The Group Travel Leader July August 2025

MASSACHUSETTS

Invite your group to discover a powerful story of hope at the Billy Graham Library. Together, you can retrace Billy Graham’s journey of faith as you explore multimedia presentations, displays, photos, and memorabilia. Come see what God can do through a life that is fully surrendered to Him.

WHERE THE MOTHER ROAD

Meetsthe River Road

Take a road trip like no other through the only place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the scenic beauty of the Great River Road. Explore an electric Neon Sign Park, dine at historic roadside cafes, take a walk through the river bluffs and prairies and relax with a glass of locally crafted wine beside the Mighty Mississippi River. Your one-of-a-kind adventure begins at RiversandRoutes.com.

Photo by Dane Cronin

Iconic Voices of Alabama

From the voices that launched rockets and shaped American music to those that changed the course of Civil Rights, this curated FAM tour offers group travel planners an unforgettable introduction to some of Alabama’s most powerful stories. Iconic voices—from Huntsville’s space pioneers to the legendary sound of Muscle Shoals and the stirring calls for justice in Birmingham—fill every stop. Immersive, group experiences that echo with Authentic Southern Soul.

The Orion, Huntsville

Street Baptist Church th

Muscle Shoals Studio

BY BRIAN JEWELL

What’s the difference between a professional tour company and the operation you’re running now?

One of the things I find fascinating about the group travel industry is that it encompasses a wide variety of people and business models. Among the readers of this magazine are professional tour operators with decades of experience; up-and-coming tourism entrepreneurs at the beginning of their business journeys; people who operate trips for nonprofit organizations; and amateur travel enthusiasts who plan group trips simply to have fun with their friends.

Each of these segments of the group travel community is important in its own way. But for anyone looking to grow their travel organization, attract more customers or earn more profit from group trips, it can be helpful to emulate some of the practices employed by sophisticated tour companies.

Here are five things professional operators do to stand out from the pack, along with ideas about how you can implement them.

Excellent Branding

Perhaps the easiest way to tell professionals from amateurs is to look at the quality of their branding. Trusted organizations have high-quality logos, proprietary photography, carefully selected fonts and a customized set of brand colors. They use those brand elements consistently in every customer-facing communication. Fortunately, you can replicate this practice at minimum expense by working with a graphic designer to create a visual identity for your brand, complete with a logo and a set of font and color guidelines.

Seamless E-Commerce

Today’s consumers can purchase virtually anything online — and they expect to purchase tours online, too. Professional tour companies make this seamless with easy-to-use e-commerce functions on their websites. Fortunately, online sales and inventory management systems are easier to set up now

EDITOR’S MARKS

than they have ever been. Many web-hosting companies offer e-commerce as a core service, and there are numerous great online payment and inventory solutions created specifically for tour companies as well.

Clear Communications

Great companies communicate clearly during every step of the customer journey. They give detailed descriptions of products on their website, compelling messaging to potential buyers before the purchase and plenty of information leading up to departure. Great communication makes customers feel like they’re in good hands. You can audit your communications by asking a friend or family member to look through your website or walk through a purchase experience to help you see what details may be unclear.

Top-Notch Guides

One of the primary benefits of traveling with an established tour company is the presence of a well-trained tour director. These professionals are excellent hosts and entertainers, but their value really comes into play when challenges arise. If you’re used to leading trips yourself, you may have the hosting and entertainment skills covered. But in order to be able to meet unexpected challenges, make sure you have a friend, local guide or CVB partner in each place your group visits who can help you navigate those situations.

Feedback Systems

If you have ever taken a trip with a sophisticated tour company, they have probably asked you to fill out an end-of-trip survey. These questionnaires aren’t just formalities; they provide company leaders with valuable information on their guides, itineraries, hotel partners and more. You might be able to get some of the same information from your travelers through informal conversations. But putting together surveys — and taking the results seriously — tells your customers that you really care about them and are always working to improve.

ISSUE EVENT every

JANUARY

SPRING DESTINATIONS

Go South Tour Planner

Michigan

Maryland Beaumont, TX

Finding Your Target Audience

SPACE DEADLINE: 12/2/25

APRIL

STUDENT TRAVEL

Native American

Arkansas

New York

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Building Customer Loyalty

SPACE DEADLINE: 03/3/26

JULY/AUGUST

FAITH-BASED TRAVEL

Oklahoma Missouri

Wyoming

Grand Rapids, MI

Planning Luxury Trips

SPACE DEADLINE: 06/2/26

NOV/DEC

CRUISING

African-American Heritage*

Virginia Washington

Napa Valley, CA

Staffing Your Travel Business

SPACE DEADLINE: 10/1/26

FEBRUARY

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Canada

Indiana

Wisconsin

Santa Fe, NM

Building A Compelling Brand

SPACE DEADLINE: 01/2/26

MAY

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Route 66

Nebraska

Ohio

River Parishes, LA

Booking Group Meals

SPACE DEADLINE: 04/1/26

SEPTEMBER

ARTS & CULTURE

Buyer’s Guide Directory

Colorado

South Carolina

French Lick, IN

Working with Receptives

SPACE DEADLINE: 08/3/26

Louisiana

Coastal Mississippi

Utilizing Traveler Testimonials

SPACE DEADLINE: 02/3/26

JUNE

WATERFRONT DESTINATIONS

Alabama Mississippi Pennsylvania Topeka, KS

Working with CVBs

SPACE DEADLINE: 05/1/26

OCTOBER

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

America’s Heartland

Texas

Kentucky

Rapid City, SD

Making Trips Profitable

SPACE DEADLINE: 09/2/26

ADVERTISING

SALES

The Group Travel Leader is published 10 times per year and mailed to 13,350 tour operators and travel planners representing tens of thousands of active travel groups.

Its e-newsletter, The Group Travel Minute, links to our full digital edition and is sent twice monthly to 9,400 qualified buyers.

Through all channels, The Group Travel Leader’s digital impressions currently total more than 648,000 annually.

If you have any questions, please contact Telisa Rech at:

TELISA RECH

AMAWATERWAYS SHINES AT AFRICAN AMERICAN TRAVEL CONFERENCE

SALEM, Ohio Luxury travel met cultural celebration as AmaWaterways made a standout appearance at the 2025 African American Travel Conference (AATC), held May 21–23 in Buffalo, New York. As a proud sponsor of the event, the company showcased its premium river cruise offerings, highlighting its commitment to luxury travel.

Monique Davis represented AmaWaterways at the conference, delivering an engaging presentation about the unique experiences available on their river cruises across various regions, including Europe, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, South America and Egypt. The company is well regarded for its personalized service and immersive experiences,

which set it apart in the river cruise market.

A special giveaway took place directly after Davis’s presentation, during which attendees had the chance to win various prizes. The bigticket item? A complimentary weeklong river cruise, courtesy of AmaWaterways.

The winner, Cheryl Abercrombie, a travel planner who attended the conference, is now set to enjoy an unforgettable journey with AmaWaterways later this year.

Those interested in learning more about AmaWaterways and its luxury river cruise experiences can contact Monique Davis at monique@amawaterways.com or 800-626-0126

CONFERENCE ATTENDEE SEES BIG BENEFITS

SALEM, Ohio — For travel planners, attending conferences isn’t only about networking. It’s also about discovery, education and inspiration.

Frances Sheets, a planner who recently attended the 2025 African American Travel Conference (AATC) in Buffalo, New York, shared heartfelt appreciation for the experience, emphasizing just how valuable these events are for industry professionals.

“The Group Travel Family goes above and beyond to make their conferences educational and well organized for both suppliers and buyers,” Sheets said. “I’m eager and motivated to sell new destinations that I came in contact with because that’s my purpose for attending.”

Events like AATC offer planners direct exposure to emerging destinations and travel experiences they can share with their clients.

Beyond the opportunity to build itineraries, attendees also connect with fellow professionals, gain insights through peer conversations and leave feeling empowered to grow their travel businesses.

Feedback from attendees reinforces the value of these events.

“I can only speak for myself, but I hear good things from others while at the conference,” Sheets added. “So, I say a job well done. Every category under the Group Travel Family is well needed.”

Travel conferences serve as a gateway for planners to stay current, inspired and connected. For those passionate about what they do, these events are more than meetings — they’re the building blocks that shape the future of group travel.

For more information about upcoming Group Travel Family conferences, contact Cassandra at 800-628-0993 or cblankenship@grouptravelfamily.com

AmaWaterways representative Monique Davis (left) presents a certificate for a weeklong river cruise to AATC attendee Cheryl Abercrombie (right).

