WHERE THE MOTHER ROAD
Meetsthe River Road
Celebrate 100 years of road tripping in the only place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the scenic beauty of the Great River Road. Follow the neon signs to the It’s Electric Neon Sign Park, dine at historic Route 66 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 www.RiversandRoutes.com.
KENTUCKY STATE PARKS and fall in love with our New Kentucky Home. Whether you’re planning a retreat for a group of 20 or an event for 400, our 17 Kentucky State Resort Parks have something for everyone. Experience the beauty of our New Kentucky Home with personalized tours and hikes led by expert interpreters. Plan your adventure today!
Speak to a group sales professional to learn more about Kentucky State Park opportunities: paige.thompson@ky.gov or call 502-892-3343. parks.ky.gov/group-planning/meetings
BY BRIAN JEWELL
The world is changing. And I suspect travel is going to change with it. Change is a natural part of life, of course. It never really stops. But sometimes change moves more quickly than others. Movements in culture, society or technology send tremors through every element of life.
As we sit a quarter of the way through the 21st century, I can’t help but feel the pace of social change quickening. Some of the changes taking place in the world around us will present significant challenges for the tourism profession, while others bring big opportunities.
Here are four big changes I’m tracking that could impact your travel organization.
SOCIAL MEDIA SKEPTICISM
If there’s a general headline from the first part of the 2000s, it’s that social media reshaped the world as we know it. But, recently, a growing chorus of experts and amateurs alike is questioning whether the benefits of social media are worth the costs. As Americans become weary of political polarization, negative self-image, social isolation and the many side effects of mindless scrolling, an increasing number of people (myself included) are choosing to sign off social media for good. If you have built your travel brand on a social app, it may be worth thinking about whether that platform will remain stable in the long term.
SOBER CURIOSITY
When I first started attending tourism industry events in the early 2000s, I was struck by how large a role alcohol played. It seemed everyone was drinking all the time. Today, though, that tide is turning. A significant number of travelers and tourism professionals are embracing — or at least exploring — alcohol-free living. Entrepreneurs are launching tour companies that cater to non-alcoholic travelers who abstain for
EDITOR’S MARKS
a mix of reasons, including addiction recovery, health concerns and religious convictions. And the ranks of non-drinkers, especially among Gen Z, seem to be growing. If happy hour has always factored prominently in your tour itineraries, it may be time to rethink that activity or find some alcohol-free alternatives.
AI DISRUPTION
The drumbeat of news just doesn’t stop — in the past three years, artificial intelligence has advanced at an incredible rate, giving travelers and travel planners alike new research and booking tools that were unthinkable a generation ago. Artificial intelligence has already changed the way people find information online, and it will likely soon change the way they research — and even book — travel. If that happens, many travel professionals will face the challenge of optimizing their online presence in a way that makes it easy for AI agents to buy from them. And many others may find success in moving in the opposite direction, intentionally leaning into the humanity of their experiences to serve an audience tired of machine outputs.
SOCIAL ISOLATION
Study after study in the 2020s has found that social isolation is at record high levels throughout the developed world. And it’s worst among younger people, who crave meaningful relationships but feel ill equipped to build them. This “loneliness epidemic” is a real problem for society. It’s also a real opportunity for our industry. Traveling with a group of people is one of the best ways to build friendships fast. In fact, there’s a whole ecosystem of travel entrepreneurs starting new tour companies with the express purpose of helping younger people build friendships by exploring the world together. Whatever role you play in the travel industry, you’re part of the solution to a serious problem. And that’s a change to celebrate.
EDWARDS JOINS THE GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY AS INTERN
SALEM, Ohio Meet Owen Edwards, who will be joining the Group Travel Family of Brands as a travel industry intern this summer. Owen is a rising senior at Ohio State University majoring in communication analysis and engagement.
“I have a passion for media, art, travel and starting new adventures every day, and will be joining the Group Travel Family team this summer as an intern,” he said. “I am thrilled to be learning from a team of professionals experienced in the group travel industry.”
OWEN EDWARDS
Owen brings a strong work ethic and positive attitude, and he is excited to be surrounded by a team that is supportive and caring.
“I am excited to contribute to the Group Travel Family’s
mission of supporting group travel across the United States, and I am especially interested in gaining hands-on experience in customer relations, networking and travel conference support.”
“We are excited to have Owen on board this summer for the new-generation insight he brings, as well as to assist his travel industry growth,” said Charlie Presley of the Group Travel Family of Brands.
The Group Travel Family serves more than 25,000 travel planners and is considered the leader in networking and content in the group travel industry. The organization welcomes the opportunity to add Owen to its staff this summer and advance travel industry knowledge to a new generation of leaders.
GOING ON FAITH CONFERENCE HEADS TO CINCY REGION IN AUGUST
SALEM, Ohio Going on Faith Conference is headed to the vibrant Cincy Region this summer, taking place August 6–8, 2025, in Hebron, Kentucky, just outside of Cincinnati. Designed for faith-based travel planners, including church groups, religious organizations and inspirational travel leaders, this three-day event blends fellowship, faith and group travel.
The Cincy Region, a cooperative effort of various tourism organizations in the area, will welcome attendees from across the country with a memorable welcome dinner and opportunities to explore the rich cultural and religious history of the area. From scenic riverfront views to historic churches and inspiring local attractions, the Cincy Region is the perfect setting for faith-based travel connections.
Going on Faith is the nation’s leading conference focused on helping faith-based travel planners forge strong partnerships with destinations, tour companies and travel service providers.
Attendees will discover new opportunities and make valuable connections to enhance the travel experiences they offer their groups.
“It’s always a pleasure to bring together so many dedicated planners and introduce them to the tools that can elevate their group travel offering,” said Cassandra Blankenship of Going on Faith Conference.
Travel industry partners will participate in one-on-one marketplace appointments, where they can showcase their offerings and develop lasting relationships with some of the top planners in the faith travel market.
Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to connect, learn and grow in the Cincy Region.
To learn more, visit gofconference.com or contact Cassandra Blankenship at 800-628-0993 or cblankenship@grouptravel family.com
MANTAS ZVINAS SURFYOGABEER
SURFING AND BEER? THERE’S A TOUR FOR THAT
Surfing, stretching and drinking… in a group trip?
As a burnt-out fitness professional, Mantas Zvinas was looking for a group vacation that didn’t exist. So he created one for himself. That inspired the founding of SurfYogaBeer, a tour company that has become popular among the young and active. Mantas joins this episode of the podcast to tell his group travel story, explain how his trips build friendships between strangers and share tips for aspiring tourism entrepreneurs.
