2023 Go South Tour Planner

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BRING FRIENDS

2023 TOUR PLANNER

WE HELP YOU CREATE UNIQUE ITINERARIES. YOU TAKE ALL THE CREDIT. The best itineraries are filled with inspiration, entertainment and excitement from start to finish.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in North Carolina where our scenic tours, cultural attractions, award-winning restaurants and more await your group’s arrival. Plan your group adventure to North Carolina by contacting Amanda Baker at 919-447-7765 or amanda.baker @visitnc.com.

visitnc.com/groups

Get out and know your state better!

Discover over two hundred museums and thousands of stories. Plan your trip today at LouisianaMuseums.com FEATURING: LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM

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ON THE COVER: A young traveler explore’s Miami’s Art Deco District on a bicycle.

Photo by Leonardo Ampuero.

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BRING FRIENDS

Architectural Gems

SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIET Y 2023 TOUR PL ANNER

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Unique City Tours

THESE LANDMARK BUILDINGS SHOWCASE INVENTIVE SOUTHERN DESIGN.

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Southern Celebrations

THESE TOUR EXPERIENCES OFFER NEW TAKES ON CLASSIC SOUTHERN CITIES.

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Music Heritage

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS ARE ROARING BACK AROUND THE REGION.

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PUBLISHED FOR

THESE SITES TELL THE STORY OF SOUTHERN MUSIC LEGENDS.

1425 MARKET BLVD., STE. 530-324 ROSWELL, GA 30076-5624 770-355-4002 SOUTHEASTTOURISM.ORG

Culinary Trails

40 SOUTHERN STATES ARE HIGHLIGHTING THEIR SIGNATURE FLAVORS.

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P U B L I S H E D BY

NICHE TRAVEL PUBLISHERS 301 EAST HIGH STREET LEXINGTON, KY 40507 GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM

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FOR ADVERTISING CALL KYLE ANDERSON AT 859-253-0455

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Cook Museum of Natural Science, Decatur

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery

Whether it’s learning about the natural world in Decatur and Gulf Shores, the past and future of space exploration in Huntsville, visiting sights where Rock ‘n Roll hits were made, or the history of the Civil Rights Movement, we can supply you with itineraries for several group tours. Trouble is...deciding which tour to take first. We’ll keep adding to the list, you just keep coming for new adventures. www.alabama.travel To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Rosemary Judkins at rosemary.judkins@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-242-4493.

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BRING FRIENDS

Southeast Tourism Society

LEADERSHIP TEAM

2023 OFFICERS Chair

MEREDITH DASILVA DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS

ENNIS SMITH DIRECTOR OF DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF TOURISM

VISIT FLORIDA

DOUG BOURGEOIS ASSISTANT SECRETARY

MICHAEL MANGEOT COMMISSIONER

LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

NELL KNOX DEPUTY DIRECTOR

JESSICA FRAHM MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

VISIT MISSISSIPPI

ARKANSAS TOURISM

DEBBIE MEIHLS PRESIDENT & CEO

WIT TUTTELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LORI SIMMS DEPUTY DIRECTOR

NE W S MY RN A B EACH AREA VB

VISIT NORTH CAROLINA

MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM

AMY DUFFY CHIEF OF STAFF

MARK JARONSKI DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

SC DEPT. PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM

EXPLORE GEORGIA

JILL KIDDER PRESIDENT & CEO V I S I T B ATON ROU GE

Vice Chair KAREN TREVINO PRESIDENT & CEO NOR T H L IT TL E ROCK CVB

Treasurer ROBYN BRIDGES PRESIDENT & CEO A UBURN – OPEL IKA T OU RISM

Secretary

Marketing College Provost BERKELEY YOUNG PRESIDENT Y OUNG STRAT EGIES

Immediate Past Chair DONNA CARPENTER PRESIDENT & CEO E X P LOR E CAB ARRU S

GREY BRENNAN DEPUTY DIRECTOR

MELANIE BEAUCHAMP ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

ALABAMA TOURISM DEPARTMENT

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

JONI JOHNSON DIRECTOR, DOMESTIC SALES & MARKETING VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION

SOUTHEASTTOURISM.ORG 6

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BE NEAR

Hill Station, Little Rock

Emerald Trail, North Little Rock

EVERYTHING BUT FEEL FAR AWAY

Take a deep breath and watch the sun set over the Arkansas River. Then take your friends for craft beer at Hill Station, just a few minutes away. A vacation in The Natural State means you can feel far away but still be near everything. Plan your trip at Arkansas.com.

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BRING FRIENDS

Courtesy Moravian Culinary Trail

STS Celebrates 40th Anniversary in 2023

WI NKLER BAKERY I N O LD SALEM

BY MAC LACY

I

t may be two years later than originally planned, but Southeast Tourism Society’s Domestic Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, will take place April 17–20, and Monica Smith is excited. As president and CEO of a 515-member-strong tourism organization that celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023, Smith has seen this meeting come full circle since COVID protocols postponed it and others across the country in 2021.

“Everything works out in the end, doesn’t it?” she said. “Huntsville has put together a wonderful delegate experience for us, and our attendance is looking strong. We’ve added some key educational programming this year, and we think Huntsville will be a perfect destination for STS Domestic Showcase.”

Known throughout the travel industry for its advocacy and educational programs, STS has added several key elements to this domestic group travel event in just two years. At this past year’s meeting in Virginia Beach, STS introduced breakfast sessions featuring dynamic presenters. Those continue this year, and the organization has added an educational component to the meeting for participants who arrive early.

“Ariel Azoff, executive director of brand partnerships for Atlas Obscura, will keynote our Tuesday breakfast, and we’re delighted that your executive editor, Brian Jewell, will

SOU T HE AS T T OU R ISM.ORG

M O N IC A SM ITH

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speak on Wednesday morning,” Smith said. “We’re also offering a two-day session in Huntsville for sales, marketing and public relations professionals. We’re calling it the SMPR Forum, and it’s being offered for DMO, attraction, lodging and event facility personnel on the front end.”

Smith noted that the business climate for group travel in 2023 is distinctly improved from the past three years.

“We’re delighted to see tour operators in the Southeast are busy,” said Smith. “It’s important we help them maximize their business here. We expect our research and educational components at Domestic Showcase to help tour operators as much as they help our members.”

Smith plans to have 40th anniversary branding elements prominently displayed at STS Domestic Showcase. Those brand elements will also be prominent at other major events like STS Marketing College in June at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and the STS Congressional Summit in Washington D.C., July 10–13.

Policy issues including job creation, transportation infrastructure, the cultural benefits of tourism and others are all voiced at the Congressional Summit each year.

“For four decades, the Southeast Tourism Society has advanced careers in this industry and has helped make the Southeast one of the busiest travel regions in America,” said Smith. “After 40 years of accomplishments, we know our best work is still ahead of us.”

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DISCOVER WHERE LOCALS PLAY.

Get a front-row seat to the places, people and experiences that make Missouri a must-see for groups of all sizes.

For more information, contact Megan Sheets with Visit Missouri at Megan.Sheets@ded.mo.gov

THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE

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BRING FRIENDS

Kidder Believes It’s Never Too Late for STS Marketing College

BY MAC LACY

A OZARK M USIC FESTIVAL I N ARKANSAS

Courtesy Ozark Music Festival

s chairperson of Southeast Tourism Society (STS), Jill Kidder used an old African proverb she treats as a mantra to talk about her goals for the upcoming year: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Kidder, president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge, said one of STS’ greatest membership benefits is the strength individual members derive from its collective initiatives.

“I will definitely emphasize what is already one of our greatest attributes as an organization,” she said. “I want to build our membership and bring new industry leaders into the networking umbrella that defines STS. Our board members and I have been charged with that responsibility, and we’re going to meet that challenge.”

Kidder sees the upcoming STS Domestic Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, as an opportunity for membership growth. And she sees STS Marketing College, an educational event that takes place each summer, in the same light.

“We’re seeking a new provost for Marketing College after years of leadership by Berkeley Young and Judy Randall,” said Kidder. “We commend both leaders for all they brought to that training ground for tourism, and finding the right person to become our new provost is a JILL KIDDER

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serious responsibility. While Suzanne Moon is still with us on the staff side, I want to also commend her for her years of service to that signature STS program.”

Kidder has a Visit Baton Rouge staff member enrolled now in Marketing College and sent several of her former employees at Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) through the program.

“Industry partnerships grow out of Marketing College,” she said. “Lifelong friendships grow out of it. And to emphasize that, I’ve decided to go back this year as a freshman myself.”

Baton Rouge, the destination Kidder represents, is Louisiana’s state capital and one of the best-known college towns in the South. Not only is Louisiana State University (LSU) there, but well known historically black Southern University is as well. Baton Rouge Community College adds a third to the city.

“We treat our college students like tourists,” she said. “We have 45,000-50,000 of them here and we want as many as possible to stay after graduation and work here. We’re invested in them.”

For groups coming to Baton Rouge, Kidder suggests seeing Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, the LSU Rural Life Museum and other museums, the Louisiana Planetarium and many other sites. She also recommends a stop at LSU to see Mike the Tiger, one of America’s favorite athletic mascots.

“Baton Rouge is the capital of one of America’s most distinctive states,” she said. “We have a little bit of everything here. Groups can come to Baton Rouge and get all the Louisiana they want.”

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Take your group on a world tour of Mississippi’s musical legacy.

For music lovers, there’s no better place to explore the history and future of popular music than Mississippi, “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Here, African and European musical traditions collided and were crafted into a new form of music, the blues, and its rock, gospel, and country offshoots. View a sample itinerary of music museums, attractions, and stages at VisitMississippi.org/MusicTour. #WanderMS

GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi | Cleveland

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SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Local Color U NIQU E CIT Y TOU RS

Everyone’s talking about these Southern sightseeing tours

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BY RACHEL CRICK

history lesson from a foul-mouthed pirate is never dull, which is one of the many reasons it’s important to select the right city tours when building a travel itinerary.

Sightseeing tours can incorporate many of an area’s must-see attractions, historical sites and exceptional cuisine, delivered in well-organized and entertaining packages.

However, some tours are more memorable than others.

From riding in party buses to squad cars, an unconventional tour of a town can help groups build the travel experience of a lifetime. These tours capture the souls of their cities with lively characters and charming themes that showcase each downtown’s individual spirit.