GTF SURVEYS SHOW YOUNGER GROUPS ARE THRIVING

SALEM, Ohio If registration numbers for year-end conferences are any indication, the travel industry is looking to finish 2025 strong. The Group Travel Family of Brands, which is the nation’s leading organizer of group travel conferences, reports a robust attendance to this year’s editions of Going On Faith Conference, Small Market Meetings Conference and GroupTravelCon.

While international uncertainties remain, the demand for domestic tourism has increased, and 2025 looks like it may be the strongest tourism season ever in North America. The Group Travel Family reports that domestic group travel is up 3% and that the average age of these group travelers is dropping.

Surveys of travel planners currently operating affinity group travel indicate that 63% are finding new and younger travelers on their trips.

“This is a significant increase in younger groups of travelers,” said Charlie Presley, president of The Group Travel Family. “We have seen this transformation for the past several years, but it is now being confirmed by our conference delegates.”

Much of the growth in affinity group travel seems to rest in an influx of home-based travel agents and meeting planners who have added the group element to their travel offerings.

“They have discovered that the list of clients they currently serve enjoy traveling together as affinity groups and also like to have someone else plan the travel details,” Presley said.

There is still time to attend a group travel conference this year. Going On Faith Conference will take place August 6–8 in the Cincy Region. Small Market Meetings Conference will be September 16–18 in Buffalo, New York, and GroupTravelCon is scheduled for October 28–30 in Owensboro, Kentucky.

To register and attend these conferences this year, call 800-628-0993

essentialsGroup Travel

BY RACHEL CRICK

“Just Venmo me later,” said no group travel organizer ever.

Even if you’re just getting started in the world of group travel, you’ve probably realized that sending Venmo requests and tracking down payments is something you don’t want to spend your time doing. If you’re expanding your business, you may have some questions about the best way to collect payments. Are checks in or out? Are third-party vendors worth it or just another hassle? And should you offer payment plans? A lot depends on your business model, number of travelers and trip costs, but there are some common guidelines to help you pick the best method for your business.

Here are five things to consider when it comes to collecting payments for your group trips.

MANAGING PAYMENTS

2 1

Time Your Collections Well

You may be wondering when is the best time to collect payments. It’s a good idea to ask for a deposit and regular payments if you’re not requiring the entire trip to be paid upon booking. Installments can also be a great asset to travelers who may need more time to save trip funds. However, it’s important to keep up with who owes what to keep your business in the black as you approach your trip dates and start putting down deposits on lodging and attractions. Even if it’s not until a couple weeks after booking, the deposit should eventually become nonrefundable. That way, if one of your travelers drops out with limited notice, you’re not left owing a significant amount to hotels or attractions that required advance payment or had attrition clauses.

Tech Platforms Make It Easy

Tech platforms, such as GroupCollect and WeTravel, are powerful platforms that have payment collection capabilities and offer a robust set of features for managing the financial side of your trip business. In addition to processing payments, they often offer extra amenities, from white-label pages to inventory systems and report generation. They’ll keep up with which travelers still owe money and even send reminders to them about payments. If you’re a mom-and-pop operation, this set of features may be worthwhile to save you hassle. However, one drawback of using a third-party tech platform is that it takes a cut of your revenue. This percentage is often a bit more than your standard debit or credit card processing fee. For very large travel businesses accepting payment from hundreds or thousands of passengers a year, that portion of your profits starts to add up.

STREAMLINES YOUR BUSINESS

You Can Collect Payments Yourself

The higher the volume of travelers you’re accepting payments from, the more likely you are to want to collect payments yourself and minimize the commission that a third party would take. There are a couple of ways to do this. First, if your group is all in one place, and you see them regularly, you can accept payments in person with the help of payment processing vendors like Square, Stripe and PayPal Business; you can also use checks or your own company Venmo, if it’s not inconvenient. Secondly, if your travelers aren’t local or want an online option, you can build e-commerce features into your website. Major website builders offer the feature to easily add secure online payment options, often with a marginal fee for processing. The downside with the DIY approach is that you must keep track of your travelers’ payments yourself to make sure everyone is paid up.

Keep Payments Secure 4

No matter what methods you use to collect payments from your travelers, you have a responsibility to keep their payment information secure. Don’t ever ask your travelers to supply their payment information through email or texts. Instead, have them enter their payment details directly into whatever payment portal you’re using. Send them a secure link to upload any necessary information. Protecting your customers’ money means protecting your business, too. Have strong passwords for your accounts on third-party management platforms. Make sure you have security notifications set up on your banking platforms so that any breaches or theft can be caught and dealt with promptly. Finally, make sure you’re not intermingling your personal finances with your business finances to protect yourself from liability.

Leave Room for Add-Ons

Add-on experiences are a great way to provide optional enhancements for some travelers while keeping the trip affordable for all. But there will likely be travelers who want to opt in to these add-ons at the last minute. It’s a good idea to make sure you have a way to take payments for these add-ons even while you’re on the road. That could be a Square mobile POS device that plugs into your phone, or it could be your business’s Venmo, so long as you’re not entangling your personal financial accounts. That way, you (or your trustworthy guides, if you’re not on the trip yourself) can handle the payments on the road and let travelers join in on those amazing bonus experiences.

“My favorite part was discovering the hidden gems and behind-the-scenes experiences that truly brought each day to life. This was a great adventure into the heart of Kentucky’s culture and heritage.”

— STACY BERRY SHARIN’ THE SOUTH

Kentucky FAM highlights, clockwise from left: Visiting Thouroughbreds at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington; a Roaring ‘20s welcome at Paristown Pointe in Louisville; touring Uncle Boojie’s distillery at Paristown Pointe; cruising the Ohio River with BB Riverboats

ONSITE IN KENTUCKY

THE ‘20S ARE ROARING ACROSS THE BLUEGRASS STATE

IN KENTUCKY, HISTORY AND HERITAGE ARE CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION.

That’s what six tour-operator readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered during a four-day familiarization tour in May to some of the Bluegrass State’s most popular attractions. Hosted by the Kentucky Department of Tourism, this Great Gatsby-themed tour showcased historic sites throughout the state that inspired the famous novel, as well as other places related to Kentucky’s bourbon industry, horse-racing heritage and more.

During the trip, participants got to know the Northern Kentucky region on the Ohio River then traveled to Lexington, which is at the center of the state’s beautiful horse farm country. In Louisville, they enjoyed opulent historic accommodations, sampled from some of the city’s many bourbon distilleries and enjoyed an iconic evening at the races.

Follow along on this itinerary to start planning a Kentucky tour for your groups.

• ARRIVAL IN NEWPORT

• REVIVAL VINTAGE BOTTLE SHOP & BAR

• NEWPORT GANGSTER TOUR

• DINNER CRUISE WITH BB RIVERBOATS

• WISEGUY LOUNGE

Tour planners from around the country traveled by plane and car to the Northern Kentucky region, an area on the banks of the Ohio River that includes cities such as Newport and Covington. After checking in at their hotel for the night, Aloft Newport on the Levee, they started the tour by visiting Revival Vintage Bottle Shop & Bar in Covington, where they got to learn about and sample some rare and historic bourbon and other whiskeys from around the state. Afterward, they took a walking tour of Newport with a guide from American Legacy Tours, who told them the secrets of Newport’s life as a gangster hot spot during the Prohibition era. Next was a delicious dinner and scenic cruise with BB Riverboats, followed by a nightcap at Wiseguys Lounge in Covington.

Newport Gangster Tour

A shrimp appetizer onboard the Belle of Cincinnati

Visiting the Belle’s pilot house

Visiting champions at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington

Kentucky Horse Park

REVIVAL VINTAGE BOTTLE SHOP & BAR

Throughout Kentucky’s illustrious bourbon distilling history, hundreds of distilleries have produced thousands of rare, collectible whiskeys. At Revival Vintage Bottle Shop & Bar, a bar, tasting room and vintage shop in Newport, visitors can taste samples from 150–200 rare bourbons, including some distilled as long ago as 1914. The establishment offers samples as small as a quarter ounce so enthusiasts can taste normally expensive bourbons at reasonable prices. The FAM group enjoyed a signature cocktail, a bourbon tasting and a tour of the vintage bottle display area.