Mantas explains why young people love coming on his group trips (it’s not just about the beer) and how he recruits and trains trip leaders to be excellent at facilitating fun and connection. He also explains why the size of a travel group may not be as important as many people think and gives an inside look at how his company attracts new customers.
Insights from our best podcast episodes 1 2 3
On using group travel to build personal connections:
“It’s all about bringing people together. In the last couple years, we’ve been really focused on bringing people together. What we focus on these trips is that camaraderie, and you create that through going through something difficult. But we also play games throughout the day that bring people together…. By the end of day one, you’re so connected with everybody. You’re having a beer, and you’re sharing your deepest secrets with somebody you met 24 hours ago.”
On the ideal group size:
“Most people enjoy a group size number that’s between 16 and 22. The longer the trip, the bigger the group could be, because you get to know more people on a deeper level…. Group size does matter, but not as much as people might assume it does. The bigger the trip, the more chance you’re going to meet someone you can really relate with. The smaller the trip, the better the chance you’re going to really connect with people on a deeper level.”
Advice for new travel entrepreneurs:
“Your biggest margins are when you can sell your own brand. So, my advice would be to use your brand, but build a system that doesn’t depend on it…. You have to be careful that if you stop, your business [can] continue without you.”
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
essentialsGroup Travel
BY RACHEL CRICK
In last month’s issue of The Group Travel Leader, we covered the ins and outs of selecting the right travel insurance. But what if, as a tour operator, you want to sell travel insurance?
We recommend tour operators sell travel insurance for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it’s a valuable service to offer to your clients because it saves them the time and hassle of finding their own. Secondly, it could mean you earn a little extra commission from the sale. And, finally, peace of mind for your travelers means peace of mind for you. If there’s an emergency during a trip, you know your travelers will be covered — and that they won’t be expecting you to recoup any losses.
Here are some steps to take when it comes to selling travel insurance as a tour operator.
SELLING TRAVEL INSURANCE
Know the legal requirements for selling travel insurance
Travel insurance is a regulated product, but each state has different requirements for selling it. Some states require tour operators be licensed, so if you operate in a state where licensure is required — or even if you’re selling to customers in a state that requires it — you’ll need a license. Brush up on your state’s regulations to make sure you’re operating your business legally. However, some things remain consistent across the board. For example, it’s always illegal to package travel insurance with your trip. You cannot offer your travelers free or discounted travel insurance when they book or as part of the overall trip price. It must be a separate item on the invoice.
Determine the best type of insurance for each trip
There are very few situations where travel insurance is one size fits all. If you’re a tour operator who plans many types of trips to many destinations, it’s probably not a good idea to try to craft one travel insurance policy to apply to all your trips. Instead, work with a travel insurance vendor to create a policy for each trip or type of trip that best meets the needs of your travelers. If it’s tailored to the trip they’re taking, your travelers won’t be over- or under-insured, and it increases the likelihood that they will buy your policy as opposed to purchasing one on their own.
MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU
Communicate clearly to your travelers
Travel insurance, like all other forms of insurance, can be really complicated. But it’s very important (for your sake and for your customers’ sakes) that you’re well-versed and knowledgeable about it. If you can’t explain exactly what travel insurance is, why travelers should purchase it and what specifically the policy you’re selling covers and doesn’t cover, you need to educate yourself further. This will not only help you sell the policy, but also help clear up any confusion before the customer decides to buy. You also need to help them understand the cost-benefit ratio and what factors determine the price of their insurance premium, from the trip’s price to its destination.
Keep an eye on the time
Travelers need to know there’s often a limited time frame to purchase travel insurance. Usually, it ranges from one to three weeks after you make the first payment on your trip. When you’re selling a travel insurance policy, make your travelers aware of the time constraints on the policy. It’s also a good idea to let them know that this brief window applies to other policies, too, just in case they want to shop around for coverage.
If they don’t want your travel insurance…
If your travelers don’t want to buy your travel insurance policy, that’s perfectly all right. Remember, you can’t require them to purchase insurance. You should still encourage them to buy a different policy and refer them to several reputable travel insurance companies, so they will have some level of protection for the trip. If they decide to forego travel insurance altogether, which is legally their right, it’s a good idea to have them sign a waiver stating they acknowledge they will not be financially covered in the event of emergencies or cancellations. Be specific here and list as many scenarios as possible, ranging from missed flights to medical evacuations, so travelers are aware of the potential risks of traveling uninsured.
Travel insurance, like all other forms of insurance, can be really complicated. But it’s very important that you’re well-versed and knowledgeable about it.
The Group Travel Leader is taking a trip to Alabama, and we want you to come with us!
Our friends at the Alabama Tourism Department are arranging a familiarization tour of several of the state’s most popular destinations, and they’re inviting our travel planner readers to attend. The tour will take place September 30–October 4 and will include Huntsville, Muscle Shoals and Birmingham.
You’ll join Brian Jewell, our VP and executive editor, as we explore the area with our Alabama hosts.
Highlights of the five-day tour will include:
• U.S. Space and Rocket Center — Get an up-close look at genuine NASA vehicles and artifacts at this famous Huntsville attraction.
• Live Music in Huntsville — Experience music under the stars at one of the city’s spectacular venues during Huntsville Music Month.
• Muscle Shoals Studio Tours — Visit the world-renowned FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio to see where some of music’s greatest hits were made.
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute — Learn about Alabama’s significant role in the Civil Rights Movement at this museum and the adjacent 16th Street Baptist Church.
• Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame — Discover Alabama’s Jazz greats at Birmingham’s beautifully restored Carver Theatre.
Your hotel accommodations, meals, admissions and other expenses will be hosted by the Alabama Tourism Department. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the region.
You can apply to attend this FAM tour at grouptravelleader.com/alabama-fam. Space is limited, and applications close August 15.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join us September 30–October 4 in Alabama!
Join Us for a Trip to Alabama
Travel planners can explore Muscle Shoals Sound Studios (top), Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church (bottom left) and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (bottom right) on an upcoming tour with The Group Travel Leader.
SEPTEMBER 30 — OCTOBER 4, 2025
REGISTRATION CLOSES: AUGUST 15
You can apply to attend this FAM tour at: GROUPTRAVELLEADER.COM/ALABAMA-FAM
If you have any questions, call Telisa at 859-253-0455.
PHOTOS COURTESY ALABAMA TOURISM DEPARTMENT
Brian Jewell
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 Immersive, group experiences that echo with authentic Southern soul .
