The Group Travel Leader January 2026

B O TA N I C A L B R I L L I A N C E

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ONSITE OPPORTUNITIES

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Kids at heart MEET UP IN

MARYLAND

2026 SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY

TOUR PLANNER

JANUARY 2026

There's no better place to meet than Kalispell, Montana. With snow-capped peaks in every direction and natural scenic beauty that's perfectly complemented by friendly locals, impressive venues and robust amenities, this mountain town is ready to make any event memorable and inspiring. Come venture boldly - and find your inspiration - in Kalispell.

Discover More

Welcome to the meeting of a lifetime. discoverkalispell.com

BELOIT, WI Where Stories Begin Beloit is a welcoming, easy-to-love destination for group travel. From music and art–focused events to locally owned restaurants, lively bars, and a popular farmers’ market, there’s always something for groups to enjoy. With accommodations ranging across 10 convenient hotels, and the Ho-Chunk Gaming hotel and convention center opening in the summer of 2027, Beloit makes group planning simple and enjoyable year-round.

Conveniently located at the crossroads of I-39/90 and I-43, Beloit is ideal for day trips, overnights, hub-and-spoke itineraries, or a refreshing stop along the way. We can’t wait to welcome your group and help you write an unforgettable story—complete with amazing experiences, delicious food, and warm Midwestern hospitality.

To plan your trip, contact our planning expert Matthew Bosen: matt@visitbeloit.com 608.313.1366

Caisning oin open ber Septem !

2026

MINNEAPOLIS

318 miles

MADISON

55 miles

MILWAUKEE

75 miles

DETROIT

BELOIT ROCKFORD DES MOINES

30 miles

306 miles

CHICAGO

82 miles

306 miles

INDIANAPOLIS

283 miles ST LOUIS

315 miles

Scan the QR or go to visitbeloit.com/group-tours for more information.

CONTENTS VOL 36 | ISSUE 1

CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF GROUP TR AVEL

COLU M NS

N EWS

5 Editor’s Marks

6 News From Us 7 Family Matters

ON T H E COV E R

Travelers enjoy a night of fun on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. Photo courtesy Ocean City CVB

10 Conference Scene

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BOTANICAL GARD E N S

MARYLAND MOM EN T S

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SOUTH

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Southern Museums

TO A DV E R T I S E C A L L : DONIA SIMMONS RACHEL CRICK ASHLEY RICKS RACHEL CARTER SARAH SECHRIST

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Artist Enclaves

859.253.0455 telisa@grouptravelleader.com

CEO & Executive Editor Creative Director Associate Editor/Project Manager Print & Digital Publishing Manager Copy Editor Controller

BRIAN JEWELL

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Musical Encounters

TELISA RECH ASHLEY DELUCIA BRADY WINE MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY

Advertising Sales Manager Advertising Sales Manager Sales Coordinator Founder & Partner Partner

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Beer, Wine and Spirits

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Sports Experiences

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 253-0455 or (859) 253-0503.

Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

EDITOR’S MARKS

“T

BY BRIAN JEWELL

hings are just weird right now.”

In mid-December, I had lunch with a friend who runs a real estate brokerage in Lexington, Kentucky, where we both live. He has been selling houses for more than 20 years, but he’s never seen a time quite like this.

Homes are taking a long time to sell, he said, yet prices remain stubbornly high. Many people who normally would be moving seem to be staying put and sitting on their money. And the weirdness is making it difficult for him to know how to manage his company.

When he told me about the strange situation in his industry right now, I responded that I know the feeling. Many of the same factors causing uncertainty in real estate are having similar impacts on the tourism market. Travel prices are higher than ever, and the luxury travel market is thriving, but the middle class appears to be staying home. Many tour companies and destinations had good sales numbers in 2025 — except for those catering to inbound visitors.

Political trends and economic indicators are giving travel buyers and sellers all kinds of mixed signals. The same is true for technology. Artificial intelligence may be on the precipice of solving all of humanity’s problems, or it may eliminate all our jobs and enslave us to an army of robots.

Or perhaps the whole AI industry will evaporate in a foamy haze of uselessness, revealing all the hyperbole to be nothing but hype. It all depends on who you ask.

So yeah, things are weird right now. The question is, what are you going to do about it?

The way I see things, we have two options for 2026. We can sit around nursing our uncertainty and wait for easier times to come.

Or we can forge ahead, despite the headwinds and weird vibes, and persuade people to travel anyway.

Is the political world strange and stressful at the moment? Sure. But that’s no reason not to travel. In fact, I believe travel is one of the keys to overcoming political polarization and creating strong ties between diverse groups of people. Our industry can play a critical role in helping heal the rifts in our society.

What about the economy? There are some legitimate issues there.

The high cost of travel concerns me. But again, that’s no reason to stop the work you’re doing, because group travel offers one of the most affordable ways to see the world. If the middle class is getting squeezed, then people need the help of creative and cost-effective group travel professionals more than ever.

And then there’s technology. Will AI fundamentally reshape the way we sell travel? Perhaps. But we’ve been through seismic shifts in technology numerous times in the past 20 years. And somehow, we’re all still here. Because people love — and will always love — travel.

No matter how they choose to buy their trips, they’re going to need great human professionals to deliver great travel experiences for them.

Maybe 2026 will be as strange as 2025. Maybe it will be surprisingly wonderful. Most likely, it will be a mix of both.

Whatever this year brings, though, I’m confident that travel will remain as important as ever.

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Jewell is Named CEO and Executive Editor

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rian Jewell has been named CEO and executive editor of The Group Travel Leader Inc., effective January 1. Jewell is a longtime employee who has served as the company’s executive editor for the past 13 years and as vice president since 2020.

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company currently publishes three travel industry magazines and custom publications for clients; operates OnSite familiarization tours for destinations; produces the podcast “Gather & Go with Brian Jewell”; and creates extensive digital content for many travel industry audiences.

“Brian is the right person to assume the top management role in our company at this exciting time for its future,” said founder and partner Mac Lacy. “Brian is an accomplished journalist and editor, has a keen understanding of business principles and is one of the brightest minds in this industry.

Brian’s ethics also deserve mention — our brands will continue to meet the ethical standards they’ve always met. We’re very fortunate to have him accept this position.”

“When I got my first opportunity as a travel writer at The Group Travel Leader in 2003, I thought it was too good to be true,” Jewell said. “Today, I’m as excited about tourism as I was then. Our industry has enormous growth potential, with new customers and new travel entrepreneurs discovering the benefits of group travel every day. We’re going to continue serving as the leading source of information and ideas for longtime professionals while also welcoming newcomers with great content in whatever format they love — in print, online, in podcasts and in person.

“Our team has also been hard at work creating new ways to help our tourism industry partners reach travel planners. If groups are an important part of your tourism sales strategy, we have options you’re going to love.”

Lacy will remain active in the company as an owner and will continue to serve as an advisor in various areas of its operations. He leaves full-time work after 35 years of managing the company’s overall growth since creating it with partner Charlie Presley in 1990.

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FAMILY M AT T E R S

US TOURS NAMED HOST SPONSOR FOR G R O U P T R AV E L C O N 2 0 2 6 I N P I G E O N F O R G E SALEM, Ohio — GroupTravelCon (GTC) 2026, the leading networking event for group travel planners and suppliers, will take place June 8–10, 2026, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. US Tours has been announced as the official host sponsor, highlighting its strong support for building connections and pushing innovation in the group travel industry.

GroupTravelCon will offer invaluable experiences for travel planners and industry suppliers in the form of oneon-one appointments, insightful educational sessions, networking receptions and local sightseeing. Participants will leave with newfound knowledge about group travel trends, stronger professional relationships and new ideas to grow their programs and further their outreach.

As host sponsor, US Tours will welcome attendees and demonstrate its leadership in designing exceptional group tours while contributing to tourism and community initiatives nationwide.

This collaboration between US Tours and GroupTravelCon is set to open doors to meaningful business growth amid one of Tennessee’s premier destinations.

Pigeon Forge, with its lively attractions and modern facilities, creates the ideal backdrop for this event. The Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism is excited to roll out the red carpet and showcase the area’s sightseeing and reception offerings.

For more information about joining us for GTC 2026, contact Cassandra Blankenship at cblankenship@ grouptravelfamily.com or call 800-628-0993.

For more information regarding US Tours and its group tour offerings, please contact Bob Cline at bob@ustours.biz.

Travel planners can enjoy GroupTravelCon in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains and attractions.

P HOTOS COURTESY P I G EON FORG E D EPARTME NT OF TOURI SM

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he Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and we want you to come with us!

Our friends at Visit Myrtle Beach are arranging a student and youth travel familiarization tour of their popular coastal destination, and they’re inviting our student travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place April 21–24 and will include visits to some of the most exciting and educational attractions in Myrtle Beach and other locales along the Grand Strand.

You’ll join our founder Mac Lacy and Ashley DeLucia, our advertising sales manager, as they explore the area with our Myrtle Beach hosts.

Highlights of the four-day tour will include:

Join Us for a Trip to Myrtle Beach Student travel planners can enjoy Myrtle Beach’s interactive attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium, on an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

• Murrells Inlet Eco-Tour — Join a naturalist for a cruise around Murrells Inlet to discover the area’s amazing marine life.

• Brookgreen Gardens — Marvel at the nature and sculpture of this former plantation that has become one of the South’s premier botanical and art destinations.

• Broadway at the Beach — Catch the excitement of world-class attractions, live theater, exciting restaurants and plenty of shops in this one-of-a-kind development.

• Ripley’s Aquarium — Come face to face with sea creatures from all over the world and discover a wealth of educational opportunities for your student groups.

• Fresh Seafood — Enjoy the bounty of the Atlantic at some of Myrtle Beach’s best group restaurants.

Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by Visit Myrtle Beach. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region.

You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/mb-fam. Space is limited, and applications close February 27.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us April 21–24 in Myrtle Beach!

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A Myrtle Beach eco-adventure Ashley DeLucia

Mac Lacy

APRIL 21–24, 2026 REGISTRATION CLOSES: FEBRUARY 27 You can apply to attend this FAM tour at:

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/MB-FAM If you have questions, call Brady Wine at 859-253-0455.

M Y RT L E B E AC H FA M

Student Travel?

What’s better than a basic class trip?