Whether they’re exploring a new city or rediscovering an old favorite, groups will enjoy fresh and charismatic perspectives on downtown tours of these Southeastern cities.

Eat, Drink and Ride with Comedienne Joy B IRM IN GHA M , A LABAM A

O

HOT S PRI NGS WALKI NG TOU RS S HOWCAS E TH E H ISTORY, ARCH ITECTU R E AN D NATU RAL B EAUTY OF TH IS U NIQ U E ARKANSAS DESTI NATION.

By M. Smith, courtesy NPS

ne of the best ways to learn about a city is to become acquainted with its cuisine. In Birmingham, affectionately nicknamed “the Dinner Table of the South,” the food and beverage scene is famous for its barbecue and Southern influences. It also boasts lively music and nightlife, which makes it a great city for groups looking for both food and fun.

Joy King, also known as “Comedienne Joy” and “the Queen of Clean Comedy,” is no stranger to Birmingham’s cuisine. Her television show “Dining Out with Comedienne Joy” encouraged viewers to eat at delicious local restaurants. Now, groups can eat like King and tour Birmingham, which has a culinary scene as rich and varied as its history, with the Eat, Drink and Ride with Comedienne Joy tours.

“If you want to eat like a local, some great delicious food from places you didn’t know existed, you need to come on this tour,” said King, who has been giving these tours for five years.

Tours take place on a luxurious party bus that travels from one side of Birmingham to another, with King or another knowledgeable — and hilarious — guide keeping guests entertained while they’re shown around town. Groups of 10 to 17 will make four or five stops at local restaurants to sample their small plates and adult

beverages. From hidden gems to town favorites, the restaurants along the route are sure to delight and surprise even long-term residents of Birmingham. Food is ready to be enjoyed when groups arrive at each stop.

“You get the VIP service when you come on the tour,” said King. “You don’t have to worry about ordering off the menu because these are my favorite dishes.”

DI N I NG OU T W I T HCOM E DIE N N E JOY.COM

EM BARKI NG ON TH E EAT, DRI NK AN D RI DE WITH COM EDI EN N E JOY TOU R I N BI RM I NGHAM

Hot Springs Walking Tours HOT SP RIN GS, ARK AN SA S

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ppropriately named for its naturally occurring thermal springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a town in the Ouachita Mountains whose historic downtown is uniquely preserved as Hot Springs National Park. The famed springs that earned the town its name have also given it a reputation for their health benefits and relaxing scenery. Many of the town’s visitors come to see the hot springs and visit its plentiful bathhouses for their therapeutic qualities. One of the most famous ways to explore this city’s history and its beautiful natural environment is with the Hot Springs Walking Tours, given by the national park’s very own troop of park rangers. While ranger-led tours are a constant in any national park, Hot Springs tours may look a little different because they focus on the downtown area as well as the surrounding park.

“We really want people to have a chance to learn about Hot Springs within the resource itself — the bathhouse buildings, the thermal springs, the hillside itself with its rock formations,” said Cane West, park ranger at Hot Springs National Park, who added that the tours present visitors with a “combination of history and geology and biology and the theme of public health.”

These 45-minute walking tours allow visitors to explore the downtown area and ask rangers questions in real time, whether they’re curious to know about the 10,000-year history of people occupying the area or the 4,000-year history of the thermal waters in the springs. From the 143-degree springs to the town’s museums and cultural centers, groups can see and learn about all that makes this breathtaking mountain town unique.

Courtesy Eat, Drink and Ride with Comedienne Joy

N PS .G OV/ HOSP

ON E OF HOT S PRI NGS’ NAM ESAKE S PRI NGS

Pirates of the Quarter N E W ORLE A N S

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ew Orleans is a city of magic and intrigue, known for its vibrant mix of cultures and its exciting nightlife. Shaped heavily by French, Spanish and Creole influences, New Orleans’ music, architecture and cuisine make the city one of the most distinctive and exciting destinations in the

By M. Smith, courtesy NPS

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PI RATES OF TH E Q UARTER I N N EW OR LEANS Courtesy Pirates of the Quarter

LIVI NG IT UP I N BI RM I NGHAM WITH COM EDI EN N E JOY

Southeast. It’s home to many mystical legends and traditions, from the ghosts that allegedly haunt its above-ground cemeteries to its prominent voodoo practices.

One part of the city’s history that may seem more legendary than factual is the presence of pirates in the city during the early 1800s. To hear the tales of the real pirates that once inhabited the city and their exploits, and to explore the popular attractions of the French Quarter with fresh perspective, guests can take a Pirates of the Quarter tour.

Founded six years ago by a duo known only by their pirate titles, the Captain and the Quartermaster, tours are given by guides clad in traditional pirate attire. The walking tour allows groups of up to 15 to explore a one-mile stretch of the French Quarter, with many stops at historic sites.

“A lot of people have the idea of one thing when they sign up for this tour. They think it’s going to be just movie pirates. We are going to dispel a lot of myths people think are true about pirates,” said the Captain, adding that the tour “intertwines a lot of significant events with real pirate history.”

From pirate involvement in the New Orleans economy to their significance in the War of 1812, there are plenty of tales to be told on the tour. Pirates of the Quarter also offers a pub crawl for an after-hours experience that explores the darker and more raucous side of the area’s pirate history.

PIR AT E SOF T HEQUA RT E R .COM

Courtesy Eat, Drink and Ride with Comedienne Joy

“The tours present visitors with a combination of history and geology and biology and the theme of public health.”

— C A N E W E S T, HO T SPR I NG S NAT IONA L PA R K

EXPLORI NG HOT S PRI NGS ON FOOT

By D. Cmill, courtesy NPS

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A MAYB ER RY SQ UAD CAR I N MOU NT AI RY

Squad Car Tours M O U N T AI RY, NO RTH C A RO L I NA

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ne of the most beloved sitcoms of the 20th century, “The Andy Griffith Show,” took place in the small, fictional town of Mayberry. People grew to love the quaint town and its quirky characters, which are said to be based on Mount Airy, North Carolina, where Andy Griffith grew up. Mount Airy has embraced the fictional Mayberry and become a hub for all things related to the series and even adopted replica businesses and landmarks from the show, such as Wally’s Fillin’ Station and a replica Mayberry courthouse. But one of the area’s best known Mayberry-related activities is the Mayberry Squad Car Tours, which give visitors the opportunity to tour the town from a vintage Ford Galaxy painted to resemble Sheriff Andy Taylor’s squad car.

“We were starting to see some tour buses coming to town, so I came up with the idea of making a replica of a squad car to drive people around,” said Mike Cockerham, a long-time car enthusiast who personally restored the first replica squad car and began giving tours.

Now, two decades later, the fleet has grown to include seven cars, all Ford Galaxies from the 1960s. Up to five people can ride in each car for an interesting introduction to Mount Airy and an exploration of the town’s connections to the Andy Griffith Show. Tours begin at Wally’s Fillin’ Station, where groups can explore the service station and the adjacent model courthouse. Then, visitors are driven down Main Street for a tour of the town where Griffith himself once lived. The tours also showcase some of its other notable features, such as the Mount Airy Granite Quarry, the largest open-faced granite quarry in the world. Still, it’s the connection to the beloved Mayberry that gives Mount Airy its claim to fame and its charm.

“You can’t hop in a Mayberry squad car and ride around anywhere but here in Mayberry,” said Cockerham.

TH E MAYB ER RY TOU R FLEET

Photos courtesy Mayberry Sqad Car Tours

“We were starting to see some tour buses coming to town, so I came up with the idea of making a replica of a squad car to drive people around.”

T OU R M AY BE R RY.COM

— MIK E COC K E R H A M, T OU R M AY BE R RY.COM

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At the heart of America’s inland waterways, you’ll find a sophisticated rivertown that inspires. Paducah, Kentucky, is a confluence of cultural heritage and creativity where art goes beyond something to appreciate – it’s a way of life.

A designated UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is gaining acclaim as a destination for those who crave rich, authentic cultural experiences!

Signature EXPERIENCES Immerse yourself in history, art and culture through unique experiences created exclusively for groups.

Plan your experience at Paducah.travel

1-800-PADUCAH

Backbeat Tours M E M P HIS, TE N N E SSE E

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ne of Tennessee’s two music cities, Memphis is known for its role in shaping blues music. Early rock ’n’ roll is rumored to have gotten its start in the city too, as did musicians such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Jerry Lee Lewis. Downtown is dotted with famous music studios, concert venues and musical hubs.

Headquartered on the famed Beale Street, Backbeat Tours provides both walking and bus tours that explore the city’s history and contributions to music. It was founded in 2006 by Bill Patton, who wanted to use musicians to explore the city’s history and bridge the gap between the music of the 1950s and ’60s to the music of today.

The company’s signature tour, the Mojo Tour, was designed to do just that. Patton created this 90-minute bus tour to allow guests to learn about music history in Memphis from actual musicians, with many opportunities to hear live music along the way.

“His idea behind that was instead of just driving around and telling visitors to Memphis the history of its music, why not let its musicians do it, because they’re the ones entrenched in it every day,” said Meagan May, vice president and group sales and event coordinator for Backbeat Tours.

Prominent stops on the tour include Sun Studios, where musical legends got their start in the recording studio. Groups can get off the bus to get a close-up look at the Overton Park Shell, another Memphis staple and historical site, where Elvis performed his first concert. Backbeat Tours also offers other historical walking tours, ghost tours and musician-themed tours, each of which offers fresh perspectives on this delightful musical city.

BAC K BE AT T OU R S .COM

BACKB EAT TOU RS I N M EM PH IS Courtesy Backbeat Tours

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STOP BY OUR BOOTH AT STS DOMESTIC SHOWCASE TO TALK TO US ABOUT ADVERTISING TO GROUP LEADERS, TOUR OPERATORS, MEETING PLANNERS AND MORE IN ANY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS. LET US HELP YOU PUT TOGETHER A CUSTOM PACKAGE.

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DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING KYLE ANDERSON kyle@grouptravelleader.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER BRYCE WILSON bryce@grouptravelleader.com

Hatfield and McCoy Airboat Tours M ATE WAN , W E ST VIRGINIA

An Outer Space Exploration

F

ew stories have captivated the public and inspired their imaginations as much as the Hatfield and McCoy feud. This decades-long dispute between two families on either side of the Tug Fork River has been explored in countless books, documentaries and even an acclaimed miniseries. Today, the small communities in both states bordering the river claim this long and bloody feud, and the legends that go with it, as important parts of their histories.