Muscle Shoals Studio
Street Baptist Church
“My favorite part of the Myrtle Beach FAM was experiencing firsthand how effortlessly the destination caters to group travel — especially students. It was easy to envision how much students would enjoy the energy and options available here.”
MYR TLE BEA CH FA M
— ADELLE TELFORD
CROWN LEGACY TRAVEL
Myrtle Beach FAM highlights, clockwise from left: Examining sea life on an eco-tour; waterbirds in the zoo at Brookgreen Gardens; a Brookgreen Gardens flower; the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
ONSITE IN MYRTLE BEACH
THIS COASTAL DESTINATION IS A SURE THING FOR STUDENT GROUPS
THERE ARE INNUMERABLE WAYS FOR STUDENT GROUPS TO HAVE FUN — AND LEARN — IN MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA.
That’s what eight student tour operator readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered during a four-day familiarization trip in April to Myrtle Beach and the surrounding communities of South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Hosted by the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, this trip highlighted the area’s abundance of fun attractions, first-class entertainment, educational adventures and performance opportunities for students.
During the trip, participants got to visit several hotels that cater to student groups, as well as enjoy the sun, sand and surf on the Grand Strand’s 60-plus miles of coastline. They visited some popular attractions and got a sneak peak of a new site about to open. And, along the way, they got to enjoy plenty of seafood fresh from the Atlantic.
Follow along on this itinerary to start planning a Myrtle Beach visit for your student groups.
1 Day
Student tour operators from around the country arrived in Myrtle Beach by plane or car and had free time in the early afternoon to get settled in at Residence Inn Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, which served as their group’s home base throughout all four nights of the trip. The hotel sits directly on the beach and offers a beautiful pool deck, a restaurant and abundant seating in the lobby, all with views of the oceanfront.
After everyone had arrived, the group gathered to begin exploring Myrtle Beach. Their first stop was Broadway Grand Prix, a family fun center with seven go-kart tracks, mini golf, arcade games and midway rides, as well as stands offering funnel cakes and other treats. The group enjoyed taking a spin in the go-karts and exploring the options for student group fun around the complex.
Next, the group proceeded to Broadway at the Beach, a large retail, dining and entertainment destination, where they had dinner at Margaritaville Restaurant. After savoring the fresh seafood and Jimmy Buffet-themed entertainment, they took some time to explore Broadway at the Beach, enjoy the warm evening air and take in live music at The Hangout, a popular restaurant with a large outdoor concert lawn.
Dinner at Margaritaville
Music and dancing at The Hangout
A site inspection at Holiday Inn Surfside
Broadway Grand Prix
2 Day
• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT HOLIDAY
INN SURFSIDE
• MURRELLS INLET ECO-TOUR
• LUNCH AT RIVER CITY CAFE
• BROOKGREEN GARDENS
ZOOKEEPER’S TOUR
• DINNER CRUISE ABOARD THE BAREFOOT QUEEN
• ALABAMA THEATRE
The tour operators began their first full day in Myrtle Beach at Holiday Inn Surfside, an oceanfront property on the quiet southern end of Myrtle Beach, where they had a delicious private breakfast and took a site inspection tour. Next, they continued south to the waterfront village of Murrells Inlet, where they boarded a boat for a wonderful eco-cruise that highlighted the marine life and scenery of the area. After the cruise, they stopped for lunch at the Murrells Inlet location of River City Cafe, a memorable restaurant offering American favorites in a distinctive roadside setting. Next was a visit to the iconic Brookgreen Gardens, where the group toured the on-site zoo with a zookeeper. For dinner, they boarded the Barefoot Queen, a riverboat that sails on the Intracoastal Waterway, and they enjoyed a fried chicken dinner on board, accompanied by live music and beautiful views. They finished the day watching a performance of “Icon,” the signature show at Alabama Theatre.
MURRELLS INLET ECO-TOUR
At the south end of the Grand Strand, Murrells Inlet is a waterfront village rich in scenery and ecology, which the group experienced during the Murrells Inlet Eco-Tour. This educational cruise takes place on a pontoon boat staffed by a professional captain and an experienced naturalist. During the excursion, the crew gave passengers an up-close look at oysters, horseshoe crabs, sand dollars and other marine life that live in the area. Passengers also got some free time to explore an uninhabited beach peninsula in Garden City.
“I
really liked the eco-tour, Ripley’s Aquarium and the shows. The FAM was great and full of new experiences.”
—JESSICA ROCH STUDENT TOURS INTERNATIONAL
Departing Murrells Inlet
Up-close with sea life
Exploring the beach in Garden City
Left: A marine biologist guide
A blue crab encounter
“My favorite part of the FAM was experiencing all of the performances and live music opportunities. Since I work with school music groups, including one of two of these on an itinerary is ideal.”
— LARISSA HUSLER NOTABLE STUDENT TRAVEL
Touring the zoo at Brookgreen Gardens
BROOKGREEN GARDENS ZOOKEEPER’S TOUR
Also in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most scenic and serene settings in all the Grand Strand. Spanning some 9,000 acres, this former rice plantation is now a sculpture garden, featuring more than 2,000 works of statuary art. The gardens also have a 70-acre zoo with indigenous South Carolina animals living among the live oaks of the Lowcountry setting. The group took a private tour with the zookeeper, who pointed out fascinating details in the habitats of eagles, turtles, foxes, alligators and other creatures there.
BAREFOOT QUEEN
Located adjacent to the Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex, the Barefoot Queen is an authentic, 70-foot paddle-wheeler that offers sightseeing, dinner and sunset cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway. The FAM group enjoyed a fried chicken dinner served aboard the boat, as well as live musical entertainment, beautiful natural scenery and views of some of the gorgeous homes built along the water.
ALABAMA THEATRE
A Myrtle Beach institution, the Alabama Theatre has been entertaining groups and families visiting the Grand Strand for decades. The theater is named in honor of country music superstars Alabama, who got their start performing in a dive bar on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The theater’s featured show, “Icon,” is a high-energy mix of classic and contemporary songs, as well as dancing, comedy and acrobatics, a live band, stunning costumes and a state-of-the-art video wall for spectacular effects.