NEWPORT GANGSTER TOUR

Guides from American Legacy Tours describe the city of Newport as “Vegas before Vegas” and tell stories of the area’s rowdy Prohibition past during their Newport Gangster Tour. Guests learn about the bootlegging industry that thrived in Newport during Prohibition, as well as the more than 30 casinos that once operated in town, many under the direction of mob bosses. The tour features a stop at the home of the man who invented the Tommy gun, as well as other sites related to the area’s colorful past.

BB RIVERBOATS

One of the most beloved activities along the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky waterfronts, BB Riverboats offers an array of cruising options up and down the Ohio River. Groups can sail on one of two paddle wheeler-style vessels, the Belle of Cincinnati or the River Queen, both of which offer excursions with beautiful scenery, delicious food and options for live music. During their cruise, the FAM group enjoyed special Roaring ’20s-inspired dishes and got to visit the ship’s captain in the pilot house.

• DEPART FOR LEXINGTON

• LUNCH AND TOUR AT MILL RIDGE FARM

• KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

• BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS

• DINNER AT J. RENDER’S SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR

The group began the next day with breakfast at the hotel in Covington then started the journey about 75 miles south to Lexington. When they arrived, they headed to Mill Ridge Farm to learn about the area’s legacy of Thoroughbred farming, meet horses up close and enjoy a delicious lunch. Next up was a visit

A photo stop at the Newport courthouse

Cruising with BB Riverboats

Enjoying northern Kentucky scenery

Above: A cocktail at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop & Bar

Sampling the Bee’s Knees at Revival

“I loved getting to experience Churchill Downs and feel the excitement that runs through the crowd there!”

— TIFFANY KRATZER

LOWEE’S GROUP TOURS

A

to Kentucky Horse Park, the city’s signature attraction offering a museum, horse shows and more. From there, they made the short trip to the town of Midway to enjoy a tour and bourbon tasting at Bluegrass Distillers. They returned to Lexington to check into The Campbell House, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, then enjoyed an evening of smoked meat and Roaring ’20s decor at J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar.

MILL RIDGE FARM

Though Mill Ridge Farm was founded in 1962, Kentuckians have been raising Thoroughbreds on its land since the 1800s. Today, the farm is known for breeding and caring for some of the world’s top racehorses. On a tour, guests can learn about the farm’s history, drive through the scenic property, visit the breeding barn and even spend time petting and feeding some of the horses that live there. The travel planners had a charming catered lunch in a barn on the property, an experience that is also available to tour groups.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

Founded by the state of Kentucky to educate visitors about all things equestrian, Kentucky Horse Park features two museums, competition grounds, live shows and dozens of horses. At the International Museum of the Horse, visitors learn about the history of horse farming and can see a collection of many Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown trophies. A horse-drawn trolley tour is a great way to explore the entire complex. At the Hall of Champions, visitors can meet horses that have retired after illustrious racing careers, and equine-showcase experiences introduce visitors to many breeds of horses from around the world.

BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS

In Midway, a village about 15 minutes away from Lexington, Bluegrass Distillers is a family-owned distillery that makes smallbatch bourbons, including its signature blue corn whiskey. Guests can tour the distillery, which is located on a historic farm, to see how the products are fermented, distilled and bottled. The FAM group also enjoyed a welcome cocktail and a guided tasting experience in the converted 1835 farmhouse. A ranger led the tour group around the site — now a national monument — to point out its Frenchinspired architecture, tell them about the enslaved people who built its walls and show them its authentic Civil War cannons.

A misty day touring the horse farm

A welcome cocktail at Bluegrass Distillers

Up-close with a resident of Mill Ridge Farm

A rye whiskey bottle at Bluegrass Distillers

A tasting experience at Bluegrass Distillers

A foal at Mill Ridge Farm

lovely barn luncheon at Mill Ridge Farm

• DEPART FOR LOUISVILLE

• SEELBACH ROARING ’20S TOUR

• LUNCH AT DOC CROW’S SOUTHERN SMOKEHOUSE & RAW BAR

• FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM

• LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY

• TOUR AND DINNER AT PARISTOWN POINTE

On the third day of the tour, the group departed Lexington early and headed about 75 miles west to Louisville, the largest city in the state. Upon arriving, they checked into the Seelbach Hilton, which would be home for the next two nights, and enjoyed a tour of the 1905 property, including spaces where F. Scott Fitzgerald drew inspiration for “The Great Gatsby.” Next, they ate lunch downtown at Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar then visited the Frazier History Museum for an up-close experience with 1920s artifacts and a bourbon tasting. From there they took a short walk across the street to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where they learned about the history and manufacturing process of the most famous piece of equipment in sports history. After a short break at the hotel, they went to the Paristown Pointe neighborhood for dinner, where they got a preview of Uncle Boojie’s, a soon-to-open distillery and event venue, as well as a speakeasy soiree dinner.

FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM

Located on Main Street, also known as Louisville’s Museum Row, the Frazier History Museum tells stories from Kentucky history using artifacts and live interpretations. Among the highlights is an exhibition called America’s Native Spirit that features details of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, as well as a collection of more than 400 bottles from distilleries around the state. A secret door in the bottle room leads to a speakeasy, where the FAM group had a private experience with Prohibition artifacts from the collection, including flapper dresses and a prescription for medicinal whiskey. The experience ended with a tasting of three Kentucky bourbons.

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY

Also on Museum Row, a 120-foot-tall sculpture of a baseball bat leaning against a brick building marks the site of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Visitors can tour the factory to see how the legendary bats are made to the individual specifications of Major League players. The accompanying museum details the history of the company and some of the players who have used its bats. In an interactive exhibit called Hold a Piece of History, visitors can take photos holding Louisville Slugger bats used in actual games by luminaries such as Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., Willie Mays and Babe Ruth.

Visiting Western Dreamer at the Kentucky Horse Park

“Louisville was a clear winner. Lots to do. Beautiful city.”

—EMILY SLATER THE TRAVEL TEAM

PARISTOWN POINTE

In Paristown, a seven-acre arts district in central Louisville that has been recently rejuvenated by local developers, groups will find a variety of inviting experiences. Chief among them is a tour of Stoneware & Co., which has been making fine ceramic dishes and other items by hand in Louisville since 1815. The development also has The Village Market Food Hall & Bar, The Café Southern Kitchen and Uncle Boojie’s, a new distillery crafting bourbon from a 200-year-old family recipe. The FAM group got a preview of the soon-to-open tasting room at Uncle Boojie’s and a delightful Roaring ’20s speakeasy dinner in a private space at the Stoneware & Co. showroom.

• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT THE BROWN HOTEL

• EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE

• TROLLEY DE ‘VILLE

• LUNCH AT BRISTOL BAR & GRILLE

• KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM

• TWILIGHT RACING AT CHURCHILL DOWNS

The group began their second day in Louisville with a tour and breakfast at The Brown Hotel, birthplace of Kentucky’s famous Hot Brown open-face sandwich. Next, they had an immersive historic bourbon tasting at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, followed by a wonderful overview tour of the city with Trolley de ‘Ville. After lunch at the Bristol Bar & Grille Downtown, they headed to Churchill Downs, where they took in a film, exhibits and hands-on experience at the Kentucky Derby Museum before heading up to the grandstands for an evening of food, drinks and Thoroughbred racing at twilight.

EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE

Also located on Museum Row, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience introduces visitors to one of Kentucky’s most historic bourbon brands. Tours cover 200 years of distilling on the Louisville waterfront with immersive films and an inside look at a micro-distilling operation inside the museum. The facility also features a basement speakeasy, where the FAM group enjoyed a tasting experience led by a costumed interpreter who shared details about Louisville’s Great Gatsby history in addition to samples of five signature whiskeys.

Bourbon artifacts at Louisville’s Frazier History Museum

Enjoying a cocktail in Paristown

Hands-on at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Dressing for the occasion at the historic Seelbach hotel

Where Gatsby’s Glamour Lives

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville

TROLLEY DE ‘VILLE

Operating city tours on open-air vehicles, Trolley de ‘Ville is an excellent way to showcase the diversity of Louisville’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The tour starts near the Ohio riverfront and highlights numerous historic sites around downtown, including several associated with boxing legend Muhammad Ali. It then proceeds to Old Louisville, where dozens of beautiful homes date to the 1870s, and to the thriving NuLu district, a hip, artsy neighborhood that is quickly becoming one of the city’s hot spots.