Matewan, a West Virginia mining town with a population of about 500, was founded years after the height of the feud. It’s geographically close to where much of the fighting between the families took place, which has brought an increase in tourist traffic in recent years. While exploring Matewan’s tiny downtown doesn’t take long, one of the best ways to discover the area and its ties to the legendary feud is with Hatfield and McCoy Airboat Tours.

Discover More in The Rocket City Home to the world’s largest space museum, “Rocket City” has much for visitors to explore. Featuring breathtaking outdoor vistas, fun-filled attractions, and vibrant art & entertainment districts, Huntsville, Alabama, has something for everyone.

HATFI ELD AN D M CCOY AI R BOAT TOU RS

1-800-Space-4-U | huntsville.org

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HuntsvilleCVB

VisitHuntsvilleAL

Courtesy Hatfield and McCoy Airboat Tours

Go2HuntsvilleAL

CHARLESTON’S AWE-INSPIRING EXPERIENCE

“A lot of people started coming to Matewan, but there wasn’t a lot to do in Matewan when they did get here. I bought an airboat, and that’s been 10 years ago now.”

— K E I T H GIB SON, H AT F IE L D A N D MCCOY A IR BOAT T OU R S

The immense size.

The inspiring history.

The heroism on display.

The USS YORKTOWN is just the beginning of the jaw-droppingthings to see at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

A million square feet of experiences your crew won’t forget.

“A lot of people started coming to Matewan, but there wasn’t a lot to do in Matewan when they did get here,” said Keith Gibson, the creator of the Hatfield and McCoy Airboat Tours. “I bought an airboat, and that’s been 10 years ago now.”

For a decade, Gibson has been taking people out on the river to see the sights and sounds of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, combining the experience of riding on an airboat with the area’s rich history. Exploring the river by airboat is best because it has no problems riding through the river’s shallowest and rockiest regions, where a motor would be unable to go.

The airboat can accommodate groups of up to six at a time. During the tours, Gibson gives a history of the area and points out wildlife, such as bald eagles, heron, deer, river otters and the occasional bear. Prominent sites from the feud itself, such as the cabin where Roseanna McCoy lived after her ill-fated affair with Johnse Hatfield, can be found along the river and are included in the tour.

H AT F IE L DMCCOYA IR BOAT T OU R S .COM

AN AI R BOAT ADVENTU R E ON WEST VI RGI NIA’S TUG FORK RIVER Courtesy Hatfield and McCoy Airboat Tours

PLAN YOUR GROUP’S VISIT: Call (843) 881-5976 or email groupsales@patriotspoint.org 22 For more information, visit patriotspoint.org/groups

The Story of Sa mson The Story of America May - Sep t 2023 Reserve Now

803.802.2300

narroway.net NarroWay Productions features live theatre and dinner with year-round entertainment just outside of Charlotte in Fort Mill SC. View the complete show schedule online at narroway.net.

sts SHINING EX A MPLE

AWARDS

African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina

PARTNER

ship

The Southeast Tourism Society presented its 2022 Partnership Award to the African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina. The initiative is a cooperative effort of destination marketing organizations in six counties in rural northeast North Carolina to showcase the area’s African American culture and heritage for visitors.

The Partnership Award recognizes effective partnerships within the tourism industry. Nominees demonstrate how the partnership has impacted their organizations and share plans for further collaborations.

The African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina was created with input from an advisory board comprising regional civic leaders, educators and historians. They identified 30 visitor-ready African American sites, including museums, monuments, parks, waterways and interpretive signs throughout the six counties. They also developed a self-guided digital heritage trail with its own logo, branding and marketing plan.

AWA R D

3:14 PM - RACETRACK

Groups have more fun at Oaklawn.

We start at the racetrack.

Sip a couple beers in the infield GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-522-4700.

under the magnolia trees, then grab a corned beef.

Winner buys a round at Silks, then we hit the blackjack table.

This is our Oaklawn.

BOOK YOUR GROUP

What’s yours?

R A C I N G / C A S I N O / H O T E L / S PA / E V E N T C E N T E R / D I N I N G / O A K L AW N .C O M

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It’s been 60 years.

The stories are as powerful today as they were those decades ago.

A cultural revolution engulfed the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.

Birmingham was Ground Zero for America’s Civil Rights Movement in 1963. Fists and firehoses on one side were met with peaceful resistance and resolve for a better tomorrow on the other.

Then came the bombing. Four little girls were killed on a September Sunday morning in 1963 at Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute tells these and other significant stories of the city’s pivotal role in desegregating the American South.

For more information on touring the Birmingham Civil Right District, now a National Monument, during the 60th anniversary, contact:

inbirmingham.com

800 - 458 - 8085

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Stonewall Lake & Resort

Jackson’s Mill Farmstead

Asylum operated as a mental

the scenic Stonewall Jackson Lake

steadfast place of learning,

health facility for 130 years.

with breathtaking views from the

leadership and growth for more

Visitors can enjoy daily walk-in

Adirondack-style lodge or quiet

than 90 years. Famous as General

historic and paranormal tours,

lakefront cottages. Enjoy an

“Stonewall” Jackson’s homestead,

festivals and events from

irresistible meal, play the Arnold

the old gristmill still stands. This

April through November.

Palmer Signature golf course,

is an important arena for adult

pamper yourself at the spa, hike

education, special events and

the trails or play on the lake.

meetings—and the State 4-H camp.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic

This luxury resort is located on

This historic area has been a

V I SI T U S ONLINE O R CALL TO DAY FOR YO UR FREE L EW I S C OU NT Y, WE ST VIRGINIA TRAVEL GUIDE

WV Museum of American Glass

The museum is dedicated to the

Mountaineer Military Museum Childhood friends were drafted

region and nation’s rich glass

into their country’s service and

heritage. The stories of people and

only one made it home.

processes come to life! See a huge

A graveside promise was made

collection of brilliant colored and

that “I’ll never let anyone forget

sparkling crystal glass by dozens

you guys.” More than 18 new

of American manufacturers from

exhibits, feature personal and

1860 to the present.

historical items from the Civil War to current day.

Appalachian Glass Appalachian Glass is keeping the

tradition of hand made glass alive in West Virginia with offerings of over 500 traditionally produced soda-lime crystal products. Their studio is open to the public for shopping and to enjoy live demonstrations.

STONEWALLCOUNTRY.COM 304-269-7328

Lambert’s Winery Nestled in the heart of West

Virginia is a winery whose beauty is almost as exquisite as the fine selection of wines. The winery’s magnificent tasting room is constructed from hand cut stones gathered from various parts of the state. Tour the beautifully landscaped grounds and browse their gift shop.

MannCave Distilling

With the development of three artesian water springs, the distillery was unearthed out of hand dug coal mines. The smooth, award-winning, top shelf spirits (whiskey, vodka and moonshine) are produced and sold onsite.

Tours and tastings are available on Saturdays.

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SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

From Porches to Palaces M USIC H ERI TAGE SI T E S

Southern music is a global gift

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BY LIA MILLER

outhern music might be America’s greatest cultural contribution to the world.

No region in the United States has more musical bragging rights than the South, as it is the birthplace of some of America’s most cherished and iconic musical traditions. Groups traveling throughout the region should make time to visit these music heritage sites and enjoy the live music performances in venues nearby.

Ray Charles Plaza ALBAN Y, GEORGIA

T

TH E B LU E ROOM AT TH E AM ERICAN JAZZ M US EUM CONTI N U ES TH E LEGACY OF LIVE M USIC I N KANSAS CITY’S 18TH AN D VI N E JAZZ DISTRICT.

he Ray Charles Memorial Plaza was founded in the heart of downtown Albany, Georgia, in honor of local son Ray Charles, one of the most recognizable faces and influential voices in music history. Charles’ music was transformative and brought together people from all races and all walks of life. Not only a musical inspiration, he also proved that no physical limitations could stop him from pursuing and realizing his dreams. That’s why the city chose to honor him with a memorial plaza.

“The Ray Charles Plaza was part of the redevelopment of downtown Albany,” said Kirsten Rome, group and leisure sales manager for the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau and Welcome Center. “Artist and sculptor Andy Davis wanted to do a sculpture of Ray Charles and designed the whole plaza around the statue.”

Groups can find the life-size bronze sculpture of Ray Charles sitting at his baby grand piano located on Front Street and enjoy a “free” concert by day coupled with a light show at night.

“Visitors from across the United States and internationally come to visit Ray Charles Plaza,” Rome said. The plaza is situated on the Flint River, where interested travelers can find the Greenway Trail. During fair weather, the welcome center rents bikes so visitors can ride up and down the trail and around Ray. Biking is an easy way to see the other nearby sites, which include Riverfront Park, Turtle Grove Park, the Albany Aquarium, and the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau and Welcome Center.

Visitors interested in hearing live music while visiting Ray Charles Plaza need only find their way to the Veterans’ Park Amphitheatre for outdoor performances, or the Albany Civic Center, which offers robust live music and other performance options.

Gladys Knight will hit the stage at the civic center in late February.

R AYC H A R L E S .COM

Photos courtesy VisitMo.com

CAJ U N M USIC HALL OF FAM E

Courtesy CFMA

ALBANY’S RAY CHAR LES PLAZA

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

Courtesy Albany CVB

IN DIAN OLA , M ISSISSIP P I

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he B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, located in the heart of the Delta in Indianola, Mississippi, is dedicated to telling the story of the life, music and legacy of B.B. King and sharing the stories, history and music of the Delta. The museum and Delta Interpretive Center’s stated mission is “to empower, unite and heal through music, art and education and share with the world the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta.”

B.B. King, born Riley B. King in the Mississippi Delta, one of the most impoverished regions in America at the time of his birth in 1925, is among the most prominent and influential blues musicians in history. Defying the odds, he became one of the greatest contributors to the development of the blues music genre. He continues to serve as an inspiration for musicians to this day thanks to his musical contributions.

For blues aficionados, the museum and interpretive center offer a wide variety of live music options, from First Thursdays events featuring living music, Delta food and a chance to tour the museum, to live blues music competitions featuring solo, duo and group performances.

AN EXH I BIT AT TH E B. B. KI NG M US EUM AN D DELTA I NTERPR ETIVE CENTER

BBK I NGM USEU M.ORG

“Historically, many Cajun music musicians were family men.”