Day
3
• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT RESIDENCE INN MYRTLE BEACH OCEANFRONT
• RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM
• WONDERWORKS
• SITE VISIT AT DAYTON HOUSE RESORT
• LUNCH AT LANDSHARK BAR & GRILLE
• MYRTLE BEACH SKYWHEEL
• FREE TIME ON THE BOARDWALK
• INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE UNLEASHED
• DINNER AT THE ORIGINAL BENJAMIN’S CALABASH SEAFOOD
• THE CAROLINA OPRY THEATER
On the lookout for wildlife
A Brookgreen Gardens statue
“Icon” at Alabama Theatre
Barefoot Queen riverboat
A cocktail aboard the Barefoot Queen
The next day began with breakfast and a site inspection at the host hotel, Residence Inn Myrtle Beach Oceanfront. The group then returned to Broadway at the Beach to experience two of the complex’s signature student attractions: Ripley’s Aquarium, home to hundreds of aquatic creatures, and WonderWorks, an interactive science center. Next, they went to another popular student group hotel, Dayton House Resort, for a site inspection before heading to Myrtle Beach’s iconic boardwalk area, where they had lunch at LandShark Bar & Grille, took a spin on the enormous Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and enjoyed some free time walking and shopping on the boardwalk. Afterward, they got a sneak preview of a coming high-tech student attraction, Interactive Experience Unleashed, followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner at The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood. The night ended with a show at The Carolina Opry Theater.
RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM
Tour operators got up-close views of ocean animals from around the world at Ripley’s Aquarium, one of the anchor attractions of Broadway at the Beach. Favorite exhibits include the 5,000-squarefoot Penguin Playhouse, the Dangerous Reef shark tunnel and the mesmerizing invertebrates swimming in Planet Jellies. Planners also got a look behind the scenes of the aquarium’s operations and a preview of the numerous educational programs available for student groups of various ages.
WONDERWORKS
Another Broadway at the Beach attraction, WonderWorks is an interactive science center where young visitors have so much fun that they may not realize they’re learning. Across four floors are more than 100 exhibits and activities, all designed to teach STEM principles. Young travelers can feel hurricane-force winds, lie on a bed of nails, play laser tag, traverse a ropes course and experience interactive motion rides. Planners can also arrange for student groups to have meals on site.
MYRTLE BEACH SKYWHEEL
Towering 200 feet above the beachfront, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is the most iconic landmark on the boardwalk. Modeled after the classic Ferris Wheel, this larger-than-life attraction features 42 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that can each hold six adults. After lunch at the adjacent LandShark Bar & Grille, the group boarded the SkyWheel for a ride that gave them breathtaking views of the ocean, the beach and the boardwalk, as well as the surrounding city.
A WonderWorks exhibit
A Ripley’s Aquarium photo opp
Sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium
Left: A sandcastle display on the boardwalk
The view from SkyWheel
SkyWheel from the ground
“Board
& Brush was my favorite part as the instructors were great. As someone who is not creative, I was able to create something beautiful regardless.”
— NANA AKUA AMPERE BRIGHTSPARK BY WORLDSTRIDESEL
A laser tag prop at Interactive Experience Unleashed
The Carolina Opry
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE UNLEASHED
Student groups are sure to love Interactive Experience Unleashed, a new high-tech entertainment center set to open later this year. During the FAM tour, participants got an early look at this innovative attraction, which will feature virtual reality games, several escape rooms and dozens of animatronics. A major highlight will be an interactive 7,000-square-foot laser tag adventure, which will take players through scenes including a pyramid, a pirate ship and many other imaginative environments.
Previewing Interactive Experience Unleashed virtual reality games
Legends in Concert
Board & Brush
THE CAROLINA OPRY
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Carolina Opry is a beloved show created by longtime entertainer Calvin Gilmore. With an emphasis on authentic performances, the signature show will thrill music lovers. In addition to country music from throughout the decades, the lineup also features some contemporary pop hits and even favorite songs from Broadway musicals. Visitors also enjoy the show’s homespun comedy and dance numbers from the hiphop clogging group All That.
• BREAKFAST AT MAMMY’S KITCHEN
• BOARD & BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO
• LUNCH AND SHOW AT GREG ROWLES LEGACY THEATRE
• FREE TIME ON THE BEACH
• DINNER AT ANGELO’S STEAK & PASTA
• LEGENDS IN CONCERT
The group’s final day in Myrtle Beach began with breakfast at Mammy’s Kitchen, one of the city’s oldest and most popular diners, followed by a fun and interactive craft workshop at the North Myrtle Beach location of Board & Brush Creative Studio. After finishing their projects, the tour operators walked next door to the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, one of the newest music theaters in the area, for a quick lunch and a condensed performance of the company’s signature show. After returning to the Residence Inn for some free time on the beach, they had dinner at Angelo’s Steak & Pasta, home of sizzling-platter steaks and an Italian buffet, before enjoying one final live music show at Legends in Concert.
BOARD & BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO
At Board & Brush Creative Studios, travelers can tap into their crafty sides to create attractive and easy-to-make home decor items with the help of experts who guide them through every step of the process. Using paint, stains and stencils, the tour operators transformed raw wood and other simple materials into unique and customized items like welcome signs and drink trays. Groups can pre-select their craft projects, so each participant gets a finished product they’ll love.
GREG ROWLES LEGACY THEATRE
A longtime musician and entertainer who made a name for himself in popular theaters around Myrtle Beach, Greg Rowles recently ventured out on his own and, along with a team of friends and fellow musicians, opened the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. The FAM group was treated to a private sample performance of the “Music and Memories” show, which features four singers and a live band performing songs from television, radio and pop culture through the years.
LEGENDS IN CONCERT
The finale of the FAM tour was a rousing show at Legends in Concert, a theater where tribute artists from around the country perform as some of the most famous musicians from the 20th and 21st centuries. Accompanied by a talented live band, the singers combine musical artistry with costumes, makeup and choreography to give audiences the feeling of seeing legendary performers in person. This show featured hits by Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Steve Perry of Journey, and the Blues Brothers
Finished projects at Board & Brush
Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre
Sunrise on the beach
America’sRIVERPORT
TOWNS
The Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum is easily recognizable in the city’s skyline thanks to its 120-foot-tall baseball bat.
Vicksburg’s Old Courthouse Museum
HERE ARE SIX CITIES WHERE CRUISE VESSELS ALWAYS DROP ANCHOR
BY RACHEL CRICK
Groups can go with the flow and still enjoy an enchanting trip when they embark on a river cruise.
Characterized by small vessels and lots of land excursions, river cruises are becoming increasingly popular for travelers who want to explore multiple cities without hotel hopping.
While time on the river is great for unwinding, trips to shore are the main attraction.
Whether they’re docking to enjoy an afternoon or embarking on a pre- or post-cruise extension, groups can discover these popular port cities as they glide down American rivers.
The Mississippi River running through Saint Paul
COURTESY
Louisville, Kentucky
Many Ohio River cruises either begin or end in Louisville, which gives passengers plenty of time to experience every quintessentially Kentucky thing the city has to offer.