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM

Located adjacent to Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum tells the story of America’s most famous horse race. In addition to several floors of exhibits, the museum is also the jumping-off point for guided tours of the Churchill Downs racetrack. After the tour, the FAM group watched an 18-minute immersive film, “The Greatest Race,” then created their own customized Derby hats in the hands-on “Hatitude” experience. They also participated in a HorseTalk session, where an experienced local fan taught them how to read a racing form and place wagers on the evening’s races.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Though the eyes of the world turn to the twin spires of Churchill Downs each year on the first Saturday in May for the running of the Kentucky Derby, live Thoroughbred racing takes place at the track from late April through late June and again from late October through Thanksgiving weekend. The FAM group watched twilight racing from posh seating in the Turf Club, where they enjoyed a delicious buffet, classic mint juleps and a picture-perfect ending to their time in Kentucky.

A Cuban restaurant in NuLu

Styling at Churchill Downs

The Hatitude experience at the Kentucky Derby Museum

A group photo at the Kentucky Derby Museum

The Brown Hotel’s signature Hot Brown

Seeing Old Louisville with Trolley de ‘Ville

COLLEEN MCDANIEL CRUISE CRITIC

DON’T MISS THE BOAT

ON THIS TRAVEL TREND

It’s not just you — everybody really is talking about river cruising right now.

With new and established cruise lines making their way into the market, river cruising might just be the hottest trend in travel in 2025. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, knows exactly why. Colleen joins this episode of the podcast to unpack the popularity of river cruising and help you understand how you can make it work for your group.

Colleen explains the core value propositions that make river cruises popular with travelers. She explains how river cruising differs from ocean cruises and land tours, breaks down the economics of cruise pricing and gives tips for booking the river cruise that’s right for you.

1 2 3

On the river cruising demographic:

“I think the demographics are changing. It does tend to be an older crowd, in part because some of the cruises are longer, and younger people might not have the time to get away. But more and more, we are seeing younger cruises on board all the ships that are sailing in Europe…. We’re seeing themed river cruises, and they’re seeking interesting demographics. There are more and more of these kind of journeys designed to bring people together who have similar interests and similar backgrounds.”

On the difference between river cruises and land tours:

“You only have to unpack once when you’re on a cruise. The ship takes you to the destinations, versus trains, busses, etc., where you’re staying in a hotel for a night or two, repacking and going to the next location. On a river cruise, you’re never too far from a really cool destination. You’re spending a ton of time in port. You’re able to make it the experience you want.”

On the growth in river cruising destinations:

“We’re continuing to see the destination expand. Sure, if you’re in the Danube, you’re going to do Budapest and Vienna. But we’re seeing further expansion into the southern part of the Danube River. And there are always cruise lines adding smaller ports to their itineraries so people can see other ports of the rivers.”

To sponsor an episode of Gather and Go contact: To listen to the full episode, go to: TELISA RECH telisa@grouptravelleader.com

GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/PODCAST 859.253.0455

Mission ACCOMPLISHED

Groups have abundant opportunities to volunteer at Yosemite National Park while enjoying its natural beauty.

VTRAVELERS REALLY DO TURN

OUT FOR FAITH-BASED CAUSES

BY RACHEL CRICK

acationers often aren’t focused on being cheerful givers. But that’s changing.

A growing number of travelers are interested in “voluntourism,” which combines service opportunities with their trips to a destination. Faith-based groups’ missions often align particularly well with voluntourism. The best part about seeking these opportunities is that they’re flexible — any DMO will gladly help you think of new ways to contribute your group’s time to better the community they serve.

Whether activities span an afternoon or several days, here are some ideas for voluntourism at destinations across the country.

Yosemite National Park CALIFORNIA

The National Park Service is a great place to look for experiences that let groups enjoy nature while giving back. Instead of simply taking a group for a scenic drive or short hike through a national park, planners should consider contacting NPS for volunteer opportunities. Yosemite National Park has a robust volunteer program that can accommodate groups as well as individual volunteers.

The park has “drop-in-days” where volunteers can show up to volunteer without an advanced application needed. One such day is Apple Picking Day, where volunteers can harvest apples at the historic orchards of Curry Village so bears can’t eat them, thus reducing bear and human interactions. There’s also Yosemite Facelift, a five-day event where volunteers show up to collect trash from the park. In 2024, over 13,000 pounds of trash were collected during this event.

Groups of about five to 25 participants can plan volunteer projects outside of these drop-in days, too, with opportunities that include planting native vegetation, removing invasive plants, maintaining campgrounds and building trails. Most work takes place from May to October, although limited opportunities are available during the offseason. Contact the park’s volunteer office to inquire about opportunities.

NPS.GOV/YOSE

Left: A Yosemite sequoia Right: Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park BY

VISIT INDIANA’S TOP GROUP DESTINATION

Step into the heart of Amish Country and experience true Hoosier Hospitality at Das Dutchman Essenhaus.

- family-style dining - unique shopping at the Village Shops - peaceful carriage rides

- generously-sized guest rooms

- deluxe hot breakfast

- baggage handling

Experience all the sights, sounds and flavors of Fall!

Groups love the Fall, Food & Fun Tour in Amish Country where you tour Indiana’s largest apple orchard, see flour ground at Indiana’s oldest operating grist mill and dine in a famous retro diner. Include the popular guided Fall Treats & Color Backroads Tour along the Heritage Trail

Denver Urban Gardens

DENVER

Founded in 1985, Denver Urban Gardens is a nonprofit organization with the goal of expanding community access to healthy food and supporting food sovereignty in the Denver area. The organization creates and maintains community gardens and food forests (sections of fruit trees that provide both produce and shaded areas) for residents to harvest food for themselves and their families. It also distributes information on gardening, as well as materials for locals to create their own gardens.

Volunteer opportunities at Denver Urban Gardens are open to groups, including church groups. The work is a great way to get to know the Denver community and involves maintaining community gardens, including tasks such as weeding gardens, amending soil, cleaning garden plots, planting trees and even building raised garden beds. Team-building experiences, which may include education on urban gardening, can also be arranged.

Group leaders can fill out a volunteer inquiry on the website to arrange each experience. Volunteers are expected to secure their own transportation and come dressed for a day of gardening. The volunteer opportunities are held rain or shine — with the exception of dangerous weather conditions — and up to 15 people can work on one shift.

DUG.ORG

A volunteer group posing with their Denver Urban Gardens project

A DUG volunteer

Little Brothers –Friends of the Elderly CHICAGO

The Windy City offers abundant opportunities to give back to the community, from participating in locally organized neighborhood cleanups to working with nationwide charitable nonprofits. One such organization with locations throughout the U.S. is Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), with a mission to relieve isolation and loneliness among older adults. In addition to its Chicago location, LBFE has locations in Boston, Cincinnati and Upper Michigan. Groups traveling to Chicago can volunteer a variety of their services to LBFE, no matter how much time they’d like to commit. If they would like to simply devote a couple hours to the cause, large groups can create and decorate goodie bags, gifts and candy favors to be delivered to the people LBFE serves. There is no set time commitment for this activity. Smaller groups of up to 15 can arrange to visit with seniors directly for an afternoon or morning activity. LBFE also offers volunteers the chance to visit older adults during events, including birthday parties, themed lunches and family reunions, to create lively, fun experiences for all involved.

LBFECHICAGO.ORG

Volunteer group decorating birthday bags at LBFE Chicago

DUG volunteers pause for a picture

Cradles to Crayons

NEWTONVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS

Designed to combat some of the effects of child poverty in major cities, Cradles to Crayons is dedicated to providing children with essential items in their homes and schools. These range from donated clothing and shoes to brand-new backpacks and school supplies. The organization collects new or nearly new children’s items donated from the community or from online wish lists. The items are then sorted and packaged at the organization’s warehouse, The Giving Factory, and distributed to children in

Visitors to the Boston area will find The Giving Factory is well suited to large volunteer groups. Groups with 100-plus members can arrange to come to the warehouse for two hours to sort through and package clothing and supplies for children in need. They should bring their own reusable water bottles to stay hydrated during their shift. They can also bring clothing items they would like to donate. Volunteers aged five and up are welcome, so long as minors have adults to accompany them.

Cradles to Crayons also has locations with volunteer programs in Philadelphia and Chicago.