A getaway in Myrtle Beach. Our 60 miles of beautiful, sunny beaches give you the kind of built-in activity every student can agree on. Plus, with over a thousand attractions –

60 miles of beaches. 1,000+ unique attractions. 2,000+ restaurants, too.

including Ripley’s Aquarium and our hands-on museum, WonderWorks – it’s easy to find the perfect balance between active learning and old-fashioned fun.

Visitmyrtlebeach.com/groups/student-groups

10 world-class theaters for student performances, education and entertainment.

Scan to plan a trip.

CONFERENCE

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NTA AND USTOA OPERATORS REPORT TEMPERED OPTIMISM FOR 2026

NTA’s Travel Exchange event in Ottawa CO URT E SY N TA

OTTAWA, Ontario, and NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — In spite of lingering economic uncertainty and policy concerns, North America’s leading tour operators are optimistic about 2026, according to data released by both NTA and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) at their annual conferences late last year.

Sixty-eight percent of USTOA tour companies saw sales growth in 2025, the organization announced at its Marketplace event last December in National Harbor. Of those, 52% reported growth of 10% or higher. And 88% of members expect their sales to grow in 2026, according to a member survey conducted in the fall.

Those results largely parallel research announced by NTA a few weeks earlier. At its Travel Exchange event, which took place in November in Ottawa, the association released the results of a recent member survey, in which a majority of members reported sales growth in 2025 and anticipated similar growth in 2026.

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NTA President Catherine Prather COURTESY NTA

The optimism among both groups, however, was tempered by lingering challenges in policy, pricing and consumer confidence.

“The loss of inbound travel from Canada has hurt a lot of businesses, and it has hurt destinations and suppliers more,” said NTA President Catherine Prather.

Beyond the loss of international inbound business, 76% of respondents in the NTA survey identified rising costs as their biggest challenge, and 37% reported grappling with declining consumer confidence and discretionary spending.

USTOA’s research revealed similar trends.

“The economy was top of mind when we asked about the biggest threats to U.S. confidence in travel in 2026,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways and USTOA’s incoming vice chair. “Seventy-one percent said they see increased hesitancy to commit to travel, and 63% see shorter booking windows. Thirtynine percent said they saw more last-minute cancellations or changes. It’s a much more cautious traveler, but ultimately still traveling.”

USTOA Opening Session in National Harbor, Maryland COURTESY USTOA

Despite the headwinds, leaders of both organizations were quick to point to strides they had made in sustainability and responsible travel. USTOA’s research showed that nearly two-thirds of members have formal, documented sustainability plans in place, up 6% from 2024.

“We’re pretty dialed in on sustainability,” said USTOA President Terry Dale. “We have done so much in so short a period of time.

But we’re going to do some repositioning. I think we’ll shift to something like responsible travel. The commitment is steadfast, but we need to adapt.”

NTA also announced new sustainability resources for its members.

“We have just finished a meaningful travel guide that we have posted to our website,” Prather said. “We know our members are in different places on their journey to sustainability. The guide is step-by-step for wherever they are on their journey. It’s 30 pages, and it really packs a punch in terms of content.”

NTA’s Travel Exchange was attended

USTOA President Terry Dale (right) with a keynote speaker

CO URT E SY U STOA

by more than 600 delegates from 48 states, nine Canadian provinces and 29 other countries. Its 2026 edition will take place November 15–18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

USTOA Marketplace reached a sold-out capacity of 950 attendees representing 100 countries.

Its 2026 event is scheduled for November 30– December 4 in San Francisco. ntaonline.com ustoa.com

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he Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Kentucky, and we want you to come with us!

Our friends at the Kentucky Department of tourism are arranging a “Full-Throttle Kentucky” familiarization tour of some of the Bluegrass State’s most exciting destinations, and they’re inviting our student and youth travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place May 25-29 and will include Louisville, Bowling Green and Lexington.

You’ll join Rachel Crick, our associate editor, and Telisa Rech, our advertising sales manager, as they explore the area with our Kentucky hosts.

Highlights of the five-day tour will include: • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory — See the site where baseball’s most famous equipment is manufactured and hold bats that belonged to sports legends.

Join Us for a Trip to Kentucky Student travel planners will enjoy stops at some of the Bluegrass State’s top attractions, like Kentucky Kingdom, on an upcoming familiarization tour with The Group Travel Leader.

Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park

• Kentucky Kingdom — Enjoy rides and attractions while exploring concepts like force, speed and engineering in action at this popular amusement park.

P HOTO COURTE SY VI SI T KE NTUCKY TOURISM

• Mammoth Cave — Discover the natural and human history of the world’s longest known cave system and the forest above it.

• National Corvette Museum — Explore the story of America’s iconic sports car while learning about automotive engineering, design and technological innovation.

• Kentucky Horse Park — Learn about equine history at the International Museum of the Horse, meet retired racing champions and see unique breeds from around the world.

Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by the Kentucky Department of Tourism. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region.

You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/ky-fam. Space is limited, and applications close March 13.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us May 25-29 in Kentucky!

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Telisa Rech

Rachel Crick

MAY 25–29, 2026 REGISTRATION CLOSES: MARCH 13 You can apply to attend this FAM tour at:

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/KY-FAM If you have questions, call Brady Wine at 859-253-0455.

KENTUCKY FAM

Impossibly vast for infinite wonder.

Visit whole new worlds to wow your youth travel groups in our new Kentucky home. Join us for this extraordinary Group Travel Leader FAM May 25-29.

Tour the Louisville Slugger factory, explore Mammoth Cave, enjoy equine experiences, and more! Sign up at GroupTravelLeader.com/ky-fam today.

MAM M OTH C AVE NATI O NA L PAR K , MAM M OTH C AVE

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LANDSCAPES

The Atlanta Botanical Garden features 30 acres of lush gardens and will celebrate its 50th year in 2026.

COURT ESY AT L AN TA B OTAN ICAL GARD EN

The Spring Troll at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens COURTE SY COASTAL MAI NE B OTANI CAL GARD E NS

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The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix COURTE SY D ESERT BOTAN ICAL GARD EN

Boba tea at The Huntington in San Marino

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B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S A N N O U N C E S P R I N G ’ S A R R I VA L

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BY ZACH CHOUTEAU

otanical gardens offer more than just a foray into flora — they’re living museums that combine science, art and natural inspiration.

For groups seeking a shared experience, these settings provide immersive landscapes where education and leisure meet serenity. Whether groups prefer organized offerings like guided tours and hands-on workshops or just a free-flowing meditational meander, botanical gardens invite visitors to explore nature together in ways that spur curiosity and connection.

From the majesty of sprawling conservatories to the intimacy of themed gardens, these destinations are designed to delight collective audiences. Groupfriendly amenities, accessible paths and curated programs make them ideal for school trips, corporate outings or family gatherings. And, in springtime, these natural wonders are at their blooming best, giving visitors a colorful and inspiring wake-up call from the winter season.

Here’s a look at seven of the very best botanical gardens for group escapes across the nation.

Atlanta Botanical Garden ATL A NTA

The Atlanta Botanical Garden has shone as a cultural gem in Midtown Atlanta since 1976, showcasing 30 acres of lush landscapes, the award-winning Children’s Garden, serene Storza Woods with its Canopy Walk and the Skyline Garden’s sweeping vistas. Spring is known for peak blooms and special programs that make group visits especially rewarding.

Docent-led tours highlight orchids, roses and seasonal exhibitions while discounted group admission encourages shared exploration. Families and school groups can join Garden Playtime activities or spring day camps, blending fun with hands-on learning. Seasonal events like Garden Lights, Holiday Nights extend the experience into evening. With spaces designed for discovery and connection, the garden provides an

ideal setting for groups to enjoy Atlanta’s most radiant season together.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, and there is plenty to celebrate.

In March, the garden offers its annual spring bulb festival, Atlanta Blooms, and this year the garden is calling it Atlanta SUPER Blooms, as the number of bulbs will more than double. In May, the garden will open Niki in the Garden, an encore exhibit of the sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle, which was first presented in 2006.

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The Huntington

SA N MA R I N O, C A LI FO R N IA

The Huntington, nestled on the former estate of Henry and Arabella Huntington in San Marino near Pasadena, California, spans 130 acres of meticulously cultivated landscapes. More than 16 themed gardens prompt exploration, from the historic Rose Garden and famed Desert Garden to captivating cultural settings like the Japanese Garden and the classical Chinese Garden, Liu Fang Yuan. Thousands of plant species flourish here — many rare or scientifically noteworthy — thriving in SoCal’s mild climate. Beyond their unforgettable beauty, the gardens serve as living collections that advance research, conservation and education.

Spring at The Huntington adds a new layer of cultural and sensory discovery. A special exhibition on viewing stones highlights the artistry of form and texture, complementing the season’s renewal outdoors.

The freshly revamped Kitchen Garden features plantings inspired by Filipino food scientist and humanitarian Maria Orosa, whose legacy will be celebrated in a public program on April 19, 2026. Visitors will connect meaningfully with her philosophy through touch, scent and taste. For groups, spring offers relaxing repose and shared exploration of seasonal blooms, cultural encounters and landscapes bursting with potential.

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Spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden is a breathtaking observation of renewal across 385 acres in Glencoe, Illinois. Groups can investigate 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas, from tranquil Japanese Gardens to tulip-lined promenades. Thousands of blooming daffodils, magnolias and cherry blossoms are just a sampling of the seasonal highlights that create a memorable panorama. Families and school groups can take advantage of spring break camps and hands-on workshops, while adult visitors can schedule docent-led tours and culinary classes focused on seasonal herbs.

The Plant Science Center is home to interactive exhibits that deepen appreciation of horticulture, while picnic areas and accessible trails make it a breeze for groups to relax together. With discounted admission for larger parties, the garden is ideal for budget-friendly collective enjoyment. Whether rambling through the Rose Garden, learning about conservation or just soaking in the beauty of springtime in Chicago, visitors will benefit from infinite chances for discovery and connection.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens BO OTH BAY, MA I N E

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, located on 300 acres along Maine’s Boothbay peninsula, is New England’s largest horticultural destination and a radiant spring retreat. Groups can take advantage of discounted admission for 15 or more, customizable tours and boxed lunch options that make planning stress-free. Seasonal blooms, such as daffodils, tulips and magnolias, frame whimsical sculptures and vistas of Maine’s dramatic coast, resulting in a sensory feast.

Families and school groups can enjoy field trips that

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The Chicago Botanic Garden

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COURTE SY CHI CAG O B OTANI C GARD EN

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Denver Botanic Gardens

Groups!

