Itineraries Midwest Summer/Fall 2014 Festivals Food & More

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56 South 33rd Avenue, #234 | St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301 320-259-1082 | 877-832-7267 | Fax: 763-201-7945 info@itinerariesinc.com | www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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Heather J. Lahren | PUBLISHER heather@itinerariesinc.com Lynn Gottwalt | TRAFFIC MANAGER lynn@itinerariesinc.com Mackenzie Lahren | PROJECT COORDINATOR mackenzie@itinerariesinc.com Eric Beuning | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Independent eric@itinerariesinc.com John Lundberg | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Independent john@itinerariesinc.com Chris Reber | WEB DESIGNER/PROGRAMMER chris@itinerariesinc.com Ashley Pipenhagen | JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ashley@itinerariesinc.com Carinna K. Hard Bullemer | ART DIRECTOR HARD AT WORK Design, inc. | carinna@hardatworkdesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Lahren, Kathleen Somers, Lynn Gottwalt, and Mackenzie Lahren | ITINERARIES Inc. Britt Aamodt We make every effort to be as accurate as possible, but assume no responsibility for errors or omissions found in this magazine or any other corporate publications produced by ITINERARIES Inc. Proud Members of: Tour Minnesota Association (TMA) & American Bus Association (ABA) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ITINERARIES Inc. 56 South 33rd Avenue #234, St. Cloud, MN 56301 PHOTO CREDITS Albert Lea CVB, Amana Colonies CVB, Ames CVB, BismarckMandan CVB, Bloomington CVB, Buca di Beppo, City of Litchfield Tourism, Cloud County Convention & Tourism, Duluth CVB, Eagan CVB, Emporia CVB, Fairmont CVB, Fargo/Moorhead CVB, Festival du Voyageur, Festival of Nations, Fiesta del Sol, Fort Sisseton, Galena CVB, Hnedak Bobo Group, Joensy’s Restaurant, Joplin CVB, Jurustic Park, Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Kansas City Irish Fest, Karl Newedel/Getty Images, Liberal CVB, Mall of America, Marquette County CVB, Matt’s Bar, Medora Area CVB, Merriam Visitors Bureau, Michigan Food Ways, MN State Fair, MN Renaissance Festival, National Buffalo Museum, NE State Fair, New Ulm CVB, Norsk Høstfest, Oakley Area Tourism, On-A-Slant Indian Village, Owatonna Area Chamber, Pella Chamber of Commerce, Pizzaria Uno, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Rochester GreekFest, Rolling Hills Zoo, Sault Ste Marie Visitors Bureau, Scenic Valley Railroad Museum, SD Tourism, Taste on Broadway, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Tourism Winnipeg, Visit Minot, Visit Saint Paul, Wabasha Street Caves, Wall Badlands Area Chamber, Washington County Historical Assoc., Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, Worthington CVB

Dear Planner, Just how is it that particular foods become associated with particular geographic locations and communities? Well, a lot of that has to do with cultural heritage. Food is a gateway to our region’s history. It gives us little clues about agriculture, cooking techniques, and what ingredients were available at the time.

In this issue, you will learn about the great diversity of cultures found here in the Midwest. Did you know that South Dakota has a state dessert? It’s called kuchen (German for “cake”) and they have a whole festival devoted to it! Planning a trip to the U.P.? Grab a pasty and hop on over to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie for some maritime culture. Or, for some FrenchCanadian flavor, visit Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur.

The Midwest was settled by people from all walks of life, from all over the globe. Your group can discover that heritage through festivals, food, and more. And be sure to bring your appetite!

Best Regards, Heather J. Lahren, CEO - Publisher

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on the cover Small Towns, Big Memories Getting Off the Beaten Path Small towns have been charming tour groups for years and the Midwest is full of quaint communities with big opportunities. Stop at a mom-and-pop diner, purchase a rare antique, enjoy some agritourism, or walk through a museum. These communities are eager to show off their small town hospitality, so why not veer off the beaten path and see what hidden gems await your group? You might be surprised.

Norsk Høstfest - North America’s Largest Scandinavian Festival More than 200 internationally recognized artisans, craftsmen and chefs participate every year. The experience is an eclectic array of the contemporary and the traditional. The cuisine, as well as the clothes, art and jewelry, are authentic, fine quality and exquisitely Nordic. No matter the size of your appetite, the authentic Scandinavian cuisine at Norsk Høstfest simply cannot be beaten.

Read ITINERARIES Midwest Online. Ads hotlinked to websites. www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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State Foods Across the Midwest A sampling of each state’s signature cuisine Food is not easily defined by political boundaries. It is a complicated mix of history, cultural/ethnic influence, and local commodities. Some states and cities are commonly associated with foods (Philly cheese steaks, Boston baked beans, New York style pizza) while others are harder to connect with a particular dish.

Read on to learn about some of the Midwest’s most defining foods. Bon appétit!

Iowa

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Illinois

Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza Deep-dish pizza is a staple in Windy City culture.

More like a savory layer cake, this is a pizza unlike any other, filling a thick crust with inverted layers of cheese, meat and tomatoes, all of it creeping up the side of a greasy steel pan. No trip to Chicago is complete without a stop at a real Chicago pizzeria.

As the center of pork production in the United States, Iowa brings you the best pork tenderloin sandwich you’ll ever taste. It starts with a lean section of pork tenderloin pounded flat, then breaded, deep fried, and served on a seeded hamburger bun along with your choice of condiments.

Hop on over to Des Moines for a Jell-O dessert!

Nebraska

Runza Sandwich Kansas

Smoked Sausages In the 1800s and 1900s, Eastern European immigrants flooded Kansas’s farming communities and brought with them their recipes for traditional smoked sausages. Meat markets across the state are loaded with Czech-style links made with beef, pork, garlic, salt & pepper, as well as hundreds of other varieties.

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Also called a bierock, fleischkuche, or Kraut Pirok, the runza sandwich is a yeast dough bread pocket with a filling consisting of beef, pork, cabbage, onions, and seasonings. The Nebraska version is baked in a rectangular shape and can be found at Nebraska-based eatery Runza® Restaurants.

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STATE FOODS ACROSS THE MIDWEST

Missouri

Ozark Pudding

Minnesota

A favorite food of President Harry Truman, Ozark pudding is a dry fruit custard with nuts that, as the name implies, originated in the Ozarks.

This fruity treat, made with pears or apples, is a pudding-like cake that became popular when First Lady Bess Truman served her version of it for guests at the White House.

Jucy Lucy Named one of TIME Magazine’s most influential burgers, the Jucy Lucy (or Juicy Lucy, depending on where you go) is a Minneapolis-perfected phenomenon. This cheeseburger puts the cheese inside the meat, as well as on top, resulting in a molten core of oozing cheese with every bite. Servers frequently warn patrons to let the burger cool before biting in, to avoid injury. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!

Michigan

Pasty

Brought over from Cornwall, England in the 1800s, this handheld treat was popularized by the copper and iron miners of the Upper Peninsula.

A typical pasty consists of a crust filled with diced potatoes, rutabagas, carrots, onions, and ground beef seasoned to perfection.

South Dakota

North Dakota

Kuchen

Kuchen was designated the official state dessert of South Dakota in 2000. Kuchen is the German word for “cake” and is used to describe a variety of different types of sweet desserts and pastries. Stop by the annual Kuchen Festival in Delmont, South Dakota and sample a variety of kuchens including apple, plum, peach, rhubarb, or cream-filled.

Cream of Wheat This delicious comfort food is similar to grits, but smoother in texture and made with ground wheat kernels instead of ground corn. It was first manufactured in the United States in 1893 by wheat millers in Grand Forks. Many North Dakotans like to jazz up their hot cereal with sugar, fruit or nuts. It is truly a classic breakfast and is still popular today.

Wisconsin

Cranberry Pie Wisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state in the nation and produces more than half of the entire world’s supply of this bouncing berry.

Cranberry pie can be found on dinner tables across the state, especially around the holidays.

And don’t miss the annual Warrens Cranberry Festival for all things “cranberry!”

Central Canada

Smoked Winnipeg Goldeye Goldeye, named for its gold-colored scales, is a freshwater fish native to Manitoba waters and is especially delicious smoked.

At the Gimli Fish Market in Winnipeg, the in-house smoker can barely keep up with the demand for this delectable treat.

It can be served on crackers or whipped into a creamy spread.

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B Y K AT H L E E N S O M E R S

Høstfest A Taste of Scandinavia think about food a lot. I’ll bet you do, too. Food is often the focal point of social gatherings, holiday celebrations, entertaining of any sort, and just plain getting together with a friend. Nowadays, saying, “Want to get together?” usually means, “Let’s grab a bite to eat.” The words don’t even have to be spoken, it’s just assumed. So it stands to reason that a get-together as big as Norsk Høstfest would have food…lots and lots of food!

Thank goodness. Let’s dig in.

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The Festival Norsk Høstfest is a nonprofit Scandinavian festival held annually at the North Dakota State Fair Center on the State Fairgrounds in Minot, North Dakota. It all started in 1977 when the late Chester Reiten and a group of friends wanted to connect with their Nordic heritage. As a way to build up everything that’s good and noble in the Norwegian tradition, they organized several Lutheran churches to sell krumkake (almond wedding cake) and other Scandinavian delights. Before they

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knew it, Norsk Høstfest had grown into North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, with about 60,000 people attending from all over the world. It is consistently rated as one of the top 100 USA events by the American Bus Association, and with good reason.

True, the festival features worldclass entertainment and celebrates Scandinavian culture from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

And yes, each nation is represented in one of the halls where the festival takes place, with each being named after their country’s capital city. But that, my friend, is just the beginning.

There’s authentic Scandinavian cuisine, Scandinavian culture on display, handcrafted Norsk merchandise, plus a fine dining establishment lead by guest chefs. It’s big and it’s fun and it’s all about the individual styles of each country’s entertainment, food, clothes, art, and jewelry. Plus there’s the Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries.

The Food Admit it! When state fair season rolls around you may be talking about the entertainment, but you’re thinking about what food on a stick you want to try. Special occasions are like a free pass to get that happy food we rarely allow ourselves. At Høstfest food is a heavy drawing card. When you bring your groups to Høstfest, you may be selling them on the world-class entertainment or the opportunity to connect with an important tradition, but you’ll also want to mention the food. David Reiten has taken over for his father as Norsk Høstfest Association president. He says, “A lot of people have told me over the years that the main reason they come is to eat.” Reiten loves the lutefisk, and heads for that first. But let’s be honest: Lutefisk is dried cod soaked in lye. While some go crazy over it, others are sure you’d have to be crazy to eat it.

Margaret Gjerde of M&M Tours, who happens to love lutefisk, says she doesn’t take the time to eat it at Høstfest because

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there’s so much else to see and do, and she assures that everybody should be able to find something they like. One of her favorites is the pøtet klub, a potato dumpling. Another big draw is the Viking on a Stick. It’s a giant meatball that smells and initially tastes a bit like a pancake, purported to be a meal in itself and so tasty you’ll have to return next year for more. Carrol Juven of Juven Tours tells me the flatbrød (flatbread) is his favorite, adding, “It’s wonderful with goat cheese.”

Traditional Norwegian unleavened bread, much like a cracker, flatbrød is usually eaten with fish, salted meats, and soups and has been a staple since the day of the Vikings. Oh, and speaking of flatbrød, everyone loves a little lefse, a soft traditional Norwegian flatbread made from flour, milk and nowadays potato, then cooked on a griddle. Usually served with butter and sugar, it’s a favorite treat during the holidays, and easy to eat while perusing Høstfest. Some of these dishes aren’t easy to make, but Høstfest patrons can indulge in their favorites, all under one roof!

And those smells! From the moment you enter the State Fair Center, you will be tempted by the delicious aromas permeating the grounds. Food kiosks are dispersed throughout the festival, so a person really could eat nonstop. But you will also find sit-down dining options, such as En To Tre Fine Dining (meaning, “one, two, three”) where a spectacular lunch or dinner is prepared daily by Norwegian chefs. There’s a place called Scandi, (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and of course the many sidewalk cafes. Indulge in culinary favorites such as Danish Aebelskivers, sort of a cross between a pancake and a popover and served with jam and powdered sugar. Try Swedish meatballs, Oof-Da Tacos, or maybe something sweet such as a Royal Danish Pastry, or rømmegrøt, a type of porridge.

Rømmegrøt is thick and sweet and is generally drizzled in butter and sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon. Nobody goes hungry at Høstfest. In fact, as Juven says, “It’s not difficult to put on a few pounds during Høstfest.” But you can walk it off if you like.

The Fun There’s an international marketplace with demonstrations, interactive events and exhibits providing hours of enjoyment, and cultural activities galore. Høstfest has demonstrated staying power and appeal for all ages, but it always comes back to the food.

Now don’t let that walk-it-off idea scare you. With all the entertainment venues, there are plenty of sit-it-off areas too. There’s an afternoon and evening show where well-known musical artists perform on the Great Hall stage each day, plus five more stages filled with continuous entertainment featuring national, regional and international talent. Sue Penman from Promotions Tours in Canada calls this the come-and-go entertainment. She says, “As great as the main stage headliners are, sometimes the come-and-go performances are even more fun.”

The festival always starts on a Tuesday night with opening ceremonies and an evening concert. It runs through the Saturday night flag ceremony and includes more than 200 internationally recognized artisans, craftsmen, and participating chefs. Ranging from contemporary to traditional, the cuisine, art, clothes, and jewelry are all authentic, fine quality, and exquisitely Nordic.

Five nights and four days of spectacular Nordic festivities, better than any Nordic festival you’ll find in Scandinavia? Now that’s something worth experiencing! Anyone who’s attended knows to break it down into more manageable two-day stints. You can’t possibly experience the entire festival in just two days, but we dare you to try!

You can bring your group on Tuesday, get settled into your hotel, then attend the opening ceremonies. Have your group meet you after the show as opposed to a specific time, says Gjerde, having learned that lesson first hand. She says, “Everybody should see Høstfest at least once in their life.” You can also bring a group on Thursday and stay through the Grand Finale. And if you’re thinking about adding this event to next year’s offerings (and I hope you are) it’s not a hard sell.

Says Juven, “Just rent a bus, sell an

attraction like someone playing the accordion on the coach,” and be prepared to add a second bus!

In case you haven’t heard, Minot has 19 newly built hotels and plenty of room for your group. Tickets do sell out early, but Penman reminded me it’s always worth a try. “Never think there’s no hotel space because sometimes plans change.”

She recently got accommodations just that way.

Remember, as Juven said, “The only thing that beats fun is more fun.” And it truly is fun. Everyone walks around saying, “Hi, where are you from?” It’s a great way to meet new people, and if you happen to say it to one of the Mystery Vikings, they will give you $100 on the spot. You can buy a lot of lutefisk with that! Oh, just so you know, it’s not just for Norwegians. Reiten says, “There’s a lot of Germans who attend Høstfest. My biggest hope is to get just one of them to try a bite of lutefisk. It hasn’t happened yet.”

For more information on the largest Scandinavian festival in North America, contact Leann Mellum, Director of Marketing & Communication for Norsk Høstfest, at leannmellum@hostfest.com or 701-852-2368.

It’s “Pure Scandimonium!”

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Get a Taste of Midwest Culture The United States has been called the melting pot of the world. People from every nation and every ethnicity have made it their home. And with them came their arts, their culture and their food.

One thing you can be sure your tour group will agree on is food. They like good food and they like to sample new treats. Food is the tastiest way to introduce your group to a new culture, to take them back in time and to open their eyes to the diversity of flavors that can be found across the Midwest and Central Canada.

Spicing It Up A food tour is a flavor that every taste bud in your group will appreciate. With a food tour, you can cater to the finicky as well as the adventurous. Your group will never wonder when the next meal is coming. And you can tie in a smorgasbord of hands-on activities, events, guided tours and cultural experiences related to the food you’re enjoying.

In the Midwest, throw ten people together and you’re likely to turn up at least one Scandinavian. The Norwegians, Swedes, Finns and Danes settled the farms and villages of the 19th and early 20th century Midwest. These days their descendants are celebrating their heritage in festivals of food and more.

Minot boasts North America’s largest Scandinavian

festival, Norsk Høstfest. If you go to Illinois at midsummer, you’ll run into Swedish Days.

After Labor Day buzz over to Liberty, Missouri, for a Swedish Tea Party, while at Minneapolis’ American Swedish Institute, it’s Scandinavia all the time, all year round.

These destinations, and many more, approach the Scandinavian culture from different angles, and all of them include food. Because you’re traveling as a group, you can arrange ahead of time to set up special food demos and classes. Norwegian descendants can show your group how their grandmother made lefse, a Norwegian potato wrap. They can have the experience of eating the lefse they made in class, and take home the family recipe and even their own lefse turner.

The Swedish Institute always has a new touring exhibit to go with their permanent collection of Swedish art, furniture and artifacts. Organize a special docent-run tour for your group that will tease out the stories behind the objects you might otherwise miss. Afterwards, take your group downstairs for an updated version of Swedish cuisine at the trendy FIKA café, considered one of the best lunch stops in the Twin Cities.

Your group can connect to their German heritage through kuchen at South Dakota’s Kuchen Festival. You can sample the tasty treat, while also learning about the hardscrabble lives of the German immigrants who made kuchen from simple ingredients in their simple homestead kitchens. South

Dakota’s Eureka Schmeckfest will allow you to tie food with activities as you participate in German pioneer life demos and experience a German church service, singing, sermons and all.

Oktoberfests are great for groups. Why not arrange your own mini beer tasting? That way your group can learn a little about German beer brewing and sample the big hits before elbowing their way through the fest.