— T ODD ORT EG O, C A J U N M USIC H A L L OF FA M E A N D M USEU M

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Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum E U N ICE , LOU ISIAN A

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Courtesy Albany CVB

or travelers interested in Cajun music, culture and food, the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Eunice, Louisiana, is the place to be. The museum is operated by the Cajun French Music Association, a nonprofit organization promoting not only Cajun music but also various aspects of Acadian heritage.

In 1995, the Louisiana Legislature proclaimed the city of Eunice the official site for the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the museum, artifacts and other fascinating memorabilia are on display, showcasing Cajun music and culture.

“Historically, many Cajun music musicians were family men,” said museum president Todd Ortego. “Carpenters, mechanics and construction workers, who would work a full day to support their families then play three to four shows at night.”

The Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum recognizes those artists who created the musical style. Because of their humble origins, many of them are not well known outside of Louisiana.

“The museum offers travelers the opportunity to know these artists, who they are, where they came from and what they were all about,” Ortego said.

Groups can enjoy live Cajun music performances many weekends in a dance hall called La Poussiere in the nearby town of Breaux Bridge. Cajun music festivals typically take place in the spring and fall at various venues throughout the state.

C A J U N F R E NC H M USIC .ORG

B. B. KI NG M EMORABI LIA AT H IS M ISSISSI PPI M US EUM

Courtesy B.B. King Museum

W W W. S O U T HE A S T T O U R IS M . O R G

By Rory Doyle, courtesy B.B. King Museum

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18th and Vine Jazz District K A NS A S C I T Y, MI S S O URI

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ansas City’s Historic 18th and Vine District is not just an intersection but also a historic location for travelers and visitors interested in baseball, barbecue and celebrated live jazz clubs. The district has been home to legends including Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Satchel Page, Josh Gibson, George and Julie Lee, and James “Cool Papa” Bell, among others. Groups traveling to the 18th and Vine Jazz District area will find several well-known live music clubs and the American Jazz Museum, in addition to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and popular barbecue joints.

The American Jazz Museum bills itself as “the nation’s leading institution dedicated to expanding the influence, awareness and appreciation of American jazz.” Its on-site jazz club, The Blue Room, offers a variety of live music options that are open to the public, including Monday Night Jam Sessions, Free Jazz at Noon on first and second Thursday of each month, Free Indigo Hour on Friday evenings, and Friday and Saturday night performances at 8:30 and 10 p.m.

Travelers will have no shortage of opportunities to hear live music, including First Fridays, events for entertainment, which offer a variety of live music options.

KANSAS CITY’S 18TH AN D VI N E JAZZ DISTRICT

A JAZZ M U RAL I N TH E 18TH AN D VI N E N EIGH BOR HOO D

A M E R IC A NJA Z Z M USEU M.ORG

The Grand Ole Opry N A S H V I L L E , TE NNE S S E E

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he Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, is the stage that showcases country music’s past, present and future. A live radio show that began in 1925, the Opry has been home to the art form’s growth and evolution for over 97 years.

Known as the place where country artists such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and many others performed at pivotal moments in their careers, the Grand Ole Opry maintains its legacy as America’s premier country music institution. At the same time, the Opry continues to evolve and embrace new variations of country music to ensure it will be around for another 97 years.

“The true history of Nashville cannot be told without a visit and experience at the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry,” said Kristi Driver, tourism sales manager for the Opry Entertainment Group.”

The Ryman Auditorium is perhaps the most famous historic home of the Opry, hosting the show from 1943 to 1974. When the crowds outgrew the 2,200-seat Ryman (which had no air conditioning), Opry organizers built the Grand Ole Opry House, where the show remains to this day.

Photos courtesy VisitMo.com

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THINK

BIGGER

Life-Size Noah’s Ark

Ararat Ridge Zoo

Truth Traveler: Virtual Reality Experience

Plan your visit at ArkEncounter.com Williamstown, KY (south of Cincinnati)

Answers Center

2,500-seat auditorium with short films, music, and live teaching

Emzara’s Kitchen

One of the largest restaurants in North America

Tour groups can choose to see a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights, with Wednesday and Thursday shows added during certain times of the year.

“We also have additional shows at the Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium at various times of the year — Opry Country Classics, Opry Country Christmas, and Amy Grand and Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman,” Driver said. “And our Opry Backstage Tours allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of country music superstars and legends, go backstage to see the dressing rooms, and hear stories of what happens on the ‘other side of the curtain’ on show nights.”

OPRY.COM

Earl Scruggs Center SHE LBY, N ORTH CA ROLIN A

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he Earl Scruggs Center is a museum and performing arts space in Shelby, North Carolina, dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of Earl Scruggs. An accomplished banjo player, Scruggs is known for his contributions to Bluegrass music and helping popularize the genre.

In addition to introducing visitors to Scruggs’ accomplishments, the center also places his story within the context of Cleveland County. The center was started by a group of citizens in Cleveland County with a vision of highlighting Cleveland County's vast cultural resources.

“Visitors from around the world travel to the Earl Scruggs Center to discover the life and career of the legendary banjo master and the region that shaped him,” said operations coordinator Stephanie Barrett. “Self-guided tours of our immersive

KEITH U R BAN AT TH E GRAN D O LE OPRY

By Chris Hollo, courtesy Grand Ole Opry

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Three National Parks One Incredible Destination

“Visitors from around the world travel to the Earl Scruggs Center to discover the life and career of the legendary banjo master and the region that shaped him.”

— S T E PH A N IE BA R R E T T, E A R L SC RUG G S C E N T E R

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

long-term exhibits and special exhibits are available yearround and are ideal for classes, business teams, community groups, family reunions, bus tours, clubs and other organizations.”

Travel planners can customize their experiences at the center to fit their groups. Many begin with a step-on introduction to the area and center from a museum staff member.

Docent-guided tours of the first-floor galleries are available.

“On the second floor, guests can see a special exhibit gallery that changes twice a year, enjoy a special program for their group, tell their story in our oral history booth and try their hand at bluegrass instruments in our education room,” Barrett said.

Other options include food, wine and live music performances.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

E A R LSC RUG G SC E N T E R .ORG

Wright Brothers National Memorial

To learn more about our National Parks itinerary and other awesome group adventures, contact Lorrie Love; love@outerbanks.org or 877-629-4386

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The Outer Banks OF NORTH CAROLINA

outerbanks.org

®

NORTH CARO LI NA’S EAR L SCRUGGS CENTER Courtesy Earl Scruggs Center

D E S T I N A T I O N P A N A M A C I T Y . C O M

D E S T I N A T I O N P A N A M A C I T Y . C O M

sts SHINING EX A MPLE

AWARDS

Suzanne Moon

The Southeast Tourism Society presented its 2022 Dorothy Hardman Spirit of STS Award to Suzanne Moon. Moon serves as STS’ vice president of operations and has worked with the organization for more than 30 years.

The Spirit of STS Award is a special recognition of an individual who best expresses the genuine love and devotion Dorothy Hardman had for the organization, its members and its purpose. A small, anonymous committee selects winners.

In three decades with STS, Moon has had her hand in most every element of the society’s operations. She is the driving force behind the execution of every STS conference and event. A nd her signature project, Marketing College, has provided invaluable training and networking opportunities for thousands of Southern tourism professionals over the years. She is deeply respected and admired by the STS membership and has show n unwavering dedication to the association throughout her career.

SUZAN N E MOON, S ECON D FROM RIGHT

SPIRIT of STS AWA R D

Reconnect with friends on

LOUISIANA NORTHSHORE

St. Tammany Parish is located less than an hour from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Southern charm and big-city amenities await you on Louisiana’s Northshore, where everyone is family.

Bring your appetite for life and discover where New Orleans has come to play and get away for more than a century.

#LANorthshore • 800-634-9443 • LouisianaNorthshore.com 38

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CHAPTER 51

Adventure Loves Company

T

hey say there’s strength in numbers. There’s also wonder, excitement, and joy in them. From thrilling adventure to amazing food to laidback relaxation, there’s something special about bringing a group of wideeyed visitors to a place as wonderful as this. This wasn’t just the adventure of a lifetime. It was the adventure of all their lifetimes.

Make us a stop on your next tour. Learn more at CrystalCoastNC.org or email groups@crystalcoastnc.org or call 888-891-0021

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SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Tasty

Places

C U L I N A RY T R A I L S

Food and drink trails elevate trips to the South

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BY KATI HYER

f you have a hankering to help your groups dive deeper into the places they travel, the solution may be through food. And there’s no better way to involve food than via local food and drink trails.

These trails are one spectacular way to get to know a destination. While a single meal can satiate an appetite, sampling multiple unique spins on that iconic meal at different destinations across a city or region — by way of a food trail — can satisfy the hunger to go deeper.

From sweet to savory, these food and beverage trails will inspire and equip you to incorporate a new and delicious layer to your next trip to the South.

Athens Beer Trail ATHE N S, GEORGIA

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B EER CH EES E , A CENTRAL KENTUCKY DELICACY, CAN B E FOU N D ON MANY KI N DS OF FOO D ALONG WI NCH ESTER’S KENTUCKY B EER CH EES E TRAI L .

eople come to Athens, Georgia, for football and the eclectic college vibe. Now, they may stay for the craft beer scene.

“We have everything from Terrapin, the largest brewer in Athens, to Normaltown, a very small brewery launched by a group of friends who just love making craft beer,” said Hannah Smith, director of communications at Visit Athens.

Craft beer is unique for its ability to showcase a place’s culture and identity. To introduce thirsty visitors to the Classic City, Visit Athens worked hand-in-hand with the town’s six breweries to develop the Athens Beer Trail in 2021.

Just like the various neighborhoods in Athens, each brewery has a distinct personality. Most offer free tours. Terrapin, the oldest of the Athenian breweries, launched and gained nationwide fame in one fell swoop in 2002. Planners can incorporate a tasting with live music at Southern Brewery or explore styles of beer that push the envelope at Creature Comforts Brewery, a beer revered by neighboring Atlantans for its famous sours. Authentic is another stop on the trail serving up easy-drinking beers. Last on the list is Akademia, a true brewpub.

“This is a great option for planners who want to incorporate a meal,” Smith said. “They have a full menu and are open for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sunday.”

Groups should start at the Historic Athens Welcome Center to pick up their Field Guides — passports with maps and descriptions of the six breweries on the trail. If travelers stop at each location, they’ll win an Athens Beer Trail commemorative pilsner glass.