CRADLESTOCRAYONS.ORG/ BOSTON

COURTESY CRADLES TO CRAYONS

A backpack stuffing event at Cradles to Crayons in Massachusetts

The Store

NASHVILLE

Founded by country music singer Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store in Nashville is a nonprofit created to address food insecurity in central Tennessee. The Paisley family was inspired by a free grocery store in California and wanted to create a similar concept in Tennessee in 2020. The Store works like a food bank but with an emphasis on fresh produce, meats and dairy products to promote a healthier diet. It’s laid out like a grocery store rather than providing shoppers with a pre-packaged box, which allows more choice and reduces food waste. It has also expanded to provide support services and skills classes, such as counseling, cooking classes, budgeting, literacy and more.

Church, corporate and other groups can volunteer at The Store to stock shelves, bag groceries and otherwise assist in the fight against food insecurity. Contact The Store’s team to work out the details of your group’s volunteer experience.

THESTORE.ORG

Volunteers sorting clothing for Cradles to Crayons

COURTESY CRADLES TO CRAYONS

PHOTOS BY DEREK CRESSMAN, COURTESY THE STORE

The Store in Nashville\ Bagging groceries at The Store

Turtle Island Restoration Network

GALVESTON, TEXAS

Turtle Island Restoration Network aims to protect sea turtles and other marine life by protecting their habitat and promoting biodiversity. They work in Galveston, Texas, as well as the Bay Area in California, to clean and restore the habitats of sea turtles and other endangered marine life. They also educate the public about the importance of maintaining marine ecosystems and raise awareness of the man-made issues these animals face.

One way for groups to volunteer with the Turtle Island Restoration Network is with a beach cleanup in Galveston. Groups of 10 or larger can register for a twohour, guided beach cleanup on any weekday, though there is limited availability on weekends. Groups begin their volunteer experience by watching a quick presentation about pollution and marine debris. They will then comb a beach for trash to ensure it doesn’t end up in the ocean or endangering any sea turtles. At the end, volunteers will weigh their trash and conduct a patrol for nurdles, which are tiny plastic pellets that turtles and other marine life often mistake for food. Finally, the group can do a microplastics experiment. These sessions are a great volunteer experience for visitors of all ages.

SEATURTLES.ORG

A volunteer group beach cleanup

Volunteers searching the beach

A SACRED SPACE IN GEORGI A .

A Significant Historic Landmark.

This historic cemetery is home to Confederate soldiers� unmarked graves of those thought to be formerly enslaved� as well as Horace King� a former slave who rose to become an accomplished engineer� bridge builder� and state legislator� This memorial honors the lives of those laid to rest there and features an interpretive pavilion� walkways� seating areas� and one of only five remaining King covered bridges� The significance of the site in our collective history is not to be understated� Come explore some of the stories that helped shape our future� VisitLaGrange.com

Oh, The Stories You’ll Tell

Mulberry Street Cemetery, Opening July 25 th

OKLAHOMA

By Jill Gleeson

You really can’t blame the “Sooners”— the late 19th-century pioneers so eager to make their home in Oklahoma that they settled there be fore it was quite legal to do so. After all, there was opportunity aplenty thanks to fertile land well-suited for agriculture and the discovery of vast reserves of oil. More than 130 years later, the Sooner State is still thriving, enticing group travelers with a wealth of affordable cultural and natural attractions.

From marquee landmarks like the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, a country-chic crowd-pleaser, this is a surprisingly diverse state. Within its borders, groups will discover picturesque prairies, bustling big cities and charming college towns, all graced by Oklahoma’s celebrated cowboy congeniality.

Groups can take in 40,000 acres of Oklahoma’s natural scenery at the Joseph

BY HARVEY PAYNE, COURTESY TNC/OK TOURISM

H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.

POPULAR DEMAND

OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

On April 19, 1995, a massive explosion reduced a third of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City to rubble. It was the worst act of domestic terrorism in the nation’s history, but from that tragedy’s site has risen the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, an undeniably powerful institution. Outside, the field of 168 empty chairs, each representing a victim, awaits. Inside, exhibits include a chilling recording of an Oklahoma Water Resources Board meeting that captured the sound of the blast. Custom group options range from a talk with a survivor or first responder to a ranger-led tour.

PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART

There’s something for every traveler at Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum of Art, including 25 acres of gardens; the Italian Renaissance-style Villa Philbrook, built as a 72-room mansion in the 1920s for an oil tycoon; and, of course, loads of art. The Philbrook’s collection features more than 16,000 objects, zeroing in on American, Native American and European work. Tours can focus on the grounds, the art or the museum’s historic home, and groups are welcome to picnic among the posies in the garden.

JOSEPH H. WILLIAMS TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PRESERVE

Located 90 minutes northwest of Tulsa, the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a free 40,000-acre preserve that represents the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on the planet. Groups can watch the wonder of it go by from the comfort of their motorcoach thanks to a 15-mile driving loop. Among the sights: more than 700 plant, 300 bird and 80 mammal species, including bobcats, beavers and 2,500 free-range bison. If visitors want to stretch their legs, there are five scenic pullouts, three self-guided nature trails and a visitor center to explore.

COURTESY OKCNMM

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum at twilight

Symbolic chairs at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A garden at Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum of Art

BY TOM ADKINSON

A bison at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Philbrook Museum of Art

BY LORI DUCKWORTH, COURTESY OK TOURISM

UP AND COMING

LOVE’S PLANETARIUM AT SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA

Love’s Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma debuted with a big bang in September 2024. Sporting a price tag exceeding $8 million, the Oklahoma City attraction boasts a cutting-edge, hybrid digital-optical projection system. It whisks groups on a journey through an awe-inspiring night sky unaffected by light pollution to the edges of the known universe. Admission is included in the museum’s ticket price (reduced for groups), but leaders should note seats are on a first-come, first-reserved basis.

OKLAHOMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME

The Sooner State has produced such megawatt musical luminaries as Garth Brooks, Kristin Chenoweth and Woody Guthrie. The $2.4 million facelift to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee will give groups the chance to learn about that rich heritage through jazzy, interactive exhibits and a focal wall for the 100-plus inductees. The attraction will also score a new concert hall for live shows and an updated exterior for its historic building, all set to debut in early 2026.

COURTESY NARRATE AND HAMPTON CREATIVE

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee

A concert set-up at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

Love’s Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma

TULSA ZOO ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE AND PRESERVE

Thanks to the opening of the Tulsa Zoo’s new elephant facilities, Earth’s largest land mammals will have a better life at the site — and groups will get a better visit with them. The $32.8 million project added a 36,650-square-foot Elephant Preserve Barn in the spring of 2024. The Elephant Experience, the complex’s hub for guests, premiered this year, with a 10-acre preserve due this summer. Leaders can book special programs for their groups, like a private, after-hours event at the Elephant Experience, or a chat with a zoo educator and an encounter with an ambassador animal.

PHOTOS COURTESY TULSA ZOO

Tulsa Zoo’s Elephant Experience and Preserve

Elephant Experience exterior

OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS

THE ATHERTON HOTEL

The ideal digs for groups eager to explore Stillwater and the Oklahoma State University campus, The Atherton Hotel is a Georgian-style beauty built three-quarters of a century ago. Dubbed the “Waldorf of the West” when its doors opened, the Atherton has hosted guests including President Jimmy Carter, Faith Hill and Coretta Scott King. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are included with the room rates.

THE ARTESIAN HOTEL, CASINO AND SPA

Tucked away about an hour and 40 minutes southeast of Oklahoma City in the town of Sulphur — so named for its nearby hot springs — The Artesian offers a 15,000-square-foot casino, shops, a spa, and a pool and bathhouse for groups to enjoy. The Chickasaw Nation built the luxe lodging on the former site of a historic grand hotel of the same name, where folks like John Wayne and Roy Rogers once laid their heads.

MEMORABLE MEALS

THE MONT

A true staple for anyone visiting Norman and the University of Oklahoma, The Mont features three seating areas that hold 15 people each. People travel across the state to soak up the sun on the massive outdoor patio, as well as imbibe the Original Sooner Swirl Frozen Sangria Margarita. Soon to celebrate a half-century in business, The Mont dishes up terrific pub grub, including sandwiches and burgers. The Mexican specialties, particularly the chili con queso, are belly-filling favorites.

THE MERCANTILE

The Pioneer Woman, otherwise known as Ree Drummond, started off as blogger writing recipes and cute quips about ranch life in Oklahoma. She now has her own Food Network show, a magazine, cookbooks, branded Walmart merchandise and The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, a boutique and restaurant in Pawhuska. Groups can shop ’til they drop and then walk to the Mercantile’s Event Center for down-home fare like chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes served family-style. Groups are also welcome to visit The Lodge on Drummond Ranch, where the show is shot.