A food tour will also give you the chance to introduce your group to cultures they might not encounter in their own hometown. Aurora, Illinois welcomes you to their Annual Puerto Rican Heritage Festival. You can sit down to a fiesta, but before you do, have a guide put your group through a speedy language

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BY BRITT AAMODT

camp. ¿Habla español? ¡Si! Learn about Puerto Rican music and dance, and book space in the domino game competition. Give it a whirl!

Grub and Other Good Stuff Other venues specialize in history as it relates to culture and food. Leaving today for a trip into the past is in many ways like visiting a foreign land. That is nowhere more in evidence than at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, where your group will have an interactive experience with the inhabitants of Medieval England.

Why not make plans to have your group sit down for a private dinner with the lord of the manor? These dining events are custom-made for tour groups. They not only get

to chat with the historical reenactors, but they get to eat their food in a period setting with period cutlery—and manners, if they’re up for it.

Voyageur, Frontier, Pioneer and Wild West events are a hoot, and a bellyful.

Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur is a wonderful way to spend winter—indoors and outdoors—with snow sculptures, dance, and French-Canadian food you can’t get at the local grocery.

Everyone should try grubbing chuck wagon style, and Kansas’ Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper will allow you to cook up a special meal for your group. Pass the beans, and tell me another one of those cowboy yarns!

Along with good eats, get a side order of entertainment.

It’s easy at these festivals,

which pack everything you need in one location. There’s no running from one place to another. At North Dakota’s Frontier Village your group can trek from lunch at the General Store to the shops lining downtown. Plan ahead to take a stagecoach ride and see the buffalo herds. But watch out for Wild West shootouts at high noon.

Bring Your Appetite Before the Europeans, Canada and the Midwest were home to the Native American tribes whose language gave us many of our place names: Manitoba, Winnipeg, Minnesota, Kansas, Wichita, Michigan and Illinois.

You and your group can sample authentic food, music and crafts at Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Festival, Minnesota’s Keepers Pow-wow and Wichita’s

American Indian Festival, and not find the same thing twice.

Have your tour include a craft demo. Get a special history lesson on canoes and the wild rice harvest. Better yet, try the fry bread and take home a bag of wild rice.

Not everyone has the will or the means to travel the world. But you can organize a tour that will take your group through history and a dozen nationalities—Czech, Italian, Japanese, you name it—within a matter of days. If you take in Illinois’ Festival of Cultures or North Dakota’s Northern Plains Ethnic Festival, you can find a handful of cultures in just one location. And best of all, your group can get a taste for the diversity of our area through its regional and ethnic cuisines.

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dayONE Fargo Theatre

4-day sample itinerary

dayTWO dayFOUR Theodore Roosevelt National Park

National Buffalo Museum

THE WILD WEST in North Dakota dayTHREE On-A-Slant Indian Village

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time for the year!

In North Dakota, the Wild West encompasses more than Ponderosa pine-painted buttes, rodeos and the cowboy lifestyle found “west river.” Eastern North Dakota includes the country’s first military fort, landmark movie theaters, sacred white buffalo, bonanza farmers and booming railroad towns.

Begin in Fargo and cross the entire state and you’ll find that North Dakota unfolds like a storybook of western expansion – telling tales you won’t soon forget.

day one Fargo-West Fargo Dynamic, historic and exciting, the Red River Valley sister cities show the arc of history. The Fargo Theatre offers your group a unique opportunity to listen to a restored Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. Parking is not an issue at West Fargo’s Bonanzaville. Step back into the days of bonanza farms, sod houses, prairie churches and your local country store.

day two Jamestown-Valley City The home of western writer Louis L’Amour, Jamestown also honors the role played by the bison on the frontier. The National Buffalo Museum is dedicated to the history of the American Bison. The museum houses artifacts and original artworks and has an observation deck for the live buffalo herd. Can you spot three rare albino bison? Take a self-guided walking tour of L’Amour’s hometown.

The Ronald Regan Minuteman III Missile Site includes a visit 60 feet below ground into the launch control center and launch facility. Antique shopping is a must while visiting Valley City. Make a stop

at Rosebud Visitor Center for the Rosebud Superintendent’s railcar and the North Dakota Ag Hall of Fame. A side trip may include the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway to Fort Ransom State Park’s semi-annual Sodbuster Days.

day three Bismarck-Mandan The sister cities on either side of the Missouri River share recreational and historical importance. The North Dakota Heritage Center on the Capitol Grounds offers an in-depth look at North Dakota from prehistoric times to American Indians and cowboys and settlement of the state. The “skyscraper” Capitol is home to the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders Hall of Fame.

Experience life in 1875 at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park near Mandan. March to the first sergeant’s instructions as you visit General George and Libby Custer’s reconstructed home. Walk the parade grounds to the barracks of the 7th Cavalry, the Commissary Store and visit the horses at the stables.

In the park, On-A-Slant Indian Village comes to life with story-telling and sharing of the life in this 400-year old Mandan Village. Five reconstructed earthlodges can also be toured.

day four Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the beautiful Badlands and home to a large bison herd, prairie dogs, wild horses, elk, deer and eagles. The crayon effect of bright green, red and gold folded into the scoria rock formations and the diverse trees and grasslands add to this nature’s picture perfect landscape. Any time is a great time to visit this iconic

dayFOUR Burning Hills Amphitheater - Medora

national park, which is named for the 26th President who once lived there.

Medora, an authentic Old West cow-town, was founded in 1883 and is still a hopping spot during the summer months. Medora offers a nightly Broadway-style variety show at the spectacular Burning Hills Amphitheatre. Premiere motorcoach parking, front door drop-off and an escalator assist with this group-friendly attraction/event.

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame details the history of American Indians, ranching, rodeos and the western lifestyle of the plains and Badlands.

A “Wild West Show” outside the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame is held several times during the summer months and horse-drawn wagons trot you around town.

Visit the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site.

This elegant 26-room mansion on the edge of town was a gift from the Marquis de Morés to his wife.

Are You Legendary? We say YES! Start by contacting the North Dakota Tourism office toll-free at 800-435-5663 and request your free group travel guide or Email: dfelchle@nd.gov.

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illinois festivals & more…

Annual Puerto Rican Heritage Festival | AURORA Enjoy this group-friendly celebration of Puerto Rican heritage and culture. This is a great opportunity to experience ethnic foods and authentic music! Guests will also enjoy a parade, the Aurora Talent Show and the Miss Puerto Rico of Aurora contest. This two-day festival features endless food vendors offering wonderful cuisine, domino competitions, traditional folk music, Puerto Rican bands, Puerto Rican craftsmanship vendors and non-stop fun.

Taste of Chicago | CHICAGO Grab your groups and prepare to fill up on food — from classic Chicago dishes, to specialty cuisines from ethnic neighborhood restaurants, to inspired chef creations. The city’s recipe for a fantastic food festival combines Top Chefs, Grammy winners, entertainment for all ages and several thousand tasting servings of favorite Chicago bites.

This quintessential summer event appeals to all of your senses. Take in dazzling Lake Michigan and its magnificent skyline – the backdrop to this five-day event in Grant Park.

Plan your trip today, and be sure to bring an appetite! This annual lakefront festival is held every July.

Galena

Swedish Days | GENEVA

SKOKIE Since its inception in 1991, the Skokie Festival of Cultures has become one of the premier ethnic festivals in Illinois, attracting more than 400,000 visitors and dozens of cultures, all representing Skokie’s tremendous diversity. Explore this free “Tour of the World” where you and your group will enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, international children’s games, Whole Foods Market International Beer Tasting, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays.

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spotlight illinois

Welcome to Swedish Days!

Swedish Days (Svenskarnas Dag, Inc.) is the Midwest's oldest Midsommar festival, dating back to 1911. Swedish Days is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June at Good Templar Park. This ethnic festival, organized by the Swedish Day Committee, has entertained the Fox Valley area for generations. Come out for the day and enjoy beautiful Good Templar Park! This group-friendly event has something for everyone: arts & crafts fair, Scandinavian food, Maypole Celebration, live music, children’s choir, and more.

Illinois: Mile after Magnificent Mile.

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Mile after Magnificent Mile.

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Litchfield: Our Mix Includes Route 66 and More!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

Sky View Drive-In Carnegie Library

The Ariston Café

Experience the Route 66 restaurants and museum, historic downtown, a walk on the beach, a hike through the conservation area and an overnight stay in their modern, national brand hotels. Litchfield can customize group tour visits with the friendly help of their full time director of tourism. Call 217-324-5253 or e-mail tourism@cityoflitchfieldil.com to book your group today!

day one 2 – 3:30 pm Visit the new Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center to learn more about Litchfield’s special place in Route 66 history. The museum features a large display area with items including period automobiles.

4:00 pm Check in to your group-friendly hotel to freshen up.

6 – 8:00 pm Head back to the heydays of Route 66 with dinner at The Ariston Café. A Route 66 Hall of Fame member that was recently added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, The Ariston Café has been offering great food and service since 1924.

8:00 pm Take in a movie at the Sky View Drive-In, an original

Route 66 theater and the only continuously operating drive-in on Illinois Route 66. Another movie option is the Westside Cinema, with its large collection of Coca Cola and other vintage soda memorabilia.

day two 8 – 8:30 am Start your day with breakfast at Jubelt’s, a third generation family-owned bakery and restaurant in business on Route 66 since 1922.

8:30 – 10:00 am Explore Historic Downtown Litchfield, a classic mix of traditional downtown businesses, historical places, restaurants, and specialty & antique shops. This 12-square-block area is within easy walking distance of the Carnegie Library and Litchfield Veterans’ Memorial Garden.

10:00 am – noon Head for the great outdoors at beautiful Lake Lou Yaeger, a 1,400-acre recreational lake minutes from downtown. Take a walk along Milnot Beach or take a hike on one of the two nature trails at Shoal Creek Conservation Area.

12:30 pm Enjoy lunch at one of Litchfield’s many deliciously different dining options. Before leaving town, stop at

Ice Cream Man and take on its popular food challenge known as The Headache.

For more information or to customize this itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or the Litchfield CVB at 866-733-5833 or go to www.visitlitchfield.com.

directory attractions Chicago Entertainment Cruises. . . . 866-391-8439 401 E Illinois Street, Suite 310 – Chicago, IL Planning with Entertainment Cruises in Chicago is an effortless process - we have ready-made lunch and dinner cruises onboard the elegant Odyssey, festive Spirit of Chicago and contemporary Mystic Blue that are perfect for your upcoming event.

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . 888-895-8233 2304 173rd Street – Lansing, IL www.visitchicagosouthland.com Experience true Midwestern hospitality on your next motorcoach tour. The Chicago Southland CVB is the official, state designated, nationally accredited destination marketing organization (DMO) for Chicago’s 62 south and southwest suburbs. Discover the Chicago Southland Advantage!

Visit Litchfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-733-5833 120 East Ryder St – Litchfield, IL 217-324-8147 tourism@cityoflitchfieldil.com Litchfield boasts a 1,400-acre public recreational lake, a historically preserved downtown area with many points of interest, Route 66 icons, antique shopping, a broad range of dining options, hotels, nearby golf courses and wineries.

Illinois Bureau of Tourism www.enjoyillinois.com . . . . . . . . 800-2CONNECT

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1-877-832-7267

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iowa festivals & more…

Beer & Brat Festival – Millstream Brewing Company AMANA COLONIES The Millstream Brewing Company is Iowa’s oldest and most awardwinning craft brewery, serving up German-themed events year round.

What goes better in a German village than brats and beer? At the Beer & Brat Festival each summer, Millstream teams up with the Amana Smokehouse & Meat Market to bring out some of the best available.

Take a tour of the brewery and learn about the brewing process, purchase Millstream goodies in the gift shop, and relax in the outdoor biergarten.

Iowa State Fair | DES MOINES

Applefest – Living History Farms | URBANDALE The smell of apple fills the air as people gather at the 1875 Town of Walnut Hill to celebrate the coming of fall fruit. Tour the farm sites in the morning and see history come to life.

Learn how Native Americans grew crops in the 1700s, how farmers used oxen to open the prairies in the 1850s, and how horses revolutionized agriculture in the 1900s. Then spend the afternoon enjoying all things “apple!” Try your hand at stirring the copper kettle of apple butter and take your turn cranking the cider press. Purchase fresh local apples and other goodies at the Visitor Center.

Iowa Irish Fest | WATERLOO Welcome to Iowa’s only large-scale Celtic festival! Held annually the first weekend in August, this 3-day festival celebrates Irish culture in Iowa with many fun-filled activities.

Enjoy Celtic music on three different stages; sample traditional Irish food such as soda bread and Irish stew; watch kilt-clad athletes heave, lift, and toss in the traditional Highland Games; and even watch a “Best Legs in a Kilt” competition. Whether Irish or Irish for the day, you’ll go home with plenty of great memories!

spotlight iowa

The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and is the true heartbeat of the Midwest.

Like other state fairs, it is a celebration of agriculture, industry, and entertainment, but it is the food that consistently puts this fair in the headlines every year. Taste what sets Iowa above the rest, with nearly 200 food stands and more than 60 delectable items served on a stick, including a smoothie, shrimp corndog, deep fried candy bars, and the octodog (hotdog in the shape of an octopus). They also offer a variety of healthy choices and value priced items at $2 or less.

Bus parking is free!

PELLA

Tulip Time

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he town of Pella is beautiful and unique all year long, but at Tulip Time (held annually each spring) it comes alive with tulips, parades, Dutch attire, food, and more. You’ll think you’ve arrived in Holland! Activities are offered throughout the day, including a variety of demonstrations. At Sweet Treats, a local chocolatier will share about Dutch chocolate candy making (with free samples). Participants will model traditional Dutch attire at Dress Like the Dutch, where your group will learn about the types of dress and provinces in The Netherlands.

Enjoy gardening? Tip Toe Through Our Tulips shares helpful hints on planting and growing tulips, followed by a strolling tour through Central Park. And don’t forget the food! A buffet-style Dutch lunch welcomes motorcoach groups and features Dutch spiced beef and hutspot (a dish of boiled and mashed potatoes, carrots and onions).

Most of the activities found at Tulip Time can be experienced year-round in Pella. Discover the town that dubs itself “more Dutch than the Dutch!”

Iowa: Life Changing

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Life Changing

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directory accommodations AmericInn of Ames . . . . . . . 515-233-1005 2507 SE 16th Street - Ames, IA 50010 ames.ia@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/IA/Ames Conveniently located near all the attractions and excitement in the area. Every guest is welcomed with a smile, great service, an inviting indoor pool, free hot home-style breakfast & a quiet night’s sleep! A perfect fit for any tour!

Olde Main Brewing Company

Chocolaterie Stam

AmericInn of Spencer . . . . 712-262-7525 1005 13th Street SW - Spencer, IA 51301 spencer.ia@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/IA/Spencer Count on us to be your best lodging choice in the Iowa Great Lakes area. With unmatched service and amenities that include free hot home-style breakfast, indoor pool and WiFi. Visit Arts on Grand, retail, golf, Clay County Fair and more!

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . 515-233-3935 Temptations on Main

The Temptations of Ames…

Sampling Required!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

10 – 10:45 am Welcome to Ames! Start your day off right as your group learns the rich European history of chocolate at Chocolaterie Stam, a modern chocolaterie steeped in old-world, Dutch traditions. There will be plenty of fine European chocolates to sample.

10:45 – 11:30 am Step into the world of a small-town candy and ice cream store, which also features tempting chocolates. At Temptations on Main you will smell, taste, and create chocolate! Learn the basics along with some advanced techniques in chocolate molding. Tasting is a must...

11:30 – 12:30 pm Cook’s Emporium appreciates that blending flavor and technique is an expression of your creativity. View a private cooking demonstration here and learn tricks of the trade to make everyday cooking with chocolate spectacular.

12:30 – 2:00 pm Enjoy lunch at Olde Main Brewing Company. Olde Main specializes in handcrafted entrees and brews their own beer and root beer on-site. Take a tour of the brewery and learn about the process of beer making!

2 – 3:00 pm Enjoy some personal shopping time in the Main Street Cultural District (MSCD). MSCD has over 50 unique shops, ranging from art galleries to specialty shoe

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2605 SE 16th Street - Ames, IA 50010 Debra.Pratt@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/amesia Situated by Interstate 35, our location puts you within easy reach of Jack Trice Stadium, Reiman Gardens, Iowa Arboretum, Adventureland theme park, White Oak Vineyards and much more. Enjoy our indoor pool, WiFi, daily Manager’s Cocktail Reception and complimentary hot breakfast.

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . . 319-545-8464 stores and everything in between.

3 – 3:15 pm Rest your shopping feet and take a little drive to Prairie Moon Winery.

3:15 – 4:30 pm Tour the vineyard and learn about the history and art of winemaking at Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyards.

Experience a tasting and shop their local wines. This 18-acre vineyard was established in 2000 with the dream to grow high-quality grapes and create fine wines.

4:30 pm Check into the AmericInn or Country Inn & Suites in Ames. Both offer comfortable, friendly group lodging.

5:30 – 7:00 pm Have dinner at Fuji Sushi & Steak House. Enjoy delicious Japanese food cooked right before your eyes ‘hibachi-style’. It’s really dinner and a show all in one!

7:00 pm Depending on your group’s interests, you can catch a Big 12 Conference action or swing into any of the area’s entertainment venues for a show-stopping pop, rock, country, folk, Broadway, local band or theater performance.

For more information on this sample itinerary contact your tour operator or the Ames CVB at 515-232-4032 or www.amescvb.com.

2571 Heartland Place - Coralville, IA 52241 cx_crvl@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/coralvilleia Just off I-80/I-380 an ideal location for experiencing the Amana Colonies, Englert Civic Theatre, Coral Ridge Mall, Wilson’s Orchard, Iowa City Community Theatre, and the University of Iowa. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and indoor pool.