Thursday and Friday evenings, visitors can enjoy the hopon hop-off Beer Trail Trolley. The trolley is also available for group charters at other times of the week.

V ISI TAT HE NSGA.COM

Courtesy Visit Winchester

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Kentucky Beer Cheese Trail CLARK COU N T Y, K E N TU CK Y

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lark County, Kentucky, is the birthplace of beer cheese.

“The spread was first served at Allman’s Restaurant as early as the 1940s,” said Nancy Turner, executive director of Winchester-Clark County Tourism. “We have built a culture around beer cheese throughout the decades.”

The spread, the precise recipe of which is a closely guarded secret, is a staple around the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Made of fresh or flat beer and typically a sharp cheddar, garlic and cayenne, beer cheese is traditionally served as an appetizer with carrots and celery.

“Literally, one of my favorite things is to fantasize about what I can eat with beer cheese. It’s that good,” Turner said with a laugh, mentioning a seasonal beer cheese named “fetaveissen” at Winchester’s First Circle Market.

“We are really blessed to have multiple restaurants that can accommodate more than 50 people,” Turner said. At Woody’s Sports Bar, groups can try beer cheese burgers and beer cheese with pretzels. DJ’s does a take on cheese nachos with beer cheese over hand-cut potato chips. Halls on the River makes a beer cheese soup.

Winchester’s downtown opera house has been converted into a restaurant, Loma’s, with specialty beer cheese dressings and dishes.

“They have a beer cheese vinaigrette that they serve with pork rinds,” Turner said. “And they have beer cheese grits, which are just unbelievable.”

There are currently 13 stops on the Kentucky Beer Cheese trail. Planners can find the full list, as well as prizes for participating, on the CVB’s website.

Groups that really enjoy beer cheese can upgrade the trail experience by visiting during the Clark County’s Beer Cheese Festival, which takes place each year on the second Saturday in June.

“It is a delicious adventure,” Turner said.

ATH ENS B EER TRAI L

By Bryan Redding, courtesy Athens Beer Trail

FR ES H GU LF S H RI M P ON TH E M ISSISSI PPI S EAFOO D TRAI L

V ISI T W I NC HE S T E R K Y.COM

Mississippi Seafood Trail

Y

ou could say that oysters, shrimp and catfish built Mississippi’s coastal region — and you’d be right.

The Mississippi Seafood Trail is a great way to feast on that history in the tri-county coastal region from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula. Nearly two dozen restaurants featuring Mississippi Seafood can be found on a dedicated trail website. It’s a testament to the culture of the people — although battered by more than their fair share of disasters, natural and man-made, the people in Mississippi can always find something to celebrate through food.

The trail, which got its start thanks to a BP grant to promote

Courtesy Mississippi Seafood Trail

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gulf seafood, has grown to a statewide list of restaurants that employ Gulf seafood in their cooking.

What’s the best dish for a visitor to try?

“That’s hard to say,” said Pat Fontaine, president of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association. “I enjoy all Gulf seafood, from raw oysters to shrimp to crab meat to a lot of the fin fish, from redfish to speckled trout. There are not many items of Gulf seafood that people don’t enjoy.”

Groups looking for places to indulge in local seafood should check out The Reef in Biloxi or The Half Shell Oyster House’s many locations along the coast. They can also use an interactive map on the trail’s website to plan stops.

MIS SIS SIPPISE A F OOD T R A IL .COM

B EER CH EES E & ALE 8 ON E I N WI NCH ESTER Courtesy Visit Winchester

WI NKLER BAKERY'S MORAVIAN SUGAR CAKE

Moravian Culinary Trail W IN STON -SALE M , N ORTH CAROL INA

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ow thin is a “whisper thin” cookie? And how can it tell the 300-year-old history of a town and its people?

The answer can be found on the Moravian Culinary Trail.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, can trace its roots to the Moravians, a devout community of emigres from Eastern Europe.

Their Moravian heritage can be seen, heard and tasted in the industry around the food that makes the area famous: whisper-thin Moravian cookies (billed as the world’s thinnest), Moravian sugar

I NSTAGRAM-WORTHY S EAFOO D I N COASTAL M ISSISSI PPI Courtesy Moravian Culinary Trail

MORAVIAN COOKI ES

Courtesy Mississippi Seafood Trail

Courtesy Moravian Culinary Trail

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cake and Moravian chicken pie. The Moravian Culinary Trail memorializes these three old-world foods.

“It’s a virtual trail, so people can start anywhere and experience different destinations à la carte,” said Kay Calzolari, group tour and sales manager for Winston-Salem.

Many groups start their journeys in the heart of Old Salem Museums and Gardens at Winkler Bakery, where the process to make the Moravian sugar cakes hasn’t changed, including the use of the fire-burning stove. The Spring House Restaurant just outside of downtown Winston-Salem is highly recommended for Moravian chicken pie. If there’s time (and well, even if there’s not), make plans for a quick jaunt outside the city center for a world-famous stop on the Moravian Culinary Trail: Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookie Factory.

“No cookie journey is complete without a visit to Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies,” Calzolari said. “It’s a seventh-generation family bakery where visitors can see the bakers roll, cut and pack the cookies by hand.”

During a factory tour, groups enjoy getting hands-on by rolling and cutting the cookies.

“We can customize the experience based on how long a group might have in the area or their interests,” Calzolari said.

PAPIS CAR NITAS TACOS ON TH E GR EENVI LLE TACO TRAI L Courtesy Visit Greenville SC

“Tacos are a dish we have a lot of, and they get people excited.”

V ISI T W I NS T ONSA L E M.COM

— BR E N DA C AS SA BON, V ISI T GR E E N V IL L E SC

Greenville Taco Trail GRE E N VILLE, SOU TH CAROLINA

A

s everyone knows, the word “taco” comes from the Latin for “satisfies everyone in your group.” No? It should.

Greenville, South Carolina, is home to a bevy of taquerias, serving soft shell and hard shell tacos, that prove the city’s culinary diversity.

“Tacos are a dish we have a lot of, and they get people excited,” said Brenda Cassabon, a representative of VisitGreenvilleSC. “We wanted to showcase some of the restaurants that best spotlighted the foodie landscape in Greenville, so we launched the

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RAISE YOUR GLASS IN BOURBON CITY

As the gateway to Bourbon Country, Louisville invites groups to explore our iconic attractions, become a bourbon afficianado at one of our urban bourbon distillery experiences, and enjoy our award-winning culinary scene.

Learn more at GoToLouisville.com/Travel-Professionals The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

TACOS FROM SALTWATER KITCH EN ON TH E GR EENVI LLE TACO TRAI L

Greenville Taco Trail on National Taco Day, just this past fall.”

With 12 destinations to choose from, groups can explore the restaurants that make Greenville part of a bustling food scene. Each stop on the trail makes for great group options.

“You can do vegetarian; you can love meat — there’s an array of everything on the trail,” Cassabon said. “Variety was important to us when making the trail.”

That variety extends to geographic variety, as well.

“One of the nice things about the trail is it takes you all over the county,” Cassabon said. “If you’re staying on the perimeters like in Travelers Rest or Fountain Inn, you can still enjoy the trail no matter where you’re staying.”

Visitors can pick up a Greenville Taco Trail Passport at the Visitors Center in City Hall or at participating restaurants.

VisitGreenvilleSC runs seasonal activities with redeemable prizes for participants who collect enough stops on the trail.

“The taco is universal,” Cassabon said. “I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like them.”

Courtesy Visit Greenville SC

V ISI T GR E E N V IL L E SC .COM

Salty Southern Route SOU THE AST VIRGINIA

I

n Virginia, a group of localities that are serious about their food but don’t take themselves too seriously has created the Salty Southern Route.

The southeastern region of the state has long been known for its peanuts, salt-cured hams and other pork products.

“We are all western tidewater localities that got together to figure out the exact thing we had in common,” said Judy Winslow, director of Smithfield and Isle of Wight Tourism. As it turns out, the thread that ties the Southampton, Isle of Wight, Sussex, Smithfield and Suffolk counties together is a salty one.

“Pork and peanuts, that’s what the entire Salty Southern Route is centered around,” Winslow said. “So our fun tagline is ‘Drive the Route from Nuts to Snout.’”

Two big names with outsize a history stand out on the Salty Southern Route: Smithfield Hams

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and Planters Peanuts. Smithfield County is famous for using peanuts to feed the hogs to create a more savory product. “The hams are not as sweet; they are salty,” Winslow said.

“On the peanut side of things, our soil produces a specialty peanut that is a bigger, gourmet snack peanut, with extra crunch and a lot of flavor,” said Ashley Convington, marketing and existing business manager at Franklin Southampton Economic Development said. “It makes them stand out.”

Getting a taste of the trail is easy, too.

“When we identified things that were clearly related to pork or peanuts, almost everything in our localities had some kind of tie-in,” Winslow said. “We tell people to go to saltysouthernroute. org and pick out the thing that is most interesting to their particular group.”

Groups can learn to shuck peanuts at Hubs Vine or in Franklin, Virginia, or see the world’s oldest “pet” ham (the oldest known edible cured ham) at the Isle of Wight County Museum. The route features attractions, restaurants, storefronts, lodging facilities, visitor centers and events that connect visitors “from nuts to snout.”

A CU LI NARY EXPERI ENCE ON VI RGI NIA’S SALTY SOUTH ER N ROUTE

SA LT YSOU T HE R N ROU T E .COM Courtesy Salty Southern Route

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sts SHINING EX A MPLE

AWARDS

Tammy Jordan

The Southeast Tourism Society presented its 2022 Best Epicurean Partner Award to Tammy Jordan, founder of Fruits of Labor, a café, bakery and culinary training center in Rainelle, West Virginia.

The Best Epicurean Partner Award recognizes restaurants, caterers, wineries, distilleries, or other food and beverage organizations that support their communities. They are exceptional partners during FA M tours and community events and in times of crisis.

Fruits of Labor offers farm-to-table dining experiences for locals and visitors in the Greenbrier Valley Area. The company’s mission is to provide not only food but also employment opportunities and training for people recovering from addiction. Jordan takes a holistic approach to helping her team members continue their recovery journeys and learn culinary skills that will help them build careers. Jordan of ten works with local tourism partners to cater events for the community.

best EPICUREAN

PARTNER AWA R D

Tour life with the Lowcountry tides.