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BY SCOT T D RE SSEL-MARTI N, COURTE SY D ENVE R B OTANI C GARD ENS

highlight ecology, pollinators and stewardship, while adult visitors can join horticulture and art workshops that embrace spring’s renewal.

The Children’s Garden, inspired by legendary storybook terrains, is a hit with younger audiences, while wooded trails invite collective exploration of Maine’s natural beauty. The gardens also champion conservation, offering programs that open visitors’ eyes to the significance of protecting native ecosystems. For reunions, retreats or educational outings, spring at the garden balances tranquility and discovery in equal measure. With vibrant landscapes, cultural programming and group-friendly amenities, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a natural choice for a great group experience.

COURT ESY COASTAL M AINE B OTANICAL GARD EN S

Maine Days event at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Don’t let boardrooms happen to you.

Meet Here

M A I N E G A R D E N S .O R G

Denver Botanic Gardens DENVER

In the heart of Colorado’s Mile High City, spring unfolds across 23 acres of vibrant landscapes, water features and innovative art installations at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Seasonal highlights include the Spring Plant Sale, where groups can shop for unique specimens, and a bustling spring festival that includes cultural performances and horticultural displays.

School groups can consider spring break camps focused on plant-animal connections, while adult visitors relish docent-led tours and discounted group admission.

Accessible paths, shaded seating and themed gardens make it easy and inviting for groups to explore together at any pace they like. From tulips and lilacs to interactive exhibits, spring offers a rare combination of beauty and education. The gardens also greatly emphasize sustainability, with programs highlighting waterwise gardening and conservation. For gatherings of all kinds, Denver Botanic Gardens thrives as an urban oasis bursting with color, culture and chances for discovery.

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Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Gardens

Long wood Gardens

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Tulips at Pennsylvania’s Longwood Gardens

A cactus at the Desert Botanical Gardens CO URT E SY D E S E RT BOTA N ICA L GA RDENS

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s most renowned horticultural meccas and is at its finest in the spring.

Azaleas, poppies and flowering shrubs line the 600-foot Flower Garden Walk, while historic promenades and capacious conservatories display thousands of blooms.

Groups can take advantage of discounted admission, self-guided itineraries and tailored tours that highlight seasonal displays. Families enjoy everything from nature strolls to interactive treehouses, while school groups can partake in educational programs tied to conservation and horticulture.

The gardens also frequently host performances and special events that bring music and art into the horticultural setting, creating memorable experiences for groups. With accessible amenities, picnic areas and spaces designed with discovery in mind, Longwood is a truly special setting where groups can learn, play and celebrate together.

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BY BECCA MATH IAS, COU RTESY LONGWOOD GARD E NS

Desert Botanical Garden PH O E N I X

FIVE ICONIC EXPERIENCES. ONE MONUMENTAL TRIP.

Ride to the top of the Arch, watch the award-winning documentary on its construction and explore the free museum below, experience history inside the Old Courthouse and cruise the Mighty Mississippi — Gateway Arch National Park is the landmark gateway for your group’s getaway.

To plan your group travel, scan the QR code or contact us.

GroupSales@Gatewayarch.com | 314-923-3080 | GatewayArch.com/Groups

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Spring at Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is a sensory feast; the gardens come alive with wildflowers and cactus blooms painting the Sonoran Desert in vibrant colors. Docent-led tours, discounted admission and seasonal exhibitions like Framerate: Desert Pulse — which blends art and ecology — are just a few of the group lures here. Families savor the Cactus Clubhouse, an 8,000-square-foot nature play space offering hands-on activities for kids, while adult groups can attend evening concerts as part of the Music in the Garden series.

Educational workshops highlight desert conservation and sustainable gardening, making the garden a hive of learning as well as leisure.

Accessible trails, shaded seating and picnic areas ensure comfort for groups of all ages and types.

For school trips, reunions or corporate outings the garden provides an unforgettable experience rooted in the desert’s vibrant renewal. With cultural programming and natural wonder intertwined, it’s a destination where groups can bond and be inspired together.

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The Annapolis City Dock is the heart of the city and overlooks the scenic Chesapeake Bay

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D E S T I N AT I O N

MARITIME MAINSTAY MARYLAND IS DEFINED BY COASTS AND COLONIAL TOWNS

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BY RACHEL CRICK

rom hubs of Colonial history to picture-perfect beaches and boardwalks, Maryland tells the American story.

The state was the seventh to join the Union, and its distinct shape — curled around the nation’s capital and divided by Chesapeake Bay — comprises varied terrain that earned its nickname, “America in Miniature.” From mountainous regions on the western panhandle with plenty of outdoor recreation to capital-adjacent shopping and entertainment districts to wholesome and serene coastal settings, Maryland has it all. Groups can wind their way from one end of the state to the other to see its varied charms.

F R E DE R IC K Frederick is both the name of a city and a county in Eastern Maryland.

Because the city was founded in 1745, and because the surrounding area has been occupied even longer, both the city and the county have a few interesting historical niches, including several religious sites of significance. The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is located in Frederick County and honors the first American-born saint, canonized for her contributions to the foundation of Catholic schools and the Sisters of Charity. The county is also home to The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a mountainside shrine mimicking one in France.

Frederick County also has significant Civil War history. It’s part of the Maryland Civil War Trails program, which lets visitors explore the many sites throughout the state that were integral to the country’s bloodiest conflict.

The dozens of trail sites in Frederick County include South Mountain State Battlefield and Monocacy National Battlefield. Frederick is also home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which offers group tours for up to 40 and explores the fascinating (and often horrifying) medical practices common in the late 19th century and during the war.

In addition to its historical sites, the outdoorsy Frederick has plenty of state parks and hiking trails for active groups to explore. But it also combines

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outdoor recreation and agritourism to cultivate a rich culinary scene. Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center offers an edible herb walking tour, and South Mountain Creamery lets groups tour and then sample some of its delicious handmade ice cream. Catoctin Mountain Orchard has a market, you-pick flowers and fresh-baked pies, while Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery can serve a farm-to-table lunch, complete with handcrafted spirits.

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PR I NC E GEORGE’ S COU N T Y Just on the other side of Washington D.C., Prince George’s County is the less-crowded, budget-friendly alternative to the nation’s capital. It’s close enough that visitors can go in and out of the city to experience some of the main attractions, while it also has plenty to offer on its own.

National Harbor is one of the biggest attractions in Prince George’s County and sits just across the river from D.C. This resort destination’s iconic skyline includes The Capital Wheel, a large Ferris wheel, and the seasonal, celebratory fireworks often light up the evening sky. In the summer, groups can spend their time on the waterfront, dine at one of the numerous restaurants and bars, or even have some fun on the water on board a water taxi or yacht.

Shopping is a great year-round way to pass time in National Harbor because it’s home to Tanger National Harbor outlets, featuring about 85 retail shops.

Set on 13,000 acres in Prince George’s County, Patuxent Research Refuge is another one of the county’s top attractions. Designed to educate visitors about wildlife and the preservation of their habitat, the refuge is home to many species of birds, mammals, amphibians and pollinators.

Groups can participate in ranger-led programs and visit the National Wildlife Visitor Center to learn more about the refuge’s wild residents.

Prince George’s County has many communities within, each home to local shops and restaurants that can cater to groups. Chicken Loco, SoBe Restaurant & Lounge and Flaming Grill & Buffet are each guaranteed to provide a group with a delicious meal at the end of their day.

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Eating crab in Ocean City

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BY NATH A N MIGA L, COU RTESY TH IS IS C LEV EL AND.COM

A N NA P OL IS Located on Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis and surrounding Anne Arundel County have a lot to offer groups. Downtown Annapolis is the city’s heart, featuring historic architecture and a gorgeous waterfront for visitors to explore via walking tours. In addition to the Colonial buildings and landmarks like St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, groups can learn about the city’s history as “America’s Sailing Capital.” The William Paca House, a Georgian mansion built in the 18th century for founding father William Paca, is another great example of Colonial architecture; the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, which provide insight on Colonial life.

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, the state of Maryland’s official museum of African American history, can be found in downtown Annapolis. The museum is dedicated to preserving Black history in the state of Maryland. .

Annapolis is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. Groups can take guided or self-guided tours to see several iconic monuments dedicated to events in American history and learn about the role the academy plays in the country’s armed forces. Guided walking tours are open to the public and offered daily, though groups of 20 or more should call ahead to schedule private tours.

Groups can enjoy fresh seafood on Annapolis’ waterfront at one of its many group-friendly restaurants, like Carrol’s Creek Cafe, which has harbor views and famous Maryland crabcakes.

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BA LT I MOR E Baltimore is Maryland’s most populous city and the 30th most populous in the U.S., home to an estimated 585,000 people. This buzzing city is a cultural mecca with an emerging culinary scene, art from the past and present, and several eras worth of history to share.

Perhaps some of the city’s most notable history is its connection to the national anthem, thanks to the role it played in the War of 1812. That’s because it’s the site of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine where, in 1814, the Americans successfully defended the fort against British ships and effectively won the war. This event inspired American lawyer Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” based on what he saw as he watched the attack from a British warship where he was being held prisoner. Groups can visit and tour Fort McHenry, or they can visit the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, the former home of one of the women who sewed the impressive 30-by-42-foot flag that inspired the anthem.

The city is also rich in African American history, playing a key role in the lives of inspirational figures like Harriet

Tubman and Frederick Douglass. To learn more about this history, groups can tour the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. Other noteworthy museums to add to the itinerary include the Baltimore Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum and The Walters Art Museum.

To explore the diverse local culinary scene, groups can head to Cross Street Market for international cuisine, visit Phillips Seafood for fresh seafood in a sit-down setting, or even stop by one of the city’s many craft breweries.

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Saltwater 75 restaurant in Ocean City

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Nothing feels as classically American as a stroll along a vintage boardwalk, and Ocean City will happily oblige.

With a year-round population of less than 7,000, this small coastal Maryland town can be found on a narrow stretch of land between the Isle of Wight Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. But its family-friendly charm and proximity to major metros make it the choice getaway for as many as 8 million visitors each year.

The Ocean City Boardwalk is a huge draw, as it feaA stained-glass church A cannon firing tures 3 miles of shops, arcades and eateries for travelers to window in Annapolis reenactment in Frederick explore. It’s known for its family-friendly feel, which makes it a perfect stop for groups of all ages. Group leaders can set COURTESY VI SI T ANNAP OLI S/ANNE ARUND E L COUNT Y COURT ESY VISIT F RED ERIC K – M ARY L AN D their travelers loose for an afternoon of shopping, gaming and snacking on carnival food, or they can pay a visit to the boardwalk’s amusement park, Trimper Rides of Ocean City, home to classic amusement rides and thrilling new roller coasters. Beyond the boardwalk, Ocean City has 10 miles of pristine beaches, perfect for groups that want to spend their day soaking up the sun and dipping their toes in the surf.