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . . 641-236-9600 1710 West Street South - Grinnell, IA 50112 cx_grin@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/grinnellia Grinnell has been named one of the Top Ten Coolest Small Towns in America! Come see all there is to do!

Just minutes off I-80 we pride ourselves on warm hospitality. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and indoor pool.

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Council Bluffs CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-228-6878 ext 130 149 W. Broadway – Council Bluffs, IA 51503 dhestness@councilbluffsiowa.com www.councilbluffscvb.com Allow the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau to make planning your next group tour a little easier!

Designing itineraries, suggesting dining options, organizing entertainment, and coordinating lodging are just a few of the services offered through the CVB.

1-877-832-7267

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kansas festivals & more…

Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper | BENTON Arrange a private chuckwagon supper for groups of nearly any size!

Enjoy a traditional, all-you-can-eat cowboy meal, served in the old west surroundings of the Prairie Rose Opera House. Then kick back to the wonderful western harmonies of the Prairie Rose Rangers, or the southern gospel of the Riders for the Cross.

For a more rustic and traditional experience, choose The Hideout – the original outdoor amphitheater where the chuckwagon suppers first began. You’re in for the very best in western hospitality!

Hays House / Aldrich Apothecary | COUNCIL GROVE Hays House is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River, serving up down-home Kansas food in a unique, historic setting. Past customers have included Jesse James and George Armstrong Custer. For dessert, head over to Aldrich Apothecary, another step back in time with tin ceilings, Victorian décor and antique fixtures.

Take a seat at the tile-and-marble counter of this 1920s original soda fountain! With six swivel stools and working chrome spigots, they serve all the old favorites!

KANSAS CITY The city known for its BBQ & steaks is also defined by its delicious array of under-the-radar mom & pop shops and critically acclaimed five-star restaurants. The folks at Taste of Kansas City Food Tours will take your group on a guided culinary journey to enjoy the tastes of these wonderful foods, which are unique to this great city, and introduce you to other iconic foods of KC in their historic settings.

These popular tours invite you to learn about the area’s history and culture with three hours of fun and food! Come hungry and your group will “taste life one step at a time!”

American Indian Festival WICHITA Experience the sights and sounds of American Indian culture every summer at the Mid-America All-Indian Center’s American Indian Festival. This cultural celebration showcases the art, song, dance and history of the people for which Wichita and Kansas were named.

Shop at fine markets, try authentic cuisine, learn about the culture at educational booths, and more.

The largest event in the festival is the contest Powwow, which brings dancers representing tribes from across the country to compete in various dance categories.

spotlight kansas

Kansas City Food Tour

BONNER SPRINGS

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival

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his fall tradition is celebrating “38 Years of Huzzah and Cheers!” Walk through the gates of time to another age where guests from around the Midwest, the country, and sometimes the world get a taste of 16th century life. Festival organizers will offer an escape from this century and a chance to play, if only for a day, in the village of Canterbury. Where else can you feast like royalty, dance like gypsies, quaff ale with colorful villagers, shop among 165 skilled artisans and watch noble knights joust for honor all in the same day? Themed weekends such as “Highland Fling” and “Wonders of the World” keep guests coming back for more.

Group rates are available and parking is always free! Open Saturdays & Sundays rain or shine, August 30th through October 13th, 2014 – plus Labor Day & Columbus Day.

Kansas: As Big As You Think

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As Big As You Think

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Mid-America Air Museum Nazareth Convent

Liberal Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cloud County Convention & Tourism Come visit the world’s longest sculpted brick mural in Concordia, Kansas! Our step-on guides will challenge you to a fun game of “I Spy” on the Whole Wall Mural, an amazing mural carved out of 6,400 extra-large bricks. Learn why over 250,000 orphaned or abandoned children were sent out from New York City to new homes across the U.S. at the National Orphan Train Museum. Imagine yourself performing in the theater known as the “Exquisite Gem of the Prairie,” the Brown Grand Theatre. Discover amazing art and history in the halls of the Nazareth Convent.

A former WWII German POW Camp, one of the largest collections of old toys, and other fun quirky spots can be found at Concordia. We offer free itinerary set-up, step-on guide service, welcome bags and a special treat at the end of the day.

785-243-4303 / www.cloudcountytourism.com ---------------------------------

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William Allen White House

Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau As the official “Founding City of Veterans Day,” Emporia is also home to a beautiful zoo—botanically lush with floral displays spring through fall. Your step-on guide takes you around town telling of the area’s history, ghost stories, military and political tidbits. Learn about one of Kansas’ most famous people with a guided tour of the state historic site: the William Allen White House. End with a visit to the Granada District and enjoy tours and refreshments.

Free itinerary set-up and visitor packets are available.

We’re right on your way and conveniently located on Interstate 35.

800-279-3730 / www.visitemporia.com ---------------------------------

Conservatively Speaking: Liberal Has it All! Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Dorothy’s official hometown of Liberal, where you will find over 800 motel rooms, more than 35 restaurants and all the services travelers need. Liberal offers a wonderful setting for groups of all ages. Mid-America Air Museum will show you over 100 aircraft; Dorothy will give you a tour of her house and the Land of Oz; Baker Arts Center will provide a touch of the arts and culture; and the Pancake Day Hall of Fame will delight you with its history of the 64-year-old event.

800-542-3725 / www.visitliberal.com ---------------------------------

Merriam

Visitors Bureau

Merriam, Kansas…next door neighbors to Kansas City!

Just minutes from all major metro favorites—including casinos, museums, attractions, restaurants and shopping—Merriam offers full or half-day itineraries for groups of all ages. We invite you to visit the

1-877-832-7267

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As Big As You Think

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directory attractions Rolling Hills Zoo Salina . . . . . 785-827-9488 Monument Rocks

K.C. Strings Violin Shop

world-famous K.C. Strings Violin Shop, an inspiring place where stringed instruments are crafted, sold and played in symphonies across the globe. Go back in time to learn about soda jerks while you sip a handmade strawberry soda from the Georgetown Pharmacy’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop. Uncover your inner rock-star as your group takes the stage for a karaoke jam at GuitarLamp. View the baking and sample the sweetness of swirled dessert bread made at the famed Strawberry Hill Povitica (as seen on QVC).

Contact the Merriam Visitors Bureau today to begin your group’s getaway in Kansas City. Ask about our group hotel discounts and motor coach incentive program.

866-707-6534 / www.exploremerriam.com ---------------------------------

Oakley Area Tourism Oakley celebrates the birthplace of the legend, Buffalo Bill. The twice-life-size bronze sculpture of

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Rolling Hills Zoo

Buffalo Bill on his horse Brigham in pursuit of a buffalo commemorates the 1868 contest between William F. Cody and William Comstock, where Cody earned the title of “Buffalo Bill.” By the turn of the 20th century, with his Wild West Show, Buffalo Bill became one of the most recognized and famous persons in the entire world. The bronze is one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world and is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art. At the apex of the Western Vistas Historic Byway, Oakley also hosts the Fick Fossil & History Museum, the Spirit of the American Doughboy statue, and Monument Rocks.

785-671-1000 / www.discoveroakley.com ---------------------------------

Rolling Hills Zoo Located in the heart of Kansas, Rolling Hills Zoo awes and inspires visitors with more than 300 animals representing over 100 different species exhibited in a park on 100 acres of Kansas prairie. One of the world’s premier collections of full mount animals, our Wildlife Museum proudly displays over 400 animals in full

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Cloud County Convention & Tourism Concordia . . . . . . . . 785-243-4303 Discover Oakley Oakley . . . . . 785-671-1000 Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau Emporia

. . 800-279-3730

Liberal CVB Liberal . . . . . . . . . . . 800-LIBERAL Merriam Visitors Bureau Merriam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-707-6534

immersion naturalistic dioramas! Tour groups will find plenty of free, secure parking with drop-offs proximal to admission gates. Both escort and driver receive free admission. An on-site restaurant has meals available throughout the day. Meet & Greet service is offered with options for narrated tram tours and plenty of rest rooms. Groups will delight at the treasures and souvenirs available in our two gift shops. Rolling Hills offers personal assistance with your itinerary planning.

Open year-round, seven days a week!

785-827-9488 / www.rollinghillswildlife.com ---------------------------------

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michigan festivals & more…

Thunder Bay Maritime Festival | ALPENA The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage center is open year-round, offering 9,000 square feet of immersive exhibits that explore Michigan’s Great Lakes history. Visit in July for the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival and explore the museum, hear shipwreck stories, and cheer on your favorite corrugated vessel at the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Watch a high-energy performance by Song of the Lakes—repeatedly voted “Michigan’s Best Folk Artist.” They combine Celtic and Scandinavian traditions with Michigan maritime history in a show that weaves humor and lore. Admission is free!

Cheeseburger in Caseville

spotlight michigan

CASEVILLE This 10-day tribute to Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” will not disappoint! This annual event takes place on the shores of Lake Huron with lots of daily music including Buffet-style tribute bands. Eat your fill of an amazing variety of cheeseburgers up and down Main Street. Be amazed by the flamingos, grass skirts, and unbelievable designs featured in the Parade of Tropical Fools. There’s also a cardboard boat race, sand sculpture contest, classic car show, craft show, Caribbean street dance, hat making workshops, and a sailing parade!

GM River Days | DETROIT SAULT SAINTE MARIE

Soo Locks Engineers Weekend

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he Soo Locks are a set of parallel locks that enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes and have been a symbol of the Upper Peninsula’s maritime culture since the first iteration of the U.S. Soo Locks was completed in 1855. Every year, during the last weekend in June, the community celebrates those behind the creation and maintenance of the Locks with Soo Locks Engineers Weekend. Tour the Cloverland Electric Cooperative Hydroelectric Plant, watch tugboats of every shape and size compete in the Great Tugboat Race, purchase a souvenir at the arts & crafts fair, snack on locally-made goodies, watch the U.S. Coast Guard perform a helicopter rescue drop, or lace up your sneakers for the leisurely-paced International Bridge Walk. The weekend is jam-packed with a variety of activities your groups will surely enjoy!

Pure Michigan

What better way to celebrate the start of summer than with a big party by the riverside? This one-of-a-kind festival is a celebration of Detroit’s RiverWalk, running from the Detroit/ Wayne County Port Authority Terminal and Dock to Rivard Plaza and William G. Milliken State Park, and features activities on land and water. Experience all the RiverWalk has to offer, from the tall ships, jet-ski demos and riverboat tours to live music, sand sculptures, delicious eats and more! Stroll this scenic route just east of the General Motors headquarters and indulge in Detroit’s signature start-of-summer event!

National Cherry Festival TRAVERSE CITY The Grand Traverse Region, known for its world-record tart cherry harvest, bursts with visitors each year during the National Cherry Festival, named one of USA Today’s top ten annual festivals. Savor the flavor of cherries along with more than 150 events along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Explore the classic auto show, or try your luck at the million dollar holein-one contest. There’s even a cherry pit spitting contest and cherry pie eating contest! Traverse City is also home to award-winning wineries, microbreweries, championship golf courses, unique shops & boutiques, and 180 miles of sugar-sand shoreline. There’s something for everyone!

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Pure Michigan

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Munising Falls Iron Industry Museum

History in Marquette

This sample itinerary is best during the summer & fall months, but can be customized for any time of year.

Marquette is located on the south shore of Lake Superior in the iron ore-rich north-central region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Named after the French Jesuit missionary and explorer, Jacques Marquette, the area is known for its friendly people, unrivaled scenic beauty and rich heritage centered around 160-plus years of iron mining, forestry and shipping.

10:00 am – 12:00 pm Welcome to Marquette! What better way to start out your day than to discover Marquette’s many waterfalls? Our first destination is Munising Falls at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Then travel to Wagner Falls and take a pleasant stroll along the boardwalk.

Noon – 1:00 pm Venture into downtown Marquette to have lunch at Upfront & Company. Enjoy sandwiches and

homemade soup, beverages and dessert.

1 – 2:00 pm The iron industry is an integral part of Michigan’s history. The Michigan Iron Industry Museum tells the story of the industry and the people who worked in it. They also hold a Technology Timeline, which shows how mining has evolved over the last 125 years, and contains several early examples of tools miners used.

2 – 4:00 pm Your next stop is Munising Bay and Lake Superior for a Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tour.

Take an excursion back in time to the industrial ages of American shipping history. Let them introduce you to Lake Superior’s natural underwater museum featuring a rare, fully intact, wooden sailing ship that was built before the Civil War and sits only a few feet below the surface of the lake.

Cudighi

Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tour

4 – 6:00 pm If you spend a weekend in Marquette in September or October, you can visit one of many harvest festivals in the area. Bustling with autumn-themed activities for all ages, the festivals feature food and drink, live music, chef demonstrations, and more.

6 – 8:00 pm The Historic Landmark Inn in downtown Marquette is your destination for dinner. The Skyroom Restaurant on the top floor overlooks Lake Superior and downtown Marquette. You can also tour the Historic Landmark Inn, which includes 4 or 5 of the nicest available rooms.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or the Marquette County CVB at 1-800-544-4321, or visit www.travelmarquettemichigan.com.

directory accommodations AmericInn of Menominee . 906-863-8699

MICHIGAN’S Key Ingredients A glimpse into Michigan’s food culture

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STOP

hat is the typical Michigan meal? Well, that’s a tough one. There is nothing that all Michiganders eat in common. Rather, Michigan foods are those of the many communities that make up the state. In Calumet, for instance, a typical meal could include a pasty—a food popular in the mining regions—while down the road in Negaunee, one could feast on a cudighi sandwich—a spicy Italian sausage served on a roll, often with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, introduced to the area by Italian immigrants. Those in the “thumb” area of Michigan would consider the Bay Port fish sandwich for a meal, while the Traverse City region overflows with cherry pie and cherry sausage in the summertime. Think you have an adventurous palate? Many Catholics in Monroe consider the muskrat a fish, and have been chowing down on the marsh-dwelling rodent since French settlers determined the meat was good to eat during the early frontier days. And, to celebrate the diverse food of the state, many communities hold food festivals. This includes crowning an annual Bean Queen (Fairgrove), Mint Queen (St. Johns), and Peach Queen (Romeo).

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Want to learn more? Visit the new website, www.michiganfoodways.org, for a larger sampling of Michigan’s key ingredients. w w w. i t i n e r a r i e s m i d w e s t . c o m

2330 10th Street - Menominee, MI 49858 Menominee.mi@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/MI/Menominee Imagine after a day of tours relaxing on a bench looking out at the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay. We offer lake view rooms, indoor pool, hot tub, free hot home-style breakfast, & WiFi, all perfectly located within the Lower U.P.!

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Experience Grand Rapids . 800-678-9859 171 Monroe Avenue NW - Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.experiencegr.com Grand Rapids makes it easy for your motorcoach group to share a memorable travel experience. The city offers a variety of arts and culture, fantastic restaurants, plenty of outdoor recreation, shopping and lodging.

Marquette County CVB

. . . 800-544-4321 337 W Washington Street - Marquette, MI 49855 www.travelmarquettemichigan.com We’re here to help you plan a trip for the memory books.

We offer customized itinerary planning, step-on guides, reservation assistance, digital images, familiarization tours and more—all at no charge!

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minnesota festivals & more…

Taste of Dorset | DORSET Dorset boasts more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the world. Join them on the first Sunday in August for Taste of Dorset. The local businesses take their wares to the street and provide your group with a culinary feast!

The restaurants sell small samples of their delicious food items, the other shops sell individual goods, and the community provides live music and entertainment for all to enjoy. The craft shop, antique store, gift shop, bookstore, Old Tyme Photos, and pottery shop offer a great selection of shopping and activities. You can even run for mayor!

The only requirement is a $1.00 entry fee and a sense of humor!

spotlight minnesota

FIKA, the Café at ASI

New Ulm ew Ulm has been known as a “city of festivals.”

No matter the time of year, you’ll find a reason to link arms with your neighbor and celebrate their culture. So bring your group and begin with the Bavarian Blast in July and experience a weekend-long celebration of German heritage.

In addition to music and food under the festival tent, visitors will enjoy an arts & crafts festival, barrel race, sauerkraut eating contest (yum!) and a stein-holding contest. Then come back for Oktoberfest! This traditional festival is modeled after one of the world’s largest celebrations, held in Munich, Germany. New Ulm’s version takes place the first two weekends in October. Enjoy German food, music, horse-drawn trolley rides, and dancing.

The festivities include plenty of “oom-pahs!” including performances from New Ulm’s famous Concord Singers.

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MINNEAPOLIS In Sweden, fika is a daily break, traditionally involving coffee and treats. In truth, it’s about much more than that; it’s a social institution where friends gather to chat about life. Let FIKA enhance your group tour at the American Swedish Institute with several dining options.

FIKA is an award-winning café that brings the best of new Nordicinspired cuisine to MinneapolisSaint Paul. Guests can enjoy espresso, house made pastries, artful salads and modern interpretations of open-face sandwiches, all while enjoying the full view of the historic Turnblad Mansion. Cited by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as having “the best lunch in Minnesota!”

Corn Capital Days | OLIVIA Also known as the “Corn Capital of the World,” Olivia has the highest concentration of seed research and processing companies of any place on the globe! So join the folks in Olivia and celebrate their agricultural heritage with Corn Capital Days. The festival features the famous Sweet Corn Feed, musical entertainment, Health Choice Corn Capital Run, Grand Parade, volleyball tournament, Lions Club Fly-In Breakfast & Airshow, and much more! Don’t forget to have your group’s picture taken by the celebrated World’s Largest Ear of Corn Monument.

Save the last weekend in July!

