one of the most significant and extensive Western and American Indian Art collections in the Rocky Mountain West. It will also house the new Brinton Bistro, which offers indoor and outdoor dining and 180-degree views of the Bighorn Mountains that are among the most picturesque in the state.

Climate-controlled galleries display works from Remington to Russell and Borein to Reiss, along with the largest Hans Kleiber collection in the world and the returning Gallatin Collection: more than 100 historic treasures of American Indian art and artifacts. Recently gifted to The Brinton Museum, the Gallatin Collection has been on loan to the Art Institute of Chicago for the last 40 years. More frequent and extensive contemporary exhibits also now have a home on the third floor of the new building, near the bistro.

4 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 5

Meet Real Amish Country

that is a favorite among the Amish for fundraisers and community sup-

Housewives

pers. Ingredients can be as varied as diners’ palates as they build a

Television fads come and go, but actual Amish ways have existed for centuries. Groups can put aside the whims of what they see on TV

“Haystack” from the bottom up with the items they enjoy.

The next stop, Sonshine Baskets, is just a few miles away. Hand-

and meet real Amish Country housewives in northern Indiana. Groups

woven baskets for almost every purpose pack this shop located on

travel along the nationally-recognized Heritage Trail and byways to

a family farm. Here Anna Yoder expertly explains the process of turn-

meet interesting women who do household chores without electrical

ing plain reed into something of beauty and function as she and her

appliances, run home businesses without modern technology and do

family members demonstrate the techniques. Anna is philosophical

it all with finesse and conviction

about her family business and often comments, “We weave our way

to their beliefs.

through life one day at a time.”

At the tidy Jones’ family farm-

Time seems to roll back nearly a century when the motorcoach

stead on the outskirts of Mid-

pulls up to a white clapboard Amish schoolhouse with a buggy hitched

dlebury, Indiana, groups meet

outside. A cheery Amish woman bustles out to invite group mem-

Elaine who greets them warmly.

bers inside to sit at desks arranged in tidy rows facing a black chalk-

Elaine is widely known among

board. The Amish woman is the teacher who talks about the daily

her Amish neighbors for her

school routine and how she efficiently manages to teach multiple

prowess as a baker – especially

grades in one room. If group members behave, she may even reward

cinnamon rolls. The fragrance

each with a whoopie pie as an after school treat.

of cinnamon laced delights

“Real Amish Country Housewives” is a unique, step-on guided

wafts through the room as they

tour that offers groups plenty of memorable experiences. At the end

learn her secrets to baking ten-

of the tour groups go home with a renewed respect for the Amish

der cinnamon rolls. Of course,

women in northern Indiana who may live a simple life, yet they are

sampling these treats is always the most anticipated part of the visit.

anything but simple.

Watching Carolyn Yoder busily preparing an original Amish “Haystack”

To find out more or plan a personalized itinerary phone Sonya

lunch makes it easy to appreciate that she is an expert in the kitchen as

Nash, CTIS, Elkhart County, Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureau,

well as running her Yoder's Homestyle Dining in-Home meal business. As

at (800) 262-8161 or e-mail Sonya@amishcountry.org.

groups sit down and prepare to eat, she shares the story of the “Haystack”

Michael Jackson Tribute Show,

Criminal,” “Black & White,” “Thriller,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,”

MJ LIVE, Opens in Las

and many more. MJ LIVE also includes a Jackson 5 segment (“I’ll Be

Vegas’ Stratosphere Theater

There,” “I Want You Back”), inspired by the iconic television show Soul

MJ LIVE, the world’s most successful Michael Jackson tribute show,

Train.

opened at its new home in the Stratosphere Theater on March 30.

Shows are performed seven nights a week at 7 p.m. Tickets, priced

San Francisco Ferry Building

at $49.95, $59.95, $69.95 and $79.95 plus tax and applicable fees, can

Once Again Adorned in

be purchased online at lvticketsnow.com, at StratosphereHotel.com,

Lights As It Was in 1915

at the Stratosphere Ticket Center, or by phoning (702) 380-7777.

One of San Francisco's most treasured landmarks “the Ferry Build-

MJ LIVE is the number one Michael Jackson tribute show in the

ing ˆ is once again adorned in lights with the numbers "1915" boldly

world showcasing the energy, excitement, spectacle and pure joy of

illuminated on its tower, another special event as part of the centen-

this legendary superstar and his music. Experience this awesome,

nial celebration of the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition

theatrical stage production with its powerful sound, spectacular light-

(PPIE100).

ing, visual effects, team of dancers and live band on stage taking audi-

Several hundred World's Fair admirers, dignitaries and historians,

ences back to when the King of Pop ruled the charts – along with the

many dressed in 1915 attire, were entertained by San Francisco rag-

Michael Jackson tribute artist’s spot-on breathtaking impersonations,

time singers as the Ferry Building Tower was re-lit in March to appear

performed by rotating impersonators Justin Dean, Jalles Franca and

as fairgoers would have seen it in 1915 when arriving in San Fran-

Tony Kouns.

cisco, many by ferry, to attend the World's Fair.

Sing along to many of Jackson’s biggest hits presented all on one

"The Ferry Building at the Port of San Francisco is a shining jewel

stage, including “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Dangerous,” “Smooth

welcoming visitors and residents to our city and our world-class water-

6 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Visit Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Must See Live Attraction!

Bus Tours Are Our Specialty.

Dancing Horses Open Year Round! $()1,&. "'1,0 +/ ! #*+,'.(- %-'(.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;NOLA bucksâ&#x20AC;?

IN NEW ORLEANS

There is something to discover every day of the week in New Orleans. To help groups discover the city from Sunday through Thursday, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched the NOLA Bucks Group Incentive Program.

Qualifying bookings* of 10 or more rooms can be eligible for cash back. *Cash incentive applies to new groups of 10 rooms or more, staying minimum of two nights.

Incentive payment will not apply to Friday or Saturday nights. Black-out dates may apply.

Program subject to change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REQUIREMENTS, VISIT

NEWORLEANSCVB.COM/NOLABUCKS Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 7

front," said Mayor Ed Lee. "As part of the cen-

to the public during PPIE100 Community

includes many artifacts, memorabilia and

tennial celebration of the San Francisco

Day, which drew more than 10,000 visi-

ďŹ lm from the World's Fair.

Panama-PaciďŹ c International Exposition, we

tors. Inside the Palace, which is open to the

celebrate the Ferry Building's important role

public throughout the year, is Innovation

in welcoming millions of visitors who arrived

Hangar, a unique social innovation space

in San Francisco by ferry for the World's Fair."

designed to be a place where thinkers,

The lights will illuminate the Ferry Build-

doers and critics can come together under

ing tower through December 4, 2015, the day

one roof to facilitate connections, ideas

the World's Fair closed a century ago.

and investments in a way that simply can-

"Through the generosity of fair admirers

not happen in the virtual world. The Cali-

and supporters we are thrilled to bring a piece

fornia Historical Society is also featuring

of the World's Fair back to San Francisco in

a 10,000-square-foot exhibit City Rising:

such a spectacular way," said Donna Ewald

San Francisco and the 1915 World's Fair that

Huggins. "This shining beacon will be a con-

shares the rich and remarkable history of

stant reminder to visitors and residents of

the PPIE.

the many amazing centennial events and

Just a few blocks from the Ferry Building,

exhibits they can experience throughout the

visitors can also experience the amazing his-

year."

tory of the World's Fair with the California

Bay Area philanthropist Tad Taube added,

Historical Society's full City Rising exhibition

"The 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama-

at its 678 Mission Street headquarters. Open

PaciďŹ c International Exposition Ë&#x153; which was

through January 2016, the exhibition is a

a citywide commemoration that put San

stunning jewel-box show, highlighting the

Francisco on the world map Ë&#x153; is cause for cel-

Fair's history, beauty, complexity, that

ebration, and we are doing just that with light and splendor across our beautiful city. Our work with Bay Lights inspired us to also become involved in the Centennial festivities of lighting the Ferry Building and Palace of Fine Arts."

The World's Fair celebrated San Francisco's recovery from the 1906 earthquake and its emergence as a center of world trade. Built in 1898, the Ferry Building was one of the few structures that amazingly did not suffer seriously damage during the 1906 earthquake. In 1915, the Ferry Building served as a vital transportation hub, helping welcome more than 19 million people who came to San Francisco to attend the World's Fair.

Throughout the Exposition, its tower was festooned with lights and a beacon proclaiming "1915" to visitors on both sides of the Bay. In conjunction with the February 20th Centennial anniversary of the 1915 World's Fair opening, Mayor Lee kicked off a yearlong celebration of PPIE by officially reopening the doors of the Palace of Fine Arts 8 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

*295783 + + 082369 ,7;93 .84613:76 -/ $)"!%(' !%##&

Step back in time and visit Adsmore, a living house museum. Leave the present behind and enter into an era of top hats and fans, graphophones, lavender scented sheets, elegant china and crystal, and button shoes.

Adsmore, meticulously restored, reflects the lifestyle of the prominent Smith-Garret family at the close of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golden Age.â&#x20AC;?