No Crowds A Quiet Downtown Unique Shopping & Dining Meet the coastal town that will transform your next tour: Beaufort, SC. With over 70 historic sights to see, a walkable downtown, unique Gullah-Geechee heritage and fresh-caught cuisine, Beaufort is the charming Southern destination motorcoach groups can’t stop talking about.

Ljeffries@beaufortsc.org | 843.525.8526

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{

Celebrate the gifts of land and sea with epic Virginia Beach adventures the entire group can enjoy safely. With 400 square miles of wide open space, revel in hands-on experiences and unique access to a group tour that’s as safe as it is memorable.

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM/GROUPTOUR

}

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SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Architectural

Landmarks

ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Contemporary and classic structures adorn the South

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BY RACHEL CRICK

f these walls could talk, they’d have centuries of stories to tell.

From relics dating back to America’s colonization to modern-day medieval castles, the architectural wonders of America’s South are more than just ornate and interesting buildings; they represent the intersection of history and aesthetics. They capture important moments in time and demonstrate what their designers and craftsmen were capable of, and visitors won’t need to be architecture aficionados to appreciate their beauty.

In addition to admiring their exteriors, groups can tour these impressive structures to gain a greater appreciation for their history, design and the cities they’re part of, which makes them an excellent stop on any journey through the South.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine ST. AU GU STIN E , FLORIDA

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CHAR LESTON ’S DRAYTON HALL IS CONSI DER ED ON E OF TH E EAR LI EST EXAM PLES OF PALLADIAN ARCH ITECTU R E I N NORTH AM ERICA .

Courtesy Explore Charleston

he seat of the oldest parish in the United States and the oldest Catholic church in the city, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is a historic church in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. The first Catholic mass was held during 1565, upon the city’s founding, and is thought to be the first mass held in North America.

The cathedral basilica’s current structure isn’t quite that old. The original structure was complete in 1797, and its two-foot-thick walls were made of coquina, a type of rock derived from seashells. This material saved some of the building’s structure when a fire broke out in the late 1800s. The church was rebuilt in an eclectic mix of styles; the curved gables and clay roof are evidence of the Spanish-mission style, while the entrance is adorned with neoclassical elements, and the addition of a Spanish-Renaissance bell tower introduces a European touch. Inside, the cathedral basilica is intricately detailed.

Gilded statues, murals, stained-glass windows, exposed beams and painted ceilings wait to awe visitors and parishioners alike.

“It includes so much of the history of St. Augustine,” said Michelle Reyna, tour guide at the cathedral basilica. “Even the murals tell the story.”

To learn more about the journey of this church, from its origins as a modest parish church to its designation as a cathedral and later to a basilica, groups can take behind-the-scenes tours, which are offered daily during the week. From the choir loft to the sacristy to the chapel, a guide will walk the group through the building’s

history and its significance to the parish of St. Augustine. They may have a chance to see the holy relics that lie in the church, such as the piece of Saint Augustine of Hippo’s finger bone, which dates back to the fifth century.

T HE F IR S T PA R ISH.ORG

Kentucky Castle VE RSA ILLE S, K E N TU CK Y

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he last thing a traveler expects to see on a drive through the scenic rolling hills and horse farms of central Kentucky is a medieval European-inspired castle. But it’s no fairy tale — the Kentucky Castle, a stone castle with towers and turrets sits majestically on 53 acres of farmland, backlit by the beauty of the Bluegrass. Inspired by the old castles of Europe, its original owners began construction of this 19,355-square-foot castle in 1969.

Construction was halted in 1980, but the castle changed ownership and was eventually rebuilt in 2004 following a fire. Today, the Kentucky Castle is a source of intrigue for those driving by it, but it’s also a must-see attraction for locals and tourists alike.

“We always say first and foremost we're a working farm,” said Christie Eckerline, chief operating officer at the Kentucky Castle. “Beyond that we're a hotel, and we have a farm-to-table restaurant.”

Groups can tour the castle and its surrounding farm and gardens to learn about their history and enjoy the Kentucky scenery.

Specialty experiences like bourbon-tasting meals, murder-mystery dinners, rooftop yoga and tea are also offered. At the property’s restaurant, Castle Farm, fresh and creative dishes are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner; groups can enjoy elegant meals with a bourbon cocktail for a signature Kentucky dining experience.

A total of 18 overnight accommodations are available on the property, including nine elegantly decorated hotel rooms, four luxurious tower suites on the castle’s outer walls, a glamping tent, a garden cabin, a farmhouse and two tiny homes. A spa is available for guests looking to rejuvenate with massages, skincare treatments and a sauna.

CATH EDRAL BASI LICA OF ST. AUGUSTI N E Courtesy FloridasHistoricCoast.com

A GOU RM ET BR EAKFAST AT KENTUCKY CASTLE

T HE K E N T UC K YC AS T L E .COM

Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park STE . GE N E VIE VE , M ISSOU RI

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te. Genevieve, Missouri, was a settlement founded by French colonists in 1750 on the banks of the Mississippi River, during a time when land in North America was still divided among French, Spanish and British colonial rule.

Due to flooding on the riverbank, the town was forced to move three miles to its current location in 1785. Though technically under Spanish rule, the settlement was heavily influenced by its French origins.

Today, Ste. Genevieve has some of its original buildings, built Courtesy Kentucky Castle

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KENTUCKY CASTLE Courtesy Kentucky Castle

in one of the rarest architectural styles in the United States. Some of these historic buildings are the Jean Baptiste Vallé House, the Bauvais-Amoureux House and Green Tree Tavern. The tavern, which also served as an inn, was built in 1790 and is the oldest building in Ste. Genevieve. They are vertical log homes, a popular French colonial building style. Of the handful of known poteaux-en-terre, or “post-in-ground,” buildings — where the logs go directly into the earth instead of a stone foundation — three in the United States can be found in Ste. Genevieve.

“For those interested in architecture, Ste. Genevieve is a place to explore traditional French architecture in a way that you can't anywhere else,” said park rangers at Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park.

To get to know Ste. Genevieve and these historic homes, groups can take ranger-guided tours through the homes. They can peruse the grounds, including the Jean Baptiste Vallé gardens and the trails near the historic town. For a look at French colonial life and history, groups can check out exhibits at the Center for French Colonial Life or the park’s Museum Learning Center.

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Drayton Hall CHARLE STON , SOU TH CAROLIN A

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well-preserved home that was in one family for seven generations has also become a historic landmark and a treasure of Charleston, South Carolina. Drayton Hall, built from 1747-52, was constructed by John Drayton, the member of a prominent Colonial family. Drayton’s wealth stemmed from raising indigo, rice and cattle on multiple slave plantations totaling over 75,000 acres. Drayton Hall, while not a working plantation itself, was the center of Drayton’s business affairs.

STE . G EN E VI E VE NATIONAL H ISTORICAL PARK Courtesy NPS

GR EEN TR EE TAVER N AT STE . G EN E VI E VE NATIONAL H ISTORICAL PARK I N M ISSOU RI

Courtesy NPS

The two-story red-brick building on the Ashley River is one of the earliest examples of Palladian architecture in North America.

Its symmetrical designs, stately columns and ornately detailed interior can still be seen today, as very few renovations or alterations have been made inside the home. The home has survived the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and several natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires. The property is an active archaeological site containing artifacts ranging from art found within the home to items used by slaves on the property.

Group experiences at Drayton Hall include a guided tour of the home and grounds and a catered lunch. Groups can learn about the history of the house and observe its unique architectural features. The grounds of Drayton Hall contain an African American cemetery, a caretaker’s home, gardens, an education center, an exhibit gallery and a visitor center for groups to learn about the hall’s extensive history and the lives of all those who lived there. While the Drayton family and their lives are explored in depth, the caretaker’s home has been converted to a museum exploring the lives and legacies of the slaves who lived and worked on the property.

DRAYTON HALL I N CHAR LESTON Courtesy Explore Charleston

“What Monticello has done ... has been to ... make sure they’re telling a much more complete narrative of what happened.”

DR AY T ON H A L L .ORG

— BR A N T LY US SE RY, CHARLOT TESVILLE ALBER MARLE CVB

Frankfort is #KentuckyDistilled

Monticello CHA RLOT TESV ILLE, V IRGINIA

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he home of any founding father makes a worthy stop on a travel itinerary, but Monticello, home and lifelong project of Thomas Jefferson, is significant for its status as both a historical site and an architectural marvel. The author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, Jefferson was also an inventor, legal scholar, amateur botanist and architect.

What began as a grand house constructed on his father’s 5,000-acre plantation in Charlottesville, Virginia, became a passion for Jefferson, who renovated and modeled it after Italian-Renaissance and neoclassical architecture he saw during his time in Europe. By the time it was completed in 1809, it was one of the most unique and impres300 Saint Clair St., Suite 102 Frankfort, KY 40601

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visitfrankfort.com (502) 875-8687

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We’ve Been Planning Your Tour

since 1753

Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is easy to get to and even easier to navigate. Enjoy touring our vibrant nightlife, historical museums, heirloom gardens, a Moravian Culinary Trail, art, culture, shopping, and more — all within a walkable city center. And with 5,300 hotel rooms — including 1,200 downtown — our city welcomes groups of all sizes. Come see why Southern Living named us one of the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise.”

SIP & SAVOR

TOUR

Yadkin Valley Wineries

Historic Homes & Gardens

DISCOVER

Moravian Culinary Trail

For additional story ideas and media assisance, contact:

Kay Calzolari | kay@visitwinstonsalem.com | 336.728.4200

sive structures in the country, with 35 rooms and an octagonal dome as a centerpiece, the first in the United States.

For all its impressive architecture, the house and its grounds were not just home to Jefferson, and the conflicting ideals present on the land of the man who championed equality and owned nearly 600 slaves in his lifetime leave additional stories to be told.

“What Monticello has done over the past 15 to 20 years has been to really make sure they're telling a much more complete narrative of what happened on the mountaintop,” said Brantley Ussery, director of marketing and public relations at the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Groups can tour the home and grounds to hear the stories of its residents, see Jefferson’s inventions and belongings, and admire the home's innovative design. Named for the signature property and inspired by Jefferson’s attempts to grow grapes, the Monticello Wine Trail makes an excellent activity for groups in the area, which will have their pick of 40 wineries to visit. For a satisfying lunch on the road to Monticello, they can stop at Michie Tavern, a buffet-style restaurant set in an 18th century tavern serving old-fashioned Southern classics.