Groups can tour Churchill Downs with tickets purchased at the Kentucky Derby Museum and even opt for behind-the-scenes experiences that let them watch horses warm up on the track while they learn horse-racing history. They can explore some of the city’s top museums, including the Muhammad Ali Center, which is dedicated to the late boxing titan’s life and legacy, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, easily identified by the 120-foot-tall baseball bat leaning against the side of the building. Both museums offer group tours.
For a night out, travelers will love exploring the cast-iron storefronts of Whiskey Row and the bourbon behind them. This district is packed with distilleries and tasting experiences that offer a great introduction to Kentucky’s signature spirit. Louisville boasts a wide array of restaurants where groups can try everything from traditional Southern comfort food and Kentucky classics to bold new flavors before they board their vessel again.
GOTOLOUISVILLE.COM
The Louisville skyline
Whiskey Row
The Belle of Louisville
PHOTOS COURTESY LOUISVILLE TOURISM
Hannibal, Missouri
Hannibal, Missouri, a port city along the lower Mississippi River, is known as the town where famous American novelist Mark Twain grew up. Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, found inspiration for many of his novels in Hannibal. Visiting groups can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, a complex in the heart of the city’s historic downtown that includes everything from the home itself to Judge Clemens’ Justice of the Peace Office, where the author’s father worked.
Hannibal is also home to the Mark Twain Cave Complex, which Clemens is said to have used as the inspiration for the cave in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Tours of the cave can be paired with a trolley tour of Hannibal. During the tour, visitors will also learn that Hannibal was the birthplace of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, an RMS Titanic passenger who was known not only for her bravery during the ship’s sinking, but also for her later activism and philanthropy. Her birthplace home is open for tours May through October.
Even those indifferent to history will find plenty to do in Hannibal, with its shops, restaurants and serene parks offering a pleasant way to pass an afternoon before re-embarking.
VISITHANNIBAL.COM
THE MORE THE MERRIER
UNLEASH YOUR
QUILT SHOW DATES
Daytona Beach February 18–21, 2026
NEW LOCATION
New England • April 8–11, 2026
Paducah April 22–25, 2026
Grand Rapids August 19–22, 2026
Lancaster September 16–19, 2026
COURTESY HANNIBAL
Lover’s Leap park in Hannibal
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Though the city was officially founded in 1811 and incorporated in 1825, Vicksburg, Mississippi’s history stretches back much further. In the 18th century, the area was enveloped in a power struggle between European colonists and local Indigenous tribes, thanks to its prime location on the Mississippi River. Later, during the Civil War, Vicksburg — called the “Key to the South” because of its strategic location — was the site of a 47-day siege that ended in a pivotal Union victory. Today, it’s a popular port city for river cruises along the lower Mississippi, drawing people in with its wealth of historic attractions, as well as its dining and shopping.
Groups can visit Vicksburg’s Civil War-related attractions, including the Vicksburg National Cemetery and the Vicksburg Civil War Museum, as well as dozens of historic markers at homes and businesses throughout downtown. Several other museums, like the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, are also popular stops for groups. They can also amuse themselves with an afternoon of shopping along Main Street and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the city’s many riverfront restaurants.
VISITVICKSBURG.COM
PHOTOS COURTESY VICKSBURG CVB
Vicksburg’s riverfront
The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum
Enjoying a coke
Astoria, Oregon
Cruises along the Columbia and Snake rivers are becoming popular choices for those hoping to maximize their enjoyment of the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful scenery and nature-loving lifestyle. Groups can expect breathtaking views, farm-to-table fare and Willamette Valley wines on their cruises, as well as active excursions and stops at distinct communities along the route.
Astoria, Oregon, is one such community on the Columbia River, not far from the mouth of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the state’s oldest city, founded in 1811. It’s also the oldest American settlement west of the Mississippi. It was the endpoint of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and a home to Indigenous tribes and Swedish and Chinese immigrants. Astoria’s rich cultural heritage can be explored at area museums and attractions, such as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum.
Groups can also enjoy what makes the city a standout today, including its growing local arts scene and expansive collection of craft breweries, coffee shops and seafood restaurants.
TRAVELASTORIA.COM
The Astoria Column
Astoria-Megler Bridge
Juneau, Alaska
The major draw of river cruising in Alaska is access to the wonders of the natural world, from rare wildlife encounters to up-close sightings of glaciers and fjords that characterize this wild territory. But groups on these cruises also get the chance to see Alaska’s history for themselves and visit Indigenous villages. Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is a popular beginning and end point for river cruises in the state, as well as a popular stop for other small-ship cruises exploring the region.
Groups have plenty to do and see in Juneau. They can enjoy the comforts of Juneau’s downtown by dining at a locally owned restaurant or coffee shop or by taking a historic walking tour of the city. For more adventurous pursuits, there’s hiking on the Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau’s top attraction. For longer stops in Juneau, groups can take an excursion to Tracy Arm Fjord for some impressive Alaskan scenery. Zip-lining and fishing can keep active groups occupied, while whale-watching tours let groups spot humpback whales, orcas and sea lions in their natural habitats. Group leaders can even book a tour in advance to Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on the eastern shore of nearby Admiralty Island.
TRAVELJUNEAU.COM
Saint Paul, Minnesota
The capital of Minnesota is also one of its Twin Cities, part of a booming metropolis of industry and culture in the Upper Midwest. Saint Paul is a common starting or ending point of cruises on the Mississippi River. With its abundance of history, architecture and cultural attractions, groups will want plenty of time to discover all it has to offer.
Walking tours let visitors take in the city’s historic architecture, from the longest stretch of Victorian-era homes in the country to beautifully restored mansions. Part of that history has a darker side, which groups will relish learning — the Wabasha Street Caves are a perfect place to take a gangster tour and learn about the city’s past of organized crime.
Groups will want to explore the Twin Cities’ eclectic food scene, from its plentiful brewpubs to its elegant ethnic restaurants. Moscow on the Hill is a great place to sample Russian cuisine and vodka, while Cossetta Alimentari offers an Italian market, restaurant, bar, bakery and pizzeria rolled into one. Handsome Hog hosts large groups for Southern comfort food, smoked meats and bourbon, and The Gnome Craft Pub, a laid-back eatery in a historic firehouse, has a long tap list for groups to sample.
VISITSAINTPAUL.COM
COURTESY TRAVEL JUNEAU
COURTESY TRAVEL JUNEAU
Wildlife around Juneau
Wabasha Street Caves in Saint Paul
COURTESY VISIT SAINT PAUL
A bird’s eye view of Juneau
Hiking on Mendenhall Glacier
COURTESY TRAVEL JUNEAU
COURTESY VISIT SAINT PAUL
A meal at Saint Paul’s Gnome Pub
A short distance from downtown Kansas City, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a favorite site for groups visiting Missouri.