Other ways to get outdoors include chartered sightseeing or eco cruises, which take groups through the city’s waterways and can teach them about the many species of birds that live there.

Go With the Flow Cruises offers cruises for groups of up to 22, and OC Bay Hopper has several boats that accommodate up to 16 passengers. Many of these chartered cruises can take groups to Assateague Island, the protected nature sanctuary on a nearby barrier island that’s known for being home to Explore the 250 year impact of the words that changed the world. wild horses and plenty of bird species.

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S I G N AT U R E M U S E U M S

These six stops can highlight any trip

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BY CYNTHIA BARNES

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hether they focus on one particular subject or a broader range of culture, museums are an ideal way to gain a deep appreciation of history, civilization and creativity. More than mere displays of artifacts behind glass, Southern museums lead visitors on participatory journeys that highlight everything from artistic innovation to scientific achievements and pivotal moments in our nation’s timeline.

Whether your groups are dedicated museum enthusiasts or just excited to explore new places, the Southeast’s unique institutions offer accessible, engaging experiences that will leave a lasting impression and enrich their understanding of the world around them. No matter what kind of experience your travelers are looking for, these six museums should be at the top of your list.

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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum M T. P LE A SA N T, SOU TH CAROL INA

PAT R IOTS P OI N T N AVA L & M A R I T I M E M US EU M I N M T. PL E A S A N T, S O U T H C A ROL I N A , IS V IS I T ED BY M OR E T H A N 3 00,000 G U E S TS E ACH Y E A R .

Visitors can meet the fleet and immerse themselves in the nation’s military history at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. Every year, more than 300,000 guests cross the bridge from downtown Charleston to visit the museum, where the USS Yorktown is proudly anchored in the harbor. Known as World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady,” the ship is an Essex-class carrier that was instrumental in the Pacific theater and also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in 1968. Decommissioned in 1970, the ship became the centerpiece of Patriots Point when it was established in 1976.

“In addition to the Yorktown, we have a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships,” said Samantha Elkin, the museum’s director of marketing and communications. “The USS Laffey (DD-724) is the most decorated World War II-era destroyer still in existence, and we also have the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the U.S. It has more than a dozen different components, and parts of it somewhat simulate life during the war.”

For groups, Elkin recommends the Wings and Things tour as well as the newly launched VIP tour.

“With Wings and Things, it takes you through the flight deck and the hangar deck,” she said. “People can touch the planes, and there are some that you can climb inside. Our guides really are walking encyclopedias and storytellers, and they do an incredible job.”

For smaller groups that are comfortable with climbing up and down some ladders, Elkin says the VIP tour is a must.

“It’s an exceptional tour,” she said. “We do it early morning before anyone’s here at the museum, and they take you through different aspects of the ship that were previously not open to the public at all.”

Patriots Point will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, with a year-long campaign of unique exhibits.

PATRIOTSPOINT.ORG

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts RICHM ON D, VIRGIN IA

The first state-sponsored museum in the nation, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond houses a permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from around the world.

Courtesy Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

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“We have one of the top collections of American art in the nation,” said Kathy Parrish, the museum’s adult and college group visit coordinator. “It runs from pre-Colonial all the way through the 21st century. And we also have the largest collection of Fabergé eggs outside of Russia and one of the only statues of Caligula in existence.”

The museum is currently undergoing an expansion, and some galleries may be closed. In fall of 2026, the VMFA will be hosting The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse, with masterpieces from Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot and more.

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American Prohibition Museum

By Rachel Crick

SAVA N N AH, GEORGIA

Prohibition profoundly changed the American landscape, and its effects can still be felt today.

“This thing that lasted almost 14 years, and even longer across the country — it applied to the entire country,” said Travis Spangenburg, creative and production manager for the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, Georgia. “We know the things it’s connected to culturally, like jazz, and we all know about gangsters and flappers. But we don’t maybe know its connection to modern liquor laws or NASCAR. “It was this huge cultural moment in the United States, and we tell the story of it in a really fascinating way that includes high-tech interactive exhibits as well as writings and exhibits for people who are into a more traditional museum experience.”

Groups can take self-guided and guided tours, all of which end in the speakeasy, where they can enjoy a Prohibition-era cocktail. In the evenings, the museum hosts cocktail classes and spirit tastings.

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AMERICANPROHIBITIONMUSEUM.COM

U.S. Space & Rocket Center HU N TSVILLE , ALA BA M A

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, “is really a showcase of American space exploration, and one of the most extraordinary places you can put on your travel list,” said Pat Ammons, the center’s senior director of communications. “We have a worldclass collection of space hardware, from a full shuttle stack to a Saturn V dynamic test vehicle, the real deal, the kind of vehicle that took America to the moon.”

Groups can challenge themselves and train like an

Courtesy Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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astronaut at the G-Force Accelerator, where they’ll experience three times the force of gravity, or try out flight simulators like the HyperShip and Max Flight. The Intuitive Planetarium is a 67-foot, 8K digital dome facility with live interactive programs that will immerse visitors in the cosmos.

“We also have opportunities to add tours with a docent, which is one of our highlights,” Ammons said.

“These are individuals who worked or, in some cases, are still working in the program, either as engineers or scientists, who can give an inside perspective on what it’s like and can really explain rocket science to you.”

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U.S. Marshals Museum FO RT SMI TH , A RK A NS A S

The U.S. Marshals consider Fort Smith, Arkansas, to be sacred ground. The city and surrounding area are the site of some of the bloodiest confrontations in the long history of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency.

T H E A P OL LO 16 C A PS U L E AT H U N TS V I L L E ’S U. S .

S PACE & ROCK E T CEN T ER Courtesy U.S. Space & Rocket Center

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“Though we have the honor and privilege of sharing their stories, we are not actually affiliated with the U.S. Marshals Service themselves,” said Satori Haest, director of sales and community engagement for the museum.

“But they chose Fort Smith as the site. The land was donated, and we’re privately funded. What we do here is to serve as a national center of heritage and legacy. We’re all about promoting the knowledge and inspiring appreciation for the accomplishments of the U.S. Marshals Service. Visitors are able to experience a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the story of the first federal law enforcement agency to life through interactive galleries, exhibits and just learning and listening to the inspiring stories of the justice, integrity and service of the marshals.”

The museum opened in 2023 after more than 16 years of fundraising, design and construction. The collection boasts more than 2,000 artifacts, including historic journals and memorabilia from the Western frontier, the Civil Rights era and the Oklahoma City

Courtesy U.S. Marshals Museum

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bombing, as well as badges and guns used by the Marshals Service throughout the years.

“I’m biased, but I think all of our exhibits are wow factors,” Haest said. “I will say some of the fan favorites have been the campfire, which is essentially an exhibit featuring four figures of U.S. marshals sitting around a campfire and telling stories of the different times during that service era.”

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St. Joseph Museums ST. JOSE P H, M ISSOU RI

Located on the scenic bluffs of the Missouri River, St. Joseph is rich in history. Visited by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their historic westward expedition, St. Joe soon became a thriving frontier outpost in Missouri and the starting point of the famed Pony Express, as well as the town where legendary outlaw Jesse James met his end at the hands of Robert Ford.

Much of this history is brought to life at the St. Joseph Museums complex. With six separate offerings, the unique museum campus will inspire the history buff in every visitor. The complex on Frederick Avenue houses the Glore Psychiatric Museum, the Black Archives Museum, the Doll Museum, and the Archaeology & Native American Galleries.

“St. Joseph has so much to offer visitors,” said Kami Jones, communications and group tours manager for St. Joseph Museums. “While people often first arrive as a stop on a mystery tour, they quickly realize there’s more than enough here to fill an entire itinerary.” Jones added that the museum complex offers discounts and special tours for groups.

Chronicling the 140-plus-year history of what was once known as “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2,” the Glore Psychiatric Museum uses full-size replicas, interactive displays, artifacts and documents to illustrate how mental illness was treated in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

The exhibits are graphic and can be emotionally challenging, illustrating the stark realities of institutional life.

There are more than 4,000 Indigenous artifacts preserved in the Native American Galleries, while the accomplishments of St. Joseph’s African American community are honored at the Black Archives Museum.

After exploring the museum complex, groups can visit the 1879 Wyeth-Tootle Mansion. The three-story, 40-room home is one of many ornate mansions in St. Joseph that illustrates the prosperity of the city’s residents in the late 19th century, and the historic manor has been restored to its opulent Victorian splendor.

Courtesy U.S. Marshals Museum

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STJOSEPHMUSEUM.ORG

Courtesy St. Joseph Museums

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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.

Visit www.alabama.travel To learn how your group can experience Alabama, contact Shawna Faniel at shawna.faniel@tourism.alabama.gov or 334-353-1907

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Southern Soundtrack It’s what you’ll hear when you’re here

BY RACHEL CRICK

M USIC HOTSPOTS

BY RACHEL CRICK

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he soundtrack of the Southeast is a story that weaves together countless performers, many genres and plenty of cultural movements that changed the course of music history.

After all, it’s the land where hundreds of talented songwriters, gifted musicians and legendary performers have each made their mark, whether they were born and raised there or simply recorded in one of the storied studios there. Venues of national significance dapple the landscape, and stars — whether from a century ago or today’s top artists — are celebrated throughout.

Groups know the best way to appreciate music is to experience it, so here are six Southern destinations that promise a toe-tapping good time.

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Elkins, West Virginia

With an anthem all its own that declares the state “almost heaven,” it should come as no surprise that West Virginia has its own music to share with the world. Located on the Mountain Music Trail, Elkins is a small town in Randolph County. It’s surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a haven for outdoor adventure seekers. It’s also home to Davis & Elkins College, a private, nonprofit liberal arts college, where music-loving groups can find the Augusta Heritage Center.

The center is known for hosting music-related events year-round, but especially the weeklong workshops dedicated to music, crafting and folklife.

These workshops and events have been bringing culture to both locals and visitors since it was opened more than 50 years ago. In 2026, the workshops will include Cajun, Creole & Classic Country Week, Blues Week, Old-Time Week, Bluegrass Week and Vocal Week. These workshops give participants a hands-on, immersive education about the topic of the week and provide them the chance to not only enjoy music, but also create it themselves. Other events include daylong workshops, concerts, dance classes and traditional foodways classes.