Guided Tours Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM to 4 PM

Little Falls is the Heart of Central Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;Ś Where the Mississippi Pauses Day One - Mississippi River bridge - Maple Island Park with a dam nestled in the center of downtown - Linden Hill Historic Mansions tours - Rosenmeier Home Historic tours - Pine Grove Zoo - Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site

Day Two - MN Military Museum (Camp Ripley) - MN Fishing Museum - Vintage Courthouse tours Little Falls is Located Two Hours North from the Twin Cities Area on the Bank of the Mississippi

For personalized tours please contact: Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau 606 1st Street SE | Little Falls, Mn 56345 1.800.325.5916 | www.littlefallsmn.com

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 9

General Jackson Showboat

General Jackson Showboat At 300 feet long, the General Jackson Showboat is one of Nashville’s most visible

and even New Year’s Eve make the General

The paddlewheel itself is 36 feet long, 24 feet

Jackson a popular choice for people looking

wide and weighs 36 tons. Two Caterpillar

for a safe, memorable time.

3512 engines, each with 1050 horsepower

and popular attractions. Offering year-round

Experiences aboard the General Jackson

and 880 kilowatt generators, are responsi-

cruises that include first-class entertainment,

include delicious meals, prepared by skilled

ble for powering the boat, which has a max-

delicious meals and views of Nashville not

chefs. Midday cruises feature a delectable

imum speed of 13 miles per hour.

found anywhere else, thousands of visitors

Southern buffet, while guests aboard evening

For more information on bringing your

make General Jackson a part of their Music

cruises will enjoy an elegant three-course

group to the General Jackson Showboat, visit

dinner. Whether dining al fresco on the outer

generaljackson.com or call (615) 458-3900.

City experience each year.

Named after President Andrew Jackson,

decks or inside the beautiful Victorian The-

whose historic home, the Hermitage, is only

ater, guests will no doubt remember their

10 minutes from the dock, the General Jack-

dining experiences.

Stay and Play in ShreveportBossier: Louisiana’s Other Side

son is a highly group-friendly vessel. With

The General Jackson Showboat, built by

Located in beautiful northwest Louisiana,

four massive decks that allow for outside or

Jeffersonville, Indiana-based Jeffboat, was

Shreveport-Bossier offers a mix of Cajun atti-

inside experiences, the boat hosts not only

launched April 20, 1985 and was christened

tude and the open spirit of Texas. The unique

show cruises, but is also a highly sought-after

July 2, 1985. The boat can hold 1,200 pas-

blend of cultures goes beyond Southern hos-

venue for group events. Additionally, special

sengers and 157 crew members. The pad-

pitality. There is a sincere desire to make sure

event cruises for Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras,

dlewheel riverboat stands 77 feet tall, mak-

groups have a great time while experiencing

Tennessee Titans football games, Halloween

ing it one of the country’s largest showboats.

the musical heritage, riverfront entertain-

10 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

DISTINCTL LY Y NO ORFOLK K

Norfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ss vibrant waterfr waterfront breweries, ont city ďŹ lled with cultural attractions, br eweries, Discover Norfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beaches, live music, and mouth-watering, coastal culinary dishes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all in a walkable are e endless. For downtown. With so much to see and do, the possibilities ar group outstanding gr oup rates and personalized itineraries, visit us online or contact Melissa Hopper, Tour Hopper, Associate Director Director of T o our & Travel.

Travel.

Planning a tour is easy att visitnorfolktoday visitnorfolktoday.com/reunions. y.com/r . eunions.

1-800-368-3097

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 11

Shreveport Skyline

ment, fun attractions and mouth-watering

of the Red River District. Booking contact –

100 events take place in Norfolk annually,

cuisine in Shreveport-Bossier. With six new

Catherine Kennedy; (318) 673-5100; Cather-

most of which occur in Town Point Park, the

group experiences available, your group is

ine.Kennedy@shreveportla.gov.

city’s outdoor festival venue located on the

• Science is Fun: Let Sci-Port: Louisiana’s

Elizabeth River. Some of the most popular

• All About the Roses: Engage your senses

Science Center engage you in fun

group-friendy events include Harborfest,

and experience the world of roses at the

experiences that debunk the myth that sci-

the bi-annual Virginia Wine Festival (occurs

American Rose Center. Booking contact –

ence is scary and only for students. Booking

in May and October), Bayou Boogaloo and

sure to have a great time. They include:

Carol Spiers; (318) 938-5402, ext. 223;

contact – Anne Lutz; (318) 424-8697;

Cajun Food Festival, Jazz Festival and Vir-

carol@rose.org.

alutz@sciport.org.

ginia Beer Festival, to name a few. Bus

• Backstage Music Tour at the Municipal Memorial Auditorium: Take a backstage tour

parking for most events is available at Har-

Norfolk, Virginia

bor Park, the city’s baseball stadium.

of Shreveport’s most iconic performing arts

Bus groups can find something to cele-

For more information on Norfolk, phone

venue, the Municipal Memorial Auditorium.

brate year round in historic Norfolk, Virginia

(800) 368-3097 or visit the Web site at

Booking contact – Teresa Micheels; (318) 429-

– the heart of the Virginia waterfront. Nearly

visitnorfolktoday.com.

0628; tmicheels@sbctb.org.

• Music History Tour of Shreveport: Discover why Shreveport is the center of “The Magic Circle,” and how music legends like Elvis Presley and Hank Williams began their careers in northwest Louisiana. Booking contact – Johnny Wessler; (318) 393-3274;ShreveportMusicalLegendsTour@gmail.com • The Perfect Pair – Wine and Chocolate Tasting: Tantalize your taste buds with a unique pairing of wines and fine chocolate in the middle of paradise at Margaritaville Resort Casino. Booking contact – Ashley Davis; (318) 752-1455; adavis@woodmont.com.

• Red River District and Sightseeing Cruise: Experience Shreveport-Bossier’s history and city sights in this all-inclusive tour 12 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Harborfest Norfolk

SEE IT.

BET IT. TASTE IT.

Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana

Book New Group Experiences: â&#x20AC;˘ All About the Roses â&#x20AC;˘ Backstage Municipal Auditorium Tour â&#x20AC;˘ Musical Legends & Legacy Tour

â&#x20AC;˘ Red River District & Sightseeing Cruise â&#x20AC;˘ Science is Fun â&#x20AC;˘ Wine & Chocolate Tasting

Erica Howard, group tour sales manager, will help you plan the perfect itinerary and select a hotel based on your budget. Call her today at 800-551-8682 ext. 104 or ehoward@sbctb.org

1-800-33GRAND

grandhotel.com

shreveport-bossier.org/groups Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

All the World is a Stage

Musical Instrument Museum our groups will be memorized and

(MIM) in Phoenix is the answer. MIM is the

rant, Café Allegro, prepares cuisine inspired

entertained by the pure energy that

world’s only global musical instrument

by the selected region and lunch options

only a live performance can create. Be

museum. With more than 6,000 instruments

can be included in a tour package.

it music, drama, dance, stand up comedy,

and associated objects on display, guests

With just 300 seats, the MIM Music The-

poetry, storytelling, or performance art from

can travel the world through music. How-

ater provides an intimate space in which to

around the world, seeing a show in person is

ever, a museum dedicated to celebrating

feature dynamic performances of the finest

so much better than watching it on a screen.

musical instruments would be incomplete

traditional, contemporary, instrumental and

Many live performance venues cater to bus

without live music. That is why MIM brings

vocal music worldwide. With only 75 feet

groups and would love to see your motorcoach

music to life with performances during its

separating the front of the stage from the

pull up to their door. Remember, many shows

monthly “Experience” series and in its stun-

back of house, every seat is incredible. MIM

have a limited run or are only presented on

ning and acoustically superb music theater

hosts more than 200 concerts each year,

specific dates, so you will want to be sure you

MIM’s Experience series transports guests

featuring both emerging and established

keep your eyes open for upcoming show

to unique and fascinating geographic

artists. On any given night, the museum

schedules. Many venues will be happy to keep

regions for one weekend each month. The

presents performers who range from Mon-

you up to date with their planned performances

celebration entertains guests with live

golian throat singers and Indian tabla play-

and can assist with making your group book-

musical performances, dancing, story-

ers to Celtic fiddlers and Hawaiian ukulele

ings easy and your visits memorable experi-

telling, workshops and more. This fall the

stars. They do not stop there. The roster of

ences for all.

Experience series will showcase The Andes,

talent extends to Judy Collins, Jimmy Webb,

Italy, Germany and Scandinavia. Perfor-

Branford Marsalis, Lucinda Williams, Lyle

The Musical Instrument Museum

mances are included with paid museum

Lovett and many other American legends

Phoenix, Arizona

admission and guests can take advantage

who have made their own musical imprint

Looking for live entertainment for your

of fun group activities like MIM’s photo

on the MIM Music Theater. Tickets to con-

next tour? The Musical Instrument Museum

booth. Additionally, MIM’s on-site restau-

certs in the MIM Music Theater are sold sep-

Y

14 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Come out to the country, come out to

TURKEYVILLE U.S.A for great FOOD, great FUN, and professional, Broadway-style

Create your own virtual ice cream

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800-228-4315

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VISIT PHOENIXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S #1 ATTRACTION The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum

ÂŽ

Ranked the #1 Phoenix attraction by reviewers on TripAdvisor, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) features a collection of instruments, music, and objects from every country in the world. MIM is an entertaining, one-of-akind experience for visitors of all ages. With state-of-the-art audio/visual technology, a world-class theater, cafĂŠ, and museum store, MIM provides hours of enjoyment. Visitors to Phoenix wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss it!

Guided, self-guided, and behind-the-scenes tours are available. Motorcoach parking is free.