DESTINATION
METRO MISSOURI
THESE FOUR CITIES SHOW WELL ON ANY GROUP ITINERARY
BY WENDY HELFENBAUM
Bordered by eight states, Missouri is a mecca for outdoor adventure, live blues, Americana history and mouth-watering meat that’s cooked low and slow. Yet it’s often overlooked when group planners are choosing destinations, said Alicia Wieberg, communications manager at Visit Missouri.
“Sometimes, we get the ‘flyover’ connotation, but whatever anybody’s looking for, we have it in Missouri,” Wieberg said. “We’re affordable, welcoming and family friendly.”
Missouri boasts more than 50 state parks and 160,000 acres available to the public, where groups can enjoy hiking, fishing, cycling and other activities. From the magnificent views atop the Gateway Arch to the wonders of the state’s 6,400 awe-inspiring caves, visitors will find many unforgettable experiences here.
ST. LOUIS
Site of the 1904 World’s Fair, “The Lou” — as it’s affectionately called by locals — is known for its music, sports teams, parks and historic sites.
“Inside Forest Park, a green space that’s bigger than New York’s Central Park, there’s the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and The Muny — a really cool outdoor amphitheater where they do Broadway-style shows,” Wieberg said.
Forest Park hosts many festivals, as well as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. It’s also going to be the site for the Route 66 Centennial Festival in 2026. Pro tip: If you park your motorcoach in Forest Park, entrance to the St. Louis Zoo — one of the top zoos in the world — is free.
Bring your baseball-loving group to the Rawlings Experience. Launched last year at the company’s world headquarters, the activity gives visitors a chance to swing the famous bats in the Hit Lab, design a custom glove just as the pros do and explore memorabilia from the sport’s history. Groups can also tour the Rawlings Glove Vault, which displays historic and present-day Gold Glove Awards.
Re-opening in May after extensive renovations, the Old Courthouse — site of the pivotal 1847 Dred Scott Case and where the case for women’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s — is a great spot for groups to learn about the judicial system in the 19th century. The Old Courthouse is also listed in the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
St. Louis pays tribute to its legendary musical roots at many museums large and small, including the National Blues Museum and the National Saxophone Museum, located upstairs from an instrument sales and repair shop.
Some of the best spots for groups to sample the city’s culinary delights include Sugarfire Smoke House and a large selection of eateries in Ballpark Village across from Busch Stadium, such as the Budweiser Brew House, PBR St. Louis and Bally Sports Live. For authentic St. Louis frozen custard topped with delicious add-ons, plan to stop at Ted Drewes, which has been making this beloved dessert since 1929.
EXPLORESTLOUIS.COM
JEFFERSON CITY
Nestled in the heart of the state, Jefferson City is known for its many landmarks, museums, historic buildings and lovely parks. Start your group’s visit with a tour of the Missouri State Capitol building in downtown.
“It’s a beautiful building with lots of statues and fountains outside, and inside is the Missouri State Museum, where you can take tours of the different art exhibits throughout the building and learn about the history of Missouri,” Wieberg said. “Some of the artwork was done by Thomas Hart Benton, a famous Missouri artist.”
Down the street, your group can explore the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site and circa-1839 Lohman Building, which hosts concert series on the lawn during summer months. Another great spot to take in live outdoor music is the Capital Region Amphitheater, located in EllisPorter Riverside Park.
About five minutes outside of Jefferson City limits, your group can tour the Museum of Missouri Military History, located at the National Guard site.
“It has a lot of exhibits, starting in 1808 with the activation of the Missouri Militia on to the War of 1812,” Wieberg said. “It’s an interesting thing to see for people interested in history.”
For a twist on your typical historic tour, plan on visiting the now-decommissioned Missouri State Penitentiary, which has become one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to being named “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time magazine.
“Some of the infamous people that were inmates there
were James Earl Ray, ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd and Sonny Liston,” Wieberg added, noting that the museum hosts historical tours, ghost hunts and even overnight stays.
Keep the jail vibe going by heading to Prison Brews, a group-friendly pub that features bars on the windows, local draft beer and plenty of classic comfort food options.
Wieberg steers groups to Sweet Smoke BBQ, which has two locations, including one at Capital Mall that has lots of outdoor seating and parking.
“They’ve been voted the best barbecue in Jeff City for several years in a row,” she said, adding that your group’s sweet tooth will be satisfied at Central Dairy, an iconic ice cream parlor that’s been scooping up dozens of icy treats since 1920.
VISITJEFFERSONCITY.COM
COLUMBIA
Known for its location on the Missouri River — and for its 70 parks and extensive 50-mile city trail system — Columbia is both a prime spot for outdoor-loving visitors and a mini-metropolis ideal for urban exploration.
“On the north side is Finger Lakes State Park, which is very unique because they have a water trail,” Wieberg said. “Instead of hiking, your group can go kayaking and canoeing.”
On the south side, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park features the Gans Creek Wild Area Trail, as well as a large cave system, a rock bridge and sinkholes that groups
Gateway Arch National Park
St. Joseph Explore
can hike around. And Katy Trail — the longest rail trail project in the U.S. — is consistently listed among the top 10 trails in the nation.
On the University of Missouri campus, groups can tour the newly renovated Museum of Art and Archaeology, which showcases history spanning six millennia across different continents.
Unique to Columbia is the Blind Boone Home, where the beloved legendary pianist John William “Blind” Boone lived.
Wieberg said groups can check out various educational exhibits at the State Historical Society of Missouri Center for Missouri Studies, which also houses the Boone County History & Culture Center, an art gallery. There are various historic homes nearby that are open to the public.
Columbia’s downtown area features many eclectic places for groups to eat, including Barred Owl Butcher & Table.
“They’re known for fresh, local meats and seasonal, farm-to-table food,” Wieberg said. “Shakespeare’s Pizza has been around for a really long time, and they have really simple, good pizza. Their south location has parking available for bigger groups.”
VISITCOLUMBIAMO.COM
Central Dairy
Ice Cream Parlor in Jefferson City
Katy Trail State Park in Columbia
St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
The decommissioned Missouri State Penitentiary
KANSAS CITY
Straddling the Missouri-Kansas state line, Kansas City sits on Missouri’s western edge. The “Fountain City” is also known for its stellar jazz heritage and world-class barbecue. Visitors can choose from among more than 100 barbecue restaurants, which serve up fall-off-the-bone meat along with sides like authentic baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.