Keepers Pow Wow PIPESTONE Step back in time and join the fun with the Keepers Pow Wow, Native Foods Cook-Off, and Native American Music Concert. Always held on the fourth weekend in July, the Pipestone Keepers Pow Wow is a celebration of Native American drum, dance, music and culture.

Come enjoy the spirit of what makes America great! Don't forget to try an Indian taco or buffalo burger, and stock up on unique goods from a variety of vendors.

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ifteen incredible hotels and the lowest lodging tax rates in the Twin Cities area are just a few things Eagan, Minnesota has to offer to group tours. With all of our hotels offering free on-site motorcoach and vehicle parking and easy freeway access, there is no limit to what you can do in the Eagan area.

Check out the newest attraction to Eagan, Twin Cities Premium Outlets. Now open in Eagan, the 100 plus shop outlet mall will be home to many well-known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th anchoring the whole complex. Not to

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mention, you can take comfort in the fact that the largest outlet mall in the Upper Midwest is in close proximity to over 70 delicious dining establishments and of course, the hotels that you can call home for a few days.

When you arrive in Eagan, we at the Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau will offer our Meet & Greet services and gift bags for each person in your group. When you want to get out and explore the city, no worries, most hotels offer free shuttle service at convenient times of day. Being so close to the Twin

Cities of downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis definitely has its perks but not the price tag, staying in Eagan will save you up to 20%!

Keep saving and grab one of our coupon books for even more discounts and deals on attractions, dining and lodging. We also offer first time groups booking 20 or more rooms a rebate of up to $250. Shopping, family-friendly attractions, comfortable and affordable lodging, plus a variety of dining options – enjoy Eagan and all it has to offer!

Visit www.eaganmn.com for more details.

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Experience THE REALM August 16th through September 28th, plus Labor Day & Festival Friday, 2014 o back in time to the Renaissance era at the 44th Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival! Enjoy food, clothing, attitudes, entertainment, and crafts fashioned from the era. Get the full experience by checking out the mystical activities below.

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Mermaid Cove Watch as they dive, twirl and swim majestically through the water. If you are lucky, they may even share a piece of their magic with you!

Dr. Thora Pandora’s Chemistry Experience

Experience science demonstrations and physics, including gas bombs, snake bubbles, elephant toothpaste and Newtonian beads.

Wishing Well

Drop a coin and make your dreams come true! The Wishing Well is partnered with Angel Foundations to support families with cancer.

Cupcake Battle

Whip up your tastiest and most creative Renaissance themed cupcakes! You could win great prizes and the title of “Best Cupcake in the Realm!”

Fairy House Competition

Patrons big and small are invited to make their own unique fairy house and share it at the festival. Top fairy houses will win great prizes!

Throne of Swords

Experience the infamous, ominous Throne of Swords. Be wary of the One-Eyed Ravens!

Fairy Wing Forest

Maypole

Venture into the garden that has been transformed and filled with fairies, pixies, and magical creatures that now call the forest home.

Maypole dancing is a form of folk dance from Germany, England & Sweden. Come relive the traditional folk ribbon dance celebrating the seasons!

For more information regarding daily events, themed weekends, entertainment, and shopping, contact the Minnesota Renaissance Festival at 952-445-7361 or online at www.renaissancefest.com.

Fairy House Competition

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Groups are Like Family at

History, Culture, and Food!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

Welcome to the Twin Cities! Enjoy one-of-a-kind attractions, tax-free shopping, nationally praised dining, world-class theatre, museums galore, and acres upon acres of green space. In Minneapolis-Saint Paul, your group will enjoy two cities for the price of one!

BUCA DI BEPPO! ere at Buca, we love any reason to celebrate and we definitely know how to have a good time! Our high-energy staff and unique décor will entertain groups of all ages. Our group-friendly and reasonably priced menu packages offer a large selection of great Italian dishes – big enough to feed a tour bus! When planning your next tour, look no further than the ultimate celebratory restaurant: Buca di Beppo. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire our menu, giving Buca its authentic Italian fare. We continue to innovate and create recipes beyond our traditional style by adding new menu items inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Come indulge in the Buca experience of unforgettable appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, entrées, desserts, beer and fine wine.

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10 – 11:00 am Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flourmill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Here, your group will learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis, and find out why they call it “The Most Explosive Museum in the World.”

Then, for a little more history, walk over to the Stone Arch Bridge and take in some spectacular views of Downtown Minneapolis.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm See and hear the history of the Wabasha Street Caves in downtown Saint Paul. Explore the original mined sandstone caves and see the finished caves (once a romantic night club called The Castle Royal). Hear the legends of mobster massacres and ghostly lore in the most unique setting from Chicago to San Francisco.

12 – 1:00 pm Visit Saint Paul’s food truck court for lunch, serving three different areas of the city two days a week. Using ingredients from family farms and co-ops in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Chef Shack’s creations landed them a spot on Forbes’ list of Elite Street Eats. Make sure to try the signature Indian-spiced mini donuts. Asian and Mexican cuisines are fused at Vellee Deli, where offerings include a Korean BBQ burrito, fish tacos,

and egg rolls. Find south-of-the-border cuisine at Hola Arepa, where the cornmeal patties are stuffed with naturally raised meats, cheese, organic vegetables and homemade salsas.

1 – 3:00 pm Historic Fort Snelling welcomes you! Built in the 1820s, the Fort is a great place to learn about military history from before the Civil War through World War II, fur trade history, slavery in Minnesota, the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and much more. Its location, at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, has been significant for centuries to many American Indian communities. Activities include military drills, daily cannon firings, blacksmithing, hearth cooking, and games. The nearby Sibley House Historic Site features some of Minnesota’s oldest buildings.

3 – 6:00 pm Minneapolis hosts a variety of festivals year round. Spend your afternoon delighting in one of the city’s many cultural celebrations, such as September’s Taste of Greece. St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church serves up Greek food, Greek music, Greek dancing, and Greek fun!

6 – 8:00 pm Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant is the perfect place for great Italian food and fun! Buca offers group dining in an eclectic, vintage setting. Their family-style dishes are perfect for celebrations and groups of all sizes.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator.

Buca di Beppo has five convenient locations in Minnesota’s Metro: Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

For more information on our banquet packages or to book your next event, call Buca di Beppo at 877-955-2822, email groupreservations@bucainc.com or complete the online form at www.bucadibeppo.com.

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Como Zoo

Nickelodeon Universe

Go Wild in Bloomington, Minnesota!

This sample itinerary is best spring through fall!

day one Drop your luggage in one of Bloomington’s 36 hotels and freshen up quickly to head straight out to Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States, for an adventure-filled shopping excursion. Check out Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and try your hand at this northern woods golf course or take a spin on one of three wild roller coasters in Nickelodeon Universe®. After you have seen all that glitters, settle in to dinner at Cadillac Ranch for allAmerican cuisine. Visit www.bloomingtonmn.org for all your hotel and entertainment needs.

day two Visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife

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Refuge for a tour of the area’s 2,200-acre natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. Next stop is the Minnesota Zoo to see wildlife from around the world. Located just minutes from Bloomington, with many new exhibits to wow all groups.

Evening: Kick up your heels at Cowboy Jack’s, where you can enjoy down-home cookin’ and dance the night away to a country band.

day three Make a visit to Saint Paul to see the Como Zoo & Conservatory. This FREE zoo has the Polar Bear Odyssey and their furry residents, Buzz and Neil.

Stop and smell the flowers at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The Sunken Garden changes out their flower display every season, so no matter when

you visit, you will see the wildest of flower colors. If your group wants a more thrilling adventure, head over to Valleyfair to take on some of the wildest roller coasters in the upper Midwest.

Evening: Eat dinner and enjoy a cold beer out of a mason jar at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. Whether you want to enjoy live country music and dancing, watch the big game, tackle with a wild mechanical bull, or just eat, Toby Keith’s has a little something for everyone. With over 20,000 square feet of space, the restaurant is perfect for groups.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group please contact your tour operator or the Bloomington CVB, 866-435-7425.

TMA & You!

stablished in 1974, the Tour Minnesota Association is dedicated to the Minnesota tourism industry. TMA is a professional organization with members from both the public and private sectors, united to represent the very best that Minnesota has to offer.

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As a Group Tour Director: Together, TMA and its members provide existing and beneficial services to tour groups and leisure travelers. Check out the website at www.tourmn.org for a list of members, including convention & visitors bureaus, that will help you with itineraries & accommodations. In addition, you will find a list of coach/tour companies for your transportation or guided tour needs.

As a Member: TMA strives to satisfy the needs of its members through support, promotion, networking, partnerships and education. Membership will bring you into Minnesota’s very active travel trade industry. They also provide a voice for tourism to the legislature, encouraging vision and direction that will ensure the successful future of tourism in Minnesota. To learn more visit www.tourmn.org and join today! w w w. i t i n e r a r i e s m i d w e s t . c o m

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Chocolate Dessert Salami

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SnoRibbons

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THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER: New Foods for 2014! hat’s your favorite reason to go to the Minnesota State Fair? The food, of course! With the reputation of having “everything on a stick,” the Minnesota State Fair serves up unique, mouth-watering (and sometimes crazy!) combinations every year. Here is a sampling of what’s new in 2014 (August 21st through Labor Day, 2014):

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Beer Gelato – Made fresh daily on-site, this rich, smooth and creamy gelato is blended with local craft beer.

Breakfast Juicy LuLu – An English muffin with two American cheese-stuffed sausage patties.

sliced and served on specialty crackers for a unique Italian dessert.

with cranberry sauce and blended with marshmallows dipped in marshmallow crème.

Deep-Fried Breakfast On-a-Stick – American and Swiss cheeses, a sausage patty, one egg and Canadian bacon all sandwiched between two pancakes, then dipped in a light, sweet batter and deep-fried on a stick.

Pizza Tots – Green Mill’s version of the tater tot, these handmade pizza tots combine sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, seasonings and hash browns, and are then dusted with Parmesan cheese and served with a side of pizza sauce.

Caribbean-Style Lobster Roll – Chilled lobster salad tossed in a citrus chipotle mayo seasoned with Caribbean flavors – including cayenne pepper, allspice and nutmeg – served on a soft buttered and grilled roll.

Hot Toasted Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich – Two hot, crunchy, toasted waffles sandwich a wedge of rich vanilla ice cream with a light powdered sugar dusting – it’s hot, cold and crunchy.

Chocolate Dessert Salami – Chocolate, butter, almonds and walnuts all blended and rolled into a distinctive salami shape, dusted with powdered sugar, then

Jello Salad Ice Cream – Inspired by the classic Minnesota potluck dessert, this jello salad treat features a sweet cream base flavored with fresh lime juice, swirled

Rustic Stuffed Scone – A savory, Parmesan-crusted, baked butter scone stuffed with all natural ham, Swiss, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a creamy house-made béchamel sauce.

SnoRibbons – Just like a fusion of feathery light cotton candy, flaky shaved ice and creamy layered snow, SnoRibbons melt in your mouth. This colorful, gluten-free treat is low in calories and sugar, and made with fresh, natural ingredients. Many exotic flavor combinations are served on a rotating basis.

For the complete list of treats and where to find them, or for any other information, contact the Minnesota State Fair at 651-632-2689, email groups@mnstatefair.org or visit www.mnstatefair.org.

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Here is a sample of tours: Saint Paul Gangster Tour Our famous crook’s tour! Explore with us the sites of nightclubs, kidnappings, and gun battles associated with the 1930s gangsters like John Dillinger, Ma Barker and Babyface Nelson.

See the sights where the gangsters lived it up as they planned and executed some of the most notorious crimes. (Available to groups of 25+) Historic Cave Tour This 40-minute guided walking tour of the Wabasha Street Caves will cover Mushrooms & Mining, Gangsters & Ghosts, Silica & Swing Dancing. Bring the family for a blast from the past. We make history fun! (Available to groups of 25+) Winter Lights Tour – December If the festive lights of the winter season are more your speed, then you’ll love our Winter Lights Tour. The familiar 2-hour deluxe motorcoach tour that shows off the biggest and brightest displays of holiday cheer in our chilly capital city. Your guide is a member of winter lore, who will lead you on your fun-filled tour.

The Uff Dah!! Tour Set out to discover how and why immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland came to settle in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Why did Ole & Lena settle here, and what is lefse? (Available to groups of 25+)

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WABASHA STREET CAVES We are the “ORIGINAL!” he Wabasha Street Caves are carved out of sandstone and date back to the 1840s.

Throughout history the caves have been used for a number of different activities, including growing mushrooms, storage of food & belongings, music, and dancing.

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In 1933, the caves opened as the Castle Royal nightclub. The Castle Nighclub is said to have been frequented by gangsters such as Ma Barker and John Dillinger. However, there is no evidence that these visits occurred; thus, these stories are considered legend.

Legend or not, it is always fun to bring your group to Wabasha Street Caves.

Mill City Mobs Tour This tour shows you the MiniApple when it was rotten to the core. Yes, there were gangsters in Saint Paul, but there were the rackets and mobsters in Minneapolis. (Available to groups of 25+) Rivers & Roots Tour Journey with us and learn about the formation of the Twin Cities around the Mississippi River.

Have you ever wondered how Minneapolis & Saint Paul got their names? Why are there two cities? Why did the state capitol building end up in Saint Paul? (Available to groups of 25+) Caves & Graves Tour – October This tour is designed to give you a shiver and not a heart attack. Hear stories of haunted sites, historic murders, visit a haunted cave and learn about the history of a local Saint Paul cemetery. Keep an eye on your hosts however; your tour guide might be a mad nurse, a fortune teller, or even a vampire!

Call Wabasha Street Caves to make your group reservation 651-292-1220. See you underground. w w w. i t i n e r a r i e s m i d w e s t . c o m

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Fall Festival

Fall into Fairmont!

This sample itinerary is best during weekends in September and October, but can be customized for any time of year.

Welcome to the City of Lakes! Fairmont is located on I-90 in southern Minnesota and is home to five lakes that intertwine with trails and parks, and many historical sites.

day one 10 – 11:00 am Settle into Fairmont with a City of Lakes Tour.

During this tour you will get a closer look at Fairmont’s chain of five lakes and scenic city parks, as well as highlights in history.

Heritage Acres

11:00 am – noon Check in to one of Fairmont’s six group-friendly hotels, offering a wide variety of amenities for your group’s stay.

12 – 1:00 pm Enjoy lunch at one of Fairmont’s many food trucks & stands. Varieties include Babb’s BBQ, Black Market Bistro and Carmelita’s Tacos N More.

1 – 3:00 pm Center Creek Orchard invites your group to experience the Fall Festival. Be a part of the lively atmosphere of this beautiful southern Minnesota orchard and enjoy

fall treats such as caramel apples, apple cider slushes, apple pie and apple crisp! Activities throughout the day include hayrides, the cornpile, apple sling, barrel rides, scarecrow building, giant maze, storytelling, a scavenger hunt, crawling tunnels and a haunted forest. Take in a round of miniature golf on the fun and challenging nine-hole course.

3 – 5:00 pm Make your way to Heritage Acres. This agricultural interpretive center is designed to tell the ongoing story of farming. Located on forty acres of rich Martin County prairie overlooking Fairmont’s beautiful Lake Sisseton, your group will discover the many reasons the upper Midwest is called “America’s Breadbasket.”

5:00 pm Return to your hotel & freshen up before dinner.

6 – 8:00 pm Settle down for dinner at Serenade’s by the Lake.

Offering casual and fine dining, they provide delicious options such as melt-in-your-mouth prime rib, steaks and seafood. Homemade bread is served with each entrée. Dine inside or out on their new patio!

day two 8 – 9:00 am Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or at one of Fairmont’s morning hot stops, such as Perkins Restaurant & Bakery or Edie’s Restaurant.

9 – 11:00 am Arrange a tour of the historic Chubb House on Lake Avenue. Built in 1867 on a hill overlooking Lake Sisseton, it is the oldest surviving house in Fairmont.

This unique home is of Greek Revival architecture and features angled window casings to maximize sunlight, square nails, and horse hair around the outside of the windows where it acts as a moisture barrier between the bricks and wood. Food service can be arranged ahead of time for your group.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator or the Fairmont Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.VisitFairmontMN.com, 800-657-3208.

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Worthington Welcomes You! This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one 1 – 2:00 pm Take the City Tour and get excited about your fun-filled stay in Worthington!

2 – 5:00 pm If your group is visiting in September, then you’ll want to spend your afternoon at the King Turkey Day Festival – held each September. Watch race teams herding their star “athletes” (wild racing turkeys) down Main Street as part of the Great Gobbler Gallop.

Feast on barbecued goodies, hear live music, enjoy the Grand Parade, and relax in the beer garden.

King Turkey Day is a proud Worthington tradition that shows no signs of slowing down!

5 – 6:00 pm Check in to one of Worthington’s fine lodging facilities, such as the AmericInn Lodge & Suites. With newly updated furnishings, room décor, flat screen TVs, and cozy beds, your group will feel right at home. Other amenities include free high-speed Internet, indoor pool & hot tub, and free, hot, home-style AmericInn Perk breakfast.

6 – 8:00 pm Enjoy dinner at BenLee’s Café in downtown Worthington. With a seating capacity of 200-plus, they are happy to accommodate groups of all sizes.

Delicious food and exceptional service make this place a must-stop!

8:00 pm Take a walk down Worthington’s Peace Avenue of Flags. View flags representing the home countries of the residents of Nobles County. Then enjoy some relaxing time at your hotel.

Great Gobbler Gallop BenLee’s Café

day two 8 – 8:30 am Breakfast at your group-friendly hotel.

8:30 – 10:00 am Take a tour of Spomer Classics and see over 300 advertising items featuring automobiles, implements, oil, gas, etc. See the lost art of porcelain and neon signs and clocks, and check out the peddle cars and 20-30 classic cars. Call ahead to make an appointment for your group.