For group tour information and rates, e-mail us at AdultTours@MIM.org.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | Open Daily 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050 (Corner of Tatum & Mayo Blvds., just south of Loop 101)

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 15

arately from museum admission, but can be bundled with a museum

for the Holidays. Be sure to ask about free pre-opera talks, local din-

tour package, based on availability.

ing options and weekday matinees. The complete 2015-2016 season

For more information about tour and live entertainment options

is available at LyricOpera.org.

at MIM, e-mail AdultTours@MIM.org or visit MIM.org.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Lyric Opera of Chicago Chicago, Illinois If you love powerful music, classic tunes, gripping drama, exquisite comedy and theatrical spectacle, then you and your bus group should attend Lyric Opera of Chicago during their exciting 2015-2016 season.Lyric's 61st season offers bus and tour groups the opportunity to be swept away by nine sensational productions, all of which are new to Chicago.

Lyric rolls out the red carpet to groups and offers everything you come to expect when you see a live performance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; group discounts, superior customer service, complimentary tickets for group leaders and complimentary bus parking.

Lyric performs in the beautiful Civic Opera House in the west loop

This season your group will enjoy Mozart's classic The Marriage

of downtown Chicago. Built in 1929, the opera house is available for

of Figaro (October 2015), the charming Cinderella (October 2015), the

backstage tours where your group can marvel at the striking archi-

electrifying Romeo and Juliet (March 2016) and Rodgers & Hammer-

tecture, gorgeous costumes and take a stroll on a catwalk over the

stein's beloved musical The King and I (May, 2016) Superstar soprano

stage.

RenĂŠe Fleming sings the title role in select performances of the hilar-

You do not need to be an opera aďŹ cionado to enjoy a trip to Lyric. If

ious The Merry Widow (November 14 to December 13, 2015) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect

an opera is performed in a foreign language, Lyric always projects

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English translations above the stage so you

ers, technicians and musicians selected by

information or visit the Web site at

will not miss a moment of the story. Also,

interviews and auditions in cities across the

timberlakeplayhouse.org.

groups always enjoy trying new and unique

country. Numerous guest performers, direc-

Timber Lake is proud of its national rep-

events; perhaps your group has an opera per-

tors and choreographers supplement the res-

utation for excellence as a professional

formance on their "bucket list.â&#x20AC;? The group

ident company each season.

summer stock theater. The theater has

sales team at Lyric is always happy to help

This summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season includes Hairspray,

served as launch pad for theater artists of

you ďŹ nd the best performance with your

The Big Meal, Peter Pan, Greater Tuna, Big Fish

all kinds who have gone on to excellence

and Big River. Contact the Timber Lake Play-

in film, television, on Broadway and stages

house Box OfďŹ ce at (815) 244-2035 for more

all over the world.

group (and keep it in your budget, too).

It is never too early to make reservations for the 2015-2016 season. The spectacle, the emotion, and the thrill that Lyric can provide â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

it is all there for your bus group. For more information phone Joel at (312) 827-5927 or e-mail groupsales@lyricopera.org.

Timber Lake Playhouse Mt. Carroll, Illinois In 1961, Timber Lake Playhouse was established as a professional, non-proďŹ t summer theater company. The mission of Timber Lake Playhouse is to provide the best expression of theater arts to the regional community by presenting creative works that entertain and inspire.

Since its ďŹ rst opening night on June 28, 1962, the Playhouse has presented more than 350 plays and musicals and nearly 4,000 performances. TLP presents a challenging combination of material each year: a mix of largescale musicals, new plays and contemporary classics. The theater hosts annual educational workshops for children and teens in conjunction with the Magic Owl Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productions of plays and musicals for young people and their families. The Resident Company consists of 35-40 perform-

Timber Lake Playhouse

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 17

aith-based tours are becoming one of

venir items; a café which offers breakfast items

the most popular niches in the tourism

and lunch meals, afternoon desserts and cof-

industry and entire bus tours are often

fee; and, an Orientation Room where visitors

dedicated to the subject of religion and spir-

can watch a 25-minute video about the Shrine

ituality. Groups come to these attractions to

and about who is Our Lady of Guadalupe.

F

pray, meditate, learn and just enjoy the expression of their faith.

Along the outdoor trail, visitors can pray at a variety of devotional areas, including an outdoor Stations of the Cross, an outdoor

The Shrine of Our Lady

Rosary Walk and the Memorial to the Unborn

of Guadalupe

plaza. Within the Votive Candle Chapel, pil-

La Crosse, Wisconsin

grims will find the largest candle rack in the

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe wel-

United States, and locally crafted stained-

comes tens of thousands of visitors annu-

glass windows. The top of the trail opens up

ally, including individuals, families and orga-

onto the church plaza, bringing visitors to

nized pilgrimage groups. As a religious

the doors of the Shrine Church.

pilgrimage destination, the Shrine is a place

A guided tour of the church is available

of thanksgiving for God’s many blessings,

daily. Sunday Masses are at 9:30 a.m. (Latin),

offering solace and strength to the physically

11 a.m. (Hispanic) and 1 p.m. (English).

and spiritually afflicted and providing a place

Weekday Masses, Monday through Saturday,

of rest and renewal for the weary.

are at 12:15 p.m. The Sacrament of Recon-

Their Pilgrimage coordinator can assist you

ciliation is also available daily. Information

in the organization of pilgrimages for a vari-

about events throughout the year and about

ety of groups: senior citizens, men’s and wom-

making arrangements for visiting can be

en’s organizations, First Holy Communion and

found at guadalupeshrine.org. You can con-

Confirmation candidates, school children, as

tact the Shrine by phoning (877) 799-4059.

well as groups desiring a spiritual retreat.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located on the south side of La Crosse, offering ample free parking for buses, campers, cars and motorcycles. There is no admission fee,

Baha’i House of Worship for America Wilmette, Illinois A stunning marvel of architecture, the

but free-will offerings are gratefully accepted.

Baha’i temple located in Wilmette, Illinois is

At the Pilgrim Center, the Shrine has a gift

a masterpiece of both style and serenity. The

shop with a variety of religious articles and sou-

temple truly stands out in the landscape – a

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

towering nine-sided building with exquisite arches, windows and columns topped by a glorious dome that looks as though is was fashioned after intricate lace patterns. Added to the structure are beautiful gardens, fountains and landscaping. It truly is a place for reflection, prayer and quiet contemplation.

The Baha’i faith was founded in the 19th century in Persia and believes in the unity of God, the unity of religion and the unity of 18 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Baha’i House of Worship for America humanity. The Baha’i Temple offers prayer

The temple is one of only seven of its kind

dan facing south. For more information phone

services daily at 9:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

worldwide. Pilgrims and visitors come from all

These services are open to people of all faiths

corners of the U.S. and world to visit, worship,

(847) 853-2300 or visit bahai.us.

and all are invited to recite, chant and enjoy

pray or just enjoy the architecture and beauti-

acapella singing. Guests are also invited to

ful grounds. There is no charge to visit the tem-

stroll the peaceful grounds and auditorium.

ple. Donations are not requested or accepted.

At the Wycliffe Discovery Center you can

For those who wish to learn more about the

Buses may load and unload on Sheridan

get a global view of Bible translation with-

Baha’i faith, a video presentation is offered

Road at the northwest corner of Linden Avenue

out ever crossing an ocean. See the world

on Sundays at 1 p.m. In addition, the temple

and Sheridan Road, with the buses coming

in a day. Visit Africa. Gaze at the exquis-

has a welcome center and a book store.

from the north, stopping at Linden and Sheri-

itely-carved image of a FareFare man.

Wycliffe Discovery Center Orlando, Florida

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 • 19

Examine the authentic clothing provided by the FareFare people

The Living Word Outdoor Drama

of Ghana as you listen to a recording of John 3:16 in their language.

Cambridge, Ohio

Trek across Europe. Explore the stories of heroes from the past â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

The Living Word Outdoor Drama, presented in a beautiful south-

people like Franzisco de Enzinas who believed that no sacriďŹ ce

eastern Ohio amphitheatre, is preparing for its 41st season, which

was too great for spreading Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word.

begins Friday, June 19 and runs through Saturday, September 26. The

Track the lives of the people who made the Bible available in the

Living Word Out-

language that you speak. Set sail for the Orient. Interact with the

door Drama was

unique sounds and symbols of languages that challenge linguists and

founded in 1974 by

computer software developers. Pause in the shade of the language

Biblical Dramatist

tree and visualize the millions of people who do not have a Bible in

Frank

the language they speak best.

Harvey. This nation-

Roughton

Then culminate your world tour with a glimpse of heaven. Imag-

ally-recognized

ine with the closing exhibit what worship will be like when people

drama brings to life

from every nation, tribe and language gather around the throne to

the passion of Jesus

praise God together. Bring your family, students, Sunday school class,

Christ. The 400-foot

youth group and church leaders. Expect to be changed. As you engage

set was researched and designed by the founder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making it an authen-

in the ďŹ lms, interactive computer programs, hands-on exhibits and

tic representation of Old Jerusalem.

The Living Word Outdoor Drama

ethos of the Wycliffe Discovery Center, you will not only discover

The Living Word Outdoor Drama is approximately 2½ hours, with

more about languages and Bible translation, you will also expand

a 20-minute intermission. Concessions and the gift shop open at 6:30

your appreciation and awe of God, Himself.

p.m. A Behind The Scenes Tour is available at 6:30 p.m. The Front

At the Wycliffe Discovery Center you may explore the world

Set Tour begins at 7 p.m. and is included with admission. Showtime

without crossing an ocean, but your experience does not end there.

is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors or AAA mem-

After your tour through this gallery, you will be inspired to get

bers, and $6 for children (4-12).

involved. Become a partner in what God is doing to speak His

Special events also take place at the amphitheatre. Examples of

words of love to the millions of people still waiting to hear in their

their special programming include shows for children, mainstream

own language.

musicals (The Music Man will be performed during their 2015 sea-

The Wycliffe Discovery Center is open Monday through Friday

son) and special productions like the Jerusalem Experience, planned

from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch and snacks are available at CafĂŠ Wycliffe

for August 29, 2015, which will be a multi-sensory day of costuming,

from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Village Shop features exotic and unique

carpentry, games, food and animals.

gifts from around the world. Reservations are required for groups of

The Living Word Outdoor Drama encourages you to come and be

10 or more. For information on tours and group activities, Phone (407)

a part of their mission. For more information, phone (740) 439-2761

852-3626 or visit wycliffe.org/discoverycenter.

or visit LivingWordDrama.org.