“Kansas City is known for having some of the best barbecue in the world, and one restaurant with the best space for large groups and parking is Jack Stack,” Wieberg said. “They have several locations, but the Freight House location would probably be the most convenient.”
“New to Kansas City this year is the world’s first Museum of BBQ. You could try the barbecue and then go learn about how Kansas City got its flavor. The museum takes you through all the American regions of barbecue and ends on what we know as Kansas City barbecue.”
For history buffs, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, located outside the Crown Center area of downtown, has the world’s most comprehensive collection of objects and documents dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impacts.
Another site worth including in your group’s itinerary is the Arabia Steamboat Museum, just outside Kansas City. When the steamboat Arabia sank in 1856, it was carrying 200 tons of goods headed to the local general store. The boat stayed at the bottom of the Missouri River for 150 years before it was found beneath the mud and pulled out. Its remarkably preserved cargo was intact, so visitors can see authentic pioneer clothing, tools, china and weapons on display at the museum — the largest single collection of pre-Civil War artifacts — as well as a re-creation of the boat itself.
Other sites Wieberg recommends for groups include the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum — the world’s only national museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history of African American baseball — as well as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the American Jazz Museum.
“Another thing specific to Missouri is the type of whiskey made here at J. Rieger & Co., just outside the downtown area,” Wieberg said. “It’s a mixture of bourbon whiskey, light corn whiskey and rye whiskey with a sherry additive.”
The distillery offers two different interactive tours and tastings for groups to show them the history and production process of the spirits, followed by a sampling of four favorite whiskeys.
VISITKC.COM
“The Scout” statue overlooking Kansas City
An interactive experience at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Exploring the National WWI Museum
Recovered artifacts at the Steamboat Arabia Museum
ASKINOSIE CHOCOLATE VANTAGE
SMALLIN
New Never Old
GETS
TENNESSEE CONSTANTLY REIMAGINES ITSELF
BY ROBIN ROENKER
From the beauty of the Smoky Mountains to the toe-tapping energy of Nashville’s music scene, Tennessee has always offered guests plenty to enjoy. But the addition of new visitor experiences across the state means there’s never been a better time to be Tennessee-bound.
Here, learn about new attractions sure to excite groups of all types, whether Elvis fans, history and architecture buffs, or animal and nature lovers.
90 for 90 Exhibit at Graceland Memphis
Throughout 2025, Graceland will celebrate Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday in style with its new 90 for 90 exhibit. The yearlong showcase features 90 marquee pieces highlighting unique aspects of the legendary singer’s life and career. Items on display were specially curated for the event from among the organization’s more than 1.5 million artifacts.
The King of Rock ’n’ Roll would have turned 90 on January 8, 2025, and the new 90 for 90 exhibit offers visitors a chance to view dozens of Presley’s personal belongings that have never been publicly displayed.
The exhibit provides an intimate glimpse into Elvis’s full life experience — from his beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his early career in Memphis, through his Hollywood and Las Vegas stardom, to his eventual return to Memphis before his death in 1977 at age 42.
Items like Elvis’s Army suitcase, branded racquetball racquets, engraved nunchucks and the earliest known photo of the Presley family — taken around 1938, when Elvis was just a toddler — provide
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BY BRUCE MCCAMISH, COURTESY SUNSPHERE
Knoxville’s iconic Sunsphere
hints into the things Elvis cherished in private, behind all his fame.
The exhibit is on display at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot, $45-million entertainment complex built in 2017 across the street from the iconic Graceland mansion — the property’s largest expansion since it began offering tours in 1984. Access to the complex, which includes exhibit space as well as restaurants and shops, is included in the price of standard Graceland tour tickets.
Graceland will further mark Elvis’s milestone birthday in 2025 with updates to visitor-favorite exhibits like Elvis: Dressed to Rock, a collection of Elvis’s elaborate stage wear. Those who can’t make it to Memphis this year may want to plan ahead for a visit in 2027, when Graceland expects an even larger celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of Elvis’s passing.
GRACELAND.COM
The King of Rock ’n’ Roll would have turned 90 on January 8, 2025, and the new 90 for 90 exhibit offers visitors a chance to view dozens of Presley’s personal belongings.
BY JULIAN HARPER,
Clayton’s Landing Gatlinburg
Just above the busy Gatlinburg strip, beyond the bustle of the city’s popular shops and restaurants, a quiet new oasis welcomes visitors to revel in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Unveiled in December 2024, Clayton’s Landing represents a groundbreaking expansion to the iconic Gatlinburg SkyPark, in operation since 1954. The new, 10,000-square-foot mountaintop space features firepits and seating for more than 230 people, offering the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
“We think of it as a viewing park, where you can just sit in our rocking glider chairs and enjoy yourself for as long as you’d like,” said Kristen Lodge, vice president of sales and marketing for the Gatlinburg SkyPark.
The new area also includes a 1.5-mile hiking trail, which can be enjoyed as a self-guided experience or during guided nature walks.
As the first construction development on the west side of the park’s popular SkyBridge, the expansion also includes Smoky Mountain Smash, a burger restaurant, and a new drink spot called Sips, which will sell beer and non-alcoholic slushies once it opens later this summer.
Access to Clayton’s Landing is included in a SkyPark general admission ticket, and Lodge recommends allocating roughly two hours to enjoy all there is to do on site — from taking the initial SkyLift 500 feet up Crockett Mountain and enjoying the viewing platforms on the park’s 70-foot Tulip Tower to walking across SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
Groups can work with Lodge to reserve a private, roped-off section of Clayton’s Landing for their exclusive use.
“It’s a great home base since it allows visitors the option to just sit and relax and enjoy a drink, go for a little hike or go grab lunch,” she said.
GATLINBURGSKYPARK.COM
Graceland’s 90 for 90 exhibit
COURTESY GRACELAND
Enjoying the view at Gatlinburg SkyPark
The new Clayton’s Landing at Gatlinburg SkyPark
COURTESY GATLINBURG SKYPARK
Sunsphere Welcome Center
Knoxville
Built as the hallmark structure of the 1982 World’s Fair, the 26-story-tall Knoxville Sunsphere holds a special place in the city’s history. The structure’s 75-foot-diameter sphere, constructed of 360 panes of 24-karat-gold-coated glass, is hard to miss.
Today, the eye-catching icon continues to provide a one-of-a-kind architectural beacon for visitors to the area — a role that’s been elevated thanks to the unveiling of the site’s new welcome center in November 2024.