10 – 11:30 am Schedule a tour of the Historic Dayton House. Built in 1890, the house stands as a representation of Worthington’s early days. It is unique in its grand appearance and Colonial Revival/Georgian Revival architecture. Explore the history of the families who lived here and delight in the ornate details and Victorian furnishings.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or the Worthington Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-279-2919 or www.worthingtonmnchamber.com.

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Owatonna: A Little Bit of Everything!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one 9 – 10:00 am Leading the way with a variety of famous historical sites, Owatonna features the Minnesota State School and Orphanage Museum, the largest school of its kind ever operated in Minnesota from 1886 to 1945.

Relive history through pictures, artifacts, and personal stories by the orphans who were raised there.

10 – 11:00 am See the National Farmers’/Louis Sullivan Designed Bank. Highlights of this architectural marvel include stained glass windows, gold leaf arches, chandeliers weighing 2.25 tons each, and murals by Oskar Gross.

11:00 am – 3:00 pm Spend the afternoon at an Owatonna festival!

Owatonna plays host to a variety of festivals throughout the year. The Steele County Free Fair (held annually in August) is Minnesota’s largest free county fair with 500 commercial exhibits, 90 food concessions and so much more. If your group is visiting in the colder months, check out Owatonna’s Hometown Holiday Weekend (held annually in December). The celebration includes a lighted Christmas parade, carolers, refreshments, and great deals at downtown merchants. Other annual festivals include: CulturFest, Smokin’ in Steele, and the Hometown Sampler. Check out the complete list of events at www.visitowatonna.org.

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3 – 5:00 pm Experience life in Owatonna at the turn of the 20th century at the Village of Yesteryear. See the pioneer village and reenactments of times past. They also offer entertainment!

5 – 6:00 pm Check in to one of Owatonna’s several group-friendly accommodations.

6 – 8:00 pm Head over to Torey’s Restaurant & Bar for a casual dining experience with a hint of elegance. Their facilities are available for groups of up to 45. You’ll love the atmosphere and the food & service are top-notch!

8:00 pm Hospitality and a good night’s sleep await your group back at your hotel.

day two 7 – 8:00 am Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel.

8 – 9:00 am Enjoy a morning walk at Mineral Springs Park. Known for its “healing waters,” it is the birthplace of Owatonna and where the legendary Princess Owatonna watches over the water.

9 – 10:30 am Pay a visit to Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter.

Mineral Springs Park

With nearly four million visitors a year, it is the second most popular tourist attraction in Minnesota and the largest fishing, hunting, and outdoor gear store in the Midwest. In addition to offering quality outdoor merchandise, the 150,000-square-foot showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction featuring décor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums, and trophy animals.

10:30 – 11:00 am Stop at Russell Stover Candies and pick up some treats before heading home.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 800-423-6466 or go to www.visitowatonna.org.

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History Along THE MINNESOTA RIVER VALLEY hot STOP SCENIC BYWAY! Lac qui Parle Mission – Explore exhibits and artifacts illuminating the history of this reconstructed 1835 mission, where the first Dakota dictionary, grammar and gospel were completed. A chapel built in the 1840s features artifacts and exhibits related to the Dakota and missionaries who worked with them.

Birch Coulee Battlefield – Guideposts pinpoint the U.S. and Dakota positions at the site of one of the hardest-fought battles in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Visitors tour the selfguided trails where markers explain the battle from Dakota and U.S. soldiers’ perspectives.

Lower Sioux Agency – Learn about the causes of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 through special programs & exhibits in the place where the war’s first attack took place. Self-guided trails take visitors to the restored 1861 stone warehouse and the Redwood Ferry crossing.

Fort Ridgely – Built in 1853 as a police station to keep peace as settlers poured into the former Dakota lands, it withstood several attacks in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and became a training ground for Civil War recruits – located within Fort Ridgely State Park.

Harkin Store – Step into an authentic general store, just as it was in the 1870s. Play a game of checkers by the stove, shop at the museum store, and enjoy views of the Minnesota River from the front porch. Programs are offered every Sunday, May through mid-October.

Traverse des Sioux – At this centuries-old Minnesota River crossing—the site of the 1851 U.S.-Dakota land treaty—you can walk trails and view exhibits featuring the treaty, Dakota culture and the fur trade. It is located adjacent to the Treaty Site History Center.

W.W. Mayo House – Take a tour of the 1859 home with knowledgeable guides and hear stories of the Mayo and Cosgrove families who lived here in this home before founding the Mayo Clinic and the Green Giant Company.

To find out more, contact the Minnesota Historical Society at 888-601-3010 or online at www.mnhs.org.

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Rendezvous in Albert Lea This sample itinerary is best during the Big Island Rendezvous Weekend, but can be customized for any time of year.

accommodations metro

Country Inn & Suites Shoreview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-784-6000

Albert Lea, known as “The Land Between the Lakes,” is located at the intersection of I-35 and I-90 and is home to the Big Island Rendezvous. Always held during the first full weekend in October, it is considered the Midwest’s largest historical reenactment of early America. Watch history come alive as you experience the fur trade period firsthand!

5995 Rice Creek Parkway – Shoreview, MN 55126 carl.eriksson@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/shoreviewmn Easy access to Twin Cities attractions, such as U of M, Mall of America, National Sports Center, American Wings Air Museum, and minutes from downtown, count on us to be your best lodging choice in the area. Free hot breakfast, indoor pool and WiFi.

Just For Me: the Spa

. . . . . . . . . . .651-439-4662 110 South Greeley Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 justformespa@justformespa.com / www.jusstformespa.com Your group will love an afternoon, evening or an entire day with a Just For Me Spa package. Our Spa packages are designed to guide your group on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Use of our whirlpool, pool and sauna is complimentary with all treatments.

day one 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Arrive in Albert Lea and make your way to the Pioneer Town, a new attraction at the Big Island Rendezvous.

Explore the township as it was during the pioneer days. Meet the sheriff and a mortician and learn about chuck wagons and gold panning.

12 – 1:00 pm Feast on a common lunch from the 1800s. Enjoy brats, wild rice fry bread, buffalo burgers, smoked turkey legs, bannock and sausage, fresh fried ‘tater’ chips, and so much more!

1 – 4:00 pm Enjoy entertainment from the Roe Family Singers, Kevin Locke, Lakota Hoop Dancer, Dick Kimmel & Company, and Scottish Dancers or shop colonial style. You will find many early American crafts such as woodworking, blacksmiths, period wares, and candle making. Explore the sights and sounds of history by visiting the Native American teepees, the Scottish Clann Tartan, New Ulm Battery and many other exhibits and tours available for your entertainment.

4:00 pm Hop onto your motorcoach and share stories with your group about your day in the 1800s.

4:30 – 6:00 pm Check in to your Albert Lea accommodation and get ready for a relaxing dinner. The Albert Lea/Austin area offers a wide range of lodging options with a variety of amenities for your group.

6:00 pm Enjoy a gourmet dining experience at Albert Lea’s Crescendo Exquisite Food & Fine Wines on

directory

Big Island Rendezvous

Lowell Inn Broadway Avenue. You will be entertained with piano music and enjoy the many dinner entrées offered.

day two 8 – 8:30 am Breakfast at your hotel.

8:30 – 11:00 am Delight in the unique experience of interacting with the alpacas at Alpaca of Oak Knoll Farms. Hear the history of the farm and learn the many uses for alpaca wool. Don’t forget the camera!

11:00 am – 1:00 pm Enjoy all that Downtown Albert Lea has to offer!

Browse the unique shops, art galleries, and antique stores. When you need a break, stop in at one of their downtown establishments for coffee, pizza, sandwiches or fine dining.

1:00 pm Head on home, or return to Bancroft Bay Park for more fun at the Big Island Rendezvous!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or the Albert Lea CVB at 800-345-8414 or visit www.albertleatourism.org.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-439-1100 102 2nd St N – Stillwater, MN 55082 / www.lowellinn.com Established in 1927, the Lowell Inn offers fine dining for groups and thirty-five newly restored rooms in beautiful downtown Stillwater. We are uniquely qualified to make your group’s experience with us perfect. We also can accommodate formal events and business meetings.

Water Street Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-439-6000 101 Water St S – Stillwater, MN 55082 / www.waterstreetinn.us The Water Street Inn is a distinctive and romantic 41-room Historic Inn located on the St. Croix River in Downtown Stillwater. Our accommodations, restaurant, Irish pub and conference facilities graciously blend the ambiance of an era gone by with the comforts of modern amenities. We know how to make your group’s experience memorable!

northern

AmericInn Silver Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-254-1827 AmericInn Lodge & Suites & Event Center of Moorhead . . . 218-287-7100 600 30th Ave S – Moorhead, MN 56560 877-287-7100 Our two-story waterfall cascades into a tropical courtyard featuring an indoor 9-hole championship, miniature golf course, swimming pool, children’s pool, & whirlpool. We have a lounge, fitness center and free deluxe hot continental breakfast.

AmericInn of Grand Rapids

. . . .218-326-8999 1812 Pokegama Ave S – Grand Rapids, MN 55744 grandrapids.mn@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/mn/grandrapids The birthplace of Judy Garland; drive the Wilderness National Scenic Byway, discover the history of the logging era at the Forest History Center. Enjoy the area’s 1,000 lakes or relax by our pool. Wake up to a free hot home-style breakfast.

AmericInn of Sartell . . . . . . . . . . . .320-259-0877 119 LeSauk Drive – Sartell, MN 56377 sartell.mn@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/mn/sartell Stay at the hottest spot in the St. Cloud area, the AmericInn of Sartell. We’re on the border to everywhere. Experience a quiet night’s sleep with our soundguard guestrooms and wake up to our free enhanced continental breakfast.

Country Inn & Suites, Baxter . . .218-828-2161 15058 Dellwood Drive N – Baxter, MN 56425 cx_baxt@countryinns.com / www.countryinns.com/baxtermn Enjoy being near state parks like White Sand Lake & Crow Wing, the Brainerd International Raceway and Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Pioneer Village, plays, arts exhibits, concerts, museums or relax by our pool. Wake up to a free hot breakfast.

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directory Country Inn & Suites Duluth North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218-740-4500 4257 Haines Road – Hermantown, MN 55811 cx_duln@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/duluthmn_north From boats, trains and carriage rides to arts, theatre, and historical tours, there’s nothing like a visit to Duluth. We’ll provide the comforts of home and free hot breakfast so you can experience the scenic wonders.

Country Inn Walker

. . . . . . . . . . . .218-547-1400 442 Walker Bay Blvd. – Walker, MN 56484 manager@walkercountryinn.com www.walkercountryinn.com Minutes from downtown Walker’s unique shopping you will find something for everyone. Experience classic rock festivals, tour Forest Edge Winery or Leech Lake Brewery. Our warm décor, comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast and friendly staff are sure to make you feel right at home.

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior. . 800-258-8736 5700 W Hwy 61, PO Box 9 – Lutsen, MN 55612 sales@lutsenresort.com / www.lutsenresort.com Historic property, located on Lake Superior’s shore, a spectacular stop for any group. Great lakeside restaurant, pub, massage services and beautiful grounds. There is a large beach, with evening campfires and frequent guest programs.

Landmark Center

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-4375 75 West 5th Street – Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.landmarkcenter.org Landmark Center serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theatre, exhibitions and public forums, and hosts countless special events. Groups are always welcome!

Lift Bridge Brewing Co. . . . . . . . . 888-430-BEER 1900 Tower Drive West – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.liftbridgebrewery.com Tap into a different experience. This Micro Brewery is open year round for your group to experience a 45- 60 minute tour.

Learn the history of this brewery and how it went from brewing beer in a basement into a full-fledged brewery. . . . 651-259-3444 345 West Kellogg Blvd – Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.mnhs.org Chief caretaker of Minnesota’s story and the History Center is home to the Society’s vast collections. Within our archives reside artifacts ranging from American Indian moccasins and artwork to furniture and photographs. Civil War-era flags and a wealth of genealogical information.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival 952-445-7361 1244 Canterbury Road South #306 – Shakopee, MN 55379 www.renaissancefest.com

Mystic Lake Casino - Hotel

Barb Oswell (contact) / www.odysseyresorts.com A Collection of Minnesota’s finest resorts. Outdoor beauty to indoor luxury. From the North Shore of Lake Superior to the banks of Leech Lake, the outdoors offers something for every group.

Northern Vineyards Winery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218-326-8501 2301 S Highway 169 – Grand Rapids, MN 55744-9501 sawmill@uslink.net / www.sawmillinn.com

southern

Prior Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952-496-7345 . . . . 651-430-1032 223 Main Street North – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.northernvineyards.com From the moment you enter our tasting room, feel the energy and enjoy the personal attention from our experienced tasting team. Have a glass or bottle of our award winning wine while relaxing on our deck overlooking the beautiful St. Croix River.

Saint Croix Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-3310

attractions

6428 Manning Avenue North – Stillwater, MN 55082 info@scvines.com / www.scvines.com One of Minnesota's largest and well known wineries. Your group will taste our wines, take a stroll in the vineyards and tour the winery. Our international award winning wines range from the intense, oak-aged Frontenac to our refreshing La Crescent Dessert Wine.

metro

St. Croix Boat and Packet . . . . . . 651-430-1234

Microtel Inn & Suites Mankato

. . . .507-388-2818

Microtel Inn & Suites Springfield . . .507-723-8200

BierCycle Adventures, LLC . . . . . 651-300-2202 222 Commercial Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.biercycleadventures.com BierCycle Adventures is Stillwater’s own multi-person pedal bike! Experience this small historic town in a way you never have before.

Cooks of Crocus Hill

. . . . . . . . . . . 651-228-1333 877 Grand Avenue – Saint Paul, MN 55105 www.cooksofcrocushill.com Engage, connect and explore with our culinary workshops! We’ve created an interactive experience that allows for creativity and takes the mystery out of Italy’s most famous eats. Cooks will prepare the salad & dessert and guests dig in & roll out a variety of homemade pastas or design their own flavor of pizza to share.

Foodies on Foot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-236-6343 Stillwater, MN / www.FoodiesOnFootMN.com Experience the tastes of Stillwater on one of our Guided Tours.

Enjoy our MN rich culinary heritage through an exclusive adventure where your group will experience Stillwater’s distinctive food & warm hospitality...One bite at a time on foot!

Gondola Romantica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-439-1783 425 East Nelson Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 info@gondolaromantica.com / www.gondolaromantica.com

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Lutsen www.lutsen.com The highest peak in MN. Stunning views of Lake Superior.

The 200-mile Superior hiking trail and some of the finest accommodations on the North Shore. Ski it in the winter, see it all from the gondola in the summer, plus so much more.

Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery Kimball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-398-2081

southern

Wanda Gag House New Ulm. . . . . . . 507-359-2632

Minnesota Historical Society

Odyssey Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-728-8060

Sawmill Inn

Lutsen Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-406-1319

525 Main Street South – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwaterriverboats.com At St. Croix Boat & Packet we offer daily public lunch and dinner cruises, as well as private charter cruises. Our beautiful paddlewheel riverboats can accommodate groups of 25 to 675. Contact us today, we would be happy to assist you in planning a group tour.

Stillwater Trolley Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-0352 400 Nelson Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwatertrolley.com

Wabasha Street Caves . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-1220 215 Wabasha Street South – Saint Paul, MN 55107 www.wabashastreetcaves.com Down In History has exciting historic tours done by costumed characters. Historic Walking Cave Tours in Saint Paul and Stillwater. Motorcoach Gangster Tours, Irish Tours, Tacky Tours, Ghost & Graves Tours, & More! We make history fun!

northern

Fond-du-Luth Casino . . . . . . . . . . . 218-720-5113 129 East Superior St – Duluth, MN 55802 / www.fdlrez.com Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Duluth and offering guests a variety of gaming entertainment choices for adults 21 and older. It’s all provided in a clean, friendly and comfortable environment!

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers metro

Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-675-5546 1501 Central Parkway – Eagan MN 55121 denise@eaganmn.com / www.eaganmn.com Eagan makes planning your next group outing easy! Personal service includes custom and creative itineraries, FREE welcome bags and FREE Mall of America coupon books ($9.95 value) You’ll also enjoy our low 3% lodging tax. Ask how to qualify for our $250 cash rebate.

Stillwater & Oak Park Heights CVB . . . . . . . .651-351-1717 PO Box 2025 – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.discoverstillwater.com Historic Stillwater, Minnesota is located along the banks of the scenic St. Croix River. Our many unique shops, restaurants, lodging establishments & attractions make a perfect group destination. Located within 30 min. of most major Twin Cities metro attractions.

Tour Minnesota Association . . . .952-406-8832 PO Box 11682 – Saint Paul, MN 55111 info@tourmn.org / www.tourmn.org TMA members provide exciting destinations and top quality services for tour groups. Our member organizations include Attractions, Lodging, Dining/Catering, CVB’s, Transportation and Tour Operations. Check out the website for a full list of members.

northern

St. Cloud Area Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-251-4170 525 Hwy 10, Suite 1 – St. Cloud, MN 56304 800-264-2940 jean@granitecountry.com www.granitecountry.com Among the many attractions are world-class gardens, history, granite, and great places to stay and eat. The St. Cloud CVB takes pride in helping you plan the perfect getaway. Creativity is key to the success of your group tour.

Little Falls CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-616-4959 606 1st Street SE – Little Falls, MN 56345 www.littlefallsmn.com Visit our historic attractions and museums, experience the town’s original murals and frescoes or take in the great outdoors. We’re happy to customize a tour for your group!