Big Timber Brewing, also in Elkins, is known to host live music and jam sessions on Thursday evenings, which groups will enjoy while sipping craft brews.

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The Shoals, Alabama

S T. LO U IS F E AT U R E S CO U N T L E S S OPP OR T U N I T I E S FOR G RO U PS TO H E A R L I V E M US IC , F ROM B LU E S CLU B S TO I TS M A N Y E V EN TS A N D F E S T I VA L S .

The Shoals comprise a region in northwestern Alabama that includes the towns of Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals along the Tennessee River.

It’s an unassuming destination rich in history, and it’s a must-stop for those interested in music heritage. It’s the hometown to W.C. Handy, “the Father of the Blues,” and Sam Phillips, who held Elvis Presley’s first recording contract. Stars like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, Cher and Bob Dylan each recorded music in the region’s studios, two of which are open for tours.

And, of course, it’s also home to iconic music attractions that groups can tour to take the pulse of Alabama’s music scene, past and present.

One such attraction is the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, which features artifacts like Presley’s original RCA recording contract and the band Alabama’s tour bus. Interactive exhibits teach groups about

Courtesy Explore St. Louis

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the state’s top music legends, including those who simply stopped along the way to record a smash hit. Groups can opt for guided or self-guided tours.

In Florence, groups can head to the W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library, a simple cabin where the blues legend was born. Today, it’s a museum containing hundreds of artifacts and memorabilia, including Handy’s piano. Fame Recording Studios can be found across the river in Muscle Shoals, while nearby Sheffield is home to Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Cypress Moon Studios; all three studios offer tours to educate visitors about the hit tracks produced there.

Groups can find live music almost daily at venues throughout the region or stop by the W.C. Handy Music Festival in July.

C A PR ICOR N R ECOR DS M US EU M I N M ACON Courtesy Visit Macon Georgia

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Macon, Georgia

There are plenty of reasons to visit Macon, Georgia: the 300,000 cherry trees that bloom each spring, historic attractions like the Tubman Museum and, of course, the city’s rich music heritage. The city is a mecca for soul music, thanks to the legacy of the artists who grew their talents and their genre there.

“Macon is the hometown to Otis Redding, Little Richard and The Allman Brothers Band, and that’s our biggest legacy,” said Marisa Rodgers, vice president and chief marketing officer at Visit Macon. “Macon has always been a center for music.”

Groups can visit the place where The Allman Brothers Band lived and recorded music. The large, Tudor-style home was once known as “the big house,” and now visitors can tour the historic Big House Museum. Some of the home’s rooms have been arranged to replicate how they looked when the band lived there.

Self-guided tours are available.

Groups will have plenty of opportunities to learn about other local music legends, too. Before his untimely death in 1967, Redding helped his manager, Phil Walden, build the foundations for Capricorn Records. The independent label, officially started in 1969, quickly grew as it recorded music from talents like The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and Wet Willie. Today, it’s known as Mercer Music at Capricorn, a museum and active recording studio that is still recording new talent in the Macon area. Groups can visit the museum for a peek into the studio and for music-themed group experiences.

T H E M US CL E S HOA L S S O U N D S T U DIO

Courtesy Colbert County Tourism

A PER FOR M ER AT N E W OR L E A N S ’ C A J U N Z Y DECO F E S T I VA L

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They can also stop by the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, a newly opened center for youth music education that also creates custom experiences for groups.

Visit Macon offers self-guided tours along the Macon Music Trail, which highlights performance venues, album cover locations and significant sites of Macon’s music legends throughout the city.

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New Orleans

The Big Easy, Crescent City, NOLA and more — New Orleans has no shortage of nicknames. Now there’s a new name for this world-famous city: UNESCO City of Music. It was recently awarded the designation as a Creative City for Music by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, making it one of only 10 cities in the U.S. to hold the distinguished title. And it’s really no wonder. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, though its diverse culture has also shaped genres like the blues, Cajun, R&B and more, making it a great stop for music-seeking groups.

“There are so many opportunities throughout the year for a group traveling to New Orleans to take in all kinds of music,” said MaryBeth Romig, assistant vice president of public relations for New Orleans & Company. “If they’re here for one of those outdoor festivals, they’ll hear back-to-back music.

Groups also get to see some of the best New Orleans performers while here; we have so many great local musicians.”

Each year, the city has a dizzying buffet of over 130 festivals where live music can be enjoyed, from the lavish celebrations of Mardi Gras to the iconic New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture and many more. A lot of these festivals are free to attend, making them a great way for a group to pass a day in the city. In addition to live music across multiple stages, groups can grab food and beverages and shop art and artisan wares at these festivals to support local vendors.

When in town, groups can also head to the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the old U.S. Mint building on the edge of the French Quarter. The museum hosts many of these festivals but also offers group tours and free concerts on Tuesdays.

Wright Brothers National Memorial Cape Hatteras National Seashore Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

BUCKET LIST ADVENTURES Walk in the footsteps of OBX pirates Enjoy a Guided Dolphin Eco-Tour Go Off Road on a Wild Horse Safari

HISTORY BUFFS Journey Through the Graveyard of the Atlantic Discover the Mysteries of Roanoke Island Explore Historic Lifesaving Stations

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Where America’s Journey Begins

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St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument symbolizing the city’s history as the gateway to the West. But in addition to its pioneer history, St. Louis has a deep connection to blues music.

“St. Louis is full of music, and we have a long history with it, but even today, local artists are still pushing boundaries,” said Rachel Huffman, content manager at Explore St. Louis. “It’s very affordable and accessible and approachable to experience the music scene in St. Louis. It’s a scene that’s still alive and thriving, and it’s a good example of the creative energy the city offers.”

One of the city’s top music-oriented attractions is the National Blues Museum, which houses interactive displays and many artifacts related to the genre and frequently hosts live performances in its listening room.

Groups of 15 or more receive discounted tickets, and additional experiences can be added on to enhance a group’s visit.

Notable live music venues are scattered throughout the city and include

LITTLE ROCK SKYLINE

See More.

Do More.

Together.

ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, LITTLE ROCK

FROM BREATHTAKING OVERLOOKS TO WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS and all the charming, historic cities in between, there’s not a bad view in The Natural State. Take your crew somewhere extraordinary and discover why Arkansas is a premier destination for events, meetings, get-togethers and more. Start planning your getaway at arkansas.com/groups.

A L I V E PER FOR M A N CE AT H A M M ERS TON E ’S I N S T. LO U IS

Broadway Oyster Bar, which features weekly blues sessions; Hammerstone’s, which boasts blues music almost nightly; Blueberry Hill, known for live music in its famous Duck Room; The Dark Room at The Grandel, which has a jazz jam every Wednesday night; and City Winery at City Foundry, which is great for dinner and a show.

But one of the best ways to experience music in St. Louis is with its many annual music events and festivals.

Blues at the Arch is a free music festival hosted by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation in August each year that celebrates local and national blues talents.

EXPLORESTLOUIS.COM

Memphis

Courtesy Explore St. Louis

Memphis’ musical legacy is everywhere, from its street corners to its top attractions.

“There’s so much Memphis music legacy that’s still relevant to today because so much of the music you hear today is by artists who were inspired by Elvis or B.B. King or Johnny Cash or Isaac Hayes or Jerry Lee Lewis,” said Lauren Berry, director of public relations at Memphis Tourism. “But also, the city still has a thriving music scene, especially with hip hop and R&B that are still being produced here. Whether you like rock ’n’ roll or blues or soul, there’s a genre of music that Memphis has created that will be of interest to you.”

One of the top ways for groups to experience music in Memphis is the Memphis Mojo tour offered by Backbeat Tours, a well-known tour company that lets local artists bring the city’s musical history to life. These tours often feature music of their own as the bus rolls by some of the city’s music-related attractions.

These attractions include live music venues like the Overton Park Shell, where Elvis performed for the first time, and Sun Studio, where he recorded his first songs.

Tours feature historic Beale Street, which is also a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and is home to legendary venues like B.B. King’s Blues Club, a fantastic setting for groups to catch some live music and enjoy some soul food. Also important to the Civil Rights Movement are the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Memphis Rock ’N’ Soul Museum and the W.C. Handy Home & Museum. Groups can visit these attractions for a lesson on music history that intersects with the important social causes that shaped these musical genres.

A visit to Graceland is also a must to learn more about the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. They can explore the mansion, tour a museum full of exhibits, eat at Vernon’s Smokehouse and stay overnight at the music legend’s estate.

A CON CER T ON B E A L E S T R EE T I N M EM PH IS

MEMPHISTRAVEL.COM

Courtesy Memphis Travel

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LOOKING FOR A SIGN TO VISIT THE MOTHER ROAD? You’ve found it. Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 is full of neon charm, history and roadside nostalgia. Come celebrate the 100th anniversary with us in 2026.

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

CUBA, MISSOURI

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SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Artist’s

Enclaves Discover the places where Southern art flourishes

A R T E N C L AV E S

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

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T

he best discoveries can often be found off the beaten path, in small towns where creativity flows through galleries, studios and in the streets bursting with colorful public art. These artists’ enclaves offer more than just pretty pictures — they’re places where visitors can meet and support working artists, witness craftspeople diligently working at their trades, and gain an understanding of how local history and culture shape creative expression.

The Southeast is home to countless such hidden gems, from mountain villages where traditional crafts have been passed down for generations to beach towns luring artists to live and work in their communities. These six towns offer thriving art scenes that punch well above their size.

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Asheville, North Carolina

In September 2024, the nation watched in horror as rains from Hurricane Helene spawned floods that devastated North Carolina, killing 108 people and causing an estimated $60 billion in damage. In Asheville, the River Arts District (RAD) was ravaged, displacing hundreds of artists and their studios, the work of lifetimes ripped apart by water and mud.

“It [the devastation] was beyond belief,” said Cassidy Santander, public relations manager for Explore Asheville. “But we’re back, and our artistic community is stronger than ever.”

The resilient RAD is once again buzzing with glassblowers, painters, sculptors and all manner of creative enterprises. In downtown, groups can enjoy a 30-minute demonstration at Lexington Glassworks, stroll eclectic galleries boasting captivating exhibits and explore studios brimming with handmade artwork. The district also abounds with restaurants, breweries and coffee shops that are perfect for après-art refreshments.