Accessible via the Clinch Avenue entrance, the new welcome center on the Sunsphere’s third floor includes a gift shop and access to brochures and knowledgeable Visit Knoxville staff, who can help guests plan stops in the area to explore.
Visiting the welcome center is free, but there is a fee to go up to the Sunsphere’s refurbished fourth-floor observation deck at the base of the ball. There, guests can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee campus, plus the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
The refreshed observation deck also features new interactive video boards with information and maps spotlighting local attractions. Additional exhibits share the history of the Sunsphere and highlight products and innovations that emerged from the 1982 World’s Fair, including Cherry Coke and touchscreen technology.
The new welcome center and observation deck upgrades are part of a years-long restoration of the historic Sunsphere structure,
which underwent a painting upgrade in late 2023 to restore the base to its original blue color.
“There are people who travel all around the world to visit monuments from the World’s Fairs, including the Eiffel Tower and the Seattle Space Needle,” said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. “It’s a big deal. That’s why we’re celebrating it.”
WORLDSFAIRPARK.ORG/SUNSPHERE
BY BRUCE MCCAMISH, COURTESY SUNSPHERE
The Sunsphere overlooking downtown Knoxville
BY BRUCE MCCAMISH, COURTESY SUNSPHERE
BY BRUCE MCCAMISH, COURTESY SUNSPHERE COURTESY NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP
The new Sunsphere Welcome Center
The Sunsphere observation deck
The Arcade in Nashville
The Arcade Nashville
Following two years of renovation, a new multiuse destination set in an iconic Nashville landmark is debuting in 2025.
The Arcade, a five-acre, two-city-block space in the heart of downtown, is reopening this year with a mix of restaurants, bars and retail spaces. Built in 1902 and modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy, The Arcade expects to include roughly 30 tenants once it is fully renovated.
According to reporting by The Tennessean, New York-based real estate firm Linfield Capital partnered with local investors to purchase the languishing property in 2021 for $28 million. Developers have since worked with Dryden Architecture to restore it. Already, some new tenants — like Urban Cowboy Bar, Ugly Bagel, and Flea Style, home of The Original Hat Bar — are in place. Others, like Beignets & Brew and Playa Bowls, are still to come.
Meanwhile, some longtime local business residents, like Percy’s Shoe Shine Service, are also staying on, and the second floor will continue to hold a series of small art studios able to host a rotating series of artists-in-residence.
Once complete, the site hopes to become Music City’s newest mainstream attraction, joining the ranks of must-visit stops like The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
THEARCADENASHVILLE.COM
Built in 1902 and modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy, The Arcade expects to include roughly 30 tenants once it is fully renovated.
An artist’s rendering of the Arcade interior in Nashville
COURTESY NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP
C hattanooga Zoo Cape of Africa Expansion
Chattanooga
Chattanooga Zoo, always a family favorite, has even more to enjoy thanks to its August 2024 addition of the new Cape of Africa section. The $3.9 million expansion — the largest in the zoo’s history — gives visitors the opportunity to experience several African species not previously represented on site, including the Cape porcupine and the Aldabra giant tortoise, plus servals, caracals and common warthogs.
The expansion also includes a new 20,000-square-foot giraffe yard that provides an expanded outdoor area for the zoo’s four giraffes — George, Porter, Hardee Star and the newest addition, 14-month-old Kuzco — to enjoy.
“This new space is what has enabled us to grow our giraffe herd, which was always part of our overall plan and goal with the expansion,” said Jake Cash, director of marketing and communications at Chattanooga Zoo.
The Cape of Africa section aims to help visitors feel as if they’ve been transported to Africa through authentic imagery, colors, textures, sounds and iconography that harken to the African Savanna.
Each animal’s new habitat was custom-tailored to fit its unique needs, from desert-like settings for the cape porcupines to shallow, muddy pools for the warthogs. The expanded area also includes a new group and field trip entrance, water features, and enhanced areas for keeper
The expansion also includes a new 20,000-square-foot giraffe yard that provides an expanded outdoor area for the zoo’s four giraffes — George, Porter, Hardee Star and the newest addition, 14-month-old Kuzco — to enjoy.
PHOTOS COURTESY CHATTANOOGA ZOO
Chattanooga Zoo’s Cape of Africa
An African warthog
Kuzco in the zoo’s expanded giraffe area
talks and other interactive education encounters. The zoo also now has a special platform where guests can feed the giraffes Wednesdays through Sundays.
The zoo plans to add a new on-site veterinary hospital, tentatively scheduled to open in 2027, that will give visitors a chance to see animal care in action through publicly accessible viewing windows.
“At Chattanooga Zoo, one of our main goals is to connect people with wildlife from around the globe,” Cash said. “The new Cape of Africa section features ample up-close viewing opportunities, plus other special experiences — like giraffe feedings and encounters with animals like meerkats and red pandas — that offer once-in-alifetime moments.”
CHATTZOO.ORG
Staff Sound-off
WHAT’S A MUSEUM EXHIBIT OR EXPERIENCE THAT YOU’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER?
PUBLISHER
MAC LACY
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER
TELISA RECH
PRINT & DIGITAL PUBLISHING MANAGER
ASHLEY RICKS
CONTROLLER
SARAH SECHRIST
EDITOR’S NOTE
We visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and I think that was the best single-artist museum I’ve seen. He was a tortured soul, and the last exhibit is a black and white photo of his headstone beside the headstone of his brother, Leo, who cared for him before he died.
M
y daughter Macy’s eighth grade trip to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
One of the most impactful exhibits I’ve seen was Pompeii: The Exhibition. We grow up learning about this major event in history and all that historians are discovering about the ancient world through the preservation of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but seeing the items and casts of the victims brought their humanity and the scope of the tragedy to life for me.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
DONIA SIMMONS
ASSOCIATE EDITOR & PROJECT MANAGER
RACHEL CRICK
VP & EXECUTIVE EDITOR
BRIAN JEWELL
AKing Tut exhibit came to Denver Museum of Natural History in the 1980s. I found it fascinating and I’ll never forget the kind Egyptian man who wrote my name in hieroglyphics.
The National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York City was such a powerful experience throughout. The museum really brought to life the magnitude of the tragedy and the heroism of that day in a thought-provoking and respectful way.
I’ll never forget visiting the Art Institute of Chicago as a senior in high school and seeing Georges Seurat’s famous painting “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.” I had seen it replicated in textbooks and other media many times, but standing in front of the actual painting was a different story. I was amazed by the size of it — so much larger than I expected — and the experience brought Impressionism to life for me in a way I had never experienced.
The United States Memorial Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.
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.