Wycliffe Discovery Center

20 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Fridays and Saturdays

June 19â&#x20AC;&#x201C;September 26

Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Passion Play

41 Years of Faith

740.439.2761 | LivingWordDrama.org

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A religious pilgrimage destination offering rest and renewal for body and spirit along your journey.

Confessions, Mass, devotions daily | cafĂŠ and gift shop open 9a-4p Call (877) 799-4059; email gmarco@guadalupeshrine.org; visit, guadalupeshrine.org | facebook.com/shrineofourladyofguadalupe

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Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 21

Unique Charm Union County, Ohio

U

nion County has the unique and perfect combination of agri-

cultural and industrial bus tour stops that will entertain any group. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Columbus,

Ohio, Union County, it is an ideal hub and spoke location for attractions in central Ohio. It is easily accessed, yet is far from the ordinary.

Come stay and play in Union County, the perfect home base for your next central Ohio tour.

Agriculture Destinations

Bluegrass Music

Some of the favorite agricultural destinations include Mockingbird Meadows, Mitchell’s Berries, three local wineries, distinctive farms and the Leo Berbee Bulb Company.

Rainfresh Harvest and Fresh Harvests are farms embracing a new

Mockingbird Meadows (mockingbirdmeadows.com), which was

approach to growing produce. Rainfresh (rainfreshharvests.com),

recently featured in the national magazine Mother Earth News, is a

located outside of Plain City, uses a variety of green farming tech-

small, family owned and operated farm located outside of Marysville.

niques to produce the freshest food possible. Raised beds are used

The farm grows central Ohio’s only Medicinal Herbs (Community

to grow fresh herbs, and the green growing practices regenerate the

Supported Agriculture) providing shares of their farm products, raw

soil and preserve natural resources. Organic fertilizers are used while

honey and fresh healing herbs. Mockingbird Meadows also raises

rainwater is collected throughout the entire year to produce green-

honey, teaches workshops on traditional foods and natural healing,

house crops using aquaponics. Greenhouse tours are available on

and provides herbal consultations. Farm tours are also available.

select dates. Fresh Harvest (freshharvestfarmllc.com), in Richwood,

Located near Plain City, Mitchell’s Berries (mitchellsberries.com)

combines aquaponics and hydroponics to produce tomatoes, sev-

provides visitors with a variety of premium home-grown produce

eral varieties of lettuce and herbs. Visitors of the farm will learn about

and a down-on-the-farm experience. Visitors can pick their own

aquaponics, how it works and what can be grown using aquapon-

berries from three acres of black raspberries, one acre of red sum-

ics.

mer and fall raspberries and one acre of strawberries. Be sure to check

Another unique agriculture destination to check out in Union

out Mitchell’s Berries signature 1954 Chevy 3100 truck when you stop

County is KG Agricultural Products Inc. Located northwest of

by the farm.

Marysville, KG Agricultural Products processes an estimated 32,000

Union County is lucky to have two unique and noticeably different wineries in the county. Located in Plain City, Eldchrist Winery (eld-

acres of non-genetically modified food-grade soybeans and 1,300 acres of organic soybeans for Japanese customers.

christ.com) is housed in a restored farmhouse built in 1863. With six

Fulton Creek Dairy (fultoncreekjerseycheese.com) is the perfect

grape varieties, Eldchrist provides 18 different wines to Union County

place to learn about the dairy industry. The grain farm sits on 840

and surrounding areas. The winery offers tours, which include time in

acres, 50 of those acres are dedicated to pasture where happy cows

their tasting room, and holds special events. Just eight miles north of

and flocks of chickens earn their keep. Visitors can tour the farm, pur-

Marysville, Bokes Creek Winery (bokescreekwinery) grows and har-

chase fresh items from the farmstead store and enjoy the serenity of

vests their own fruit to produce a variety of wines. Bokes Creek spe-

the land while walking around the farmstead.

cializes in semi-sweet to sweet wines featuring blackberry, pear, mul-

Leo Berbee Bulb Company sells and ships the finest bulbs and

berry, concord and many more. Live music concerts occur every Friday

perennials all over the world. This is a family-owned and operated

night at Bokes Creek. Located near Mount Vernon, Ravenhurst is ded-

company dating back to 1972, when Henk Berbee traveled to the

icated to traditional methode champenoise champagne and hand-

United States to open a wholesale distribution center for the parent

crafted wines. Their award-winning wines are made from vinifera

company in Holland. The bulb company supplies bulbs to a variety

grapes grown in Mount Victory.

of famous U.S. destinations including the White House, Michigan

22 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

Avenue in Chicago and The Ohio State University. Tour the whole-

coffee, instant beverages, ice cream coatings, confectionery, non-

sale distribution operation, as well as their retail store, the Dutch Mill

dairy creamers and milk modiďŹ ers. More than 220 employees are based

Greenhouse. For tour information contact Marjolein Berbee, opera-

there, providing expertise in beverage science, packaging and tech-

tions manager at (937) 642-0511, Ext. 12.

nology.

Other favorite agritourism stops include the MAiZE at Darby Creek (mazeandberries.com) and Leeds Farm(leedsfarm.com). Like its name

History and Art in Union County

alludes to, the MAiZE at Little Darby Creek is located along Little Darby

Union County also has a rich history, and the county has been hon-

Creek and is just 10 miles south of Marysville. The MAiZE is a family-

ored to have 17 Ohio historical markers, which identify and honor

owned, 125-acre farm complete with a corn maze and U-Pick berry

important places, people and events that have enriched Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his-

patch. The farm also has a petting zoo, hayrides, pedal carts and so

tory. The ďŹ rst Union County marker was erected in 2003. The Union

much more. Open during the fall and summer, the MAiZE provides

County Historical Society (historyohio.com) is the perfect place to

something for all ages throughout the central Ohio area and beyond.

learn more about the history of the county. It was established in 1949

With numerous barnyards and outdoor activities, Leeds Farm is the per-

and serves as the county

fect fall destination. With hayrides, pumpkin patches, mountain slides,

organization responsible

straw forts, corn boxes, pig races, zip lines and more, everyone is sure

for the collection and

to have fun at Leeds Farm. Educational school tours and private par-

preservation of objects

ties are available. Leeds Farm is located near Ostrander.

relating to the history of

If visitors are interested in taking a break on the water, Wakeopolis (wakeopolis.com) is the perfect destination. Wakeopolis is central Ohio's

Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Partridge

Union County, Ohio. Tours through

the are

societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ďŹ rst wakeboard cable park, where riders are pulled across a private lake

museum

by an overhead electric cable system instead of a boat. All visits must

mended. During a tour vis-

recom-

be reserved in advance. They offer special packages and pricing for

itors can learn about Noah

groups. Contact info@wakeopolis.com for more information.

Orr, the Union County Giant and the Ohio Giant.

Industrial Destinations

He toured the U.S. as a per-

Whereas there are plenty of agriculture stops visitors will want to

former, standing nearly 8

see, Union County is home to several large industrial corporations includ-

feet tall, from the 1850s to

ing Honda of America. The Honda Heritage Center (ohio.honda.com)

1882. He appeared with many leading circuses, shows, and muse-

in Marysville is Union Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest attraction. This museum offers

ums. From 1878 to 1882, Orr traveled with the Lilliputian Opera Com-

visitors a unique glimpse into the innovative history and growth Honda

pany, a group of dwarf actors and one giant who performed musical

has achieved throughout the past 55 years. Power equipment, auto-

comedies. Sadly, Orrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career and life came to an end in 1882 when

mobiles, aviation equipment and robotics are some of the great variety

he became ill. An Ohio Historical Marker was erected in 2009 at Orrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

of Honda products displayed in the museum. The museum also honors

residence in Marysville. Currently, one of Orrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chairs is on display in

new Honda technologies such as a replica of the humanoid robot ASIMO

the museum. Directly beside the museum is the Weller Log House

and the Hondajet.

from the 1830s. The cabin, with frame addition, has been restored

Along with Honda, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and a Nestle Research and Development Center call Union County home. The Scotts

and is furnished, as it would have been in the early 19th century.