For Gilded Age grandeur, arrange a tour of the legendary Biltmore estate. America’s largest home, the 178,926-square-foot mansion is a work of art, and its interior is filled with priceless treasures.

EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM

Berea, Kentucky

A S H E V I L L E ’S ICON IC R I V ER A R TS DIS T R IC T H A S M A DE A COM EB ACK A F T ER CON T EN DI N G W I T H F LOOD DA M AG E A N D IS R E A DY TO W ELCOM E G RO U PS AGA I N .

Courtesy ExploreAsheville.com

The city of Berea is renowned as the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” and its artistic heritage has deep roots. The focus began in 1855, when abolitionists founded Berea College to serve students in the Appalachian Mountains. The college and the town are famous for artists who produce unique, handmade items and teach others how to make them. Today, this unique legacy supports and showcases artists who proudly call Kentucky home.

Featuring traditional crafts like wood turning, ironworking and broom making, the city’s artistic heritage is celebrated at the Kentucky Artisan Center, which serves as the state’s largest retailer of fine arts and crafts. The center offers the juried works of over 850 artisans who hail from all 120 Kentucky counties and who create everything from handblown glass and handcrafted wood items to metalwork and jewelry. The center welcomes approximately 300,000 visitors.

The arts enclave truly thrives in the walkable Artisan Village (“Old Town”) and College Square. Here, visitors

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Courtesy Berea Tourism

can explore numerous galleries, studios, restaurants and boutiques, often witnessing the creative process as it happens. College Square features high-quality crafts created

by Berea College students. Groups can take advantage of opportunities for hands-on engagement through “LearnShops.” These workshops allow visitors to try their hand at traditional skills. For quiet reflection, a stroll through winding paths of the sculpture garden in Fee Glade Park offers a scenic spot for artistic contemplation. If they keep an eye out, visitors may even spot stones engraved with quotations from John G. Fee, Berea’s founder.

A B EL L HOOK S M U R A L I N B ER E A

VISITBEREA.COM

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Established in 1699, the small hamlet of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is kissed by the Gulf of Mexico and blessed with an abundance of artistic energy.

“Ocean Springs is just a very charming little coastal community,” said Ari Covacevich, director of sales and business development at Coastal Mississippi. “It’s known for its vibrant art scene, and it’s home to hundreds of actual working artists, galleries and lots of different creative spaces. I recommend that people start off at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, or WAMA. The museum also honors his brothers, master potter Peter Anderson and James Anderson.”

The museum showcases the legacy of Mississippi artist and philosopher Walter Anderson. Its core collection features a large array of his paintings, drawings and pottery — works that truly embody the natural beauty and spirit of the Gulf Coast. Beyond Anderson’s paintings, block prints and writings, the museum offers a mix of rotating exhibitions from both regional and national artists.

Adjacent to WAMA, the Ocean Springs Community Center boasts a 3,000-square-foot mural by Walter Anderson. Commissioned in the 1950s for one dollar, it depicts the history and discovery of the Mississippi Coast.

Groups will also enjoy visiting The Traveler, “a newly reimagined kind of coffee shop and restaurant, but also an immersive art exhibition,” Covacevich said.

“So, there’s art everywhere,” she added. “It’s directly behind the museum and a century-old building. The green space includes public art installations, walking paths with native gardens and native plants. It’s really beautiful. They offer lots of group-friendly activities, like sip-and-paint nights, trivia nights, culinary experiences — perfect for team-building or leisure events.”

T H E WA LT ER A N DERS ON M US EU M I N OCE A N S PR I N GS

Courtesy Coastal Mississippi

T H E S A L A DI N O GA L L ERY I N COV I N G TON

COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM

Courtesy Visit the Northshore

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EN JOY I N G A GA L L ERY

By Katie Cambell, Icourtesy Extra N COV I N GTable TON

By Marianne Angeli Rodriguez, courtesy Visit the Northshore

Covington, Louisiana

Located less than an hour from Baton Rouge, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans’ French Quarter — and nestled in a fork of the Bogue Falaya and the Tchefuncte River — the city of Covington is home to a lively cultural scene, with live music and fine dining along with lots of galleries that showcase artists creating in many mediums.

“Covington is one of our most walkable destinations,” said Zondra White Jones, senior sales manager for Visit The Northshore. “It’s full of color, with galleries, murals and music everywhere. The historic Southern Hotel is absolutely amazing. They offer guided art and history tours of the murals and works from local artists.”

Built in 1907, the meticulously restored hotel is a work of art itself and features the work of many local artists. Covington’s downtown district is also home to a number of galleries. Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery has been featured on Samantha Brown’s PBS series “Places to Love” as well as in Garden & Gun and Southern Living magazines. Her joyfully color-saturated gallery hosts fun classes like fascinator making, while DIY workshops at Hammer & Stain allow participants to turn unfinished wood into custom decor.

VISITTHENORTHSHORE.COM

Explore

St. Joseph

Gather your group for a trip where American legends meet modern-day charm in St. Jo. Stories of the Wild West blend with today’s warm hospitality—perfect for motorcoach tours. Explore the daring days of the Pony Express, stand inside the Jesse James Home, enjoy good company and great food downtown, and more.

Start planning your trip

at stjomo.com

A Destination that Delivers W W W.SOU T H EAST TOU RI SM.O RG

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A L I V E AC T ION P OR T R A I T CON T E S T I N L A K E CI T Y

Lake City, South Carolina

Small but mighty, Lake City, South Carolina, has bootstrapped itself from a fading farming town to an arts-andculture hub that punches well above its weight class. Just shy of 6,000 residents, the town manages to deliver big-city culture, with year-round arts programming and ArtFields, an annual competition and festival that draws thousands of visitors to the historic downtown each spring.

“We’re about an hour and a half from Columbia, about two hours from Charleston, about an hour and a little bit from Myrtle Beach, so we like to say that we’re in the middle of everywhere instead of the middle of nowhere,” said Roberta Burns, the marketing consultant for ArtFields.

Burns detailed the city’s transformation over time.

In its heyday, Lake City was a big agricultural town and was considered the snap bean capital of the world. It had one of the largest snap bean trading markets and relied heavily on agriculture to fuel the economy. After agriculture, there was a textile boom. And after that, “there wasn’t much going on.”

By Mike Baker, courtesy Second Floor Media

Drive to the smokies for mountains of fun.

Dollywood Shows

Museums Unique Dining

PigeonForgeTours.com

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Shopping Mountain Views

1-800-285-7557

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Your Kentucky Art Destination Shop works from over 850 Kentucky-based small businesses in one convenient location.

Situated just off of I-75 exit 77, the Kentucky Artisan Center makes the perfect stop for locals and travelers alike.

Open Daily 9am - 6pm Cafe Open 9am - 4pm

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

A N A ER I A L V I E W OF L A K E CI T Y ’S M OOR E B OTA N IC A L GA R DEN S

In 2012, businesswoman and philanthropist Darla Moore returned to her hometown and began galvanizing the local community. The first festival was held in 2013, when volunteers pitched in to display art in downtown businesses.

In addition to the annual festival, Lake City now maintains a robust year-round arts presence, with three galleries, a permanent collection of public art and studios where visitors can see artists in action.

VISITLAKECIT YSC .COM

Beckley, West Virginia

Courtesy Visit Southern West Virginia

By Mike Baker, courtesy Second Floor Media

By Philip Guyton

Located about an hour east of Charleston, the West Virginia city of Beckley celebrates the state’s mining culture. As a stop on the Coal Heritage Trail, a National Scenic Byway, the city attracts visitors who come to tour the steep underground passageways led by retired miners at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and learn about life in the days when coal was king.

But there’s a lot more than coal history happening in Buckley, which has become a thriving center for local arts. Groups often combine a visit to the exhibition coal mine with a stop at Tamarack Marketplace, said Visit Southern West Virginia’s Lisa Strader.

“We’re a great history and culture stop, and the mine and Tamarack are a popular combination,”

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DOW N TOW N B ECK L E Y

she said. “Tamarack is an artisan center conveniently located just off [Interstate 64]. It’s like a travel plaza almost, except it’s completely stocked with items that are made by artisans in the state, anything from jelly to Fiestaware to handcarved wood and paintings.”

Everything in the marketplace is created and crafted by a West Virginia artisan and has gone through a jury process to be able to be sold there. Tamarack also has artists-in-residence, so visitors can watch somebody blowing glass, making jewelry or playing music.

The in-house restaurant serves delicious Appalachian-inspired cuisine, including fried green tomatoes, fried bologna sandwiches and peanut butter pie. Downtown, the Beckley Art Center has a rotating series of exhibitions, and group classes can be arranged.

“They have the exhibits but also do have some of the art for sale,” Strader said. “They can also schedule activities like painting — it’s very popular for people to go in and paint their own things. There are also dancing and sewing experiences ... just a little bit of everything.”

VISITW V.COM

TA M A R ACK FOOD CO U R T I N B ECK L E Y Courtesy Visit Southern West Virginia

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES Destinations around the globe need our help more than ever.

At Tourism Cares, we believe in the power of travel to enact positive impact and help the people and places we visit thrive.

Use Travel as a Force for Good at TourismCares.org Special thanks to the companies that support Tourism Cares’ mission:

Pictured: A group of locals and visitors raise their Panamanian hats and smile in La Pintada, Panama.

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SOUTH BR RI N G F R I E N B ND DSS

Barrels

and Brews

BEER , W IN E & SPRITS

Southern spirits cherish where they come from

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BY RACHEL CRICK

W

hat sets a brewery, winery or distillery apart from its many counterparts throughout the country? Sometimes it’s distinct architecture or an unexpected setting, like finding a brewery in a historic bathhouse or a distillery in a beach town. Sometimes it’s an immersive tour or activity that lets visitors get their hands dirty. And sometimes it’s the uncommonness of the spirit itself.

Whether it’s Mississippi’s only meadery, a modern experience along the Kentucky bourbon trail or a Virginia winery offering competitive sangria-making classes, here are six breweries, wineries and distilleries throughout the Southeast that offer guests a distinct experience — and some truly tasty spirits.

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Hidden Ships Distillery SU RF CIT Y, N ORTH CA ROLIN A

The small town of Surf City on North Carolina’s Topsail Island is a quaint beach getaway with retail shops, a sea turtle rehabilitation center and plenty of outdoor recreation. But visitors may be surprised to find the town is also home to Hidden Ships Distillery, which manufactures bourbon, gin, rum and vodka. Combining maritime history, the lore of pirate ships and the atmosphere of a pre-Prohibition-era lounge, Hidden Ships offers topnotch distillery experiences to guests, whether they’re interested in sipping cocktails or earning an education in spirits. Most often, they’ll get a blend of both.