THE MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER IS AN OFFICIAL STOP ON THE U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL

MON T IC E L LO.ORG

Palace of Gold M OU N DSVILLE , W E ST VIRGINIA

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TH E MAI N HOUS E AT MONTICELLO

Enjoy Louisville’s premier cultural museum for inspiration, history, entertainment and more!

Explore The Greatest’s legacy— from his humble Louisville roots to his legendary journey as an athlete, social justice advocate, cultural icon, and global humanitarian.

onstructed between 1973 and 1979, Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold was intended to be a home for Srila Prabhupada, an Indian guru at the forefront of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), or the Hare Krishna movement. Prabhupada was a Vedic scholar who came to the U.S. in 1965 to spread the ancient religion, a precursor to Hinduism, to the Englishspeaking world. Prabhupada passed away in 1977, and instead of becoming a home for the guru, the palace became a memorial constructed by his followers.

Though they were amateur craftsmen, Prabhupada’s dedicated followers managed to create one of the most intricate and beautiful religious buildings in the United States.

It’s nestled in the serene hillsides near Moundsville, West

REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT GROUP TOURS! Tours Department 502.992.5340 education@alicenter.org

Located in the heart of Downtown Louisville!

144 N. 6th Street Louisville, Kentucky

alicenter.org

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TH E WOO DLAN D GROU N DS OF THOMAS J EFFERSON ’S MONTICELLO I N CHAR LOTTESVI LLE

Photos courtesy Charlottesville Albemarle CVB

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“A “A heaven heaven kind kind of of place” place” - -Daniel DanielBoone Boone

DANIEL DANIEL BOONE BOONE COUNTRY COUNTRY

The Themisty mistymountains mountainsofof Daniel DanielBoone BooneCountry Country are areteeming teemingwith with history historyand andheritage. heritage.

- Visit - Visitquaint quaintsmall smalltowns townswhere where you youcan canenjoy enjoyboutique boutiqueshopping, shopping, the thelocal localfood foodscene, scene,and and classic classicAmericana.

Americana.

- Meet - Meetthe theartists artistsand andsee seethe the process processbehind behindtraditional traditional Appalachian Appalachiancrafts. crafts.

- Explore - Explorethe themusic musicscene scenethat thathas has produced producedgenerations generationsofoftalent talentinin every everygenre. genre.

- Find - Findyour yourown ownescape escapewhether whether that’s that’srelaxing relaxingunder underthe thecanopy canopy ofofananancient ancientforest forestorortrying trying your yourluck luckatatthe thehorse horsetrack. track.

Wade Wadeininclear, clear,cool coolwaters watersoror sample samplethe themoonshine moonshinedistilled distilled from fromthem. them.Stand StandononKentucky’s Kentucky’s highest highestpeak peakororventure venturedeep deep beneath beneaththe theground. ground.It’sIt’sallall available availablehere! here!

- Taste - Tastethe theabundance abundanceofofthe theregion region asasyou yousample sampletraditional traditionaland and modern modernfaire faireininsoutheastern southeastern Kentucky’s Kentucky’slocal localfood foodscene. scene.

- Experience - Experiencethe thefirst firstfrontier frontier just justasasthe theearliest earliestsettlers settlersdid did when whenthey theycrossed crossedthe theancient ancient Appalachians Appalachianswith withpristine pristine landscapes landscapesand anda apeaceful peacefulnature nature you youwon’t won’tfind findanywhere anywhereelse. else.

Lexington Lexington Winchester Winchester Clay Clay City City 89 89

Though they were amateur craftsmen, Prabhupada’s dedicated followers managed to create one of the most intricate and beautiful religious buildings in the United States.

Virginia. Though it’s a surprising find for a state in the Bible Belt, the palace’s beauty and distinct architecture make “America’s Taj Mahal” a major tourist attraction. Adorned with gold, marble floors, chandeliers, precious stones and stained-glass windows, the palace is a luxurious tribute to Prabhupada and a wonder to behold. It’s set on a 133-acre plot known as New Vrindaban, which features a lodge, picturesque gardens and temples devoted to honoring the Vedic principles of ISKCON. Visitors of any faith can go to New Vrindaban to tour the Palace of Gold and see its artistry and lush gardens for themselves. Groups can dine at Govinda’s Restaurant, which serves vegetarian fare from traditional Indian dishes to American classics like fries and pizza. The palace lodge offers 70 rooms and 10 cabins for guests of the palace to stay in while they visit.

PALACEOFGOLD.COM

Stanton Stanton Slade Slade

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Richmond Richmond

Campton Campton

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Irvine Irvine

Natural Natural Bridge Bridge StateState Resort Resort ParkPark

WEST VI RGI NIA’S PALACE OF GO LD

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Beattyville Beattyville

McKee McKee

Jackson Jackson

Booneville Booneville 15 15

Renfro Renfro Valley Valley

Hindman Hindman

Buckhorn Buckhorn

Mt. Mt. Vernon Vernon Livingston Livingston

Annville Annville

Buckhorn Buckhorn LakeLake StateState Resort Resort ParkPark

Oneida Oneida

Carr Carr CreekCreek StateState ParkPark

Hazard Hazard

Isom Isom

London London

Hyden Hyden

Manchester Manchester

Seco Seco

Jenkins Jenkins

Whitesburg Whitesburg Eolia Eolia

Somerset Somerset

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Levi Levi Jackson Jackson Wilderness Wilderness RoadRoad ParkPark

Kingdom Kingdom ComeCome StateState ParkPark

Cumberland Cumberland

Lynch Lynch

Corbin Corbin Benham Benham

Burnside Burnside Barbourville Barbourville

Cumberland Cumberland FallsFalls StateState Resort Resort ParkPark

Harlan Harlan

Whitley Whitley City City9090 Pineville Pineville Stearns Stearns

Williamsburg Williamsburg Pine Pine Mountain Mountain StateState Resort Resort ParkPark

Middlesboro Middlesboro

Pine Pine Knot Knot

Courtesy WV Dept. of Tourism

MAKE MAKEYOUR YOURPLANS PLANSTODAY! TODAY!

MAGGY MAGGYMONHOLLEN MONHOLLEN

BRANDON BRANDONPENNINGTON PENNINGTON

60 606-528-8860 606-528-8860 ••maggy@corbinkytourism.com maggy@corbinkytourism.com 606-573-4156 606-573-4156••harlantourism@gmail.com harlantourism@gmail.com

WHERE

AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM

CREATION MUSEUM

NORTH AND SOUTH

ARK ENCOUNTER

CONNECT

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER

NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER

BB RIVERBOATS

The Cincy Region is the intersection of the North and South, where cultural encounters provide a spirited adventure.

When considering the Cincy Region for your next tour make sure to include: THE ARK ENCOUNTER The largest wood framed timber structure in the world that brings the Bible to life.

THE NATIONAL UNDERGROUND FREEDOM CENTER A world class museum telling the true story of freedom and commitment to working every day to ensure freedom.

THE AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM The largest public museum dedicated to signs in the U.S. making for a unique look at American history through signs across time.

GROUP BENEFITS •

Welcome Gifts for all passengers delivered to your host hotel when arranged before arrival.

•

Many hotel partners offer complimentary bus driver accommodations and generous complimentary room allotment.

•

Itinerary planning services available for unique step-on guide offerings or city tours.

•

Single point of contact for both sides of the river in this unique multi-state destination.

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER Located in Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center offers four different museums under one roof. With temporary installations and permanent exhibits, there is always something new to explore.

Gina Christ-Kohler Regional Director, Leisure Sales for The Cincy Region gkohler@meetnky.com Office: 859-261-4677 Direct: 859-655-4151

VISITCINCY.COM

sts SHINING EX A MPLE

AWARDS

Kathryn Shea Duncan

The Southeast Tourism Society presented its 2022 Rising Star Award to Kathryn Shea Duncan. Duncan served as the media and public relations manager at Visit Lake Charles before being promoted to director of social media.

The Rising Star Award recognizes extraordinar y on-the-job performance by a person who has worked in tourism or travel for f ive years or less. Nominees are evaluated on leadership, enthusiasm for the industry, innovation, successful programs or events, and other accomplishments.

Extra consideration goes to nominees who are involved in the industry outside their normal employment.

With a passion for photography and exploration, Duncan has made her way through every part of Lake Charles, capturing the area’s culture, natural beauty and signature cuisine to share online and in media outlets. Thanks to her efforts, Lake Charles has been covered in several prestigious media outlets, including Southern Living, HowStuff Works and Thrillist. She also published a personal account of her experience with hurricanes in the New York Times.

RISING

Star AWA R D

ACTUALLY, YOU CAN PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME. Inspire miles of smiles for your tour group with hundreds of unique attractions conveniently located in one beautiful mountain town. Stunning views, shows, Dollywood, down-home cooking, arts, crafts and much more make us a destination to remember.

PIG EON FORG ETOU RS.COM 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 8 5 -7 5 5 7

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THE KENTUCKY ARTISAN CENTER AT BEREA CENTER HOURS: 9 AM - 6 PM CAFE HOURS: 9 AM - 4 PM

kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403

go

SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Join the Crowds F E ST I VA LS & E V EN TS

Southern events make great group gatherings

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BY BRIONA LAMBACK

hat’s a better way to enjoy the culture, cuisine and music of the South than celebrating it with 10,000 of your closest friends?

From the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains, Southern communities know how to party. Every year brings carnivals, music, food, art and Christmas festivals across the Southeast. There is something for everyone, and many events are worth traveling to attend.

The following six Southeastern events are ideal for groups wanting to immerse themselves in regional culture. From an intimate music festival in the Ozark mountains to a fried chicken festival in Kentucky, there is a lot to do, eat and experience at these festivals.

The National Shrimp Festival GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

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TH E NATIONAL S H RI M P FESTIVAL CELEBRATES TH E S EAFOO D BOU NTY OF ALABAMA’S GU LF COAST COM M U NITI ES.

labama’s National Shrimp Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The four-day festival will be held October 12–15 on the beaches of coastal Alabama. It’s the place to be for seafood, art and music lovers. The programming continues growing each year with live music, a sand sculpture contest, a children’s activity village, a 10K and 5K run, and the Miss Shrimp Festival pageant.

At the festival, visitors find shrimp prepared in nearly endless ways alongside other seafood like crab, and nonseafood delights.