Union Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art scene is another must-see while visiting the

Miracle-Gro Company was founded in 1868 by O.M. Scott in Marysville.

area. Housed in the historic Houston House, the Marysville Art League

Scott, a Civil War veteran, felt strongly about farmers having weed-

(marysvilleartleague.org) is the perfect stop for the artsy person and

free ďŹ elds; thus he formed Scotts as a premium seed company for the

is sure to be enjoyed by all who visit. Visitors can walk around the

U.S. agricultural industry. The company grew in the 1900s when it

house to see paintings of the famous fashion designer, Lehman Eugene

began a lawn grass seed business for homeowners. More recently, in

Snively. Guests can also browse the gallery of local, talented artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

1995, Scotts, the leading lawn care brand, with Miracle-Gro, the lead-

work, take a canvas class with an instructor and receive a gourmet

ing gardening brand, merged to create The Scotts Miracle-Gro Com-

cupcake or shop in the gallery. White Feather Gallery Boutique is

pany. Today, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is still headquartered in

another local artistic favorite. The White Feather (whitefeathergar-

Marysville and is recognized as the leader in home and garden prod-

denevents.com) showcases exceptional artists from around the state

ucts. The Nestle Product Technology Center in Marysville focuses on

of Ohio. Guests can browse through the quaint rooms of a renovated

ready-to-drink beverage development. It also has major programs in

1930s space to view original paintings, one-of-a-kind sculptures and Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

other unique items such as jewelry, candles and hats. White Feather

Pottersburg Bridge

is the perfect location for a garden party with more than 3,500 square feet of lovely garden area.

Dining in Union County While visitors are discovering all Union County has to offer, they are sure to work up an appetite. There are a variety of different dining options to savor. Local restaurant favorites include Uptown Steakhouse, Hinkleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Cork Wine and Dine, Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Bennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, and Der Dutchman. Der Dutchman Restaurant is a ďŹ xture in Plain City and a popular gathering spot for both the residents and people passing through. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you are sure to dine on wholesome, delicious home cooking. Before or after your meal, make sure to stop by Carlisle Gifts, conveniently located beside Der Dutchman. The gift shop has a little bit of everything from handbags to soap. You are sure to ďŹ nd something for your home or family and

For a customized tour of Union Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Covered Bridges, contact Tina Knotts at the Union County CVB at (937) 642-6279.

friends when shopping at Carlisle Gifts.

For a unique dining experience, visitors can enjoy lunch on one

Connecting the Covered Bridges of Union County is a part of the Ohio

of Union Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s covered bridges, the Pottersburg Bridge. The Pot-

Scenic Byway. The Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway is 40 miles of spec-

tersburg Bridge is home to the Union County Covered Bridge Blue-

tacular views. When traveling on the byway, covered bridges are not

grass Festival

the only stop. The Big Darby Creek, parks, nature preserves, century

held annually

farms, cemeteries and historic homes can all be accessed from the

during the third

byway. When traveling on the Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway, visitors

weekend

of

can piece together Union Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past to gain a more knowledgeable

September. The

understanding of its historic and agriculture importance by following

festival captures

the byway signs.

Bridge Dinner

the

alluring

sights, sounds,

Convention and Visitors Bureau

ďŹ&#x201A;avors and aro-

All are encouraged to discover, explore and savor Union County. It

mas of bygone

is truly a place where small town charm, agriculture, industry and his-

days when cov-

tory come together. The staff at the Union County CVB is knowledge-

ered

bridges

able, friendly and can assist you with planning a bus tour that will be

were more than

fun and engaging to your guests. They offer complimentary itinerary

a way to cross

planning services and can direct you to the best dining, attractions and

over water. Visitors of the festival can experience an elegant sun-

activities for your group in Union County, as well as hub and spoke ideas

set dinner on the Pottersburg Bridge, breakfast on the bridge, blue-

for Columbus and other central Ohio locations. Step-on guides are avail-

grass music, horse-drawn wagon rides, old-fashioned kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; games

able for a fee of $75 per bus. For more group tour information, log on

and activities, bridge tours, The Marketplace with a wide array of

to unioncounty.org or contact the Union County Chamber of Commerce

antiques and art, pie baking contest and auction, demonstrations

at (937) 624-6279. There are one- to three day-itineraries as well as

of 19th century craftsmanship, a community church service and so

prepackaged options on the group tour section of the CVBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Web site.

much more.

You can also ďŹ nd downloadable group tour information and an inter-

The Pottersburg Bridge is just one of eight covered bridges in Union

active on-line visitors guide.

County. Five of these bridges are ďŹ ve historic bridges all built in the late 1860s and 1870s. This is well above average for the state of Ohio.

Where to Stay

Four, excluding the Pottersburg Bridge, are still in use as a part of the

â&#x20AC;˘ Comfort Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marysville; (937) 664-0400

county highway system and are currently well maintained by the

â&#x20AC;˘ Hampton Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marysville; (937) 642-3777

Union County Engineer.

â&#x20AC;˘ Holiday Inn Express â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marysville; (937) 738-7710 â&#x20AC;˘ Super 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marysville; (937) 644-8821

24 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

C Union ounty from Columbus. Miles from the Ordi nary.

Minutes OHIO

Planning Assistance

Reception Hospitality

Group Guides Group Friendly Dining

Souvenir Gifts Hotels

Bus Parking

Tina Knotts, Tourism Director

Welcome to Union County, where small town charm and history come together with contemporary interests: covered bridges, wineries, festivals, hands-on agricultural tours, and more along the breathtaking Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway.

937-642-6279 Â&#x2021; tknotts@unioncounty tknotts@unioncounty.org .org Â&#x2021; unioncounty unioncounty.org .org Â&#x2021; 227 East F Fifth ifth Str Street, eet, Mary Marysville, sville, Ohio 43040

Let us entertain you.

Whatever the age or interest of your groupâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;dining, history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I t h i s rte a l l y e n j o plan t ripâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;and yed o retu I rn!â&#x20AC;?

architecture, festivals or simply enjoying the beauty of the parksâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kankakee County has it all and more.

Let us help plan a tour for your group.

815.935.7390

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I h a tim d a gr C o u e i n Ka e a t nty nka !â&#x20AC;? k

www.visitkankakeecounty.com

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

ee

COUNTY COU UNTY

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 25

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is open seven days a week, all year round with the exception of January, February and March when it is open ďŹ ve days per week.

This museum is located a few minutes north of Interstate 80 at the intersection of highways 34 and 281 at 3133 West Highway 34, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801.

Take Exit 312 from I-80, travel north on highway 281 to highway 34, then turn right onto Tech Drive.

For information regarding Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer group tours, contact (308) 385-5316. Boxed lunches for groups and group rates are available with a scheduled reservation. Additional information and a calendar of events are available at stuhrmuseum.org.

Miromar Outlets Estero, Florida Miromar Outlets has been voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Shopping Mall,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Shopping District in Southwest Floridaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Factory Outlet Shopping Centerâ&#x20AC;? for 15 years in a row, making it the premier destination for group tour

shopping and dining. It is conveniently located off Interstate 75, Exit 123 between Naples and Fort Myers.

Your group members will ďŹ nd an unparalleled collection of more than 140 top designer and brand name outlets at Miromar Outlets, with savings of up to 70 percent off

Pawnee Earth Lodge at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer

retail prices. Find great savings on top names including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH,

Fondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house was moved here, years after

Neiman Marcus Last Call, Bloomingdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Stuhr Museum

the Pony Express stopped in Grand Island.

The Outlet Store and many more.

of the Prairie Pioneer

Touring the grounds, there is a tranquil feel-

Mediterranean architecture, majestic foun-

Grand Island, Nebraska

ing of greenery, quietness and embracing of

tains, koi and duck ponds, courtyards, lush

past pioneers, architecture and artifacts.

landscaping and covered walkways are the

by Annette Felho Just off Interstate 80, between Lincoln and

The 200-acre museum has a multi-facial

perfect Florida environment for a shopping

North Platte, Nebraska in Grand Island, is

view of what once was with its special areas

experience not to be missed while visiting

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. In the

including The Hornaby Family Arbor, Pawnee

southwest Florida. Helpful services include

summer, era-appropriate historical inter-

Earth Lodge, Farm Machinery Building

an ATM, gift cards, complimentary wheel-

preter pioneers walk the streets. Railroad

(including a threshing machine), Fonner

chairs, stroller rentals, an on-site BP station, Bank of America and Wells Fargo Bank.

Town welcomes travelers from every age

Rotunda and Log Cabin. The Stuhr Museum

group, and on Memorial Day, Civil War sol-

Building recently completed a $7.5 million

A lakeside restaurant piazza offers full-ser-

diers replay history in front of visiting com-

renovation bringing the building up to cur-

vice or casual dining indoors or outdoors and

rades. Grand Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hometown boy, Henry

rent code and reopening the building in 2015.

there are several other dining options through-

26 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

out the mall. Meal vouchers are available at an advance purchase price

and free weekend tours. Following, groups tour the R.W. Norton Art

of $8 and can be used at any of their participating restaurants.

Gallery. The museum of American and European art spans four cen-

If you notify in advance, friendly staff will greet you upon arrival

turies and is the Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest permanent collection of American

and provide your group with VIP bags including the latest discount

Western art by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Succeeding the

coupons and a store directory. They also offer special incentives for

museum, groups take a historic drive and tour of Shreveport-Bossier

you, the group

with a local step-on guide to learn about downtown attractions such

tour leader and

as riverfront casinos, Red River District, Sci-Port: Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Science

driver

Miromar Outlets

with

Center and the Once in a Millennium Moon Mega Mural.

groups of 30 or

`

Afterward the tour stops in the oldest church in Shreveport. Holy

more and a min-

Trinity Catholic Church boasts Romanesque-revival design with its

imum stay of

main altar featuring Italian marble and more than 60 stained glass

two hours.

windows with a European cathedral feel. It is on the National Regis-

Expand the

ter of Historic Places. After checking into a local hotel, groups dine

unique shop-

at Ralph and Kacoos and enjoy a variety of Cajun cuisineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;shrimp,

ping experience

crab and crawďŹ sh platters; charbroiled ďŹ sh and steaks.

for your group

For hotel rate information and more details, contact Erica Howard,

by visiting Miromar Design Center, the only design center in south-

group sales manager at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist

west Florida and one of only 19 major design centers in the nation.