“Everything we do here is based on creating great customer experiences,” said Andy Szwejbka, owner of Hidden Ships Distillery. “It’s important to me that the tours have an education piece because we want people to understand what they’re smelling, what they’re tasting. We call it sensory training. And we try to give them a new language and new experiences to describe it.”

In addition to offering tours on a regular basis, Hidden Ships has a variety of signature experiences that are a little more hands-on. The distillery can combine a tour with a charcuterie pairing, which includes a full tasting, mini cocktails and custom charcuterie selections. To satisfy a sweet tooth, Hidden Ships can swap the charcuterie pairing for a chocolate pairing, sampling local chocolates from Surf City favorite Burry Chocolates.

There’s also a mixology class, which teaches groups how to make three iconic cocktails.

Larger groups can be split up to enjoy the experiences eight people at a time, while the rest of the group hangs out in the lounge and enjoys a smoked old-fashioned, the distillery’s signature cocktail.

HIDDENSHIPS.COM

Bluemont Vineyard H I DDEN S H I PS DIS T I L L ERY I N S U R F CI T Y, OF F ERS A TO U R A N D CHOCOL AT E PA I R I N G E X PER I EN CE FOR DIS T I L L ERY G U E S TS .

B LU E M ON T, VIRGIN IA

Featuring gorgeous views of the verdant countryside of northern Virginia, Bluemont Vineyard capitalizes on the natural beauty of the region. It was founded by the Zurschmeide family in 2007 when its first grapes were produced and has remained a family-owned-and-operated favorite in the community ever since. With an elevation of 951 feet, the vineyard’s tasting room offers breathtaking mountainside views of the valley below. Those

Courtesy Hidden Ships Distillery

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views can be enjoyed (along with some live music) from one of the vineyard’s many outdoor seating areas, including its expansive patio, the upper pergola or the veranda.

During chillier seasons, guests can migrate inside to the Barrel Haus Bar or the Harvest Room, or they can continue to enjoy the outdoors with the help of firepits, fire tables and hot seasonal beverages on the patio. The vineyard’s 100 acres provide an elegant setting for weddings and casual outings alike, but it’s also great for visitors seeking an immersive experience into the world of wine.

Bluemont Vineyard offers winery tours that take guests behind the scenes to learn more about the winemaking process. Another experience groups will enjoy is sangria-making lessons; they’ll learn how to make the refreshing wine cocktail then try their hand at crafting one of their own. They can divide into teams and do a taste test to vote on a winner. Other experiences include seated tastings of six wines or a farm-to-table private wine dinner, featuring a four-course meal made with produce from the Zurschmeide family’s Great Country Farms, paired with the vineyard’s wines. Groups larger than 20 can book one of the vineyard’s semi-private or private event spaces.

BLUEMONTVINEYARD.COM

Queen’s Reward Meadery TU P E LO, M ISSISSIP P I

There’s evidence honey was fermented in parts of China as early as 7,000 B.C., making mead the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage. Resembling white wine, mead can be sweet or dry, and it’s experiencing something of a renaissance, taking it from the choice beverage of medieval times to an artisan-crafted, increasingly popular pour. And, in the South, it can be found at Queen’s Reward Meadery in Tupelo, Mississippi, famous for being Elvis Presley’s birthplace.

“Right now, we’re the only meadery in the state, and we’re the only meadery in the world to use all Mississippi honey,” said Jeri Carter, founder and owner of Queen’s Reward. “We like to tell people taking a sip of our mead is like taking a sip of our backyard, and our backyard is beautiful.”

What started as a honey-winemaking hobby in Carter’s kitchen became a more serious venture after Carter entered her mead into a national competition and won awards. In 2016, the company incorporated, and in 2018, Queen’s Reward opened its tasting room.

The company purchases 40,000 pounds of honey from a single beekeeper in the Mississippi Delta region. The selection includes many nuanced flavors of mead influenced by oak barrels, seasonal spices and fruits, including blackberry, cranberry and wine grapes.

M E A D AT Q U EEN ’S R E WA R D M E A DERY I N T U PELO Courtesy Queen’s Reward Meadery

B LU EM ON T V I N E YA R D

Courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation

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Groups can enjoy a guided tasting led by Carter herself to hear the company’s story, learn about the mead-making process and savor the distinct taste of the company’s many meads. The tasting room comfortably seats 25, but the meadery’s outdoor areas can also be used for larger tastings or during nice weather. After their tasting, Carter will lead a group through the facility to see where the mead is made and answer questions about the process. Tour participants get a complimentary wine glass and are welcome to purchase bottles to take home.

QUEENSREWARD.COM

Superior Bathhouse Brewery HOT SP RIN GS, ARK AN SA S

S U PER IOR B AT H HO US E B R E W ERY I N HOT S PR I N GS

There are a few things about Superior Bathhouse Brewery that make it truly unique: It’s the country’s only brewery inside a national park; it’s the only brewery inside a historic bathhouse; and it’s the only brewery that uses thermal spring water to brew.

Courtesy Visit Hot Springs

Create a group itinerary that balances heart-pounding adventure with rich heritage experiences. From whitewater thrills and zip lines over the Chattahoochee River to the awardwinning National Infantry Museum, Columbus offers cultural attractions celebrating music, Black history, and military legacy. Every stop delivers unforgettable moments.

ALL OUT

Adventure. ALL OUT Heritage.

Go All Out

W W W.SOU T H EAST TOU RI SM.O RG

Plan your visit!

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ON TA P AT S U PER IOR B AT H HO US E B R E W ERY

Hot Springs, Arkansas, has had a reputation for promoting wellness among Indigenous people for thousands of years. Its geothermal waters have been heated by the Earth’s interior and forced up to the surface through cracks in the ground over a period of 4,000 years. Along the way, the water is enriched with minerals. Hot Springs National Park is the nation’s first federally protected land, and the government, recognizing its potential as a wellness destination, commissioned Bathhouse Row. While only a few of the bathhouses still offer their original service (in a more modern manner), the row now houses shops, restaurants, tour companies and museums.

Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located in the former Superior Bathhouse, is just a few doors down from iconic bathhouses like the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Quapaw Baths & Spa, making it a must-visit after a day of exploring the park. The bathhouse-turned-brewery features a rotating menu of craft beers with seasonal picks, and hard ciders and wines are also available.

All its beers are brewed on-site with that mineral-rich spring water. For a non-alcoholic beverage, the brewery’s homemade root beer is an excellent choice and can be served as a root beer float.

The menu includes classic pub fare, like Bavarian pretzels, beer cheese, wings, a selection of sandwiches and salads. Groups can enjoy their beers and bites on the brewery’s expansive patio.

SUPERIORBATHHOUSE.COM

District Winery Courtesy Visit Hot Springs

WA SHIN GTON , D.C.

After a day of sightseeing at some of the nation’s most immersive and educational museums, monuments and historic attractions, relaxing with a glass of wine is an ideal way for a group to wind down. They’ll find this especially easy to do at District Winery, a 17,000-square-foot boutique winery and event venue in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood. The waterfront neighborhood is home to iconic attractions like the Nationals Park baseball stadium, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and The Yards Park, as well as many stylish restaurants and bars, making District Winery a perfect fit.

Co-founded by Brian Leventhal and John Stires, who also founded Brooklyn Winery in New York City’s Williamsburg neighborhood, District Winery harnesses the energy and culture of D.C. with small batch wines produced using grapes grown across the country, from a Finger Lakes riesling to a Suisun Valley cabernet. There’s also an on-site restaurant offering a seasonal menu of charcuterie, shareable plates and sweets.

WA S H I N G TON , D.C .’S DIS T R IC T W I N ERY

Courtesy Washington.org

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HAPPINESS IS GATHERING YOUR GROUP FOR A NEW ADVENTURE

easy to get to • accommodations for every budget • fun group activities waterfront dining for groups • close to historic attractions

V I S IT V I RG I N IAB E AC H .CO M/G RO U P -TO U R

Tours of the winery are available most days of the week, and each features different themes, though private tours can also be arranged. Groups of 16 or fewer can opt for private experiences, like a guided wine tasting of five of the winery’s vintages. There’s also a wineand-cheese pairing, and groups that want a competitive experience can arrange wine games, which include two rounds of trivia and tastings, as well as bottles of wine for the winners. Tours and experiences last about an hour and should be scheduled in advance.

DISTRICTWINERY.COM

Bardstown Bourbon Company BA RDSTOW N , K E N TU CK Y

Bardstown is known as the bourbon capital of the world for a reason: There are 11 distilleries surrounding the small central Kentucky town, with barrels of the state’s signature spirit stacked to the ceiling in each rickhouse.

One of those 11 distilleries, Bardstown Bourbon Company, is bringing fresh perspective to the craft of bourbon.

“It’s unlike any other distillery you’re going to go to in Bardstown,” said Jake Sulek, VIP experience and education manager at Bardstown Bourbon Company. “A lot of our neighbors are heritage facilities that are 70, 80, even 90 years old. What makes us unique is we’re so modern, and we lean into that modernity as a touchstone. We’re the Napa Valley of the Bourbon Trail.”

Part of that Napa Valley-style experience is the range of guest programs the distillery offers. In addition to the flagship Core Four Tour, which offers visitors a taste of four signature whiskeys (three bourbon, one rye) and then lets them peek into the rickhouses, there are a range of other VIP experiences that illuminate bourbon’s backstage.

A behind-the-scenes tour takes groups on a 3 ½-hour tour through every step of the bourbon-making process, from grain to glass. For a more hands-on experience, the Art of Blending workshop offers an education on mashbills and lets visitors study by making their own blend. There’s also a Shaken & Stirred class, where guests will learn how to craft two bourbon cocktails from the distillery’s experienced mixologists and enjoy rickhouse barrel thieving for samples straight from the barrel.

F R I EN DS TOA S T I N G AT B A R DS TOW N B O U R B ON COM PA N Y Courtesy Bardstown Bourbon Company

BARDSTOW NBOURBON.COM 318 Howard Street • Greenwood, MS 662.453.2114 • thealluvian.com

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Discover A place where soul looms large.