Warroad Area Chamber . . . . . . . . . 218-386-3543 311 State Avenue North – Warroad, MN 56763 www.warroad.org

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directory continued southern

entertainment & theater

Rafters Restaurant Night Club & Event Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-342-1502

Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .507-373-2316

metro

317 South Main Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwaterrafters.com Take advantage of our beautiful view of the St. Croix River in our historic building for all your private parties and events. Our events team can help you plan the perfect event. Extensive menus and of course our 24 craft beers on tap and creative cocktails will leave an impression on you …and best of all: we do all the work!

102 W Clark Street – Albert Lea, MN 56007 800-345-8414 cvbdirector@albertlea.org www.albertleatourism.org Located 90 minutes from Minneapolis, where I-90 & I-35 intersect, featuring small town hospitality with big city amenities. Plus additional lakes and 38 city parks hosting various outdoor activities.

Explore Southern Minnesota Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-868-7476 ext 162 115 East Hickory #403 – Mankato, MN 56001 www.exploresouthernminnesota.com You’ll be surprised…at what you’ll find in southern Minnesota!

With many scenic byways, festivals, parks & trails, historic sites, caves, bluffs, waterfalls & so much more, it makes a perfect destination for any group.

Fairmont Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-657-3280

30 10th Street East – Saint Paul, MN 55101 jvaughn@historytheatre.com / www.historytheatre.com

northern

Pioneer Place on Fifth. . . . . . . . . . 320-203-0331 St. Cloud, MN 56301 The intimate space means the audience is up close and personal with the performers. The statement of “not a bad seat in the house” certainly holds true for Pioneer Place.

A Professional theater experience for your group without the hassle of metro traffic.

festivals & events metro

323 East Blue Earth, PO Box 976 – Fairmont, MN 56031 www.visitfairmontmn.com Fairmont the “City of Lakes” awaits your arrival. Located in southern Minnesota on Interstate 90 we have a range of lodging and dining options to fit your needs. Lakes, history, open spaces, discover Fairmont!

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce

1265 Snelling Avenue North – Saint Paul, MN 55108 www.mnstatefair.org The great Minnesota Get-Together. Local, national and internationally-known entertainers, horse show and rodeo performances, Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, competitions, exhibits, attractions and concessions.

. . . . . . . . .800-658-2548 205 3rd Street West – Northfield, MN 55057 www.northfieldchamber.com Located just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities along the shores of the Cannon River. Whether you enjoy the arts, history or nature, you’ll find multiple outlets for education as well as opportunities for relaxation and live entertainment.

. . . . . . . . . . 952-445-7361 1244 Canterbury Road South #306 – Shakopee, MN 55379 www.renaissancefest.com

Minnesota State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . 651-632-2689

southern

Wilder Pageant Walnut Grove. . . . . . . 888-859-3102

Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce

. . . . . . . . .507-451-7970 320 Hoffman Dr – Owatonna, MN 55060 800-423-6466 www.owatonna.org Located in south central MN, 45 minutes from Mpls/Saint Paul on I-35. Come “discover our faces & places” - filled with historical, recreational & cultural opportunities as well as nearly 700 guest rooms to accommodate any group.

Buca di Beppo

Preston Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Cherokee Tavern Saint Paul. . . . . . . . 651-457-2729

. . . . . . . .507-765-2100

PO Box 657 – Preston, MN 55965 www.prestonmntourism.com Preston is a vibrant community in the heart of bluff country, known as “Minnesota’s Trout Capital”, and home to the Forestville Mystery Cave. Preston welcomes groups offering a variety of entertaining, educational, and recreational activities.

Willmar Lakes Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-845-8747 ext 79 2104 Highway 12 East – Willmar, MN 56201 www.willmarlakesarea.com Visit the Willmar Lakes Area. Only 2 hours west of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. 360 lakes, 36 parks, 81 holes of golf – and that’s just on the drive in! Let our staff help put together a getaway for your group.

Worthington Area CVB

. . . . . . . . . . .507-372-2919 1121 Third Ave – Worthington, MN 56187 www.worthingtonmnchamber.com Worthington is a friendly community in the Southwest corner of MN. Bring your group here for some fantastic tours, including the Pioneer Village, Historic Dayton House, and War Memorial Auditorium.

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History Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-4323

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restaurants metro

northern

Café Renaissance Waite Park . . . . . . 320-253-9300 Coyote Moon Grille

. . . . .320-258-4653 ext 113 480 55th Ave SE – St. Cloud, MN 56304 Overlooking the beautiful Territory Golf Course with a view second to none. Conveniently located on the East side of St. Cloud near the Paramount Theater, Munsinger Gardens, and other local attractions. Inclusive group pricing on lunch buffet and plated dinner menus. Private rooms available.

Fuji Sushi & Steakhouse

. . . . . . . 320-252-3838 Waite Park / www.fujisushihibachi.com

Mr. Twisty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-310-0314 5821 Ridgewood Road – St. Cloud, MN 56303 www.mrtwistyicecream.com St. Cloud’s coolest hot spot! Serving up delectable ice cream creations, this walk-up shop is reminiscent of the ones you rode your bike to as a kid. The treats, low prices and friendly atmosphere keep guests coming back.

Nick’s Third Floor at D.B. Searle’s St. Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-253-0655

southern

Pub 500 Mankato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-625-6500 Veigel’s Kaiserhoff New Ulm

shopping

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952-892-7272 Burnsville / www.bucadibeppo.com

The Dock Café

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-3770 425 Nelson Street East – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.dockcafe.com Your group will love our scenic views of the St. Croix River Valley during their dining experience. With our wonderful food and professional service, your event is sure to be a success.

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter

. . . . . 651-439-7128 8390 Lofton Avenue North – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.gasthausbavarianhunter.com

Grand Banquet Hall and Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-3770 301 2nd Street South – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.grandbanquethall.com Our services and menu are available for locations throughout Stillwater and the surrounding area to accommodate all of your group needs. Or you may want to enjoy our ballroom with beautiful stained glass décor, with space for over 300 guests and a generous dance floor and antiqued bar.

. . . . . . 507-359-2071

metro

Northland Visions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-872-0390 1113 E Franklin Avenue – Minneapolis, MN 55404 Specializing in Native American art from the Woodlands and Plains tribes. Sculptures, paintings, beadwork, jewelry, native foods, original native and traditional art, gifts of the northlands, offering unique, all Minnesota gifts.

tour operators metro

Foodies on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-236-6343 Stillwater, MN / www.FoodiesOnFootMN.com

Valley Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-439-6110 101 Pine Street West #4 – Stillwater, MN 55082 info@valleytours.com / www.valleytours.com Let us help you show your group the best sightseeing tours of quaint Stillwater and other rivertowns. Visit Victorian homes, historic sites and attractions. Tours include professional guides in Victorian dress, lodging, dining, riverboat cruises, etc. We make arrangements for bus groups, senior citizens, corporations, churches, etc.

1-877-832-7267

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missouri festivals & more…

Apple Butter Festival KIMMSWICK The Annual Apple Butter Festival is the largest celebration in Jefferson County, drawing nearly 100,000 visitors. Each day of the festival, before dawn, the wood burning fire is lit, the kettle is filled with apples, and the cooking and stirring continues until the fragrant spread is thick enough to be sealed in jars.

Come enjoy the small town ambience and stroll through the streets lined with 500-600 food, drink and craft vendors. Also, enjoy live entertainment throughout the town, including bluegrass and dulcimer music in the park throughout the day.

A Cultural Swedish Tea Party

PumpkinFest | ST. JOSEPH Come celebrate the fall harvest at the annual Pony Express PumpkinFest, with live entertainment, music, reenactments, children’s costume parade, festival rides, games, crafts and food! This is an annual family arts festival held every year during the second full weekend in October on the grounds of the Pony Express Museum. The highlight of the festival is watching the lighting of the Great Pumpkin Mountain on opening night. Thousands of people come to view hundreds of carved, electrically lit pumpkins come to life with the flip of a switch! It's simply breathtaking to view.

The Japanese Festival ST. LOUIS Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan since 1977, the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States. A lively opening ceremony kicks off the celebration Saturday morning at the Japanese Garden entrance. Enjoy an elaborate omikoshi Shinto shrine parade, bon odori festival dancing, thunderous taiko drumming, traditional music, martial arts, karaoke, kimono demonstrations, Tea House Island tours, bonsai displays, food and entertainment!

spotlight missouri

LIBERTY As the buzzing of summer comes to a close, students are back in school and life begins to look forward to the cool fall season! Gather a group of your sisters and loved ones to catch up on all the summer fun over an extra special Cultural Tea Table at Anna Marie’s Teas. Come explore the Swedish culture, Tea Tables, Tea Goodies, and Tea Traditions at their annual Cultural Tea Party in August. An extra special tea is planned as we go frolicking into the joys of a Swedish Christmas Holiday! Reservations required.

KANSAS CITY

Kansas City Irish Fest rab your group and help commemorate Kansas City’s proud Celtic heritage with three days of world-class entertainment, food and drink, shopping, interactive workshops and more! Each September, the Kansas City Irish Fest—the third-largest Irish festival in the United States—features more than 300 musicians, dancers, comedians, storytellers and folklorists on seven different stages. The Culture Stage helps you dive headfirst into Irish culture with presentations and hands-on workshops. Practice the steps to a traditional ceili dance or learn a few Irish Gaelic phrases. Watch an exciting game of hurling or enjoy a hilarious original Irish play. And don’t think they’d send you home hungry! Get your fill of shepherd’s pie, corn beef & cabbage, bangers & mash and so much more! Whether you're Irish by blood or in spirit, Kansas City Irish Fest is for everyone.

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Missouri: Close to home. Far from ordinary.

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Close to home. Far from ordinary.

A Day Around Joplin

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The Spiva Center for the Arts

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

Located on historic Route 66, Joplin is a convenient location for tour groups. Whether it’s your destination or simply a stop on the way, they have many attractions that are sure to excite your group.

day one 1 – 2:00 pm The tour begins at the Candy House Chocolate Factory. In 1970, an old rock tavern in the Ozarks was transformed into a quaint little candy shop. Watch the process of candy-making and enjoy some free samples before purchasing your favorites.

2 – 3:00 pm Enjoy the beauty of the exhibits at The Spiva Center for the Arts. This is the place to see and learn about art, and it holds the title for PhotoSpiva, the oldest continuous photographic national competition of its kind.

3 – 5:00 pm Sandstone Gardens is a must-stop for tour groups.

The showroom and gift shop is a 55,000-square-foot display that features the best in home interiors and gardening accents.

5 – 6:00 pm Check into The Drury Inn & Suites. They love groups and greet you in style with a welcome reception fit for

a king! The hotel offers amenities you wish you had at home!

6:00 pm Joplin has over 200 restaurants to choose from.

Offering everything from flaming cheese to spaghetti red, you're sure to find the perfect meal to tempt your taste buds.

day two 8 – 9:00 am Enjoy a hot, delicious breakfast at the Drury Inn. Hot means sausage and eggs, not bread and a toaster.

9 – 10:30 am Board the coach to the Joplin Museum Complex.

It’s home to two outstanding educational museums:

The Everett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum and the Dorthea B. Hoover Historical Museum. While touring the complex, guests will learn about the origins of Joplin as a mining boomtown, while inside a replica of a mineshaft. The museum also features displays about Historic Route 66, Bonnie & Clyde’s adventures in Joplin, The National Cookie Cutter Museum, the mysterious Spooklight and more!

10:30 – 12:30 pm One more highlight before lunch and the trip home: The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. The Audubon Center highlights include a 1,300-gallon aquarium and Ozark stream; a large terrarium complex with glade species including collard lizards, snakes and tarantulas; a wildlife viewing area for visitors to see animals in their natural habitat; over five miles of trail systems with five outdoor learning stations and three indoor classrooms. The center itself is a celebration of nature. Innovative “green” technologies create a truly distinctive building in keeping with the mission of appreciating, conserving and understanding our natural world.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator or the Joplin CVB 417-625-4789 or www.visitjoplinmo.com.

directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Joplin CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-657-2534 602 South Main Street – Joplin, MO 64801 cpuffinba@joplinmo.org www.visitjoplinmo.com Joplin, located near the crossroads of I-44 and Hwy 71, is perfect for your group destination. Call for your group tour services and custom itinerary planning.

St. Joseph CVB . . . . . . . . . . . 800-785-0360 109 South 4th Street – St. Joseph, MO 64501 cvb@stjomo.com www.stjomo.com/stjogrouptours.aspx Recently named America’s “Top Ten Western City” by True West Magazine, we are a city abounding in 19th century charm and timeless beauty.

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nebraska festivals & more…

Apple Jack Festival NEBRASKA CITY Nebraska City’s historic Apple Jack Festival annually draws between 60,000 and 80,000 people to celebrate the kickoff of the apple harvest.

Apple pie, apple cider, apple cider donuts, candy apples, caramel apples, apple fritters, apple salad... pretty much anything you can imagine made from apples is available at the Apple Jack Festival. For one weekend a year Nebraska City becomes the Apple Capital of the World, with over 6 craft fairs, a parade, street dances, a classic car show, live music, and a 3-day carnival!

NEBRASKAland Days

Taste of Omaha | OMAHA Make your plans to attend the annual Taste of Omaha, a unique community celebration showcasing Omaha’s great foods and live entertainment.

This is a 3-day extravaganza and outdoor food festival open to the public, and best of all it’s free!

The event features foods from many of Omaha’s top restaurants, good entertainment, and activities for all.

Omaha has a tremendous reputation for fantastic restaurants and food companies and they bring together a dazzling selection of great foods and culinary delights for people from throughout the Midwest area. Taste, relax, and enjoy!

The Wayne Chicken Show WAYNE The Chicken Show is a fun event held annually on the second Saturday in July. Take part in the world’s largest chicken dance, egg roulette, cement chicken auction (locally decorated), hot wing eating contest, chicken parade, live rooster crowing, chicken feed, ice cream social, arts, crafts, fun and food—all things “chicken!” The first show was held in 1981. The show received the 1996 Nebraska Outstanding Tourism Award and was selected in 1999, along with four other community events in America, to be featured in the Library of Congress.

spotlight nebraska

NORTH PLATTE On July 4th, 1882 the world’s greatest showman, Buffalo Bill Cody, produced the “Old Glory Blowout” in North Platte. That show would eventually become Cody’s Wild West Show. Today’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo traces its roots back to that first ever rodeo, and your group can experience it all, along with concerts, art competitions, a woodcarver show, the Wild West Micro Brew Festival, and food – lots of food! Whether you’re looking for BBQ, gyros, lemonade, pizzas, funnel cakes, walking tacos, and everything in between, there is something for everyone at NEBRASKAland Days!

GRAND ISLAND

Nebraska State Fair

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oad up the coach and come hungry! Ribs, chicken, corn dogs, cotton candy, elephant ears, and much more are available throughout the fairgrounds.

All the traditional favorites will be waiting for a taste, but the Nebraska State Fair has a large selection of new items for the discriminating palate. “Moink” balls, a play on the words “moo” and “oink,” feature bacon-wrapped meatballs with a barbeque glaze and, of course, they’re served on a stick! They also have fried alligator, donut burgers, and deep-fried chocolate cupcakes. You’re going to need to take a walk after all those goodies! Wander the grounds and explore the huge variety of entertainment and activities offered. Play games at the Midway, explore indoor exhibits, experience the excitement of motorsports entertainment, celebrate Nebraska’s talented marching bands, learn a new recipe, or watch a home improvement demonstration. You might need more than one day!

Nebraska: Possibilities…endless

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Possibilities…endless

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HISTORIC Washington County ocated in eastern Nebraska, Washington County is brimming with history. It is home to Lewis & Clark’s first council with the Otoe and Missouria native tribes and is considered the doorway to the west. The Washington County Historical Association provides a wealth of exciting and educational attractions for your next group tour.

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Fort Atkinson State Historical Park The reconstructed 1820s log fort is one of the premier historical sites in Nebraska and sits on 157 acres atop “Council Bluff,” the site of the first meeting between the 1804 Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Otoe-Missouria.

Fort Atkinson hosts several living history weekends a year that feature volunteers recreating the lives of the soldiers, artisans, and civilians who lived in and around the outpost. Interpretive hours are from 9am until 5pm on all living history days. The blacksmith and gunsmith set up at the Armorer’s Shop, while other volunteers interpret military and civilian activities in various rooms along the

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west barracks wall. The carpenter and cooper also have workshops there, and at times, the Indian Agent can be found in his quarters at the Council House.

Planning Note: Each November, your group can attend the annual Candlelight Tour!

This first-person mystery dramatization will take you through the Fort at night by candlelight—the best way to see the Fort!

At each stop along your guided tour you’ll pick up clues about the mystery at hand, which is a recreation of actual events that took place there. Join them and see if you can figure out “whodunit!” Reservations necessary.

Washington County Museum Celebrating 75 years, it is the oldest county museum in Nebraska, housing artifacts from prehistoric time, Native American dress and equipment and relics from nearby Fort Atkinson. Early farm tools and equipment, school and household items as well as fine china brought over from the old country

depict how the pioneers lived in the 1800s.

A display of Thomas Edison items and early telephone equipment moves the visitor into the 20th century. The library holds early county information valuable to genealogists.

Historic Frahm House Located at 15th and Madison Streets in Fort Calhoun and built in 1906 by Fred and Sarah (Beales) Frahm, the home exhibits the original look and furnishings of this family.

Catharine, the only child of Fred and Sarah, left not only her house and estate to the Washington County Historical Association, but also most of her belongings and furnishings.

The house is also the site for changing exhibits of period interest. This charming house is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant architecture and has been recently renovated and will be open through the holidays for special events.

The house is a lovely setting for meetings, teas, luncheons and small parties.