Bureau, at (800) 551-8682 ext.104 or ehoward@sbctb.org.

It is the premier destination for design professionals and consumers. The 45 furniture stores feature a worldwide collection of

Art Institute of Chicago

the most desired names in furniture, fabrics, ďŹ&#x201A;ooring, lighting, kitchen and bath products, art, accessories and wall coverings.

For more information or planning assistance, contact Annette White at (239) 390-7727 or e-mail awhite@miromar.com.

Chicago, Illinois Douglas Druick, president, and Eloise W. Martin, director of the Art Institute of Chicago, announced recently that Chicago attorney Irving Stenn Jr. has given the museum more than 100 drawings from his exceptional collection of seminal works produced in

Shreveport-Bossier Highlights

the 1960s. The drawings, by a who-is-who of contemporary artists,

`The Louisiana OfďŹ ce of Tourism and the Shreveport-Bossier Con-

represent a foundational period in the history of drawing when the

vention and Tourist Bureau released a new group tour itinerary enti-

way works on paper were made, used and appreciated was under-

tled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Louisiana IS Happy!â&#x20AC;? to showcase the unique combination of

going radical change.

people, cultures and things to do that contributed to Louisiana being

The gift includes works by Mel Bochner, Sol LeWitt, Brice Marden

named the happiest state in the United States. According to the study

and Fred Sandback, as well as pieces by Agnes Denes, Jasper Johns,

released by The Wall Street Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Watch, Shreveport-Bossier,

Donald Judd, Nam June Paik and Ellsworth Kelly. The 105 drawings

located in beautiful northwest Louisiana, is the third happiest city in

not only showcase Stenn's personal taste, vision and passion as a

the United States.

collector but also offer a window into an era when artists reconsid-

The Shreveport-Bossier itinerary includes stops at fun and engag-

ered and reinvented the medium of drawing. This gift is one of the

ing attractions, picturesque shopping and ďŹ&#x201A;avorful opportunities to

most signiďŹ cant and collection-enhancing bodies of contemporary

taste local beers and traditional cuisines. The itinerary can be accom-

works on paper ever given to the museum.

panied by stops in other neighboring happy cities such as Houma,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Irv has a discerning eye for art and tremendous stamina for search-

Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria and Baton Rouge. Most

ing it out, and this makes his generous and enlightened support of the

attractions are free of charge.

museum especially potent," said Druick. "His remarkable gift greatly

Groups start their visit by taking a historic journey from World War I to present at the Barksdale Global Power Museum. The museum

enriches our holdings of contemporary prints and drawings and will animate the Art Institute's galleries for many years to come."

features uniforms, dioramas, a barracks exhibit dating from World

Stenn began building an impressive collection of contemporary

War II and 25 aircraft and vehicles. Next, the group enjoys lunch and

painting and sculpture with his wife, Marcia, in 1971. Determined to

unique shopping and entertainment at Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets

continue adding to the collection after Mrs. Stenn's death in 1999,

situated along the Red River.

he shifted his focus to drawings, which can illustrate an artist's course

Then groups stop at Shreveportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst local brewery since Prohibi-

of thought and method of work. The sense of process and intimacy

tion. Great Raft Brewing has a tasting room serving up its ďŹ&#x201A;agship beers

they suggested greatly appealed to Stenn, as did their relatively small Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 27

scale, which allowed him to display his entire collection on the walls

boats that settled the area in the mid to late 1800s. Dozens of promi-

of his home.

nent German citizens helped to build Davenport and its neighbors,

Over his years of collecting, Stenn developed close personal relationships within the artistic community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including a long friendship with

Mel

Today their focus is telling the stories of these early pioneers â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Bochner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which

men and women who endured tragedy and triumph, hard work

provided

and rich rewards, success and disappointment. There is no seg-

him deep

ment of American culture that was untouched by this major eth-

understanding

nic group. In music, theater, sports, politics, art, architecture, edu-

of the broader

cation, innovation and commerce the foundations they built for

sweep of art his-

succeeding generations are available now and housed here to be

tory. Though he

traced and treasured.

with

Art Institute of Chicago

and their descendents in Scott and Rock Island counties still make up more than 40 percent of the population.

a

did not set out

Easily accessible by river cruise, car or chartered bus, their friendly

with strict para-

staff is eager to greet you and introduce you to the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-

meters for the

winning exhibits and year-round public programming. They welcome

collection, he

individual travelers, family groups

was drawn to works from the 1960s that had an organic connection

and entire tours and can link your

in style and content.

visit to other attractions in the

"I am so grateful to the people who have helped me by provid-

Quad Cities, including farm and

ing advice and introducing me to artists I might not have found

agricultural tours. They also offer

on my own," said Stenn. "The collection has benefited enormously

a fourth ďŹ&#x201A;oor social room with gor-

from the guidance and friendship of Art Institute curator Mark

geous river views, which is avail-

Pascale, from dealers I have worked with â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Donald Young, Rhona

able for group use. You can even

Hoffman, and others in Chicago and New York â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as from

return home with authentic Ger-

friends and collectors, such as Gerry Elliot, Stefan Edlis and Lew

man products from the gift shop

Manilow. I might never have put these works together if not for

to remember your visit.

German American Heritage Center

Visit gahc.org for current

their input."

The resulting body of work makes visible a deďŹ nitive shift in

exhibit information and program

artists' approach to drawings. While continuing the early modern

notes or phone to arrange your

practice of making drawings as artistic expressions in their own

visit at (563) 322-8844.The center

right, innovators of the 1960s employed drawing in ways previ-

is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12-4

ously not considered art â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as diagrams, instructions for fabrica-

p.m. and closed Monday.

tion, caprices suggesting movement in performance, or markers

Barefoot Landing

of space and time. A selection of these types of drawings, which enabled spatial and tactile perception to be recorded and conceptual concerns of a larger project to be explored, are among the items in the Stenn collection.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina If a trip to the Myrtle Beach area is your future, you will love Barefoot Landing, a place where your group can enjoy some great shopping, dining and entertainment. Barefoot Landing combines the tra-

German American

ditional retail functions of a shopping venue with attractions and

Heritage Center

other leisure amenities to deliver an outdoor-centric recreational

Davenport, Iowa

experience. Its unique seaport-style architecture and 27-acre lake

The German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa lies at

combine to create a charming coastal seaside village atmosphere.

the foot of the Centennial Bridge, Route 67 that links Iowa to Illinois.

Boardwalks and bridges weave through the 100-acre nature-friendly

More 15,000 cars pass this corner daily; however, this museum has

complex and its 100 specialty and retail shops, waterfront restau-

been at the crossroads of local, regional and national history for more

rants, and entertainment venues. More information about Barefoot

than150 years.

Landing is available by phoning (843) 272-8349 or logging on to

The museum building is a four-story restored hotel, which served German immigrants as they docked and came ashore from the steam28 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

bďŹ&#x201A;anding.com.

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In Southwest Florida off I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x153;iiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; >ÂŤÂ?iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x17E;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;­Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2122;ÂŽĂ&#x160;Â&#x2122;{nÂ&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x2C6; MA AY/JUNE15 Y 0956

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PRESENTED BY:

When Bob Dylan came to Nashville to make his classic album Blonde on Blonde, he brought unprecedented attention to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultra-talented musicians. Johnny Cash did the same with his network television show.

This exhibit looks at the impact those events had on Music City and its Nashville Cats.

@countrymusichof

#DylanCashExhibit

STEP INSIDE This House Downtown Nashville â&#x20AC;˘ 615.416.2001 Visit CountryMusicHallofFame.org Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 29

Country Music Hall of Fame

Several new merchants, as well as an amusement area coming to this North Myrtle Beach attraction just in time for the busy summer season.

Nashville Tennessee Put some music in your Music City visit. Whether your group is

The Dockside Village section of Barefoot Landing is getting some new

ďŹ lled with aspiring songwriters, ardent fans of music or history buffs,

merchants and

the Country Music Hall of FameÂŽ and Museum is a must see desti-

seeing some of its

nation for those with even the most casual interest in music. Not only

store renovated

do the galleries provide a unique learning experience but an array of

and refreshed.

hands-on tour experiences expand the story told in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

New merchants

exhibitions.

Barefoot Landing

iinclude:

A number of group tour programs provide a behind-the-scenes

â&#x20AC;˘Earth-

look at the music industry. For example, Star For a Day begins on

bound Trading

Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Music Row with a tour of Historic RCA Studio B.

Company, which

Following a guided tour, groups will gather around the legendary

offers

earth-

microphone for a recording session with a professional sound engi-

themed wom-

neer. The experience concludes with lunch at the Wildhorse Saloon

enâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing, footwear, and home dĂŠcor, plus hand-crafted ethnic

where the group can kick up their heels and dance to their newly

and nature related gifts;

recorded song.

â&#x20AC;˘ Best Gift Ideas Ever, which enables its guests to create their own

Nashville is home to country music, delicious Southern cooking

unique pieces of personalized art through the use of photographs resem-

and great hospitality. These three traditions come together in Leg-

bling letters;

ends, Lunch and Lyrics. This quintessential Music City experience

â&#x20AC;˘ Beef Jerky Store, which features a variety of jerky ďŹ&#x201A;avors for the beef lover; â&#x20AC;˘ The Stuffed Animal Store (opening soon), which carries childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite plush toys

offers guests a classic Southern â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meat nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Threeâ&#x20AC;? lunch while they are entertained by songs, stories and writing insight from one of Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accomplished songwriters.