Bring your group to a destination that hits every note—Macon, Georgia, where history, music, and hospitality play in perfect harmony. From soulful landmarks to one-of-a-kind museums and bold local flavors, Macon offers authentic experiences your travelers will love. With modern attractions, group-friendly venues, and a rhythm all its own, Macon makes every stop feel larger than life.

Planning a group getaway?

Start your journey today at VISITMACON.ORG/GROUPS

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SOUTH BRING FRIENDS

Fan Fare SPORTS EX PERIENCE S

Championship venues star across the South

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BY CYNTHIA BARNES

S

ports fans live for unforgettable moments when they can connect with the games and athletes they love, from stepping onto hallowed grounds where legends were made to getting an inside look at how the magic happens behind the scenes. More than merely spectating, experiencing sports destinations while on vacation is a great way for groups to immerse themselves in an area’s athletic heritage and passion.

Fortunately, the Southeast abounds with incredible sporting attractions, including world-class museums that celebrate athletic excellence and iconic venues where the action unfolds in real time. No matter what sports or teams your travelers are fans of, these six all-star experiences will make winning memories.

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Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory LOU ISVILLE , K E N TU CK Y

The first thing visitors see when they pull up to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky, is a giant bat towering 120 feet into the sky. The enormous wood bat is a scaled replica of the iconic R43 model wielded by Yankees’ legend Babe Ruth, and it’s a favorite photo opportunity. Since opening its doors in 1996, the museum has welcomed more than 7 million visitors and is routinely voted one of the top five sports attractions in the country.

“This is a living, breathing, working factory where we make all of our wood bats — hundreds of thousands of bats every year, both full-sized and mini,” said marketing director Andrew Soliday. “We’re celebrating the museum’s 30th anniversary in 2026, and it’s a pretty exciting time for us.”

Entering the museum, guests see a giant wall with more than 9,000 signatures of all the players since the late 1800s who signed promotional contracts with Louisville Slugger and swung their bats.

“I’ve seen families come in here and interact with that, trying to find their father or their uncle or whoever that may be on that wall,” Soliday said. “It’s really exciting for those family members to see that piece of history on display in the museum.”

The museum is conveniently located just off Interstate 64, and tours can be tailored for groups.

“If we have a group coming in, let’s just say they’re from Cincinnati, we can do tours that reference the Cincinnati Reds, for example,” he said. “So, we can make them specific to the area that the group may be coming in from.”

SLUGGERMUSEUM.COM

College Football Hall of Fame ATLA N TA A LO U IS V I L L E S LUGG ER B A S EB A L L B AT G E TS B R A N DED AT T H E LO U IS V I L L E S LUGG ER M US EU M & FAC TORY.

Courtesy Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

With a 45-yard indoor football field, five themed galleries and more than 50 engaging and interactive exhibits, the College Football Hall of Fame is one of Atlanta’s most popular tourist attractions. The hall of fame was founded in 1951, and the current 95,000-squarefoot structure opened in 2014, at a cost of $68.5 million.

“We are the only college football hall of fame located in the Southeast, in what we call the capital of college football,” said Yomand Brown, vice president of marketing, sales and communication. “It’s a truly immersive,

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one-of-a-kind experience. We have a scavenger hunt and other team-building opportunities for groups.”

Brown is particularly excited about the museum’s new AI enhancements.

“A few months ago, we became the first museum in North America to incorporate AI into the guest experience. You can give us a few data points and take a picture, and then as you journey throughout the building, you can see yourself posing as a fan from yesteryear, posing as someone tailgating or posing with the Heisman trophy.”

Groups can also bring in lunches or catering from the museum’s partner, Chick-fil-A, to re-create a tailgating experience on the 45-foot indoor field.

T H E LO U IS V I L L E S LUGG ER M US EU M & FAC TORY Courtesy Kentucky Tourism

CFBHALL.COM

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

AT L A N TA’S COL L EG E FOOT B A L L H A L L OF FA M E

K A N SAS CIT Y, M ISSOU RI

Opened in 1990, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was designated by Congress as “America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum” in 2006, making it the official depository for Negro League history and memorabilia as well as a must-do on any Kansas City itinerary.

Excluded from white teams until Major League Baseball began desegregating in 1947, Black players found professional baseball opportunities with the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1955.

“We showcase the history of the Negro Leagues with images and films,” said Cathie Moss, who handles special events and guest services for the museum. “We have a simulated baseball field inside the museum called the ‘Field of Legends,’ and we have 13 life-size bronze statues of players on the field, like they are getting ready to play a baseball game.”

Guests will see Satchel Paige, one of the greatest pitchers of all time; Josh Gibson, who has been declared the home run king in baseball; Cool Papa Bell, the fastest man in the Negro Leagues; and other Negro League players who have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

In the exhibition gallery, visitors can also view the film, “They Were All Stars.” Narrated by actor James Earl Jones, the narrative history of the Negro Leagues is only shown at the museum.

Group tours and discounts are available, along with special after-hours events and rentals for private groups.

The museum is in the heart of Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

Courtesy College Football Hall of Fame

E X H I B I TS AT K A N S A S CI T Y ’S N EG RO L E AG U E S B A S EB A L L M US EU M

NLBM.COM Courtesy VisitMO.com

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Experience Culture and Charm

From boutique shopping and Southern flavors to historic homes with stories to tell, Columbus is where culture comes alive. Tour historic homes year-round and experience it all.

Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau 117 3rd Street South, Columbus, MS 39701 visitcolumbusms.org | 662.329.1191

Nationals Park WASHIN GTON , D.C.

Located along Washington, D.C.’s fast-developing Capitol Riverfront adjacent to the Navy Yard district, the 41,565-seat home of the Washington Nationals opened in 2008. The state-of-the-art ballpark offers a full slate of events throughout the calendar year, including baseball games, full-park concerts and festivals.

The Nationals’ 2025 season schedule was highlighted by more than 50 ticketed special events, and the team has a lineup of unique experiences to make group outings especially memorable.

Groups of 50 or more are treated to a complimentary scoreboard message. Larger groups may also be eligible for experiences such as singing the national anthem, throwing out a ceremonial first pitch, a visit from mascot Screech during the seventh-inning stretch, swinging for the stands during batting practice inside the Nationals’ own batting cages and more.

Groups can make the most of their visit to Nationals Park with a pregame group event. Group spaces vary in capacity from 20 to more than 400 visitors and offer varying ballpark atmospheres and food and beverage options.

JA PA N E S E H ER I TAG E DAY AT N AT ION A L S PA R K

Courtesy Richmond Region Tourism

NATS.COM Courtesy Washington Nationals Baseball Club

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ENTERTAINMENT IS CHANGING THE WORLD.

NARROWAY IS CHANGING ENTERTAINMENT!

LIVE THEATRE AND DINNER

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NASCAR Hall of Fame CHA R LOT TE , NO RTH C A RO L I NA

Stock car racing got its start when bootleggers began modifying passenger cars to outrun and outmaneuver “revenuers” during Prohibition as the rumrunners transported moonshine from bootleg stills deep in the Appalachian mountains. From these humble — and illegal — beginnings grew a sport that draws millions of spectators and generates hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

NASCAR’s headquarters are in Daytona, Florida, but Charlotte, North Carolina, is a natural fit for the sport’s Hall of Fame.

“Most of the teams that run at the top level, called the cup level, those teams are located 20 minutes away and no more about 90 minutes away,” said Kevin Schlesier, senior director of museum and industry affairs. “So all the race teams are within an easy drive from the Hall of Fame, and it’s become a hub of the sport. A lot of people in the Charlotte area work within the sport. Our legends live here. It’s not uncommon to go to a restaurant north of town and run into a driver. So, NASCAR is part of Charlotte’s DNA.” Schlesier celebrates the unique nature of the hall of fame.

“We’re part traditional museum, where you learn about the history and heritage, and a hall of fame that honors the legends of our sport,” he said. “But we’re also a highly interactive experience where you get to understand what it’s like to partake in NASCAR.” Groups can participate in interactive elements like trying their hand at being a member of a pit crew, racing against the clock or against three other people to jack up a car, change tires and add fuel. Simulators that are full-size cars also allow guests to race against others.

Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more, with complimentary admission for tour escorts and bus drivers.

A PHOTO - OP AT N IS S A N S TA DI U M I N N A S H V I L L E

NASCARHALL.COM

CH A R LOT T E ’S NASCAR HALL OF FA M E

Courtesy Tennessee Titans

Nissan Stadium N A SHVILLE , TENNESSEE

Scheduled for a February 2027 opening, the Tennessee Titans’ new 60,000-seat home in Nashville, Tennessee, will be much more than a football stadium; it will be a multipurpose megastructure hosting concerts, conferences, festivals and a plethora of private events, from small to supersized.

Ashlee Stokely, head of stadium, operations and experience, can’t wait to get into the new facility.

“The new Nissan Stadium is going to be a game-changer for both private and major events in Nashville, and we can’t wait for opening day,” she said. “In the meantime, now is the time to enjoy all our different experiences in the current stadium while we celebrate its rich history in our community.

From group tours to exclusive experiences on game days, we want to give every guest at Nissan Stadium an unforgettable time.”

Hospitality packages for groups feature unique pregame tailgate experiences located inside the current stadium. On game days, the Titans Insider Experience provides an all-access pass with a private, expert-led tour.

Tours can be paired with enhancements like meeting the Titans’ mascot, T-Rac, or the Titans Cheerleaders; seeing your group’s logo light up the videoboard before snapping a photo on the 50-yard line; tossing passes on the Titans’ home turf; or finding a custom jersey waiting in a team member’s locker.

Groups can then savor a one-hour culinary experience in the home team tunnel.

NISSANSTADIUM.COM

Photos courtesy NASCAR Hall of Fame

GROUP TOUR? BRING IT TO In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, your group has no shortage of activities to help them reconnect and bond. Sixty miles of beaches, 80+ golf courses, 2,000 restaurants, botanical gardens, plus live theater and music every night of the week is just scratching the surface.

There’s no better place to get together than The Beach.

60 miles of beaches and endless off-beach activities.

From resorts to villas – ideal accommodations to suit any group.

Scan to plan your event.

VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups

Centuries of stories. One unforgettable journey.

Discover the sights, sounds, and stories that shaped Kentucky. From landmark historic sites to iconic distilleries, you’ll experience where centuries of history meet the spirit of our new Kentucky home. Plan your group’s incredible itinerary today.

KentuckyTourism.com/group-travel

S H AK E R V I L L AG E O F P LE A SANT H I L L , H A R R O DS B U R G