The Atherton Hotel at Oklahoma State University

The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska

COURTESY CHICKASAW NATION

The Chickasaw Nation’s Artesian Hotel

BY LORI DUCKWORTH, COURTESY OK TOURISM

A frosty drink at The Mont

The

the

cradle of

American Revolution, Boston celebrates Independence Day with a massive fireworks display.

DESTINATION

CELEBRATE MASSACHUSETTS

THIS NEW ENGLAND ICON IS READY FOR AMERICA’S 250TH

BY CYNTHIA BARNES

With 7 million residents and nearly 30 million annual visitors, Massachusetts is rich in history but modern in outlook. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its stunning fall foliage, dramatic coastal shoreline and charming, picturesque villages. Its nickname, “The Bay State,” refers to the original settlements along Cape Cod Bay, while its name is a word from the Massachusett tribe meaning “at or about the great hill.” (The Great Blue Hill region is just south of present-day Boston.)

While not the very first European settlement in North America (that honor goes to the Spanish, in St. Augustine, Florida) or even the first British settlement (Jamestown was founded in what’s now Virginia 13 years earlier), Massachusetts is still home to an impressive number of “firsts” in the nation and the world. It all started in 1620 when the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts aboard the Mayflower. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, soon followed by the country’s first public park and first public school. The state’s innovations continued with the invention of the typewriter and — by some accounts — the computer.

Massachusetts is also no stranger to celebrity: It was home to an impressive roster of notable figures, including four U.S. presidents; numerous Revolutionary War-era heroes like Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams and John Hancock; and beloved authors such as Theodor Geisel — more famously known as Dr. Seuss — Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott.

“In Massachusetts, welcoming and belonging aren’t just values — they’re really part of who we are every day,” said Julie Arrison-Bishop, director of marketing at Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “For visitors, there’s the walkable charm of Boston, fresh seafood on the coast, and diverse neighborhoods across the entire state. Every experience is infused with authentic local color and a kind of a dynamic spirit in our communities. If you’re an outdoorsy person, there are mountain trails, or you can head out on the water. If you’re a beach person, you can enjoy a beach day. Our museums are worldclass. And, in addition to the big city of Boston, there are so many wonderful smaller cities and small towns to choose from.”

This year and the next will be an especially attractive time to visit because Massachusetts will be celebrating its pivotal role in the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, in 2026.

BOSTON

Rich in history and boasting a vibrant arts scene, thrilling sporting events, and great dining and nightlife, the cultural and financial capital of New England is an ideal destination for groups of every type. While locals may affectionately refer to Boston as “Beantown,” the Algonquian Tribes called the peninsula Shawmut, which means “living waters.” The Puritan colonists who settled the city in 1630 named it after a market town in Lincolnshire. Boston has more than its share of firsts and visiting them is a fun way for groups to explore the city.

The Freedom Trail connects 16 historical sites across a 2.5-mile walking route and links many of Boston’s “firsts.” Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, serves as both the trail’s starting point and a central gathering place. Along the way, visitors encounter America’s first public school, Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, and the site of the first public library. Faneuil Hall, known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” hosted revolutionary meetings before the Boston Tea Party. The trail also leads to the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel that is still afloat. The city also claims the first subway system in America. Opened in 1897, “the T” is still a great way for groups to get around while exploring the city.

Boston’s culinary reputation extends far beyond baked beans, and visitors should definitely sample the traditional New England clam chowder at Union Oyster House. America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant since 1826, it’s a must-stop for foodies. A slice of Boston cream pie at the Omni Parker House Hotel is de rigueur as well. For sports fans, Boston holds the distinction of hosting the first World Series in 1903, and Fenway Park provides an iconic baseball experience as the oldest baseball stadium still in use. It’s been home to the Red Sox since 1912.

MEETBOSTON.COM

THE BERKSHIRES

Artistic sophistication, outdoor adventures and a farmto-foodie culinary scene are just a few of the highlights to be found in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, where the Berkshires combine world-class performing arts with smalltown New England charm. Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, hosts classical music concerts under the stars, but the iconic venue also features comedians, popular artists like Jon Batiste and James Taylor, and movie screenings with soundtracks performed by the Boston Pops.

The Berkshires have long lured creatives, and artistic attractions extend beyond the concert halls. In Stockbridge, the Norman Rockwell Museum houses works by the beloved illustrator. An impressive collection of Impressionist paintings is on display at The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. More modern tastes will appreciate the cutting-edge contemporary installations at MASS MoCA in North Adams. Housed in a converted industrial complex, it’s one of the country’s largest centers for contemporary visual art.

Beyond cultural attractions, the Berkshires offer natural beauty with hiking trails through old-growth forests leading to scenic overlooks, which are exceptionally stunning when autumn sets the trees ablaze in a riot of colors. Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak, provides views across three states. The towns of Lenox and Stockbridge offer elegant lodgings and inventive dining, and the apple cider donuts at Guido’s Fresh Marketplace are not to be missed.

BERKSHIRES.ORG

A costumed interpreter at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums

A guided tour on Boston’s Freedom Trail

Autumn in the Berkshires

PLYMOUTH

Playing a pivotal role in American and Protestant history, Plymouth is a must on any Massachusetts itinerary. While forever linked to the Pilgrims who established their settlement here in 1620, Plymouth has also grown into a dynamic destination that weaves together educational discovery, coastal beauty and contemporary culture.

“This is a great time to visit Plymouth — it offers so much for such a great price point,” said Lea Filson, president and CEO of See Plymouth. “This is where history actually happened to help create the foundation of America.”

The town’s most famous landmarks draw visitors from around the world. Plymouth Rock marks the legendary landing site of the Mayflower passengers, while the meticulously crafted Mayflower II replica allows guests to step aboard and experience the Atlantic crossing that changed history. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums bring the past to life through immersive exhibits that showcase both 17th-century English Colonial life and the rich heritage of the Wampanoag people, the region’s original inhabitants.

BY GRETA GEORGIEVA

Cape Cod’s Mayflower Beach

The Mayflower II

Museum of Science, Boston, MA

Paul Revere’s Ride

The Paul Revere House, Boston, MA

AMERICA’S 250 TH

April 19, 2025, marked 250 years since the inaugural battles of the American Revolution and is celebrated in Massachusetts on the third Monday of April — also the same day as the running of the Boston Marathon. An extraordinary year-long commemoration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, the MA250 initiative invites visitors to “celebrate the 250th anniversary of Massachusetts by visiting and joining a revolutionary event.”

Here are some highlights:

• Fall 2025 — Boston’s Museum of Science unveils its groundbreaking new exhibit, The Science of Democracy, which explores how data, innovation and civic engagement shape our nation’s past, present and future.

• January–March 2026 — This winter, follow the Henry Knox Trail from Fort Ticonderoga, New York, to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts. With five featured stops across Massachusetts, visitors can experience live reenactments, interactive history and community celebrations honoring this epic 300-mile feat.

• June 2026 — Museum of Fine Arts Boston will present a major new exhibition exploring the art, people and power of the American Revolution. Rare items, portraits and immersive storytelling bring the era to life in stunning detail.

• July 4, 2026 — Celebrate America’s 250th in style with Massachusetts 250 and the iconic Boston Pops. From historic reenactments to fireworks on the Esplanade, this once-in-a-generation Fourth of July promises unforgettable moments for all ages. Events throughout the state will be added continuously at massachusetts250.org.

Plymouth’s coastal setting provides a stunning backdrop for exploration. The harbor and surrounding waters offer opportunities for scenic walks, boat tours and whale-watching adventures. Beach lovers can choose between the bustling atmosphere of White Horse Beach or seek solitude at Plymouth Long Beach. Inland, Myles Standish State Forest beckons with a network of trails winding through pine forests and around pristine ponds, perfect for hiking, cycling and nature retreats.

The town’s contemporary side flourishes in its downtown district, where art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants create a vibrant cultural scene. Local chefs showcase the region’s abundant seafood alongside innovative international flavors. Throughout the year, festivals and special events bring the community together.

SEEPLYMOUTH.COM

CAPE COD

The windswept Cape Cod peninsula offers 400 miles of pristine coastline — everything from dramatic cliffs to gentle bay beaches. The Cape’s 15 towns each have their own personality, but Provincetown captures the area’s artistic spirit best. Here, visitors can climb the Pilgrim Monument for panoramic views then stroll Commercial Street’s galleries and eclectic shops. The bohemian atmosphere creates an energy that’s been attracting writers, painters and free spirits since the early 1900s. Long famed as a wholesome playground for the wealthy, Cape Cod continues to draw celebrities of all stripes.

A visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the Cape’s culinary seafood traditions. Visitors will want to tuck into a lobster roll at one of the countless clam shacks dotting Route 6A, the scenic Old King’s Highway that winds through historic villages like Sandwich and Brewster. These weathered establishments, many family-owned for generations, serve up fried clams, fish and chips, and creamy New England clam chowder that tastes exactly as it should. Travelers shouldn’t miss the chance to watch the fishing boats unload their daily catch in Chatham or Wellfleet, where they can often buy oysters and scallops directly from the harvesters.

The Cape’s natural beauty extends far beyond its beaches. Cape Cod National Seashore protects 44,000 acres of stunning landscape, including the otherworldly Marconi Beach dunes and the serene Great Island Trail in Wellfleet. Cycling the Cape Cod Rail Trail gives travelers access to cranberry bogs, salt marshes and hidden ponds that reveal the area’s diverse ecosystems. For those drawn to the water, sailing remains a cornerstone of Cape Cod culture, with everything from casual day sails out of Barnstable Harbor to the prestigious Figawi Race that draws competitive sailors from across New England each Memorial Day weekend.

CAPECODCHAMBER.ORG

A classic Massachusetts lobster roll

CELEBRATE

CUYAHOGA CHARM

AKRON IS A CITY THAT LOVES THE OUTDOORS

WBY KEVIN OSBOURN

ith Ohio’s only national park next door and a thriving urban center, Akron offers a hard-to-find combination of natural treasures within minutes of city fun. Groups enjoy touring Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — a Tudor Revival marvel built by the hometown co-founder of Goodyear Tire — along with many other attractions. And, if your group needs to re-charge in nature, they can be in the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park within minutes.

Akron is an unusual city/nature destination that offers a rich history and a slew of concerts, museums and festivals, including one with the world’s largest gathering of twins. And it is why going to Akron and Summit County offers an unforgettable adventure.

“We juxtapose city and urban life with a national park and our city scene,” said Stephanie Berry, vice president of marketing and brand management for the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Plus, we have museums and food you won’t find in other areas.”

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

One of the biggest attractions for groups is visiting the 64,500-square-foot Stan Hywet Hall, the former estate of F.A. Seiberling, who co-founded the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Completed in 1915, the mansion stands as a shining example of an American country estate and the tremendous wealth that the Industrial Age brought to the nation.

Seiberling and his wife built it as their dream home and made sure that everyone in the family got a feature they most wanted. The estate helps to highlight why Akron is known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” and the beautiful grounds feature 10 fully restored gardens.

Another Akron spot to see, especially for fans of aviation history, is the MAPS Air Museum. It contains aircraft ranging from a Martin Glider to an F-16A Fighting Falcon and tells the fascinating story of aeronautics through educational and interactive exhibits.

Other popular group attractions include the Akron Zoo and the Akron RubberDucks, the town’s minor league baseball team. The new Akron History Center gives visitors a look into the city’s past as America’s rubber manufacturing hub, as well as famous former residents such as LeBron James.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY AKRON/SUMMIT CVB

Cascade Valley Metro Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

BY K HEAGY

Akron Art Museum

Interpreters at Hale Farm & Village

Groups enjoy many other interesting events each summer in Akron, including the annual FirstEnergy Soap Box Derby World Championships. The races feature hundreds of competitors between the ages of 7 and 20 driving gravity-powered cars. If your group likes unusual entertainment, just north of Akron is Twinsburg, the host site of the Twins Days Festival, which always takes place the first full weekend in August.

Other popular places include the Northside Marketplace, home to dozens of local entrepreneurs, and the Cuyahoga Falls Shopping District on the banks of the Cuyahoga River.

PLENTIFUL ARTS

Akron also offers a wide range of beautiful spaces to enjoy its vibrant arts scene.

The Akron Art Museum houses thousands of works of contemporary art with a strong focus on modern paintings, sculptures and photography. The building itself is a work of art, featuring an attractive and massive combination of steel and glass.

Located in the Historic Arts District, Summit Artspace is home to studios, creative businesses and galleries with pieces produced by local artists. Admission is free.

Akron revitalized 25 downtown buildings and 86 storefronts to create the Contemporary Arts District, which is also free. The district offers a rotating collection of murals on shipping containers, digital art, exhibits and studios that pulse with creative energy.

Billed as the “hottest destination” in the city, Akron Glass Works hosts workshops with live music, allowing anyone 15 years or older to experience the art of glassblowing firsthand.

An unusual and fun day is going to Don Drumm Studios & Gallery. Housed in several buildings featuring art on just about every wall, Drumm Studios displays pieces from all over the world. Drumm pioneered the use of cast aluminum. For music, the Akron Civic Theatre is a classically ornate entertainment venue known as “The Jewel on Main Street.” Akron is also a tremendous place to experience outdoor concerts at the Blossom Music Center. Its conical roof wraps around the stage, but the sides of the center structure open to a hillside where guests can sit to watch performers and listen to music.

CALL OF THE WILD

Located just 15 miles from downtown, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers the stunning 65-foot Brandywine Falls, as well as forests, a scenic train ride, a beautiful trail on the Ohio & Erie Canal, bike paths and lots of activities.

An excellent place to start is the park’s Boston Mill Visitor Center, which can provide maps, and is the jumping-off point for a 2.5-mile hike to Brandywine Falls. Visitors can park near the falls, but the trail from Boston Mill to the viewing platform overlooking the falls is flat and considered easy.

For those who wish to explore beyond the waterfall, there is a 1.5-mile trail loop and overnight lodging available at the historic Stanford House.

A fantastic way to see the park is by train aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Guests can take their families on the fun loop, or there is also a luxurious dinneron-the-train experience. One of the gems that many groups enjoy is Hale Farm & Village, a living history attraction with historic structures, all within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

For groups that prefer to remain in Akron while enjoying the outdoors, there are 16 parks, nature centers and a visitor center available through Summit Metro Parks. Summit Parks offers the beautiful Towpath Trail along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. Be sure to check out the many naturalist-led programs and activities available through Summit Metro Parks, including concerts, fireworks and classes on everything from paddleboarding to embroidery.

“We have over 150 miles of trails,” Berry said. “Wherever you are, there are parks nearby, and they are always doing different programming and events for family and all ages.”

Akron Civic Theatre VISITAKRON-SUMMIT.ORG

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Steady Ascent

HERE ARE FIVE TRENDING ALABAMA CITIES SPECIAL SECTION

Bellingrath Gardens

BY BRIONA LAMBACK

Whether it’s the rockets that launched America to the moon or the home of a blind and deaf girl who became a world-renowned speaker, Alabama offers stories that shatter expectations. From Muscle Shoals to Montgomery, destinations throughout the state reveal stories that intersect at the crossroads of history, culture, adventure, sports and science.

While many destinations promise “something for everyone,” Alabama delivers on this promise with experiences of all kinds. Your group can walk the same grounds where Helen Keller first understood language then cheer from America’s oldest ballpark, where Willie Mays launched his legendary career. The world’s largest spaceflight museum awaits those drawn to cosmic exploration, while others can soak in serenity by wandering through 65 acres of yearround gardens. Adventure seekers can tackle adrenaline-pumping whitewater rapids or experience a rocket ride that launches them 140 feet into the air. No matter what, every interest and skill level can find its match here.

Muscle Shoals

A white clapboard cottage from the 1820s sits on a 640-acre tract in Tuscumbia, Alabama, surrounded by magnolia trees, roses and English ivy. Walking the grounds at Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, is like taking a stroll through a history book. Keller became famous for overcoming deafness and blindness and becoming an author, international speaker and lifelong advocate for people with disabilities. Today, the museum at her birthplace is a time capsule of her remarkable life.

On the grounds, visitors can walk along the winding “whistle path” to explore the main house and outdoor kitchen. The estate is dotted with numerous gardens, including herb, rose and butterfly gardens, and no visit is complete without stopping by the Lions Club

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Mobile’s

International Memorial Fountain. Helen Keller’s birthplace cottage sits east of the main house, and what was once an office and then a bridal suite eventually became the living quarters for Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan.

The home and museum are decorated with much of the family’s original furniture. It also has Keller’s complete library of Braille books, a Braille typewriter and even the famous water well, where a life-changing moment opened the door to her learning the alphabet.