Stories Behind the Songs offers guests a peek behind the song

â&#x20AC;˘ A Sliver Shack (relocating to Dockside Village from Boardwalk

in a private session with a Nashville songwriter. The writer demon-

Shops), which features current and fashionable silver jewelry from around

strates to the group how a song is created from concept to hit.

the world.

Sharing the Art of Songwriting allows an opportunity to write

The Waterway Shoppes now has an artist collective boutique with various works from local artists on display and for sale. It is called the Innovations Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Emporium.

your own song with the writer. Both sessions are followed by an

Sharing the Art of Songwriting

a u t o g r a p h signing.

New merchants coming to the Boardwalk Shops include:

For the his-

â&#x20AC;˘ Carolina Hat Company, which showcases all types of headwear

tory buff on the

including sporty, casual and sophisiticated;

tour, the nearly

â&#x20AC;˘ Tara Grinna Swimwear, which has been a respected name in

135-year-old

swimwear industry more than 25 years and is known for its unique

Hatch Show Print

use of gorgeous prints and vibrant and exciting color palette

is

â&#x20AC;˘ Pepper Palace, which features hot sauces and ďŹ&#x201A;avorings rang-

missed.

ing from mild to hot, exotic to everyday.

â&#x20AC;˘ Coletteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Popcorn, which offers a large election of ďŹ&#x201A;avors to the popcorn enthusiast; â&#x20AC;˘ Barefoot Amusements, which will feature ďŹ ve family-style rides and games.

In addition to new merchants joining Barefoot Landing, renovations or remodeling have been done at Tassa Canbana, Designer Sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, Johnny Rockets, Bullyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub and Grill, and Smokinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hot Grill and BBQ. 30 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

to

be The

group will see the

The Lakeview Courtyard, a new shop and rides are joining Barefoot Landing:

not

presses at work and learn about the history of Hatch. They will also see the colorful, centuries-old posters that put the shop on the map â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as recent works for their favorite entertainers. The tour concludes with an opportunity to get hands on with some of the tools of the trade as they print their own keepsake poster.

To learn more about these programs and other one-of-a-kind experiences, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

THE CURIOUS TOUR PLANNER Number 7 of a Series “The Curious Tour Planner” is a question and answer column that provides simple answers to simple questions involving bus and group tours. It is patterned after a very successful similar column in our sister publication, NATIONAL BUS TRADER, that has run for about 20 years with more than 200 installments. We will accept reasonably simple technical or operating historical questions on bus and group tours and their operations by letter, fax, e-mail or telephone. Unless otherwise indicated, the simpler questions will be answered by our editor, Larry Plachno, who has owned buses and planned tours for more than 50 years. If our staff is unable to answer them, we will call upon our panel of experts. Names and addresses should be submitted with your questions, but we will withhold names from publication on request. We reserve the right to modify questions to make them more useful to our readers.

Q. What are the most important things that people are looking for in a lodging location?

–– Reader in Canada A. My own experience over the years is that most tour planners avoid both the higher priced lodging as well as the least expensive motels. However, I have seen prices drop rapidly when the expensive hotels have empty rooms.

Beyond that, there was a recent survey on Facebook that suggested that traveler priorities are changing. For years “Friendly Service” topped the list. Today the top priority overwhelmingly is free, reliable high speed Wi-Fi in the guest rooms. Most bus and group tour passengers today carry at least one electronic device and some may have two or more.

Second on the list is breakfast. Over the years we have found a wide range in the qualify of hotel and motel breakfasts. The cold breakfast, similar to the traditional European style, is less likely to please travelers than a hot breakfast that might include eggs and some type of meat and potatoes.

Third and fourth on the Facebook list are fitness centers and lobby bars. While I per-

sonally would suspect that fitness centers are less important for bus tour passengers, I would tend to agree with the lobby bars.

My own past experience with driving and escorting tours is that many of the passengers head to the bar after arrival to “get the road dust out of their throats.”

Q. How close are we to autonomous driving and driverless cars?

–– Several Readers A. The best sign to watch is where the big corporations are putting their money and effort. That suggests we are closer than we think.

Accident avoidance systems for buses have already reached the point where they can fully stop a bus if the car in front stops.

ZF already has an electronic parking system for trucks with two trailers that is controlled by a driver with a pad device standing some distance away.

The ZF acquisition of TRW should be completed by mid-year. This involves a lot of money and one of the major reasons given for this merger is developing technology for autonomous driving. Do not forget that ZF is a major supplier of components for buses and trucks.

There already have been studies on programming autonomous cars. One of the more interesting suggests that autonomous cars could improve traffic but probably will not. The reason is because drivers are more willing to drive faster than passengers are comfortable with.

Hence, driverless cars will probably be programmed to drive slower to help keep passengers comfortable.

One of the more telling situations is that there has been a little bit of falling out between Uber and Google. Uber’s smartphone apps for riders and drivers are based on Google Maps. Back in August of 2013, Google Ventures invested $258 million in Uber and put more money into Uber a year later. As a result, Google’s chief legal officer joined the Uber board of directors.

Uber was working towards developing its own autonomous vehicle technology.

Google is already testing a ride-hailing

service with employees it developed, presumably in conjunction with its driverless car project. This would put the two huge companies in direct conflict.

All of this tends to suggest that this technology is coming and big companies are putting in a lot of money and research into this area.

Q. Are you aware of any operations or tours that have equipment beyond a simple galley to provide meals on board?

–– Bus Operator A. This kind of thing does happen but is relatively rare. We did hear about a tour operator in Alaska who served meals on a long, articulated bus that I understand may have involved driving through a remote area.

We are also aware of bus operators in Europe that have transformed the lower level of a Neoplan double-deck coach into a bistro-type arrangement complete with a bar. At one point, Setra in Europe offered an on-board vending machine, but that would have been limited to snacks and drinks.

Longer distance scheduled service buses often plan a brief stop at a location where fast food is available. Passengers simply bring their food back to the coach and eat it there.

Q. If you were planning an advertisement in BUS TOURS MAGAZINE to attract bus and group tours, what would you include in the ad?

A. Location, Location, Location. The first thing tour planners will look for is your location to find out whether you are located where they are currently running tours or where they are planning tours for the future.

Second is to direct the ad specifically to bus and group tours in words and photos, and include a special offer if you can. Third, with today’s modern technology I would include a Web site with a response form or some way for the tour planner to respond using e-mail.

Answers not credited to other individuals are provided by Larry Plachno, Editor.

Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 • 31

20 Tips For Bus Tour Planners by: Dr. Charleen Jaeb

20 Tips for Teaching and Training

bus, I usually use the advanced organizer

with customers, be computer and software

method; e.g. l tell them what I will tell them,

literate, have a good appearance, references,

From the time we are born until the time

tell them, then tell them what I told them. The

and excellent written and oral communica-

we die we are teaching and learning. The pur-

first part on the bus includes a welcome, intro-

tion skills.

pose of this column is to help you enjoy and

ducing driver and myself, previewing the day

4. Bus tour planner training: New hires are

become better at both.

and showing a safety video. Reminders come

usually trained by the group or retail tour man-

Individuals learn by reading, writing, lis-

when they exit the bus and find out when to be

ager assisted by tour planners they will work

tening, watching, doing, memorizing, prac-

back on it and what will happen between times.

with or replace. They learn by the methods

ticing, questioning, discussing, and making

1. Be prepared. Professors come to each

mentioned in the second paragraph. Great Day

mistakes. Even very bright people can excel

session with a list of the people signed up for

Tours, the largest bus tour operator in Ohio,

in one way but fall short in others, so it is up

class, handouts with the information to be

has a customized software program designed

to the trainer to teach using a combination of

covered such as grading and attendance poli-

especially for training their tour planners.

teaching methods. The 20 tips will give exam-

cies (syllabus), lecture notes and include time

ples of them and will address situations that

for questions. Bus tour planner trainers pro-

escorts: Prospective tour escorts should be

affect bus tour planners, group leaders, tour

vide similar information plus give out bus

intelligent, dependable, healthy, enthusiastic,

escorts, drivers as well as bus and tour com-

company catalogs, homework assignments,

love travel and helping people. Allen Kenney,

panies. Similarities to the ways college stu-

job description, company policies, procedures,

president of Great Day Tours, has 25 tour

dents and trainees in the bus business learn

company history and often give a walkabout

escorts who accompany all their bus tours with

are discussed.

tour of the company facilities.

the exception of express runs. They are required

5. Qualifications and training for bus trip

2. Do not assume all students or trainees

to dress professionally in blue jackets and com-

experiences after 40. I earned an AA, BA, MBA,

are prepared. Not all of them bring proper IDs,

plete in-house training which includes CPR and

M.Ed., and JD and taught business classes 15

writing instruments, know where and when

how to use a defibulator, company policies and

years at Cleveland State University, Baldwin-

to show up and are qualified to be there. Con-

procedures, safety rules and dealing with the

The information comes mainly from my

Wallace College and Cuyahoga Community Col-

firmations are strongly recommended. A pro-

public. They ride on a Great Day tour observ-

lege. Prior to entering college at age 39, I was

fessor once told me to consider how assume

ing an experienced trip escort. Then they escort

a stay-at-home mother and area sales manager

is spelled to realize why you should not do it.

a bus tour being observed by an experienced

for World Book, selling encyclopedias, hiring

3. Qualifications for bus tour planners: Tour

escort. Trip escorts are often former group lead-

and training sales representatives. After retir-

planners who are group leaders learn mostly

ing from teaching I became a group tour plan-

from their predecessors, other group leaders

6. Qualications for commercial bus drivers:

ner then joined Lakefront Lines as group leader,

and bus tour planners at the companies they

Before being hired in the United States they usu-

ers or educators.

tour escort and marketing associate and

work with. They require little formal training.

ally need a CDL license, good driving record

became a columnist for BUS TOURS MAGAZINE.