The entertainment is spread across two stages and various genres like country, jazz, rock and more. For art enthusiasts, there are paintings, jewelry and artisan-made crafts to enjoy. But according to Steve Jones of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, one of the unique parts of the festival is it’s entirely volunteer run by passionate locals and visitors alike.

Three hundred thousand people typically attend the festival, so planning at least six months ahead of the event is crucial. The festival team makes getting to the event smoother and more accessible for groups by organizing local shuttle services to and from the event to reduce crowded parking.

M YSHR I MPF E S T.COM

Courtesy National Shrimp Festival

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Miami Carnival M IAM I

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arnival started in the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago, but today iterations are celebrated all over the world, including in Miami every October.

Miami Carnival is the largest Carnival in North America. Each festival season is packed with events from a steel-band competition to Parade of the Bands, featuring more than 18,000 masqueraders dressed in colorful beaded and feathered costumes and over 20 masquerade bands.

At Miami Carnival, travelers can also enjoy the unique Carnival Village, a mashup of food and drink options with more than 50 vendors and food from across the many Caribbean countries, from Jamaica to the Bahamas. For an added cultural flair, distillery and brewery representatives will be on-site serving the best rums, beers and spirits from across the islands.

John Beckford, chief marketing officer, recommends groups block out hotel rooms and car rentals well in advance because there’s an acute shortage.

The Miami region has more than 40 miles of beaches and year-round warm weather, which makes the festival’s early fall date attractive to travelers coming from the colder Northeastern states.

A SAN D SCU LPTU R E AT TH E NATIONAL S H RI M P FESTIVAL I N GU LF S HOR ES Courtesy National Shrimp Festival

MI A MIC A R N I VA L .ORG

DANCERS AT M IAM I CAR NIVAL

Courtesy Miami Carnival

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World Chicken Festival LON DON , K E N TU CK Y

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HAR LAN SAN DERS CAFÉ AN D M US EUM N EAR LON DON Courtesy London Laurel Co. TC

ondon, Kentucky, loves fried chicken. The area is home to Colonel Sanders’ original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants, established in the 1940s. Today, the annual World Chicken Festival continues the tradition honoring the beloved crispy finger food. For three decades, it’s been one of Kentucky’s largest festivals, taking place annually during the last full weekend of September.

Over 170 vendors spread out over downtown London, and multiple music stages feature free concerts from regional and national artists. Entertainment line-ups are usually announced in the spring.

Kelly Burton, executive director at London Laurel County Tourist Commission, said the event is run to benefit local nonprofits.

“The one thing that makes it different from any other festival is that all these food vendors on Main Street have to be associated with a nonprofit organization,” she said. The vendors’ relationships with nonprofits significantly impact the organizations’ fundraising efforts.

Of course, there’s a lot of fried chicken to be tasted at the festival, and one of the features of the celebration is the World’s Largest Stainless Steel Skillet, which weighs 700 pounds. Dozens of volunteer cooks stand around the piping hot cauldron frying birds for festivalgoers, having served over 120,000 chicken dinners since the festival’s 1992 start.

The festival is digitally enhanced this year with a QR code and scannable map that allow travelers to have the festival layout at their fingertips.

C HIC K E N F E S T I VA L .COM

A M U LLET CONTEST AT TH E WOR LD CH ICKEN FESTIVAL I N KENTUCKY

Courtesy London Laurel Co. TC

H EADLI N ER ENTERTAI NM ENT AT TH E NATIONAL S H RI M P FESTIVAL

“The vendors’ relationships with nonprofits significantly impact the organization’s fundraising efforts.”

— K E L LY BU RT ON, LON DON L AU R E L COU T N Y T C Courtesy National Shrimp Festival

W W W. S O U T HE A S T T O U R IS M . O R G

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FESTIVALL I N WEST VI RGI NIA

FestivALL CH A RL E STO N, W E ST V I RG I N IA

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estivALL is a three-day, citywide, multiarts festival each June in Charleston, West Virginia. It features music, dance, theater and visual art from local, national and international artists, and it attracts about 30,000 attendees annually. Exhibitions, installations and performances happen across various city galleries, theaters and outdoor venues. There’s so much to be explored and experienced as the Appalachian city becomes one extensive work of art itself.

The festival’s main events range from a Carriage Trail to the Porch Parade, a popular pandemic-era adaptation to the festival’s programming that utilizes locals’ front yards for art installations.

But the festival is also going back to its pre-COVID-19 roots, with a large, ticketed concert, parades and community arts projects.

Surrounding the festival are various outdoor activities like hiking and river rafting.

“It’s the best of both worlds here,” said Mackenzie Spencer, FestivALL executive director. “Get off the grid and take part in all of the outdoor activities. But then at the end of the day, you can come downtown, see a show, support local music and artists,

Courtesy FestivALL

“See a show, support local music and artists, and really be immersed in the culture.”

— M AC K E N Z IE SPE NC E R , F E S T I VA L L

Natchitoches (Nack-A-Tish) welcomes groups of all sizes to experience the charm of the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. You’ll find shopping, dining, unique attractions and affordable accommodations.

“Nack-A-Tish”

and really be immersed in the culture.”

Beyond the festival’s season, FestivALL is an arts organization supporting Charleston with yearround arts programming and events. As the cooler months roll around, FestivALL transforms into FestivFALL, an October event with even more art experiences happening over 10 days.

F E S T I VA L LC H A R L E S T ON.COM

Natchitoches Christmas Festival N ATCHITOCH ES, LOUISIANA

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t’s been nearly 100 years since this holiday tradition began in Natchitoches, a town in north-central Louisiana. The event started with a display of 10-watt Christmas 800-259-1714 • www.Natchitoches.com

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By Abid Dyer, courtesy Natchitoches Christmas Festival

tree bulbs strung along Front Street. It’s now a six-week Christmas celebration from late November through early January. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival features over 300,000 colored lights covering the city, a firework show and live entertainment on the riverbank stage.

Food vendors at the festival sell all kinds of bites, from the usual cotton candy and funnel cakes to burgers and alligator. But the most sought-after food at Natchitoches Christmas Festival is the meat pie, a famous cultural delight of the region that’s reminiscent of an empanada. It’s made with ground beef, pork, onions and peppers stuffed in a flaky pastry turnover.

Unique attractions like Mistletoe Market, an annual arts and crafts market, make this celebration memorable. The lineup of events includes the Festival of Lights Parade, a lighted boat parade, a 5K run and cookies with Santa. For an enchanting experience, groups can travel on a Christmas-themed road trip along Louisiana’s Holiday Trail of Lights across 10 regional festivities cities, including Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Alexandria/Pineville, Ruston and Logansport.

DECORATIONS I N NATCH ITOCH ES

FI R EWORKS AT TH E NATCH ITOCH ES CH RISTMAS FESTIVAL

NAT C HI T OC HE SC HR IS T M AS .COM

By Brad Ferguson, courtesy Natchitoches Christmas Festival

There is no better place to live the legacy of the king than at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. The place where Elvis hung his jumpsuits and gold records. A place so wild it has a jungle room, jet, and a 450-room guest house. It’s the only building that Elvis never left and the place where his legacy lives forever.

70 © EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved.

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Graceland.com

SHELBY KY Shelbyville | Simpsonville | Shelby County Kentucky ShelbyKY is Your Bourbon Destination, no matter the weather or season. With groupfriendly distillery tours and tastings operating year-round, an all-season designer outlet mall, and dozens of unique and world-class lodging, groups of all sizes will love gathering in ShelbyKY. Learn more at visitshelbyky.com.

Ozark Mountain Music Festival E U RE K A SP RIN GS, ARK AN SA S

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ucked away in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Ozark Mountains Music Festival, also known as OzMoMu, is an annual four-day annual taking place each January and featuring 20 acts. The festivals’ sounds are a fusion of Bluegrass, folk, urban and American roots music. And because it happens on a crisp January weekend, the festival takes over the entire Basin Park Hotel, bringing the vibe of an outdoor festival inside.

The 1905-era hotel hosts multiple festival stages in the heart of its downtown entertainment district location, allowing for popular events like Late Night Jams to be held in a nearby local cafe, Chelsea’s.

The festival is unique because there are no backstage or private areas for the artists. Instead, bands and festivalgoers share the same space, experiencing the concert together. Music lovers enjoy hanging out personally with artists for an experience unlike any other festival.

Beyond the mean stage performances, there are listening rooms where feature artists can share their music and personal stories with attendees.

AN OZARK M USIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE I N EU R EKA S PRI NGS Courtesy Ozark Music Festival

OZ A R K MOU N TA I N M USIC F E S T I VA L .COM

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BARNETT RESERVOIR

Ridgeland, Mississippi is a treasure for groups of all sizes and occasions. Located just north of the state’s capital, this thriving destination with small-town charm offers a variety of activities, tastes and landscapes. There truly is nothing quite like gathering in Ridgeland.

Take advantage of Visit Ridgeland’s planning assistance: + Registration Name Badges + Welcome Bags with Visitors Guide & Map + Itinerary Planning & Spouse Programs + Ridgeland Group Rebate Program

For more information, contact Visit Ridgeland at 601.605.5252.

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AWARDS

Dan Rowe

The Southeast Tourism Society presented its 2022 Beacon Award to Dan Rowe. Rowe is the president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Beacon Award recognizes individuals who best exemplify outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence and who have advanced the tourism industry. Judges consider the nominees’ accomplishments, innovation, performance, integrity and empowerment of others over the course of an entire career.

Rowe has been described as a servant leader who is excellent at forging relationships across various sectors of the industry. Over the past 13 years, he has led the Panama City Beach tourism community through several crisis situations, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also headed a brand makeover for Panama City Beach and the creation of UNwineD, a new annual upscale culinary festival. Rowe is known for training and mentoring future tourism leaders across his region.

3 S80 O URestaurants T H E A S T Right T O U ROff I S M 64S O + C75I E T Y 19 hotels2 0+ 2over INTERSTATE

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Get away from it all to

Kentucky State Parks Whether for 20 or 400, we will help you find the perfect environment. Take

advantage of knowledgable interpreters at one of our 17 state resort parks for a personalized tour or hike during your visit to discover what makes Kentucky so memorable.

Speak to a group sales professional to learn more about Kentucky State Park opportunities: jovan.wells@ky.gov or call 502-892-3341. parks.ky.gov/meetings-weddings #kystateparks

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