For an even more immersive experience, groups should plan to visit in the summer months. “Each summer they do a play, ‘The Miracle Worker,’ which is Alabama’s official outdoor drama, and people from all over come to see the play, the reenactment, in the place where it happened,” said Maryanne Floyd, director of marketing and communications at Colbert County Tourism.

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Mobile’s

& Home is a grand estate engulfed by gardens

Mobile

Known as the “Charmed Spot of the South,” Mobile’s Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a grand estate engulfed by gardens across 65 acres. Bellingrath is perfect for garden enthusiasts and history buffs looking for a walkable experience. The numerous gardens are home to thousands of plants and flowers, including themed areas like a Japanese garden.

“It’s one of those places that’s unique because it changes throughout the year depending on what’s blooming,” said Ashley Rains, senior public relations and communications manager at Visit Mobile.

Groups can visit year-round to see different plants and blooms depending on the season. Camellias bloom in the winter, and spring is for azaleas. Roses call the gardens home in the summer, and visiting in fall means spotting cascading chrysanthemums draped over bridges and tucked throughout the gardens.

The estate’s museum home is a 10,500-square-foot, 15-room English Renaissance house built in 1935. In its early days, the estate belonged to Walter and Bessie Morse Bellingrath. Bessie loved gardens, and the couple’s house on South Ann Street had an extensive collection, becoming the basis for the Mobile Azalea Trail in 1929. The Bellingrath Gardens opened to the public three years later, and Bessie’s longtime dream came true.

Throughout the year, Bellingrath hosts floral workshops for adults. It recently hosted the Gulf Coast Chinese Lantern Festival, which featured luminous sculptures beneath the oaks and is set to become an annual event. To end the year, the annual Magic Christmas in Lights holiday exhibition illuminates the gardens with Christmas colors every evening.

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Strolling through Bellingrath Gardens

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A Bellingrath Gardens water feature

Groups visiting the Muscle Shoals area can see Ivy Green, the home of Helen Keller.

Bellingrath Gardens

Birmingham

Often considered a gateway to the city, Vulcan Park & Museum is the perfect first stop for groups visiting Birmingham. The iconic Vulcan statue towers over the city at 56 feet high. Many consider it the portal to Birmingham and the perfect place to understand its storied history.

Beyond having the largest cast iron statue in the world, the park is home to miles of hiking and walking trails, panoramic views overlooking the city and an interactive history museum worth exploring for a few hours.

Birmingham was a fast-growing, industrial town when the doors to Rickwood Field, America’s oldest ballpark, opened in 1910. Back then, it was home to the minor league Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons, a Negro Southern League baseball team.

Initially dubbed “The Finest Minor League Ballpark Ever,” Rickwood Field was the first to be constructed from concrete and steel. Its original dimensions were similar to a canyon, making it a pitcher’s park and a difficult place to play for home-run hitters. Still, baseball stars were born there, including powerhouse outfielder Willie Mays, whom the Birmingham Black Barons signed in 1948 at 17 years old. Over the years, other star players also took the field at Rickwood, including Babe Ruth, Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson.

Today, the 10,000-plus-person stadium fills its seats with local baseball teams’ games and special events. On June 20, 2024, Rickwood hosted a Major League Baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants, one of Willie Mays’s former teams.

“HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] with baseball teams often play there for the history value of it, and every year there’s the Rickwood Classic,” said Vickie Ashford-Thompson, director of travel media for the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. At the annual classic, the Birmingham Barons pay homage to history by dressing in the classic uniforms worn by the team’s earliest players.

Visitors looking to connect their present visits with the past can step back in time at the Negro Southern League Museum to read player stories and see memorabilia from the Black Barons.

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Huntsville

Huntsville is known as “Rocket City” because it’s where the rockets that allowed for early moon exploration were developed.

Visitors can experience that space-specific history at Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It’s Alabama’s most-visited attraction and, with a collection of more than 1,500 objects, the largest spaceflight museum in the world. A full-scale Saturn V rocket is housed alongside other permanent and rotating exhibits in the main building, the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. The Rocket Center’s permanent collection includes the first American satellite, original capsule trainers for the Mercury and Gemini programs, design modules for the International Space Station and more.

It is also home to the famous Space Camp. This NASA-based youth training camp has been the launchpad for aerospace and science careers and enthusiast exploration for over 40 years.

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Negro Southern Leagues Museum

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The planetarium at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center

BY ART MERIPOL, COURTESY GBCVB

Birmingham’s Rickwood Field

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“It’s a perfect location for group tours,” said Charles Winters, executive vice president of marketing, media and advertising inquiries for Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The center lends itself very well to a number of group activities. There are films at the Intuitive Planetarium, which are displayed in 8K resolution, and the platform they use can take viewers anywhere in the known universe.”

Moon Shot is a ride that simulates the feeling of launching 140 feet skyward in 2.5 seconds. The center also hosts weekly Meet an Astronaut events during the summer.

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PHOTOS COURTESY HUNTSVILLE-MADISON CO. CVB

The Vulcan statue overlooking Birmingham

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s lunar module exhibit

The Pathfinder shuttle stack at Huntsville’s

Space and Rocket Center

Montgomery

Get off the beaten path and into the waters of Montgomery for a unique group experience at Montgomery Whitewater, a 120-acre outdoor adventure center. Travelers can enjoy its mix of adventure, outdoor activities, festivals and events. The 2,200-foot-long Creek Channel mimics a natural river and offers a whitewater experience that’s ideal for beginners and intermediate rafters. There’s also the Competition Channel for more advanced rafters looking for the thrill of bigger rapids.

Other than water sports, visitors can walk the recreational trails and try zip lining, bouldering, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or biking. In summer, Friday and Saturday nights feature live entertainment during

“Montgomery Whitewater has a venue space attached to its restaurant that can accommodate larger parties, as well as a sprawling dining porch off the back that overlooks the channels. Both spaces can be rented by groups for events.”

— MEGAN CARLISLE, EXPERIENCE MONTGOMERY

the Patio Music series. And there’s year-round craft beer and dining at Eddy’s restaurant and bar, which overlooks the whitewater channels.

The park typically hosts Summer Solstice, a mix of live music, sunset rafting and fun activities. While summer is vibrant at Montgomery Whitewater, the park is open all year with seasonal offerings, including ice skating and an aerial ropes course. The Get Down is its free weekly concert series in the spring and fall, and the park hosts a zombie-themed 5K and fun run in October.

“Montgomery Whitewater has a venue space attached to its restaurant that can accommodate larger parties, as well as a sprawling dining porch off the back that overlooks the channels,” said Megan Carlisle, senior manager of brand development at Experience Montgomery. “Both spaces can be rented by groups for events.”

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Relaxing waterside in Montgomery

A rafting experience at Montgomery Whitewater

upgrade your

Staff Sound-off

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST RELAXING TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?

PUBLISHER

MAC LACY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DONIA SIMMONS

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

TELISA RECH

VP & EXECUTIVE EDITOR

BRIAN JEWELL

EDITOR’S NOTE

Having a late afternoon beer with my family on any number of Swiss mountainsides.

Our camping trips to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. There is nothing more relaxing to me than a trip there. I wake up and walk the beach each morning at sunrise. The water it is just over the dune from our camp site.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & PROJECT MANAGER

RACHEL CRICK

PRINT & DIGITAL PUBLISHING MANAGER

Iwent to Antigua with my mom when I was in college, and just hanging out around the resort was extremely relaxing.

M y most relaxing experience are beach house rentals in areas where there’s not a lot to do…Like Oak Island, North Carolina.

For pure relaxation, nothing beats an all-inclusive resort. Give me a beach chair and a good book and I’m a happy man. And when all the meals and activities are paid for ahead of time, even better.

ASHLEY RICKS

CONTROLLER

SARAH SECHRIST

Ilove accompanying my husband on his business trips. I don’t mind spending the daytime meandering around in a new place exploring by myself until he finishes up for the day. Most recently I spent a trip in Hilton Head, South Carolina, that way, trying out a Japanese bakery and different seafood restaurants, and thrifting at one of the many shops on the island.

Any beach.

Welcome to Staff Sound-Off, the column where our staff members answer questions about their travel practices and preferences. We hope you enjoy these tips. If you have a question you’d like to see us answer, send it to me and it may appear in a future issue.

Add an unforgettable destination to your tour. Prepare for a thrilling adventure through biblical history at our life-size Noah’s Ark, located just south of Cincinnati.