Bus tour planners who work for bus or travel

(ideally on a bus), pass DOT physicals, back-

When addressing large groups such as stu-

companies should be high school graduates

ground checks and drug screening and be able

dents in the classroom and passengers on the

(college preferred) have experience working

to obtain a passport to cross Canadian borders.

32 • Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

7. Commercial bus driver training: Large

10. Learn by writing. If you have poor

drive” and “Take the bus. Leave the driving

bus lines often require several months of in-

handwriting, learn to type or print. Take notes

to us” are easy to remember. Creative train-

house training. Greyhound’s average train-

while in training. Bus tour planners should

ers and students can make up their own.

ing takes a minimum of five weeks in three

study bus catalogs and flyers from destina-

14. Learn by asking questions. Students

stages. First stage is orientation where they

tions to see how trips are described. Be pre-

and trainees should be encouraged to ask

meet above requirements as well as com-

pared to write flyers for group leader’s trips,

questions either during or after the lesson

puter based training and a mastery test on a

and correspond with customers, vendors,

(depending on size of group and choice of

competitive basis. If they pass that, they go

management, write press releases and com-

the trainer.) Ask them immediately or before

to Phase II Driving School which includes 13

pose group and send out bulk e-mails to

the next session. If it is not feasible to ask the

days of intense classroom instruction and

group leaders and prior individual customers.

teacher, ask others in the class. There are no

behind-the-wheel training, logging more

You cannot believe how much I have learned

dumb questions, only dumb answers.

than 40 hours of driving time and learning

writing and doing research for this column.

15. Learn by making mistakes. College

professionalism in both behavior and dress.

11. Learn by watching demonstrations.

students make mistakes by not attending

Phase III students become Greyhound

Tour planner trainees watch company tour

class, especially the first day of class. Employ-

employees by learning policies and proce-

planners on the job setting up trips online and

ees make mistakes by being absent or tardy

dures, interacting with passengers, includ-

on the phone, making suggestions to group

from work or by not following instructions.

ing 70 additional hours of behind-the-wheel

leaders for destinations, accommodations and

If your mistake calls for an apology, give it,

driving under the guidance of a professional

events, handling people, composing trip con-

agree it was wrong and offer a way to recitify

Greyhound Motorcoach Operator. Chris

tracts and flyers for group leader trips on the

it. Try not to make it again. There is an old

Goebel, President of Lakefront Lines, Ohio’s

computer, watching how filing is done, and

adage that says “Fool me once, shame on

largest motorcoach operator, told me they

observing tour planners interview vendors to

you, Fool me twice, shame on me.”

have 102 motorcoachs and about 75 other

determine who to visit, list in their tour cata-

mini buses, school buses and vans. They do

log and approach for FAM trips.

16. Learn by making checklists. Many mornings I make a list of six things I want to

their own bus maintenance and repairs and

12. Learn by practice and repetition. Top

accomplish that day. As a trip escort and

require extensive pre-trip bus inspection

athletes, musicians, performers in any field

group leader I went over a one page check-

training, explained in tip 16.

will admit the secret of their success is prac-

list which I read before leaving home for trips

ticing regularly. I learned typing and short-

and before and after boarding the bus. Tour

hand in high school. After graduation I

planners use a checklist in gathering infor-

worked five years as a secretary. Those skills

mation to keep in their records from places

have remained with me in future endeavors,

to visit to publish in their tour catalogs.

although my speed has slowed.

Employers use check lists when hiring

How People Learn 8. Learn by reading. Just as professors furnish students a syllabus with dates, subjects discussed, grading and classroom policies,

13. Learn by mnemonics. These are mem-

employees. The most comprehensive check

office hours and how to contact them, bus

ory devices that help learners recall larger

list I have seen is the one Lakefront Lines

company trainers furnish information about

pieces of information, especially in the form

uses when training their approximately 250

the company, their job description, tour books,

of acronyms, songs, steps, stages, parts,

motorcoach drivers on a Pre-Trip Inspection

competency tests, and application forms.

phrases, and rhymes. For example, children

of their bus before leaving on each trip. It

Informed individuals usually read bus and trade

learn the alphabet by singing the ABC song

includes 62 items to check in four areas:

magazines, newspapers, instruction manu-

and the states in alphabetical order by singing

Engine Compartment, Bus Exterior, Driver

als, contracts, legal and tax forms and books.

the 50 Nifty United States song. They learn

Area, and Bus Interior. The form must be

9. Learn by listening. Trainers should

phrases like “Stop, Look and Listen” and

signed and dated by the trainer and the

make sure they can be heard. Easiest way

acronyms EGBDF (Every Good Boy Does

trainee acknowledging the trainee has

to find out is ask your audience if they can

Fine) for lines in music. Adults learn by

learned how to perform them.

hear you, whether you are speaking on a

acronyms like SWOT (Strengths, Weak-

17. Evalations: College students are

bus microphone or in a class. If your voice

nesses, Opportunities, Threats) in analyzing

evauluted by attendance, attitude, test results,

cannot be heard, order a microphone. Con-

products, FAST (Face drooping, Arm weak-

completion and quality of assignments, and

sider those with problems hearing to move

ness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) for

following rules. Bus tour planners are eval-

closer or make sure outside noise is not

recognizing signs of a stroke. Rhyming

uated similarly as well as on appearance,

competing.

phrases such as “Arrive alive. Don’t text and

communication skills, making wise deciBus Tours Magazine / May, 2015 • 33

sions, and human relations with customers

based on proďŹ tability and discount for bus

in their families, I would like to hear what you

and colleagues. Persistance, determination,

travel.

or they learned that made your or their col-

integrity, and respect of others are qualities

20. Rewards for college students. Students

lege years successful. I am planning to write

for the success of college students, bus tour

who learn the â&#x20AC;&#x153;game of schoolâ&#x20AC;? enhance their

some tips on making your time in college and

college experience. They generally win schol-

afterward more meaningful. I will incorpo-

18. Evaluators: Bus escorts are evaluated

arships, get good grades, make lifetime

rated them an article about succeeding at the

by passengers, drivers and supervisor. Bus

friends, learn more than they ever thought

â&#x20AC;&#x153;game of schoolâ&#x20AC;? and e-mail you a copy of it

drivers are evaluated by their passengers,

possible but realize how little they know,

in appreciation of your comments when I ďŹ n-

escorts, and supervisor. Bus tour planners

desire to learn more and encourage their chil-

ish it this year. Contact me with your suggestions at cdjaeb@wowway.com. Thank you.

planners, trip escorts and drivers.

are evaluated by group leaders, vendors, col-

dren to attend higher education. They meet

leagues and managers. College students are

a diverse group of people, learn their cul-

evaluated mainly by their instructors and to

tures, travel overseas, get a good job that

a lesser degree by their fellow students.

pays well and give back to, and improve life

19. Rewards for group leaders and bus

on earth.

With degrees from four universities, Dr. Charleen Jaeb has been a business professor at Cuyahoga Community College.

company employees: Group leaders can

As the ďŹ rst person in my family to gradu-

After her retirement in 2000, she became

travel free when and where they go and who

ate from college, I was surprised and hum-

a trip planner for the CCC retirees and Mid-

goes with them, take FAM trips, receive train-

bled to receive an Outstanding Senior Award

dleburg Heights Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, ďŹ lling as

ing, and inviations to bus company annual

from Baldwin-Wallace and the Besse Award

many as 15 buses each year. Jaeb and her

events. Bus escorts also receive the oppor-

for Teaching Excellence as Cuyahoga Com-

husband escorted trips for Lakefront Lines in Cleveland, Ohio. She says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was won-

tunity to travel to many locations, get paid

munity College. What I learned was shared

for it and can work part time. Full time salary

with my college children and grandchildren,

or hourly employees are rewarded with pay

and freshman college students. Since many

checks, raises, promotions, beneďŹ ts, bonuses

readers may be college students or have them

derful and somewhat unbelievable in retirement to be able to do what you love to do and get paid for doing it.â&#x20AC;?

Advertiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Index Adsmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Living Word Outdoor, The . . . . . . . . . .21

Algoma Central Railway . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Maumee Bay Lodge

Atlantic City CVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

& Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Boys Town USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Mid-Lakes Navigation Co. . . . . . . . . . .29

Cabarrus County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Miromar Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Columbia Gorge Interpretive

Musical Instrument Museum . . . . . . .15

Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

New Orleans CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Cornwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turkeyville U.S.A. . . . . . . .15

Presque Isle Downs & Casino . . . . . . . .2

Country Music Hall of Fame . . . . . . . .29

Shreveport-Bossier Convention

Dancing Horses Theatre, The . . . . . . . .7 Durbin & Greenbrier

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe . . . .21

Valley Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Starved Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Elk City CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Turkey Hill Experience . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Fair Oaks Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

U.S. Army Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Galesburg CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Union County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

German American Heritage Center . .29

Visit Kankakee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Grand Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Visit Norfolk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Hampton Inn by Hilton . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Wild Horse Saloon/

Holiday Inn Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Little Falls CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 34 â&#x20AC;˘ Bus Tours Magazine / May, 2015

& Tourism Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

General Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

IMAGINE ALL OF THIS IN ONE DESTINATION. Book your Atlantic City getaway today!

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For information contact Heather Colache at 609.449.7151 or hcolache@meetinac.com