Contact the Washington County Historical Association and get more info about custom tours for your groups: 402-468-5740 or www.wchamuseum.com.

directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Washington County Historical Society. . . . . . . . . 402-468-5740 102 North Fort – Calhoun, NE 68023 www.wchamuseum.com The Washington County Historical Museum, the oldest county museum in Nebraska, houses artifacts from prehistoric time, Native American dress and equipment and relics from nearby Ft. Atkinson. (Museum Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday, Open Thursday-Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 12 to 4. Frahm House: By appointment.)

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north dakota festivals & more…

Northern Plains Ethnic Festival DICKINSON If you have always wanted to try smutskuechle (fry bread) prepared by the Germans from Russia or even knudlova polivka (noodle soup) made by local Czechoslovakians, you won’t want to miss this! Begin with opening ceremonies at the Ridgeway Lutheran Church, followed by entertainment and ethnic foods prepared by the Czechs, Germans from Russia, Scandinavians, Sons of Norway, and Ukrainians. An ethnic brunch on Sunday concludes the event. The location is perfect! Prairie Outpost Park is a 12-acre historic village, home to several historic buildings, offering guests a real ethnic experience.

Original buildings from the frontier villages of North Dakota have been moved to this site and filled with antiques and artifacts that bring the world of the prairie pioneers to life.

The Frontier Village site features the Kirkpatrick Gallery, the Louis L’Amour Writer’s Shack, and several shops selling handmade goods & souvenirs.

Enjoy a light lunch at the General Store, take a ride on a stagecoach, and watch live entertainment at the outdoor amphitheater. The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, National Buffalo Museum and a live herd of buffalo are also on site.

Medora Musical / Pitchfork Fondue | MEDORA Enjoy great entertainment while in the outdoor splendor of the North Dakota Badlands in the 2,852-seat Burning Hills Amphitheatre. This professionally produced, high energy, western style musical is proudly dedicated to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and the time he spent in North Dakota’s Badlands. Groups are treated to an exciting array of songs, as well as nationally known comedy and variety acts, live horses on stage, and a gospel tribute. Before the show, enjoy dinner overlooking the Badlands and the Burning Hills Amphitheatre. Every evening, their chefs load steaks onto pitchforks and fondue them western style!

Bonanzaville Pioneer Days WEST FARGO August of 2014 marks the 54th annual celebration of pioneer history and the settling of the great state of North Dakota! Bonanzaville hosts demonstrations, entertainment, educational programming, and food vendors that bring West Fargo’s premier historical attraction to life!

Your group won’t want to miss the Crossing of the Red River Ceremony on Friday night, as well as the full schedule of events celebrating the region’s culture and history. As North Dakota’s must-see historic attraction, they have 12 acres, 43 historic buildings that form a village setting, and more than 400,000 artifacts.

spotlight north dakota

Frontier Village | JAMESTOWN

FARGO/MOORHEAD

The Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival & Midwest Viking Festival

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his is a celebration of Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Danish cultures.

Groups will have the chance to walk through the Hjemkomst Center discovering foods from all of the Scandinavian countries, sampling everything from lefse to pickled herring.

Shoppers will take delight in the wide array of items sold at the Scandinavian Marketplace. Rosemaling, woodcarvings, jewelry, woolen clothing and even home furnishings are just a few things available to purchase. Travel outside and experience authentic Viking activities, such as coin-striking, silver-smithing, runic reading & writing, chainmail production, and more. To cap off the festivities of the day, the Nordic Culture Clubs have organized a series of musical performances at area sites for no extra charge. Indulge in Scandinavian delicacies while listening to professional Nordic musicians in some of the best venues the Fargo/Moorhead community has to offer.

North Dakota: Legendary

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Legendary

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Minot: The Magic City!

This sample itinerary is best in the fall months, but can be customized for any time of year.

Visit Minot is happy to extend your group an invitation to explore the magic of Minot! Centrally located in the beautiful state of North Dakota and surrounded by Midwest hospitality, you are sure to find a home away from home. Minot is home to North America’s Largest Scandinavian Festival, Norsk Hostfest, held each fall.

This festival features world-class entertainment and authentic Scandinavian cuisine and culture from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Minot offers over 3,000 hotel rooms and a one-of-a-kind bed & breakfast to accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of convenient amenities.

10 – 11:00 am Welcome to Minot! Your group’s first stop is at the Dakota Territory Air Museum. This museum shows the rich and varied story of the region's aviation history. In addition to a replica of the Wright Flyer, the museum displays military and civilian aircraft from 1903 through the present. There are exhibits, narratives, kiosks, military uniforms, aviation items, memorabilia, paintings, photographs and a gift shop.

11:00 am – Noon Stop at Ebeneezer’s Eatery & Irish Pub for a pint and some authentic bangers and mash!

Noon – 2:00 pm Enjoy the outdoors at Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only outdoor museum in the world that features all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Located in the heart of the Magic City, the park includes a 240-year-old log house from Norway, a replica stabbur, 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala horse, the Gol Stave Church Museum, Finnish sauna, Danish windmill, statues, map plaza, picnic shelter, walking path, and gift shop.

2 – 3:00 pm Visit the Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum & Western History Research Center, housed in the handsomely restored 1912 Soo Line Depot. The museum focuses on the history of transportation in the American West including railroads, automobiles, buses, and aviation.

3 – 5:00 pm Get ready to walk through a piece of history in Eastwood Park National Historic District. The development of Eastwood Park began in 1906 and by the mid 1920s it was home to many of Minot’s founding families. Architectural styles represented in the area include Princess Anne, English Tudor, and craftsman style bungalows. A walk through Eastwood

Park, from the Central Avenue Bridge, west to Roosevelt Park, is a walk through a piece of history preserved for the future.

5 – 8:00 pm Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Norsk Hostfest!

This annual fall tradition celebrates the proud Scandinavian heritage of Minot and is the largest festival of its kind in all of North America.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact Visit Minot at 701-857-8206 or go to www.visitminot.org.

To schedule a group tour for the Pure Scandimonium of Norsk Hostfest, please call 701-852-2368 or visit www.hostfest.com.

directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . 800-235-7654 2001 44th Street South – Fargo, ND 58103 www.fargomoorhead.org The Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau is eager to assist with your tour planning. Whether you are looking for a group-friendly restaurant, accessibility to the interstate, motorcoach parking or full continental breakfast, your tour experience is our priority.

Visit Minot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-264-2626 Minot / visitminot.org Whether you’re in town for the day, weekend or longer, we invite you to explore the magic of our city. Take a leisurely walk at one of our historic parks, visit exotic animals at the Roosevelt Park Zoo and then treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of our local restaurants. Unwind and spend the night at one of our many hotels and start making plans for the following day.

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south dakota festivals & more…

Kuchen Festival & Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest Festival DELMONT It’s two festivals in one weekend!

The Kuchen Festival celebrates the official state dessert of South Dakota: kuchen! Meaning “cake” in German, you can enjoy it by the slice or by the pan. Browse arts, crafts, quilt & fabric shows, along with a parade, musical entertainment, and museum tours. The Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest Festival includes antique tractors, old farm equipment demonstrations, a tractor pull, and old time fiddlers. Enjoy a BBQ pork supper and pancake breakfast at this historical farm west of Delmont.

In 1987 the Eureka chapter of the Germans from Russia hosted an annual Schmeckfest (festival of tasting) to celebrate their German heritage. The tradition continues today with musical entertainment, a parade, vintage car, tractor & motorcycle show, pioneer demonstrations at the Eureka Museum, German church service and the German meal, which is a highlight every year! There are bake sales, a craft fair, vendors, religious singing, and old time dances too! Held the 3rd weekend in September. (Changes to the 3rd weekend in July in 2015.)

Taste of South Dakota RAPID CITY Join the fun and experience everything South Dakota has to offer in one culture-rich event.

Main Street Square’s Taste of South Dakota will feature music, exhibits, food, and many other local samples that represent this great state.

The event will be held in Downtown Rapid City at Main Street Square and Sixth Street, extended into Memorial Park. Participants can expect South Dakota game samples, local music, a celebrity outdoorsman, local delicacies, South Dakota grown produce, cooking competitions, giveaways, outdoor sporting exhibits, vendors, and more!

Czech Days | TABOR As one of the largest and longest-running celebrations of Czechoslovakian heritage in the United States, Czech Days showcases the heritage of the founders of the little South Dakota community who came to Tabor from Czechoslovakia in as early as 1869.

A tradition for more than 60 years, activities include an authentic mini Czech pioneer village, Beseda dancers, craft fair, polka music, entertainment, dancing, and traditional Czech foods such as kolaches—bun-shaped pastries filled with anything from apricots and cherries, to cabbage and sausage.

spotlight south dakota

Eureka Schmeckfest | EUREKA

EDEN

Fort Sisseton Historical Festival uring the first full weekend of June each year, cavalry troops and infantry units converge at historic Fort Sisseton State Park to form a military encampment complete with soldiers, tents, uniforms, horses and more. Fur traders, muzzleloaders, riflemen and crack-shots from eight states meet amidst a teepee encampment with dozens of lodges and traders during this 3-day event that draws over 15,000 visitors every year. The festival brings the Civil War era to life with fiddle music, medicine shows, arts & crafts, hoop dancing, period dance instruction classes, and a military costume ball. See a full dress cavalry charge, living re-enactments, black powder shoot, and antique tractor pull. For visitors who are looking to get a taste of the old frontier, there is a chuck wagon style cook-off, a military Dutch oven pie-baking contest, and various food vendors on site. The Fort celebrated its 150th anniversary in August 2014!

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South Dakota: Great Faces. Great Places.

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wisconsin festivals & more…

Holland Festival CEDAR GROVE This long-lived group-friendly festival has something for everyone!

Experience a variety of ethnic foods, free live music, and entertainment.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of local klompen dancers and learn a little about the town’s Dutch heritage at the Het Museum and the TeRonde House Museum. Browse the extensive collection of classic cars, shop the many vendors at the Art Fair on the Green, be entertained during Saturday’s parade, try your luck in the daily raffles, and so much more! Held annually the last weekend in July.

Taste of Wisconsin | KENOSHA

spotlight wisconsin

This annual event is a feast for the senses, with over 40 food and beverage vendors from around Wisconsin. Come on down to Kenosha's beautiful lakefront and enjoy the vast offerings, such as: fresh Wisconsin cheese, gourmet organic burgers, BBQ beef ribs, homemade sausages, and ethnic dishes. Choose from a variety of desserts, and to wash it all down, an array of specialty and traditional beers, flavorful wines, ciders and other beverages will be available.

This summer event features more than 80 music acts on 4 stages.

German Fest | MILWAUKEE

GREEN BAY

Taste on Broadway

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repare your group for some delicious culinary delights, mouth-watering treats, and an evening of fun! Taste on Broadway is the only place where the best chefs and restaurants from the Green Bay area get together to compete for the coveted awards of “Best Taste,” “Best Plate,” and “Best Booth.”

They close the streets, open the tents, and celebrate all that the Historic Broadway District has to offer. With crowds of over 20,000 people, this is an event your group should put on their calendar! Local breweries serve their specialtycrafted drafts, local wineries pour their best glass, and chefs offer up their own specialty dishes. Taste on Broadway promises to be a great stop on your summer tours, so bring your appetite and experience the atmosphere of downtown Green Bay at this annual sample-a-thon!

Travel Wisconsin

Welcome to “Milwaukee’s Original Haus Party!” Held at the Summerfest grounds, German Fest occurs during the last full weekend in July.

Since 1981 it’s become the largest German celebration in North America, celebrating the culture, food, music, tradition and history of the many German-speaking communities around the world. Many well-known German restaurants and food services from southeast Wisconsin provide attendees with great authentic German cuisine.

Popular attractions include the Dachshund Derby, Glockenspiel, Sheepshead Tournament, parade, Trachtenschau (a cultural display featuring traditional clothing called Tracht), dance groups and more!

Warrens Cranberry Festival WARRENS Welcome to the world’s largest cranberry festival! Taste fresh cranberries, chocolate covered cranberries, fried cranberries on a stick, cranberry pies, cranberry scones, cranberry salsas…and the list goes on and on! Top all of that with more than 850 arts and crafts booths, 350 antique and flea market booths, plus an array of different food vendors, and a gigantic parade! You’ll soon learn that an entire weekend may not be enough time to see it all.

You can also arrange for your group to have a guided tour of a cranberry marsh during the festival, always held the last full weekend of September.

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Good Times Await You in Wisconsin Dells This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

10:30 – 12:00 pm Spend the morning shopping at the Wisconsin Dells Antique Mall. With over 250 dealers specializing in a wide inventory of antiques and collectibles, you’re sure to find something to take home! Then walk next door to the Wisconsin Dells Craft Mall, the largest craft mall in Wisconsin. Their huge selection includes furniture, picture frames, seasonal decorations, candles, yard decorations, and so much more!

12 – 2:00 pm A taste of Texas has made its way to Wisconsin Dells!

Alamo Smokehouse is your group’s stop for lunch.

Their menu features in-house smoked ribs, chicken, and pork, plus Southwestern-style appetizers and more. They love bus groups!

2 – 3:00 pm Tour the H.H. Bennett Studio, located in the center of downtown Dells. H.H. Bennett—landscape photographer, inventor, and promoter—is known as “the man who made Wisconsin Dells famous.” Tour his 1875 photography studio and explore 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. See how tourism grew in the Dells and learn how Bennett brought visitors to Kilbourn (now Wisconsin Dells). Purchase souvenirs and handmade Bennett prints at the gift shop.

3 – 5:00 pm Do some shopping in Downtown Wisconsin Dells, the place where it all started. Here you’ll find attrac-

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tions like Wizard Quest, classic eateries like Monk’s Bar & Grill and Sand Bar, sweet shops like Goody Goody Gum Drop and Swiss Maid Fudge, plus gift shops!

5 – 6:00 pm Enjoy a casual, yet elegant dinner at Del-Bar. Established in 1939, the Del-Bar was designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. This lively and spacious contemporary steakhouse is accented with original art, beautifully appointed dining rooms, and a cocktail lounge.

7:00 pm Spend the evening with some Ho-Chunk Gaming!

They provide year-round entertainment, gaming, food, and fun. Slots are played 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Blackjack, live poker, craps, roulette, and mini-baccarat are available from 10am to 4am.

Choose from five restaurants including a buffet, sports bar, snack bar, café, and fine dining. Hotel rooms, suites, and a convention space make this the perfect group destination!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau at 800-223-3557 or visit www.MeetInTheDells.com.

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POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO: The Best Game in Town! hot

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hat’s right! Potawatomi Bingo Casino is now Potawatomi Hotel & Casino!

With a brand new 19-story hotel featuring 381 guest rooms and deluxe suites, your group will want to stay the whole week. These comfortable rooms feature a wide array of amenities including a flat-screen TV, safe, refrigerator, coffeemaker, smart thermostat and breathtaking views of the Milwaukee skyline and Lake Michigan.

The hotel also features Locavore, a full-service casual restaurant and lobby bar, as well as a coffee shop, fitness center and more! Crowned with eight-foot-tall letters spelling out POTAWATOMI, the accommodation is directly connected to the property’s 781,000-square-foot casino and entertainment facility.

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The folks at Potawatomi continue to offer the very best in gaming action across two massive floors that include table games, slot machines, bingo, poker and off-track betting. Whatever your game of choice, they’ve got it. Is your group interested in seeing a show? The 500-seat Northern Lights Theater serves up world-class comedy and musical acts, giving you the best seats in the house. And check out their group packages! From bingo to hotels, Potawatomi offers great deals for groups of ten or more. Don’t miss out!

For more information or to schedule your visit, contact Potawatomi Hotel & Casino at 1-800-PAYSBIG or visit www.paysbig.com.

directory accommodations

attractions

Baymont Inn & Suites . . . . . . . . 715-384-5240

Big Top Chautauqua . . . . . . . . . . 715-373-0788

2107 N Central Avenue - Marshfield, WI 54449 generalmanager70231@yahoo.com www.baymontinn.com Enjoy some fun in Marshfield! Cranberry Tours, Amish Tours, Cheese Factory Tours, & Farm Tours. Visit Jurustic Park, Marshfield Motor Speedway and Wildwood Zoo, then relax in our indoor pool and wake up to a free hot breakfast.

PO Box 455 - Washburn, WI 54891 www.bigtop.org A 900-seat, all-canvas, state-of-the-art tent theater, producing and presenting a fifty-plus night summer season of concerts, plays, lectures, and a highly acclaimed professional local troupe which performs original multi-media musicals.

Plus a weekly one hour Tent Show Radio program.

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . . . . . 920-884-2000 2308 Lineville Road - Green Bay, WI 54313 tom.greenya@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/greenbaywi_north Easy access to Lambeau Field, Oneida Casino, the NEW Zoo, the historic Meyer Theatre and Bay Beach Amusement Park.

Choose our hotel in north Green Bay, and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, an indoor pool & free hot breakfast buffet.

Old Rittenhouse Inn . . . . . . . . . . 888-611-4667 PO Box 584 - Bayfield, WI 54814 www.rittenhouseinn.com Bayfield’s first Country Inn, offering 20 guest rooms in two Victorian homes and a private cottage with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and spectacular Lake Superior views. Its top rated Landmark Restaurant showcases regional and seasonal cuisine. Convenient location near downtown.

The Inn on Madeline Island . . 800-822-6315 PO Box 93 - La Pointe, WI 54850 / www.madisland.com Lakeside and Marina Point Condominiums, Parkside Townhouses, along with the new Lightkeeper’s Lodge are perfect spots for large groups. The Pub Restaurant offers exceptional lake-side dining in the spacious dining room, cozy lounge or beachfront patio.

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convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-447-4094 PO Box 138 - Bayfield, WI 54814 www.bayfield.org With a wide variety of lodging options, peaceful and beautiful scenery and outstanding art galleries and shopping, Bayfield is the ideal place for groups of any size. Bayfield welcomes motorcoach tours and can provide a step-on guide who will show visitors the beauty of Bayfield.

Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau . . . . . . . . . 608-254-4636

tour operators Apostle Island Cruises

. . . . . . . 800-323-7619 PO Box 691 (City Dock) - Bayfield, WI 54814 www.apostleisland.com Enjoy sightseeing, history and highlights of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands on board one of the Apostle Island Cruises.

Located in the downtown harbor, they offer a variety of guided tour cruises that combine spectacular views with interesting insights.

Bayfield Heritage Tours

. . . . . . 715-779-0299 PO Box 250779 - Milwaukee, WI 53225 www.bayfieldheritagetours.com Bayfield Heritage Tours offers group friendly guided walks featuring Bayfield History, Maritime Tales, Ghost Walks, Architect Tours, Step-on guides, private tours & self-guided walks and costumed programs. Located in historic Bayfield, the gateway to the Apostle Islands.

Good Earth Outfitters, LLC . . . . 715-742-3910 22670 Siskiwit Bay Pkwy - Cornucopia, WI 54827 www.good-earth-outfitters.com Providing Sea Cave Boat Tours, Sand Island Sightseeing Tours and Water Taxi Services in and around the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. Based out of Cornucopia, WI the western access to the Apostle Islands.

Wisconsin Dells / www.wisdells.com Wisconsin Dells may be known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”, but our world-famous waterparks aren’t the only reason to visit. As one of the most popular Wisconsin tourism destinations, there are many other reasons to love the Dells. Like scenic tours, thrilling attractions, lux to cozy accommodations, and dining options to please any palate.

1-877-832-7267

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central canada festivals & more…

Passport to Unity – a Multicultural Festival SAULT STE. MARIE Held the first weekend in May, Passport to Unity is Sault Ste. Marie’s only annual multicultural festival, aimed at bringing the community together in celebration and discovery of the many diverse cultures and traditions that exist within this city.

Your group will enjoy many local cultural performers, artists, individuals and groups. The two-day event is devoted to awareness of cultural diversity; indulgence in delectable food dishes from around the world; a captivating selection of traditional music, dance, and recreational performances; and the showcasing of art and craft booths which feature local handmade creative pieces.

SELKIRK Experience Selkirk’s Scottish heritage at this annual celebration. The festival includes a number of great events such as the highland dance competition and the piping & drumming competition. The highlight of the day is the heavy games competition.

Watch strongmen compete in games such as the hammer throw, caber toss, and the sheaf toss. See historical reenactments, sheep shearing and herding, and purchase souvenirs from Scottish vendors.

Feast on traditional Scottish fare and enjoy a beer at the Scottish pub!

Festa Italiana | THUNDER BAY This is the place to be if your group is visiting Thunder Bay during this August weekend. Festa Italiana is two days of Italian cuisine and culture.

Come celebrate all things Italian— entertainment, food and drink—and enjoy the festivities of this annual event. Enjoy home-cooked, traditional Italian food like bruschetta, gnocchi, lasagna, ravioli & other Mediterranean delights at the various food booths.

Local community groups set up booths to serve authentic, mouth watering, Italian cuisine. Learn about the city’s Italian heritage and view art displays set up inside the Italian Cultural Centre. International and local performers bring entertainment to the outdoor stage throughout the two days for all to enjoy!

spotlight central canada

Manitoba Highland Gathering

Festival du Voyageur

E

very winter since 1970, Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg’s French quarter, is transformed into a winter paradise and becomes host to the largest winter festival in Western Canada. Festival du Voyageur is the perfect venue to embrace a Manitoba winter while enjoying unique entertainment. The whole group will take pleasure in meeting Fort Gibraltar’s historical characters, admiring snow sculptures created by artists from around the world, dancing and jigging to lively music, tasting delicious French-Canadian food and so much more.

Bonding the traditions of the past with the vitality of the Franco-Manitoban community of today, Festival du Voyageur is a kitchen party not to be missed. Surrounded by great music, amazing foods and wondrous sights, you will have no choice but to re-embody the spirit of the voyageurs!

directory

Aboriginal Day Live & Celebration | WINNIPEG Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) hosts this annual celebration of National Aboriginal Day in June, a free daylong public event and concert showcasing the best in aboriginal talent and culture.

Located at The Forks in Winnipeg, the day begins with an aboriginal marketplace, authentic aboriginal food, activities and more. The live, nationally televised concert will end the day with an amazing display of fireworks shining bigger, better and brighter than ever!

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Tourism Thunder Bay. . . . . 800-667-8386

Canada: Keep Canada: Keep Exploring Exploring

PO Box 800 – Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4 cpresenger@thunderbay.ca www.VisitThunderBay.com/GroupTravel Located just minutes north of the Minnesota/Ontario border, Thunder Bay offers numerous attractions, exceptional accommodations and sensational shopping and culinary delights. Contact us for marketing tools or any of your group tour planning needs.

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Fiesta Del Sol –Chicago, IL

Festival of Nations –St. Louis, MO

Rochester GreekFest –Rochester, MN

calendar of events 2014 [ august – september – october – november ] C O N TA C T A R E A C V B S F O R C O M P L E T E C A L E N D A R S .

illinois

illinois

august • Fiesta Del Sol July 31-August 3, Chicago 312-666-2663 • Black Harvest Film Festival August 1-28, Chicago 312-846-2800 • Illinois State Fair August 7-17, Springfield 217-782-6661 • Chicago Air & Water Show August 16-17, Chicago 312-744-3370 • Old Capital Blues & BBQs August 22-23, Springfield 217-544-1723 september • African Festival of the Arts August 29-September 1, Chicago 773-955-2787 • 16th Annual World Music Festival September 11-21, Chicago 312-744-5000 • Tower Hill Fall Festival September 19-21, Tower Hill 217-567-3521 • Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Fest September 26-28, Moline 309-277-0937 october • Scarecrow Daze Festival October 10-12, Shelbyville 217-774-4644 • Lansing Autumn Festival October 10-12, Lansing 708-646-5606 • Mt. Vernon Fall Festival October 17-19, Mount Vernon 618-242-3151 november • 28th Annual Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Music Festival November 7-9, Springfield 217-243-3159 • Festival of Arts & Crafts November 15-16, St. Charles 847-301-8543 • Nouveau Wine Weekend November 21-22, Galena 815-777-3330 • Magnificent Mile Lights Festival November 22, Chicago 312-642-3570

iowa

iowa

august • Iowa Irish Fest August 1-3, Waterloo 319-234-9029 • 100th Annual Meskwaki Indian Pow-wow August 6-10, Tama 641-484-4678 • Iowa State Fair August 7-17, Des Moines 515-262-3111 • FRY Fest August 29, Coralville 319-337-6592 september • Art & Flower Festival September 6, Oxford 319-337-8949 • 104th Annual National Cattle Congress Fair September 11-14, Waterloo 319-234-7515 • Iowa Soul Festival September 19-21, Iowa City 319-337-7944

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• Kalona Fall Festival September 26-27, Kalona 319-656-3232 october • 39th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival October 4-5, McGregor 563-873-2186 • 55th Annual Craft Carnival October 18, Clarinda 712-542-2166 • Northeast Iowa Steel Guitar Show October 24-26, Waterloo 319-234-7515 november • Holiday Arts Festival November 8-9, Waterloo 319-291-4490 • China National Acrobats November 19, Ames 515-294-3349 • Jean Serberg International Film Festival November 21, Marshalltown 641-844-5909 • Quad City Arts Festival of Trees: Holiday Parade November 22, Davenport 309-793-1213

kansas

kansas

august • 61st Annual Tri-State Antique Engine & Thresher Show July 31-August 2, Bird City 785-734-2556 • Cherokee County Fair August 5-9, Columbus 620-429-1492 • Buffalo Bill Days August 16-17, Leavenworth 913-306-0944 • Roots Festival August 22-23, Paola 913-294-6427 september • Fort Riley Fall Apple Day Festival September 13, Fort Riley 785-239-6398 • Sunflower Fair September 23, Salina 785-776-9294 • Concordia’s Fall Fest September 27, Concordia 785-243-4290 • McPherson Scottish Festival September 27-28, McPherson 800-324-8022 october • Kansas Maze 2014 September 16-October 26, Buhler 620-543-3073 • Farm Heritage Festival October 3-4, Parsons 620-421-6500 • 2014 Volga German Society Oktoberfest/FHSU Homecoming October 10, Hays 785-628-8202 • Western Kansas Train Show October 18-19, Hays 417-838-5615 november • Taste of Adventure November 9, Salina 785-827-9488 • Heart Land Toy Show November 15, Salina 785-404-1551 • Annual Christmas Festival & Parade of Lights November 22, Salina 785-825-0535

michigan michigan august • Menominee Waterfront Festival August 7-10, Menominee 906-863-2656 • International Summerfest August 9, Battle Creek 800-397-2240 • Sleeping Bear Dunes Tour August 28, Grand Rapids 616-957-1580 • Marquette Area Blues Fest August 29-31, Marquette 906-235-9690 september • Posen Potato Festival September 5-7, Posen 989-766-8128 • Grand Haven Salmon Festival September 12-14, Grand Haven 616-842-4499 • Civil War Muster September 20-21, Holland 616-394-0000 • Grand Valley Renaissance Festival September 27-28, Allendale 616-801-3026 october • Michigan Antique Festival October 4-5, Davisburg 989-687-9001 • Greater Detroit Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show October 10-12, Warren 586-531-1680 • Baraga Avenue Harvest Festival October 11, Marquette 906-228-9475 • Michigan’s Big Country Fest 2014 October 17-18, Frankenmuth 989-652-8008 november • Indian Art & Frontier Antiques Show November 8, Ann Arbor 248-840-7070 • Lansing Model Train Show & Sale November 9, East Lansing 989-723-2870 • Festival of Lights November 29, Pentwater 231-869-4150

minnesotaminnesota august • Irish Fair of Minnesota August 8-10, Saint Paul 651-645-0221 • Minnesota Renaissance Festival August 16-Sept 28, Shakopee 800-966-8215 • Minnesota State Fair August 21-September 1, Saint Paul 651-288-4400 • Rochester GreekFest August 22-24, Rochester 507-282-1529 september • Mid-Autumn Moon Festival September 7, Saint Paul 651-292-3225 • 2014 Czech and Slovak Festival September 14, Saint Paul 612-822-6147 • Culturfest September 27, Owatonna 507-451-7970 • Germanfest September 28, Faribault 507-789-6635

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october • The 28th Annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival October 4-6, Albert Lea 800-658-2526 • Stillwater Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off October 11-12, Stillwater 651-351-0422 • Heritage Acres Fall Festival October 19, Fairmont 507-235-8585 november • Iron Range Discovery Days November 1, Chisholm 218-254-7959 • Granite City Train Show November 15, St. Cloud 320-255-0033 • Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” November 22-December 27, Duluth 218-740-3535 • Wadena Christmas Festival November 29-30, Wadena 218-632-7704

missouri

missouri

august • Chaffee German Days August 8-9, Chaffee 888-309-6591 • Wabash BBQ and Fly-in on the River August 15-16, Excelsior Springs 816-630-7700 • Trails West Festival August 15-17, St. Joseph 816-233-0231 • Festival of Nations August 23-24, St. Louis 314-773-9090 september • Japanese Fall Festival September 12-14, Springfield 417-891-1515 • Prairie Day September 13, Diamond 417-325-4151 • Southside Fall Festival September 19-21, St. Joseph 816-273-3370 • 17th Annual Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival September 27, Joplin 417-649-8846 october • New Madrid Fall Festival October 4, New Madrid 573-748-5300 • 46th Annual Arrow Rock Heritage Craft Festival October 11-12, Arrow Rock 660-837-3231 • Autumn Historic Folklife Festival October 18-19, Hannibal 573-221-6545 • Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival October 25-26, Kimmswick 636-464-7407 november • Holiday Fare Wine Trail November 15-16, Hermann 800-932-8687 • 44th Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Extravaganza November 22-23, Cape Girardeau 573-334-9233 • Holiday Park & South Pole November 28-January 1, St. Joseph 816-271-5500

nebraska nebraska august • Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Pow-wow August 8-10, Niobrara 402-857-3519 • Sweet Corn Festival August 9-10, Omaha 402-346-4002 • 88th Annual Greek Festival August 16-17, Bridgeport 308-262-0281 • Midlands Pirate Festival August 23-24, Papillion 402-331-5500 september • Polish Heritage Festival September 7, Ashton 308-738-2260 • Applejack Festival September 19-21, Nebraska City 402-873-6654 • Greeley Irish Festival September 20, Greeley 308-428-5595 • 14th Annual Lincoln Arts Festival September 27-28, Lincoln 402-434-2787 october • 25th Annual Old-Time Rural Music Gathering October 3-5, Fremont 712-762-4363 • Threads Across Nebraska October 10-11, Kearney 402-420-9917 • 7th Annual Fall Tumbleweed Festival October 18, Haigler 308-297-3226

• Fall Festival October 26, Gordon 308-282-0730 november • Autumn Festival, An Arts and Crafts Affair November 6-9, Ralston 402-331-2889 • 29th Annual Gingerbread Festival November 22-December 28, Omaha 402-453-9372 • Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures November 29-December 31, Beatrice 402-223-3514

north dakota north dakota august • Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration August 1-3, Mountain 701-993-8268 • North Dakota Chokecherry Festival August 8-9, Williston 701-774-9041 • Northern Plains Ethnic Festival August 16-17, Dickinson 701-225-2416 • Blues on the Red August 23, Grand Forks 701-746-0444 september • United Tribes International Pow-wow September 4-7, Bismarck 701-255-3285 • 41st Annual Downtowners’ Street Fair September 12-13, Bismarck 701-223-1958 • Mandan Oktoberfest September 27, Mandan 701-751-2983 • Norsk Høstfest September 30-October 4, Minot 701-852-2368 october • 2014 Makoti Threshing Show October 4-5, Makoti 701-728-6740 • Uff-Da Day 2014 October 5, Rutland 701-724-3361 • The Fargo Big One Art & Craft Fair October 18-19, Fargo 701-837-6059 november • Lutefisk and Lefse at Almont November 1, Almont 701-843-7634 • The Minot Big One Art & Craft Fair November 7-8, Minot 701-837-6059 • Holiday Lights Parade November 25, Fargo 701-241-1570 • Dickens Village Festival November 28-30, Garrison 701-463-2345

south dakota south dakota

wisconsin wisconsin calendar august • Cherry Fest August 2, Jacksonport 920-823-2288 • Taste on Broadway August 7, Green Bay 920-437-2531 • Irish Fest August 14-17, Milwaukee 414-476-3378 • Great River Folk Festival August 22-24, La Crosse 608-784-3033 september • Road America: Vintage Festival September 12-14, Plymouth 800-365-7223 • WO-ZHA-WA Days Fall Festival September 12-14, Wisconsin Dells 608-253-5804 • Heritage Festival at Heritage Hill September 13, Green Bay 920-448-5150 • Maple Fall Fest September 13-14, Marshfield 715-384-3454 october • Lost Arts Fest October 4, Lola 715-445-4652 • Stone Lake Cranberry Festival October 4, Stone Lake 715-865-3378 • Pumpkin Patch Festival October 11-12, Egg Harbor 920-868-3717 • Fall Festival October 17-19, Sister Bay 920-854-2812 november • Monroe County Historical Society Fall Arts & Crafts Show November 1, Sparta 608-269-4123 • Jazz Fest November 7-8, Fond Du Lac 920-921-5410 • Holiday Folk Fair International November 21-23, West Allis 414-225-6225

central canada central canada august • Festa Italiana August 3-4, Thunder Bay 807-344-1574 • Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Annual Fair August 6-10, Thunder Bay 807-622-6473 • Winnipeg BBQ & Blues August 16-17, Winnipeg 204-285-9675 • Ribfest 2014 August 22-24, Thunder Bay 807-343-9032 september • Manyfest September 5-7, Winnipeg 204-958-4640 • Savour Superior September 20, Thunder Bay 807-621-3843 • Culture Days Manitoba September 26-28, Winnipeg 204-942-8221 • Oktoberfest September 27, Sault Ste. Marie 906-635-6973 october • Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular October 8-12, Winnipeg 855-985-5000 • International Wine Festival of Manitoba October 17-19, Winnipeg 204-956-4613 november • Artisans Northwest Art & Fine Craft Show November 15-16, Thunder Bay 807-577-4997 • The 11th Annual Holidaze Craft Show November 22-23, Winnipeg 204-783-6918

august • Sioux Empire Fair August 1-10, Sioux Falls 605-367-7178 • Parmelee Community Pow-wow August 9-11, Parmelee 605-319-8485 • Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival August 15-17, Yankton 605-665-1657 • Corn Palace Festival August 20-24, Mitchell 605-995-8430 september • Homesteader Day Celebration September 7, Brandon 605-594-3824 • Kuchen Festival & Twin Rivers Harvest Festival September 13-14, Delmont 605-779-2211 • Northeast South Dakota Celtic Faire & Games September 20-21, Aberdeen 605-216-3404 • 1880 Train Oktoberfest Express September 27, Hill City 605-574-4915 october • FestiFall October 4, Canton 605-987-2263 United Tribes International • Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair Pow-wow October 10-12, Sioux Falls 402-331-2889 Bismarck, ND • 26th Annual Craft Fair October 18, Wessington Springs 605-539-1515 • Scare in the Square October 25, Rapid City 605-716-7979 november • Culturefest & Wacipi November 7-8, Aberdeen 605-626-3011 • Women’s Escape Expo November 15, Watertown 605-886-5814 • Winterfest November 22-23, Aberdeen 605-226-1557 • Sioux Falls Parade of Lights November 28, Sioux Falls 605-338-4009

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